Book Review: Evolution: ANGEL, Giveaway, & Character Interview with Candace

Tour for Evolution: ANGEL by S.A. Huchton

Evolution: ANGEL

By:  S.A. Huchton

Publish Date:  March 6, 2014

Format:  eARC, 221pg

Genre:  Fantasy, Romance, Superheroes

Series:  1st book in Evolution series

Recommendation:  Oh my, heavens YES! So much in one place.

Synopsis:
Candace Bristol has always been obsessed with comic books, but in a world where the nightly news often mirrors these inked stories, her dreams of becoming a real superhero could actually come true. After being rescued by members of the government’s AdvaNced Genetic EvoLution (ANGEL) Project four years ago, getting recruited for this elite team is all she's wanted.

Now 18, she's finally reached her goal after years of study and physical training, but little could have prepared her for life as a genetic experiment. As though coming to terms with her new ability to manipulate water isn't tough enough, she never expected to be swept off her feet by one of her fellow recruits.

With genetic alteration, the threat of physical and mental instability hangs over every superhero like a shadow. When one of their own tumbles over the edge of madness, Candace will have to choose between protecting the world, and saving the one who holds her heart.

First Sentence:
She jumped, trying to see over the crowd in front of her.

Purchase At:
Amazon (Print) or (eBook)  /  Barnes & Nobles 

**I beta read this book and offered to review it.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Candace has loved the superheroes since she first heard of, let alone saw, them four years ago. She was a comic fan from before they even came up with a way to make superheroes. She wanted nothing more than to be one. She had the genetics, daughter to a twin. When Candace finally gets her letter she can't wait to become an ANGEL and do some good in the world. However, Candace never expected the side effects of the treatments...ramped up hormones. Candace pairs with one boy, a kind young man who sweeps her off her feet with reading to her. Yet, being a superhero isn't easy, when you have to make the tough decisions for the better of many.

Even the second time through this book I was riveted with the story. Learning with Candace about her powers, each step of the way as the stakes grow with responsibility with a power this strong. Water. Who would have thought water ability could be this strong and powerful? Then the romance! Sexy superheroes! Ga! You don't get them this way. Super sexy men and woman.

Fast action, humor, story, and love! All in one place!

So much love for these characters! Candace is a strong girl. Strong morals and trying to be a good person in life along with a great superhero. I love Candace's relationship with her cousin Gabe. They are close, almost like brother and sister, and make me laugh. Aaah, then we have Adrian. Oh goodness, he loves books and reads to Candace. *sigh* Then we have my favorite, so kick me I'm a bad boy junkie with books, Jackson. Oh I love him and the tension and teasing he brings to the table.

We go through the process of becoming a superhero with Candace. We feel the pain and much more through the words S.A. Huchton weaves together for us. Huchton takes superheroes to a new level, sexy and awesome. So many great elements all weaved together here in one place. The training and learning of her ability. Each time Candace uses her ability she ups the ante and stakes with the responsibility and control she needs to maintain.

This story feels as it has a little bit of X-men and superheroes we love weaved with many more elements in Candace's story creating a smexy tale as well.

In the end we start to see the ANGEL project isn't completely perfect as Candace had seen it when on the outside. There are little things here that lead us to question 'what if?'. And what of Candace? Now what? You will want more after this one. Huchton has added a bonus short at the end as well. One that will give you a little something to think on for the future. Maybe? ;)

This creation was exactly what I wanted in a Superhero Romance.

Love superheroes? Love quick action? Love Romance? YOU GOTTA READ THIS ONE!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Character Interview, with Candace:

I've been verbal about my love for this book, Evolution: ANGEL. I know. I can't help it.

I was given the opportunity to interview Candace, BEFORE she became a superhero. That's right! I was there way back in the beginning and I get to share that with you today. I hope you get a little insight to this amazing girl and maybe...just maybe an idea of what's to come for you.

My interview with Candace...


M:  Hello *looks over papers* Candace. Welcome to your entrance interview. *looks up and smiles* Thank you for applying and congratulations for coming this far in the testing.

You are from …. I don’t recognize the name of the town, although the ANGELs have been to many cities it can be hard to remember all the names. Is this a small town?

Candace:  It would take you approximately 30 seconds to drive the length of Hospers, Iowa, so, yes. Very small.

M:  How do you feel about leaving a small town where all are close and like family?

Candace:  Well, I wouldn’t say we’re all close like family, but we do know plenty about one another. Becoming a part of the ANGEL Project is something I’ve wanted for a very long time, so I don’t have any hesitation in leaving. I’ve always wanted something bigger than what the town I grew up in could ever give me.

M:  Looking at your test results, you have excellent skills. Impressive. Why become a superhero and not go straight to college?

Candace:  While college is a fallback plan for me, I’d much rather be doing something meaningful with myself and having a greater, immediate impact on the world. There’s no other job I’d rather have than being a superhero.

M:  *nods* What do you feel are your strengths?

Candace:  My dedication and willingness to work hard are probably my biggest strengths. I don’t give up on the things I want, but I try to keep the greater good in mind when pursuing my goals.

M:  *writes notes* What do you feel is your weakness?

Candace:  Well, I’m probably more stubborn than is good for me, but that doesn’t mean I won’t ever admit I’m wrong. Okay, maybe sometimes it means that, but not always.

M:  *chuckle* Okay. Do you have any fears? Claustrophobia, heights, etc.

Candace:  My greatest fear is failure. I hate letting other people down.

M:  Any genetic disorders or diseases in your family history you are aware of?

Candace:  None that I’m aware of, no.

M:  *check marks paper* Good to hear. Have you had training in self-defense?

Candace:  Part of my own physical training has included some kickboxing, but nothing formal. My cousin taught me how to throw a punch and mean it, but that’s about it.

M:  What talent do you think you can bring to being a superhero? I’m not talking about super strength or an ability you will get, if you should pass, but what do you think you can add to a team?

Candace:  I like to draw on the strengths of everyone around me to get the job done. Everyone has a useful skill, and I’m pretty good at figuring out what those are and the best way to use them.

M:  Interesting answer, Candace. Next, if you were in a situation where you had to choose between helping an innocent civilian or one of your team, who would you rush to help?

Candace:  *wince* Well, that’s a pretty horrible choice, but, ultimately I would probably go with the civilian. ANGELs know when they sign up what could potentially happen, and while I don’t think they would want to die, they understood the risk going in. An innocent civilian didn’t make the choice to be in the situation, so I would do what I could to help them first if I had to choose.

M:  *nods head* I see a note here that you are related to Gabriel… How close is your relationship with Gabe?

Candace:  Gabe and I are cousins, but we grew up together and are probably closer than some siblings are. He’s always been more of a big brother to me, and a best friend when he wasn’t irritating the heck out of me.

M:  There is a chance, should you pass all the tests, that you could be on assignment with your cousin. Will having a close relative in the compound be a distraction or hindrance to the job at hand when out in the field on assignment?

Candace:  Gabe and I prepared for the ANGEL Project together, and developed a good working relationship because of that. We’re pretty familiar with each other’s limits, strengths, and weaknesses, so working with him on the same team would be an easy transition for me.

M:  The procedure to become a superhero is a long and stressful process. Each person deals with it in their own way. If you happen to notice one of your co-ANGELs-in-training struggling with the transition, would you to help comfort them or move on to let another tend to them. Even to help bring it to the doctors’ attention.

Candace:  I don’t like to wait for someone else to step in and do something, so I’d probably see if there was anything I could do for them first. I mean, I am trying to be a superhero, so that’s sort of in the job description. If there wasn’t anything I could do, I’d immediately try to find someone who could help.

M:  Thank you, Candace. Please, take the door on the right. Oh, and Candace, *grinning* I look forward to talking to you again.


I hope you enjoyed the interview and are curious to meet Candace in her process of becoming a superhero and being one.
Evolution: Angel
By: S.A. Huchton
Candace Bristol has always been obsessed with comic books, but in a world where the nightly news often mirrors these inked stories, her dreams of becoming a real superhero could actually come true. After being rescued by members of the government’s AdvaNced Genetic EvoLution (ANGEL) Project four years ago, getting recruited for this elite team is all she's wanted.

Now 18, she's finally reached her goal after years of study and physical training, but little could have prepared her for life as a genetic experiment. As though coming to terms with her new ability to manipulate water isn't tough enough, she never expected to be swept off her feet by one of her fellow recruits.

With genetic alteration, the threat of physical and mental instability hangs over every superhero like a shadow. When one of their own tumbles over the edge of madness, Candace will have to choose between protecting the world, and saving the one who holds her heart.

Giveaway Time!!

Starla has three amazing superhero packages for you to win.

*All packs include ebook and print copies of Evolution: ANGEL

The Prize Packs are US only.

Prize Pack #1

 Movies: Green Lantern, Fantastic Four, X-Men First Class

Batman, Flash, and Superman Figures (because no one should have to watch movies alone!)

Prize pack #2

Avengers backpack

Avengers notebooks

Iron Man & Captain America figures

Spiderman pencils

Spiderman holographic sticker

Prize Pack #3

Wonder Woman journal, pens, and caped coffee mug

a Rafflecopter giveaway

International Giveaway

An eCopy of Evolution: ANGEL

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:
A geek of all trades, Starla Huchton has been crafting stories in various genres since 2007. Her first novel, THE DREAMER'S THREAD was released as a full cast audiobook podcast, becoming a double-nominee and finalist for the 2010 Parsec Awards. After releasing short fiction of steampunk, noir fantasy, and other varieties, she released the first three books of the Sci-Fi Romance ENDURE series in 2013. All three books of the EVOLUTION series will be released in 2014, as well as a Steampunk Fantasy novel, MASTER OF MYTH (the Antigone's Wrath series, book 1), which was the first place winner of the Crested Butte Writers' contest, The Sandy, in 2012.

When not writing, Starla trains three Minions, a black lab, and a military husband whilst designing book covers for independent authors and publishers at designedbystarla.com.

Author Links:
Author blog- http://www.starlahuchton.com
Author Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Starla-Huchton-Author-Page/255657227797465
Twitter- http://twitter.com/riznphnx

Facebook Event- https://www.facebook.com/events/272498246259028/

Pick up Evolution: Angel at:
Amazon Print or eBook:

Barnes & Nobles (print)


Check out the rest of the Tour and learn more about the book:

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Teacups & Bookends- Review, Character Bio

March 11th-

Kelly P’s Blog- Author Interview

Istyria Book Blog- Review

March 12th-

Biblio Belles Book Blog- Review, Top Tens

March 13th-

Once Upon a YA Book- Review

March 14th-

Crystal’s Out There Reviews & Stuff- Review

March 15th-

Book Bliss- Guest Post, Playlist

March 16th-

Mythical Books- Guest Post

March 17th-

Pippa Jay- Adventures in Sci Fi- Author Interview

The View From a Blank Word Document-  Review, Playlist

March 18th-

The Avid Reader- Top Tens, Playlist, Character Bio

March 19th-

Write Away Bliss- Author Interview

My World...in Words and Pages- Review, Character Bio

March 20th-

S. J. Pajonas- Guest Post, Top Tens

Sated Fairy-  Review

March 21st-

Donnie Darko Girl- Review

Life Between The Pages- Review

March 22nd-

Reviews by Emilie- Review

Live to Read- Guest Post, Author Interview, Top Tens

March 23rd-

Paperbook Princess-  Review, Guest Post, Character Bio