Enclave is such an engaging post-apocalyptic read because the reader can literally imagine our world ending up like Deuce's. Aguirre has done a fantastic job researching survival, ways of life, and food sources, making this book even more realistic.
The world-building in this novel was well-researched and believable. Deuce has lived underground her entire life, living unquestionably according to what the elders say is right. As a Huntress, she is tasked with combing the tunnels for Freaks (view spoiler) with her partner Fade. But when they come across a horrible scene from a different Enclave, Deuce begins to question the world she has lived in for so long. In the College Enclave, breeding is strictly monitored, and stories of the surface, or Topground, are riddled with frightening plagues, acid rain, and complete desolation.
(view spoiler).
While a lot of reviewers have taken stars away because of Deuce's almost callous disregard for the effects of rape and subsequent loss of 'cubs', I personally think it makes this novel stronger. Deuce basically questions why women wouldn't fight back if they were being raped, and seems to have little sympathy for those who don't. Yes, this is an awful way of thinking, but it masterfully represents her indoctrination to the way of life in the Enclave, where rape wasn't an issue and many women were trained to be hunters or breeders. It also reflects her simple way of thinking in black and white. At the beginning, there often isn't a grey zone for Deuce, but as she experiences more, she becomes more passionate and almost makes up for this in the second book {book: Outpost].
Overall, this book was a short but enjoyable read, filled with realistic world building and great character development. The author's exploration of indoctrination and its effect on people's way of thinking was extremely well done, and a lesson I think a lot of young adults should be learning in this day and age.
