Young adult · Science fiction · Post-apocalyptic
The 5th Wave
After four waves of alien attacks have wiped out most of humanity, sixteen-year-old Cassie sets out alone to rescue her little brother while trusting no one, since the invaders can look human.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 2013
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 457
- Format
- Book 1 of 3 in The 5th Wave
Read this if you like fast, bleak teen survival stories with an alien invasion twist.
Skip this if you dislike shifting narrators or want hopeful, low-stakes science fiction.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The 5th Wave
- What is The 5th Wave about?
- After four waves of alien attacks have wiped out most of humanity, sixteen-year-old Cassie sets out alone to rescue her little brother while trusting no one, since the invaders can look human.
- Who should read The 5th Wave?
- Read it if you like fast, bleak teen survival stories with an alien invasion twist. Skip it if you dislike shifting narrators or want hopeful, low-stakes science fiction.
- How long and how fast is The 5th Wave?
- It is a fast-paced, long read of about 457 pages, first published in 2013.
- Does The 5th Wave have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, War.
- Can I borrow The 5th Wave for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The 5th Wave; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
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| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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Young adult
