Review: Enclave

Enclave
Ann Aguirre
Enclave #1

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 Deuce 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.

Rating: 4/5

Quotes:

“I never belonged anywhere until I met you.”

“There were different kinds of strength. I knew that now. It didn't always come from a knife or a willingness to fight. Sometimes it came from endurance, where the well ran deep and quiet. Sometimes it came from compassion and forgiveness.”

“A good huntress respected her partners instincts, even if he was socially ignorant.”

My Thoughts:

I really liked this book. Even though there are a slew of post apocalyptic books out there, I feel like this one was really original. Deuce is a strong, independent, kick-ass main character. She can definitely hold her own in a fight and all of that make this book even better. I liked Fade too. He is the mysterious boy that isn't from around there who starts to open up to Deuce and he is quite helpful when they get exiled from their underground colony and go topside. And no, I did not just spoil anything because that was in the synopsis. 

Now what happens topside I will not tell, but I can say that it is an action packed adventure. The whole book really is. A ton of things happened in this book,and it seemed like every thing moved a hyper-speed, but it was very easy to keep up. There were a few detractors though the main one being the presentation of a second love interest. I know it is a 'thing' but I really could have done without the love triangle. But in all, this was a very enjoyable book.