Helpful Score: 16
The world as we know it has gone horribly awry. The author has written a thoughtful, exciting and, very addictive book. This is not the typical vampire novel. The creatures are frightening and mindlessly ruthless. Cronin has created a very believable, albeit terrifying scenario and, while there is hope, it is a grim read. For fans of well-written thrillers, this book will be very satisfying. The characters are well developed and the action is excellent. This is a fine novel for fans of this particular genre, as well as for those eager for a very thrilling ride. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 10
Folks, this is one terrific book. I actually bought the hardcover version. It is a huge book, and I wish it was it had been longer. I started to get sad around the last 1/5 of the book knowing that it was going to end, and that I will probably have to wait quite a while for the sequel. But, I am extremely grateful there will be two more books. I am so involved with all the characters, that I want to know what is going to happen to them. It is being compared to Stephen King's "The Stand", and I agree they should be in the same category, but this is a much better book.
Helpful Score: 6
4.0 out of 5 stars Intense post apocalyptic drama..., June 7, 2010
This review is from: The Passage (Hardcover)
Although I don't typically read books that feature paranormal creatures, this particular novel grabbed me immediately and kept me interested and entertained throughout the very lengthy volume (my paperback ARC had 766 pages). The first novel in a planned trilogy, The Passage was fast paced and chilling. Although the ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger, the rest of the book was good enough to keep me glued to the pages and racing to the final chapters. I think I speak for most everyone who has read this book when I say that I can't wait for the next in the series! Many reviewers have remarked upon some similarities to other works -- most notably Stephen King's The Stand, but I feel that this book was not so much about the battle between good and evil as it was about the nature and expansiveness of the human spirit and its will to survive.
Without rehashing plot or detailing what happens in the book, let me just say this: I really liked the characters and the shifting point of view as well as the storyline! Rarely does a novel come along that brings out so many different moral issues that can be discussed long after the final page is turned. What makes a person human? How does the loss of hope affect the way that people live their lives? Does a vision of a medical advance that can transform the nature of humanity ultimately mean the destruction of the species? And what of using convicted killers as human subjects in a testing program? How far can/should humans go to protect each other and save mankind from predators and threats? All questions that arise during the course of the novel.
Bottom line: order it today! You won't be disappointed though you should definitely set aside a hefty chunk of time so that you can devour it quickly.
This review is from: The Passage (Hardcover)
Although I don't typically read books that feature paranormal creatures, this particular novel grabbed me immediately and kept me interested and entertained throughout the very lengthy volume (my paperback ARC had 766 pages). The first novel in a planned trilogy, The Passage was fast paced and chilling. Although the ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger, the rest of the book was good enough to keep me glued to the pages and racing to the final chapters. I think I speak for most everyone who has read this book when I say that I can't wait for the next in the series! Many reviewers have remarked upon some similarities to other works -- most notably Stephen King's The Stand, but I feel that this book was not so much about the battle between good and evil as it was about the nature and expansiveness of the human spirit and its will to survive.
Without rehashing plot or detailing what happens in the book, let me just say this: I really liked the characters and the shifting point of view as well as the storyline! Rarely does a novel come along that brings out so many different moral issues that can be discussed long after the final page is turned. What makes a person human? How does the loss of hope affect the way that people live their lives? Does a vision of a medical advance that can transform the nature of humanity ultimately mean the destruction of the species? And what of using convicted killers as human subjects in a testing program? How far can/should humans go to protect each other and save mankind from predators and threats? All questions that arise during the course of the novel.
Bottom line: order it today! You won't be disappointed though you should definitely set aside a hefty chunk of time so that you can devour it quickly.
Helpful Score: 5
Unlike other reviews that I have read about this book, this book is a fantastic, imaginative story from start to finish. The sequel to come "The Twelve" is definitely on my future list of books to acquire. No doubt. For those that love a good future world thriller do not miss this one! The author keeps just enough of everything going to make you want to read in every spare moment. Have fun with this one. :) I did.
Helpful Score: 3
This book is a huge commitment of your time and of your patience. There were so many times I wanted to give up on the book. Basically because I didn't understand where the author was going plotwise. Thankfully, I stuck with it. Cronin is a beautiful writer and he clearly is an expert on character development. He does an incredible job of bringing the story together at the end. My only gripe is the end was 1000 pages or so so you had to be willing to work hard to reach the pot of gold.
Will I read the next book?
Absolutely. I feel a loss not having this book to read even though I seriously wanted it over when I was reading it. I really felt I knew the characters. When the story was gone, I kept on thinking about Peter, Amy, Michael, Sara, etc.
Will I read the next book?
Absolutely. I feel a loss not having this book to read even though I seriously wanted it over when I was reading it. I really felt I knew the characters. When the story was gone, I kept on thinking about Peter, Amy, Michael, Sara, etc.
