Though this book was nothing like the image I had in my head, it was a bad-ass sci-fi novel.

The aliens have descended. In the 1st wave, they knocked out all of the electricity. In the 2nd, they caused a catastrophic tsunami that destroyed the coastal countries and cities. In the 3rd wave, a deadly plague wiped out most of the population. And in the 4th, it's safe to say that not everyone is who they seem.

This novel follows the lives of two individuals, both living immensely different lives in this torn up world. Cassie is on her own, living day to day, scrounging for food, determined to find her brother. And when she meets mysterious Evan Walker, she finally begins to open herself up. Ben is a solider, training to take out the bad aliens, training to get revenge. But what neither of them know yet, is that the 5th wave is upon them. And one of them is on the wrong side.

This book was pretty damn awesome. The writing was fantastic, the plot progression was freakin' sweet, and the characters were unforgettable. This is my first Rick Yancey book, though I've owned his Monstrumologist series for years. But I'm even more excited to read them now because this book was so damn good.

Cassie is female protagonist that's up with the best of them. She isn't a Mary Sue, she isn't a damsel in distress, she's a kick-ass teenager that is willing to fight for what matters most to her, who is willing to kill whatever gets in her way. She's trusting, but distrustful; caring, but hard as stone. But my favorite character was Ben Parish. He was so complex; hard and vengeful and smart and compassionate. He was working hard to make up for his mistakes. He was just admirable and funny in a situation that wasn't funny at all.

At first I was a little put off by the changing narration because the description on the book has zero indication of a different narrator other than Cassie. But I really ended up loving it, and like I stated above, I fell in love with Ben Parish and started loving his narration more than Cassie's.

All I can say is that I'm really excited to read the sequel!