The Passage | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

The Passage | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

February 28, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there! So you've just finished reading "The Passage" by Justin Cronin, huh? It's an epic journey that takes you through a post-apocalyptic world overrun by bloodthirsty viral creatures, spanning centuries and generations of characters. If you're anything like me, you probably have a ton of questions and thoughts swirling around in your head. Well, fear not! I'm here to provide you with an overview and FAQ about the book, so let's dive right into it. First things first, "The Passage" is a genre-bending blend of horror, sci-fi, and epic fantasy. It starts off in a not-too-distant future where a secret government experiment goes horribly wrong, resulting in the release of a vampire-like virus that quickly consumes the world. The narrative then jumps ahead nearly a century to a group of survivors who must navigate a dangerous landscape, filled with dark secrets and terrifying adversaries. Now, let's address some of those burning questions you might have. Who is this mysterious Girl from Nowhere? How does she fit into the larger story? What's the deal with the Twelve? And why are these virals so darn scary? All these questions, and more, will be answered in our handy FAQ section. So, if you loved the heart-pounding action, complex characters, and the richly detailed world of "The Passage," fear not! We've got your back. In the next installment, we'll be sharing a list of books that capture the same thrilling and thought-provoking experience. If you're looking to dive into another gripping post-apocalyptic adventure or want to explore other stories about the resilience of humanity in the face of overwhelming odds, stay tuned! We've got some amazing recommendations coming your way.
The Book Cover Image for The Passage
The Book Cover Image for The Passage
Post-Apocalyptic
Thriller
Supernatural

The Twelve

"The Twelve" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that continues the story from "The Passage." In a world ravaged by a vampire-like virus, a diverse group of survivors must combat powerful enemies while uncovering the mysteries of the devastating outbreak.
Author
Justin Cronin
Year Written
2012
Read Time
9h52m
The Twelve
Post-Apocalyptic
Horror
Fantasy

The City of Mirrors

The City of Mirrors is the thrilling finale to the post-apocalyptic Passage Trilogy, where humanity's fate hangs in the balance as an ancient adversary resurfaces, forcing a final confrontation. This gripping novel explores themes of love, redemption, and sacrifice as it masterfully weaves together the threads of an epic battle between good and evil.
Author
Justin Cronin
Year Written
2016
Read Time
10h24m
The City of Mirrors
Apocalyptic
Thriller
Horror

The Stand

"The Stand" is an epic apocalyptic novel by Stephen King, depicting a world devastated by a deadly pandemic. The survivors are divided into factions as they battle between good and evil, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.
Author
Stephen King
Year Written
1978
Read Time
24h34m
The Stand
Dystopian
Post-Apocalyptic
Literary

Station Eleven

"Station Eleven" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that weaves together multiple storylines, exploring the interconnected lives of characters before and after a devastating pandemic. With its beautifully crafted prose and thought-provoking themes of humanity, art, and resilience, it portrays a world where survival goes beyond the physical realm into the realm of art and storytelling.
Author
Emily St. John Mandel
Year Written
2014
Read Time
5h52m
Station Eleven
Post-Apocalyptic
Survival
Family

The Road

The Road is a post-apocalyptic novel by Cormac McCarthy that follows a father and son journeying through a desolate and dangerous world. It explores themes of survival, love, and hope amidst the bleakest of circumstances.
Author
Cormac McCarthy
Year Written
2006
Read Time
4h1m
The Road
Zombies
Survival
Apocalyptic

World War Z

"World War Z" is a gripping oral history that recounts the global war against zombies, offering an intense and realistic portrayal of the chaotic and harrowing battles fought by humanity. Written with meticulous attention to detail, it presents a compelling narrative of survival, resilience, and the various perspectives of those who witnessed and endured the war.
Author
Max Brooks
Year Written
2006
Read Time
5h42m
World War Z
Apocalyptic
Survival
Resilience

Swan Song

"Swan Song" takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, following a group of characters as they navigate the aftermath of a nuclear war. It explores themes of survival, hope, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
Author
Robert McCammon
Year Written
1987
Read Time
14h16m
Swan Song
Post-Apocalyptic
Science Fiction
Thriller

The Girl with All the Gifts

"The Girl with All the Gifts" is a gripping and haunting story set in a post-apocalyptic world, following a young girl named Melanie who appears to possess astonishing abilities. As she navigates a dangerous journey alongside a group of adults, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, testing the limits of humanity and survival.
Author
M.R. Carey
Year Written
2014
Read Time
6h45m
The Girl with All the Gifts
Thriller
Horror
Psychological

Bird Box

Bird Box by Josh Malerman is a suspenseful thriller where a mother must navigate a terrifying post-apocalyptic world while blindfolded, protecting her children from a mysterious force that drives people to madness with just one glimpse. It's a chilling and intense tale of survival and the lengths we'll go to protect those we love.
Author
Josh Malerman
Year Written
2014
Read Time
4h23m
Bird Box
Dystopian
Supernatural
Epidemic

The Fireman

In a world plagued by a deadly pandemic where spontaneous combustion is rampant, a woman named Harper Grayson joins a community of survivors led by a mysterious figure known as "The Fireman." As she learns more about the epidemic and her own hidden powers, Harper must navigate a treacherous journey to find safety while facing the dark forces that threaten their existence.
Author
Joe Hill.
Year Written
2016
Read Time
12h48m
The Fireman
Horror
Suspense
Vampires

The Strain

The Strain is a thrilling vampire novel, full of suspense and horror, that follows a group of individuals as they battle to stop a rapidly spreading vampire plague. With its gripping plot and eerie atmosphere, The Strain will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Author
Guillermo Del Toro
Year Written
2009
Read Time
6h24m
The Strain
Science Fiction
Young Adult
Dystopian

The Fifth Wave

"The Fifth Wave" is a captivating and thrilling young adult dystopian novel that follows the story of Cassie Sullivan as she tries to survive the invasion of Earth by an alien species. Filled with action, suspense, and a touch of romance, it explores themes of humanity, trust, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Author
Rick Yancey
Year Written
2013
Read Time
The Fifth Wave
Dystopian
Adventure
Mystery

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner follows a group of teenage boys trapped in a mysterious maze, with no memory of their past lives. As they strive to navigate the dangerous maze and uncover the truth, they must confront their own fears and form alliances to survive.
Author
James Dashner
Year Written
2009
Read Time
4h23m
The Maze Runner

FAQ

Overview

"The Passage" by Justin Cronin is a gripping and expansive tale set in a world devastated by a viral outbreak. After a secret government experiment goes awry, the world is overrun by ferocious vampire-like creatures called virals. As civilization crumbles, a group of survivors bands together to navigate this post-apocalyptic landscape. At the center of it all is Amy, a young girl with mysterious powers and a connection to the virals. The story spans across decades, following characters who face unimaginable horrors and embark on a quest to save humanity. It's a thrilling blend of horror, science fiction, and epic fantasy, exploring themes of survival, the resilience of the human spirit, and the sacrifices made in the face of overwhelming darkness. With its richly detailed world-building and complex characters, "The Passage" is a mesmerizing journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Length of Read

13h4m

Main Characters

Sure thing! Here are the main characters of "The Passage" and what sets them apart: - Amy: The Girl from Nowhere with a mysterious past and extraordinary abilities, she holds the key to humanity's survival. - Wolgast: A federal agent tasked with capturing Amy, he becomes her protector and finds redemption in his unwavering loyalty. - Peter: A young boy who forms a bond with Amy, he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and represents hope in the darkest times. - Alicia: A fierce and skilled warrior, she fights alongside the survivors, showcasing strength and resilience in the face of danger. - Lacey: A former nun, her unwavering faith and compassion bring a sense of hope and humanity to the bleak landscape. - Babcock: The first viral created by the experiment, he possesses a cunning intelligence that makes him a formidable adversary. These characters, each with their unique qualities and personal journeys, intertwine to shape the narrative of "The Passage." They bring depth and complexity to the story, highlighting themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.

Ending & Meaning

In the heart-pounding finale of "The Passage," the fate of humanity hangs in the balance as a group of survivors led by Amy, the Girl from Nowhere, confronts the relentless viral hordes that have decimated the world. As the battle rages on, the Virals, once human but now transformed into bloodthirsty monsters, seem unstoppable. Yet, Amy, armed with her unique abilities, manages to tap into her ancient connection to the virals and brings about their downfall. As the dust settles, a sense of hope emerges. The survivors, scarred and battered, stand united against the darkness that had threatened to consume them. The novel's ending leaves readers with a glimmer of optimism, suggesting that even in the face of overwhelming despair, humanity can find strength and resilience. One of the prominent themes that emerges from the ending of "The Passage" is the power of connection. Amy's ability to commune with the virals, to understand them and ultimately defeat them, highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of adversity. It suggests that by recognizing and embracing our shared humanity, even with those who seem monstrous or different, we can find a path towards redemption and survival. Additionally, the ending underscores the resilience of the human spirit, reminding readers that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail if we stand together and fight for a better future.
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