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Outpost (Razorland #2)

by Ann Aguirre (Goodreads Author)

4.14 of 5 stars 4.14 · rating details · 6,639 ratings · 913 reviews

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...more

Hardcover, 317 pages

Published September 4th 2012 by Feiwel & Friends

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Nov 28, 2012 karen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: why-yes-i-ya

this three star rating should not be a mark against this book; i am just giving it a three because i liked it slightly less than enclave, to which i gave four stars, and that is the way i do math...

and of course the first book in a series is usually the best: new characters, new setting, exciting world-building; everything is designed to reel you in and make you want more.

this second book is more concerned with character development. and probably, upon a re-read, i will like this one just as m...more

43 likes · like · see review

Sep 17, 2012 Maja rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highly-anticipating-2012, own-a-dtb, 2012-favorites, amazing-writing, made-me-cry, all-the-right-choices, favorites, open-ending, role-models, ya, reviewed-in-2012

Here we are again: me singing praise to Ann Aguirre and you guys putting up with me. (Oh, stop trying to run away, I’m not about to start singing for real.) I must admit I was terrified of reading this book, but not because I doubted Aguirre in the least. After reading 11 of her books and loving them all, I know perfectly well what she’s capable of. No, I was terrified because, even before starting it, I knew it would crush me into tiny Maja bits. And it did.
There’s a reason for everything, and...more Here we are again: me singing praise to Ann Aguirre and you guys putting up with me. (Oh, stop trying to run away, I’m not about to start singing for real.) I must admit I was terrified of reading this book, but not because I doubted Aguirre in the least. After reading 11 of her books and loving them all, I know perfectly well what she’s capable of. No, I was terrified because, even before starting it, I knew it would crush me into tiny Maja bits. And it did.
There’s a reason for everything, and a million reasons for some things. The list of reasons why Ann Aguirre’s books always affect me so deeply is about three miles long. I’m very familiar with her work – I’ve read everything she’s published under her own name, some books more than once even, and I’ve long ago stopped being surprised by how consistently good she is.

Let’s start with the worldbuilding, shall we? I can be rather nitpicky when it comes to dystopian worlds. I need them to make sense, but sometimes they truly do appear as if they’d been created by YA Dystopia Story Generator. (Hot water has been banned and the government controls fish byproducts, or something along those lines.) But in a world destroyed by a disease, with no government, internet or means of transportation, extremely violent gangs would undoubtedly form, as they did in Deuce’s world. There would surely be groups of people, entire communities that would go back to old values. And some would probably find their way underground, where such a thing is possible. As always, Aguirre’s world is fully realized and flawless.

But character development is where the author’s skill truly shows. She doesn’t just point out Deuce’s upbringing when it’s convenient or when it serves to further complicate the plot. She is meticulously consistent, and not just with Deuce, but with all her characters. Not many authors leave me in awe of their insightfulness and intelligence, but somehow, Ann Aguirre always does. She is, above all, an excellent psychologist and she knows her characters to the bone.

To call what happens between Fade, Stalker and Deuce a love triangle seems vastly unfair and oversimplified, although I suppose, technically, that’s what it is. It is a triangle of comfort, hope and kindred spirits, and there is nothing simple about it. I may have hated some things that happened in this book with a fiery passion, but I never hated the characters for them!

Deuce is amazing, one of those characters that make you want to stand up and do something extraordinary for yourself and for others. She is grown up in some ways, and adolescent in others, naive at times, but a quick learner too. She grew up knowing nothing of how the real world functions, and yet it didn’t take her long to start appreciating family bonds and friendships, or develop her interpersonal intelligence.

I suppose I should address the cliffhanger as well, as there’s been a lot of grumbling around the blogosphere. It’s a trilogy, and as much as it pains me, I understand the need to leave things open for the last book. And truth be told, this open ending (not exactly a cliffhanger) is less painful than most.

This is, hands down, my favorite book in 2012. I hope I helped the rest of you decide to read it, and soon.

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59 likes · like · see review

Sep 16, 2012 Tammara added it

Shelves: favorites

Outpost floored me. I expected a lot after Enclave. The continued character development, the always-heartstopping, frequently-gory action sequences and the complicated emotional entanglements - both romantic and friendship-based - were gripping. If I wasn't fully immersed in something else, I was contemplating this story when I was away from it.

Deuce is a girl who's not just aware of the nightmare outside the gates of Salvation - she's fought for survival inside that nightmare. Trained to be a w...more

14 likes · like · see review

Mar 26, 2013 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-collection

"I saved you, Fade. Why do you hate me?"
"Maybe that's why. Because you made him live with it."

description

I don't even know if I can say that this book was better than the first because they were both so good! These books are everything I've ever wanted. I'm done with meekly paranormal-romance. I need more dystopian and science-fiction. The characters are amazing and I could never disagree with anything the author has done in this series. I love this. I need a tissue.

Summary:

(So, I have to write my own litt...more

10 likes · like · see review

Aug 18, 2012 Kara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, annoying-protagonist, bloody-as-hell, dreaded-love-triangle, dystopian, for-review, horror, post-apocalyptic, young-adult, zombies

I was really looking forward to the sequel to Enclave. I really enjoyed that book and it is definitely one of my favorite post-apocalyptic novels. But before I go forward with my review of Outpost, I need to give you a little background on what I thought of Enclave back then and what I think of Enclave now.

When I first started reading YA again, Enclave became one of my favorite reads immediately. I was new on the blogging scene, and I was still finding my feet and developing my tastes in literat...more

28 likes · like · see review

Oct 04, 2012 georgia -ωαт¢н ɱє fℓу- marked it as to-read

Wait a minute, seriously? Please tell me this isn't the actual cover. Please! I didn't especially like the first one, but this is just TERRIBLE.

Oh, Fade. I love you Fade, but if you start ignoring Deuce, I think I might actually throw this book against a wall. Multiple times. *Sigh*
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Okay, just looked at the cover again, about to scream, when I noticed the "Cover Coming Soon" Phew!
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Oh, this cover is quite nice...more

12 likes · like · see review

Mar 05, 2013 goldn_rule rated it 3 of 5 stars

I had so much hope for this book after reading (and immensely enjoying) Enclave, only to be quite disappointed.

Let me start with what I think is the biggest flaw of this book. Stalker. In my mind, I keep seeing all the violence on his tab. (Oh how the rape was so not subtly implied!) There's just no redemption nor restitution for such a grave transgression. Comparing him to Fade is a really bad idea. Making him a 'potential' love interest is just downright creepy. Every moment Deuce spends with...more

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 15, 2013 oliviasbooks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, high-expectations, other-creatures, scifi-dystopian-apocalyptic, young-adult-fiction, zombies-monsters, love-story-romance, favorites-of-2013, high-entertainment-factor, love-triangle, read-2013, stays-with-me, favorites, a-z-challenge-2013

I breezed through Outpost, the sequel to Enclave, in a matter of hours and I wish I could go with Deuce and her friends on her next frighteningly dangerous journey through freak-infested territory by devouring Horde right now. It doesn't happen so often that I am that contented with a second/middle volume.

I suppose, I definitely could do without the love-triangle - although it's not a very sharp-angled or annoying one since the heroine's preferences are pretty clear and remain that way. Another...more

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 31, 2013 ❤♏αια (My Book Diaries) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books

If you wanna read the first tiny bit of this book, go here: Outpost Sneak Peak

I just read that little preview and all I can say is AHHH! I need to read this book. NOW! It's already good!

Okay, I know this book is kind of the typical story line with the love triangle etc etc but it's soooo good and fascinating. I love it anyway.

The first book was flippin' fantastic and I have no doubts that this one will be the same. But it comes out in September. How am I going to wait that long?!?!

UPDATE:
The c...more

6 likes · like · see review

May 03, 2012 Mary marked it as to-read

September 2012? Really?? Fml. Well, I wish I woulda waited to read Enclave.. the anticipation is killing me!

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I like the cover :]

16 likes · like · see review

May 31, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, sci-fi-fantasy, dystopian

I won this ARC through a contest on the author's website.

This book begins where Enclave left off. Deuce & Co. (Fade, Stalker and Tegan) are now adjusting to life in the topside town of Salvation. Men and women in Salvation stick to their roles...and Deuce is not a fan. She isn't a girly-girl; she's a fighter. As each member of the group works to fit in, we see them growing up in a more traditional sense. All of them have been through so much that they are wise beyond their years. However, r...more

12 likes · like · see review

Jul 16, 2011 Jena marked it as to-read

I hope there more of Fade & Deuce than the first one! (I was kind of like huh? That's it? With the ending of the last) deuce can kick some a$$ tho!

29 likes · like · see review

Jan 08, 2013 Zoe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: assassin-mercenary, major-skills, ya, romance, psychological, favorites, squeaky-clean, dystopian

Wow, such an amazing book. A word of caution, there's going to be a lot of adjectives in this review! =) This book has got everything. It's exhiliratingly adventurous, crazy romantic, and very thought-provoking. And the ending is so heart-warming. Really fantastic. I love Deuce. She's a unbelievably courageous heroine. Probably one of the most gutsy characters out there. But to her, her moral code doesn't leave her with much of a choice. Her philosophy is so rich and practical.

“Is he the reason...more Wow, such an amazing book. A word of caution, there's going to be a lot of adjectives in this review! =) This book has got everything. It's exhiliratingly adventurous, crazy romantic, and very thought-provoking. And the ending is so heart-warming. Really fantastic. I love Deuce. She's a unbelievably courageous heroine. Probably one of the most gutsy characters out there. But to her, her moral code doesn't leave her with much of a choice. Her philosophy is so rich and practical.

“Is he the reason you're so set on fighting?”
“No,” I said slowly, “I think it's the other way around.”

He studied me as if I held all the answers to the mysteries of the universe...I'd never seen such a look, full of melting tenderness and absolute adoration.

God, I love Fade. There's just that something about him that's so strong and beautiful. He's one of those characters that can pretty much say anything and I think its sexy and masculine and swoon-worthy.

Deuce is still very much on edge even though she lives in safety within the town walls. Her foster parents are kind but most of the townspeople are not. Deuce doesn't trust easy and resists the town's efforts to domesticate her. She does resign herself to some of their traditions though. The problem is that the townspeople see Deuce and her friends as children. Whereas, where she comes from, she's a highly-respected adult. There's also the fact that she is female, and the townspeople expect her to act like one. She has a very aggressive attitude and so she's an outcast. Tegan and Fade make more of an effort to blend in.

Deuce doesn't realise that the people close to her want her regard and affection. It's nice to see her opening up and learning to love. Yes, she can be terribly barbaric, but she's also noble, compassionate and selfless. I really loved her simplicity and her plain wisdom. She doesn't understand society's concepts such as birthdays, sleepovers, and education.
Stalker and Deuce are alike in many ways and that's why Deuce gravitates towards him. She doesn't want to converge with town life, neither does he. Deuce believes that Stalker's like her because they were both bred for violence. She wants to fight and protect and kick ass, just like she's been trained to do. Okay, sometimes it seems a bit bloodthirsty, but Deuce believes that its her job to protect people and she can't just sit back and let others do the protecting when she's perfectly capable. While Stalker and her are of one mind concerning lifestyles, they most certainly don't agree on their relational status. Stalker's still got a crush on Deuce. And him and Fade are still having this silent fight over her. Fortunately, it doesn't take Fade long to win. Stalker proves to be surprisingly gracious about Deuce's decision though you can see how it hurts him. In this book, Stalker became much more admirable.

Fade really loves Deuce and he's very protective over her but he doesn't (or can't) mollycoddle her. Though he absolutely can't stand the mean things people say about her. He's such an interesting character. While he's obviously the dark and broody type, he follows Deuce around like a puppy dog. She makes him so vulnerable because he cares for her so much. I think the author tried to show that in many ways Deuce is much stronger than Fade.
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Nov 25, 2012 Lynn rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: post-apocalyptic fans

Shelves: series-i-am-reading-or-will-be-soon, favourites

Razorland is turning out to be one of my favorite series. I am usually disappointed when it comes to the second book in a series. They all seem to fall flat and lose some of the spark the first book had. Not with this series. I enjoyed this book more than I did Enclave. The action is intense. You learn a lot more about the characters, and you see Deuce become more vulnerable yet stronger too.
Deuce is trying to come to terms with Salvations rules and finds herself in a new world of challenges t...more Razorland is turning out to be one of my favorite series. I am usually disappointed when it comes to the second book in a series. They all seem to fall flat and lose some of the spark the first book had. Not with this series. I enjoyed this book more than I did Enclave. The action is intense. You learn a lot more about the characters, and you see Deuce become more vulnerable yet stronger too.
Deuce is trying to come to terms with Salvations rules and finds herself in a new world of challenges that she has to face. She is huntress stuck in a gender stereotypical world. Deuce wants to wear pants and fight. They want her to put on a dress and sew. Though she is faster and fiercer when it comes to hand to hand combat then the men, they still think she should know her place and stay out of their way. So once again Deuce has to prove her worth and feels like she isn’t accomplishing anything by being forced to go to school.
The relationship between Deuce and her adoptive family is confusing for Deuce. She has never had what they are offering her so she doesn’t know how to intercept it. I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom into a family. With the help from Mama Oak’s and Edmund, Deuce learns what it’s like to love and to have parents. (view spoiler)
Tegan and Deuces friendship is a bit strained as well as her relationship with Fade. Tegan is trying desperately to fit in with the town, their rules, and the other kids in town. Deuce isn’t having so much luck. Seeing this Tegan wants to distance herself from Deuce so she isn’t seen in the same light as Deuce is.
It’s pretty quiet between Deuce and Fade for a large part of the beginning. Fade is convinced that Deuce is involved with Stalker and Deuce seems to think that Fade might be with Tegan. There is jealousy on both ends. Eventually when they do come together it’s all butterflies and fireworks. But soon things take a dive again making this relationship a rollercoaster of emotions right down to the last page.
Stalker is shown in a new light in this book. At least the author tries to show him in a new light. I still have trouble liking this character. I see where his actions may have been a result of live or die standards, but it still doesn’t make the actions OK. So I am still on the offense when it comes to him.
The action in the book is super intense. The new things we learned about the Freaks blew my mind. The cliffhanger is achingly awesome. It left me playing out scenarios in my head as to how it all will end. I am dying to get my hands on the last book in this amazing trilogy, Horde . If you loved Enclave, you will definitely love this one.

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Feb 20, 2013 Rose rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: apocalypse, audio-book, young-adult, dystopian-speculative-fiction

Honestly this book doesn't know what it wants to be, romance, horror, or post apocalypse. I say it's just a colossal mess. Save your time and money. There are too many good YA adult books out there. This clunky inconsistent trite is not worth a peek. Totally surprised by all the positive reviews. Not one realistic quality to this character. I think the idea and world building could have been interesting but digressing into love triangles and a character that should not have a command of language...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 24, 2012 Jc rated it 5 of 5 stars

I couldn't wait to read this, and after waiting a year, I wasn't disappointed. I feel like the writing could be smoother, but I think this is characteristic of this author's style based on this series and others I've read. The way the main character kept referring to herself as a huntress over and over again was a little annoying. None of this, however, will keep me from reading her next installment.

I found myself seriously stressed out about the love triangle. In part, this made me read faster...more

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 07, 2013 Tessa rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

I read the first book because I saw it recommended next to the Hunger Games. This isn't the same, but I like dystopian stuff so whatever, i read it. I read the first one and didn't really care much for Outpost's description (Deuce has to be trained to be a proper lady and start school? SIGH...), but after about a year I wanted to read something easy and fun, so I bought this book.

I felt like this book didn't need to exist. WAIT! Keep reading.

It was like everything that happened in this book was...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 12, 2012 kyendwarrior rated it 3 of 5 stars

AHHHHH THAT CLIFFHANGER!!!!
NOOOOOO!!!!!
I WAITED FOR A YEAR FOR THIS BOOK, AND SHE GIVES ME A CLIFFHANGER??????
THIS IS LIKE GOOSEBUMPS ALL OVER AGAIN... except Ann's writing is so much smoother, and I have hope of a third book.
Eeek!!!!
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MAJOR/MINOR SPOILERS!.
Ok, fangirl moment over;)

I always, always do this (probably because fangirl takes over in that moment I finish a book) but I revise my old rating to 3.5 stars.

I really loved this book. A ton. (If you can't tell already...;)) Ann...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Kerry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian, young-adult

If you haven't read Enclave and Outpost, you have been missing out on what I consider to be one of the most thought provoking post apocalyptic series around these days. Outpost has everything most dystopian fans love; action, savage rotting zombie-like creatures called Freaks (which are freakin disgusting), and a love story. Yes,I admit that it is my least favorite sort of love story (the dreaded love triangle), yet I feel that the author uses it tactfully as a device to emphasize that Deuce is...more If you haven't read Enclave and Outpost, you have been missing out on what I consider to be one of the most thought provoking post apocalyptic series around these days. Outpost has everything most dystopian fans love; action, savage rotting zombie-like creatures called Freaks (which are freakin disgusting), and a love story. Yes,I admit that it is my least favorite sort of love story (the dreaded love triangle), yet I feel that the author uses it tactfully as a device to emphasize that Deuce is going through some pretty major inner conflict. So that's okay.

All of these exciting features are awesome, and the novel can be enjoyed for these qualities alone. In my opinion, however, it is also the amazing world building and character development in Outpost that makes it so special. Instead of the urban underground, where every day is a brutal battle for survival, Deuce finds herself in a safehaven; a settlement inhabited by, according to the author's notes, the descendents of the Pennsylvania Amish. Talk about trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. No longer considered an adult at the age of 15, Deuce is forced to attend school for the first time, wear a dress (although she craftily wears her Hunter garb beneath) and adapt to Salvation's expectations of how a girl her age should act (ie. learn to sew.) She struggles, and fails, to identify with any role except of that of a deadly huntress, responsible for her society's survival.

I love how the author uses love as one of the themes of this novel (and not just the romantic type). In her former society, the elders were young as nobody survived past their 20's. Deuce is totally amazed by the fact that people could actually live to middle-age. She is adopted by an older couple and struggles with the fact that they are actually growing to love her. She has no experience with this emotion (with the exception of a little romantic "sparking" haha) as she has only vague memories of her "dam" and none of her "sire". This is beside the point anyway, since her former society did not encourage such emotion, even among the "breeders". Her growing familial feelings toward her new family and Longshot are a great source of confusion.

There are only shades of grey in this novel. Salvation, like College, is imperfect, as are it's inhabitants. Deuce, Fade and Stalker all took turns irritating me. That's one thing that makes Outpost so believable. I'm in love with everything about the book. Except for the Freaks, of course.

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Jan 06, 2013 Janus Vielle (The Blair Book Project) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Janus Vielle by: Maria

Shelves: owned-ebook, 2012-src

It has been months since Deuce and Fade were exiled from down below. After an aggressive encounter with a group of Freaks as they travelled top side with their new companions, Stalker and Tegan, they find refuge in Salvation.

Having to live in a world where she was valuable as a huntress, Deuce feels insignificant living in Salvation. Her once earned status as an adult does not apply in the ways of the people in her new found habitat. Deuce longs to do what she was trained to since she was a br...more It has been months since Deuce and Fade were exiled from down below. After an aggressive encounter with a group of Freaks as they travelled top side with their new companions, Stalker and Tegan, they find refuge in Salvation.

Having to live in a world where she was valuable as a huntress, Deuce feels insignificant living in Salvation. Her once earned status as an adult does not apply in the ways of the people in her new found habitat. Deuce longs to do what she was trained to since she was a brat, but all eyes are on her for trying to take on a man’s job. Not only is she struggling to fit in, her former partner, Fade has detached himself from her. And she feels all the more empty without him.

But trouble steers in the quiet dwellings of Salvation. The Freaks are changing. They are getting more and more cautious, the once reckless and flesh-greedy creatures are beginning to get... organized? Now, Deuce is willing to bring out her inner warrior and finally make use of her skills again...

Outpost seems to be both a step up and a step down from the first book, Enclave. Outpost made up for the lack of romance in Enclave, which I refer to as the step up. I love Deuce and Fade’s sweet moments. Oh boy, I just knew it was too good to last. Anyway, the draw back on this book would probably be that it has lesser action scenes than its predecessor. Enclave had embraced readers with full on throttle with the Freaks, I got used to seeing the protagonists fight for their lives in between chapters, but Outpost gave off more of the speculating and waiting approach. There still are action scenes, only not as much to satisfy; and you know how much I love good blood and gore scenes. (Am I coming out too barbaric here?)

It’s quite refreshing to see another side of Deuce. With Enclave, she was the proud warrior and although she questioned the life down below, she always had a place among her former people. Now she is all but a mere trivial girl. Talk about culture shock, huh?

As for the love triangle going on between Fade, Deuce and Stalker. I kind of wish it didn’t have to be like that. Although I have to admit, as much as I loathe Stalker, the scenario given made me feel that he isn’t that bad after all. It’s true that how he was brought up, doesn’t make up for his mistakes, but I understand him better now. I’m still team Fade though, no questions asked.

I kind of freaked out on what I discovered about the Freaks. As if they’re not hard enough to kill already! Seriously, that was shocking! Even though they are creeping me out and I’m completely baffled by the changes in them, I am eager to see how this would turn out.

The ending was a little bittersweet, and a bit annoying at some point (the Salvation women and the talk about Deuce). Knowing the kind of life Deuce was accustomed to, it was heart-warming to see she found her own sort of family. One that she never thought she’d ever have. As for Fade, *sigh* I want to wrap him up in my arms if it would make him feel better.

Another adventure awaits the Razorland series readers, and I can’t wait to read Horde!

For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com (less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 05, 2012 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Deuce and her friends may be free from the claustrophobic tunnels of the enclave but life is no less confining for her in Salvation, a town that doesn't appreciate the hunter skills which she has honed and perfected.

Outpost is very much a character driven novel. I find it fascinating watching how Deuce, Fade, Tegan and Stalker develop in a world where adults have manipulated & abandoned them. Now in Salvation the adults try to save a childhood for the four that has long past. These kids have...more Deuce and her friends may be free from the claustrophobic tunnels of the enclave but life is no less confining for her in Salvation, a town that doesn't appreciate the hunter skills which she has honed and perfected.

Outpost is very much a character driven novel. I find it fascinating watching how Deuce, Fade, Tegan and Stalker develop in a world where adults have manipulated & abandoned them. Now in Salvation the adults try to save a childhood for the four that has long past. These kids have lived through and survived things that the adults will never understand. The residents know of the Freaks but they have a sense of normalcy with schools, enough food to eat and even families. They "breed" for love, a concept that is completely foreign to Deuce.

Deuce is one of my all time favorite female characters. She is totally bad ass and knows that the people of Salvation don't understand the severity of the threat from the Freaks. On the other hand she has a bravado that only a teenager can have, thinking they know everything and have seen everything. She's right to an extent, but there is still so much more to learn. The wonderful thing about Deuce is that she's willing to admit when she's wrong, share in the responsibility and ask for help when she needs it.

The relationships between the four friends shifts throughout. Salvation is just that - salvation to some but to others it's a false sense of security. The emotions are raw and tender as these children - and yes, I think that's what gets to me the most about this series, is that they are children - try to navigate something as simple as a touch or a kiss while fighting for their lives.

I know the tendency is to focus on the romance and you will be richly rewarded on that front, but I'm pleased that Aguirre also pays attention to Tegan and Deuce's relationship. I think we tend to overlook friendships between girlfriends at times and I love the awkwardness and loyalty between these two girls.

Now for the real threat. The Freaks. There were a few scenes in the beginning of Outpost that almost…almost…had me sympathizing with them. Or at least maybe humanizing them a tad. But then, holy sh*t! I don't think I've ever been that creeped out before. My heart hurt by the end of Outpost. I was put through an emotional wringer, spit out and sprinkled with a dash of hope.

I just can't even fathom what's coming next for my favorite rag tag group of survivors.

The name of the final book in the Razorland trilogy is Horde so yeah…..my imagination is working overtime.

Disclosure: I was a beta reader for this book.
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Sep 12, 2012 Pixie/PageTurners(Amber) C. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: coveted-books-aka-wishlist

Ahh loved it. It isn't as fast paced as Enclave - but just as good. The slower pace allowed for a lot more terrifying information to be reviled.

Full Review:

Creeptastick! Outpost was everything I loved about Enclave and more; Deuce's story has taken a drastic turn and like always she is willing to fight for her place... even if Salvation is a man's world.

Salvation is a very different place for Deuce; she has a family that loves her, food, clothes and safety - but girls like her don't really fit...more

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 19, 2012 Liz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian, ya

Enclave was good, Outpost was GREAT.

Deuce really grew on me this time. I loved how she had to figure so many things; breaking down societal barriers and expectations not to mention deciphering emotional relationships too. She went beyond a one dimensional existence to a individual who was part of a family, a partnership and a purpose. Speaking of partnerships, hallelujah and thank you for a love triangle that actually made sense and didn't make me want to throw something. (kudos for a quick reso...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Nikita rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-on-kindle, oh-how-i-love-thee

This was an experience. I went into this expecting disappointment as I had with so many other 'book 2s' this year and it blew me away. The mark of a good book and great protagonist, in my opinion, was there: there was never a time that Deuce made a decision I wouldn't have. She never compromised who she was. She was smart and capable and empathetic and strong and so much more in just the right degrees.
And this world that Ann Agguire has built, oh it's wonderful. I felt it all. The dread, the adr...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Alicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: war, series, science-fiction, religion, romance, outdoor-adventure, dystopia, boy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. A great second book, which makes me think that Aguirre is going to end it here because it doesn't have the second book stink that most trilogies or series have. Picking up where the first, Enclave, left off, Deuce, the fantastic female heroine, and her counterpart-in-crime, Fade, are Topside (or above ground) now after breaking out from their enclave below. They discover a world still battling non-human beings, just above ground, including a troupe that they settle in with and then a settlement....more

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Apr 08, 2013 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-futuristic, young-adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 09, 2013 Carrie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of dystopian novels

Recommended to Carrie by: Amanda

Ok... if you can get past the fact that this book is SOOOOOO like "The Forest of Hands and Teeth" and all the other dystopian, "girl warrior is out to save her community with the help of at least one male sidekick" stories that are springing up right now, then you're in for a great read! I read "Enclave" last summer and liked it. Not loved it, but liked it. It was a little plot-heavy for my tastes - too much action, not enough character - but it was good. It was a little different, but enough th...more Ok... if you can get past the fact that this book is SOOOOOO like "The Forest of Hands and Teeth" and all the other dystopian, "girl warrior is out to save her community with the help of at least one male sidekick" stories that are springing up right now, then you're in for a great read! I read "Enclave" last summer and liked it. Not loved it, but liked it. It was a little plot-heavy for my tastes - too much action, not enough character - but it was good. It was a little different, but enough the same that I knew I had another book to recommend for my "The Hunger Games" fans. But, because it was just ok, I had put off reading "Outpost"; there were lots of other books that I assumed would be better, so why rush into one that might only be mediocre. I am such a FOOL!

So, at the end of "Enclave," Deuce and her trio of fellow travelers have been picked up and taken to a fortified settlement where they will be safe from the bands of roving Freaks infesting all of Topside. However, Deuce has trouble settling into her now "normal" life of school, sewing, wearing dresses, and using manners. She longs for her Huntress days, but such behavior is NOT becoming of a lady. Until the Freaks around Salvation (the settlement) begin to display signs of evolving behavior and threaten the precious crops that will see the town through the long cold winter. Suddenly, Deuce has a chance to do what she does best and protect the town she is beginning to love. Deuce, and Fade and Stalker, all three volunteer for the group of guards going out to establish an outpost in the fields to protect the crops from the Freaks. However, while out in the fields, Deuce stumbles upon frightening information that show the settlement is in greater danger than anyone realized. Changing Freak behavior is only part of the large threat now looming over the small, isolated settlement.

In retrospect, I think Ms. Aguirre was just setting the stage with "Enclave." She was building this future world, putting the pieces into place, for this much more epic novel. This novel, while not short on plot, was well-balanced with serious character development. All four of the key players from the first novel grew and changed and began to come into their own in "Outpost." The one potentially negative thing I will say, though, is the ending concerns me. I will NOT spoil it for anyone, but I have fears that book three, "Horde" is going to be "Enclave Part 2"; I'm not sure I entirely like the direction the story is taking. But I LOVE the uncertainty of relationships between characters that we are left with at the end of "Outpost." So, Ms. Aguirre, I'm putting my faith in your hands. Please, do NOT let us down with "Horde." You upped the ante with your second book, keep up the good work in your third!(less)

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Mar 03, 2013 Whatchyareading added it

Shelves: kate, dystopian, series, young-adult

I read Ann Aguirre’s Enclave last year and have already talked about how much I liked it. It had zombies, which I love (which? whom? Two sentences into this review and I’m already feeling all existential). It also had a kickass heroine (Deuce), a boy I could root for her to be with (Fade), and excellent worldbuilding. At the time I reviewed Enclave, I spent a paragraph pouting about how far away the release date of Outpost was. Then, though I read and loved Outpost when it was released, this stu...more I read Ann Aguirre’s Enclave last year and have already talked about how much I liked it. It had zombies, which I love (which? whom? Two sentences into this review and I’m already feeling all existential). It also had a kickass heroine (Deuce), a boy I could root for her to be with (Fade), and excellent worldbuilding. At the time I reviewed Enclave, I spent a paragraph pouting about how far away the release date of Outpost was. Then, though I read and loved Outpost when it was released, this stupid thing I do every day called a job stole all my reviewing time. Thus, now that it’s a new year and I’m trying to be a better blogger (swearsies), this was the first book I went to.

Ann Aguirre is a master of pacing a plot. When I first started reading, I was afraid this would be a book in which we’re info dumped a lot of stuff about the zombies and the world they all live in, but man was I wrong. A lot of stuff happens in this book. A lot. But it also feels like just enough. We see the characters going places and doing things, things I can’t talk about without spoilers. There were scenes in this book that had my heart pounding because I legitimately didn’t know who might live or who would die. The characters we spent a book getting to know are now shoved to the actual edge of the world that remains for society, and living on that boundary means that not only is there plenty of action, but we also get to learn new information by being shown instead of told. This is especially helpful because not everything that happens in this book is happening physically. It’s a different kind of survival Deuce is fighting for – one that requires looking more than five minutes ahead – and that’s reflected in how this book moves.

I said in my review of Enclave that Deuce was amazing because she felt like a real person, and Outpost only enhanced that for me. Deuce is learning a lot about society and herself and how different life underground is from life topside. We see a lot of character development for Deuce, but we see it through the things she does. She’s fighting, physically and emotionally, for her place in society and society’s place in the world. We go out with her and see more of the world and fight her fights right alongside her. It’s not always pretty – when I say she’s fighting I mean it – and her struggles were frustrating for me. But that’s where her realness came in for me. I didn’t always like what Deuce was doing or how she was acting, but I understood her.

My one complaint when I reviewed Enclave was that I felt like the romance between Fade and Deuce sort of fizzled. Outpost made me feel stupid for ever saying that. I thought the problems they had were addressed in a smart way, and I also thought it was done in a very real, relatable way. Deuce and Fade, though grownups in their world, aren’t emotional wizards because they didn’t live in a world where that’s important (Deuce even more so than Fade). But their relationship was touchingly done and all the growth I saw in Deuce, I really liked seeing Fade go through his own.

What really made Outpost a standout for me was the background cast (especially getting to see Deuce grow into her family). I liked what happened with Tegan, and I liked that while she and Deuce are opposites in a lot of ways, Tegan has a lot of Deuce’s strength, even if she doesn’t show it in the same way.

Stalker, for me, was the biggest improvement from Enclave. I really appreciated the fact that his past wasn’t just glossed over. I also appreciated the fact that the world of Outpost is not the world of today (mostly safe and somewhat prosperous). It’s a morally complicated universe, and Stalker is the best reflection of that. He wants to change and improve, but can he ever really shake off a past when as dark as his? Part of me doesn’t think so. I still don’t like him. I still think that he is not and never was a serious love interest for Deuce. I still think that if he were to be eaten by a freak, I wouldn’t grieve much.

But I also think that he’s a reflection of Deuce’s struggles with her own humanity, and so I’m glad he played the part in this book he did. Does Deuce succumb to the base of society, where survival and power the only things that matter? Does she become Tegan, and turn her back on the outside dangers? Or can she find somewhere in the middle? It would be so easy to turn off her emotions and pick the perfect caveman-esque partner, a hunter with strength and physicality that she doesn’t have to feel anything for. She’s not struggling with liking Stalker, she’s struggling with the burden of all of the feelings she suddenly has for other people.

I was surprised that I liked this book so much. And the last line? Good lord. I need Horde, and I need it now. I can’t wait to see where Deuce’s journey takes her.

This was posted at WhatchYAreading on January 8, 2013.(less)

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Feb 14, 2013 Anna Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ho. My. GAWSH!!!! I mean, I loved 'Enclave', and was so excited when I found out there was a sequel in 'Outpost', but I had *NO* idea it would be that good. I loved it. LOVE it. I'm buying BOTH of these. Hard copy. It's WORTH it.

If 'Enclave' was 'Hunger Games' meets 'I am Legend', then this sequel was 'I am Legend' meets 'Little House on the Prairie' (or rather, little outpost on the prairie).

In the first book, we meet Deuce, a huntress who lives 200 years in the future, in the pitch dark subway...more Ho. My. GAWSH!!!! I mean, I loved 'Enclave', and was so excited when I found out there was a sequel in 'Outpost', but I had *NO* idea it would be that good. I loved it. LOVE it. I'm buying BOTH of these. Hard copy. It's WORTH it.

If 'Enclave' was 'Hunger Games' meets 'I am Legend', then this sequel was 'I am Legend' meets 'Little House on the Prairie' (or rather, little outpost on the prairie).

In the first book, we meet Deuce, a huntress who lives 200 years in the future, in the pitch dark subway tunnels beneath NYC. Her clan relies on her and others like her to keep the mutants at bay and bring food back to the clan. But Deuce and her partner Fade discover that the mutants have organized and are coming to wipe out the clan, and when they report their findings, the clan choose to throw her and her partner out for heresy rather than prepare. Their only chance it to go Topside, a place Deuce had never been, a place Fade had lived as a child. In the first book we travel from the tunnels thru the urban wasteland, picking up a gang leader (Stalker) and a soft young girl (Tegan) as we travel up to what was once Pennysylvania, to an outpost where there is safety and some semblance of community.

But in 'Outpost', we find Deuce unable to acclimate within the community. She hates wearing long skirts and learning to read and sew and bake - she's Huntress, and she is dying in this role of soft little schoolgirl. She's earned her status, and hates being demoted to child. So when the planting season comes and they need protection for the growers outside of the wall, Stalker, Fade, and Deuce all prove their abilities and volunteer to be on the outside. But what they find is that the mutants are getting even smarter... and soon the outpost will be overrun and burned, if something isn't done, and quickly. The problem is that the people of the outpost are superstitiously blaming Deuce, who arrived and doesn't know her place. Surely this evil girl has brought this trouble down upon them. They refuse to believe their walls won't hold back the horde of mutants that is gathered just outside.

And of course there's the love triangle - Stalker and Fade both love Deuce, who doesn't understand that a Huntress can have feelings like a Breeder. She doesn't want to lose who she is - she's Huntress - and yet she doesn't want to hurt her friends, either. And worse, she has found herself softening toward her foster family, and the tradesman who found them and brought them to the outpost. She doesn't know who she is, anymore, and knows only one thing - she's the one who can help, if anyone can.

What's best of all? (((SPOILER!!))) Is that at the end of the first book, the four of them arrive at Outpost. At the end of the second? The four are together again - this time LEAVING Outpost to get help. Only now Teagan is trained to be a healer, Stalker has learned smithing, Fade has learned leatherwork, and Deuce has inherited the trade route maps and is prepared to lead the band for help. The author has set it up for a third book, and I'm SO impatient, already, for it!!

The only thing that drove me crazy is that they couldn't come up with a disease to 'give' to the horde outside the walls. It's the only thing I can think of to wipe out that many mutants. I don't know where she's going with this, but it's very possible that the Outpost won't survive... but I can't imagine what's next!

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Feb 02, 2013 Cindy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: flc-2013, apocafic, teen

Why must everything these days be a trilogy? This installment feels very much like filler--ultimately, nothing much is resolved in the way of plot or character development, we just move from point a to point b.

I miss the tunnels of the first book, where everything was new and different. Now we have a fairly standard simple agrarian community living above ground in the aftermath of a long ago apocalypse. Nothing very original here.

I'm not happy with the love triangle that's being forced on reader...more Why must everything these days be a trilogy? This installment feels very much like filler--ultimately, nothing much is resolved in the way of plot or character development, we just move from point a to point b.

I miss the tunnels of the first book, where everything was new and different. Now we have a fairly standard simple agrarian community living above ground in the aftermath of a long ago apocalypse. Nothing very original here.

I'm not happy with the love triangle that's being forced on readers. As much as I found Stalker's behavior in the first book to be repellent, it seems to me he's a better person than Fade and a better match for Deuce in terms of temperament. Stalker is honest about his feelings for Deuce. He's a better fighter than Fade. And he's got a practical streak that will get the job done and is very much about the good of the many over the good of the few, an attitude that's very appropriate for the post-apocalypse. Fade meanwhile had mad skillz...but is overly emo. Seriously, he shouldn't be taking his name so much to heart and fading into the background to sulk at every opportunity. I don't see what Deuce sees in Fade. Yes, he saved her in the tunnels way back when and accompanied her into exile. But what has he done for her lately?

Deuce is becoming very much the Mary Sue. Her only flaws: her lack of formal education, her inability to fit in to a girl's role in the settlement, and her lousy stitchery. And we the readers are expected to see these not as flaws but traits to be admired because she's fighting against stereotypes and being true to herself. Deuce is better than you. She can outfight any man in town, has become a remarkable shot since arriving at Salvation, and has keen night vision that makes her an excellent scout and sentry. While her tracking skills still aren't up to par with Stalker's, she's getting better all the time. I feel like given time, there's nothing she won't be able to do. I understand she was bad news in the tunnels...but this is a different world, a world where everyone has had better nutrition and health care than she. Surely she shouldn't be able to hold her own against everyone.

Salvation makes me uncomfortable. Its religious underpinnings aren't fully explored and only come out in extremes, making them superficial and stereotypical. The town's seeming acceptance of rape and abuse are counter to what little we know of their supposed moral code. And their sense of justice seems to demand superstitious torch-bearing mobs. It's a place of extremes and not a place I'd care to stay--on the one hand we have kindly and accepting folks like Longshot and the Doc and on the other the mayor's wife. And given everyone's reluctance to venture outside of the wall, I'm surprised it hasn't been overrun by Freaks long ago.

And speaking of Freaks...we need to see more of them. Not the carnage left in their wake, but more of their actual culture. It's clear they're intelligent, live & work in groups, and even have rudimentary speech. I want to know their story. How did they become what they are today? (Also, while I regret they are not actually zombies as was hinted at in the first book's teasers and subject cataloging, it was also very clear by the end of the first book that they weren't the living dead, and I resent the author feeling the need to state that clearly in the afterword to Book 2. Yeah, we get it --they need to eat, they bleed, they reproduce, and they can be killed. Not zombies. We don't need you to point out the obvious as it shows little respect for your readers.)

This one is for the teens who can't get enough of the apocalypse and like butt-kicking heroines. There are enough flashbacks (too many, actually) to the first book that this one could be read without benefit of the first.
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Fade or Stalker?	30	225	Apr 16, 2013 10:33am
Descriptions of Deuce, Fade and Stalker?	2	32	Apr 09, 2013 09:07pm
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About Ann Aguirre

Ann Aguirre is a USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes all kinds of books, emo music,...more

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“People try to make sense of things, and if they don’t know the answers, they make them up,because for some, a wrong answer is better than none.” — 20 people liked it

“Love sounded terrible if it made you so weak, you couldn't survive with out it.” — 18 people liked it

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