Endurance and Outpost by Ann Aguirre

GoodReads

73 pages, YA Dystopian & Zombies

Razorland #1.5 (Novella)

Synopsis

When rebellion destroys the underground world in which Thimble and Stone have grown up, they take Stone’s son and try to escape the chaos. Along the way, they must evade the Freaks, beings who feed on human flesh. Leaving behind the roles of Builder and Breeder which they were assigned at birth, they wander the underground tunnels, looking for safety yet afraid to go “topside” where legend has it that the light and water will burn their skin from their bones.

Their journey takes them upward to an unimagined world of tinned food, comfortable furniture, and books. Away from their regimented society for the first time, and still facing imminent danger, Thimble and Stone acknowledge the forbidden attraction which both have denied for years

My 2 cents

At first I didn't think I'd like this story, because its missing Duece and Fade.  But Duece is still in the Enclave in spirit with her friends.  They seem to think of their old friend every moment, which makes Duece's Long Walk seem like such a waste, as the Enclave quickly falls apart.

I didn't like Stone at all in Enclave, but I did like Thimble.  I liked her even more in this story.  She is so SMART, and its what save only her and Stone as the Freaks attack the Enclave.  But slowly, Stone proves his worth as well, as the 2 of them are on their own with Stone's small son.  For a short novella, I liked this story a lot!  4 stars

GoodReads
336 pages, YA dystopian & Zombies
Razorland #2

Synopsis

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.

My 2 cents

Ok, first of all, just look at that cover.  Isn't it creepy?? Even more so than Enclave.  Anyways, the first 2/3 of the book really doesn't  match that cover at all.  We start with Deuce surviving in Salvation and trying to fit in, but at the same time, she doesn't want to lose herself or conform to their principles.  Which I have to say, is a good thing, because this village needs her as she is! But she is has also seemed to lose Tegan and Fade's friendship, although she still has Stalker to hang out with.  Their time is limited, though.

It doesn't take long before the action sets in--but not really.  The town gets ready for the action, but not a lot happens with the Freaks until about 2/3 of the way through the story, and then all Hell breaks loose.  That's when the book lives up to its cover!

I almost enjoyed the first part of the book better.  Enclave was all about action from start to finish, which made for a great read, but this book delved way more into the characters and their motivations.  And even though a lot of action wasn't happening, there was just a feeling that something was going to pop out of the corner, so there was good suspense!

The last part of the book was so darn depressing and sad and hopeless.  I almost didn't like it all, but by that point it was out and out WAR. And war is depressing and sad and hopeless, so I think Ann Aguirre knew what she was doing when she wrote this!

The very end of the book, I loved.  We were brought back just a little hope, and left on a big cliffhanger.  I can't wait to read Horde!  I give this book 4 stars