Title: Eve
Series: The Eve Trilogy, #1
Author: Anna Carey
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult
Source: NetGalley
Published: October 4, 2011 by HarperCollins
Where do you go when nowhere is safe?Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her.
Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.
In this epic new series, Anna Carey imagines a future that is both beautiful and terrifying. Readers will revel in Eve’s timeless story of forbidden love and extraordinary adventure.
Why I Read this Book: Bring on the Dystopia! 2011 seems to be the year for Dystopia reading and with the end of the world coming in 2012, I can only imagine there will be a plethora of Dystopian novels to come. Bring it! I enjoy reading YA Dystopian novels, especially ones with a budding romance, so when I saw Eve I knew I had to read it.
What I Liked: There’s an element to the story that’s not given away in the synopsis, and purposely so. When I found out about this particular element, it made an impact. My jaw dropped open.
I was so invested in Eve’s quest, her desires. It broke my heart to read that ending. It seems as though a decision has been made, by both Eve and Caleb, but a part of me hopes that it’s a false ending and things somehow change, for the better, in the next book.
The author creates an interesting world set in the future. This part put things in prospective:
Heading for the door, I stepped on a pile of green papers strewn across the titled floor, covered in sand and dust. I picked on up that read ‘100’, an old man’s stern face on it, realizing, suddenly, that it was a piece of old money. I crumpled the bill and threw it down, leaving it in the dust once more.
She crumpled up a C-note y’all!!
Now that I’ve read Eve, it reminds me of the book The Handmaid’s Tale – a book I have yet to read but am able to recognize a similar plot point based on what I’ve read from its synopsis.
What I Didn’t Like: I have to question Caleb’s motives and feelings towards Eve. There were times, like at the end for instance, when I didn’t understand his reasoning. Things just didn’t add up for me. And speaking of the ending, I wasn’t convinced of Eve’s decision. I wanted to shout at my Kindle “Don’t [removed to avoid any spoilers] Caleb!! Don’t!!!
Overall Impression: Eve moved me. I cried (quite a few times actually). But there were parts that baffled me, like the ending. A good read for Dystopian fans. The book ended with a cliffhanger so I’m anxious to read Once.
The Book Vixen’s Rating:
Looks like I'll have to read this. I love dystopia!
ReplyDeleteI think this is one of the best written reviews on this book so far!
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about this book. I'm with you on my questioning Caleb's motives. And the amount of times I actually yelled at the book? I think it's higher than almost any other book I've read. *lol*
I do want to read the next one. BAD.
@Jac
ReplyDeleteI have many questions for Caleb. Many.
This is the first blog review I've seen of this book. I've read a few dystopian novels lately; lots of similar themes but it really matters what an author does with it to make the characters stand out. I'll definitely consider this. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have heard ups and downs about this book but if it made you cry then I think I have to get this book. I love when books are powerful enough to bring about intense emotions.
ReplyDeleteI was on the fence about this one, I had completely written it off as not for me, but now I'm second guessing that decision.
Thanks for the great review. :)
I seriously need to get around to this one! Especially after your comment about something that the synopsis didn't hint at?! I was so excited for this one, but there were just too many books coming out at once! Must rectify this immediately!
ReplyDeleteAlso, the part where she crumpled up the 100? LOLed so hard! That's perspective alright -- and why I <3 dystopian so much.
Uh oh... you said (typed) the forbidden words...cliffhanger. Unfortunately, I must pass until the rest of the books are out. I just can't take anymore incomplete series. My heart can't take it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one too but also wanted to shout at the characters. And it was quite similar to The Handmaids Tale (which was a far superior book).
ReplyDelete