The Passage
Justin Cronin
Ballentine Books
766 Pages
Be prepared for the most incredible journey of your life
In the early 21st century the US military partakes in a news-braking experiment for a new weapon that goes very, very wrong. In the aftermath there is little left on planet earth in the way of the human species and what they have to cope with just to survive in unspeakable. This is a story about the “after”, about surviving in a brave new world, it’s about persevering in the face of desolation, but most of all it’s about hope, hope for a future, hope for a civilization. It’s a journey that you will not soon forget, filled with characters that you will cheer on even in the face of the greatest odds.
Justin Cronin is one amazing storyteller and he gives his reading audience an unforgettable post apocalyptic novel a novel filled with incredible characters and unimaginable terror staring creatures from your worst nightmare ever. His storyline is unique and that’s quite a feat in this paranormal, science-fiction frenzy of a time in publishing, how does he do it, when every other author is writing about planetary destruction and loss of humanity, well you’ll just have to see that for yourself. One thing I have noticed about many of these types of novels is the total darkness they represent, well Justin gives us a ray of sunshine in this one, light at the end of the proverbial tunnel if you will. His dialogue also makes the read unique as he give us a blend of analytical jargon by the narrator and old fashioned simple conversation from the host of survivors who seem relegated back in time with dialect as well as culture. His unequaled dramatic and descriptive portrayal of places of destruction of horror and events will keep your mind busy with unbelievable detail. His characters are remarkable, unforgettable and uncommon where the human population has become an endangered species while his creatures of the night are terrifying and plentiful, but one thing for sure is that the telling of the story would be incomplete without all of them.
So be prepared for the ride of a lifetime, an action packed, edge of your seat thriller mixed with the most unbelievable of horror stories that any lover of either genre will love. A must read for the summer and an instant best seller in the making. Run do not walk to your nearest bookseller to enjoy this novel.
Great review. I am halfway through the book and for me your review describes what I feel about the book. Luanne
ReplyDeleteThanks Luanne, It was a great read.
ReplyDeleteDeb
Hi Debbie - You know I'm reading this now - I'm about half-way through, but as usual, your review is right on the money so far, and I think it will continue to be true. I'm not sure that if there hadn't been so much buzz on the B&N Book Club, that I would have chosen to read it, but I'm glad that I did. I guess you could say that I'm not in my comfort zone as far as reading is concerned, but as I said, I'm glad that I'm reading it. Have a great day...
ReplyDeleteAnne
Thanks Anne, I am usually wary of these types of novels because of their darkness, but this one gives me a little hope, although this is going to be a trilogy and you know the second is usually the darkest of trilogies.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying it!!
Deb
Debbie - I've been debating if I should get this book or not. It's on my ereader wish list but I've yet to hit the 'purchase' button. I've read mixed reviews - but you and I have very similar tastes in books, so.... I'm heading over to hit 'purchase' now. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteHit that button girlfriend, you won't be sorry.
ReplyDeleteDeb