Review: Once

Title: Once
Author: Anna Carey
Series: Eve #2
Published: July 3rd 2012
Rating: 5

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?

For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.

But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.

Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.

It's been months since Eve been at Califia. Months since she last seen Caleb. In this stunning sequel to the compelling Eve adrenaline is high and the stakes are even higher. 

I find it hard to review something that just had so much in it, seriously it was action packed! So many questions and mysteries were answered that made my mouth drop and left me shell-shocked. We finally find out why the King wants Eve sooo desperately and to be honest I really should have seen that twist coming. It makes so much sense why and sets the tone for the rest of the novel.

The novel is set in The City of Sands - home to the new america- were danger is a high potential. Filled with secrets, love, betrayal and action it's safe to say that life in The City of Sands is never dull. Where introduced to some new characters here and I must say I did have a small soft spot for Charles. You could see clearly that he did have genuine feelings for Eve. The poor guy, he never stood a chance to capture her heart though as we see for varies reason that that would be highly unlikely- of course besides the fact that Eve's madly in love with Caleb. There was another character that I was fond of at the beginning- but you see for reason that I cannot say due to spoilers-  that one action at the end of the novel totally ruined my attachment even though it was not their fault.

In this sequel Caleb and Eve relationship was heart melting, it was truly adorable and a little steamy at times I must say. Caleb and Eve take huge reckless risks sneaking around to meet one another when it was only a matter of time one of them or both would get caught. Their relationship really grew in Once, you could see how in love they were and the determination they both had drive them to achieve their goals and ultimately be together at last. I was surprised at some moments between them with how willing Eve was, accounting for that she was raised her whole life with the mind set that males were horrid beast that'll take advantage of you any chance they get. It made me really proud of Eve, seeing her banish away those lies and stepping forward with her relationship. 

This could possible be the hardest review I've had to wright! There's a spoiler that I can't talk about that involves the whole plot line! But trust me when I say Once will not disappoint. It was none stop from start to finish with a myriad of intense and revealing scenes, right up to the explosive ending that'll tear your heart apart. I have high hopes for Rise, as I'm sure Anna Carey will deliver magnificent conclusion to the Eve Trilogy.

-Taylor x