How often does it happen when the second anything is better than the first? In my experience, not often and it makes it that much sweeter when the first one was good. Then the second one is even better. Such was the case with me and The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey.
The Infinite Sea, if you are not familiar with it, it is the second book to The 5th Wave. The 5th Wave is not a book that I would normally have picked up on my own. Aliens and zombies kind of put me off a little. However, I read this for a book club last year and I’m so glad that I did. The 5th Wave refers to 5th form of attack from the aliens toward the humans. The first when all forms of power are cut off, then a tsunami, plague and the silencers. The story follows Cassie who, survives the waves, is separated from her little brother and is determined to find him again. I won’t go into too much detail here. Hop on over to Twenty-First Century Fangirl’s page for an awesome review of The 5th Wave.
Here’s what Goodreads has to say about The Infinite Sea:
How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.
Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race.
Cassie and her friends haven’t seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate.
The Infinite Sea picks up where The 5th Wave is left off. I’ll warn you there is a cliffhanger at the end of the first book. It’s a big one, and they kind of leave you hanging there for a few chapters. Going into the second book you’re dying to know – or at least I was – what happened to Evan? As with any post-apocalyptic story, there are deaths and yes, there are sad moments. But in general this book does not disappoint. I was literally on the edge of my seat the entire time.
I ended up listening to this one instead of reading a physical copy of the book so I was a little confused when the story picks up with Ringer and carries on with her quite a bit throughout the book. I was not a big fan of her character in The 5th Wave, but you really get to know her and her story so much more in depth and she kind of grew on me. Although I do like how both Cassie and Ringer are strong female characters… but if you survive the first four waves, I guess you kind of have to be.
In addition to Ringer, you learn more about the Others, about Evan’s background (oops did I spoil something?) and see Cassie and her group band together. This book kept me guessing and there were a few predictable moments, but overall kept me guessing, which I like. I like a book that keeps me guessing and makes me think – this one definitely did that more so than the first one – which for me, is why I liked it so much more than the first (as good as it was). I don’t want to give too much away because you should definitely add this to your list! I’m so excited for the third book, The Last Star. Don’t you hate waiting a whole year to finish the series? Ugh.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
All My Love, Lj 