velvetsreader's review
4.0
The City of Mirrors marks the end of my favorite trilogy. I truly loved every page, all 1,932 pages to be exact. The end of the Passage trilogy is very bittersweet for me. I never wanted it to end. This ended not how I wanted it to. It wasn't formulaic. I wanted predictability and happily ever after. That didn't happen. I received a perfect and fitting ending for the first family of the first colony. Justin Cronin's writing is beautiful and poetic. I'm a forever fan. Thank you.
sorina_sfreja's review
4.0
More like 4.5 stars. I loved it, again, Cronin does what he does best: writing a great story of survival, hope, but also horror and despair. Unfortunately, I have mixed feelings about the last chapter. I think it's supposed to be some sort of an epilogue, but I didn't see the point. The story ended perfectly and there was no need for that. I would've liked to create my own story about what happened after.
antigonus's review against another edition
5.0
This trilogy left me completely drained. I read the 3 books pretty much back-to-back and went through a rollercoaster ride containing the full gamut of emotions.
The finale revolves around 2 pillars essentially: the story of what drives Zero and the final epic battle. While Zero’s story was very touching on the surface level, I just couldn’t muster much sympathy for his predicament. One of the author’s real strengths is the depth of the characters. There is enough ambivalence in Zero’s life that I could react to his situation differently depending on my mood.
The other standout character in this book (as well as the trilogy) is Alicia. Her character arc is amazing. I must admit that I didn’t really understand some of her emotions though. The impact of events in Iowa (in book 2) play a major role in her decision making. Safe to say that I will be reading the trilogy again just to understand her better at the very least.
The main set pieces or epic battles are managed so beautifully. Multiple POVs happening simultaneously are handled in a deft manner which makes visualizing various events very easy. The constant timeline jumps felt weird in book 1. But I got the hang of it very quickly. So any jumps in book 3 felt natural. This trilogy is really meant to be read back-to-back or at least with a minimal break between each part.
Thoroughly recommend this trilogy if you are looking a character-centric post-apocalyptic setting. One of the finest I have read so far.
The finale revolves around 2 pillars essentially: the story of what drives Zero and the final epic battle. While Zero’s story was very touching on the surface level, I just couldn’t muster much sympathy for his predicament. One of the author’s real strengths is the depth of the characters. There is enough ambivalence in Zero’s life that I could react to his situation differently depending on my mood.
The other standout character in this book (as well as the trilogy) is Alicia. Her character arc is amazing. I must admit that I didn’t really understand some of her emotions though. The impact of events in Iowa (in book 2) play a major role in her decision making. Safe to say that I will be reading the trilogy again just to understand her better at the very least.
The main set pieces or epic battles are managed so beautifully. Multiple POVs happening simultaneously are handled in a deft manner which makes visualizing various events very easy. The constant timeline jumps felt weird in book 1. But I got the hang of it very quickly. So any jumps in book 3 felt natural. This trilogy is really meant to be read back-to-back or at least with a minimal break between each part.
Thoroughly recommend this trilogy if you are looking a character-centric post-apocalyptic setting. One of the finest I have read so far.
albertmarti's review against another edition
1.0
I qas just past 70% when I realized I was completely bored with it and I decided to stop. I was looking forward to it and it has been a complete disapointment. Weak and pretentious plot without ineteresting characters to hold on.
sjj169's review against another edition
3.0
I have no clue why I read these over-long dang books. Yes, I do. I'm totally blaming [a:Edward Lorn|5751572|Edward Lorn|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1461619772p2/5751572.jpg]..he started these chunky books and started posting status updates. I had them sitting on my bookshelf and then he kept making me want to know what was going on. So I dived in. I sorta liked the first book even though Justin Cronin is the writingnest muttha ever. The man loves to make some words. Once I started this series, I liked it. I didn't love it, but there was something about the whole thing that drew me in and I couldn't stop reading. The second book was the best in my opinion..but look what happened to my buddy reader. here.
(It's okay though, he totally made up for it with another buddy read of some horror-porn that had me rolling-you can see that here and here -you are welcome)
Now for this final chapter (Hallelujah) of this series. It's been years since they kicked the "Twelve's" booty and life is good. Baby Caleb is all grown up and married. Peter has moved up politically. Michael is off being obsessed with a big old boat. Amy hasn't been seen but she is still appearing in people's dreams.
I remember wondering about the guy that started this whole hot mess in the last book. Timothy Fanning aka Zero. I even posted in my review that I wanted to know what he was up too..I wanted more about him.
Yes, we find out. Justin Cronin style. I'm filing Zero on my taxes this year just because I know so much about him.
That's one thing about this series. You do know the characters. You do get attached to them. It feels like you are right in the mist of the drama with them. That part I love. I just hate that it takes so much filler to get you there. I shouldn't bitch though, because if I ever get stuck on a desert island this whole series would definitely keep me entertained.
Cronin also wrapped up loose ends, which I greatly appreciate.
I'm glad that I read them. Ed Lorn, this is for you!
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
I'm picking Kathleen's review to put here for this one. Kathleen's review is actually about the book instead of a ramble-fest like mine. Her reviews are so good and she clues me in to books I've never considered. I heart her.
(It's okay though, he totally made up for it with another buddy read of some horror-porn that had me rolling-you can see that here and here -you are welcome)
Now for this final chapter (Hallelujah) of this series. It's been years since they kicked the "Twelve's" booty and life is good. Baby Caleb is all grown up and married. Peter has moved up politically. Michael is off being obsessed with a big old boat. Amy hasn't been seen but she is still appearing in people's dreams.
I remember wondering about the guy that started this whole hot mess in the last book. Timothy Fanning aka Zero. I even posted in my review that I wanted to know what he was up too..I wanted more about him.
Yes, we find out. Justin Cronin style. I'm filing Zero on my taxes this year just because I know so much about him.
That's one thing about this series. You do know the characters. You do get attached to them. It feels like you are right in the mist of the drama with them. That part I love. I just hate that it takes so much filler to get you there. I shouldn't bitch though, because if I ever get stuck on a desert island this whole series would definitely keep me entertained.
Cronin also wrapped up loose ends, which I greatly appreciate.
I'm glad that I read them. Ed Lorn, this is for you!
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
I'm picking Kathleen's review to put here for this one. Kathleen's review is actually about the book instead of a ramble-fest like mine. Her reviews are so good and she clues me in to books I've never considered. I heart her.
beetlady's review
4.0
Not as action filled, but still awesome!! 4-star wrap-up to the series.
Can't expect everyone to live, after all.
Can't expect everyone to live, after all.
mojoshivers's review
4.0
A beast of a book. It was captivating and intelligent from start to finish, but a little long in the tooth by the end.
rodterez07's review against another edition
4.0
The Passage Trilogy is one of the best SF&F series I've read in recent years. The City Of Mirrors is a fitting - though very bittersweet - ending to the saga. The book opens after the pivotal events of the last novel. The last remnants of humanity believe the threat of the virals (the horrific vampires of this story) is finally gone forever. However, it's not a spoiler to reveal they are not. Humanity's messiah Amy "the girl from nowhere" and our small band of heroes must confront Patient Zero, the very first vampire, in order to secure the salvation of humanity once and for all.
This novel is a tour de force, proving Justin Cronin is one of the brightest new stars on the literary stage. Cronin has an uncanny ability to create richly realized worlds populated with nuanced characters of uncommon depth and complexity. In the novel, we find out the backstory and origins of Patient Zero - who ultimately becomes a figure fitting a Greek tragedy.
However, my praise of the author is also my complaint with the book. Far too often, Cronin gets preoccupied with illustrating just how skilled he is at using prose to paint scenes and character reveries that, though sumptuous, are completely nonessential to the story.
In fact, the last third of the novel is dedicated to introducing superfluous characters who could have been excised without harming the integrity of the plot. Unfortunately, the novel gets bogged down by Cronin's excess, something stricter editing could have addressed.
This is a glaring fault in an otherwise extraordinary novel.
This novel is a tour de force, proving Justin Cronin is one of the brightest new stars on the literary stage. Cronin has an uncanny ability to create richly realized worlds populated with nuanced characters of uncommon depth and complexity. In the novel, we find out the backstory and origins of Patient Zero - who ultimately becomes a figure fitting a Greek tragedy.
However, my praise of the author is also my complaint with the book. Far too often, Cronin gets preoccupied with illustrating just how skilled he is at using prose to paint scenes and character reveries that, though sumptuous, are completely nonessential to the story.
In fact, the last third of the novel is dedicated to introducing superfluous characters who could have been excised without harming the integrity of the plot. Unfortunately, the novel gets bogged down by Cronin's excess, something stricter editing could have addressed.
This is a glaring fault in an otherwise extraordinary novel.
good_winter's review
5.0
we finally made it bois! Amazing series, truly unique, I can't wait to see what Justin Cronin writes next.