The 5th Wave: Modern Science-Fiction

Rick Yancey's The Fifth Wave follows a young girl as she navigates the horrors of an alien invasion on her planet.

I read this novel over the summer when I was in high school and lost myself in the vividly crafted world. The author creates a fast-paced adventure story that maintains your attention from the beginning until the end.

Writing Style

The book caters to a younger audience, so the writing style is mostly simplistic but entertaining. I did find it slightly boring during some parts with dragged out descriptions of scenery, but that is merely a personal preference. The novel is divided into sections based on what new mysteries will be uncovered about the invasion in each part. This division keeps readers engaged, wondering what the strange section titles mean such as "Mayfly" and "The Winnowing."

Plot

A teen girl named Cassiopeia struggles to find and rescue her brother after he gets captured by a strange organization. The tale follows her as she learns how to survive on her own during an apocalypse. She will stop at nothing to save her little brother, and her determination drives her into increasingly dangerous situations. Eventually, she meets a mysterious individual who offers to help her with her mission. The more Cassie uncovers about the invasion, the more questions that spring up. The unique technicalities of the science of the aliens distinguishes this novel from others covering alien invasions.

Characters

Cassie's determination and love for her brother makes readers root for her the whole way. Her little brother's sweet personality is also a soft spot for readers. The creepy, emotionless alien-people provide a villain that is easy to despise. However, a flaw in the system makes readers question the whole notion of the evil alien-takeover. Are the aliens really all bad and out for destruction? Or is there hope for them?

This novel was a highly amusing read that I recommend for all lovers of science fiction or young adult adventure stories! The story will transport you into a world of endless stars and fleeting hope as a young girl proves her strength and endurance during such a trying time. If you have read this book or watched the movie, leave your thoughts in the comments!