Enclave

By: Ann Aguirre

Narrated by: Emily Bauer

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Ann Aguirre's thrilling young adult novel Enclave is the story of two young people in an apocalyptic world - facing dangers, and feelings, unlike any they've ever known. New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy.

When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters - or Freaks - who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight - guided by Fade's long-ago memories - in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs.

©2011 Ann Aguirre (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

So close to perfection

Where does Enclave rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've only listened to a handful of audiobooks so far, but Enclave is definitely up at the top.

What did you like best about this story?

The story was good, if a little confusing at times. The characters sometimes seemed a little unreal, but that was part of the reality to the world created by Aguirre. Something happened topside, and people were forced down below for safety from the dystopian universe. Then, decades go by and new generations don't even know any of the old ways. So, it was a very intriguing story. We go from underground, to questioning the new ways, to topside, with a healthy dose of suspense, intensity, and danger mixed throughout.

Have you listened to any of Emily Bauer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to any of the narrator's other performances. But this one was fine.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did want to keep listening. The whole story was so fresh and unique that I couldn't wait to want to know what would happen next (even if I was good at predicting what would happen).

Any additional comments?

Nice little romance that wasn't overwhelming or overbearing to the story--it just sort of wove in without being forced. Seemed realistic enough.

You'll get used to the Narrator

Any additional comments?

This series is amazing. It is real, dark, funny, a story of redemption.... it's honestly great. It is the best series I have read since Hunger Games and I have read them all.

The narrator is awful. Just Awful and does Deuce no justice but you get used to her and then it's not nearly as bad. I get it- I almost stopped because of her too but it's worth it to keep going. I promise.

Good YA Dystopian Fiction

Would you listen to Enclave again? Why?

Yes, but mainly because I would need a refresher before diving into the next book in the series.

What did you like best about this story?

I thought the story was relatively unique, or at least as unique as most YA dystopian fiction. I thought it had some good twists and the characters had some real depth and I found myself wanting to know more about them. The "freaks" were a little too fantasy for me, but otherwise the world was believable and the relationships felt real. I would certainly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of this genre.

Great YA Novel

This was an amazing Young Adult novel... strong characters, gripping story, great narrator. Ann Aguirre really knows how to keep a reader going. Very gripping.

Terrible narrator, one of my favorite books

I wanted to reread this again but decided to try an audiobook. Right away I was annoyed with the narrator’s voice and felt that it ruined what I had pictured as the characters. Otherwise this is one of my favorite books, as are the next 2. I have yet to read the 4th but plan on it.

Just Kept Getting Better and Better!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! I really liked this book and loved the series. I thought it was just going to be about the Enclave. And to tell the truth that was my least favorite part. But then, (spoiler alert) Deuce goes "topside" and an entire new phase of the book begins. This series spans so many different locations it really keeps it interesting.

What does Emily Bauer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The passion of Deuce. Other reviews mention the narrator's high pitched voice bothering them. I completely disagree. The main character is 15 when the book starts so should not have been told by a grown woman with a deep voice. Emily Bauer did a wonderful job reading as Deuce in the first person. Especially when Deuce showed pride of being "a huntress". Personally if I had read the book, I wouldn't have put so much life into the character and her attitude and personality would have been lost.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I even started listening at work with headphones.

Any additional comments?

Definitely don't pass up Outpost and Horde. The books keep getting better and better until the very end, which left me smiling.

One of my new favorites!

What made the experience of listening to Enclave the most enjoyable?

Ann Aguirre combines the best elements of a story: an exciting plot, dynamic characters and a great ending. I couldn't put this series down. Duece and Fade are a great pair and this series kept me wondering the whole time. I am thankful to say I loved it from beginning to end. Ann Aguirre has become one of my new favorite authors.

What other book might you compare Enclave to and why?

It is a distopian book and therefore could be compared to Divergent or the Hunger Games but in my opinion is much better. Duece is a much stronger character. Katniss could be annoying and Tris sometimes didn't make sense.

What does Emily Bauer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Emily Bauer has an interesting voice and to be honest at first it took a little getting used to but she brought the story alive for me. I enjoy listening to stories so much more than reading them.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I couldn't put it down.

Any additional comments?

Loved the whole series!!!

Exciting!

ENCLAVE is fantastic. It was like a movie in my mind. For being a relatively short book, it covers A LOT and the journey is incredibly exciting. Deuce has worked her whole life to be a Huntress. It’s all she’s ever wanted. She’s brave and strong for a New Blood. She lives by the rules. Then she gets partnered with Fade (how cool is his name?!). He’s not like everyone else and Deuce isn’t sure how to deal with him. He makes her second guess everything she’s ever been taught and awakens a new understanding within her.

I’m completely impressed with Ann Aguirre’s imagination and ability to create post-apocalyptic magic. I was enthralled by the story and attached to the characters. I’m rooting for them in every way.

Gripping Story and Interesting Worldbuilding

I greatly enjoyed this first book. It was a pleasure to read a story with a strong lead female character and a more thoughtful and reticent male character. The story progressed well and there was a lot of interesting action throughout. Quite a few sections of the book are so riveting that it would be hard to stop listening!

I've listened to both the first and the second books in this series and it was very pleased with both the world and the character building. I'm greatly looking forward to the next book in the series as a result!

great YA novel, I loved it...by Eddie, age 12

Any additional comments?

It was a great book. After reading the Gregor series, where they live in underground colonies, I was a little sick of that concept. Still, I enjoyed Enclave (though they live in enclaves, also underground). All the characters had their own interesting back stories, which was really fun to listen to. The narrator had a very squeaky voice that got annoying.