The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

"If aliens ever visit us, I think the outcome would be much as when Christopher Columbus first landed in America, which didn't turn out very well for the Native Americans." That quote from Stephen Hawking is at the beginning of "The 5th Wave," an incredible new Young Adult Science Fiction book by Rick Yancey. The quote is appropriate, because in Yancey's book most of humanity has been wiped out by a hostile extraterrestrial force. At first, when the alien mothership first appears in the sky, people are hopeful. After four waves of attacks--An EMP blast, epic tsunamis, a plague that kills 9 out of 10 and alien sleeper agents--it's clear that the aliens want our planet and aren't going to share it.

Cassie Sullivan, a sarcastic and determined teenager, has survived the first four waves, but now isolates herself in anticipation of the unknown 5th wave. Cassie fills in the blanks of the past, describing how the world and her family were torn apart. It's vivid and heartbreaking. The 4th wave--alien agents that look human, that Cassie refers to as "Silencers"--have made her extremely paranoid. So, when she meets another survivor, Evan, she has serious issues trusting him. She needs his help, even if she won't admit it, to rescue Sammy, her brother, who has abducted during the 4th wave. Cassie made a promise to Sammy that she would get back to him. It's that promise that drives most of the book.

"The 5th Wave" is exciting, mysterious and hard to put down. All of the characters are well-written and distinct. I believe and hope that this is will be the next big thing in YA lit, because it is awesome. I recommend it to fans of "The Hunger Games," Sci-Fi books, YA books and good books in general.  You can watch a brief book trailer here or read a preview here.