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Devastated by her choices, Candace Bristol is on the brink of losing it all: her mind, her hope, everything she thought she was.

But from the ruins rises new purpose. An enemy has emerged and it will take everything to combat this new threat. Broken as she is, picking up the pieces and carrying on might be the hardest battle to win, but it's either fight, or lose what little she has left.

Amongst the wreckage, hope still burns. The flicker of a flame kindles something within her she thought was dead.

Love can break you.

So, too, can it bring you back to life.

429 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2014

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153 people want to read

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S.A. Huchton

14 books20 followers
Titles published as S.A. Huchton contain material only suitable for adults.
Titles published as Starla Huchton are suitable for ages 13 and up.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Kimber Wheaton.
Author 4 books248 followers
July 20, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

Wow! I absolutely loved Evolution: SAGE book two in The Evolution Series. I'm not even sure how to review it since I don't think I really can without major spoilers. It continues right where Evolution: ANGEL left off, which was a bad place for main character Candace. I don't know how it's possible, but I liked this second book even better than the first.

Interesting characters, intriguing plot twists, and nonstop action make Evolution: SAGE a real winner. I like the introduction of the shadow organization HEX. It blurs some lines and not only creates extra tension for the ANGELS, but also plants that seed of doubt. I loved that this novel focused more on the tumultuous relationship between Candace and Jackson. The real strength in this novel is the character development and interactions.

The ending wasn't really an ending as much as the mother of all cliffhangers. I'm glad I have book three in my possession, though I lament the fact that work will keep me away from it for a few days.
Profile Image for Jessica Surgett.
Author 1 book9 followers
July 27, 2014
I don't even know what to say.....
ASFGKLKGLCNDRYL!!!!
Seems the only appropriate response here.
Oh and- JACKSON.

But seeing as capital letters and gibberish expletives do not make an informative review- I shall try to form a few coherent sentences for you.

OMG! (Sorry, but I'm trying here, I promise) This book made me want to laugh, cry, scream, and vomit. But in a good way- I swear! The plot is thickening and the ending...
THE ENDING.
GAH!
Fair warning here- set aside some time when you start this series, because you will not be physically able to stop until you have devoured all of these books.
Profile Image for LeAnn.
127 reviews
December 8, 2015
"We're cousins... don't make it weird or I won't let you be my teddy bear any more."

I think I loved this book more than the first, if it's possible. Candace is picking up the pieces, trying to accept what happened and move on. Easier said than done, until help comes from an unexpected place. We know Jackson as the sarcastic asshole but in this book, we learn that sometimes first impressions can be wrong. There's another side to Jackson we haven't seen but honestly? I knew it was there all along.

In order to distract herself, Candace practices her ability and is getting stronger. I don't want to spoil anything, but the ANGEL project just got kicked into overdrive. With HEX keeping them on their toes, they need a little boost.

SAGE brings all the action and I loved seeing our beloved super heroes continuing to kick ass and save the day. We get to know them a little better in this book and understand their abilities better. Their camaraderie and hilarious dialogue kept me laughing and turning the pages. I blew through this book and was left with a whopper of a cliffhanger. Thank goodness I already had the third book! I can't get enough of these sexy super heroes!

"Oh, all right. Yes, Sunshine. You can absolutely help me invade your inner sanctum.

"It sounds dirty when you say it like that."
Profile Image for Bee.
1,098 reviews222 followers
June 27, 2014

Istyria book blog ~ B's world of enchanted books

I liked this one better than the first one, overall! I enjoyed it the whole way through and it's a very good sequel. I think the main reason for that is that I love the romance more than I did in the first book and there's just more happening in this one than in Evolution: ANGEL. The romance was without a doubt the best part. I love those two together and how they never fight about petty things and when they do have a fight, they talk about it and it never lasts long. The superpower stuff is still awesome, of course. And then a cliffhanger. Thanks for that. Guess I'll have to read the third book!
Profile Image for a_tiffyfit.
759 reviews112 followers
July 6, 2014
Review to come tour. But this kept me up loooooooooooong past my bedtime. Long past. I need to either pass out or throw up now. Exhaustion: it's a bookworm's constant companion!
Profile Image for Melissa Hayden.
979 reviews120 followers
September 1, 2014
Candace is empty, of tears and more. She feels hollow inside after what happened in Evolution: ANGEL, what she had to do. Her friends and colleagues have been staying with her, trying to break through her sadness. Then Jackson s finally roped into staying with her. His harsh words hit home. Coming around Candace is assigned the wayward member of her team, to train and hone his skills. What Candace fins in him is not what she expected but maybe is what she needs.

The beginning tugged at my heart strings, seeing Candace this way. Remembering with her what we've lost. She did right and she is right. But there was more there with him too. I know Candace is strong and determined, she will pull through although changed and a bit wiser to the ways of the supers' world. With Candace in this state, I start to wonder what the higher ups do with super "heroes" in the condition, or worse, that don't pull out of it.

Everything at the compound goes on as usual. Training continues and grows with each superheroes powers. Candace learns new ways to use her power and control of water. She becomes more powerful as water is everywhere, even the human body. Some of her team are now scared of her. Candace must prove she's worthy, to herself and others.

We get to go on a ride-along out on a field call. Candace sees the seriousness and danger of field missions first hand. We get a view of an 'unstable' super. Now we start to wonder where they come from.

Candace is struggling to find her equilibrium. She is trying to see the way of the supers in the world. How do can they perform their jobs, which comes to killing, while saving innocents. She struggles with morel questions in her mind. And with doing so, we see a whole other side, an opposite to the ANGEL project, out there.

*fan girl time*
Jackson? Jackson! There is more to this firey man than we could have imagined. Oh is there more... *sigh* I was falling for him and his antics in ANGEL, now. I LOVE him! LOL. I love his fire and snark with Candace. These two banter back and forth with the best of them. Yet there this a growing relationship. Jackson is strong and one to need a strong counterpart. Candace fits that to the T.

I'm impressed with Starla's ability to take me from enjoying and falling for Jackson as a hot snarky man and his quick clips to absolutely loving him and feeling he's perfect for the role he slips into. Wow.

I am in love. This series is something new and refreshing with superheroes in action. It is a romance read, but one that is different than any other and at the top of my must have list. We get all elements with Starla at the pen; romance, action, and a depth to a story that we didn't see coming. The end will have you starving for the third and final Evolution book.
Profile Image for Jennifer  Ricketts (Donnie Darko Girl).
449 reviews36 followers
July 18, 2014
I received a copy of this book for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.

With the first book ending on such a brutal cliffhanger, I've been looking forward to continuing this series ever since. If you aren't a fan of that kind of ending, never fear! You can pick up this book right after that ending and keep on going!!

One of the things that excites me the most about this series is reading about these ordinary people who have been turned into superheroes with results both positive and negative. In the first book, Candace was so pumped about turning into one of the superheroes she spent her days reading about and didn't stop to think about the potential drawbacks.

Candace tends to jump headfirst into everything she does. Her superpower is the ability to control water - she can even control water in the human body, which amazes and terrifies her at the same time. There are situations she finds herself in that she never anticipated, situations that will change who she is far more than the injections that made her a superhero. She has a lot to process after the actions she had to take in the last book and this one as well. I believe wholeheartedly she would have still chosen to become a superhero even if she had known what was going to happen. She's that committed.

Jackson's the kind of guy mothers warn their daughters about - he's arrogant, abrasive, self-centered but SMOKING HOT. And also damaged. All of that bravado is what everyone sees on the outside, but there's a lot more going on underneath. There's always been a lot of simmering attraction between them, and the sexual tension ratchets up several notches in this installment of the series. I highly anticipated them giving into their desire.

I'm glad Candace's cousin Gabe is a superhero, too. He's the person she can trust and confide in. I don't know if she would have been able to keep her sanity without him around.

The third book is waiting for me on my Kindle, and I AM SO EXCITED!!! I don't have a ton in common with Candace obviously *wink wink* but I love her to pieces and can't wait to see what happens next.
Author 5 books41 followers
July 20, 2014
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

After the brutal ending of Evolution: ANGEL, I couldn’t wait to get back to Candace and see how her story continued. When I finally was able to get back into the series, I found that this book was just as good as the first. There was romance, angst, and action in equal parts, and I had a really hard time putting this book down.

Candace did a lot of growing in this installment. After doing what she did in the end of book one, I was more than expecting her emotional reactions to things to be how they were in the beginning. I appreciated the fact that it took her time to get over everything, and i found it all very believable. The more Candace grew, the more I liked her. She became even stronger, since she had to overcome quite a lot.

The side characters were still interesting. Gabe was an awesome cousin and friend to Candace, and he went a long way in helping her recover. Then, there was Deborah. I really liked her, and am glad that she and Candace seemed to get closer in this book. Finally, there was Jackson. He was so great in this installment, because there was a lot more to him than his arrogant, jerk persona. I really appreciated that, and watching he and Candace build a romantic relationship was admirable, fun, and heartening.

The plot of this book was pretty awesome. It involved Candace’s recovery from the events in book one, some very intriguing new superpowers, Candace’s new romance with Jackson, and lots of actions scenes revolving around a rival superhero group called HEX. The pace of the book wasn’t terribly fast, but I found it believable, and it was hard for me to stop reading.

Overall, this was a really good sequel to Evolution: ANGEL. There was a lot of character development, new relationships formed, and some higher stakes for everyone involved. I definitely think that this was a worthy follow-up to book one, and highly recommend series readers to pick it up.
Profile Image for Adriana.
252 reviews
June 13, 2014
After the devastating and cliffy ending of book one, I was anxious to get my hands in the sequel to one of my favorite books. Evolution: SAGE did not disappoint. This sequel brought back the sexy superheroes along with some kickass action and some new awesome super powers.

So this book starts off around the time book one ended. Candace is mourning the death of someone very close to her and dealing with the guilt of their death. Not only that, but those around her fear her power. It's not clear if Candy Cane will be able to get past all of this. But then, Jaxon comes in and that's when things start to change.

I loved both Jaxon and Candace in this book. Candace was once again a strong heroine and a natural leader; she's admirable. I adore Jaxon. He's the bad boy of the series and Candace love interest. His smartass comments had me cracking up and his sweet moments had me swooning. He's had feelings for Candace since the beginning. They've always had a love-hate relationship and their chemistry has been off-the-charts. I loved that we got to explore the 'love' part of their relationship further and we even get to see some of his past.

The action in this book was great. Some characters' powers change and evolve in this book making the actions scenes really interesting. It is also seen how much the characters have grown from the first book to this one. I also love the secondary characters and hope to see them in the future.

S.A. Huchton is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with her unique characters and story lines. I HIGHLY recommend you read this series. Trust me, there's never a dull moment.
Profile Image for Doris.
410 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2014
I am in love with this series!
Evolution: SAGE is absolutely one of the best sophomore books I have ever read.
This is the follow up story to Evolution: Angel and is the story of Candice, a young girl chosen from applicants to become a real life super hero.
Book two picks up just after book one has ended and we are taken directly into the heartache of a girl forced to do the unthinkable in order to save those she cares about.
With a broken spirit, she has to move forward or face a fate that is unspeakable. You absolutely feel her pain with the turn of every page, and when she finds herself moving forward, she picks up some new traits and finds a reason to keep breathing. Don't worry... I'm not going to spoil it for you.
You have just got to read this series! It has everything you could possibly need in a great read. You will laugh, you will cry, you will fall in love, you will not set this book down.
S.A. Huchton invites you into a world that you wont want to leave.
Absolutely my favorite read of the summer, and I believe it will be yours as well.
~Dowie

*i was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Jackie -Sated Faery.
285 reviews31 followers
August 3, 2014
Holy Yowza!!! This is even better than the first one! My superpower is obviously speed-reading because I flew through this! There was too much going on - I just couldn't put it down! I loved Candace from the beginning, she's hardcore and doesn't take any crap from anyone! But she's also down-to-earth and a total fangirl at heart. I also have a special place in my heart for Gabe - he's the perfect cousin and best friend. And then there's Jackson... what a jerk!!! But a totally HOT jerk, in more ways than one. I really do have a thing for bad boys, and he is definitely bad! I love the intense interaction between Candace and Jackson, they drive each other crazy in every way! That's all I can say without giving anything away, plus I gotta go finish the next book! Trust me when I say you should read this series!!
Profile Image for Mike.
148 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Many times the second book/movie/etc doesn’t quite live up to the original, and this is one of those cases where it manages to surpass it. Following the brutally gut wrenching ending of Evolution: ANGEL, Candice is left to pick up the pieces of herself and face two huge new threats, the minions of HEX, and her heart.

The story had a great pacing that balanced the romance, action, and everything else well without overdoing anything in particular. We get to see more of the other ANGELs both in and out of action, and get the full story on a few things that hadn’t been explained in the first book.

True to format though, not only does SAGE leave some fun story threads dangling out there for us to tug on later, it leaves off on one heck of a ‘to be continued’ moment!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Otvos.
30 reviews
May 7, 2014
WOW, this book did not disappoint. This book picks up right after the first book ends. I was surprised and drawn in all over again. I didn't think there was too much more growth and development to the characters but I was so wrong. The surprises and twists will keep you on you toes. So thankful that the next book comes out in July. I can't wait to see what happens next!
692 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2014
Not much desire to go on with the series. A lot of disappointment.. I love the superhero plot but the characters fall a little flat, and there isn't much originality about the story, and the hormones excuse just seems like, well, that, an excuse for a lot of sex. Not something I'd object to normally, but it honestly acts as an excuse and as a filler..
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 55 books129 followers
November 14, 2016
I loved this one more than the first. So much is happening and it's all setting up for the third book. I love Jackson! What I'm really enjoying is the unique twist on superhero powers. In ANGEL it was less so, but now things are really getting interesting and unique. Can't wait to read book three!
Profile Image for Cori .
20 reviews
July 6, 2014
I'm reading this now for the third time in a row. Great book. I don't love all of it, but that's what a good book does, makes you think it over, and keeps you thinking about it long after you are finished reading it, right? :)
Profile Image for Amalia Dillin.
Author 30 books287 followers
August 7, 2014
Another fast-paced, action-packed installment, with a hefty dose of romance! I definitely just bought book three because I'm totally sucked in now, particularly after this cliffhanger ending!

Also I am totally loving Jackson. Just fyi.
Profile Image for Stacy.
114 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2014
Could not put it down!
Seriously -- I finished reading book 1 (Evolution: Angel) earlier today and immediately bought books 2 and 3...and I just finished book 2. Did I seriously just read the whole book in less than a day? Well yes, I think I did.
LOVE.
Profile Image for Paranormal Tendencies.
254 reviews20 followers
June 24, 2019
Candace’s dream of becoming a superhero has come true. She has the coolest ability to control water and her ability is one of the strongest in her class. Now Dr. P has announced that they have finally created the next step in the superhero evolution process. SecondAry Genetic Enhancement or SAGE. Candace and a few from her class volunteer to become the first supercharged supers.
I admit, I was a bit underwhelmed by the second round of super enhancements Candace received. They seemed to barely change her abilities aside from making her hair weird and giving her more control over small amounts of water. The water bullets were pretty cool.
This second book seemed more focused on her relationship with Jackson than with the superhero aspect of the story. I do enjoy romance novels though so I did still really like this book. And that cliffhanger ending had me glad I already have the third book in my hands!
4 stars for Evolution Sage!
Profile Image for Ulla Bisgaard.
180 reviews
June 16, 2019
This was another good young adult book. It’s an exciting story that reminds me of books like the hunger games. It’s brutal at times, and it’s sometimes hard to see who is the heroes and who is the villain. Candice starts out being a naive girl just out of high school, but very quickly she learns that the line between right and wrong isn’t always easy to see. She has to evolve as her powers do and make hard choices to save other people and herself. The question I find myself asking is will she be able to live with herself when her evolution comes to am end?
The narrator did a great job in bringing the story to life and playing the different role.
“I was given this book for free in exchange for a honest review”.
Profile Image for cat reads.
442 reviews46 followers
August 27, 2018
For the love of God, can everyone stop snorting?

Based on research, it appears that giggling and snorting are the main forms of communication among superheros. Makes me wonder if pig genes are used in the experiments.

After about a hundred pages, the previous image of Candy changed to Miss Piggy.
Profile Image for Beckyjo8kids.
162 reviews
February 22, 2019
Too much giggling and frivolous dialogue that went nowhere. I skimmed the last four chapters, not really caring what happened.
Profile Image for Rachel Barnard.
Author 13 books62 followers
June 24, 2015
“If you don’t give people a chance to be better, they never will be.” (Page 375).

Evolution Sage picks up right where Evolution Angel leaves off, with a depressed and devastated Candace for what happened and what she did to Adrian. For weeks she gives up on everything, purposeless and wracked with guilt. It isn’t until Jackson makes a comment to her about moving on or giving up and she is given a new purpose by the facility that she is finally ready to move ahead with her life. A new threat lies on the horizon and this enemy has been around for a long time, just now making their move. It is up to the ANGELS to get ready for this new, stronger enemy and they will turn to a higher level of experimentation to improve their already super hero super powers, but what will the consequences be this time?

The more I read, the more I fall in love with the characters. I absolutely adore and look up to Candace. She’s not afraid to say that she’s wrong or being too anything: too hard, too harsh, or too emotional. She has the ability to self-analyze and adapt. She harnesses her ability and hones her skills, discovers new things about herself and her abilities. When SAGE begins, a new level of herself is opened up and she explores even more new possibilities for her weapon even as she’s haunted by the power she used on Adrian in Evolution Angel.

Jackson. Swoon. He was the bad boy attitude problem, snarky comment, easily angered boy from Evolution Angel. Now that Adrian is no longer in the picture he gets to have his day. All along I’m sure Starla had great plans for Jackson, she was just biding her time and building him up as a person. Jackson is the real romantic fantasy. He is flawed and angry. He has a past that is terrible and hangs over his personality. He cares for Candace, but tries to hide his feelings for her. He is rude at times, but is extremely polite when he needs to be a gentleman. He is also insanely good looking and every time Candace gets too close to him, she can feel him and knows that she wants him.

The relationship between Jackson and Candace gets its day in book two of the Evolution Series and it’s a wonder to behold. Starla built up this relationship from the first time they saw each other, when they hated one another. “I’ve hated you for a long time. I hated you for making me want someone. I hated you for being with Adrian. I hated you for what you dissolved into after he was gone. I couldn’t stand it, Candace. No one thought I was worth helping, and I believed it. And then you helped me, for no other reason except that you could. You caught me in almost every lie I’ve ever told you. You challenge everything I say. You took everything I thought was true and turned it upside down.” (Pages 249-250).

Jackson and Candace are so emotionally charged when they’re together, so destructive, so powerful, and I could go on and on. The best romances are the ones that happen within a story that already has a powerful plot.

Starla has built a powerful, mesmerizing plot full of characters that are emotionally appealing and fascinating to watch. Candace is tough and rational, but also very prone to feeling sad or weak when everything is against her. She is so real, even as she can control a person through her connection to the water in their veins. I love how she stands by her convictions and sticks to her morals when making decisions and weighing the pros and cons before making a tough decision.

My only critique for this book was that the ending is abrupt and right in the middle of action. Thank goodness book three is already available.
Profile Image for dumbells.
985 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2018
Did I? Yup I went for it. Full 5 start.Not given in over 2 years and here they area. I am just that impressed with this book and this author.
In case I missed (I can't believe how), but these audiobooks are narrated by the author. Holly. Shit. The girl has some awesome talent. Not only does she write this amazing piece of work but she narrates it Like. A. Boss. With talents like those who needs superheros.
I mean the action, the drama, the character development and all of it just was greatly intertwined. And the new additions to their powers were just riveting to learn about.
The only small objection I had was how fast the main characters went from hate to insta love. There are some reservations expressed in the beginning by the h how they are gonna transition that gap and she addresses them head on. But I guess she kind of sweeps her worries away pretty quick and wish there was a bit more real world feel to those type of transitions. Because when you spend your whole 1st time getting to know someone playing verbal war with them it's kind of hard to turn on the trust button at first go right away with that. I would have added a bit more reality if they could have had a few minor slip ups before working their way through them, it would have given them something more to bond over. Their mutual distrust turning to understating and all that..
But all in all did not bother me overmuch to lover my excitement in this book. I enjoyed these two characters immensely and not for a second did I cringe or eye roll at being in this heroine's head. This. Never. Happens. Ergo 5 stars.
Ps. Just did not want this book to end. I knew there was gonna be an empty hollow at the end of this one and gonna have to back to inferior reads to fill it when this one ended. I guess one can only expect to find a diamond only so often and the rest is just cereal boxes plastic rings :( Can't wait for the next one. I want I want I want.


A reread of the old favorite. I felt like the previous read things happened more faster and then they jumped into the 2nd trial. I’m glad I gave this another reread it was some details I have already forgotten about. Guess good idea would be to reread both book 1 and book 2 when I get my hands on book 3 :D
Profile Image for Hannah D.
325 reviews53 followers
May 6, 2016
description
As the second instalment of the Evolution series, Evolution: SAGE continues the story of a young hero named Candace Bristol in her adventures and love life. Trying to cope with the loss of her old boyfriend Adrian, Candace mourns and tries to move on; but it's not all that easy when her annoying team mate, Jackson won't stop picking fights with her and messing with her hormones. To top it off, the heroes are being subjected to new rounds of treatments to enhance their superpowers.
I found Evolution: SAGE to be better then Evolution: ANGEL. I found the story to have more direction and plot/character development. The romance in this novel had so much tension it was amazing. I loved it. Jackson's character is truly explored in this novel, and his powers reach a whole new level of fire bending awesomeness. Similar to the first book, the super powers where a major plus on the cool factor. I thought that the battles with the superpowers were all epic and note worthy. I definitely recommended Evolution: SAGE. I liked it and I give it FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!
description
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