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ARC Book Review: Once We Were – Kat Zhang


oncewewereOnce We Were
Author: Kat Zhang
Series: The Hybrid Chronicles #2
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Dystopia
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins

Goodreads | Amazon | TBD

Summary:

I am lucky just to be alive.
Eva was never supposed to have survived this long. As the recessive soul, she should have faded away years ago. Instead, she lingers in the body she shares with her sister soul, Addie. When the government discovered the truth, they tried to “cure” the girls, but Eva and Addie escaped before the doctors could strip Eva’s soul away.
Now fugitives, Eva and Addie find shelter with a group of hybrids who run an underground resistance. Surrounded by others like them, the girls learn how to temporarily disappear to give each soul some much-needed privacy. Eva is thrilled at the chance to be alone with Ryan, the boy she’s falling for, but troubled by the growing chasm between her and Addie. Despite clashes over their shared body, both girls are eager to join the rebellion.
Yet as they are drawn deeper into the escalating violence, they start to wonder: How far are they willing to go to fight for hybrid freedom? Faced with uncertainty and incredible danger, their answers may tear them apart forever.

 
First Sentence: We share a heart, Addie and I.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

My Review:

Once We Were was probably the most talked about book when it went up for review on Edelweiss. It’s easy to understand why: What’s Left of Me was one of the most memorable books I’ve read last year. With a premise of two souls sharing one body called hybrids and a society that doesn’t accept them, What’s Left of Me captured my attention in a heartbeat. What’s Left of Me had me feeling so many different emotions from feeling happy to feeling conflicted in a span of a minute because of the whole hybrid situation Addie and Eva are in. I just can’t help but want more of the hybrid universe, more of Kat Zhang’s awesome writing, and more hybrid action.

I love Kat Zhang’s writing. It’s so delicate and just so elegant. I honestly wish I can write like her. I cherish every single sentence I read in both What’s Left of Me and Once We Were, reading it ultra slowly just to enjoy her writing fully. I can definitely see Kat Zhang writing even more books in the future and me reading them all just to enjoy her writing.

But the thing is, sharing hands doesn’t mean sharing goals. Sharing eyes doesn’t mean sharing visions. And sharing a heart doesn’t mean sharing the things we love. (ARC 1)

The pacing in Once We Were was the thing I had the most problems with. The pacing in the first three-thirds or so of Once We Were was a bit slow, but I wasn’t all that bothered about it. Kat Zhang’s writing made up for it. The first three-thirds of Once We Were consisted of Addie and Eva learning and practicing more about fully controlling their body by themselves, learning more about the new people in their group, trying to join the hybrid rebellion, and making tons of plans.

The last quarter of Once We Were is a whole different story. It was full of tons of action and tension; there was never a dull moment. I was worried about every single character in the book, I mean almost every single character (because come on, you can’t cheer for the bad guys), and was hoping that they’ll survive and get away safety.

I tried not to think about the deliberate way Nina’s frown had disappeared. As if she’d forced it away, along with her curiosity. As if, even at eleven, Nina had learned that her life would always be full of other people’s secrets, and some were dangerous, and sometimes it was better not to know. (ARC 55)

Unlike What’s Left of Me, Addie didn’t anger me as much in Once We Were. She wasn’t as selfish as she was in What’s Left of Me and this time, I totally got her. I felt like Eva was a little more selfish than Addie in Once We Were, but then again, if I was in Eva’s situation, I can’t help but want more in my life either.

I didn’t really connect with Ryan and see the appeal of him in What’s Left of Me. However, in Once We Were, I slowly started to see why Eva was so attracted to him. Even though Ryan is a person of a few words, he’s pretty sweet to Eva. Ryan just lurks up to you and captures your heart slowly and quietly until you realize that it’s too late.

But so many weeks of waiting, of wanting, of thinking and hoping and daydreaming were catching up to me. Then he was laughing, too, shaking his head, the edge of his hand pressing against his forehead. (ARC 112)

I have to admit, when I first read What’s Left of Me, I honestly didn’t like the direction the last half of What’s Left of Me was heading towards. It felt like the unique beginning of What’s Left of Me was turning into any other dystopians out there: finding out that your government is corrupt, then some fighting and struggles, and finally rebelling against said government. In the end, I still have mixed reactions towards the direction this entire series is heading, but Once We Were was a pretty good read despite my worries.

Would I recommend Once We Were? If you can get through a major slow beginning to finally get to the amazing and tension-filled ending, then yes, I’ll definitely recommend that you read Once We Were.

threepointfive

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-Kelly

Posted by Kelly on 9-08-13 · 27 Comments
Categories: 2013 book, book review Tagged: 3.5 star

« Stacking the Shelves [49]
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Speak Your Mind

  1. Becca @ Nawanda Files says

    9-08-13 at 10:38 AM

    Hmm, not sure if I would like this series or not. But the covers are gorgeous. I just have a hard time with dystopians, especially if they’re focused on corrupt govt’s and trying to overthrow the head of it. Sometimes it works (like Breathe, I love Breathe and Resist so much) but I guess I would have to read it to find out for myself ;) Great review, Kelly!
    Becca @ Nawanda Files recently posted…Stacking the Shelves + Weekly Recap in GIFs [52]My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-10-13 at 5:15 PM

      The covers are what convinced me to read the series the first place. It’s too gorgeous not to be read. ;D
      The Hybrid Chronicles is not exactly about overthrowing a corrupt government, although, at the same time, it kind of is. I can’t really explain it or else I’ll spoil the book/series for you, but yeah, when you read it, you’ll see what I mean. :P
      I sadly couldn’t get into Breathe. It wasn’t that engaging. D:
      Thank you! :D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books I Would Love To See As A Movie/TV ShowMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Kayla says

    9-08-13 at 2:52 PM

    I’ve been wanting to read this series for a while now, but I keep finding mixed reviews so I’m not totally convinced yet. The covers are beautiful though so if nothing else I guess it’ll spice up my bookshelf!
    Kayla recently posted…A Very Informal Review of the City of Bones MovieMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-10-13 at 5:23 PM

      Ha ha, I totally get you Kayla! I buy books with gorgeous book covers just so I can stare at it all day, even though it has some mixed reviews.
      When you get to reading this series, I hope you’ll enjoy it! It may just surprise you. (;
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books I Would Love To See As A Movie/TV ShowMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Jane says

    9-09-13 at 7:56 AM

    Addie was SO annoying in What’s Left of Me so I’m glad she is a lot better in Once We Were. And aww, I don’t really like books with slow pacing.
    Nice review Kelly!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-10-13 at 5:28 PM

      Yeah, Addie is A LOT better in Once We Were compared to What’s Left of Me. You won’t be disappointed with that part Jane!
      Thanks! :D
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books I Would Love To See As A Movie/TV ShowMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Rachel says

    9-09-13 at 8:51 PM

    Great review! Really, I’m now eager to get my hands on this sequel. I do have to be honest, I didn’t like What’s of Left Me so much. I thought it was a bit slow and the characters weren’t that appealing. Addie was selfish and the love interest was weird (for a lack of a better word). I appreciate you saying that the beginning of Once We Were is slow as well, BUT that it does get better! I was also worried about the direction of this series, I couldn’t imagine what the author planned with the sequel. But I think that I’m sold. I will certainly buy it when it comes out. Even if I doesn’t like it, at least I didn’t give up…

    Rachel
    Rachel recently posted…Review: The School for Good and Evil by Soman ChainaniMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-10-13 at 5:46 PM

      Thank you! :D
      Aww. I can see why What’s Left of Me was so-so read for you.
      I know! Addie was really selfish in What’s Left of Me and Ryan was indeed weird. :P
      Yeah, the direction the series is going towards is weird. I wonder what Kat Zhang will do with the next and last book. How will she solve the hybrid problem? I really can’t picture any ending that’ll work really. o___o
      Don’t give up on this series Rachel! Who knows, maybe you’ll like Once We Were even better than you liked What’s Left of Me.
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books I Would Love To See As A Movie/TV ShowMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Rachel says

    9-09-13 at 8:52 PM

    ups! If I don’t like it .. ^^
    Rachel recently posted…Review: The School for Good and Evil by Soman ChainaniMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-10-13 at 5:50 PM

      -crosses my fingers for you-
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Books I Would Love To See As A Movie/TV ShowMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Aimee Cohen says

    9-27-13 at 4:09 AM

    This book sounds great interesting to see another two sould perspective novel !!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-28-13 at 1:22 PM

      Yeah, Kat Zhang REALLY explores what it means to have two souls in one body. In fact, I think she’s the only young adult author who does do that.
      Kelly recently posted…First Year Blogoversary + Three Giveaways!My Profile

      Reply
  7. Ashleigh Swerdfeger says

    9-28-13 at 7:15 PM

    Your reviews are so awesome. I have never heard of this series before. I am inspired to check it out. Sometimes I skip ahead if the beginning is too slow :P
    Ashleigh Swerdfeger recently posted…Banned Book Week 2013My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-28-13 at 9:24 PM

      Thanks Ashleigh! :D<3
      You definitely have to check out the Hybrid Chronicles series Ashleigh, it's really unique and gives you a new perspective on the world.
      And ha ha, I'm afraid to skip any part of the book in case I missed something big. :P
      Kelly recently posted…First Year Blogoversary + Three Giveaways!My Profile

      Reply
  8. Cali W. says

    10-01-13 at 3:37 PM

    Awesome review! I like the cover with the eye; it’s creepy yet cool. I am glad that this book has some action at the end, it makes the story well written. ;)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      10-05-13 at 8:42 PM

      Thanks Cali! (:
      The covers for this series is absolutely GORGEOUS. I like What’s Left of Me’s cover better than Once We Were though.
      Ha ha, I have a feeling that you’ll enjoy this one Cali. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [52]My Profile

      Reply
  9. Katie says

    10-03-13 at 5:04 PM

    you were SO lucky to get an arc of this! I really want to read this. Great review =)
    Katie recently posted…Blog Tour: For Internal Use Only by Cari KammMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      10-05-13 at 8:45 PM

      I am lucky to get an ARC of this. :D
      But Once We Were is released by now so you can enjoy it too. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [52]My Profile

      Reply
  10. Jaime Lester says

    10-05-13 at 11:47 PM

    My biggest issue with the first book was the drag in the middle. Other than that, I adored the book. The premise was wonderful. I am a little nervous about the slow beginning, but knowing that the slow pace in the middle of the first book was all but forgotten once the action hit, I think I can move past it and enjoy book 2 as well!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      10-06-13 at 11:33 AM

      I agree – the middle of What’s Left of Me was slow, but things sure got good once the action part of the book came in. :D
      As for Once We Were, it does have a slow middle too, but it is definitely worth trudging through to reach the end. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: Wild Cards – Simone ElkelesMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Susan T. says

    10-07-13 at 6:46 PM

    I really like the idea of two souls in one body! Thanks for the warning about the slow start!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      10-07-13 at 9:10 PM

      I know – it’s such an unique concept that you can write TONS of things about.
      No problem, I hope you’ll enjoy this series if you decide to give it a try Susan! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Judge A Book By Its Signature: Just One Day – Gayle FormanMy Profile

      Reply
  12. sarah c. says

    11-03-13 at 1:10 PM

    Great review!!! I have been wanting to read this book since i had finished the first one!!! Glad that you have liked it and eventually i will get this book to read soon!!!!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      1-13-14 at 6:09 PM

      Thanks Sarah! :D
      I hope you’ll like Once We Were as much as you liked What’s Left Of Me!
      Kelly recently posted…Judge A Book By Its Signature: I Hunt Killers + Game – Barry LygaMy Profile

      Reply
  13. Satarupa Biswas says

    12-20-13 at 12:49 PM

    The pacing is actually very slow but I love the concept so I’m going to read this second part as well and hope that I will like it. Thanks for this wonderful review and I got a brief but detailed outline of the continuation of the story through this review.
    Satarupa Biswas recently posted…Blog Tour: Strange In Skin Trilogy by Sara V. Zook ~ Spotlight ~ Excerpt ~ Giveaway !!!My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      1-13-14 at 6:18 PM

      Yeah, the first part of Once We Were is fairly slow, but it gets better as you read on from there. :D
      I hope you’ll like Once We Were too! -crosses fingers-
      And no problem! ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Judge A Book By Its Signature: I Hunt Killers + Game – Barry LygaMy Profile

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Monthly Wrap Up: September + October 2013 says:
    10-31-13 at 8:53 PM

    […] Saving Grace by Julie Garwood (Rating: 4.0/5.0) 2. Once We Were by Kat Zhang (Rating: 3.5/5.0) 3. The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas (Rating: 3.5/5.0) 4. The Gift by […]

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