Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Title: Enclave
Series: Razorland #1
Author: Ann Aguirre | Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Dystopian
Source: Publisher










Description from Goodreads:


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.


My thoughts:


I had heard so many amazing things about Ann Aguirre's books and kept meaning to give one of her series a try. When I heard she had a dystopian/post-apocalyptic series coming out I knew that would be a perfect place to start. When I discovered the book also contained zombieish creatures I knew it was definitely going to me my very first Ann Aguirre book.


Enclave throws readers into an underground world with a social structure that the characters accept, but will terrify readers and leave them thinking what if. What if this happens in my lifetime? What if my children grow up and have to live in a world like the one in this book? Enclave is frightening, but oh so addictive. Needless to say the world building that happened in Enclave is amazing! I was seriously impressed. With the page count just shy of 300 this is an excellent testament of Ann Aguirre's talented writing skills.


Main character Deuce is certifiably badass. I would not want to be on the receiving end of an ass kicking from this chick. When Fade enters the picture you know I was in immediate love. Dark, brooding, and mysterious are top three requirements for book boyfriend, and I have a feeling that these are characteristics MC Deuce also appreciates. I loved that they could kick zombie butt and then have these intense connections after. These two rock the chemistry hard.


Loads of action, conspiracy, and double crossing. Life inside the enclave is scary enough, but wait until you see what is happening outside. The book ends with the perfect setup for the next in the series. Enclave is an amazing dystopian debut and one that can easily hang with the big boys of the genre. Plus there are Freaks *cough* zombies *cough*. I'm of the school of thought that a mindless flesh eating being always brings a little something special to a novel. If you agree or are a reader fiending for a new dystopian novel, give this one a go. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

My Rating: