Parents' Guide to

The Last Star: The 5th Wave, Book 3

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Intense finale to alien-invasion saga is violent, upsetting.

Book Rick Yancey Science Fiction 2016
The Last Star: The 5th Wave, Book 3 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Lacy E.
Lacy E. Parent
December 27, 2016
age 13+

Great book for teenagers

It's extremely engaging and interesting to read. All violence and sexual material is essential to the plot. The sexual material is very minimal and I found that it made the story more interesting because it added so many twists. I would recommend this book to anyone in the 13-14 range. Also I would say that make sure your child is mature enough to handle the violence in this book.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Elarinya L.
Elarinya L. Adult
August 28, 2016
age 13+

Lots of violence but a positive overall message

I found the last novel a bit disappointing personally because I saw the ending coming back in book two, however I think that teenagers will find it far more interesting. There is some kissing and one of the characters ends up pregnant, but the scene where this happens was so vague I had to go back and re-read because I was confused as to when this had happened. It is as violent as the last two books and not suitable for sensitive youth. However if a teen was able to read books one and two, this one should not be a problem. Comparing this book to other science fiction dystonia such as the Hunger Games, Divergent, and Matched I think that it is much darker. The ultimate story is about what it means to be human and what we are doing to our planet rather than an in depth look at authority. It does not have as much of a happy, satisfying ending as some of the others but remains a lot more ambiguous. Still, for fans of Maze Runner or Lord of the Flies, this may be a good choice.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE LAST STAR continues where The Infinite Sea left off, with Ringer, now with enhanced capabilities, trying to run away from Col. Vosch, while Ben, Cassie, Sam, and Evan try to figure out how to stay alive -- and stop the fifth wave from finishing off what's left of humankind. Vosch lets Ringer go with an "Other" chaperone and a command to kill Evan Walker in exchange for her "freedom" (and that of Ben and the rest of the remaining crew). After Vosch reveals a devastating secret about the origins of the sleeper Silencers, Ringer meets back up with what remains of her old company. As Ringer decides whether she can kill Evan, who has so openly shown his ability to rebel against his programming by falling in love, Cassie decides she will once again step up to protect her little brother, her love, and what's left of humanity.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (9 ):

Compelling but at times unnecessarily convoluted, this final installment will keep you reading but will occasionally distress more than it satisfies. Cassie, in particular, is especially infuriating through most of it. Three books in, and Cassie is still immaturely obsessed with whether her feelings for Evan are love, despite how obvious it might seem to every human and nonhuman alike. Realistic for a teen character but frustrating for a reader, Cassie's behavior is the most confused it has ever been, inconsistent and almost regressive for most of the story. Meanwhile, Evan is ever steadfast in his love for "Mayfly," his desire to make amends for his past as a Silencer, and his commitment to do anything and everything possible to protect not only Cassie and Sam but everyone.

Author Yancey sets up both couples -- Evan and Cassie and Zombie and Ringer -- as mirrors and foils. Each romance has a brave, impetuous teen fighting unimaginable odds. Ringer is fascinatingly cool and calm, even dealing with personal crises and changes of heart. She's all things Cassie isn't, and yet they must work together to rescue the men -- and the world -- they love. Unfortunately, some of the plot developments are underwhelming and anticlimactic. After years of readers waiting for the unveiling of the aliens, the resolution is disappointing. Despite the missteps, readers will zip through this final book and want to know what happens. Ultimately, courage and love reign supreme in this story, regardless of the sadness and grief everyone experiences.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why alien-invasion stories are so popular. How can these stories teach us about humanity and survival?

  • Discuss the violence in the book. Is it necessary to the story?

  • What is the book's message about love? Why is love central to the human experience?

Book Details

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