The Passage
- First published 2010
- 843 pages
- English
It begins as a secret government experiment, an attempt to harness a virus that could unlock immortality. But the test subjects, twelve death-row inmates, are transformed into something else entirely: swift, powerful, and driven by an insatiable hunger. When the facility is breached, the apocalypse is unleashed. In the midst of the chaos, FBI agent Brad Wolgast is tasked with securing the project's final subject, a six-year-old girl named Amy Bellafonte. As the world he knows collapses, Wolgast makes a choice that will set the stage for humanity's last stand.
Nearly a century later, the survivors huddle in fortified colonies, their nights ruled by the fear of the creatures who hunt in the dark. They are the descendants of a world lost, clinging to hope in a desolate landscape. But their fragile existence is about to be tested. A mysterious girl appears, one who has walked alone through the ruined land for decades. She is known as the Girl from Nowhere, and she carries the legacy of the past and the only key to a future. The story of The Passage chronicles the fall of one world and the desperate, century-spanning fight for the one that might rise in its place.
Nearly a century later, the survivors huddle in fortified colonies, their nights ruled by the fear of the creatures who hunt in the dark. They are the descendants of a world lost, clinging to hope in a desolate landscape. But their fragile existence is about to be tested. A mysterious girl appears, one who has walked alone through the ruined land for decades. She is known as the Girl from Nowhere, and she carries the legacy of the past and the only key to a future. The story of The Passage chronicles the fall of one world and the desperate, century-spanning fight for the one that might rise in its place.
What readers say
4.05
228K ratings across the web 7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Readers largely praise the initial sections of this book, often highlighting the first third or quarter as brilliant, gripping, and difficult to put down. Many appreciate its ambitious scope and its fresh, non-romanticized take on the apocalyptic and vampire genres, blending elements of horror, dystopia, and thriller. Reviewers commend the author's strong literary prose, vivid world-building, and ability to create a dark, intense atmosphere. The early character development is frequently noted as deep and emotionally engaging, drawing readers into the unfolding narrative with a compelling sense of momentum and exciting action sequences.
However, the book receives significant criticism for its inconsistent pacing and structural shifts. Many reviewers found that after a strong beginning, the narrative slows considerably, with dull reports, lengthy diary entries, and overly descriptive passages that hinder the plot's progression. A common point of contention is a major time jump and the introduction of a large cast of new characters, whom many readers found underdeveloped and difficult to connect with, leading to a loss of empathy. Dialogue is frequently criticized as unrealistic, repetitive, and at times absurd, particularly the overuse of a specific expletive. The book's considerable length is also a frequent complaint, with many feeling it could have been condensed or split into multiple volumes, and the ending is often described as an unsatisfying cliffhanger.
Overall, this book elicits a divided response, with readers acknowledging both its significant strengths and notable weaknesses. It is recommended for those who enjoy sprawling, epic post-apocalyptic or horror narratives and are prepared for a very long read with a substantial shift in narrative style and character focus midway through. Fans of unique takes on vampire lore, complex world-building, and an intense atmosphere may find it appealing, particularly if they are open to a story that is the first part of a larger series and does not offer full resolution within this volume.
However, the book receives significant criticism for its inconsistent pacing and structural shifts. Many reviewers found that after a strong beginning, the narrative slows considerably, with dull reports, lengthy diary entries, and overly descriptive passages that hinder the plot's progression. A common point of contention is a major time jump and the introduction of a large cast of new characters, whom many readers found underdeveloped and difficult to connect with, leading to a loss of empathy. Dialogue is frequently criticized as unrealistic, repetitive, and at times absurd, particularly the overuse of a specific expletive. The book's considerable length is also a frequent complaint, with many feeling it could have been condensed or split into multiple volumes, and the ending is often described as an unsatisfying cliffhanger.
Overall, this book elicits a divided response, with readers acknowledging both its significant strengths and notable weaknesses. It is recommended for those who enjoy sprawling, epic post-apocalyptic or horror narratives and are prepared for a very long read with a substantial shift in narrative style and character focus midway through. Fans of unique takes on vampire lore, complex world-building, and an intense atmosphere may find it appealing, particularly if they are open to a story that is the first part of a larger series and does not offer full resolution within this volume.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Ballantine Books, 2018
- ISBN
- 9780525618744
- Language
- English
Original edition De Oversteek Originally published in 2010 · Dutch · Bezige Bij B.v., Uitgeverij De
