Book Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave (Razorland, #1) by Ann Aguirre

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: Available Now

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Pages: 272

Source: Received from author for honest review

Summary: 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 Review: Enclave, rocked my imagination with a beautiful blend of heart-stopping action and gritty pictures of survival. In the first chapter, I was introduced to Deuce while she went through the ritual from being a brat to a huntress. Ann's phenomenal characterization in depicting the strength within her role helped me connect with her instantly. Her determination to succeed as a crafted huntress was remarkably admirable. When Fade, an intimidating figure with a warrior like built, was partnered with Deuce, the story took an epic turn. After the enclave ships them out into the world of the "freaks" and the unknown, it took a great deal of patience and distinct accuracy to be on constant guard from the outside dangers.

The companionship between the two held mutual trust and affection that left me smiling from ear to ear. The good felt behavior from Deuce's sweet natured heart and Fade's protective aura built a contagious flow throughout the novel. I simply couldn't get enough of their bond, even while they fought against life threatening instances. There wasn't a moment where I wasn't present through the rollercoaster journey to their continued existence. On their way, I also met secondary characters such as Stalker and Tegan. I enjoyed the refreshing personalities which contributed a diverse outlook into the lives of others living on the exterior of the enclave.

Also, the fighting scenes with the "freaks" were so detailed that it felt like a synchronized movie. Ann's addition to the dystopian genre is a blessing in itself. I haven't found a book since The Hunger Games that surpassed the ideal feeling of survival, until now. Enclave has entered my list of favorite books and I seriously cannot wait to see how this series progresses. Ann, you are a writing genius! I recommend this one to all readers, even the non-YA ones. Let's just say after I finished it, my day brightened up and I couldn't help but feel full from all the book amazement.

My Rating:

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Author's Info:

Ann Aguirre is a national bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, two cats, and one very lazy dog. She likes all kinds of books, emo music, action movies and Dr. Who. She writes urban fantasy (the Corine Solomon series), romantic science fiction (the Jax series), apocalyptic paranormal romance (the Ellen Connor books with Carrie Lofty), paranormal romantic suspense (as Ava Gray), and post-apocalyptic dystopian young adult fiction.

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