Title: Outpost
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: 2nd book in the Razorland series
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: September 4, 2012
Source: physical ARC from publisher
Purchase: Amazon |
Barnes & Noble
Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn’t fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.
To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.
Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.
**Possible (mild) spoilers for Enclave**
Wow, even a week after finishing this book, I’m still having a difficult time putting my thoughts into coherent sentences. There is no Middle Book Syndrome to speak of here. Outpost is all fast-paced action and unpredictable plot twists. But after the insanity in Enclave, I shouldn’t have expected anything less. And legions of Ann Aguirre fans are probably shaking their heads at me, thinking, “I could’ve told you so.”
I love that in Outpost, we get to see more of the world top-side and how those survivors are living, as opposed to the glimpses we got in the ruins and in the tunnels in Enclave. Now that Deuce and her companions have been whisked away to Salvation, literally and metaphorically, we get to see the type of life the adult survivors have created for themselves. The amount of time spent expanding upon all facets of Deuce’s world – new and old – never seemed cumbersome or tedious, and it served to help characterize the townsfolk and explain why some of them felt as they did toward Deuce. The brief history lessons show the reader that, although the citizens of Salvation have majorly regressed, the setting is North America in the probably not-so-distant future. Something horrific has plagued the country, resulting in the creation of the Freaks…or Muties as the citizenry of Salvation tends to call them. In other words, it was not always this way, and we most likely brought this destruction upon ourselves.
Deuce is finding her new life in Salvation rather difficult to acclimate herself to. She has to learn how to navigate friendships, family and love, as well as keep a low profile where some of the townsfolk are concerned, which is easier said than done. Deuce is an ace with her knives, but she’s a novice with her heart. She undergoes more of an emotional journey than a physical one in this novel, and it shows in the growth of her character. But the good people of Salvation do not see things in this respect; they feel that a woman should not wield weapons, nor should she do a man’s work, for fear of bringing the wrath of God down upon them all.
And then there’s the matter of Fade. I was glad that these two found each other down in the tunnels. Deuce is the yin to Fade’s yang; he’s the light to her darkness. They are drawn to each other as opposites often are, but because of some misunderstanding, they keep their distance from each other in Salvation. If you’ve seen other reviews, you’ve probably read tales of a love triangle, and yes, the outline for it is there. But I’m still not convinced it exists. Stalker has made his feelings more than clear to Deuce, but Fade is the one who taught Deuce how to love and be kind, and her heart belongs to him. I maintain that Stalker is simply there to complicate matters. Well, that, and the fact that he’s a pretty badass zombie killer himself.
This novel had me pondering a lot of things where the end of days are concerned. Would people’s religious beliefs change, for better or worse, should the end of the world prove near? How many of us would resort back to the ways of old? What if it meant the difference between life and death? Would we go back to persecuting those who did not believe the same, just to ensure our own survival?
I loved Outpost even more than I enjoyed Enclave, which is saying a lot. Outpost is such an explosive continuation to Deuce’s already exhilarating story; I was so emotionally and physically drained after finishing this book. I guess I’m not as ready for the Zombie Apocalypse as I’d previously believed. *sigh* It appears that I have a lot more preparations to make…
Favorite quote:
"I had my blades in my hand, and my partner at my back; therefore, I feared nothing, not even death." -- p. 67 of ARC
Rating: 
If you haven't read
Enclave yet, you can still pick up the ebook for $2.99. Also of note,
Endurance, Thimble and Stone's short story, is available for $0.99.
I have to say, I much prefer the trailer for
Enclave over the one for
Outpost, though:
What do you think?
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Review: Horde by Ann Aguirre
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland, book #3
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: October 29, 2013
Source: ARC from publisher via Christina Reads YA
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Well, that was a satisfying conclusion to a trilogy I've loved from the very beginning. It came full-circle, wrapped up loose ends, answered questions that have plagued the reader for the duration of the series...yes, very satisfying indeed.
I'm going to keep this short for fear that anything I say will spoil things along the way. Also, I hate series finales. I usually put off reading the final book in a series until I just can't stand it anymore because I don't want to say goodbye to the world and the characters I've come to love. But with the Razorland trilogy, I knew the author wouldn't do me wrong. I just had a gut feeling...because of the path Deuce, Fade, Stalker, and Tegan have already taken and because of previous interviews the author has done, I knew she loved these characters as much as I did, and she wanted to give them the ending they deserved.
And though I'm not happy about some of the turns their story took, namely how things end with Stalker, no matter how fitting it was to the story, I am really happy with the end result. Especially when it comes to how the conflict with the Muties/Freaks is resolved and the explanation for their existence. I think I read an interview with the author after Outpost stating that these creatures were never zombies, though I think that's what most readers -- including myself -- had inferred from the beginning, but after reading Foundation, I knew the truth was much worse. I'm so glad to finally understand this world and those who inhabit it.
I really loved the emphasis placed on human nature and how it affects the world around us, too. Whether it was Deuce recruiting for her army or the actions of a small child years ago, human nature played a vital role in deciding the future of this civilization, and at times, it looked like a lack of true human compassion could see things ending badly for all involved.
Deuce's journey was a harrowing tale, and a truly emotional one at that. This series started out about "zombies" and doing whatever was necessary to survive. But it's become so much more over the course of the books. It's about a young girl finding her way in a new and strange world, finding love and friendship and family along the way. It's about the terrors of war and human nature. And above all it's about fighting for what you believe in, no matter the cost. I'm not usually a fan of epilogues, but I can appreciate the one at the end of Deuce's story, especially since it turns out that one of her comrades in arms was responsible for relating her tale.
I love this story and everything it symbolizes, and I can't wait to see what else Ann Aguirre has in store for her readers. By the by, she also wrote a short story featured in 'Til the World Ends, also about a post-apocalyptic world but featuring a different set of characters, though no less heroic. I haven't read the Sirantha Jax books yet, but they are on the shortlist. I am positive I will enjoy anything this author writes.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Teaser Tuesday #81: Horde by Ann Aguirre
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland, book #3
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: October 29, 2013
Source: ARC from publisher via Christina Reads YA
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My teaser:
Ah, I adore this couple. They've suffered through so much, and I just know they'll come out on top in the end. They just have to! Oh, and if you're worried about a triangle after that kiss from Stalker in the last book, check out what the author has to say on that. It was enlightening, and I have to say, I totally agree. =)
What are you teasing this week? Share it in the comments or leave a link so I can visit!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Waiting on Wednesday: Horde by Ann Aguirre
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland, 3rd & final book in the series
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: October 29, 2013
The horde is coming.
Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love.
Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them.
This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.
Why I'm waiting: First, I love this series about zombies that aren't zombies. It's equal parts intense and wrought with emotion, and each book has left my heart pounding in my chest. I love this author's style of writing and I can't wait to see how she writes the ending of this harrowing tale.
What are you waiting on this week? Feel free to share it in the comments or leave a link so I can stop by!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Short Story Sunday #10: Foundation by Ann Aguirre
And so, every Sunday for the foreseeable future, I would like to highlight short stories and novellas set in worlds I've already come to love and learn a little more about some of the secondary characters in my favorite novels. I'll be underscoring some of my favorite aspects of these short works of fiction, in addition to offering up a mini review of each work.
This week I'm featuring a prequel story:
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland, book #0.5
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: October 23, 2012
Source: free via Tor's website
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
This is a really short story that takes place completely separate from the other story arcs in the Razorland series. Instead of seeing characters we've already grown to care about, we meet a character that was in the College enclave almost from the very start. This is only a beginning and doesn't provide much new information, but it also doesn't spoil anything for the rest of the series.*
What it does provide is a look at two kindred souls, forced together by fate, and how they forged a spot for themselves in a crumbling and decaying world. Foundation suggests that the world as we know it is ending due to chemical warfare, forcing citizens to suffer a deadly disease or scramble underground to avoid it. Regardless, things don't look good for the human race.
This is obviously not a happy story**, but fans of this series wouldn't expect that, anyway. Those who haven't started this series yet may find that trying out the author's style in this piece, while it's being offered for free, is a good starting point. But I rather liked reading this prequel after I'd already been introduced to the story, though I'm probably in the minority with that sentiment.
*Well, not really. Not if you had the same suspicions that I did about the Freaks/Muties and how they came to be.
**I also feel obligated to note that just reading this short story and revisiting the world created by Ann Aguirre in the Razorland series gave me terrible nightmares last night. But in my opinion, that's the sign of great writing...it invades your thoughts even when you're unconscious. =)
Rating:
Stop by next week for my review of Ann Aguirre's Endurance, book #1.5 in the Razorland series.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Review: Outpost by Ann Aguirre
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: 2nd book in the Razorland series
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: September 4, 2012
Source: physical ARC from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.
Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.
Favorite quote:
Rating:
If you haven't read Enclave yet, you can still pick up the ebook for $2.99. Also of note, Endurance, Thimble and Stone's short story, is available for $0.99.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I have to say, I much prefer the trailer for Enclave over the one for Outpost, though:
What do you think?
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Teaser Tuesday #21: Outpost by Ann Aguirre
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
This week's teaser comes from the following book:
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland, book 2
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: September 4, 2012
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.
Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.
My teaser:
Heh...I flipped around in the book a bit and couldn't decide whether I should post a scary teaser -- this is a zombie novel, after all -- or a kissing teaser (who doesn't love those?), but ultimately, I decided on the last lines I read on Sunday night before I went to bed. Because honestly, I really hope Deuce knows what she's doing, too. She's an ace with a knife, but when it comes to matters of the heart, she's kind of a novice. Still, I've grown to love her character in spite of that...or maybe because of it. =)
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Waiting on Wednesday - Outpost by Ann Aguirre
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
Once she’s free from school for the year, Deuce pursues a chance to serve in the summer patrols–those responsible for making sure the growers and planters can work the fields without danger of Freak attack. It should have been routine, little fighting, but things have been changing on surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks are smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it will take a girl like Deuce to turn the tide.
Why I'm waiting: I loved the audiobook for Enclave, the first book in this series. I can't wait to see what happens now that Duece and Fade are living in the outside world. And have you seen that creepy cover?!? Nothing calls to me more than a well-done cover.
So, what are you waiting on this week? Share in the comments so I can add it to my TBR...if it's not already there! :P
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Audiobook Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: April 12, 2011
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Rating:
From Goodreads:
WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE
In Deuce's world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed 'brat' has trained into one of three groups-Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember. As a Huntress, her purpose is clear--to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She's worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing's going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce's troubles are just beginning. Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn't like following orders. At first she thinks he's crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don't always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she's never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace. As Deuce's perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy... but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she's ever known.
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of dystopia/post-apocalyptic novels. I don’t love every one I read, but I do enjoy them all, for the most part. Enclave was no different. It falls in the middle of the spectrum for me. As such: like-->really like-->love…, i.e. 3, 4 or 5 stars – I don’t think it’s possible for me to rate a dystopian novel less than three stars. Maybe I should have a separate key for this genre. I’m rambling now. I can’t help it. I love, Love, *LOVE* futuristic, science-fictiony, thriller-esque novels. Look at me…I’ve created my own vocabulary because of my devotion to this genre.
I digress.
If someone had told me that there was a possibility of zombies in this novel, I would have read it much sooner. As it stands, I downloaded the audiobook from Audible and listened to it while performing the most mundane tasks at work. Audiobooks are awesome for making a dull girl’s life a little less dull. The audio for Enclave was great. The narrator (Emily Bauer) wasn't too boisterous but neither was she timid in her delivery. At first, I thought she sounded a little young and maybe a bit chipper, considering the type of story this is, but her narration really grew on me as the story unfolded.
The novel was plainly awesome. However, it was never out right touted as a zombie novel, and it is never expressly stated that the unnatural monsters roaming the remnants of a doomed Earth are zombies. But, after a few chapters, it’s pretty obvious that this is yet another Earth ravaged by a debilitating disease that somehow allows the dead to continue to walk the planet, feasting on the flesh of humans. Gross, yeah?
But the story focuses on those that fled this disease, the ones that live underground, and have created their own little world, below the plague-ridden surface. There’s the strong heroine, the huntress. And, of course, her strong male-counterpart, who challenges her every move. They are partners in the hunt, to provide for their Enclave and to protect it. And this works for them. Until they are forced to question the actions and motives of the elders in the Enclave.
I like the story. I like not being explicitly told what led to this devastation, these horrible circumstances. I like not having the whole plot spelled out for me. It’s hard not to note the similarities between dystopian/post-apocalyptic novels, but there’s something about this one. Normally, I just passively dismiss how the post-apocalyptic setting came about. But with this novel, I want to see the prequel…the events that led up to the separation, the ones who fled underground and those that stuck it out on the surface.
I’m intrigued by Fade and fascinated by Deuce. I want to know more of their story. They’ve got a lot of discovery left in their futures, and I can’t wait to read more about it. I’ve never read anything by Ann Aguirre before, but I’m definitely a fan now.
If this trailer doesn't make you want to read it, I don't know what will...
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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