Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave (Razorland, #1)

by Ann Aguirre

New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters--or Freaks--who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight--guided by Fade's long-ago memories--in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs.

Ann Aguirre's thrilling young adult novel is the story of two young people in an apocalyptic world--facing dangers, and feelings, unlike any they've ever known.

Reviewed by Amanda on

4 of 5 stars

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Original review: http://onabookbender.com/2012/01/30/review-enclave-by-ann-aguirre/

Despite my lukewarm feelings toward zombie post-apocalyptic books, I felt that Enclave is part dystopian as well, and I think, for me at least, this is what makes it stand above other zombie books I have read in the past. And, of course, they are not zombies, but Freaks. The characters don’t seem to know much about the Freaks, and I found this both frustrating and exciting/scary. It took me a few chapters to get into the book, but once I did, it was difficult to put down. Once Deuce became a Hunter and got paired with Fade, things started getting interesting.

Other than a questionable name (I think I just spend too much time around guys), I liked Deuce’s character. Because of certain events that happen in the book, there was a period of adjustment that Deuce had to go through, and I think it was handled very well; it was both believable and stayed true to Deuce’s personality. And, for that, I was happy, because I have seen transitions in other books where the adjustment period was less than believable. I loved Fade, but I also felt a larger connection with him in the first part of Enclave. There were other things going on towards the second half of Enclave and it seemed like Fade took a backseat. I hope that changes in Outpost.

While the world building was vivid and real, the reasons for why the world the way it is is still unclear. This, in addition to the connection with the characters, makes me want to continue with the series. I want to know what happened. I am also very curious about the enclave and how that society came about. We don’t really learn much about its origins other than through Deuce’s beliefs and the society’s rules.

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  • Started reading
  • 8 January, 2012: Finished reading
  • 8 January, 2012: Reviewed