Book of the Moment: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Title: Enclave
Author: Ann Aguirre
Hardcover: 259 pages
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Released Date: April 12, 2011

Source: Library

Interest: Synopsis

Synopsis:

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

My Thoughts:

I have FINALLY found a dystopian book that I like! IF this book is considered dystopian. But it is definitely sci- fi! I am so happy that I was finally able to read this book! Ever since I read the synopsis for it, I have just been so intrigued by the whole idea. I haven't read many books about zombie apocalypses but this book was just insanely good!

The beginning is a bit boring but that's just because she was in the Enclave and those people just sucked in general. I would hate being Deuce! With all those annoying rules that the Elders make, I would feel like I'm in a prison and the walls were closing in on me! But towards the middle, the book took a wild turn to the interesting and I just could not put it down after that!

Deuce is a tough girl, what with her being a Huntress and having to fight zombies that the Enclave calls Freaks. It's a scary and sobering job so Deuce has to be tough and not let anything stop her. But as you read, you can see that she has  not fully equipped to the Huntress personality. She may be one of the best fighters but her heart just can't seem to follow the Hunter motto of "The Strong Survive". When following this motto with all your heart you can become cold and selfish and those are things that Deuce will never be. She felt fear through out fighting the Freaks but she didn't cower. She kept on fighting so she could protect others. She is truly and all the way, bad ass. Loved it!

Fade was an interesting character. He's really quiet because the people don't like or trust him just because he wasn't born in the Enclave. So he usually spends time to himself but when Deuce and Fade get paired up, Fade is able to let some of his personalty shine through. He's loyal, strong, and the rock in Deuce's life. The romance wasn't blazing just because it's hard to do stuff like that when Freaks are chasing after you, wanting to dismember every inch of you. Ya, not exactly romantic. But the romance is there, but for now it's just kindling.

This book was packed with action and was very fast paced. It went right to the point and all the mystery behind everything was lingering in every page. I kept wondering about the world they lived in just as much as the characters did. It's unbelievable how Ann Aguirre was able to create such a world. There was horror but it balanced out with parts with the most tender hearted scenes. This book is one adventure and you are constantly wondering why the world became the way it it. The suspense is everlasting...

I was also happy to hear that there will be a sequel to this book, going by the name, Outpost. It's scheduled to be out in Fall 2012!

I also found this art at Ann Aguirre's website and I just though it was cool! Although, the clothing ensemble is a bit too much for what is zombie apocalypse...

Deuce:                                                                    Fade:

Tegan (above)

Stalker

Does this sound good? Buy it from your local bookstore!