Start with book one
Begin with The 5th Wave before continuing to The Infinite Sea and The Last Star.
Book Series · 3 Books
The 5th Wave Books
In order from The 5th Wave to The Last Star.
A completed young-adult science-fiction trilogy about teen survivors trying to protect one another during an alien invasion designed to destroy humanity and trust.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read The 5th Wave Books
Read the trilogy in publication order: The 5th Wave, The Infinite Sea, and The Last Star. Each book continues the same survival story, so this is not a series to sample out of order.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
This is a dark young-adult survival story with widespread death, military violence, shootings, injuries, threats to children, grief, betrayal, and sustained fear about whether other people can be trusted. It also includes romance and some strong language. The intensity is notably higher than a typical middle-grade adventure.
Where to start
Where Should My Teen Start?
The trilogy follows one continuous conflict and should be read from the beginning.
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$1248
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2013
The 5th Wave
By Rick Yancey
Survive the alien invasion: trust no one, not even those who look human.
457 pages· 116,770 words· Est. 11 hour read
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a world ravaged by alien invasions, Cassie is on the run, haunted by beings who look human but kill without mercy. Alone, she believes survival means trusting no one. But when she meets the enigmatic Evan Walker, her beliefs are challenged. Can she trust him to help save her brother, or is he another threat? As the 5th wave looms, Cassie faces a choice between hope and despair, life and death. Will she stand alone or risk everything for a chance at salvation?
In reading order
The 5th Wave Series
3 books · Published 2013–2016
#1
Sale price
$1248
The 5th Wave
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2013
Survive the alien invasion: trust no one, not even those who look human.
#2
Sale price
$1248
The Infinite Sea
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2014
Humanity's survival hinges on a battle against an alien force stripping away trust and hope.
#3
Sale price
$1248
The Last Star
Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2016
Survivors face betrayal and must choose between self-preservation and humanity's essence.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the 5th Wave series?
There are 3 books in the 5th Wave series. It began with The 5th Wave in 2013, and the newest book, The Last Star, was published in 2016.
What order should you read the 5th Wave books in?
Start with The 5th Wave and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #3.
What ages are the 5th Wave books best for?
The series is best for ages 12–18, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
The people
The Creative Behind the Books
The people who bring The 5th Wave to life.
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