Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Enclave by Ann Aguirre [REVIEW]

Enclave 
(Razorland #1)
by Ann Aguirre

 Summary from Goodreads:

"New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20s. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known."

Rating:

In the world of Enclave, Top Side, where cities used to stand tall and proud, is unsafe. The angry sun burns any human flesh in sight, and the air poisons the lungs. It is safer to stay Down Below, in the tunnels. It may be pitch black down there, reeking of cannibalistic Freaks, but better than dying within seconds Top Side – or so the College Enclave leaders say to Deuce and the other citizens.

Deuce has always seen herself becoming a huntress. When the time finally arrived, she finds herself paired in hunting with Fade, the outsider amongst her people, and yet one of the best hunters of the enclave. When Deuce and Fade learn that the neighbouring enclave, Nassau, was destroyed by the Freaks, they try to warn their leaders, who in return, refuse to listen. Suddenly, Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, and forced to go Top Side, where they find themselves facing more danger, witnessing new discoveries, and hoping for a land they aren’t even sure exists...

The marker saying that Enclave is “For fans of The Hunger Games,” made me want to pick up this book. I thought to myself, “well, how daring!” It’s kind of hard to live up to that kind of expectation. Many have tried, but not many rose up fulfilling and accomplished. Thank goodness, Enclave was amazing!

Deuce’s world is like no other dystopian world I’ve experienced recently. Imagine people living in the subways were have at present, only trains no longer work, and nobody  bothers ascending from these tunnels. Ann Aguirre’s world building skills is astounding, definitely deserve two thumbs up!  And a standing slow clap. LOL.

Deuce’s character is attention-grabbing. She’s strong, brave, and curious – even though that last part might get her in trouble. I love her, although sometimes she can be too confident for her own good. I’m glad she has Fade to look after her. Now speaking of Fade, he is, of course, a very interesting character. And no, before you say anything, I am not swooning over him – yet! Ha, ha! You see, he may be dreamy and all, but I kind of toned down over focusing on the characters here. I’m more transfixed over the adventure; the journey that these characters went through. The scenes were incredibly gripping that I barely had the time to think deeply of Fade, much less anyone else.

So yeah, I truly praise that adventure; the characters’ discovery of what exactly goes Top Side, everything they have been through is incredible.  And the action – Oh! Sweet, blood pumping action scenes! Thank you, Ann Aguirre! You have quenched my thirst of action in dystopian novels, really, much appreciated!!!

As you can see, I really like this book, and I can’t wait to read Outpost. Since Enclave is a little short on the romance side, I’d be expecting more from Book II. Please don’t let me down.