A Young Adult, Dystopian novel written by Ann Aguirre. Win. The end. Ok so there is more to the story but really I’ve said all you need to know.
Some sort of apocalypse has occurred that has forced people underground for survival. They have formed Enclaves and a very strict, structured government and way of life to survive the harsh conditions of their environment. Life is hard and everybody pulls their weight or they die. There is no room for weakness. Children are not even named in the Enclave until they turn 15 since so many of them don’t survive. On their 15th birthday, they are given and name officially become a Breeder, a Builder, or a Hunter to serve the Enclave.
Enclave is told from the perspective of Girl15 or Deuce as she officially becomes on her naming day. She has trained to become a hunter and at 15 years old, she takes on her official duty. As a punishment for her tardiness, Deuce is paired with Fade, a Hunter and outsider that was not born in the Enclave. He is an outcast, and not fully trusted by the Enclave elders and not someone Deuce wants to spend much time with. But she’s trained her whole life to become a Hunter and is not about to let Fade get in the way of realizing her destiny. As they get to know each other Deuce starts to realize that Fade may not be the one she needs to be wary of. He introduces ideas and a different perspective on life in the tunnels and Deuce’s commitment to her way of life and the Enclave begins to waver. When her life it turned totally upside down she loses every thing she has ever known, she faces a whole new world she never new existed.
I know a lot of dystopian YA novels being released now but to be honest I have not read many. I loved The Hunger Games trilogy but YA is not my main thing and so this is a trend that is essentially passing me by. But when Ann Aguirre decides to throw her hat into the ring it’s time for me to see what all the fuss is about. I loved this book from beginning to end and was so disappointed when it was over and I didn’t have the next book sitting on the shelf waiting for me. From the moment I started reading I was immersed in a world that is dark, cruel, unfair and dangerous.
Deuce won my heart over right away with her innocence and vulnerability. But when her view of her world is shattered her ability to adapt and survive is just so admirable. Her fear of a world unknown and facing the reality that she has been deceived her entire life is so genuine and her excitement at discovering not only life beyond the tunnels but also discovering feelings and emotions that would have been denied to her in her former life.
Fade is mysterious, and reserved but at the same time rebellious and edgy. Although he has a history that you would expect would harden him beyond repair, he still possesses a sense of honor and decency among the ugly reality that is his life.
I discussed this book with a friend and told her that the writing was so descriptive without being descriptive. I know that doesn’t make sense but it’s the only way I can think of to describe it. Never at any time did I feel like I was reading a book and being told a story. I was just in the moment, in those dark horrible dirty tunnels and beyond with Fade and Deuce, as they fought for their lives.
There is much more to discuss and I could go on and on but bottom line, I loved this book, I want more, I don’t want to wait. Ann Aguirre knocked it out of the park with Enclave and I can’t wait to find out what happens next in Outpost.
Favorite Quote:
When I joined the fight, their expressions shocked me. You’d think they had never seen a girl who knew how to use a weapon before. Stupidity kills.
Rating: A
Enclave by Ann Aguirre
April 12th 2011 by Feiwel & Friends
Young Adult
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About FV Sophia
WHEEE!!!
This is on my Kindle waiting for me. I just read Hunger Games trilogy and I am def ready for more dystopian ya! Reading this one very soon!
This one is not as tragic as HG but definitely dark. I loved it!
This one is on my Kindle as well. I don’t read a ton of YA but like you, if it’s Ann Aguirre, I’m gonna read it!
Amy, this one was really good. It felt like watching a movie. The romance is very light, more emotional than anything else. I’m team Fade.
I know it’s all the rage to complain about love triangles but I like them so yeah.
This one sounds really great. Nice review, Sophia! And I know just what you mean by “the writing was so descriptive without being descriptive” I love when an author can make the book so lush and vivid without over writing it and wording me to death.
Oh damn, I want to borrow that for my review. You said it better!! LOL.
LOL. Feel free to steal it for future use.
Wonderful review. I enjoyed Enclave and look forward to Outpost.
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I’m sooo glad they are out of the tunnels. It was so claustrophobic down there
I have read so many good reviews for this book. I must move it up on the list to read. I’ve had it bought for over a month now, just haven’t had the time to read it.
Thanks for the fab review!
Oh yes, definitely worth bumping up.
I want to read this book. I’m not big on YA, but one will sneak in there sometimes. I also enjoyed Divergent in the dystopian YA reads.
I’m not a big YA fan either but I really think Ann Aguirre did it right. I really enjoyed this. The Book Vixen recommend Divergent to me and it going to lend me her copy. I’m looking forward to reading it.
I very much enjoyed Enclave as well. Glad you liked it! There are definitely a few YA series out there that manage to hit it outta the park. Have you read The Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness? Amazing.
No I haven’t. I just looked it up at GoodReads and it sounds a little scary! I might check it out. Thanks.
I LOVED LOVED this book. One of my favorite 2011 reads!
Me too, it’s going on my “best of” list for 2011.
I am so curious!!!!
I like the way she writes and I do like dystopia so it should be a win win for me
That’s exactly right! LOL
Yet another that’s on my TBR pile – and one that I might actually be able to get to now that I’m not working or going to school! OMG SQUEE!
Ahem. Sorry, Got a little overexcited there for a second.
I love pretty much anything I’ve ever read by Ann Aguirre or her other pen name(s). What an amazing writer. Can’t wait to dive into this one!! And I’m fairly new to the dystopian genre, but everything I’ve read so far I’ve enjoyed, so I’m REALLY excited to see her take on it.
Wait, what? Are you on summer break? Or just done? Have I missed some important news? Does this mean you are getting hitched soon?
Good lord, how I wish I were done. No, I’m done for the summer. We got married in Feb (sorta – filed a Declaration of Informal Marriage, which is legal is as legal can get in Texas) but are just now taking our “honeymoon”… With his entire family. His mom paid for the tickets there & the villa in Tuscany. He’s taking me to Rome, Florence, & Venice for the honeymoon portion of the trip.
When we get back, he goes back to work and I head off to culinary school for a semester. No more work for me! At least in that horrible, terrible, dreadful, soul-sucking office.
Wow I’m behind is all the news then LOL. Congratulation on your Declaration of Informal Marriage!!
Have a wonderful time in Italy!!
I didn’t make a big announcement, believe it or not. In fact, my family only found out because I changes my relationship status on FB, lol.
Thanks, love!
“A Young Adult, Dystopian novel written by Ann Aguirre. Win. The end.”
True that! I read an ARC of this late last year and I still don’t think I’ve read anything better. I loved it from beginning to end!
Me too! I would have read it straight through if I could have.
Wow! Thanks for the review, this sounds really good. I have to admit, I have NOT read the Hunger Games. Like you, I just don’t read much YA at all. I need to make some time on my reading schedule to squeeze this one in, it seems!
I am so glad you liked this one! This is on my top list of 2011 as well. Right along with Divergent
I still need to read the Hunger Games trilogy.