La 5e vague

Rick Yancey

  • First published 2010
  • 592 pages
  • French
After the first wave, only darkness remains. After the second, only the lucky escape. After the third, only the unlucky survive. After the fourth wave, only one rule applies: trust no one. With the planet decimated and humanity on the brink of extinction, Cassie Sullivan is one of the last survivors. Haunted by the memory of what she's lost and driven by a promise to find her younger brother, she navigates a desolate world where the enemy wears a human face.

The arrival of the Others has turned Earth into a hunting ground, and the few remaining humans are the prey. As Cassie journeys alone through the ruins, she understands that staying alone is the only way to stay alive. But when she meets a stranger who may be her only hope for rescuing her brother, she must make a choice: to trust or to give up. The final, deadliest wave is coming, and in this fight for survival, it is humanity itself that may be the last casualty.
4.00
486K ratings across the web
7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Many readers enthusiastically praise The 5th Wave for its gripping and immersive qualities, often describing it as an addictive page-turner that creates a palpable sense of tension and fear. Reviewers frequently highlight the novel's unique and atmospheric world-building, which realistically portrays a humanity facing immense catastrophe. The writing style is commended for being engaging, witty, and direct, featuring memorable quotes and a masterful blend of dystopian and science fiction elements. Protagonist Cassie is widely admired for her strength, determination, and relatability, while the multiple character perspectives are often lauded for being distinct, emotionally investing, and contributing to a complex, unpredictable plot that keeps readers guessing.

However, a significant number of reviews express disappointment, finding the book overhyped and lacking originality. Critics often point to the romance as a major weak point, describing it as "insta-love," creepy, or forced, with one male character's actions being particularly unsettling. Some readers found the plot predictable despite its twists, arguing that clues were too obvious, diminishing any shock factor. The narrative structure, with its frequent shifts in perspective, was confusing for some, who struggled to identify the narrator. Additionally, certain plot elements, such as the use of children as soldiers and some aspects of the alien strategy, were deemed illogical or unrealistic.

Overall, The 5th Wave elicits strong, often polarized, reactions. While it captivated many with its intense action, compelling themes of trust and survival, and strong protagonist, others found it to be a disappointing read marred by predictable elements, an unconvincing romance, and narrative inconsistencies. This book would likely appeal most to readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-driven young adult science fiction with a focus on human resilience in the face of alien invasion, and who are willing to overlook or are less sensitive to common genre tropes and a rapid romantic development.

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This edition
ROBERT LAFFONT, 2013
ISBN
9782221134252
Language
French
Original edition Originally published in 2010 · English · Speak

Other editions (95)