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.