As if the jarring switches of the first book weren’t enough, “Wayward” adds a new subplot, which centers on a mysterious “Nomad” exploring the vast expanse of death outside the secure walls of Wayward Pines. It is well constructed so that residents want for nothing and ask for nothing. It doesn’t take Burke long to realize that there’s something so very wrong with Wayward Pines – speakers hidden in the shrubs broadcasting cricket chirps, dead bodies in ramshackle houses, unstaffed hospitals, conversations that never go deeper than a puddle, and a solitary road that leads nowhere.Every time Burke manages to eke out progress in his investigation, he’s thwarted by a conveniently timed bought of headache/seizures, which leads to unconsciousness and amnesia.Pines starts off posing as a crime thriller, with many overt nods to “Twin Peaks” including damned good coffee.
The author includes a love triangle that heightens the intrigue and conflict, and his concept of a planned society seems plausible.” Allowing the reader to learn things as the characters learn them.
Ethan uncovers more information about the development of Wayward Pines and is forced to work for those who watch over the town’s public and private matters.
Through a weak turn of events, Burke settles for reality without even once challenging it, and knuckles under to this antagonist without any of his previously endearing resistance.2017, 2016 | Podcast Awards Finalist – People’s ChoiceWhile the headaches and such do detract from the overall flow of the story, they do not detract from the overall quality. A side plot centers on an affair between a married Secret Service agent and his partner, so you'll see some suggestive kissing but no nudity.
Book review: The Wayward Pines Trilogy.
Crouch pulls no punches, he describes every violent sequence in excruciating detail and we see Burke, who has remained logical and fairly level-headed, evolve into a heavy handed merciless machine with survival his only goal.2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2012 | Podcast Awards FinalistThe rapid juxtaposition of a town full of kooky but otherwise peaceful residents, and in which everyone is a sadistic murderer reveling in blood sport tinged with eroticism, may be a bit much for some people, but it really does play a role in the overall storyline that carries “Pines” into its third genre: good ole sci-fi.On the surface, “Pines” is the story of Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke who is sent to Wayward Pines, a remote and stereotypical small town paradise in the middle of the Idahoan mountains, to investigate the disappearance of two fellow agents. Where Pines concludes with questions, Wayward begins with answers.
2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 | Parsec Awards Nominee2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2012 | Podcast Awards FinalistI came away from this book feeling drained and aching for answers. I have a few friends and blogs that have become trusted sources.
Crouch has really fleshed out the characters. Tomorrow is a mystery. Crouch gives us a view into the mind of a mad genius and it’s effect on those below him. I absolutely LOVED Annihilation, but have read iffy reviews of Authority. He is a strong protagonist using pragmatism in his fight against an all too real and convincing antagonist.
If there is a real flaw in the book it happens here. This gives the reader a common voice; a unifying thread; to tie together different characters and different aspects of the plot, making the plot easier to understand.