Review: Once by Anna Carey

Once by Anna Carey
Published: July 3rd, 2012 (HarperCollins)
Pages: 320
Source: ARC via Edelweiss
Challenge: Sophomore Reading Challenge 2012
Series: Eve, #2
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★★☆

Note: this is not the first book in a series, and can therefore contain (minor) spoilers for the previous book(s) in the series. Reading of this review is at your own risk.

Sixteen years have passed since a deadly virus wiped out most of the Earth’s population. After learning of the terrifying part she and her classmates were fated to play in the rebuilding of New America, eighteen-year-old Eve fled to the wilds and Califia, a haven for women determined to live outside the oppressive rule of the king of New America. However, her freedom came at a price: she was forced to leave Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. Eve quickly learns that Califia may not be as safe as it seems and soon finds herself in the City of Sand and the palace of the king. There she uncovers the real reason he was so intent on her capture, and the unbelievable role he intends her to fill. When she is finally reunited with Caleb, they will enact a plan as daring as it is dangerous. But will Eve once again risk everything—her freedom, her life—for love?

I really enjoyed reading Eve last year, so when I saw this one up for review, I *had* to have it! I'm so excited that I got approved, because this book proves to be a worthy follow-up to Carey's debut.

Where we met Eve, Arden and Caleb in the first book, the sequel tells us about how Eve tries to survive in the City of Sand - the place she feared even more than the place they would send her after graduating. I really enjoyed seeing this from her point of view, the so-called Great City From Where Everything Will Be Re-Built. It's really hard for me not to spoil anything in this one, so I'm going to keep this review short and sweet by saying I really enjoyed reading about Eve's struggle and all the twists and turns along the way.

The world is just as fascinating as it was in the first book, maybe even more so now because we get our own glimpse of the City of Sand. The villain is human, both in person and in his behavior, even though he is a dictator who doesn't seem to be able to feel anything. Maybe it's his act, but I like that he's not someone who is evil for the sake of being evil.

I really liked this book and am already excited for book three. I can't wait to see where Carey takes us next,  especially not after that ending..