The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey

December 5th, 2014 Kimberly Review 72 Comments

5th Dec
The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey
The Infinite Sea
by Rick Yancey
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity. Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race. Cassie and her friends haven’t seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate

Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey made my top ten list in 2013, so I was eager to begin The Infinite Sea, the second book in the trilogy. Aliens, human survival and a small group of characters told in multiple perspectives delivers us back into this war torn world. While I think the book suffered middle book syndrome I closed the book impressed by Yancey and the world that holds me captive.

Caffeinated Aspects:

  • Aliens, danger, human struggle and bonds between unlikely allies are all aspects I love about the Fifth Wave trilogy. Infinite Sea shares multiple perspectives from key characters and picks up shortly after the climatic ending of Fifth Wave. The world is terrifying at times and no one, I mean no one can be trusted. I love how it kept me on edge, and at times holding my breath.
  • The gang has made base in a hotel infested with rats. *god help us* The plan is to wait for Evan, and Cassie refuses to lose faith. Ringer gives us our main pov, but we get those of Evan, Cassie and a new character. While folks weren’t happy about all the time spent with Ringer, I have to say the girl is kickass and I enjoyed this aspect.
  • Infinite Sea, like its predecessor is strong on details. Yancey vividly paints this bleak dark world. The next wave is a horrific one and it is clear these aliens will stop at nothing. The developments concerning Evan was interesting and I loved that Yancey took time to further develop secondary characters. We get answers and learn their next move, but with those tidbits came a whole basket of questions. I for one cannot wait for the final novel expected to be released in 2015.

Decaffeinated Aspect:

  • We jump right into the story and between the nicknames, changing pov’s and time between books it took me a little time to settle in.
  • While I loved the multiple pov’s it often left me feeling pulled between the threads and occasionally stopping to double check whose narration it was.
  • Could there be a triangle emerging? *GRRR*
  • Despite intense scenes, and some answers there was very little movement in the book. It felt more like a fleshing out, setting the scene, bridge building novel.

 

Overall, I was satisfied with Infinite Sea. I am a huge fan of the series and will devour the final book when it releases. While this didn’t have the same impact on me as Fifth Wave, it still was an impressive novel and still out shines many a trilogy in this genre.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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72 Responses to “The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey”

  1. Olivia

    I haven’t read the first book in this series before, but it is definitely on my list! I like the cover to this one, and it seems like it has a balance between those good and bad points! Those are always the hardest to review.

  2. Sharon - Obsession with Books

    I enjoyed this too but didn’t love it as much as the first book, I felt there were too many POV’s and I agree that I think there may be a possible love triangle – grrr.

    A great review! super excited about book 3.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So sorry you felt the same. Let us hope book three redeems this trilogy. I truly hope your slump passes.

  3. Sharon

    I don’t mind a love triangle but when the story slows down it’s hard for me to keep focused. I hope the next book is an epic finale you’re looking for.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is more character focused than book one, but totally engaging..i just wanted more

  4. Naomi

    While you did have some issues, it is good to see you still enjoyed it and are going to close out the series. I haven’t read either, but I will be keen to see what you think of the final book.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, still excited overall and cannot wait for book three 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      hehehe…when my girls were teens we would argue about who would go first, especially with series or trilogies.

  7. Mary

    I both love and hate when they jump you right into the next book with no adjustment time. I read (and you, too, I’m sure) so much that I don’t immediately recall the prior story and need a little refresher.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I feel you as I sometimes have the same issue especially when the release is over a year apart.

  9. Madiha

    I have heard wonderful things about Rick Yancey and the 5th Wave but haven’t gotten around to reading it yet – I’m waiting for the final book to come out so I can read them all at once because my expectations are sky high. After reading your review, though, I think I might just dive into it right away. PS: Love triangles? NOT AGAIN.

  10. Jeann

    I’m getting ready to read the first 2 books of this series, and I’ve heard mixed reviews about The 5th Wave. What I am looking forward to is the alien invasion and everything, though, it sounds really fascinating! Lovely review Kimba.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I totally recommend the trilogy, even though I wanted more in book two..the characters are awesome and I love the whole concept of the 5th Wave.

  11. Alexa

    Aw that is too bad that this one didn’t work out as well as the first. I really enjoyed the first book and a lot of people are saying this book does suffer from being a middle book. I still want to read it though to basically get to the third book.
    Thanks for the great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is still a worth read, I think we just wanted more 🙂

  12. Braine Talk Supe

    Multiple POV’s is tricky esp if there’s a lot going on and so many characters to keep up with. It’s the reason why I’m slowly losing interest in BDB. I hope he takes advantage of your feedback and use it constructively so the next book will be more cohesive in that sense.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Braine. This one was hard because I loved some aspects but wanted more all around ya know.

  14. Angela Adams

    “Infinite Sea, like its predecessor is strong on details.” — strong details generally make for a good read. Thanks for the post.

  15. Candace

    A possible triangle?! NO!!! I got this from the library but wasn’t able to fit it in. I think maybe I’ll just wait until next year when I can read the third closer to it and won’t forget as many details.

  16. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Yea, I do need to get started on this series. You mention rats and I’m reading a book with a dragon like creature who loves vermin. I kept thinking if we combine the books… LOL

  18. Amber Elise

    Love triangle? Wasn’t Ringer somewhat already involved with someone (or least, there were hints). I find the POV shift interesting, I have heard that this is mostly a filler book. I’ll read/listen to this one eventually, probably closer to when the next installment comes out.

    Amber Elise @ Du Livre

  20. Rita

    I read and totally enjoyed the first one- a 5/5 for me last year! I wish this one was a bit better for you, but, yep, I find that the middle book of a trilogy suffers a bit for the bridge it has to be, and that can be forgiven if you still find yourself turning the pages. I’ll read this when I get the chance.

  21. Nick

    It’s a shame that this one did not completely live up to your expectations, especially considering how much you loved that first book. Also, I hate it when love triangles pop up in the middle of series. They should be banned. Haha! Still, I’m glad there were elements you enjoyed, Kim.
    Lovely review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am hoping it was nothing and cannot wait for book three!

  22. Lily

    The sheer length of The Fifth Wave intimidated me enough to NOT read it and now i’m hearing that this sequel suffers from second book syndrome so i’m a little bummed out. I don’ t know if this is a right fit for me. On the other hand I love the alien idea so I am pretty interested. I think i’m going to wait until the last book in the series comes out and than decide whether or not to read this series. Procrastination for the win!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh no Lily…5th wave reads very fast because you cannot put it down. Even this felt like a quick read for me, and I loved it but wanted more..I am greedy 🙂

  23. Christa

    I did enjoy the first book in this series but have had a hard time getting motivated to read the second. It doesn’t sound nearly as gripping – especially if there’s a triangle developing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is worth it for Ringer, and we see the characters developed more..but I wan’t more movement.

  25. kindlemom1

    It seems most people didn’t like this as much as the first book and that it suffered a little from second book syndrome but I still really want to give this series a try. I just like how it sounds and I really want to try this author.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh absolutely Ali..I am loving this series. I just didn’t feel this lived up to all it could be.

  26. Carmel

    I’m shocked that you waited so long to read this one, especially seeing how the first installment made your top 10 list in 2013. Seems like you were justified though because it sounds like the story was a bit of a mess, and I love triangle? Eeewww!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Carmel I read this around release. Wrote the review and stuck it in draft waiting for an open slot to post it. Hehe..#booked in advance

  27. Sophia Rose

    I saw the 5th Wave and was very interested in reading it, but just never got around to it. I’m relatively new to Dystopia, but I do love the world building and thriller qualities to them. I’ll get around to this series at some point. I might as well wait until the third book is out at the rate I’m going. 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Sorry for the late reply, I missed you comment when I went through the first time. *bad bloggy friend* I adore dystopian novels and it is one of the reasons I dip into the YA bookshelves.

  28. Katherine

    Finally you review something that I don’t feel the need to rush out and buy. My TBR pile thanks you! It sounds like you ultimately enjoyed it even with the flaws but I think I’ll pass. Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      :snort: you are safe for today Katherine..but I shall get you my pretty..bwahaha

  29. Silvia

    Although this may not be the right read for me, the book doesn’t sound bad. Glad it satisfied you even if not as much as the first instalment.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It wasn’t and I quite enjoyed it. It didn’t have the same impact on me as book one, but I am very excited about book three.

  30. Allie

    I much preferred this to the first one because RINGER. I ship her and Zombie so bad. And Zombie and Cassie. And basically Zombie with EVERY ONE BECAUSE HE IS AMAZING <3

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Wasn’t Ringer fantastic. I loved the world and action more in book one and felt it was more balanced. I am excited for book three 🙂

  31. Red Iza

    I don’t mind love triangles that much, but having to check who is narrating at the moment, I do mind ! Great review, thanks for sharing 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Right, the fleshing of characters was lovely, especially Ringer but I wanted more 🙂

  33. Cynthia

    I loved, loved, loved this book! I just hate that I have to wait for the next book in the series. Argh!!

  34. Glass

    I feel like a black sheep again – I still haven’t read 5th Wave.
    One of the reasons why I don’t start reading series before at leas three books are out (if it’s trilogy, I’ll wait for all books) is exactly what you described as your first decaffeinated aspect.
    Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes I remember you like to binge read them all..in a way it is a good idea. Hopefully I will report book three rocked and you can experience them. I loved Fifth Wave.

  35. Christy

    I loved that we got so much Ringer. I think it was easier for me to get back into with it all the characters and stuff because I had just read 5th Wave. Don’t know how I’ll do with the 3rd book, though. I’m hoping Yancey doesn’t go the way of a love triangle. Something I really like about this was that the romance wasn’t a main factor. And adding a triangle would just be odd.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I imagine it would have been. I think a little refresh in the beginning would have been helpful. I adore Ringer!

  36. Melliane

    I confess that I’m not sure it’s for me even if I saw a lot of great reviews of book 1. But I know that my co-blogger really enjoyed the first one so maybe she will love this one as well. I’m curious.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I still enjoyed this, loved the first book and hope the third takes it all home for me..LOL

  37. Ariel

    I enjoyed the 5th Wave, so I’m pretty excited to start Infinite Sea. Although, I’m not a fan of the multiple POVs. It confused me a lot! I’m glad to see that you still enjoyed it even with the hinting of a love triangle (ew?!). Random side note: I love your blog background!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Ariel I am happy you like the blog’s look. I really enjoy multiple pov’s but like things to be clear. Let’s hope the triangle thing is just my imagination..lol

  38. Kay

    I wasn’t blown away by the first book, mostly its ending that wasn’t that unique (a couple getting separated) left me hesitant that there was going to be a love triangle, and I just don’t want that. I’m still not sure I will read this one. :/