Book Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave by Ann Aguirre
Razorland #1
Release Date: April 12, 2011
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Rating: Essential

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. - Goodreads Page

Enclave is a dark dystopian novel set in a world where being old age means surviving to your 20th birthday. Believe me, this is a hard task in this world, where fighting Freaks (zombie-like creatures) and deadly disease is a constant battle.

Deuce, our main character, becomes a Huntress at the beginning of the novel and is partnered with the outcast, Fade. Together they patrol the tunnels outside of their enclave, searching for meat and fighting Freaks. And this is where the plot kicks off.

The plot keeps a fast paced throughout the novel – I can’t think of one dull or slow moment. Deuce and Fade go through various trials together, and the tension keeps building and building until the climax of the story. Some parts were downright scary.

I loved Deuce and Fade as characters. Deuce was a strong female lead, and I loved how dedicated she was to her Huntress duties, and to her enclave. Her many fighting scenes were intriguing, and I felt as though I was right there with her – her voice was so clear.

Fade... well, he’s a little more than your typical mysterious love interest. There are so many layers there to be peeled back and explored, I can’t wait to find out more about him in the next book in the series. Fade actually reminded me a lot of Four from Divergent, so those of you who loved Four will definitely fall for Fade!

Enclave is an action packed debut with fascinating, layered characters and an intriguing and well thought out world. I’d highly recommend this book to those who love dystopian novels, and to those who crave fantastic fighting scenes – which Aguirre seems to specialise in. The only minor flaw of this novel in the damn love triangle! I really didn't like where that took the book. Especially as one half of the triangle was... Well, let's just say he wasn't the nicest person. Definitely pick this up next time you’re in the book store!