Enclave - Ann Aguirre


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.

 I loved this book.


No, seriously.  Loved it.


If you're a dystopian fan, please put down whatever it is you're doing and go find this book.

Aguirre has created an underground world full of small societies called Enclaves, separated far and wide by tunnels populated with Freaks--human-like creatures that eat human flesh.  In order to preserve the future of the Enclave, Deuce's people have come up with rules.  


When you come of age, you are either a breeder, a builder, or a hunter.  Deuce is the newest huntress in her enclave, and she's been paired with Fade.  Fade is a mysterious (and quite possibly dangerous) boy who had been found out in the tunnels when he was little.  He's never really been part of the enclave.  He can't be trusted.


Or is it the leaders of the enclave that can't be trusted?


Suddenly, Deuce isn't so sure.


This is a fantastic start to a new series.  I loved just how tough Deuce was, while still being vulnerable, and I loved her interactions with other characters (especially Fade).  Deuce has a lot to learn about life outside her own enclave, and the relationships that develop after she steps outside the enclave's walls for the first time are the ones that are going to define her for the rest of her life.


The characters were so real and the setting Aguirre has created is terrifying. 


I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.  So Good!


Read it!


-geekgirl

Comments

  1. This book looks sooo good! Nice review! Its definitely going to the top of my to-read list!

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  2. Great review. I loved it too. Super fast paced with lots of action. The second book is not due until Sept 2012... :(

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  3. it was a really great book for sure! I really hope the author runs with the idea of Duece having powers like she started to show towards the end. That would make this thing even cooler!

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