4 Stars: A Great Read
Series: Eve #1
Hardback: 318 Pages
Publication: October 4, 2011 by Harper Teen
The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, 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 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.
What really stood out to me was the world building. In envisioning a world where 98% of the world’s population is wiped out by a deadly virus, Anna Carey portrays a realistic view of society sixteen years from the the devastating loss. The characters themselves are authentic from major characters like Eve and Caleb to minor characters that Carey introduces in passing. Setting and character are very important to me when reading a book, and Carey excels in making the two feel real.
Putting the setting aside, as I don’t want to go into it in too much detail and spoil it, Eve is a brilliant, strong young woman. She has been brainwashed her whole life, and her only knowledge of the world comes from her studies. In a matter of days, she must go through life-endangering situations in pursuit of the truth. It takes great strength and courage to go against all that you know, and even more to open your heart to someone. I love how Eve stands up for herself and grows from the dangers that she encounters.
Carey’s dystopian world is frightening. Girls are educated in a virtual prison from the rest of the world without realizing what their true future will be. Often, characters cannot be trusted, even in places that seem to be the safest. There is no ideal ending this time around, and I will definitely be on the lookout for the second installment in the trilogy!
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An ARC was provided by the publisher for review purposes
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Christina Kit. says
Wow! I'm so happy to hear the world-building is excellent and all the characters are strong.
And that Eve's so great:)
Anonymous says
Already interesting, and I'm not just saying that because I like the cover. I've been searching for some dystopian recently and this seems like an excellent place to start.
— Adrian at adrian_dakota
Natalie Aguirre says
Sounds like a good book. I've heard of it. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.