5th Wave Buddy Read!

[Jen]

Meaghan, David, Jenny and I will be starting a buddy read of The 5th Wave on May 20. Jump in any time and join the discussion. This looks like a really good one!

[*Suzy (ereaderuser)*]

It is!

[Karen’s Library]

Count me in!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Yayyy!! Thanks for setting up the thread, Jen! I got my copy!!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

I mighta sorta kinda already started lol! But I'm reading it slow as I have five guest posts and a bunch of interviews to do for the Water & Storm Country blog tour :)

[Karen’s Library]

Oh, too funny, David! I may or may not start tomorrow. We'll see when I finish my current read!

[Jen]

Wow, great start to this story. I love the journal-style, and the flashback thing isn't bugging me. And it's got that black humor I love. So far, really good!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Hey! I'm the only one allowed to cheat and start early! I'm less into the beginning than you, Jen. Too much backstory at once, in my opinion. The humor has been a little funny but only smirk-worthy for me so far. But that's only the first 10%, I'm hoping I like the rest better, I'm very interested by the 5 waves and what exactly these aliens are.

[Bee]

I would love to, but I can't buy it. :(

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Lol! I'm just kidding, of course you all can start early with me (cheaters!). Yeah, I've been pretty sad in a few parts, like the one you mentioned. Overall, it's a pretty depressing book so far! I'm at 25% and I like it well enough. I'm glad for the part 2 POV switch, not because I don't like Cassie, because I do, but just to liven things up :)

[Jen]

Lol David, you crack me up! Cheaters Unite! (actually I just wanna be like you cause you're so cool) : ) I fell asleep last night listening, so I have to go back and catch up. I'm still about a chapter before the POV switch: (view spoiler)[Last thing I remember is Cassie's brother looking at her from the back of the bus, something about a guy named Vash, her dad getting shot, etc. But I think I'll go back before that and catch what happened right before I blinked out (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Leandra wrote: "Yes, it is depressing, getting constantly reminded that humanity is for all intents and purposes, pretty much gone. I'm interspersing it w/a lighter, fluffier read, so that helps! Haven't gotten to..."

Strange creatures indeed! Lol Not a bad idea to mix in something lighter!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Jen wrote: "Lol David, you crack me up! Cheaters Unite! (actually I just wanna be like you cause you're so cool) : ) I fell asleep last night listening, so I have to go back and catch up. I'm still about..."

Hahaha! My fellow buddy readers are the cool ones! That's hilarious how with audio books you can just fall asleep with it still on and have to try to remember where you left off! Ooh yeah that part was pretty dark and sad, but also big when it comes to the plot. Still trying to figure things out but (view spoiler)[ for some reason the aliens want the kids. I'm hoping its not some kind of host thing but that seems to be a possibility. I'm guessing the kids have something to do with the fifth wave. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen’s Library]

I do the fall asleep thing with audiobooks too! But if you set the timer to 30 minutes, it's easy to find your place the next day. ;-)

And I guess that since I started on Sunday instead of Monday, I joined the cheaters club!

So, I'm 19% in right now. I'm not sure what page 68 is. I am enjoying this so far even though it's really dark. It's reminding me a bit of the show "Falling Skies". (view spoiler)[Although I haven't gotten to the part where the aliens want the kids (I read your spoilers), that's also in "Falling Skies". Weird. (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Lol! If we're all cheaters then I guess no one's really cheating! *tells himself that to sleep at night*

[Meaghan]

I'm the only one not cheating on this one I guess! I got a bit behind this weekend with all the excitement! And yesterday I just wanted to sleep all day. I guess my body isn't adapted to falling out of the sky, lol. But I'll hopefully start tonight, maybe tomorrow though. Then I should be back on track.

[Jen]

Sitting in the Orlando airport waiting to go home to NC after a weekend with my hubby for my anniversary! (view spoiler)[Cassie has met Evan and is trying to walk again. Hmmm. Is Evan the same guy as the other POV? Did I miss his name? (hide spoiler)] I like Cassie - and this is pretty interesting. I'm anxious to hear where it will go, how it will all tie together

[Jen]

About 75% in - man, I can't figure this one out! (view spoiler)[Ben and Ringer - are they good guys? Bad guys? These are children, for God's sake! And I think that Evan is probably a bad guy, the same guy who shot Cassie. Not sure. This plot is really good, because it is really hard to figure out! (hide spoiler)]

[Jen]

Karen wrote: "It's reminding me a bit of the show "Falling Skies"

I LOVE THAT SHOW!!! It makes me mad that they always take an entire year off. But it's coming back on June 8 or 9, I think. Can't wait!

[Jen]

P.S. - I'm actually from the Dayton, OH area, and several of my family members worked (and even currently work) at Wright-Patterson AFB. I also lived in Cincinnati for my college years -- kind of interesting knowing exactly where they're describing --

[Karen’s Library]

Jen wrote: "P.S. - I'm actually from the Dayton, OH area, and several of my family members worked (and even currently work) at Wright-Patterson AFB. I also lived in Cincinnati for my college years -- kind of ..."

Oh wow, Jen! That always makes the book just a bit better!

I'm 37% in. So far, Cassie's chapters are my favorite! (view spoiler)[The silencer freaked me out. Do you think he could be Evan? And why did they take the kids? (hide spoiler)]

This is a very intriguing story! I love Falling Skies too so enjoying this one!

[Karen’s Library]

Jen wrote: "Karen wrote: "It's reminding me a bit of the show "Falling Skies"

I LOVE THAT SHOW!!! It makes me mad that they always take an entire year off. But it's coming back on June 8 or 9, I think. Can..."

That's just a few weeks away! Yay!

[Karen’s Library]

Jen wrote: "About 75% in - man, I can't figure this one out! [spoilers removed]"

I can't read your spoiler yet, but if you can't figure it out, I got a long way to go! ;-)

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

50%! (view spoiler)[ I'm most intrigued by Sammy's chapters at this point. Evan is definitely creepy, I can't believe he kissed her when clearly she was pissed at him. If I'm being honest though, I'm not a huge fan of Cassie, I find her somewhat annoying. I like Sams and Zombie so far. Speaking of Zombie, what is with the hardcore training when the world is under attack by aliens. And a five year old!? I assume he's Sammy, but seriously, who trains a five year old for war?! Something more is going on with those soldiers. (hide spoiler)]

[Jen]

80%. (view spoiler)[ I love Evan. The part where he shares who he is with Cassie is just amazing - I never would have guessed he'd be like that! Waiting in suspense to find out what happens with Zombie (Ben) and Nugget (Sam) (hide spoiler)] Can't believe they're following Route 35. That's where I grew up and where my folks live!

[Meaghan]

Well, I only have 3 chapters left in the book I'm reading so I should be able to start (and hopefully get a good chunk) of this book today.

[Jen]

Finished. Wow. This is a really good dystopian/sci-fi. I'm so glad it's the first, because initially I thought it was a stand-alone.

Initial thoughts: (view spoiler)[ I think Evan is still alive, maybe downloaded into someone else. I wondered if he would just join with Cassie again and get out. Now I can't wait for the second book. (hide spoiler)]

Evan: (view spoiler)[I loved Evan's character. So selfless, so much the best of the good aspects of the aliens. I don't think he chose the aliens' side in the end. I seriously hope he's not gone; maybe in the next book he'll lead a rebellion against Vosch. (hide spoiler)]

Cassie: (view spoiler)[Cassie didn't annoy me - although I have to say I was glad when she finally gave in to her feelings rather than her logic. She was quite the badass! That whole trust thing was so interesting. And I loved her humor. (hide spoiler)]

Sam/Nugget: (view spoiler)[ How did he turn into such a baby when Cassie found him? Seems like he should have been stronger at that point. They're talking about carrying him there at the end, and it seemed like he should have been insisting that they let him run. I base this on that conversation he had with Ben at the graduation. (hide spoiler)]

Ben/Zombie: (view spoiler)[ Of all the characters, he seemed like the one who grew. I liked his "don't think, just do" attitude. I wish he had remembered Cassie, because when he didn't it seemed to me like he reverted to his "popular football jock" status. I'm glad we got to see an entire other side of him through the training, or I wouldn't have liked him at all. (hide spoiler)]

Ringer: (view spoiler)[ Now here's someone I am looking forward to really getting to know in the next book. So mysterious, so driven. There's got to be a really good back story going on there. (hide spoiler)]

Seems like I'm giving every book I read lately 5 stars. I know there was a lot of backstory in the beginning, but I felt like the pacing was still good. And holy cow, the twists in the plot. So well done.

[Meaghan]

I literally just started, only 5%, but (view spoiler)[I feel so bad for that guy she shot! :( (hide spoiler)]

This is kind of reminding me of the feel of The New Hunger which is a prequel for Warm Bodies. Warm Bodies had his humorous moments, The New Hunger did not. But I absolutely loved The New Hunger. So I have been immediately drawn into this one.

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Meaghan wrote: "I literally just started, only 5%, but [spoilers removed]

This is kind of reminding me of the feel of The New Hunger which is a prequel for Warm Bodies. Warm Bodies had his humorous moments, The N..."

Haven't read those, but I know what you mean. This is a far, dark world.
66% and it's really hearing up! (view spoiler)[ The Zombie bits are by far my favorite parts and I knew something was wrong about all the training and everything. I had a feeling they were fighting for the wrong side! Or are they? Lol, it's keeping me guessing!

I don't love the Cassie parts, but I'm mildly interested in Evan's story, he's a WEIRD one. All the lurking and lying and hunting. Hmm, not sure what to make of him.

Oh and I love that Zombie is Ben Parrish! (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Jen wrote: "Finished. Wow. This is a really good dystopian/sci-fi. I'm so glad it's the first, because initially I thought it was a stand-alone.

Initial thoughts: [spoilers removed]

Evan: [spoilers remo..."

Awesome! Can't wait to read your final thoughts :) I'm glad you're enjoying all the books you're reading, especially because most are with us!

[Karen’s Library]

No kidding! We've been on a roll with amazing books for our buddy reads!

Meaghan (view spoiler)[I'm still confused about the crucifix guy. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen’s Library]

David wrote: "50%! [spoilers removed]"

52% in. I have the same questions and thoughts, David.

(view spoiler)[Cassie is completely obsessed with Ben Parish, and here he is as Zombie, taking care of her little brother. This part reminds me a bit of Ender's Game, training the little kids for war. But what can a 5 year old do? Very intriguing! (hide spoiler)]

I'm hooked!

[Meaghan]

At least I'm not too far behind anymore. I got about a third of the way through before I have to stop for bed!

[Karen’s Library]

You'll pass me up tomorrow, Meaghan! ;-) I should have a normal work day and get off at a decent time! :-) I'd like to finish tomorrow if possible. It's getting sooo good!

[Karen’s Library]

58% in. Prediction. (view spoiler)[Evan has to be a silencer! But he fell for Cassie! And even odder, I think the kid army were all injected with others and will be shooting humans. I hope that's not the case, but what IS the rice sized implant they were given and the machine that took their memories? (hide spoiler)]

Ugh, like Meghan, must sleep now!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Karen wrote: "58% in. Prediction. [spoilers removed]

Ugh, like Meghan, must sleep now!"

Another late one for you, Karen! It's 8am here in Morocco, we're heading to the airport to fly to Spain! Lots of reading time on the plane yayyyyyy!!!

[Meaghan]

I'm about 39% in now. (view spoiler)[ I'm not sure about this Evan guy. I like him well enough but there is something odd about him. I think Cassie is right that he seems too calm and relaxed with everything going on. Maybe he is the Silencer. Upcoming love triangle Ben-Cassie-Evan in 3...2...1... (hide spoiler)]

[Meaghan]

I'm about halfway. I can't put it down! (view spoiler)[ I can definitely tell why Cassie has a thing for Ben. I think I love him too! lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Meaghan]

Karen wrote: "58% in. Prediction. [spoilers removed]

Ugh, like Meghan, must sleep now!"

Karen, I was thinking the same thing about (view spoiler)[ the implants. Especially because of the description in the prologue. I guess we'll find out! (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Finished!! Doesn't make my list of faves, but a fun, fast read! (view spoiler)[ The "Waves" thing was cool, but overall I didn't find much of the story very original. I as disappointed about the whole host thing because I feel like The Host covered that from an even more unique perspective. Cassie was ok but not my fave. She grew on me though. Zombie was by far my fave agree with you, Jen, that he grew a lot. I like Ringer too and hope she can lighten up and get together with Ben instead of letting Cassie end up with Ben. Please no love triangle Mr Yancey!! Jen, I also agree with you that I hated how Sammy fell apart at the end. But I love all the nicknames!! (hide spoiler)]

[Karen’s Library]

Meaghan wrote: "Karen wrote: "58% in. Prediction. [spoilers removed]

Ugh, like Meghan, must sleep now!"

Karen, I was thinking the same thing about [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I called it! The implants turned off the green. They ARE fighting for the others! (hide spoiler)] 63% in!

[Meaghan]

I'm finished. I will add my review and final thoughts tomorrow after some sleep!

[Karen’s Library]

83% (view spoiler)[And Evan is the silencer, just as I thought! (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

You are too good!

[Meaghan]

Here is my review!

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I really enjoyed this book!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Nice review, love the South Park pic lol!! I think we'll have to agree to disagree on a few things, but at least we both enjoyed the read :)

[Meaghan]

Lol, I do love South Park. I was going to put a picture of those green aliens with the big eyes but I was more amused by that one at the time I wrote the review. :P

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

HAHAHA! Love those ones too! And yeah, that show is classic :)

[Karen’s Library]

Finished!! Final thoughts:

Overall I liked it! It wasn't the most original and I didn't love some of the characters but I was intrigued and caught up enough to be entertained.

Cassie (view spoiler)[I kept wavering back and forth. I didn't like her at the beginning. Not sure why. Too dark and hopeless, maybe? Then I started liking her when she ventured out. And then she met Evan and once the romance started she turned into a bit of whiny girl. But I liked her when she got all kickass at the death camp. (hide spoiler)]

Evan (view spoiler)[I was really annoyed by his stalkerish sneaky ways but once he fessed up, I did like him a lot! Sure hope he's still around for the next book. (hide spoiler)]

Ben/Zombie (view spoiler)[Loved him throughout the entire book! Even at the end when he didn't know Cassie. Not his fault he didn't remember her. He's all about Ringer... And Nugget! Loved him for never wavering and going back for Nugget. (hide spoiler)]

Sam/Nugget (view spoiler)[Loved his innocence throughout. Could he have insisted on running himself? Yea... But still loved the kid. I'm glad he didn't turn into a Teacup and maintained his little boy self. (hide spoiler)]

Ringer (view spoiler)[Look forward to seeing her develop in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

I admit it. I love sci-fi and apocalypses involving aliens. (view spoiler)[I agree with David in that it wasn't very original. I've seen this takeover of humans too many times, but still liked it because I love sci-fi and alien takeovers! I didn't like that I kept guessing what was happening. I like being surprised by twists I didn't see coming. (hide spoiler)]

[Meaghan]

Here you go Karen, this was Evan towards the beginning...

(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]