Humanity hangs on by a thread deep below the city.
Creative StafF:
Author: Ann Aguirre
What They Say:
New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20s. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known.
The Review: (some minor spoilers)
I loved this book. Deuce, the main character, is an admirable soul, sure of herself and unwilling to compromise her code. Yet she is a young woman who grows over the course of this novel. She learns that so much of what she was taught as a child is a lie, and still faces herself. She can weigh each decision based on what she has learned along the way, and forgive herself for her past mistakes. She has the heart of a Huntress.
It’s not just about Deuce, though. Aguirre crafted a set of characters around Deuce that are also complete and intriguing. Fade, Deuce’s hunting partner, has warrior skills and a sensitive outsider nature that blends well with Deuce’s personality. Stalker and Tegan, met along the journey, are fascinating as well.
Stalker is the one character that gives me pause. He is the leader of a gang that assaulted and abused women. His decision to join the group as they leave the city is a bit abrupt. Not completely unrealistic, though, since he is motivated to save himself more than anything else at that stage of his journey. Deuce and Fade simply accepting him into their group is a bigger stretch, as is the way they almost immediately trust him. Even so, I found his changes over the course of this story understandable. You can’t really change your behavior until you know it was wrong.
The world Aguirre has built is detailed and terrifying. I can believe that the dark world of the future includes these hidden pockets of humanity below the city. The growing menace of the Freaks, a group of zombie-like creatures that attack Deuce’s home and stalk her at every turn, is frighteningly believable. The story is action packed, and I had trouble putting the book down until I got to the end.
In Summary:
While there is violence and despair, I found the persistence and loyalty in the story to be uplifting. Human nature has its dark side, of course. Leaders lie, people scramble over one another in an effort to get the best for themselves. In spite of that, there is always hope. People can grow, change, and love one another. In the midst of chaos, there is always hope. Enclave is an action packed story that I read in one big gulp.
Grade: A
Published By: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: April 12th, 2011 (Hardcover)
