What is with modern society and its obsession with the end of all ends? Just look at all the dystopian books that are out there at the moment, stories where humanity is on the brink of extinction. And I suppose it is quite easy to put Rick Yancey’s ‘The 5th Wave’ in that same category, because that is pretty much what it is, but it is also more then that. ‘The 5th Wave’ is not only a deeply interesting story, but it is a mirror; a mirror to our whole society asking ‘What does it really mean to be human?’

Yancey’s engaging story follows a number of dynamic characters as they try and survive an alien invasion, but everything is twisted in Yancey’s take on the end of the world as the lines between good and evil blur and the reader is thrown into a world of danger and distrust.

The main protagonist in the novel is Cassie; a rich, deeply relatable character who is going through real struggles in a hauntingly real Armageddon in which humanity is nearly wiped off the face of the earth. Dealing with such a trauma leaves Cassie both mentally and physically destroyed as she clings to one final thing; hope.

Yes, yes, I know how corny that probably sounded, but Yancey writes realistically, manipulating all the conventions of your everyday alien invasion; one where they don’t destroy us with laser guns, but with our own humanity. Such a unique take on the latest YA ‘craze’ makes ‘The 5th Wave’ a substantial stand-out and really pushes the boundaries with a deep philosophical take on what it truly means to be human. Throw in some bewildering twists, realistic characters and intertwining storylines and you have a truly fantastic novel. The 5th Wave truly deserves a 5th star. Hats off Mr. Yancey, hats off!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Can't wait for the second book!!