Helpful Score: 1
This book reminded me of why I sometimes HATE when writers for adults attempt to write for younger audiences. People, how many times do I have to remind you that having a good premise and combining that with sloppy worldbuilding, a teenaged protagonist, and a love triangle does NOT automatically qualify a book as YA? I managed to finish ENCLAVE, but only because the whole time I kept on expecting it to get better, for it to eventually blow me away. Well, there was definitely no blowing away: my butt remained firmly in my chair, my forehead practically glued to my desk in frustration.
Good things first, I guess. I like Deuce. She belongs in the new, Katniss-esque camp of female protagonists: resourceful, emotionally reserved, tough on the outside, vulnerable and endearing on the inside.
Now for the litany of issues I had with this book, i.e. Why Poor Deuce Deserved a Better Story. Where do I begin? The writing was mediocre. I felt like no sooner was a character or detail introduced then he/she/it either died, got destroyed, or became Significant, rendering all of those introduced characters and details glaringly device-y. Changes in Deuce and Fades lives occurred with little regard for logistical backstory: when Deuce is in danger of death by Freak, a random group of dwarf-people whosurprise!have been secretly living within the tunnels all along come out to save her. Deuce and Fade are cast to the surface for a tradition that, in essence, should make sense as a way that the elders enforced obedience, but, when it actually happens, feels so contrived.
And thats the problem I continued to have throughout this book. Despite the promising premise, I feel like ENCLAVE only scratched at the surface of its worlds possibilities. For me, a storys world has to feel like it can exist without an authors interference: the book has to read like, say, contemporary YA reads to us, which is to say that all the complexities and possibilities of the world have to feel natural. ENCLAVEs world did not feel natural to me. It felt like the author was writing in aspects of the world as the story went along, and I was left with too many logistical questions and an utter lack of investment. For example, Im aware that I was supposed to see Deuces enclave as a stifling, cruel, and totalitarian governing system, but I never felt stifled on Deuces behalf. Everything in this book was begging me to consider it as dangerous, as suspenseful, as intensewhich did not allow me to feel anything naturally, except perhaps boredom. It was just not credible.
Deuce was about the only character in this book that I felt like was even remotely well developed, and Im beginning to suspect that thats just a trick of the first-person narration. Fade I felt was trying so hard to fit the mysterious-hot-love-interest quota that he ended up being very uninteresting. And OH GOD CAN I JUST RANT HERE ABOUT THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE LOVE TRIANGLE? So Deuce and Fade get into an altercation with a gang. The gang leader, who displays sociopathic tendencies towards homicide, randomly has a change of heart and joins them on their journey to find utopia, or whatever else is a better word for what theyre looking for. He and Deuce hook up when shes busy agonizing over Fade. Yawn. The obviousness of the romantic elements of ENCLAVE didnt help dissuade my snarky notion that the author was trying to fulfill some checklist for How to Write Bestselling YA or something.
I also think ENCLAVE took a big (and ultimately unsuccessful) risk in incorporating idea-dropping into its narration. Idea-dropping is my just-made-up term for a concept similar to name-dropping. It involves describing common modern items in such a way as to make it clear to us what the characters are describing without actually naming it, since, obviously, the characters dont know the name for it. The one other time Ive seen idea-dropping used was in another YA dystopian that ultimately didnt agree with me. I think its a literary technique that panders to readers and doesnt add anything to the world or the characters. I dont freaking care that theyre eating Spam. All I needed to know was that they were eating long expired canned food. Spam only has implications for us readers, not the characters. Thus, idea-dropping spoon-feeds the dystopian aspect of a story, but I personally find the spoon-feeding offensive to my readerly intellect. There are better ways to write a dystopian than to idea-drop.
And what is up with the Freaks? Are they supposed to be flesh-eating zombies, or a mutation gone terribly wrong, or something else? Why wasnt there more of an explanation for their existence so that they would also be less device-y? And are you SERIOUS about the disembodied voice that speaks to Deuce (or comes to her in a dream, I couldnt figure out which) and convinces her to make the right decision, etc etc? I didnt realize that deus ex machinas were so easily accepted! And dont even get me started on how Tegan is an expendable ninny who inspires no empathy and is like a girl trying desperately not to be TSTL (too stupid to live) but, due to shoddy writing, ends up fitting exactly that expendable role.
My problem with ENCLAVE wasnt that it read like a setup for the rest of the series. Rather, I just cannot respect a story that skimps so heavily on plot, characterization, and worldbuilding. As far as the trilogy is concerned, this is the end of the road for me. I wish all brave travelers who wish to journey beyond this point the best of luck. Im going to spend my time on more well written books.
Good things first, I guess. I like Deuce. She belongs in the new, Katniss-esque camp of female protagonists: resourceful, emotionally reserved, tough on the outside, vulnerable and endearing on the inside.
Now for the litany of issues I had with this book, i.e. Why Poor Deuce Deserved a Better Story. Where do I begin? The writing was mediocre. I felt like no sooner was a character or detail introduced then he/she/it either died, got destroyed, or became Significant, rendering all of those introduced characters and details glaringly device-y. Changes in Deuce and Fades lives occurred with little regard for logistical backstory: when Deuce is in danger of death by Freak, a random group of dwarf-people whosurprise!have been secretly living within the tunnels all along come out to save her. Deuce and Fade are cast to the surface for a tradition that, in essence, should make sense as a way that the elders enforced obedience, but, when it actually happens, feels so contrived.
And thats the problem I continued to have throughout this book. Despite the promising premise, I feel like ENCLAVE only scratched at the surface of its worlds possibilities. For me, a storys world has to feel like it can exist without an authors interference: the book has to read like, say, contemporary YA reads to us, which is to say that all the complexities and possibilities of the world have to feel natural. ENCLAVEs world did not feel natural to me. It felt like the author was writing in aspects of the world as the story went along, and I was left with too many logistical questions and an utter lack of investment. For example, Im aware that I was supposed to see Deuces enclave as a stifling, cruel, and totalitarian governing system, but I never felt stifled on Deuces behalf. Everything in this book was begging me to consider it as dangerous, as suspenseful, as intensewhich did not allow me to feel anything naturally, except perhaps boredom. It was just not credible.
Deuce was about the only character in this book that I felt like was even remotely well developed, and Im beginning to suspect that thats just a trick of the first-person narration. Fade I felt was trying so hard to fit the mysterious-hot-love-interest quota that he ended up being very uninteresting. And OH GOD CAN I JUST RANT HERE ABOUT THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE LOVE TRIANGLE? So Deuce and Fade get into an altercation with a gang. The gang leader, who displays sociopathic tendencies towards homicide, randomly has a change of heart and joins them on their journey to find utopia, or whatever else is a better word for what theyre looking for. He and Deuce hook up when shes busy agonizing over Fade. Yawn. The obviousness of the romantic elements of ENCLAVE didnt help dissuade my snarky notion that the author was trying to fulfill some checklist for How to Write Bestselling YA or something.
I also think ENCLAVE took a big (and ultimately unsuccessful) risk in incorporating idea-dropping into its narration. Idea-dropping is my just-made-up term for a concept similar to name-dropping. It involves describing common modern items in such a way as to make it clear to us what the characters are describing without actually naming it, since, obviously, the characters dont know the name for it. The one other time Ive seen idea-dropping used was in another YA dystopian that ultimately didnt agree with me. I think its a literary technique that panders to readers and doesnt add anything to the world or the characters. I dont freaking care that theyre eating Spam. All I needed to know was that they were eating long expired canned food. Spam only has implications for us readers, not the characters. Thus, idea-dropping spoon-feeds the dystopian aspect of a story, but I personally find the spoon-feeding offensive to my readerly intellect. There are better ways to write a dystopian than to idea-drop.
And what is up with the Freaks? Are they supposed to be flesh-eating zombies, or a mutation gone terribly wrong, or something else? Why wasnt there more of an explanation for their existence so that they would also be less device-y? And are you SERIOUS about the disembodied voice that speaks to Deuce (or comes to her in a dream, I couldnt figure out which) and convinces her to make the right decision, etc etc? I didnt realize that deus ex machinas were so easily accepted! And dont even get me started on how Tegan is an expendable ninny who inspires no empathy and is like a girl trying desperately not to be TSTL (too stupid to live) but, due to shoddy writing, ends up fitting exactly that expendable role.
My problem with ENCLAVE wasnt that it read like a setup for the rest of the series. Rather, I just cannot respect a story that skimps so heavily on plot, characterization, and worldbuilding. As far as the trilogy is concerned, this is the end of the road for me. I wish all brave travelers who wish to journey beyond this point the best of luck. Im going to spend my time on more well written books.
Helpful Score: 1
The plot was well done, the characters were interesting and the book was well written. I would like to read another one if the series continues but this one can stand alone
Helpful Score: 1
Deuce lives underground. The elders tell them stories of how awful it is aboveground. Supposedly nothing can survive. She trains to be a Hunter, but worries that she isn't tough enough to do the job.
Fade is found in the tunnels. He is allowed to stay in the Enclave. He is fierce, but never seems to fit in.
In the Enclave, lives are short, food is scarce, and there are only 3 options open to a citizen. Hunter, Breeder, or Builder. Life is harsh. There aren't many luxuries, but there are plenty of rules.
Ms. Aguirre did a great job with her characters. I loved the relationship that Deuce and Fade have.
Fade is found in the tunnels. He is allowed to stay in the Enclave. He is fierce, but never seems to fit in.
In the Enclave, lives are short, food is scarce, and there are only 3 options open to a citizen. Hunter, Breeder, or Builder. Life is harsh. There aren't many luxuries, but there are plenty of rules.
Ms. Aguirre did a great job with her characters. I loved the relationship that Deuce and Fade have.
Helpful Score: 1
I won Enclave (Kindle Edition) by Ann Aguirre on a twitter contest held by the Author herself! I was so excited when I won that I began to read the book immediately.
We meet Deuce, a girl who has never seen the light of the sun, on the day that she becomes a Huntress, her main goal in life. Deuce lives in the College Enclave that is underground in New York City. People have lived underground for generations in tribes or Enclaves. Most of those in the Enclave do not know the truth of why they must live underground, instead they are given false hoods. Underground is a dangerous place filled with Freaks (monsters in the tunnels) and other Enclaves that want what others have. Deuce is partnered with Fade, a boy who grew up topside, and they begin their patrols getting to know one another. Soon, fate plays a dirty hand to Deuce, leaving her wondering how she will survive and whether she will see her best friends Stone and Thimble again. Together Deuce and Fade begin an incredible journey through dangerous times and places.
Usually I am not interested in apocolyptic stories, but this book immediately drew me in and would not let go. The likeable characters stuck with me, and I found that even when I put the book down for a time, I could not stop thinking about it. I really enjoyed Enclave and am really hoping that there are many more books in the series. I am also hoping that the next book in the series picks up where Enclave left off, or that we at least see what happened to this set of characters.
We meet Deuce, a girl who has never seen the light of the sun, on the day that she becomes a Huntress, her main goal in life. Deuce lives in the College Enclave that is underground in New York City. People have lived underground for generations in tribes or Enclaves. Most of those in the Enclave do not know the truth of why they must live underground, instead they are given false hoods. Underground is a dangerous place filled with Freaks (monsters in the tunnels) and other Enclaves that want what others have. Deuce is partnered with Fade, a boy who grew up topside, and they begin their patrols getting to know one another. Soon, fate plays a dirty hand to Deuce, leaving her wondering how she will survive and whether she will see her best friends Stone and Thimble again. Together Deuce and Fade begin an incredible journey through dangerous times and places.
Usually I am not interested in apocolyptic stories, but this book immediately drew me in and would not let go. The likeable characters stuck with me, and I found that even when I put the book down for a time, I could not stop thinking about it. I really enjoyed Enclave and am really hoping that there are many more books in the series. I am also hoping that the next book in the series picks up where Enclave left off, or that we at least see what happened to this set of characters.
I am a sucker for post-apocalyptic books and I particularly enjoy the ones that are straight-up, unadulterated plot. A little character development can always be gleaned from actions and choices, etc., but for the most part, I just enjoy reading about young people adapted to a harsh world killing nasties (usually some sort of zombie-like mutant); and being geared toward young adults, there are usually startling realizations that the elders in any community lie about the world in the name of "protection." This fit all of that criteria and I flew through it and the second book is on hold for me at the library.
All of this novel is entertaining and fun to read, peppered with cliffhangers in nearly every chapter, but two things, in particular, stood out to make this one a great book: the severity of the lies the elders told and the harshness of the book.
Deuce began a constant stream of questioning about halfway through that never let up. As usual, it was fear of punishment that caused her refusal to alter her beliefs in the first place. The way Aguirre chronicled Deuce's internal struggle and journey with becoming rebel-minded pleased me - the perfect amount of questioning at the perfect times. And of course, when one becomes enlightened to lies, one has no choice but to become an advocate for the truth, whether or not it loses you friends or makes you more enemies.
I appreciated the harshness of this world; Aguirre does not sugar-coat anything, but nor does she go into graphic detail with two of the worst atrocities occurring here. Be prepared for violence, serious injuries, and death - lots of death. Post-apocalyptic worlds are never supposed to be pretty. The level of horror in this one is more along the lines of Battle Royale. If you have a teenage son, this would be perfect because the action will retain his interest and he will appreciate the strength and intelligence of the female main character. Also making an appearance, to help destroy the conventionality of gender roles, is a male breeder, who raises the children and supplies an incredible amount of affection.
If you can handle realism in a fictional environment, check this one out because it won't cost you a lot of time and although written for teens, contains little bits of brilliance, scattered throughout.
All of this novel is entertaining and fun to read, peppered with cliffhangers in nearly every chapter, but two things, in particular, stood out to make this one a great book: the severity of the lies the elders told and the harshness of the book.
Deuce began a constant stream of questioning about halfway through that never let up. As usual, it was fear of punishment that caused her refusal to alter her beliefs in the first place. The way Aguirre chronicled Deuce's internal struggle and journey with becoming rebel-minded pleased me - the perfect amount of questioning at the perfect times. And of course, when one becomes enlightened to lies, one has no choice but to become an advocate for the truth, whether or not it loses you friends or makes you more enemies.
I appreciated the harshness of this world; Aguirre does not sugar-coat anything, but nor does she go into graphic detail with two of the worst atrocities occurring here. Be prepared for violence, serious injuries, and death - lots of death. Post-apocalyptic worlds are never supposed to be pretty. The level of horror in this one is more along the lines of Battle Royale. If you have a teenage son, this would be perfect because the action will retain his interest and he will appreciate the strength and intelligence of the female main character. Also making an appearance, to help destroy the conventionality of gender roles, is a male breeder, who raises the children and supplies an incredible amount of affection.
If you can handle realism in a fictional environment, check this one out because it won't cost you a lot of time and although written for teens, contains little bits of brilliance, scattered throughout.
Oh this one was really fun! Recommended especially one a lazy summer day. The action, apocalypse, zombies, and bit of romance will keep you enthralled until 3 in the morning. Or was that just me? Advice: Do not start reading this book when you should be studying for finals because it will take quite the lot of will power to stop.
Our heroine, the love interest, the world, and everything in between are very fascinating. I especially loved how Deuce and Fade are so realistic. They both have their flaws and that makes them stand out all the more. The romance does not come out of nowhere, which I always appreciate. It is just the type of dystopian novel you would want to pick up on your next trip to the library or the bookstore. Deuce, our protagonist, lives in a post-apocalyptic world in which all she knows is what is told to her down in the underground tunnels where she and her enclave have been living. Sadly, it's not much of a life. For one, it's short (life expectancy is in its early 20's), has some eye brow raising rules, and it is dangerous. All she knows is darkness since she has never been above ground (it's called Topside). Never seen the sun, never seen people outside her enclave, never experienced most of what we get to thankfully experience everyday. The zombies (called Freaks by her people) she has been trained to kill are changing their ways, which is making everything much more difficult. All the while, questions keep making her wonder about the kind of people running her enclave.
The action, suspense, and fight scenes really pick up towards the end, especially around the last part of the book. I was unable to put the book down and every time I had to (for human reasons ugh), it was terrible because all I could think about was the curiosity about what would happen next. It's a great feeling when reading a book.
A few downsides to this book were that I did not love not knowing what happens to one of the characters. Numerous pages go by and we still are left not knowing. It's unfortunate that we will have to wait until the next book. I guess I'm just being picky. I also wished to know more information about the main characters. I MUST know more background information about how they became the way they did. I sure hope this is explained in the second book, because if not, I will be an unhappy camper. The first part of the book was also a bit slow for me, but honestly, that did not last because the pace picked up very quickly and stayed that way. I believe that what bothered me the most about this story was that we are never actually told when this is taking place. Maybe we will know in the second book. I sure hope so.
-T.V and Book Addict
Our heroine, the love interest, the world, and everything in between are very fascinating. I especially loved how Deuce and Fade are so realistic. They both have their flaws and that makes them stand out all the more. The romance does not come out of nowhere, which I always appreciate. It is just the type of dystopian novel you would want to pick up on your next trip to the library or the bookstore. Deuce, our protagonist, lives in a post-apocalyptic world in which all she knows is what is told to her down in the underground tunnels where she and her enclave have been living. Sadly, it's not much of a life. For one, it's short (life expectancy is in its early 20's), has some eye brow raising rules, and it is dangerous. All she knows is darkness since she has never been above ground (it's called Topside). Never seen the sun, never seen people outside her enclave, never experienced most of what we get to thankfully experience everyday. The zombies (called Freaks by her people) she has been trained to kill are changing their ways, which is making everything much more difficult. All the while, questions keep making her wonder about the kind of people running her enclave.
The action, suspense, and fight scenes really pick up towards the end, especially around the last part of the book. I was unable to put the book down and every time I had to (for human reasons ugh), it was terrible because all I could think about was the curiosity about what would happen next. It's a great feeling when reading a book.
A few downsides to this book were that I did not love not knowing what happens to one of the characters. Numerous pages go by and we still are left not knowing. It's unfortunate that we will have to wait until the next book. I guess I'm just being picky. I also wished to know more information about the main characters. I MUST know more background information about how they became the way they did. I sure hope this is explained in the second book, because if not, I will be an unhappy camper. The first part of the book was also a bit slow for me, but honestly, that did not last because the pace picked up very quickly and stayed that way. I believe that what bothered me the most about this story was that we are never actually told when this is taking place. Maybe we will know in the second book. I sure hope so.
-T.V and Book Addict
I'm on this dystopian/post-apocalyptic kick right now. This comes in forms of books and movies. Most of the books tend to be YA like this one. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them I've read. I figure my luck has to run out sometime but it's still going strong. This book is no exception.
The concept is different on this one. It starts out showing people living underground after "the end". There are different communities that live underground and keep to themselves. Also, living underground are these terrifying creatures called Freaks - thought to be a form of a human. The book centers around a community called College. There you get to grow up to be either a Breeder, a Hunter or a Builder to the ripe old age of 25 (if you're lucky). At 15 you get your naming ceremony where your name and title is chosen. At 15, Deuce was given her role of a huntress where she is matched with her partner Fade, a boy that was found wandering in the tunnels when he was young. Together they must learn to trust each other and fight to keep alive. On top of that Deuce will question the only life she ever knew and the rules that bind it. Fabulous read! Highly recommend!
The concept is different on this one. It starts out showing people living underground after "the end". There are different communities that live underground and keep to themselves. Also, living underground are these terrifying creatures called Freaks - thought to be a form of a human. The book centers around a community called College. There you get to grow up to be either a Breeder, a Hunter or a Builder to the ripe old age of 25 (if you're lucky). At 15 you get your naming ceremony where your name and title is chosen. At 15, Deuce was given her role of a huntress where she is matched with her partner Fade, a boy that was found wandering in the tunnels when he was young. Together they must learn to trust each other and fight to keep alive. On top of that Deuce will question the only life she ever knew and the rules that bind it. Fabulous read! Highly recommend!
If you liked the Insurgent series by Veronica Roth (or The Hunger Games), this is another interesting take on the apocalypse.
I thought lukewarm about this book since these types of stories seem to be all the rage lately. But this one was different enough to keep my interest and want to see what happened next. Not too much of a cliff hanger to the next book, either.
Luckily, I had book 2, Outpost, to read right away, so I did.
I thought lukewarm about this book since these types of stories seem to be all the rage lately. But this one was different enough to keep my interest and want to see what happened next. Not too much of a cliff hanger to the next book, either.
Luckily, I had book 2, Outpost, to read right away, so I did.
Man, what a dark, depressing book! So, an apocalyptic event occurs, wiping out life as known. It's a mystery exactly what, until later in the book there are hints to it. Some people were evacuated to a safer area, while the others were left behind to fend for themselves. Some settled in the tunnels and others in the city.
In the tunnels, life is hard and short. Everyone has a job; they are either a Breeder, Builder, or Hunter. The elders are in their 20s. They are stuck in their ways and don't want to hear new ideas or even suggestions. This, in part, is what leads to Deuce's exile.
Deuce starts out very, very naive. This world is cruel and any type of empathy is seen as a weakness. So, victims are blamed for what happens to them. It explained why Stalker has zero respect for Tegan, and also why he admired Deuce so much. The reason for this not being a 4, was the potential setup for Stalker to be one of Deuce's love interests. Fuck no. Love triangles I can deal with, but not when one of them is a cruel misogynist.
The books ends with Deuce realizing there are multiple kinds of strength (and this is why I bumped my rating up 1/2 a star). Overall, this was interesting and I'm curious enough to see what this goes.
In the tunnels, life is hard and short. Everyone has a job; they are either a Breeder, Builder, or Hunter. The elders are in their 20s. They are stuck in their ways and don't want to hear new ideas or even suggestions. This, in part, is what leads to Deuce's exile.
Deuce starts out very, very naive. This world is cruel and any type of empathy is seen as a weakness. So, victims are blamed for what happens to them. It explained why Stalker has zero respect for Tegan, and also why he admired Deuce so much. The reason for this not being a 4, was the potential setup for Stalker to be one of Deuce's love interests. Fuck no. Love triangles I can deal with, but not when one of them is a cruel misogynist.
The books ends with Deuce realizing there are multiple kinds of strength (and this is why I bumped my rating up 1/2 a star). Overall, this was interesting and I'm curious enough to see what this goes.
