WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE —
Razorland Series, Book 1
Written by Ann Aguirre
Deuce has just turned fifteen and has been declared a hunter in the Enclave society. Enclave is a post-apocalyptic society where only in-bounds is safe. But, as a hunter, Deuce must leave the safety of the village daily to hunt for meat and to protect them from Freaks. Freaks (a type of humanistic monster) have taken over the nearest settlement they can trade with, but the Elders don’t seem to care or want the word to get out. Deuce starts to doubt that the Elders really want to protect them and want the best for them. Will the Enclave survive? Will Deuce and her new-found rebel friends rise against the Elders?
This is a great book for fans of the Hunger Games, but not for those with a weak stomach.
Review by Jessica Moody, Olympus Jr. High Media Center
Rating: ★★★½✩ (3.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 7+
Ann Aquirre – Official Website
Razorland Series, Book 1
Enclave
Written by Ann Aguirre
Feiwel and Friends
262 pages
Release Date: April 12, 2011
ISBN: 9780312650087 (hardcover)
Publisher’s Description
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 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.
This is a book I have been wanting to read. Maybe it will be the next one I read.