ENCLAVE <small> by Ann Aguirre</small>

Enclave is the first book in a dystopic series by established author, Ann Aguirre. (Don't you love the book cover.)

The background story is that war and plague have destroyed America's infrastructure. In fact, the above ground areas of NYC have mostly been abandoned and humans have taken to the underground where they live in small desperate communities that are barely hanging on. Food, as you would imagine in an underground environment, is difficult to come by, but the major problem may not be starvation, but death at the hands of the zombie-like creatures that gather in the blackened tunnels.

Our heroine is Deuce. We are introduced to her just before her naming ceremony at age 15. Before 15, kids are just nameless children referenced by gender and numbers. If they survive to 15 they assume adult responsibilities which means choosing from one of the four professions.

Deuce has always wanted to be a huntress -- someone who scavenges in the dark tunnels and who protects the community. It's what she has trained for and she's happy with her new role. She's less happy though with being paired up with Fade, the strange boy who came to the enclave from 'outside'.

Anyone who's read around recognizes that Fade is the boy-interest in this book, and indeed the pair begin to build trust as they hunt. What I didn't see coming was the reaction the elders had to their 'discovery'. Rather than praise them for the intelligence, the elders banish Fade and Deuce... and the question then becomes how will they survive!

I enjoyed ENCLAVE and I'll certainly be tracking down the next installment. Ann Aguirre's writing style makes for good storytelling and I particularly like that she isn't afraid 'to let favorite characters go' in order to give the story some weight.

That said, ENCLAVE has a middle-grade tone, and you are going to have to engage your 'suspension of disbelief' if you're a hyper-critical reader.

Recommended.

Quick Take
Violence: yes, quite a bit
Cursing: not that I can remember
Other: inferred rape, which is to say that another enclave keep girls as slaves

Suspension of Belief Needed: yes, you'll have to switch into second gear
Light, Medium, Heavy toned?: Towards the light side. This is an action-adventure.

Pam T
Somewhere in the X-burbs

ENCLAVE
by Ann Aguirre

Word Count: 71,040
Word Count: 272
Accelerated Reading level: 4.8 / points: 11.0
AR quiz: 143554