Once by Anna Carey Series: Eve #2
Published by HarperTeen on 7/3/2012
Genres: YA Post-Apococalyptic/Dystopian
Source: Amazon
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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.
Interest in Book
There was no way I could deny this series after such a stellar opener. I was instantly drawn into the ugly world and invested in the characters’ well-being. Book one ends on a note that did not sit well with me, and I needed to see that situation change. I’m glad that it did, though the situation unfortunately gets worse for Eve and Caleb.
World-Building
The world definitely expands in this installment. We have now been introduced to the City of Sand, the capital of the New America. Here, people are flourishing under the King’s rule, but it is apparent that not all citizens are in sync with how he is running the new world. This city is self-contained and the inhabitants are busy rebuilding and restoring the former Las Vegas to a habitable home for all. The King does not outwardly appear to be the douche nozzle that we know him to be, but he continues to make decisions for the people, instead of reverting to former democratic ways. Unfortunately for him, the rebels continue their plans to overthrow his regime and restore proper order to America. Stakes are high and you never know who you can trust.
Characters
Eve has fallen deeply in love with Caleb and will do what it takes to ensure she remains by his side. Eve’s situation has completely changed from the first book, where she was on the run from the King’s men and barely surviving in the vast wilderness and ruins of post-apocalyptic America. Now, Eve finds herself in the City of Sand, right under the King’s nose. Her discoveries in this new environment are life-altering, but regardless of what they mean for her future, she refuses to forget about Caleb. He isn’t exactly welcome in the city, and Eve must decide how much she is willing to risk to be with him. Character growth occurs as Eve puts her ass on the line for love. Gosh. I just love Caleb. He is definitely one of my favorite YA boys, and experiencing him through Eve’s eyes makes me love him even more. There were some really beautiful romantic and touching scenes between these characters, and it led me to tweet this: 
Scenes like the ones in this book really drive home how amazing romance can be when it is subtle and bits are left to our imagination. It was so very sweet and realistic, and the kissing was superb.
Lasting Impressions
There were some sad moments that really choked me up in this book. The environment and the people are harsh and in survival mode, and this leads to death and disgusting choices. There are some serious surprises and characters keep you guessing as to what their true motives are. The book ends unhappily for Eve (and me!) and I cannot wait to dive into Rise to discover how it all ends. I am biting my nails at what Eve must face, emotionally and physically, in the conclusion!
Favorite Quote
I loved every part of him. The smell of his skin, the scar on his cheek, the feel of his fingers pressing into my back. The way he could tell what I was thinking just by looking at me.
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Great review! This sounds like my kind of read. Is Eve also a dystopian novel? Do I need to read that one to understand this one?
Yes, this is definitely a series and you need to start with Eve. It’s dystopian and has a powerful but subtle YA romance.
I haven’t read Eve yet, but it’s on my tbr list. Any book that can build up the romantic tension that well is an automatic read to me!
It was only a few scenes, but the overall romance between these two is one of my favs.
I’m almost tempted to pick up Once…but to be honest after reading Eve I promised myself that I wouldn’t subject myself to any more of her!! Glad you enjoyed it though!
Didn’t like her, eh? Boy, does she EVER morph into someone different. I love the transformation of dystopian characters so much!
I need to start this series! And you’re so right — if romantic tension is done right, it can be AWESOME!
Wow sounds like you have a strong connection to this series. I know that many people have had such up and down moments with these books and that makes me a bit scared to dive into the first book. However, your reviews of this series are making me want to dive in to see if I enjoy the books as much as you do.
Thanks for a fab review!
I DID have a strong connection. I just love the genre and THE BOY. I hope you end up liking themm but if you don’t, that’s ok. It’s the way of life for us readers.