ballista_2003's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
This book wasn’t very well written in my opinion. Now I LOVE a fast paced read,. Usually I’m the type of girl to be hurrying along past the long descriptions of the settings, vibes, character descriptions etc that seem to drag on and on. However, surprisingly for this book I was actually yearning for MORE descriptions (or literally any at all.) This book feels like it was written by a middle schooler. I wish Ann Aguirre would’ve included some much needed creepy crawly imagery describing the tunnels, the “freaks,” the characters (in a show not tell way) etc. Because these bits were glossed over so frequently, it felt extremely difficult to get in to this story at any point during the book. For me, there wasn’t a true climax to it either, and I was completely shocked when I got to the end of the audiobook, I would’ve expected there to be at least an hour left of the story.
I gave it a 3.25 star rating however because I LOVE zombie fiction, so this was surprisingly entertaining for me. I won’t be sprinting to read the other books, but I am curious about how they’ll compare to this one.
I gave it a 3.25 star rating however because I LOVE zombie fiction, so this was surprisingly entertaining for me. I won’t be sprinting to read the other books, but I am curious about how they’ll compare to this one.
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
I am not really in the mood to write a normal review, so I will write a good/bad review. :)
Good things:
*The zombies/freaks/whatever they are. They are seriously scary, and I would say maybe scarier than normal zombies. With their longer claws, sharp teeth and seemingly more brains they make up for one scary enemy that you don't want to meet. They are terrifyingly smart, they can make decisions, they can take revenge, they will follow you, they will get rid of their own to get to things they want.
*The main character. Deuce is an awesome character and I loved her from the beginning, though I have to say I started loving her more when she had to go to the surface. She was so amazed by everything she saw, had to be taught new things (and didn't mind, just soaked it up like a sponge does water) and she was so strong. Keeps going on and on no matter what. Of course she was afraid, of course she worried, but that made her human, that made her more real. I think I would have hated it if she would have taken everything for granted, if she hadn't cared or worse, if she had cowered when she saw each new thing.
And she learns so much, you can just see her grow, stronger but also smarter and more world wise.
*Fade, he was a really great side-character, though I want to know more about him, about his father, about his life on the surface before he ran to the sewers/train systems.
*The world-building, there are a lot of questions (see bad things later on), but I at times felt like I was standing next to Deuce, fighting alongside of her in the sewers/train system, seeing her talk to people she knew in the Enclave. Everything is pretty detailed and that made it really a great book to me.
*Several other things, like the situation in the Enclave, I just had my suspicions about what happened there and also the stories they told. Also Stalker turned up to be an interesting character when stuff happened.
Bad Things:
*We have no answers (but a few things) what the hell happened to the world? A disease? Some new vaccine that turned up badly? Some magic occurrence? Aliens? I was hoping that we would get things answered when Deuce and Fade would go to the surface. However, we get some snippets, but nothing much.
It seems that bites or something don't turn people? I can be wrong, but I read something about Deuce being bitten, and yet she didn't turn. So how do people turn into Freaks? Are freaks really zombies? Or aliens?
In the end I am more confused than anything. So many questions and so little answers, I am hoping that they will be answered in the next book. Yes I am buying the next book.
*Why are all the freaks in the sewers/train systems? At least I have to deduce that from the book. During several events it seemed like having Freaks in the city was a new occurrence and that the Wolves didn't even know what they faced.
*The love triangle. Urgh, and with Deuce being still totally oblivious to girl things I am sure this will turn out to be highly annoying.
*The systems in the Enclave. So you can't pick? You are either a Builder, Breeder or a Hunter? I don't think I would like to be forced to be a Breeder. Or for that matter be stuck in Builder or Hunter. I would rather pick something myself.
*More questions, why do people in the Enclave die so soon? The oldest people there were just ~20 years old.
*That cliffhanger. Of course it was expected, because, hey, we have a whole series, but it still annoys me.
All in all a balanced book, and a fun one at that. I will be sure to check out the rest of the series. :)
Review first posted: http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Good things:
*The zombies/freaks/whatever they are. They are seriously scary, and I would say maybe scarier than normal zombies. With their longer claws, sharp teeth and seemingly more brains they make up for one scary enemy that you don't want to meet. They are terrifyingly smart, they can make decisions, they can take revenge, they will follow you, they will get rid of their own to get to things they want.
*The main character. Deuce is an awesome character and I loved her from the beginning, though I have to say I started loving her more when she had to go to the surface. She was so amazed by everything she saw, had to be taught new things (and didn't mind, just soaked it up like a sponge does water) and she was so strong. Keeps going on and on no matter what. Of course she was afraid, of course she worried, but that made her human, that made her more real. I think I would have hated it if she would have taken everything for granted, if she hadn't cared or worse, if she had cowered when she saw each new thing.
And she learns so much, you can just see her grow, stronger but also smarter and more world wise.
*Fade, he was a really great side-character, though I want to know more about him, about his father, about his life on the surface before he ran to the sewers/train systems.
*The world-building, there are a lot of questions (see bad things later on), but I at times felt like I was standing next to Deuce, fighting alongside of her in the sewers/train system, seeing her talk to people she knew in the Enclave. Everything is pretty detailed and that made it really a great book to me.
*Several other things, like the situation in the Enclave, I just had my suspicions about what happened there and also the stories they told. Also Stalker turned up to be an interesting character when stuff happened.
Bad Things:
*We have no answers (but a few things) what the hell happened to the world? A disease? Some new vaccine that turned up badly? Some magic occurrence? Aliens? I was hoping that we would get things answered when Deuce and Fade would go to the surface. However, we get some snippets, but nothing much.
It seems that bites or something don't turn people? I can be wrong, but I read something about Deuce being bitten, and yet she didn't turn. So how do people turn into Freaks? Are freaks really zombies? Or aliens?
In the end I am more confused than anything. So many questions and so little answers, I am hoping that they will be answered in the next book. Yes I am buying the next book.
*Why are all the freaks in the sewers/train systems? At least I have to deduce that from the book. During several events it seemed like having Freaks in the city was a new occurrence and that the Wolves didn't even know what they faced.
*The love triangle. Urgh, and with Deuce being still totally oblivious to girl things I am sure this will turn out to be highly annoying.
*The systems in the Enclave. So you can't pick? You are either a Builder, Breeder or a Hunter? I don't think I would like to be forced to be a Breeder. Or for that matter be stuck in Builder or Hunter. I would rather pick something myself.
*More questions, why do people in the Enclave die so soon? The oldest people there were just ~20 years old.
*That cliffhanger. Of course it was expected, because, hey, we have a whole series, but it still annoys me.
All in all a balanced book, and a fun one at that. I will be sure to check out the rest of the series. :)
Review first posted: http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
123lol's review
4.0
It gave me exactly the disponian vibes I wanted
The story isn’t that original but it is action packed which is what I love
The story isn’t that original but it is action packed which is what I love
kasiej's review
5.0
Enclave by Ann Aguirre, aka Razorland #1, was refreshing and enthralling.
A Young Adult/Dystopian/Zombie type and I didn’t put it down until my eyes dropped from lack of sleep. The post apocalyptic genre is one of my very favorites.
A society of tunnel dwelling children and teens with no memories of sunshine or fresh air. No room for error when you very livelihood is threatened around every corner. Will the new girl and the outsider survive?
Spoilers Ahead!
Personally this type of social hierarchy fascinates me. It’s primal and dark. We didn’t use to always have the life span we do today. The younger you die, the younger you have to fight and the younger you have to procreate in order to continue humanity.
We open up with a young girl attending her coming of age ceremony. Happy 15th birthday. At this point she finally receives a name and class.
She’s a woman now and not just any woman, she’s a huntress. Three classes exist within her enclave, Builder, Breeder, and Hunter. She’s been chosen to fight. As a huntress she is to protect and provide. If only it were that simple right? Teamed up with Fade, the foreigner and rebel, things aren’t easy for her.
Enter in the “Zombies”, aka the “Freaks/Eaters/Muties”. [¬º-°]¬
I loved the feral version the author gave the creatures. Not like your typical walking and groaning zombies. These were still animals bent on survival. Seeing a difference between the starving and the rested was vivid. Comparable to a stray dog, they were either driven by hunger or weighed their options, leaving survival the only deciding point. Needless to say, these were not the easiest target in dark tunnels, subway ruins, and sewers. How could they fight anything in places like that? Evolution of course. Just like the Freaks, they acclimated to the world around them. Generations underground and your senses will adapt. Just like any living thing when moved to a new environment. Survival of the fittest.
Each action sequence was intense. They were trained to fight their entire lives so they make do, but the strains of battle take their toll. Small glimpses of self discovery and revelation occur here and there, but knowing this is the first installment to a series, I was happy it didn’t throw everything at me all at once. Relationships between people have to build and experience in life is the only true way to learn.
So when an adjacent colony is wiped out and their own teeters on the edge of destruction, who will win? If only Deuce and Fade were there to find out. Sadly, they find exile before that. Topside they go.
(⌐■_■)
Deuce is stricken in amazement and fear all at once. Casadastraphobia – the fear of falling into the sky. I’m happy to see the author give Deuce this fear, since she’s known nothing more but the underground. An entire life taught to fear the world above. After pushing herself on they make some decisions. Time to find some answers and head North for safety.
Along the way Fade and Deuce draw ever so slightly closer. Before more can develop, they pick up a girl being held prisoner, Tegan, and eventually her captor, Stalker. Weird? No. This bothered a lot of people though since it was mentioned how Tegan was treated by Stalkers clan. Beaten, raped, and kept prisoner for breeding. Was Stalker the one who did it? No. It was actually mentioned how Stalker never used his power as leader to claim women. Since this fact is established and talked out, the two put their past behind them and as a group of four they continue North.
(I’m not particularly appalled by the topic of rape in books. It happens. I’m not saying I’m ok with it in real life though! Yes, it’s a fucking atrocity and yes, I wish with all my being that it wasn’t something people had to fear. Once again though, this is fiction. I also wish bambi’s mom didn’t die and nemo wasn’t left crippled or without siblings, but they did. Ever seen Up? Yeah. As for placing the topic of rape in a Young Adult novel, it’s not the first time. Go Ask Alice and Speak are two phenomenal titles about the lives of young women who experience such tragedies. If you’re uncomfortable with these topics, I’d recommend not reading about them.)
While continuing North, they unfortunately receive more resistance along the way. The Freaks are getting smarter, tracking, hunting, and countering moves. Finally with Deuce and Tegan injured, they rest and with a little help from a fallen comrade on the other side, they’re found by an actual adult.
(￣▽￣人)
It was like the final scene out of I Am Legend. Finally, they’ve reached some sort of civilization with adults and proper structure. Tegan is rushed to medical care while the others find shelter, but will she make it?
I don’t know! I’m super excited to read the the next installment though. Although Dead Island is next on the list (in preparation for Rip Tide on Tuesday), it’s definitely going to come after that.
A Young Adult/Dystopian/Zombie type and I didn’t put it down until my eyes dropped from lack of sleep. The post apocalyptic genre is one of my very favorites.
A society of tunnel dwelling children and teens with no memories of sunshine or fresh air. No room for error when you very livelihood is threatened around every corner. Will the new girl and the outsider survive?
Spoilers Ahead!
Spoiler
A world where people die as young as their twenties is a grave state. I’ve noticed a lot of people have a problems when scenarios are painted this way. It’s not something to easily accept. It’s also not something for the faint of heart. This type of society is undoubtedly more harsh. The one thing you have to keep in mind is that is a work of fiction. This is not real. If you’re easily offended or upset by the following; abuse, rape, and the death of children, you’re probably better off going with something else. Please keep in mind I said EASILY offended because those things don’t actually happen in real time, they’re simply underlined. You know it had to have happened but it’s never detailed.Personally this type of social hierarchy fascinates me. It’s primal and dark. We didn’t use to always have the life span we do today. The younger you die, the younger you have to fight and the younger you have to procreate in order to continue humanity.
We open up with a young girl attending her coming of age ceremony. Happy 15th birthday. At this point she finally receives a name and class.
She’s a woman now and not just any woman, she’s a huntress. Three classes exist within her enclave, Builder, Breeder, and Hunter. She’s been chosen to fight. As a huntress she is to protect and provide. If only it were that simple right? Teamed up with Fade, the foreigner and rebel, things aren’t easy for her.
Enter in the “Zombies”, aka the “Freaks/Eaters/Muties”. [¬º-°]¬
I loved the feral version the author gave the creatures. Not like your typical walking and groaning zombies. These were still animals bent on survival. Seeing a difference between the starving and the rested was vivid. Comparable to a stray dog, they were either driven by hunger or weighed their options, leaving survival the only deciding point. Needless to say, these were not the easiest target in dark tunnels, subway ruins, and sewers. How could they fight anything in places like that? Evolution of course. Just like the Freaks, they acclimated to the world around them. Generations underground and your senses will adapt. Just like any living thing when moved to a new environment. Survival of the fittest.
Each action sequence was intense. They were trained to fight their entire lives so they make do, but the strains of battle take their toll. Small glimpses of self discovery and revelation occur here and there, but knowing this is the first installment to a series, I was happy it didn’t throw everything at me all at once. Relationships between people have to build and experience in life is the only true way to learn.
So when an adjacent colony is wiped out and their own teeters on the edge of destruction, who will win? If only Deuce and Fade were there to find out. Sadly, they find exile before that. Topside they go.
(⌐■_■)
Deuce is stricken in amazement and fear all at once. Casadastraphobia – the fear of falling into the sky. I’m happy to see the author give Deuce this fear, since she’s known nothing more but the underground. An entire life taught to fear the world above. After pushing herself on they make some decisions. Time to find some answers and head North for safety.
Along the way Fade and Deuce draw ever so slightly closer. Before more can develop, they pick up a girl being held prisoner, Tegan, and eventually her captor, Stalker. Weird? No. This bothered a lot of people though since it was mentioned how Tegan was treated by Stalkers clan. Beaten, raped, and kept prisoner for breeding. Was Stalker the one who did it? No. It was actually mentioned how Stalker never used his power as leader to claim women. Since this fact is established and talked out, the two put their past behind them and as a group of four they continue North.
(I’m not particularly appalled by the topic of rape in books. It happens. I’m not saying I’m ok with it in real life though! Yes, it’s a fucking atrocity and yes, I wish with all my being that it wasn’t something people had to fear. Once again though, this is fiction. I also wish bambi’s mom didn’t die and nemo wasn’t left crippled or without siblings, but they did. Ever seen Up? Yeah. As for placing the topic of rape in a Young Adult novel, it’s not the first time. Go Ask Alice and Speak are two phenomenal titles about the lives of young women who experience such tragedies. If you’re uncomfortable with these topics, I’d recommend not reading about them.)
While continuing North, they unfortunately receive more resistance along the way. The Freaks are getting smarter, tracking, hunting, and countering moves. Finally with Deuce and Tegan injured, they rest and with a little help from a fallen comrade on the other side, they’re found by an actual adult.
(￣▽￣人)
It was like the final scene out of I Am Legend. Finally, they’ve reached some sort of civilization with adults and proper structure. Tegan is rushed to medical care while the others find shelter, but will she make it?
I don’t know! I’m super excited to read the the next installment though. Although Dead Island is next on the list (in preparation for Rip Tide on Tuesday), it’s definitely going to come after that.
riotgrrl's review
5.0
I expected one of the often similar fantasy/urban-fantasy books without something really special, but this book really surprised me. I really admire the author for her capability of imagining and describing this world and look very much forward to explore more of it and the interesting characters.
dlberglund's review
3.0
Shades of lots of other YA books in this one, but it is an interesting ride to go on. Deuce has grown up in underground tunnels as part of a tightly-controlled Enclave, training to be a Huntress. She is part of a squad that patrols the tunnels, hunting food and protecting the community from Freaks, which are some sort of mutated ape/human zombie craziness.
And then....she discovers that the world above ground isn't actually a poisoned flaming ruin after all! Now what?
The ending left much to be desired (she might as well have written "To be continued"), but the story's pacing was good and characters were decent enough.
And then....she discovers that the world above ground isn't actually a poisoned flaming ruin after all! Now what?
The ending left much to be desired (she might as well have written "To be continued"), but the story's pacing was good and characters were decent enough.
vikcs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0