About the Book
-
Author:
- Rick Yancey
- Genres:
- Boy-Girl Romance
- Science Fiction
- Voices:
- Cis Boy
- Cis Girl
- White (Non-Specified)
Cover Story:Â 1-800-PLUMBER
BFF Charm:Â Yay!
Talky Talk:Â Intensity In Ten Cities
Bonus Factor:Â Trust No One
Relationship Status:Â Obsessed
Spoiler Alert: This is the second book in The 5th Wave trilogy, so if you haven’t read The 5th Wave, HALT. READ NO FURTHER. SERIOUSLY. I MEAN IT.
Cover Story: 1-800-PLUMBER
Uh, guys, I think we’ve got a bit of a leak here. Can someone call a… oh RIGHT, it’s the apocalypse, and everyone’s dead, including the plumbers of the world. So I guess we shouldn’t worry about it?
Fun fact about this cover: I assumed the figure was Cassie, but it’s not! Well played, designer. Well played.
The Deal:
For those who have read the first book, you can rest assured that I won’t spoil The Infinite Sea for you with this review. I’m keeping things vague, y’all, because the less you know, the better. And also because it means this will be a short post, and I’m lazy. (But I will be spilling all kinds of spoilers in the comments section, so once you’ve devoured this second book, come join me for a serious dish.)
Okaaaay, SO! After their insane escape from Camp Haven, Cassie and Zombie (Ben) are holed up in an abandoned hotel with Sam, Ringer, Teacup, Dumbo and Poundcake. Cassie is desperately hoping that Evan Walker will show up, while Zombie and Ringer are impatient to make it to some nearby caverns, where they plan to survive the harsh winter. Tired of waiting, Ringer leaves to scout out the trail to the caves, and unbeknownst to anyone, Teacup slips out behind her.
Then… a lot of shizz goes down. SO MUCH CRAZY SHIZZ YOU GUYS. I CAN’T EVEN. And those aliens? They mean BUSINESS. Scary, mean, terrifying business.
BFF Charm: Caution
After the first book, I gave BFF charms to Cassie and Zombie, and I’ve got no plans for a recall. Cassie continues to be a stone cold badass, and Zombie, easing back into Ben Parish mode, is even more magnetic than before. (If that’s even possible?!)
But the real star of this novel is Ringer, whose secrets are slowly revealed as she journeys into harrowing darkness. I was already impressed by her tough attitude, but now that I know the origin of that fierceness, my admiration has skyrocketed. Inside her intimidating walls beats a heart that’s strong and loyal and just, and I’d give her a huge hug if I wasn’t worried about the distinct possibility that she would punch me in the face afterwards. Fractured and a little bit crazy, Ringer’s not the kind of gal you invite over for ice cream and a gossip sesh, but I would be honored to count her as a friend. Or, you know, a bodyguard. Either way.
Swoonworthy Scale: 7
Just like with The 5th Wave, I can’t explain why this book simmers with romance, but trust me, IT DOES. Let’s just say that when Rick Yancey talked about the importance of kissing, HE WASN’T KIDDING.
Talky Talk: Intensity In Ten Cities
The action in this book is absolutely relentless, but it’s the undercurrent of emotion that really knocks the wind out of you. Yancey excels in his creation of winning characters, and the reader’s devotion to them raises the stakes to agonizing levels. This time around, the narration shifts between Cassie and Ringer, and Poundcake makes a brief yet devastating contribution. The breathless pacing allows the plot to cover a lot of ground, but it’s never at the expense of good storytelling, and Yancey is masterfully deliberate in unraveling the book’s central mystery.
In crafting this riveting read, Rick Yancey has achieved something that many others* before him failed to do: he’s written a second book that equals its predecessor in both style and substance.
*No need to name names, because you know I’m talking about Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth.
Bonus Factor: Trust No One
After finishing the first book, I knew who the bad guys were. And I still do… except MAYBE I DON’T? The complexity of the alien conspiracy reaches mindblowing levels in this installment, with Yancey throwing some MAJOR curveballs that I did NOT see coming.
I almost thought about putting a DNRIP tag on this book, not because you’ll cry while reading it, but because you will involuntarily shout out things like, “WHAT?” and “OH MY GOD.” In other words, reading this book might make you look like an insane person.
Relationship Status: Obsessed
Book, I wasn’t sure if you could thrill me as much as your predecessor, and then you went and RAVISHED me. I’m intoxicated by your edgy, unpredictable ways and entranced by your spellbinding story. Being with you is an incredible rush, so the fact that I have to wait at least a year for our next rendezvous is probably going to KILL ME.* Days after our encounter, I’m still thinking about you, talking about you, dreaming of you.
Love,
Your #1 Swimfan
*Seriously, is it possible to die of TEABS because SOMEONE CALL 911.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from G.P. Putnam’s Sons. I received neither cocktails nor money in exchange for this review. The Infinite Sea is available now.
