It's been a couple weeks since a book review, but I've been pretty busy reading! Every book I picked up I couldn't put down but now I'm back in action with another book review of a great book!
This book review is all about Enclave by Ann Aguirre.
In a society that lives underground and it's oldest member is no older than twenty-five years old, surviving one's first fifteen years is quite a feat. At that time, at the naming ceremony, each member who has met this mile stone is finally issued a name and officially joins a group- Hunters, Breeders, or Builders. Deuce proudly accepts her new role as a Huntress, something she's always wanted. She is then paired up with the mysterious and quiet Fade, a Hunter who came to the College Enclave after surviving on his own in the tunnels for years. He was accepted only because the Elders felt he had to be a strong person to outlast the Freaks roaming the tunnels. Deuce quickly learns what it means to be a Huntress when she and Fade go outside the protected Enclave walls to collect meat and take down any Freaks lurking about. After following orders from Silk, her supervisor, Fade and Deuce quickly find out the Freaks actually seem to be working together, creating a much bigger and deadlier force than has been seen before. In a turn of events Deuce and Fade are forced from the Enclave and must survive on their own. The story continues introducing new characters and includes plenty of action. In the end serious questions about what might happen to the rest of the human race are raised and leaves the reader craving for more.
I really enjoyed this book! I have been more interested in YA dystopian novels and this one did not disappoint.
This is a strong story of coming of age and finding your place, not only in society, but also finding out your place with yourself. Deuce is a Huntress to the Enclave, but she also begins to really figure out who she is and develops her own thoughts and opinions which may or may not be what she is "supposed" to think according to the Elders. I like the fact she stands up for what she believes in, helps others, and does what she knows is right even if it means potentially fatal consequences for herself. Deuce is a strong female protagonist and it's hard not to love her and be on her side.
Enclave overall paints a very scary picture of what the world could be like in the future. For one thing, I could never imagine living underground. I'm pretty sure Deuce's enclave basically lives in old Bart or Subway tunnels and having personally used the underground rail system many times I can relate to some of what Deuce refers to, especially after she emerges topside about the smell and stuffiness of the tunnels. Another thing is only living to an average age of twenty-five. I'm almost that age now and it'd be a very odd thing knowing my lifespan would essentially be up by now. The way the Elders are described in the book makes them seem like they look older than twenty-five, but if you lived underground your whole life I wouldn't doubt there would be some physical variations. The Freaks are the scariest part! If those things were roaming around the world today I wouldn't dare venture outside. It's one thing to read a book where a virus killed off almost the entire population and the lifespan of the average Enclave member is a quarter that we would consider normal, but to add Freaks to it makes the thought of the end of the world that much more fearful and unknown.
I really hope there is a sequel to this book! While I enjoyed the book a lot, it definitely was set up to continue on. Will there be more Ann Aguirre? Please say yes because I want to read more! :)
I would definitely recommend this for anyone who loved the Hunger Games books (like me!) or who love YA dystopian novels in general. There is plenty of action and unforeseen events and a hint of romance for those who can't get away from that kind of thing (like me again!). Go read this book because if you like to read the same things as I do I know you'll love this book too.
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