Synopsis: 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.
Review: Enclave… another dystopian novel, but I have to say, SUCH an outstanding plot. It really sets itself apart from the other books with the world that Ann Aguirre builds for us. What is not to love? Apocalypse, zombies, major fight action scenes, heavy dystopian themes and zombies?!
Deuce lives underground in an enclave with Fade. Their enclave is segregated, so people are given a role in the society, and they don’t break away from this. There are builders, breeders and hunters. Deuce and Fade are hunters, so love is forbidden for them.
They primarily hunt and gather food, and also kill off the Freaks, which are Aguirre’s AWESOME version of zombies (Seriously, I loved the concept of them, and how they became smarter and more capable. It was great!).
Due to a series of events, they find themselves exiled from the enclave and are forced to Topside, which is basically Earth as we know it, but set far far into the future, when we’re all gone and basically the skyscrapers are remaining but disheveled and falling apart. Gangs remain and the streets are dangerous. They need to survive.
I absolutely adored these characters… I was made to CARE about these characters. I felt pangs of sadness and jealousy for Deuce, and annoyance at Fade at certain parts of the book. I even started to come around and start liking Stalker, who is a gang member we are introduced to. And I loved Tegan’s vulnerability throughout, and admired her growing courage.
There was just so many aspects of this book I loved, but I really was just so drawn in that when the book ended I was like “Oh.” and actually felt disappointed… only that I have to wait now for the second book in the series! Talk about leaving you hanging!
Absolutely fantastic book, amazing dystopian novel, and I think for lovers of The Hunger Games (and side note anyone who loves zombies), you will truly enjoy the Razorland series!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Great review! I actually began reading this but stopped after a chapter to read some review books. It sounds brilliant and I can’t wait to dig in! Glad you enjoyed it