[Review/Giveaway] - Enclave

Title: Enclave
Author: Ann Aguire
Series: Razorland
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: April 12, 2011

I received this book for review from Zeitghost Media & Macmillan.

Summary:  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.

Thoughts: I'm a fan of Aguirre's Sirantha Jax series, so I was eager to see what her YA debut would be like.  Sometimes I'm a mood reader and the first time I picked up Enclave it wasn't working for me.  When I picked it up for a second time- things finally clicked.

Enclave is a dark and captivating story. I haven't had the best luck with dystopian books - but ended up really enjoying this one. I loved the characters and their unique names.  The "Freaks" definitely add to the creepy factor. I wasn't a big fan of the ending. It wasn't a bad ending, but I was just hoping for more. I look forward to book two and I hope we'll see more of Deuce and Fade.

Score: 3 Stars

Author Website: http://www.annaguirre.com/

Upcoming Releases:

Aftermath (Sirantha Jax #5)- September 2011
Devil's Punch (Corine Solomon #4)- April 2012
Endgame (Sirantha Jax #6)- September 2012
Outpost (Razorland #2)- September 2012

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Giveaway:

I have (1) hardcover copy of Enclave to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. & Canada. The winner will be announced on June 11th. Good Luck!