The sci-fi Wayward Pines book trilogy reviewed

With his Wayward Pines book series, Blake Crouch achieved global acclaim following the success of his previous books, Dark Matter and Recursion.

Combining science fiction with suspense, Crouch’s work takes you to an idyllic town that often seems alien to the outside world. This article explores the three books in the Wayward Pines series to let you know what to expect when you enter the world of Secret Service agent Ethan Burke.

What is the Wayward Pines trilogy about?

On the surface, the town of Wayward Pines seems like any other small town in Idaho. But as U.S. Secret Service agent Ethan Burke explores deeper beyond its electrified fences, he discovers a mystery unlike any other.

Following a car accident, Burke wakes up in the town to discover that every resident is like him. None call Wayward Pines their home. None know how they got there. All any of them know is that they can’t escape.

The citizens are kept under 24-hour surveillance, with an electric fence surrounding the town to keep them inside.

As Burke learns more about his new surroundings, he delves deeper into the mystery behind Wayward Pines. In turn, he must also find ways to protect the people forced to live there.

Without getting into spoilers, the books are inspired by the 1990s TV series Twin Peaks. Fans of video games may also feel the Silent Hill series coming to mind, particularly the theme of a nondescript town from which there is no escape.

Regardless, the books craft a fascinating tale that melds mystery with sci-fi. The story is told in real-time and through flashbacks, with its mystery slowly unraveling as you delve deeper into Ethan’s investigation.

The Wayward Pines series—Our book reviews

Told over the course of a trilogy, the tale of Wayward Pines is perfect for anybody who enjoys solving mysteries. Blake Crouch does an excellent job of allowing readers to revel in (and be horrified by) the strange town. Let’s look at the three books in the series.

Pines

As the first book in the series (sometimes referred to as Wayward Pines: 1), Pines introduces Ethan Burke and the town where he’s trapped.

After a car accident leaves him stranded in “the last town,” he learns that the people who live there have no control over their lives. They’re told what to eat, where to work, and who to marry. And if anybody attempts to escape, they soon turn up dead.

Of course, Burke’s curiosity gets the better of him, as he can’t help but try to uncover how the town came to be. What lies beyond the electric fence? How can he help the residents? And what does he need to do to escape a town that has seemingly claimed his life?

Wayward

In the second book in the series, Ethan Burke has become the sheriff of Wayward Pines. Still no closer to escaping, he at least knows the truth about the town and the horrors that lie outside.

The book’s plot revolves around a murder investigation, with Burke acting as the lead investigator on the case. That investigation only draws him closer to the horrifying secrets the town hides. Burke soon discovers that the knowledge he’s amassed so far doesn’t offer the full picture.

Wayward is an interesting book because it covers Burke’s attempts to lead a somewhat regular life in a far from normal town. The reader gets to pull at the many threads of the story, only to discover new mysteries behind every seeming solution.

The Last Town

Where Wayward focused on life in Wayward Pines, The Last Town brings the series back into action territory.

Ethan Burke now knows what lies beyond the electric fence surrounding the town. But he’s about to make a big decision that could have devastating consequences for himself and everybody else in Wayward Pines.

A thrilling conclusion to the series, The Last Town finally reveals all, giving the series a horror-soaked ending that suggests some mysteries are better left unsolved.

Find great thriller novels on Speechify Audiobooks

With the entire series being available on services like Amazon Kindle, as well as in audiobook form, it’s not difficult to start your journey into Wayward Pines. And once you’re there, you may never want to leave thanks to the brilliance of Crouch’s writing.

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FAQ

Is Wayward Pines like Twin Peaks?

The Wayward Pines TV series has a lot in common with David Lynch’s TV show. So much so that some argue the similarities to Twin Peaks were part of the show’s downfall.

Is the Wayward Pines television series worth watching?

First-time viewers will find a lot to like about Wayward Pines, especially if they’re fans of Twin Peaks or the videogame Silent Hill.

What are some of the themes in Wayward Pines?

Exploration of the unknown, the insignificance of the past, and David Pilcher’s god complex are all major themes in Wayward Pines.

What is the connection between Wayward Pines and The Prisoner?

Some bloggers argue that the Wayward Pines TV show is essentially a cross between The Prisoner and Twin Peaks.

Who are the characters in Wayward Pines?

Ethan Burke, David Pilcher, Ben Burke, and Megan Fisher are some of the main characters in the Wayward Pines series. Matt Dillon plays Burke in the FOX show.

Has Wayward Pines won any awards?

A blogger named Ryan Daley named Pines as one of his top 10 novels of 2012. The TV adaptation also received several nominations for the Saturn Awards.