Starred review from September 22, 2014
From an explosive start that reveals the boundless malevolence of Yancey's conquering alien Others, this gut-wrenching sequel to The 5th Wave careens on a violent course of nonstop action. Heroine Cassie, renegade soldier Ringer, and fellow survivor Ben have led a band of military camp escapees to a decaying hotel somewhere in Ohio. With winter approaching, they squabble over how to attempt survival, with Ringer questioning whether Cassie's refusal to budge until they know what happened to Evan, who helped them escape but who may be an Other, means she's fallen in love with the enemy. Reversals and double-reversals abound. At one point, Ringer admits to dizziness, a sensation readers may share. "Bluffs inside bluffs, feints within counterfeints. I'm in a game," she says, "in which I don't know the rules or even the object." Despite the gore, inhumanity, and senseless losses, Yancey manages an ending that both shatters and uplifts. While readers may not yet fully understand what the Others are up to, the title, an allusion to a speech made by Shakespeare's Juliet, is a clue to what's driving the survivors: love. Ages 14âup. Agent: Brian DeFiore, DeFiore and Co.
October 27, 2014
The second book in Yancey’s the 5th Wave series offers an action-packed science fiction odyssey, in which Cassie Sullivan and her cohorts struggle to keep the Others from exterminating the human race. The belief that survival, taking risks, and keeping promises are the only things that matter comprises the philosophy Cassie employs as armor in her search for her brother, and her romances and interactions with the Others. The story involves a diverse group of characters with an array of nicknames and veiled identities, making it hard for listeners unfamiliar with the series to keep track of who’s who. Adding to the confusion are alternating narrators, which hinders the book’s ability to engage listeners and allow them to readily distinguish one character from the next. While Strole’s narration is clearly enunciated, her voices for the adults are not distinct enough. She fares better with the children. Yannette’s narration is straightforward and easy to listen to primarily because he portrays more fully developed and clearly written characters. Both Strole and Yannette’s presentations of the battles are invigorating, and there is a genuine interest in how each conflict will resolve. Ages 14–up. A Putnam hardcover.