Enclave (Razorland, #1) by Ann Aguirre

Title: Enclave
Author: Ann Aguirre
Classification: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia
Format: Hardcover, 272 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; 1 edition (April 12, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0312650086
ISBN-13: 978-0312650087

Enclave: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory. (Definition from Merriam-Webster dictionary)

"I was born during the second holocaust. People had told us legends of a time when human beings lived longer. I thought they were just stories. Nobody even lived to see forty in my world." (Opening statement of book as related by Duece)

Welcome to Deuce's world. It's not pretty, but when you haven't lived any other way, you are content. She lives underground in a group called the College Enclave. There are only three possible paths for you to take, that of a Breeder, Builder, or Hunter. Deuce's path is that of a Huntress. Her job is to protect the Enclave and provide food. She is the best of those trained, and she has been paired up with Fade. Fade is one of the only members of the Enclave that wasn't born into it. While technically accepted, he is still considered an outsider.

With short lifespans and few births, you'd think all life within the Enclave would be considered precious. Jealousy and greed however, are something that can occur in any circumstance.  Deuce's life is about to take a dramatic turn. She'll become the victim of someone's deceit, and she and Fade will be exiled topside as punishment. They are not expected to survive.

I really liked this book. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. There are zombies, a mystery as to what is left topside, the dynamics of the Enclave, and the relationship that Duece and Fade develop. I'd liken it to a Young Adult version of the 2007 movie I Am Legend which featured Will Smith. I look forward to reading the series which is entitled Razorland. Where does the series get it's name? I'm guessing from this quote, "The whole world is like Whitewall's razors," I burst out. "It cuts us, and we bleed but there's no purpose to it."

I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses.

Book Trailer for Enclave:

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