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A lie is a prison without bars.

A captive of the enemy, Candace is forced to confront mistakes and regrets from both sides of the battlefield, including her own. Nothing is simple, and lines in the sand that were once clear have become blurred and indistinguishable. Even the unlikely love she found teeters on the edge of uncertainty.

The truth is not always what it seems, and can be a prison of its own.

Alone, she must decide where she stands. Alone, she must decide who to trust.

When the smoke clears, what's left might not be much…

But it might be enough.

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2014

6 people are currently reading
156 people want to read

About the author

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 32 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer  Ricketts (Donnie Darko Girl).
449 reviews36 followers
July 24, 2014
I received a copy of this book for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.

I really can't get enough of this series - there are superheroes, hot romance, action, friendship, a kick ass heroine, and the lines between what's right and what's wrong are blurred, just like in real life. In Evolution: HEX, Candace wakes up to find she's been kidnapped and drugged. She has to deal with heartbreaking consequences in the aftermath of actions taken by someone she loves.

This book tore me apart with the emotional torment and pain Candace worked through. But she's so strong and logical - she can think through her problems rationally, and she has a healthy way of dealing with stress - going swimming as she can control the element of water.

I really loved how the lines aren't clear between right and wrong with not just the ANGEL Project but also the HEX group. Both groups have positives and negatives, and there are no easy answers with the issues they face. I could see everyone's point of view equally well, and I wasn't on anyone's side except Candace's. She's smart and fearless, and I had every confidence she'd figure things out.

I think a revolution is going to start up with Candace at the helm. She's proven herself to be a leader, someone others can look up to, learn from, and follow. Until the next book comes out, I'll be dying from the wait!
Profile Image for Megan.
230 reviews62 followers
July 27, 2014


Freaking LOVE this whole series! I don't even know where to begin!! I actually had the opportunity to read this whole series a few months ago (<3 you so much Starla!) and I still don't even know how to put into words what I thought of this book.
This is the third and final book in the Evolution series, we have come to love our Superheros more and more (helloooo Jackson) we have also seen the good guys triumph over the bad guys... But are they really the bad guys?! 
In this epic finale our favorite kickass female Candace is prisoner but what she starts to discover is that not everything is as black and white as she always thought. 

Candace truly comes into her own in this book, most things we already knew she was, such as kickass, loyal, protective, fierce and well just plan awesome (I totes wanna be Candace when I grow up) but in Hex we also discover that she is a true leader, she has proven herself to her friends and they believe in her wholeheartedly. 

I think the best part about this book (other then the hotness that is Jackson) is that it is so rare to read a book where the female character is just so freaking strong. She is so sure of herself and her place in things... She just oozes confidence it's amazing. 
When all is said and done in this final book you will be left wanted so much more, I mean they are Superheros so there are always bad guys right?! 

So what I have been trying to get at is basically, this is one of my favourite series that I have read in a long time... the fact that each book came out within a few months of each was a nice little bonus... This series is so freaking good that my husband sat down and read the whole thing! She it wasn't TOTALLY his type of book, but he STILL TALKS ABOUT IT! Yes it is that freaking good!

meganThis review was originally posted on [Paperbook Princess]
Author 5 books41 followers
July 23, 2014
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

As Evolution: SAGE had another brutal cliffhanger, I found myself immediately diving into this third and final installment in the Evolution series. There were secrets, lies, and more character and relationship development. I found this installment just as good as the previous two, and read it almost straight through.

Candace’s character grew even more throughout the course of this novel. She began to question things, and it made her an even more admirable character. She came a long way from the girl in the first book in this series, and I just thought that her character arc was pretty amazing.

In this book, we got to know some new side characters along with he old. I really liked Mica, who eventually became Gabe’s love interest. Then, there was Tori, a healer who Candace became friends with. There was even more development of Jackson’s character. In the beginning of the novel, Jackson and Candace’s relationship became pretty rocky, so it was really great seeing them talk things out, and work at being better people.

In the start of this book, Candace was being held hostage by HEX. Through various events, she found out that the ANGEL Project wasn’t as perfect as she previously thought, and that’s where the plot of this book really took off. The themes in this novel were all about secrets, lies, and standing up for what you believe in, no matter what anyone else says. I found this book riveting, and hardly paused to take a break.

This was a really good way to end the series. I loved the changes in Candace and Jackson, and the story itself was really good. I do think that the author could have tied up a few things better, but I was still satisfied with the ending of the book, for the most part. I would highly recommend this series for anyone looking for something a bit different, with a complete story and character arc behind it.
Profile Image for Adriana.
252 reviews
June 13, 2014
* I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on Evolution: HEX. So I want to firstly thank Starla for allowing me to review (and constantly fangirl) this book. I will be keeping this review short so that I don't spoil it for anyone!

The book picks up a few weeks after the cliffhanger ending of book one. The events of the ending of the previous books lead to Candace drugged and tied. There's no way for her to escape and her friends have no idea what happened to her. Throughout all of this, Candace keeps her composure. If I were in her shoes, I would have gone a tad crazy. She is seriously one of my favorite heroines and the fact that she's a superhero makes her even more awesome.

In this third book of The Evolution series, we learn more about HEX. We also learn more about the ANGEL Project and that things are not the way Candace have always believed. The more she uncovers about both these projects, the more she realizes that both of these are no good.

Just like the previous installments, there is tons of action. We even learn something new about Candace and her powers. New characters are introduced. I, at first, did not trust any of them but I ended up loving all of them.

And then there's Jaxon. Yes, I still love him even though I was mad at him for a while in this book, but he made me swoon more than once and his assholey ways are kinda endearing. His past is explored further, which made my heart break for him.

I can't give anything else away because you need to read this series yourself. You'll fall in love with the characters and with S.A. Huchton's writing. I can't wait to see (and fangirl!!) what she writes next!!!
Profile Image for Kimber Wheaton.
Author 4 books248 followers
July 25, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

My measure of how much I like a book or series is usually centered around how much I think about the characters after I've finished reading. I absolutely loved books one and two in The Evolution Series, loved the characters, the plot, everything. Frankly I was a little nervous starting book three after the climactic cliffhanger in book two. So many authors have taken that plot line in a direction I didn't like.

I'm so happy to say, I loved Evolution: HEX! Wow, talk about going through the emotional wringer. Candace has been there and somehow manages to still be quite awesome. I think what I like the most about Candace is her integrity. She will always stand up for what she believes in. As a reader, I can count on that.

I really hope this third book isn't the end. There's still so much more Ms. Huchton could write about. Lots of unanswered questions... where do we go from here? sort of things. My only complaint, and this is really minor, is I think this could have been stretched out into two books. Seventy-five percent of the way in, I was sure we were in for another cliffhanger. Maybe it's just me and my reluctance to let go of these characters, but this whole book felt rushed. I guess I just want more.

So did I mention that I LOVED this book? Yeah, I know, you don't hear me screaming from the rooftops often, but it's true. My plea to the author... please continue the series. I'm not ready to part ways with this set of characters quite yet.
Profile Image for Deborah Hickey.
32 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2014
*I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I WANT MORE!!!

Evolution: Hex is the third installment on the Evolution series by S.A. Huchton and just like the first two books in the series it is FANTASTIC! I love the style, I love the characters, I love the dialogue and I love the way this series has developed.

Once again we are transported to a world where superheros are not born but are made. Candace is now in the hands of the "enemy", but are they truly the enemy? While she is learning that some of what she has been told might not be the whole truth, but can she trust her captors?

I don't really know what I can say about Evolution: Hex that I haven't already said about the first two books in the series so I am making an appeal to author Starla Huchton to please, please, please give us more. This is by far the best series I have read in a while!

Evolution: Hex is not a stand alone book so do yourself a favor and buy all three books in the Evolution Series, Angel, SAGE, and Hex. A word of warning, be sure to clear your schedule because you will not want to stop reading!

This review originally posted at www.dowiesplace.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Mike.
148 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I just want to wallow around in this book hangover after finishing up this series. Is it really the end? Please tell me there are more on the way! Starla Huchton has managed to flesh out a super powered world wide open for possibilities!

After that cliffhanger of an ending from the previous book, I’m not going to be the one who spoils what happens in this one! Drama, intrigue, secrets, heartache, and action swirl around Candy Cane like a whirlpool as bombshell after bombshell of revelations go off like an artillery strike!

It was getting pretty far along in the book and things didn't look like they were going to be resolved in time (Not the cliffy trifecta!) but fear not it managed to sneak in under the wire. It’s probably not the ending you’ll be expecting but it was pretty satisfying and full of potential.
Profile Image for Jackie -Sated Faery.
285 reviews31 followers
August 15, 2014
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SERIES!!!! I have always loved superheroes so this series was right up my alley! And it certainly did not disappoint. I was completely fascinated from beginning to end! This book in particular was full of surprises and non-stop action! Candace has grown so much and learned to accept herself and all her new abilities. She is incredible inside and out. And Jackson is still bringing HOT to a whole new level. He has also matured a lot since the beginning. While he's still not calm and charming, he's getting better at controlling his fiery personality. This book brings some great closure to everything that has blown up over the last two books, but there's a whole future of possibilities left open, too. I hope to see more from the ANGELS in the future!
Profile Image for Amalia Dillin.
Author 30 books287 followers
August 7, 2014
I really wasn't sure how this was going to wrap up as I reached the final 10% of the book, but it ended up being a pretty satisfying conclusion! I'm even sorely tempted to read the next book in the following companion series. The world Huchton builds is fascinating and fun, and people who love superheroes should definitely be reading these books!
Profile Image for Chris Cannon.
Author 17 books846 followers
July 7, 2014
I loved this book. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Ulla Bisgaard.
180 reviews
July 2, 2019
A book I am not if I love or hate

A book that I am not sure about
This was the third book in a trilogy. I loved the first book, and thought the series had great potential. I didn’t think the second was as good, since the plot line confused me, and at times felt repetitive, but it was still a good book. This third book I am also not sure about. There was so much I didn’t like but also a lot of things I liked about it.
The story line and ending reminds me a lot of the Anime Tokyo Ghoul, and I can definitely see the books as an anime. The book also has plenty of funny catching scenes. That said, I would have liked to see the characters evolve/grow up, more than they do. At times it’s confusing why they react the way they do, when you look at what they have been through. I would also have liked to see their actions causing events in the book, but in the end, it was all from outside sources. There was so many connections that could have been made, that didn’t happen. For example when the main character kills by crushing her enemy, when she could have killed them more humanly (which would have followed the nature of her character) using the methods she had practiced earlier in the book.
It all does come together in the end of the book, but during the first 6 chapters, I considered several times not finishing the book.
That said, I am sure that there are a lot of people who will like it, even though I am not sure if I do.
Profile Image for bluepits73.
323 reviews
July 24, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.

We come to a conclusion in this installment of the series. I could have done without some of the pity party about the cheating; but mostly I really enjoyed this book just as much as the first two. I loved the entire story and am wholly impressed by the originality as well as the author's ability to incorporate a semi-devastating romance in between all the action if being a superhero.

The narration in this book was just as wonderful as it was in previous books. It is consistent, clean and was a pleasure to listen to.

This author/narrator is a multi-talented beast and I am extremely impressed with her ability to write a fabulous story as well as provide excellent narration, too. I will be looking for other titles written or narrated by her and am definitely a fan. I am also sad to see the end of this awesome series that had me hooked and binge listening from the very beginning.
Profile Image for Paranormal Tendencies.
254 reviews20 followers
June 24, 2019
In this conclusion of the evolution trilogy, Candace finds herself captured by the enemy. But as she spends time in their facility, she learns that she doesn’t completely disagree with their ideas.
I think this is a series I will listen to over and over. I sort of fell for all of the Characters, Candace, Gabe, Jackson, Tru, Amir and even the Hex supers all have a special place in my little nerdy heart! Candace learns that being super doesn't necessarily make you a good person. That is something that has to be there from the beginning. She surrounds herself with people that are loyal and inspires them to be their best selves.
I really enjoyed listening to this series! I think the author did an excellent job of reading her work and I look forward to reading more from her.
5 stars for Evolution Hex
Profile Image for Jennifer.
91 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2018
Evolution: Hex starts us off with Candice in the hands of the Hex organization. The story progresses at a quick pace, which fits with this book as it is an action. adventure as well as a romance. This book was just as excellent as the others. Jackass Jackson evolved from the first book as a total jerk to finally he became someone I could actually like. His devotion to Candice was one of the things I loved about him most.

You can read this review on my blog: https://crazyobsessionbookclub.blogsp...
Profile Image for cat reads.
442 reviews46 followers
September 25, 2018
The snorting has thankfully abated to annoying levels rather than being the go-to expression for god damned everyone.

Inappropriate giggling takes the place of snorting, soooo, they've 'evolved' from snorts to giggles. In the middle of a blood splattered attack? Let's giggle! Guns pointed at us? Giggle! There are occasional chuckles and smirks mingled with all the giggling, but giggling is the predominate response to everything by everyone.

So, for content, this isn't a terrible YA series. I like that Candy is independent and intelligent, except for when she's not .

I also like that the relationship problems Candy and Jackson deal with are not an easy fix, but this subplot isn't without problems. It's a problem... yeah, yeah, I feel ya. But then, let's kiss and all is forgiven.

Um... what? Soooo, it's a problem until it's not a problem. I guess. This wouldn't be so bad, but the build of hurt feelings just suddenly drops away, and they're good again. What happened to, 'we're going to need to have a lot of conversations about this'? Now, I'm glad not to be tortured with circuitous conversations, but the turnaround is ridiculously fast.

She also keeps developing new, better powers. But... what does this have to do with the plot? We find out she's 'evolving' continuously, but at what point do those powers become important? It's setup and no payoff. She just gets a new power, and, um, cool, I guess. Is she going to become a giggling god in the future?

So I'm left wondering what the point of this all was. How does it further the plot or relationship? They're in love, they're mad at each other, and then they're in love again. Where's the growth? Does it change Candy in any way?

And that's the problem with Candy in the last two novels. In the first one, she's naive and has to learn a harsh lesson about love and death, so there's growth. In the last two novels, she's her perfect, confident self who has to solve everything because, god knows, thirty extra years of life experience can't compete with Candy's 'I do what I want because I always know best' attitude.

There's a dreaded term for this kind of character. Candy is the most beautiful, most talented, most intelligent character whom everyone loves except for when they're obviously evil and wrong. She's so good she can forgive her enemies even when their actions killed her friends. Is she a traitor? Absolutely. Does she face any consequences? Do her friends and allies have any doubts about her after she betrayed them? God no! Not when she can giggle her way into leading the free world!

End thoughts: Promising series ends on a flat note.
Profile Image for dumbells.
985 reviews5 followers
September 25, 2023
I waiting for this to become available on audiobook for so so so long and then I was just in a totally wrong headspace when I went through it that I just spaced through most of it. I just really wasn't into these characters anymore and their drama. I mean did the H cheat or for a good reason or not and the h dwelling on those feelings I just could not...
Worst part? I do not remember how it ended...
Profile Image for Rachel Barnard.
Author 13 books61 followers
June 24, 2015
“The line between enemy and ally wasn’t a line at all; it was a fuzzy, ever-shifting radius of complexity and situational dependency. (Page 34).

In this final installment in the Evolution Series, Candace must once again be strong in her convictions and in her abilities and relationships to get through tough times and save the day. She was kidnapped at the end of Book Two and now is imprisoned in enemy territory. Not everything she has been told about Hex and Dr. Ferdinand are true, but is everything she knows and has been told about the ANGEL project and the SAGES true as well? It will take Candace all her strength to fight this one last battle and to figure out who the enemy really is.

I love it when a third book in a trilogy comes with enough resolution to leave the reader satisfied with the overall story, but also contains its own plot within the grander plot. Huchton delivers on both fronts. There was a grand climax and a thorough resolution with a surprise ending that, when looking back, was all but inevitable due to events in this third book.

Huchton’s plot throughout this series was a bit lumpy in pace in that the first book was like a standalone novel and the second novel continued many subplots, but the overarching series plot was introduced indirectly in the second book and fully revealed in this final book. The big picture was at last revealed in the final book and leaves both Candace and the reader wondering what is the truth and who is the enemy?

Questions of morals and enemy lines blurring make for the most interesting plot complications in the Evolution Series, and especially in this third book.

The relationship between Jackson and Candace takes a deep hit and the emotional suspense is so hard to take. Huchton really knows how to write a heart throbbing romance with deeply emotional characters who really feel for each other and their love is palpable and rich.
Profile Image for Hannah D.
325 reviews53 followers
May 6, 2016
description
As the third and final instalment of the Evolution series, Evolution: Hex is the conclusion of the adventures of Candace Bristol. Captured by HEX Candace is thrown into a new adventure with it's own challenges and dangers.
I really enjoyed Evolution: HEX. I feel like it was the best book in the entire series, which is truly rare. I have not read many series that just got better further you get into it. I felt Evolution: HEX is the most productive book in the series when it came to story telling, and on top of that had the best plot.
Once again, the romance was on point and carried well from Evolution: SAGE. I love the romantic interest Jackson. He is complex and full of surprises. He is also just such a sweet heart... and his fire bending is cool as heck. Speaking of powers, Candace's powers of water bending just get even more epic in this novel.
The characters in this novel are very well developed by this book, and that very much improves the overall quality of the novel. In addition to the development of the characters, the relationship dynamics were also well done. Candace has a unique connection/relationship with every other character.
Ultimately I really liked Evolution: HEX and give it the high rating of FOUR AND A HALF STARS OUT OF FIVE!
description
Want more of me? Go to: http://thenotsopubliclibrary.blogspot...
Profile Image for Paul Lawrie.
2 reviews
December 31, 2015
The first book in this series worth 5 stars, easily. It was full of vivid characters, wonderful world building, and the interactions and dialogue were witty and amusing.

The second book a little less so, and the third book... ugh.

Stop reading if you don't want ANY hint of a spoiler.

Basically (without spoiling too much) the entire book is about a couple of people with multiple personality disorders constantly changing their minds about relationship status and forcing us to go along for the ride. Page after page of detailed dialogue about their feelings, about their endlessly-looping motivations for dumb-ass actions like breaking up with each other because they love each other too much. I didn't find it charming or even interesting, I would have skipped these pages if I could.

If you like people telling you how sad they are, and endlessly talking about the bad parts of their lives, this book is for you.

Very little actual story ever presents itself, and what was there seemed rushed and forced. The last chapters felt like an Epilogue with major events being described in a single sentence.

The science was rubbish, nothing really seemed plausible even within the context of superheroes (and that says something). I mean, for example, these guys no doubt have a price tag in the tens of millions of dollars to train - and yet there is apparently no blood on hand for any of them in the health centre. If blood is needed they have to go out begging for it, and relying on prisoners for donations. Mutated superheroes exchanging blood... what could possibly go wrong?

So many other flaws that I can't begin to enumerate them all. So disappointed.
Profile Image for Melissa Hayden.
979 reviews120 followers
December 30, 2014
I don't want to say to much and give away the ending of this AMAZING! trilogy. You have to read it to get the full effect and the answers.

Candace is on the other side of the fence now. She's seeing things that she was told about. But are they the way she was told they were? Candace is a strong willed and minded person. She experiences and then evaluates the way things are considering what she's being told. That's what makes Candace stand out for me. She's grown through the trilogy and sees things completely different than she did the day she stood at her mundane job stocking shelves wishing to be a superhero. There is a whole different world here that she's lived (living) through.

Heavens around, above, where ever! I loved this book. It ended the way it needed, and no you are not left with a cliffhanger ending or feeling sad. You'll like it. It is the conclusion to the trilogy. Yet I would love to see a future in this world. I think there could easily be a next generation. ;) But, that's another story.

We get all we loved from this series here - the action, the love, the mystery, and more as we get the ANSWERS! And an insider look at the world of superheroes, and the things they don't want you to know about.... Yes secrets. lol.

You need it, especially after the ending of SAGE. You'll love it. On that note, I'm leaving you. Now, go get it! What are you still here for? Go!
Profile Image for A.F. Grappin.
Author 18 books4 followers
June 14, 2015
I don't think there could have been a more fitting ending to the Evolution series than this book. Huchton made good on all the promises she made with ANGEL and SAGE and left us with a conclusion that made me want more in the best way. The trilogy is complete in itself, but it does lend the reader to more wants for books in this version of our world.


The addition of insight into the HEX organization gave a great deal of new material in characters and interpersonal conflicts to Candace and her friends. It was a welcome addition, and some of the new characters were absolutely wonderful. A few little pieces involving them did get left dangling, but they were totally minor and I don't mind at all. Those threads weren't dealt with directly, but the overall end of the trilogy still gave indirect closure to them, so I'm fine with that.


I developed a whole new respect for the characters I've been with from page one of Evolution: ANGEL. The development of these individuals was wonderful from beginning to end, and everyone was integral to the plot in some way. There was purpose all around, and I applaud Huchton for that. She also gets a huge round for writing an all-out amazing novel.
74 reviews16 followers
March 16, 2015
Awesome series. I was totally surprised by the connection of the unstables and Supers. So many things from the first book of series began to connect...especially the unstables involvement. The understanding of what the true motivation of Dr. Ferninand and her creation Hex was made clear. AND...there will be more. I was ecstatic so see the beginning of the Chronicle of isle. What will happen with the Angels and Hex in the future? Whats going to happen with Jackson, Candice, Gabe, Mica and all the other so important characters in the book? I will certainly be on the look out!

This series is full of action, romance and drama and I've loved every minute of it. It flows and is well written. Its not like a lot of a series I've read through Kindle. The cliffhangers are not so brutal that you get mad but at the same time they are so exciting that you can't wait to buy the next book to see what happens next. The series is actually full books instead of 50-100 page novellas. Thank goodness someone knows how to put together real series. I'm eager to see what else Starla has out there. I'll be singing her praises to many more readers
Profile Image for Jessica Surgett.
Author 1 book9 followers
March 31, 2015
This book put me through the ringer. I have never had such a strong reaction to a book. I actually gave it 4 stars originally because I was so incredibly angry at one of the characters, lol. But, after taking some time to cool off, I realized that the fact that I had such an intense reaction to a fictional person meant this book deserved 5 stars.
This entire series is simply amazing. Starla is a genius and every time I finish one of her books I have the urge to drop down and do a "We're not worthy!" Wayne's World style. And this book was a perfect conclusion to an exceptional series.
I'm not worthy!
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 55 books129 followers
November 14, 2016
Evolution: HEX... What a conclusion! I figured it was headed this way after SAGE. I love where the characters ended up, even if I got close to really disliking Candace along the way. She almost became a person I couldn't stand, but in the end she's a strong character who, despite having a lot put on her plate, figured it out and came out the other side victorious.

I can't wait for the next series! It should be interesting :)
Profile Image for Jessirie.
67 reviews42 followers
February 27, 2015
The final book. tsk. I loved every minute of reading this trilogy. How nostalgic..from someone just starting to live her dreams, to becoming the dream of the others, her journey was really...*sigh*

There is nothing to be said more. However, I'm curious as to what happened when Chuck shifted at the end.
Profile Image for Fiorela.
773 reviews20 followers
May 7, 2015
This book centered too much in the relationship between Candance and Jackson, so for me was over the top, too much drama, I agree with Gabe, just as the SAGE, everything else was enhanced, Candance became extra sassy, ok there was some evolution in her character as well as Jackson, but everything seems so perfect and then things work-out really easy. I was hoping for something more complex.




6 reviews
March 5, 2015
I loved this series and read all three in week. Really enjoyed reading a book with such a strong female character. My only criticism is that I have to wait for the next book to be released before I can enjoy more of the angel universe.
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