Enclave: Review

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 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.

***

Although I'm curious about this series, I'm not entirely sure that it will be good. But surprisingly it is. Enclave takes us to a post-apocalyptic world where nowhere is safe. Deuce is one of the Huntress - her purpose is to defend the people living under the rule of the enclave and bring back meat. She's loyal to the enclave until she's banished herself and sees the truth for herself. 

At first I was not sure what to expect from Enclave. But after I read the first chapter I immediately know that I will like this book. I'm not sure how Ann Aguirre did it, but Deuce's image quickly develops in just a few chapters, as well as the world Deuce lives in. Deuce has a really nice image. Strong, brave, loyal. You may say, "Yeah, this is really nice. But it's really typical." But the best part is that she doesn't get jealous or she isn't hyper-aware of every reaction from those around her. I'm tired of girls getting jealous are being hyper-aware of everything. 

I also like Ann Aguirre's style of writing. Surprisingly it doesn't contain as much dialog as I thought. It's more like a journal. And I love every part of her words. It feels warm to read it even though the book is supposed to be about a post-apocalyptic world overrun by Freaks. The story feels real, yet I know that this is just an unreal story. Strangely this is fresh and comforting.

The world Ann Aguirre created might not be exceptionally breath-taking. It's a fair apocalyptic world. But if you are looking for an exciting story, this might not be the first book you dive for (although it's still pretty action-packed). However if you are looking for a story to read while snuggling beneath the sheets on your bed, this will be a great story.

Rating: 7.5/10