THE INFINITE SEA proves that this is still a dystopian series that lives up to classics like THE HUNGER GAMES. However, with new twists every chapter, the book dismantles readers’ perceptions, creating an experience where readers actually never know what is true about the world despite how confident they are of their understanding. There is a lot of backstory and world-building that will make readers think they know what is happening. Perhaps one of the best things about this thrilling sequel is how deceitful it is to the reader. The love triangle involving Cassie, Evan, and Ben is still present, but it becomes clearer who Cassie may choose as the series goes on. This plot point is also successful in pushing the romance plot in this book forward. Part of it is the introduction of Grace-a new villain-who has a complicated history with Evan, a bizarre fascination with Cassie, and an obvious connection to the aliens who are trying to destroy the human race. Since Evan was separated from the rest of the gang at the end of book one, his point of view explores a different setting in the story. The natural mystery and intrigue in this series is heightened by this narrative choice. The reader is able to see where the story is going while the characters remain in the dark. One of the best parts of multiple-perspective stories is that each character learns different pieces of information, but they’re all missing pieces of the puzzle until they come together. She gets a lot of narration time during the course of this book and provides another compelling female perspective bringing the story forward. The book is still narrated in multiple perspectives, and the biggest new addition is of Ringer.

Things are grim, and they only get darker as the book continues.

The heroes are still not sure when the fifth wave will hit or what it is and they are still not certain of who their enemy is. Ringer leaves the hotel to explore the surrounding area and potentially find help, but ends up getting lost along the way. Ben is wounded, and starts to develop an infection. Cassie, Ben, Sammy, Ringer, Dumbo, and Poundcake have escaped the enemy and find themselves in an abandoned hotel.

THE INFINITE SEA picks up directly where THE 5 TH WAVE left off.

The infinite sea series