Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Book Stats:
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; 1 edition
Release date: April 12, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0312650087

Series: Razorland  #1

Reviewed by: Tynga

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository US/UK

Source: Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE In Deuce's world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed 'brat' has trained into one of three groups-Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear--to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She's worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing's going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce's troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn't like following orders. At first she thinks he's crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don't always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she's never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce's perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy... but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she's ever known.

After a terrible disease hit the world has we know it, the survivors were scattered into small groups, trying to survive as best as they could. Multiple generations later, people don’t remember anything from the old world and now live in Enclaves underground, fighting off Freaks – some kind of flesh eating zombies. Deuce lives in one of those Enclaves, and it’s everything she’s ever known. But her life will be turned upside-down when her faith is shaken-up. Can she deal with those new changes?

Enclave was such a great dystopian novel! I really liked the world Ann Aguirre created and really appreciated the contrast between the two halves of the book. She painted societies with such precision that it’s easy to imagine the world our heroes lives in.

The characters were amazing. Fearless, layered and complimentary, Ann couldn’t have done a better job. They are fierce and even though they get close, there isn’t any proper romance to speak of. I like that they were surprising, resourceful and determined in their quest. Deuce and Fade are truly awesome and I even came to appreciate Stalker at the end.

Enclave is harsh and raw and only the strong ones survive. Who will still be standing at the end of their journey?

I strongly recommend this read the fans of Hunger Games and Divergent. Enclave is different, but just has entertaining! A must read for dystopian lovers. Sign me up for the sequel! 

Read an excerpt

Posted by Tynga at 11:19

 Ann Aguirre, Dystopian, Macmillan, Review, young adult  6 People left their mark

Tynga is a 32 years old mom of two, from Montreal, working as a lab technician in an hospital specialized in heart disease. In her free time, she enjoys reading all things Paranormal and photography.

Follow Tynga on: Facebook | Twitter