I had high hopes for this book, but I was disappointed. Though some new characters are introduced, there is very little growth or change in Miranda, who is far whinier than anyone living through the end of the world has any right to be. Many of the situations are either too far-fetched, too convenient, or just nonsensical to my eyes. Alex is, if possible, even more annoying than he was in the second book. I waver between two and three stars on this one.