Enclave (Razorland #1) by Ann Aguirre

I have been wanting to read the Razorland series by Ann Aguirre for what seems like forever so I was really excited to find that my local library had FINALLY bought copies of the first two books!  Here is the cover and the Goodreads blurb for Enclave, the first book:

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.

I hate it when people (even book characters) just accept what they are told.  It just rubs me wrong.  I was so relieved to see Deuce come to understand that Fade was right and that the elders were wrong.  I also appreciated that Ms. Aguirre showed that even though the elders were wrong, there are other societies that are even MORE wrong (the gangs).  In society, there is no easy answer.  No society is perfect.  I love Fade as a character because he is so vulnerable, emotionally, even though he is physically very strong.  I can't wait to see what comes next in Outpost!

Click here to find the Razorland Series on Goodreads.  The final book in the series, Horde, is set to be published on October 29th- just in time for Halloween. You can find out more about Ann Aguirre and her books on her website.  She can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.  I give Enclave 4 Fairies for an emotional and scary read that I just could not put down- even when reading it before bed gave me nightmares.