The Passage by Justin Cronin

[Canadian Dragon]

Starting this one today. It seems pretty chunky :)

[Sarah]

It is chunky but it's an easy read which is good. It's size put me off for ages but I worried over nothing.

[Canadian Dragon]

:) thanks Sarah I was debating on whether I would have time to read it but it sounds interesting

[Canadian Dragon]

Chapter 1 - well that what a good start to this book. (view spoiler)[ Jeanette tale was very sad and kind of crazy with the story about her ex. Talk about a bad relationship. The gun part was pretty crazy. I wonder if the mom will come back in the story later (hide spoiler)]

[Canadian Dragon]

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ I don't like bats. That chapter was creepy. What made those bats attack and why hadn't they done it before?? Sometimes a bat comes into our house, I usually grab my dog Harley and run upstairs to hide in the bathroom until Ed gets it--- lol why do people hide in bathrooms (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Re your ch1 spoiler Tasha (view spoiler)[Weirdly i never even considered if Amy's mum would reappear later in the story. (hide spoiler)] and your ch2(view spoiler)[My guess is that they had entered a part of the jungle which is hard to get to or not normally inhabited by humans so perhaps those type of bats have been there undisturbed until the scientists rock up. Or there were previous tests done there and they were the end result turned free. Just guesses though. (hide spoiler)]

I'm in the middle of ch 11 now (view spoiler)[and Wolgast and Doyle have given themselves up along with Amy. Crazy that the small town Sheriff's are so clueless as to what to do. I've seen this kind of behaviour in films too but find it hard to believe this is the case actually in the US. Years ago here in the UK, in small villages a policeman would live in a police house and if anything happened you could go to him/call him (in addition to 999) but they did away with those decades ago. Small towns no doubt had a police station too but many closed and really only yhe largish towns have stations which cover a much wider area. But I guess that's not far off whathappens in the US - we just have less land mass.

I hope they call it in soon. I don't want Richards or Sykes to get their hands on Amy.
(hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Things are heating up now!

ch12 (view spoiler)[Darn it! Richards got Amy as I feared and she is now infected with the virus. She seems to have a different strain to the previous subjects so hopefully she'll turn out less crazed and bloodsuckery. If she survives the coma. It's looking promising though as she does open her eyes right at the end of the chapter after Wolgast talks about his daughter Eva.

It seems the subjects are able to talk to each other, mind-to-mind, one more than others. It's like they are a pack with an alpha. Anthony goes a bit psycho on one of the guards. I found myself egging him on. I hope what with him being the penultimate test subject, he won't be so bad as the others and things will be alright for him. I'm guessing that may not happen though.
(hide spoiler)]

ch 13(view spoiler)[I am curious about what/who is helping Lacey. She's just rocked up to the base. How did she know to go there or how to find it? Is God speaking to her? Is it Amy? Is it the test subjects? Was Lacey infected with a similar strain of this virus back in Siera Leone and therefore has access to the hive mind? Also very intrigued as to how Doyle knew Lacey would show up and that he could hear her coming. What's that all about?! (hide spoiler)]

ch14(view spoiler)[Oh boy! They are all out! Death and destruction and the end of the world as we know it. Lear turns up. Part of me is wondering now whether Amy is the cure and that's why Lear wants Wolgast to keep her safe. I hope they get out alright and meet up with Lacey. (hide spoiler)]

I am on the edge of my seat now!

[Ariane]

I got my physical copy of the book so I can follow the discussion and I knew it, the separation was not the same.
Anymay, up to ch14 (view spoiler)[ it's getting pretty crazy over here. So, the vampires are telephaths? They can aipulate the human's mind? So patient zero was studying his guards this whole time?
And Amy is infected, but she doesn't seem to respond to the virus, is it related to the fact that she can talk to animals? And how the hell did other people know that, because they were looking for her. And how did sister Lacey know where Amy was? What is (or was) their connection?
As the story goes, I have more and more questions, I hope I can answer some of them quite soon because it's getting a bit blurry for me. (hide spoiler)]

It is getting intense!

[Sarah]

I reckon some of our questions will be answered but there are two more books so I guess some things will temain a mystery for us. I am really liking this book and I'm already tempted to get the follow up before i've even finished this one.

[[deleted user]]

I'm up to part V, chapter 24 and this book has been really intense up to part III. Suggest you do not read my spoiler below until you finish part IV, (just in case I give something away!).

(view spoiler)[I loved the build up from the beginning of this book. Amy is definitely different from everyone else; she has a sixth sense. Imagine being able to communicate with animals! I also love Wolgast and seeing how his relationship with Amy develops. When she was taken to be a test subject, Wolgast risked his own life to sit and be with her. I cannot understand how humans think it is ok to test on other humans; creating the creatures that have been created. They may not have known that it would spiral out of control, but they should have seen the warning signs. I think what they were trying to create was a weapon that could be used by the Army against the country's enemies in war. Richards refers to the possibilities open to them in Chapter 12, making reference to Pakistan, Iran etc.

The book then slows down for me from part III. We are 100 years on from the virus taking hold and we are following the community of families and "walkers". I'm not sure where the book is going to go from here. I do hope it picks up again. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

A few more thoughts from today's reading.

Chapter 24 (view spoiler)[ I wonder why the other Household leaders do not want Peter to be one of the leaders. Is it because of his father? I feel sad for Peter; he is now alone. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25 (view spoiler)[ Something strange is definitely happening at the compound. Why did Sanjay refer to Babcock and why did he think his hand was not his own? Is Babcock taking over Sanjay's mind? Something is also very wrong with Elton. But why now? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26 (view spoiler)[ There is still parts of human left even when someone turns into a viral. That is why Arlo went straight to his daughter's crib in the Sanctuary. Does this mean that there may be a way to turn people back to humans? I think it is crazy that Caleb is being accused of murder. So excited to see Amy back into the story. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 28 (view spoiler)[ It looks to me like the colony is falling apart. I think it is very irresponsible of the Household leaders not to make sure that security is high for Caleb. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 29 (view spoiler)[ Why is Babcock in Sanjay's head? Is it because Babcock is everywhere and he can penetrate anyone's mind? How old is Amy? It is like she has not aged at all. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 30 (view spoiler)[ What is the transmitter for? I am assuming at the moment that this was put into Amy's neck when she was subjected to the tests and virus. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 31 (view spoiler)[ I think Sanjay is definitely turning into a viral! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 32 (view spoiler)[ I so want to know what is on the chip and its purpose! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

You're working your way through Anna! I've had no chance to read this weekend unfortunately. I'm not sure I'll finish before the toppled or not now. We'll see.

[[deleted user]]

I only read one book at a time Sarah and I was lucky to have a lot of reading time this weekend. I am aiming to finish within the next few days all being well.

[Cherie]

I finished Dracula and finally can get back to this one now. My daughter is reading it too, but she has already jumped ahead of me. She mentioned something that I knew had happened, but did not remember any of the details about. Still reading about Grey and Zero tonight. Bed soon though.

I cannot get over how much I did not pick up on before. I must have flown through reading the words without really processing them. I Am seeing more this time through.

[Sarah]

I've had a big gap to in reading this as I was really busy over the weekend. So when I did have the odd break here and there, I read some graphic novels. I'm off to work today so I'll be reading my "commute book" but I'll get back to this one this evening.

[Ariane]

My thougths until now
part II, chapters 15 to 18 (view spoiler)[ I thought this part was more emotional, because of Amy mostly and Wolgast remerbering his old life, when he had a wife and a kid. At the same time, we are really far from the action in the story, Iwould have want to know more about the contamination. Obviously, Amy is infected but she doesn't react like the prisonners; again, why? And it is obvious tha t she will stay young too so I don't see the explanation coming from her. (hide spoiler)]
partIII, chapters 19 to 23 (view spoiler)[ We're a century after the contamination, we'll following this colony in the middle of nowhere in California. I don't see the point of this story so far, I don't really care about the characters, we're going back and forth in time, but I still can't see why. Oh, by the end, we find Amy! But although I like her and missed her in the story, it looks like she's still a little girl and I don't see the point of knowing her point of view, I don't know how reliable she will be. And apparently, the twelve subjects from the beginning and her communicate with the mind? (hide spoiler)]
I agree with you Anna on the beginning (view spoiler)[ the human tests were to make a biological weapon but I think they knew it would be far too dangerous, so why did they go on with it? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 24 (view spoiler)[ I think there are a lot of secrets in this settlement. What did really happen with Peter's father? And why can't Peter be among the leaders? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 25 (view spoiler)[ why are they sleepwalking? More secrets... An now, the old lady seems to know Amy is coming? This part feels sooo slow (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I don't know about you Ariane but, (view spoiler)[I am not really enjoying the part of the book where we are a century ahead. This is moving a lot slower for me than the first part. I wanted to read more about the testing. (hide spoiler)]

[Ariane]

Exactly my thoughts Anna, (view spoiler)[ at this point, I really don't care about them all, their story, their background; what is the point of all this? I would like to know more about the testing, the virus. This part is getting really long. (hide spoiler)]

[Ariane]

Chapter 26 (view spoiler)[ I agree with you Anna, but who did Arlo get infected? He's the guy who was locked up with two others int the central, right? The guy who has the key? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 29 (view spoiler)[ So Amy has aged a bit, since she was 6 at the beginning, wasn't she? And now I remember Babcock, where is he? Why is he in Sanjay's head? To make him open the doors of the colony? So why hasn't he done that already? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 30 I thought the same too, Anna
Chapter 31 (view spoiler)[ do you think he's a viral? But more like Amy? But he has Babcock in his head since he was a child. At the same time, Zander was acting weird too, maybe it is related? There is like a mid-state? (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Using my mobile so can't read the spoilers. Will catch up tomorrow but just wanted to say chapter 46 we're getting better and picking up the pace again!

[Sarah]

I am just starting Part 4.

Part 2 - ch 15-17 (view spoiler)[Amy is different to the other test subjects because she had a different strain of the virus - she was the "one" they were working up to. The virus is inert in her which is why Wolgast didn't become ill after coming in to contact with her.

Interesting that while she doesn't exhibit all the traits that the others did, she still has a problem with sunlight. She also seems to pick things up incredibly quick, like the swimming. This part is much slower in pace after the tense action at the end of the last part but it was good nonetheless as we got to know more about Wolgast's history and his and Amy's bond strengthening. Despite a world falling apart, they have both found some love, stability and happiness. I'm guessing it won't last long though.

It was sad about the shop clerk and his wife but on a plus, more food for Wolgast and Amy!

I thought the infected guy that turned up was going to be their downfall but the nuclear? explosion seems to have rocked there world. Literally. I'm not sure whether Wolgast is ill from the radiation or from an infected cut or both. And I'm curious where Amy has gone and why. Also whether it's the end for Wolgast.
(hide spoiler)]

Part 3 (view spoiler)[I liked this part set in the future as well as how it was told - journal entries and notice of evacuation. This part wasn't about new characters or story line but was filling us in on the gaps of what happened after the virus spread as weve only had the very isolated story of Wolgast and Amy. I like how California split off to form it's own sovereignty. I see Part 4 is also future based from the title page so I am intrigued to read on. (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

I am just starting chapter 7. Funny, since I read this the first time, I have actually visited the Memphis Zoo. That was cool!

Sarah, regarding your spoiler Part 2 - ch 15-17 about Wolgast (view spoiler)[my daughter thought he was ill from the radiation (hide spoiler)]

[Ariane]

Cherie wrote: "I am just starting chapter 7. Funny, since I read this the first time, I have actually visited the Memphis Zoo. That was cool!

Sarah, regarding your spoiler Part 2 - ch 15-17 about Wolgast [spoile..."

I thought that too and I think (view spoiler)[ Wolgast is gone, otherwise it would be a bit too unbelievable, don't you think? (hide spoiler)]

And for part 3 (view spoiler)[ I really liked that the way the story is told changes, it sets a different rythm, since this book is quite chunky :) (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

I'm happy to go with that take on Wolgast Cherie. And I think you might be right Ariane - (view spoiler)[it would be implausible for anything other than what I wondered to happen. I was also wondering whether Amy could sense it with her powers and that's why she split. (hide spoiler)]

[Ariane]

Chapters 39 to 44 (view spoiler)[ After so many chapters of descriptions, where nothing really useful happens, we finally what is going on and our heroes show up and do something, instead of waiting the end of the colony. I feel like all the descriptions of the colony and the characters and their lives weren't that necessary but I may be wrong, we'll see about that, Anyway, I feel like that long reading was worth it and I can't wait ti go on my reading this evening. I don't know why Amy isn't talking, maybe because she hadn't seen peolple for a long time or maybe because she doesn't need too? I am happy that she is building a bond with Peter, like she had with Wolgast a century ago. And she probably is a cure for the infected (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Ariane wrote: "Chapter 26 [spoilers removed]
Chapter 29 [spoilers removed]
Chapter 30 I thought the same too, Anna
Chapter 31 [spoilers removed]"

Chapter 26 (view spoiler)[ I don't know who Arlo got infected but I liked what Cronin did to demonstrate that even though humans have been turned into virals, there is still a part of them that are human. That is shown by Arlo going to his daughter's crib. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 29 (view spoiler)[ Yes, Amy has aged but only a bit. I asked the same thing as you Ariane - how did Babcock get into Sanjay's head and where is Babcock now? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 31 (view spoiler)[ I do think that Sanjay is turning into a viral along with others at the colony but I don't understand how this is happening. The colony would appear to be falling apart. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Sarah wrote: "I am just starting Part 4.

Part 2 - ch 15-17 Amy is different to the other test subjects because she had a different strain of the virus - she was the "one" they were working up to. The virus is i..."

Part 2 Chapters 15 - 17 (view spoiler)[ I love the relationship between Wolgast and Amy too Sarah. I am glad that they have found love and comfort and companionship in each other. (hide spoiler)]

Part 3 (view spoiler)[ Whilst I like the way this part of the book is told, (with the journals), I was not ready to enter the future. I still wanted to know more about the virus. I can imagine that what is described here is very realistic and if a virus were to infect the here and now, this could happen to us too. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I finished this book last night. So much happens in this book, it is quite an epic read. I would say may favorite relationship was the one between Wolgast and Amy. I loved the different time periods, although, I did find the colony section of the book the slowest part and I was glad when we move on from the colony.

Chapter 46 (view spoiler)[ Theo is alive!! I new it! But my next thought was, who has him? What is the meaning behind the fat lady? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 52 (view spoiler)[ This is an exciting chapter; questions are being answered. The virals are being instructed by Babcock to take but not kill the humans and bring them to the Haven. The virals are the "Many" and the fat lady is a depiction of Babcock's abusive mother. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 55 (view spoiler)[ Oh no! Caleb is killed by Jude, but we all thought Jude was dead!? Jude is described as a 'Familiar' - you can be one of them without being one of them - scary thought!! (hide spoiler)]

Breakfast is calling me. Further thoughts to follow!

[[deleted user]]

Further thoughts:-

Chapter 59 (view spoiler)[ Alicia is going to stay with the Texas army. I really thought that she and Peter would end up together. I'm really happy for Theo and Maus. I hope it all works out for them and that they remain safe. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 65 (view spoiler)[ Wow so Lacey is alive and she was saved by Jonas Lear, the same guy who infected the original 12 with the virus. (hide spoiler)]

To the end (view spoiler)[ I am so happy that they all meet up again. Alicia is still alive and now has powers like Amy. I really thought Theo was done for, but who saved him in the barn? I'm not sure I agree with Amy destroying the vials of virus that could give the group powers to help them fight against the virals. And Sara is pregnant but will she live? I love how this book ends - on a cliff hanger. (hide spoiler)]

I really enjoyed this book. Although it did get a bit slow in places, overall the pass was very good. I am definitely going to pick up the next book, The Twelve.

I will be giving this a 4 out of 5 stars.

[Sarah]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Anna. I've put this book on hold now for the week while I read the toppler books but I will be returning to it after that. I read a few more pages last night of Part 4 but not enough really to make comment as yet.

[Cherie]

I just got to Part II, chapter 15. I've been sick in bed all day listening to audio books I've already listened to because I could fall asleep and not care.

[Ariane]

So, after the toppler week, I am really happy to dive in the end of this book. The middle of it was quite long but now I understand why it was neccessary to the story.

[Sarah]

I am back on it too. I feel a little overwhelmed right now at the amount of books I have on the go. I might try to finish my kindle books as both of those I'm reasonably near the end of. If I finish those then come to this one I think I'll feel a bit better. I was really bored last night but just couldn't face picking any book up.

[Ariane]

I finished it.
So, to the end, (view spoiler)[ I was really happy that Amy could find Lacey but was a bit disappointed to see that it was her who sent the message. I understand why, but, I don't know, I guess I was expecting something else.
I completely understand why Amy destroyed the remaining viruses, because yes, it could have helped them, but it has to be a burden to live forever, and I guess she doesn't want that for Peter.
I am happy that Alicia is alive and like Amy, and that she found Peter (or that Peter found her), I hope they can live something together?
As for the "thing/person" who rescued Theo and Maus... could this have something to do with Theo's father? Can he come back in the story? I feel like we speak of him during all this story but we never saw him... is he really dead, since everyone seems to come back?
I don't know what will happen with Sara; "the massacre"? I definitely have to read The Twelve now... (hide spoiler)]
This is the first time, I think, that I'm feeling a real book grief... so thank you Sarah for this Buddy read, I don't think I would have read it on my own. And I loved it.
And also, I did begin to listen to the audiobook but it must be another version because it wasn't the same as the physical copy so I read the book instead.

[Sarah]

I am glad you enjoyed it so much. Buddy reads are great in so many ways. I think they are especially good for long books as it helps keep the motivation up. I wonder whether the audio version you started with was an abridged version?!

[Ariane]

I think so because as I was referring to the physical copy, I saw there was an entire part of it that wasn't in the audio version.

[Cherie]

I am still reading, but slowly.

[Sarah]

Cherie wrote: "I am still reading, but slowly."

You and me both Cherie! I've managed to knock off two of my books though so this one now returns to being my boat book while the other buddy read book becomes my commuting book.

[Sarah]

I'm mid chapter 27. (view spoiler)[I thought the part at the library ad mall was pretty tense and we get to find out (kind of) what happened to Theo. No one saw the virals chomp on him so he might still be alive. I guess we'll see. I'm pleased Amy has shown up again. She definitely has an influence on the virals' behaviour. I am curious about whose voice she can hear though, the one that told her to go to that colony.

I really think they should have told the truth about hat happened as they are all under suspicion right now. Especially as now Amy has turner up, the Colonel is dead and Alisha and Caleb are in trouble for helping Amy. Peter is getting some flack too. Things aren't looking to good for them all. They can see Amy heals quickly. I'm wondering how quick it will be before they realise how different she is. Or perhaps they won't considering she has learnt to walk in the sun. Perhaps she can keep them safe from the virals.
(hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

I've read the spoilers above (view spoiler)[I'm wondering whether Babcock is nearby and is trying to gain control of Sanjay like he did the guards at the compound. He seems to have the strongest telepathy skill that we've seen so far. I didn't notice any difference with Elton though so perhaps I've missed something.

I too am wondering about why Peter has not been allowed to be a head of the household. Dana clearly doesn't want to be doing it. There must be something going on we don't know about yet.

Even the Twelve know who they were before. I wonder whether Amy's blood could counteract the need for blood in the other virals and other "bad" viral symptoms, making them more human again. Both virals and humans could then live in harmony. The people of the colony are definitely seeing now that the virals do remember their human lives. But it's like they believe this to be new behaviour, as well as some other traits they've seen recently. Are they evolving perhaps?!
(hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Sarah wrote: "I'm mid chapter 27. I thought the part at the library ad mall was pretty tense and we get to find out (kind of) what happened to Theo. No one saw the virals chomp on him so he might still be alive...."

Sarah, (view spoiler)[I really do wonder why they didn't just tell the truth about what had happened and about Amy. Seemed a bit strange to me. I found Amy fascinating as a character and loved how we learn about her during the course of the book. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

I've managed to read a chunk more over the weekend and I'm up to 600 pages now. Things are kicking off at the colony.(view spoiler)[People are sleep walking. Clearly those who sw Amy (the council) are exhibiting signs of being taken over by one of the virals. I don't think they are necessarily becoming virals but they have two trains of thought going through their minds - theirs and one of the virals. In Sanjay's case it seems to be Babcock although I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up being Babcock for all of them. Perhaps he can access them via Amy through the telepathic link?! But why is it some are affected after Amy and others aren't?! I'm wondering if they can sense who is a good person and who isn't?! The colony is definitely breaking apart especially now that the council are either dead or missing. I'm wondering how things will end up at the colony.

The chip in Amy is interesting. I think it was the main scientist at the facility that put it there. It has her name on it which is how Michael finds that out when she hasn't spoken to anyone. I think it holds the data for the virus that infected the virals as well as the cure. That's why that scientists wanted Wolgast to keep her safe.

Auntie seems to know that Amy was coming and I'm wondering, like with the nun earlier in the book, that some people are able to pick up on the virals thoughts because they have some level of telepathy themselves?!

I notice a couple people found the middle part slow but I didn't deem to have that problem. I really liked all the detail and getting to know the background of the characters as it means now that I am more vested in their success/demise as things come to a head.
(hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Making progress now! I've read about 690 pages now. The nice people of the colony have gone wandering (view spoiler)[It was their only option I guess. The colony just came crashing down. I really like the group who have gone off with Amy in search of the people who want Amy back. I guess they realised she was the world's only hope. Let's hope it's not a trap and those people are still alive! I'm wondering if Sara will end up being alive. I hope so. Having a nurse in the group is very handy. I just knew Theo would be alive but it seems he's got himself in a spot of bother. I guess the end of the world came make some people in to nasty bastards. I am interested to see how his story plays out. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

I'm on the finishing stretch now I think! I've read about 830 pages. The Haven (view spoiler)[So that was pretty fucked up! I knew there wasn't something right. Babcock is controlling them all. Interesting that he can have groupies as such - can withstand a lot of trauma but don't die but not a full vampire. I'm pleased they found Theo. The train was a stroke of luck! I was getting confused with Zero (Fanning) and Babcock for a while. For some reason I though Babcock was Zero but now I realise my mistake. So the vamps are dying out?!? (hide spoiler)]

The Expeditionary Force(view spoiler)[Lish surprised me. I had hoped her and Peter would get together as that was how it seemed to be heading. He is stuck now so I'm curious about whether they'll stay with the army or push on.

I hope Theo and Maus are ok. I think they did the right thing staying behind but I keep thinking about whether the person who lived there is as the last survivor would have no grave - they might be dead but he might be a viral too. (hide spoiler)]

I'm still really loving this book. It's heading for a 5 stars.

[Kristie, Moderator]

I'm glad you're loving it, Sarah! I really liked this one too. I thought it was so well done and interesting.

[Sarah]

Just finished the book. I'll come back and make my final comments when I have more time online. In short, I loved it. 5 stars.

[Sarah]

The end (view spoiler)[I was shocked to discover that Lacey was still alive. And that Dr Lear survived. Pleased though. It's good that he was able to synthesise a cure (ish) from Amy's blood. But a shame it wasn't able to be mass produced or spread about a bit to minimise the blow to the world. While still taking some time to get used to the fact Lacey was still alive, she then blows herself up along with Babcock. I like that the others came to find Peter and Amy although them meeting up was a little hazy and I had to reread a few pages.

I was convinced Alicia was a gonna. But no! She is something between Amy and the virals. She will be a great asset to them. I wonder where things will go for her now - back to the regiment or remain with Peter?!

I am surprised with Amy putting the vials in the fire especially as it were Lacey who gave them to her. There was a moment where Alicia was watching this transpire and Amy muses that they both know what Peter is. This confused me a little but it made me wonder whether he already has something about him.

I was surprised at how the group was split up and who went which way. I guess they'll all meet up again in the next book though.

I liked the ending part with Wolgast.


(hide spoiler)]

[Kristie, Moderator]

Sarah - As I'm reading your spoiler, I'm remembering more of the end of the book. I forgot that (view spoiler)[ you find out Lacy is alive and they destroyed the vials in the first book. I read the second immediately after and couldn't remember if that was how the first one ended or the second one started.

I was shocked to find out that Lacey was alive too, then sad that she had to die.

I was excited for Alicia surviving. I thought it was awesome that she looked human, but had 'super powers' basically. I thought they were all going to take the vaccine and become a group of super fighters. I was shocked when Amy destroyed the vials. I was not happy about it, but I guess it was the right thing to do.

I was also surprised that the group split up and was concerned for their safety. I felt they were safer together, but I don't want to comment too much on that in case I'm thinking of the second book.

The ending with Wolgast was sad, but I like that Cronin wasn't afraid to go there. Again, can't remember which book some of the stuff happened in, but I liked Wolgast.

Lol - just re-read my spoiler and it's so vague! It's been so long since I read the two books that I can't distinguish some of the events from the first book and the second. I have so much to say, but I'm holding back so I don't spoil the second book with a first book spoiler. I suppose once you read the second book, I'll be able to yap all about it. Then, you'll probably be telling me that half of it happened in the first book! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Lol Kristie. I might read the next book in the new year. I think i need to take a break from chunksters for a bit. I wonder if anyone else would be up for reading The Twelve?!

[Kristie, Moderator]

I'm hoping to read the final book some time next year. I think it comes out in May, though that has changed several times. I will need to revisit the first two (maybe summarized?) before reading the last.