Author: Ann Aguirre

While I am apparently on a dystopian kick, I found this book and decided it was the perfect solution as to what I should read next. As I read it got increasingly clear that while I was enjoying the premise, the writing wasn’t pulling me in. I liked the idea of Fade, of Deuce, of Stalker, but the author didn’t write in such a way that built the intensity of a scene or the passionate embrace we were supposed to connect with.

That is honestly the reason Enclave didn’t receive more than 3.5 stars.

More than once I would think, “Finally! The scene is going to be so grotesque I can barely stand it!” or “Kiss her you fool!”. Two totally different ends of the spectrum, I realize, but that is what the story provoked in me. But, as I said before, the author merely scratched the surface of the story. In situations where she could have really reached some emotional depth that would have made the story spectacular, she left the scene almost cold or unemotional-she barely scratched the surface of what was going on and it dramatically affected the story for me. There was so much more she could have done. I knew how I was going to write that statement, but now that I am almost 90% done with Outpost and it’s been 2 days since I finished the first installment, Enclave, my feelings for the series have changed drastically because of how much I love Outpost(#2).

All in all, this read had a lot of potential, but didn’t fully deliver for me. The characters were underdone and I didn’t care much for the Enclave itself. Once the characters broke free from the boring, restraining college, things started to get interesting-albeit not written to its full potential. Even when they were in the tunnels it was more exciting. Outpost (which I will have a review for VERY soon) has proven to be written with more heart and has turned out to be an altogether better story; I can’t wait to finish it.

Okay, so this is a shocker. Who knew I could go from a 3 star rating in book 1 to a 5 star after only the second? I now have high hopes for this trilogy. After the first novel, Enclave, I didn’t think there could be any possible way to love the second in the series. I mean, this author did a complete 180 and totally blew my mind. It seems that most people enjoyed Enclave better, but I can’t agree. The character development was through the roof whereas the first installment left you feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

Deuce turned out to be a great character-even better than that?

She can make up her mind about things. So many heroines are obnoxious in their “I can’t seem to make up my mind about what I want” decision making, but Deuce KNOWS what she wants. She fights for those she loves and no one can tell her what or who she needs to be.

And Fade…I love Fade….he is so sweet, protective, caring, you name it! I love his possessive side too lol. There are just so many qualities that make him special. Even more admirable, though, is the fact that he is content with this new settlement but STILL chooses to fight alongside Deuce in summer patrol. So sweet.

In Outpost we also see the maturity that Stalker has gained. He makes self sacrifices that shocked me and even warmed my heart a little. He and Tegan seem to be getting better too, which helps with the story’s maturity level.

This sequel brought twenty times the action and peril, in my opinion. I had so many moments where I was shaking with anticipation, because how much more real can it get? No darkness for protection, dangers within the summer patrol camp, and Freaks within walking distance. My biggest complaint with Enclave was the cold and calculated writing, and my complaint was clearly addressed in Outpost. I could FEEL the tension. I could FEEL the passion. I could FEEL the mounting terror with each passing page. THIS is what I signed up for when I started reading the Razorland series. I actually cared about what happened to each and every character.

So, in conclusion, I could not put this story down. It held the perfect amount of peril and did NOT disappoint in any way, shape, or form. It was great and I cannot wait for the third. I just hope it ends well for all of our characters.