Enclave

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Pages: 259
In Deuce's world, an enclave deep underground, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed "brat" has trained to join 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 the ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She's worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing's going to stop her, not even a brooding Hunter named Fade.When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce's troubles are just beginning.
Fade doesn't like following orders. Deuce has never known a boy like him before, someone as likely to touch her gently as use his knives with feral grace.
As Deuce's perception shifts, so does the balance in the battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat due to their sheer numbers, now show  signs of cunning and even strategy . . . but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. No matter how hard she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she's ever known.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Enclave. I was instantly drawn into the story by the mysterious and unusual setting--underground tunnels. It was riveting and tense at times, and just shocked me.

I really admired the characters because they were all different in so many ways. They contrasted each other, yet worked perfectly (most of the time) together. Deuce seemed too strong to be a real person, but it was believable because of the environment that she grew up in.

*Slight Spoiler*
The only thing I would've done differently with the characters is finished their stories! I want to know is Duece and Fade ended up together, along with what happens to Tegan and Stalker!

Overall I was pleasantly surprised with Enclave. It's a great new adventure, and though post-apocalyptic books are very "in" right now, this one is pretty unique. I haven't read anything quite like it before. It's a great read, so don't skip it!

Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Cover Love: 2 Hearts