The Passage by Justin Cronin

Well, first of all, I had NO idea that this was the first book of a trilogy. I think I would have read it differently if I had known that. I was anticipating a conclusion - and instead, I finished the last page and thought, "WHAT? What kind of ending is that?" I originally assumed that the Roswell Massacre meant that everyone at the Army camp died. When I was told that it was a trilogy, I back-tracked on that line of thinking. There are still potentially around 2000 pages of story left! So, who really knows what happened at the Massacre and who died. The biggest question I had at the end though was "what is Peter?" Amy and Alicia both seem to know, but I really don't! I certainly should have been suspicious about it concluding, however, since it took 700 pages for them to get ONE viral hub. Good grief, there are 11 to go!

I loved Wolgast and Lacey and I was so sad when they both "died" in the beginning. I thought they would be major characters throughout the book. I was thrilled to see Lacey again - and Wolgast I guess, although I wish he wasn't in viral form. I am assuming we will see him again (although you know what they say about people who assume.) ;-) I also think that Carter - who is "different" than the rest will be the "kind vampire" that fights against his nature. (Yes, like Edward and Bill!)

I got involved with all the main characters - which made it difficult for me to switch back and forth between storylines. I always wanted to stay with the one I was reading at the moment. I liked the journal entries - both of Ida Jaxon and Sara Fisher. Their entries "filled out" the story for me. I thought the first part of the book, and definitely the last part of the book went quickly. There was a part in the middle that dragged a bit, but I can't remember why now.

I guess one thing I kept wondering is what made people think and feel differently than they normally would towards the end in the Compound? What exactly was making people feel angry, depressed, paranoid - and going against their natures? (ie wanting to kill someone). Was it the presence of the virals? But the virals had always been there.....so what changed?

I guess I understand why Amy threw the vials of the extra virus in the fire. I really didn't think it would be good for this small band of people to all be injected with the virus and become this group of "superheros" fighting evil to save the world. Yes, I realize that IS what they are doing, but it is more interesting to have them doing that in human form, in my opinion. BUT, how will she save Peter when something comes his way? Or maybe since Amy knows what he "is",she knows he doesn't need it! I just thought that out as I was typing!


I really loved the book, by-the-way - and I can't wait until the next installment to get some of my questions answered.

Wendy's Rating: *****