Eve
by Anna Carey
- First published 2011
- 318 pages
- English
Sixteen years after a devastating virus swept across the globe, what remains of humanity lives in a perilous world. Eighteen-year-old Eve has spent her life within the protective walls of an all-girls school, raised with the promise of a future as a contributing member of the New America and taught to fear the outside world, especially men. The night before her graduation, Eve uncovers the shocking truth about her school's true purpose and the horrifying destiny that awaits her and the other graduates.
Fleeing the only home she has ever known, Eve embarks on a dangerous journey through the desolate landscape. Along the way, she encounters Caleb, a rebellious boy living in the wild. Though she has been conditioned to mistrust him, Caleb gradually earns her confidence and her affection. As soldiers begin to hunt them, Eve is forced to confront a world far more complex and terrifying than she imagined, and must choose between her burgeoning love and her survival.
Fleeing the only home she has ever known, Eve embarks on a dangerous journey through the desolate landscape. Along the way, she encounters Caleb, a rebellious boy living in the wild. Though she has been conditioned to mistrust him, Caleb gradually earns her confidence and her affection. As soldiers begin to hunt them, Eve is forced to confront a world far more complex and terrifying than she imagined, and must choose between her burgeoning love and her survival.
What readers say
3.68
44K ratings across the web 6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
The reviews for this book highlight several positive aspects that drew readers in. Many found the core premise of a post-plague dystopian society, where young women are educated under false pretenses before facing a grim reality, to be intriguing and disturbing in a compelling way. Reviewers frequently praised the fluid writing style and good pacing, noting that the story moved swiftly and kept them turning pages. The book's ability to evoke strong emotions, particularly regarding the plight of the children, was also a positive for some. Additionally, several minor characters and the love interest, Caleb, were often singled out as likable, protective, and adding positively to the narrative, with some appreciating the sweet and complementary handling of the romance.
However, the reviews also reveal significant criticisms, primarily centered on the protagonist, Eve. She is frequently described as selfish, naive, impractical, and prone to making questionable decisions that inadvertently harm those around her. The world-building is another major point of contention, with many reviewers finding it flimsy, illogical, and lacking plausible explanations for the societal structure, the plague, or the educational system. The book is often criticized for its unoriginality, relying heavily on common young adult dystopian tropes, leading to comparisons with other popular series that it struggles to live up to. The romance, while appreciated by some, was seen by others as rushed, forced, and lacking genuine chemistry. Finally, the ending is often described as abrupt, unsatisfying, and a contrived cliffhanger designed solely to drive interest in the sequel.
In conclusion, this book appears to be a fast-paced and emotionally engaging read with an interesting, albeit unoriginal, premise. While it struggles with a weak protagonist and inconsistent world-building, its readability and some likable supporting characters offer enough to keep many readers invested. It would likely appeal to young adult readers new to the dystopian genre, those who prioritize a quick, adventurous plot over deep thematic exploration, or readers who are willing to overlook logical inconsistencies for an engaging story and hold out hope for stronger sequels.
However, the reviews also reveal significant criticisms, primarily centered on the protagonist, Eve. She is frequently described as selfish, naive, impractical, and prone to making questionable decisions that inadvertently harm those around her. The world-building is another major point of contention, with many reviewers finding it flimsy, illogical, and lacking plausible explanations for the societal structure, the plague, or the educational system. The book is often criticized for its unoriginality, relying heavily on common young adult dystopian tropes, leading to comparisons with other popular series that it struggles to live up to. The romance, while appreciated by some, was seen by others as rushed, forced, and lacking genuine chemistry. Finally, the ending is often described as abrupt, unsatisfying, and a contrived cliffhanger designed solely to drive interest in the sequel.
In conclusion, this book appears to be a fast-paced and emotionally engaging read with an interesting, albeit unoriginal, premise. While it struggles with a weak protagonist and inconsistent world-building, its readability and some likable supporting characters offer enough to keep many readers invested. It would likely appeal to young adult readers new to the dystopian genre, those who prioritize a quick, adventurous plot over deep thematic exploration, or readers who are willing to overlook logical inconsistencies for an engaging story and hold out hope for stronger sequels.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- HarperTeen, 2011
- ISBN
- 9780062114181
- Language
- English
Original edition Eve Originally published in 2011 · Romanian · Editura Leda









