The Passage is an ambitious apocalyptic novel written by Justin Cronin that begins in the near future and spans almost one hundred years into the future. It is similar to Stephen King’s The Stand in that a virus that is being engineered in a secret government lab is released into the world. The government is working with a newly discovered virus trying to create “super soldiers”. This virus is unique in a number of different ways and takes on a life of its own through the death row inmates that are used as “guinea pigs” in the experiments. Obviously, the plan to create these “super soldiers” goes awry and the virus actually turns the victims into powerful, vampire like creatures that feed on the blood of other humans and animals. These vampire like creatures are responsible for both the spread of the virus and the destruction of the human population. The Passage is a haunting story that definitely left an impression in my mind. It is difficult to forget the armored steel passenger trains that are built during the crisis to transport survivors to safety. The Passage is a long story that is well worth the time. While some of the creations in The Passage are not new, Justin Cronin’s depiction of vampires versus survivors in a post apocalyptic world is entirely unique and satisfying.
The Passage is an awesome piece of work. And i so look forward to book 2. Mr. Cronin has given us a story that, while it has The Stand flavor, gives us an entirely different story of the apocalypse than many out there are writing or have written.
You love Amy from the first mention of her to the last page. She will intrigue you. she will make you think about wonderful and terrible things. You will even want to be like her. She is a great thinker. A wonderful forever child. And you cant stop turning the pages to see what becomes of her.
Mr. Cronin has written an epic history for the folks in this novel. Dont skip pages because you will miss important things…things that hold great and wonderful keys to the mysteries that unfold unto the end.
Whether or not you like Dystopian end of the world books….you will like this one. I have read it three times in the last six months, its that good. I have read The Stand about 10 times. So when a story is good….its worth the reading over and over again. Atlas truly did shrug in this book…..and it will take you captive.
I agree that The Passage is a good book. Certain images like the fortified trains left an impression in my mind. I am also looking forward to book 2 in the series called The Twelve which is to be released on October 16, 2012, according to Amazon.com . Thanks for your comment!