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Where do I begin?
In comparison to other post-apocalyptic novels, I would have to say that this book is like a mish-mash of the greats; sort of a Hunger Games meets Maze Runner meets Divergent, if you will. But not in a good way.
As I am sitting here, trying to gather my thoughts, the only thing I can come up with is this:
"Did I really just waste two days of my life on this book...?"
Let me just say, it's not as if the book was especially bad or anything—though certain major aspects left something to be desired—just completely unimpressive in every way. I felt absolutely no connection to the characters and could not even come up with simple adjectives to describe them. "She was strong." "He was a good fighter." I just can't; even that feels like too much.
The writing was good (almost poetic) in certain parts and a bit detached in others. I liked the whole underground aspect of the story, but it lacked the follow-through. There was hardly any character development (and I know that it is the first book in a series, but a little would have been nice. I feel like I learned nothing from them. Or about anything), and by the time I hit the 50% through mark, I was counting the pages until the end, just so that I could be done with it.
Like I said before, the book was not particularly bad or anything, and I enjoy post-apocalyptic reads as much as the next person, but I came away from this book with absolutely nothing and that is not okay with me. The second book does not sound any more interesting, and I have no idea if I am willing to force myself to read it, just for the sake of completing the series (I usually try and give everything a fighting chance). We will see. Anyways, this book received a two out of five stars from me. Has anybody else read it? Thoughts?
In comparison to other post-apocalyptic novels, I would have to say that this book is like a mish-mash of the greats; sort of a Hunger Games meets Maze Runner meets Divergent, if you will. But not in a good way.
As I am sitting here, trying to gather my thoughts, the only thing I can come up with is this:
"Did I really just waste two days of my life on this book...?"
Let me just say, it's not as if the book was especially bad or anything—though certain major aspects left something to be desired—just completely unimpressive in every way. I felt absolutely no connection to the characters and could not even come up with simple adjectives to describe them. "She was strong." "He was a good fighter." I just can't; even that feels like too much.
The writing was good (almost poetic) in certain parts and a bit detached in others. I liked the whole underground aspect of the story, but it lacked the follow-through. There was hardly any character development (and I know that it is the first book in a series, but a little would have been nice. I feel like I learned nothing from them. Or about anything), and by the time I hit the 50% through mark, I was counting the pages until the end, just so that I could be done with it.
Like I said before, the book was not particularly bad or anything, and I enjoy post-apocalyptic reads as much as the next person, but I came away from this book with absolutely nothing and that is not okay with me. The second book does not sound any more interesting, and I have no idea if I am willing to force myself to read it, just for the sake of completing the series (I usually try and give everything a fighting chance). We will see. Anyways, this book received a two out of five stars from me. Has anybody else read it? Thoughts?
This was an interesting take on the post-apocalyptic novel. You're not given all the information right away, but rather you have to figure the situation out from clues sprinkled throughout the text. Aguirre has created a rich world with many different cultures, and her characters are multi-dimensional and complex. I can't wait to read the next one!
Reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blogspot.com/
Deuce is finally trained and ready to face the world of an adult in her enclave. Slowly she starts to see what is wrong and what she wants isn't what she has. FADE is originally from the surface and found his way underground when he was little where he was found and brought into the Enclave, he is pretty much an outcast and doesn't like anyone. As usual with Ann Aguirre's books the world building is awesome. The writing flows perfectly and The plot is unique with plenty of twists and turns, action and danger. I had no problem picturing everything that was described and took place. The ending fell flat for me. It defiantly wasn't up to par with the rest of the book and I hope that the next book in the series makes up for it. I still cant wait to see what comes next and will be grabbing the next book as soon as it hits the shelf.
Deuce is finally trained and ready to face the world of an adult in her enclave. Slowly she starts to see what is wrong and what she wants isn't what she has. FADE is originally from the surface and found his way underground when he was little where he was found and brought into the Enclave, he is pretty much an outcast and doesn't like anyone. As usual with Ann Aguirre's books the world building is awesome. The writing flows perfectly and The plot is unique with plenty of twists and turns, action and danger. I had no problem picturing everything that was described and took place. The ending fell flat for me. It defiantly wasn't up to par with the rest of the book and I hope that the next book in the series makes up for it. I still cant wait to see what comes next and will be grabbing the next book as soon as it hits the shelf.
Enjoyable though I personally could do without such detailed descriptions of the horror element. Squeamish.
Ann Aguirre is particularly awesome at writing first person narratives that plonk you into complex settings without heaps of unnecessary exposition to bog down a swift pace. I'm a big fan of her Sirantha Jax series and you can now add Razorland to the pile (must try the Corine Solomon books next!). Enclave was a thrilling read that kept me gripped throughout - the fifth star was lost because of a slightly disjointed finale, but nonetheless, I am very interested to see what will happen next for Deuce.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5 stars This seems like just a setup for the trilogy series, as it doesn't have a strong plot arc on it's own. It's mainly just worldbuilding and character development, which it does reasonably well. However from other reviews it seems like the plot picks up speed in the next two books, so I'll keep reading to see how it goes.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes