That was... strange. There is something about this book I can't place in my head. Westerfeld writes about grand, big, heavy, serious thing so... casually. Yes, that's the word. He can write about (post)apocalypse, world war, culture clashes, fall of empires like some people tell about their day at the family dinner in the evening. And somehow it works even if it should not. He writes what I perceive as true "YA". Not just stories with acting teens in it, but stories told through the eyes of young people (even if they are such only at heart), who still see the world in more pastel/easy/soft/smooth tones without all that adult sharped edges of overlaid social complexities.

P.S. Also: "Cocteau Twins". ( )

Didnt enjoy this book as much as the previous in the series. Partly because I didnt always like the split narration, and partly because Im just not that into stories about bands. There were several characters i thought were original and compelling (mostly Alana Ray) but did not appreciate some of the language the characters used. No Im not talking about swearing, Im talking about the multiple uses of the word retarded as an insult/negative, which is pretty true to how a lot of 2006 teenagers would talk but still not chill for an author to put in their book unchallenged. Gotta give props for vampire apocalypse meets rock and roll with giant worms though. ( )

A companion to Westerfeld's "Peeps," this takes the concept of the first book in a new, and fairly interesting direction.

Perspective rotates among five characters; members of a strange band brought together by chance. With the world spiraling into disrepair as the peep virus spreads, these five teens are turning the familiar medium of music into something...paranormal.

Moz, a music-lover and brilliant guitar player; Pearl, a genius at all types of music and a born manager; Zahler, the mellow bass player; Alana Ray, who drums on paint buckets; and mesmerizing singer Minerva, who isn't in fact human, but an infected peep. They all just wanted fame at first, but when it seems their music is calling the ancient enemy of the infected, they may have a bigger role to play.

The characters were interesting and well-done, although their number and the rotating perspective didn't let you know them as well as Cal and Lace from the original "Peeps" (they make a cameo appearance here). But I did appreciate the depth that went into developing such an original apocalyptic plot; Westerfeld has a unique urban voice and a knack for making real teen characters. Music lovers will also appreciate the artistry with which he describes the various musical aspects in the novel. ( )

Unlike the first book, Peeps, the characters in The Last Days were annoying. Very annoying. ( )

The Last Days is a little lighter than Peeps but still fits in the same world. I don't find the characters quite as likable ad Peeps but it does provide a satisfying conclusion to the story begun in Peeps.

The writing is not too difficult and it's easy to get immersed in the story. The story continues with new characters in The Last Days with a glimpse of the main characters from Peeps.