The 5th Wave

by Rick Yancey
The 5th Wave cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical
  • ID: 5017
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9780141345826
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2013-05-07
  • Reviews: 3

The 5th Wave is the first book in Rick Yancey's bestselling series, perfect for fans of dystopian thrillers like The Hunger Games and Divergent. After a series of devastating alien attacks, Cassie is left to fend for herself in a world where trust is a luxury she can't afford. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Evan Walker, a mysterious figure who might be her only hope for survival. The story blends elements of romance, horror, and dystopian fiction, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Praise for The 5th Wave includes accolades from major publications like The New York Times and USA Today, highlighting its relentless pace and modern sci-fi mastery. The book has won several awards, including the 2014 Red House Children's Book Award, and has been adapted into a major film by Sony Pictures. With its heartfelt and violent epic tale, filled with big heroics and bigger surprises, it's a must-read for fans of young adult fiction.

Reviews
BongBongBooks · 2016-01-08
great 4.00

The book explores themes of humanity, trust, and hope in a world where trust is a luxury. The protagonist's journey is both intense and thought-provoking.

BongBongBooks delves into the deeper themes of 'The 5th Wave,' such as the value of humanity, trust, and hope. The reviewer appreciates how the book portrays a world where trust is a rare commodity, and survival depends on one's ability to navigate this treacherous landscape. The protagonist's journey is both intense and thought-provoking, making the reader reflect on the importance of these themes. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling exploration of these ideas, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The book talks about the value of humanity, trust and hope.

    How would humanity survive in a world where everyone you meet could be out to kill you?

    A teenage girl must learn to trust if she wants to survive the evolving alien invasion in Rick Yancey's novel, The 5th Wave.

Heartful of Books · 2015-12-03
good 3.50

The book is overhyped, as some perspectives did not resonate with the reviewer. Despite this, the story is enjoyable and intense.

Heartful of Books finds 'The 5th Wave' to be somewhat overhyped, as certain perspectives in the book did not resonate with them. However, they still enjoyed the story and found it intense and engaging. The reviewer acknowledges that while the book may not live up to all the hype, it is still a worthwhile read with its fast-paced plot and compelling themes. The mixed feelings highlight that the book's impact can vary among readers, but it remains a notable addition to the genre.

Quick quotes

    I have to say that I think it's overhyped, because although I enjoyed the story, there were certain perspectives that didn't interest me at all.

    The book was fast paced and completely entrancing.

    The characters in this were very well developed and completely relatable which I usually don't find in SciFi

The Guardian · 2014-08-13
excellent 4.50

The book's pace and storyline are brilliant, keeping readers engaged with constant twists. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making the story compelling.

The Guardian's review highlights the fast-paced nature of 'The 5th Wave,' noting that the story moves so quickly that readers hardly have time to pause before the plot takes a dramatic turn. This relentless pace keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next. The characters are also praised for being well-developed and relatable, which adds depth to the story and makes it more engaging. The reviewer clearly enjoys the book, finding it thrilling and well-crafted.

Quick quotes

    This book has such a brilliant pace and storyline that you hardly have time to pause before the story takes a drastic turn and you're wondering what comes next.

    The characters in this were very well developed and completely relatable which I usually don't find in SciFi

    The book was fast paced and completely entrancing.

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