Review Detail

What I liked: I really loved how the author is able to weave in intense emotions between her characters. In ONCE WE WERE readers see the conflict that arises between two souls trapped in one body. Think THE HOST meets GOLDEN COMPASS. Eva is the recessive soul that should had faded long ago. Now though she's able to come out more and realizes that she has her own wants/desires that are different than Addie. The author does a great job showing readers this with beautifully written passages that dig deep within both of the souls. You can't help but feel the pain, frustration, and even freedom each soul feels once they realize that they can be separate.

What I had a problem with though was how confusing all the different souls could be in this novel. It was hard enough at times to follow both Eva and Addie but add to that a few other characters and it got way too distracting. Also the pacing was very slow at times that I found myself skimming over passages. Then toward the climax of the story it rushed by so far I lost what really was happening with the rebellion. And Eva and Addie's love interests were hard to follow. I didn't really connect with either of them. But that's just me.

Overall, this is a fascinating look into the life of a teen with two souls and the struggles each has in their quest for freedom. The writing at times is flawless with passages that reveal the inner conflict each soul goes through.