Reader: Emily T.
Age: 17
Title: Once: An Eve Novel
Author: Anna Carey
Publisher: Harper
Pub Date: 7/3/2012
Galley: Yes
Top 25: No
Convince us to read the book: As a sequel to Eve, Once is an improvement, and highly entertaining. The novel is easily understood without having read the first, but it is helpful to read Eve as there are some details left out in Once. Eve has taken shelter in a community for all women, hoping for the return of Caleb and hiding from the King's men. Escaping, only to be captured, Eve finds herself wrapped up in a confusing plot. Finding she is not going to be the King's wife, but is rather is his long-lost daughter. Intent on escaping and bringing change to the city, she makes friends with the rebels and finds a way to plot her escape. Although Once clearly makes room for a third book in the series, it was well written and flowed better than the first book.
Memorable or Forgettable: Although Once takes place in the future, the plot is believable and unique from any other book on the market. In a world where women are used as breeding machines, it is hard not to sympathize with the main character. Eve is a strong individual, which tends to overshadow her lover, Caleb. Caleb is a rather weak character, and diminishes Eve's strength. Eve is a self-reliant person and pining away for Caleb made the story seem weak and unfinished. Eve is made out to be an independent young woman but it was as if she could not decide what was important.
Cover:The cover was very similar to the cover of Eve, making it apparent that they are part of the same series. The girl on the cover seems more mature than the last girl, signifying her growth, but the tunnel is a little confusing, although it does fit.
Age Range: 14-15
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal

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