Enclave

February 7, 2011
In this skilled though violent postapocalyptic thriller, Deuce has newly earned the rank of Huntress, after years of training have taught her to "wield a knife or a club with equal proficiency." It's her duty to provide meat for her loveless, draconian enclave, deep beneath the streets of a ruined city, as well as to defend it against cannibalistic Freaks, who are gradually eliminating the scattered human survivors of a vaguely remembered plague. Deuce's is a world of terrifying encounters in near-complete darkness, but she's very good at what she does. Then Deuce stands up for a friend unfairly accused of hoarding and, accompanied only by her talented but unpopular partner, Fade, is soon exiled with little chance of survival either in the lightless and dangerous sewers or Topside. In her first young adult novel, Aguirre (the Sirantha Jax series) has created a gritty and highly competent heroine, an equally deadly sidekick/love interest, and a fascinating if unpleasant civilization. This series is likely to hold considerable appeal for fans of The Hunger Games. Ages 12–up.

July 1, 2011

Gr 8-10-Ann Aquirre's dystopian novel (Feiwell & Friends, 2011), set after war and plague destroyed New York City and most of civilization relocated to enclaves underground, becomes all the more convincing through Emily Bauer's deliberate narration. Each character is fully realized, from Deuce, who at her naming ceremony becomes a Huntress, the role she has long coveted but in which she never feels completely "at home" because she worries about her breeder tendencies (to show compassion and be concerned about others), to Fade, the mysterious partner Deuce resents at first but ultimately grows to love. Then there are her friends in her highly regulated community and the Elders who refuse to believe any ideas that differ from the status quo. There are graphic descriptions of horrific battles with the Freaks, the flesh eating enemies of Deuce's underground community, and Deuce's increasing realization that these enemies are becoming more devious and rational. When she is banished to the "upper world" after protecting a weaker friend, Fade chooses to go with her, claiming that he lived Topside once before. Listeners will identify with Deuce's amazement as she discovers sunlight, sunsets, rain, and snow. Ann Bauer's voice perfectly reflects her amazement as she encounters things like canned food and flush toilets for the first time. While the upper world has its own set of enemies, it also offers safety and possibility, the note on which this book, the first in a projected series, ends.-Edie Ching, The University of Maryland, College Park

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.