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Outpost

(Razorland #2)

Ann Aguirre (Goodreads Author)

4.10 · Rating details · 32,058 ratings · 2,213 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

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Hardcover, 317 pages

Published September 4th 2012 by Feiwel & Friends

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Oct 12, 2011 Maja (The Nocturnal Library) rated it it was amazing

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

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 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.

...more

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Nov 16, 2012 karen rated it liked it

Shelves: why-yes-i-ya, zombies-r-bitey

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

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Jan 03, 2012 Vivian marked it as to-read

Shelves: aborted-series, aborted-book, rage-quit, will-not-revisit, had-better-things-to-read

OH MY GOD...i just read the blurb

FACEPALM

'Outpost' has been infected by the plague terrorizing YA books known as 'Sequel book syndrome'. It'll be jam-packed with love triangle dilemma, where the female 1.0 will be constantly torn between male 1.0 and male 2.0. The book seems it will be in a developed stages of 'Sequel book syndrome'. The male 1.0 will be ignoring the female 1.0 causing female 1.0 to spend more time with the male 2.0 but will still wonder about the male 1.0 while with male 2.0. [ ...more

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Apr 14, 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! ...more

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Nov 01, 2015 Nicole rated it really liked it

Shelves: dystopia, ya

Unsurprisingly, I liked Outspost as much as I liked Enclave if not even more. It kept me interested since the first chapter. I just liked less analysing sometimes. It was useless. And more description (shockingly). But this book still was great.

After being rescued by Longfoot, Deuce and her friends settled in the Salvation and each one of them was "adopted" by a family there. Our heroine is living now with the lovely Mama Oaks and her husband. Even though her new parents are so kind, good and even understanding (at least most of the time), she's finding a hard to adapt. Everyone is gossiping about her. Girls are supposed to work at home and work not want to fight and kill Freaks, wear dresses and cashmere instead of pants and gears. She's the intruder here. Fade is acting strangely. He's scarcely talking to her. Only interferes when she's bullied by the natives. And let's not talk about school. She' s fighting material after all and useless for history lessons. Stalker seems to be the only one who understands her and sharing her situation. That's why she's spending most of her time training with him. But it doesn't look like that for the others. Tegan has been clearly avoiding her. Well, who can blame her for wanting to blend?

This piece won't last long. Summer is coming and they'll have to plant outside their post. Then collect harvest and visit some nearby towns for goods. When the first attempt was destroyed by Freaks, who seems to only get smarter, they decide to retry and protect the crops this time. They enemies are getting stronger and clearly planning something big and dangerous. But what is it?

Deuce is as amazing as ever, even though she times don't get it fast. Fade is just awesome, but he needs to understand her more. Stalker is more likable in this book. And Tegan is surprisingly braver.

“I want to drag you off and hide you away,” he whispered.
“Why?”
“I always knew you were beautiful, but now everyone else will too. I won’t be able to keep other boys away from you, and it’ll make me crazy.”

I'm sure I'll like Horde, with this ending, it seems so promising. The characters are so good that you forget sometimes that Deuce is only 15-16 years old. While this trilogy is one of my favorites, my hopes are very high for the next book.

“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.”

...more

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Mar 25, 2012 Anagha Uppal rated it really liked it

*This review contains some spoilers, especially for those who have not read Enclave*

That second paragraph of the synopsis reminds me of Ashes by Ilsa Bick and how much I can't wait to read this book!!!
July 26: Just got an ARC of Outpost. Color me excited!!

September 27 -
This probably sounds redundant because everyone's Outpost reviews are starting with this, but the most important you should get out of this review is that its plot is very unlike Enclave. Whereas Enclave was all about surviving in *This review contains some spoilers, especially for those who have not read Enclave*

That second paragraph of the synopsis reminds me of Ashes by Ilsa Bick and how much I can't wait to read this book!!!
July 26: Just got an ARC of Outpost. Color me excited!!

September 27 -
This probably sounds redundant because everyone's Outpost reviews are starting with this, but the most important you should get out of this review is that its plot is very unlike Enclave. Whereas Enclave was all about surviving in harsh environments, walking until your whole body felt like it would fall over any second, and fighting for dear life; Outpost focuses on the relationships between characters, emotional development of the teenagers, and learning more about the enemy.

Deuce, Fade, Tegan and Stalker has finally found a place that (seems to be) safe and they are relieved to be rid of the danger of Freaks, but there are problems of a different kind at Salvation. For one, Deuce and Fade are so different from the teens here, there are constantly teased and ridiculed. Girls are expected to cook and sew and wear pretty dresses here, and Deuce cannot tolerate these rules. She joins the summer patrols to protect the growers only to be threatened for indecent activities. She does find a family for the first time in her life when she is taken in by a loving and understanding couple - it is here she learns tenderness and devotion and the meaning of love.

Once she joins the Outpost to protect the town's crops from the Freaks, Deuce stars noticing strange things such as fire being stolen from the campsite, and she realizes what this means - the Freaks are growing sneaky and more intelligent and they seem to have a personal grudge against the humans! Nobody listens to her, and eventually, her dear Fade and his tent-mate are taken from the campsite to a giant settlement of Freaks and only Deuce and Stalker can save them.

Outpost's pace is a lot slower than Enclave and most dystopians I have read, but I suppose that's what makes this book so unique. It is so heartwarming that in the midst of all that despair and danger, one can find a love so pure and honest. What hasn't changed since Enclave is Aguirre's impeccable writing style that makes me jump into Deuce's head and want to stay there :)

Deuce is one of the few characters who can successfully pull off being both a kick-ass MC as well as an emotional girl in love. When she talks about her fighting, you can feel the passion radiating off the page, and when she and Fade are together... well, MOAR passionfulness!! Those two have the sweetest relationship ever, up until... well, I can't spoil that.

During Enclave, I was all for Fade. I felt like there was no competition at all and Stalker was just a random dude who tried to kiss Deuce. She didn't even like it (much)! It was the same case with Outpost (except you learn just how deep Stalker's feelings do). By the end, though, I really don't know what to think. Fade's still Fade, but Stalker has changed, become deeper and more meaningful. Fade's beautiful and sweet and emotional, while Stalker is loyal and so much like Deuce herself. I really don't know what to make of it.

I am dying to know how the Freaks (or Muties) came about and what the humans did to elicit this kind of response. By the end, we are made aware that these aren't just zombies but mutants. I can't wait to join the foursome (together again) on another heart-stopping adventure in Monsters. ...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Courtney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites-of-all-time, dystopias, new-ya

I have to admit that I am love with this book. I loved Deuce and Fade and I am SOOO glad she made it clear to Stalker early on that things weren't going anywhere between them. I can never get over Stalker being a rapist and I will never see him as a love interest. Plus, he feels very manipulative to me... For instance, when Deuce was going to save Fade and he is all like Kiss me, kiss me before you go... Really, I think that was manipulative, this girl is going to save her boyfriend and all you I have to admit that I am love with this book. I loved Deuce and Fade and I am SOOO glad she made it clear to Stalker early on that things weren't going anywhere between them. I can never get over Stalker being a rapist and I will never see him as a love interest. Plus, he feels very manipulative to me... For instance, when Deuce was going to save Fade and he is all like Kiss me, kiss me before you go... Really, I think that was manipulative, this girl is going to save her boyfriend and all you can think of is getting her to kiss you... Seriously??? Not to mention, he wants her to leave becasue there is nothing to fight or kill in the beginning... Deuce NEEDS the love she finds in Momma Oaks and Edmund, she needs the family unit and she needs Fade...

I did hate that Fade went through what he wet through but I understand his response... Noe did I agree with it, no, but I understand it. Think of how many soliders we send to war and who see something that none of their training has prepared them for and come home to the ones they love and they do not know how to express what is going on with them? Ever stop to think that maybe he is traumatized because he being captured made him feel weak? Made him feel like he was no longer "STRONG" enough to be what Deuce needs? Maybe he isn't ready to tell Deuce everything that happened? Maybe he doesnt want to feel like she pities him? Maybe he is traumatized because of what he saw becasue he is tired of having to fight for his right to live and wants to settle down and be happy, and seeing the Freaks and what they have planned for the humans makes him lose hope... There is nothing wrong with that especially if he is in love and wants more than to be a hunter for the rest of his days... Not to mention he is 18 years old... Grown men couldnt handle some of what he has seen and he is being called weak for taking a step back and trying to figure things out for himself.

I am glad the Deuce is in t for the long haul. Fade needs that and she will prove that love can prevail even in the worse of situations... I hope that their persistence is rewarded in book 3.

I am anxious for Horde... I hope that they find what they are looking for and eliminate the Freaks and I hope they find a home... ...more

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May 18, 2015 Elena rated it really liked it

While this is not necessarily one of my favourite trilogies, I still can't wait to see how it ends! ...more

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May 18, 2011 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 :]

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May 05, 2012 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sci-fi-fantasy, ya, 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, relat ...more

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Sep 10, 2012 goldn_rule rated it liked it

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

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Jul 08, 2016 Justine rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-read

Razorland continues to be a solid and entertaining series. Deuce is a great character; a strong and confident young woman who strives to know herself better and to grow in her changing environment. As was the case in Enclave, Outpost deals with several complex personal issues in a frank and forthright manner. The lack of angst and drama for the sake of drama in this series is refreshing. The excitement comes from the action in the story, not from unnecessary emotional games.

I'm also loving the l ...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Elisabeth rated it liked it

Shelves: 2015-reads, ya-dystopian

3 stars
I really enjoyed Enclave, however, this one didn't live up to my expectations. ...more

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Apr 12, 2021 Cori rated it liked it

Shelves: post-apocalyptic, dystopian, young-adult, zombies

I bobbled the idea of coming back to this trilogy for a while after finishing Enclave (book one), but I finally checked the second installment out of my library.

Pros: it's a fairly gritty, dark setting especially considering its YA genre. I appreciated the author separated from the tropey-ness of a badass heroine who only knows savagery and fighting in the second one and started to give her a softer side as she developed relationships, particularly with her foster parents. That was a nice growt I bobbled the idea of coming back to this trilogy for a while after finishing Enclave (book one), but I finally checked the second installment out of my library.

Pros: it's a fairly gritty, dark setting especially considering its YA genre. I appreciated the author separated from the tropey-ness of a badass heroine who only knows savagery and fighting in the second one and started to give her a softer side as she developed relationships, particularly with her foster parents. That was a nice growth.

Cons: the YA trope is strong in this series. Some tropes I don't mind, but two that pet my peeves are 1) love triangles and 2) one dimensional anything-you-can-do-I-can-do-better heroines. Fortunately Ann Aguirre let off the gas a bit for the latter in this installment. Our fearless heroine still has a healthy dosing of the woe-is-me-I'm-so-undervalued-and-better-than-all-these-boys attitude, but it tempered slightly. The first is still going strong.

Little character irks grated on me a bit. For example, the main character woefully looks at her poor fingers where a sewing needle has left tiny marks as she hopelessly struggles to deftly maneuver a tiny pokey through soft cloth. This is. Not. Hard. You kind of have to be an inept moron to struggle so much with a sewing needle. Soldiers sew their own patches on successfully all the time. Farmers can sew their own buttons on most of the time. I think you can manage. This is one of those overused tropes badass heroines fall back on all the time.

The character is teased and looked down on mercilessly in school by younger children because she doesn't know the meaning of the word hubris. But then she drops protuberant and harangue casually into her inner monologue, among other impressively articulate words. It's noticeably inconsistent throughout the book.

I'm a big enough fan of post-apocalyptic, zombie stories that it balances in the end.

I'd rate this a PG-13 for violence and gore, some discrete adult themes, and very mild swearing. ...more

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Jul 13, 2017 Sarah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2017, books-i-own-kindle

Everything is different now that Deuce and the others have arrived at Salvation and she's finding it hard to fit in. She's not comfortable with the way they expect girls to dress nicely and learn useful skills like cooking and sewing and the town just don't know what to make of her tomboyish ways. It's also hard being treated like a child and expected to go to school when she's spent so many years fending for herself and helping to protect others in her role as a hunter. Things start to look up Everything is different now that Deuce and the others have arrived at Salvation and she's finding it hard to fit in. She's not comfortable with the way they expect girls to dress nicely and learn useful skills like cooking and sewing and the town just don't know what to make of her tomboyish ways. It's also hard being treated like a child and expected to go to school when she's spent so many years fending for herself and helping to protect others in her role as a hunter. Things start to look up when she proves she has the skills to be one of the town guards and is given a job helping to protect the farmers during the summer harvest but as the Freaks continue to get smarter and prove a far greater danger than ever before she's going to have her work cut out for her.

I'm so glad I've finally made a start on this series, it's one I'm really enjoying and I loved seeing how much Deuce grew as a character in this book. What I love about her is that she accepts that she doesn't know everything and she's willing to ask questions and learn what she needs to. She also knows where her strengths are though and she refuses to let anyone put her in a box just because of her gender. I had to admire her for standing up for what she wanted when it would have been so much easier to go along with the town folk's expectations for her. I felt sorry for her as she struggled to find her place though, Tegan found it so much easier to fit in and preferred to spend time with new friends because Deuce and the others reminded her of a difficult time, Fade is still jealous and is also keeping his distance so the only one it seems like she can really rely on is Stalker.

I'll admit I was worried in the first book that it might turn into a dreaded love triangle but I'm convinced now it's not going to happen. Stalker is obviously interested in Deuce but it's very clear she only has feelings for Fade and I can't imagine that changing any time soon. I wasn't at all keen on Stalker's character in the first book - let's face it he's done some horrific and pretty unforgivable things! - but he actually really grew on me in this book. At least he's willing to admit the things he did wrong and he wants to make amends for them and who knows how we would have acted if we'd been born in his shoes. I think one of the things I like most about Deuce is how self aware she is, she recognises that she acts in certain ways because of the way she was raised but she wants to learn and do better and she recognises a similar quality in Stalker. As much as Stalker has grown on me I'm still 100% on team Fade though! I was irritated with him for pushing Deuce away at the beginning of Outpost but he's been through a lot and his insecurities were showing. When it comes down to it he always has Deuce's back when she needs him the most and I love seeing them fight alongside each other.

This series is quite brutal and it doesn't shy away from the violence of post-apocalyptic life which makes it feel very believable. There is always plenty of action and I've flown through both books so far so this series certainly didn't suffer with second book syndrome. Ann Aguirre has kept the pacing tight and it's clear she has a solid plan on where the series is going from here. After that ending I'm very interested to see what happens to all the characters next and I'm very glad that I don't have to wait a year for the next book to release before I can read it! ...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Wendy Darling rated it really liked it

Shelves: dystopian-post-apocalyptic-utopian, september, read-2013, 2012-favorites, 2012-publication, macmillan, pn-zombies-biters

Reading Outpost gave me an entirely new outlook on Enclave, a book I liked but struggled with somewhat. I really liked this one, though, and I have a much better understanding of the society the author created, as well as an appreciation for what she did with the first book. I need to go back and reread that one sometime with this new perspective...but in the meantime, I'm forging straight ahead to Horde! ...more

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Aug 30, 2011 oliviasbooks rated it it was amazing

Shelves: love-triangle, stays-with-me, young-adult-fiction, read-2013, horror, high-expectations, scifi-dystopian-apocalyptic, high-entertainment-factor, love-story-romance, other-creatures

Read first and reviewed in 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 ...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Stacee rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2012

I think I enjoyed this one a bit more than Enclave. It was interesting to follow Deuce as she settled into Salvation and struggled with the different roles she was expected to take on. From Huntress/adult to school girl/child, she never completely compromised and for that, I adore her.

And Fade? Plenty of swoony lines. I loved his reactions to Deuce when she wore dresses and curled her hair. That his love seemed to grow more when he saw that side of her and that he never tried to get her to chan ...more

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Feb 13, 2017 Patricia Crowther rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this one. It kinda reminded me why I love YA so much. I can't understand why I don't see more people reading it. It was even really sad at times and that ending promises great things for the next instalment. ...more

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Jun 15, 2015 Mizuki rated it liked it

Shelves: it-is-okay, young-adult-books, zombie

The second book is doing a bit better than the first one, the writing and the story is good enough to keep me turning page and wanting to know what will happen in the end. I also like how the heroine and her personality is developed.

However I don't really like the romance, and I think the author overdid the 'women being suppressed due to gender discrimination and superstition' issue a bit too much. I mean, hey! there're mutants surrounding the safe town and women are still not supposed to fight ...more

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Feb 08, 2017 Mayim de Vries rated it did not like it

Shelves: avoid-lifes-too-short-for-bad-books

This never gets old. And sums up the Outpost.

description

But if you are happy with no action except for lame excuses to despair which of the two should be the lucky one set in a kind of post-apocalyptic setting, the Outpost should satisfy you. Under one small condition. Well, maybe two. Firstly, you accept the premises set by Aguirre. Secondly, you are happy with feminist rants akin to Disgraceling.

I still think that Outpost, just like its predecessor, sports one of the most imbecilic world-buildings. In fa ...more

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Aug 30, 2011 Jen (The Starry-Eyed Revue) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017, audiobooks, dystopian-post-apocalyptic, re-read, zombies-the-undead, arcs, 2012

**Possible (mild) spoilers for Enclave**

Wow, even a week after finishing this book, I’m still having a difficult time putting my thoughts into coherent sentences. There is no Middle Book Syndrome to speak of here. Outpost is all fast-paced action and unpredictable plot twists. But after the insanity in Enclave, I shouldn’t have expected anything less. And legions of Ann Aguirre fans are probably shaking their heads at me, thinking, “I could’ve told you so.”

I love that in Outpost, we get to see m ...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Zoe and the Edge rated it it was amazing

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

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 an 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 reaso 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 an 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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Jul 20, 2012 ~Mindy Lynn~ rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: post-apocalyptic fans

Shelves: favorites, ya, girls-who-love-boys, supernatural

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 challenge 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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Jan 31, 2013 Tessa rated it it was ok

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

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Jan 15, 2018 Jean Grey | RomanticDeception rated it it was amazing

This book was so good. I liked it even more than Enclave and Enclave rocked. Ann Aguirre's ability to keep you on your toes and having you stress the hell out because you just want everyone to be okay. I can't wait to start Horde which is what I'm going to do RIGHT NOW.
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Aug 28, 2011 Regina rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya, only-listeneed-to, post-apocalyptic, have-in-audio, listened-to-audio-only, favorite-authors, dystopia, audio-also-listened-to, favorites, narration-is-great

I listened to the narration and it was decently narrated, although the narrator sounds very young. But, then again in this story the main character Deuce is really young. Outpost begins when Deuce is 15.5 years old.

So I enjoyed Enclave, the first in this series, but didn’t love it. I was lukewarm enough about that book that I waited months after the release of Enclave to start it. Ultimately, Enclave addressed all of my concerns about Outpost and is such a better book than the first one in this I listened to the narration and it was decently narrated, although the narrator sounds very young. But, then again in this story the main character Deuce is really young. Outpost begins when Deuce is 15.5 years old.

So I enjoyed Enclave, the first in this series, but didn’t love it. I was lukewarm enough about that book that I waited months after the release of Enclave to start it. Ultimately, Enclave addressed all of my concerns about Outpost and is such a better book than the first one in this series.

The beginning of the book starts slow. Almost too slow. The set-up explains how Deuce, Stalker, Fade and Teagan are doing in Salvation. Deuce is not happy, Salvation has strict gender division rules and education rules pertaining to children and these pose problems for Deuce. The gender divisions are irritating, almost to the point of not wanting to read about them. However, the book quickly turns the corner from a slow beginning to action upon action mixing in sweet romance and some pretty good town tension.

Ann Aguirre’s books spend a lot of time in the minds of the main character. It seems to
be her style of writing and both Sirantha Jax and the Corinne Solomon series are similarly done. There are huge passages with only the heroine’s inner monologue going on and the heroine providing explanations for why other people are feeling certain things and doing certain things. At some points it is irritating, some points it is not believable but usually this is very well done. It is an amazing way to learn about the main character and truly be her.

One of the problems I had with Enclave was that there was absolutely no explanation as to why society ended and where the freaks came from. Outpost changes all of that. Looking for an explanation of what caused the devastation? Aguirre provides some history in this book and adds a wonderful twist that completely distinguishes the Enclave series from other zombie and post-apoc books. It is enough to say, that this deviation from the standard storyline of the zombie genre makes reading this book worth it – factor in the emotional development of Deuce and her growing relationships with her friends and this book is a great read.

Okay, rape. Ms. Aguirre seems to speak through her characters and attempt to address readers concerns about Stalker and his past actions. Somewhere near the beginning of the story, Deuce has a conversation with Teagan about her abuse at the hand of the Wolves. As I read this section, I felt the author was explaining to the readers and trying to justify Stalker’s presence as an acceptable character despite his past. The reasoning was this – authority taught the followers of a group (The Wolves – Stalker and the Enclave – Deuce) to commit violence in support of the group. The followers of each group (both Stalker and Deuce) bought into these ideas for the betterment of their group. Now that Stalker and Deuce have left these groups they are able to re-evaluate these ideas and their respective roles in the violence they committed. This issue is revisited multiple times throughout the book. At one point Deuce tells Teeagan, “I don’t care if you ever forgive Stalker.” Almost as if Ms. Aguiree is talking to her readers – you don’t need to forgive Stalker or accept that his background made him do it, you can still enjoy the story. I am not sure if I agree with this concept nor do I accept it. However, I appreciate the author’s willingness to address readers’ concerns. Additionally, Ms. Aguirre doesn’t let Teagan just move on past her past attacks. Realistically, the pain and suffering Teagan endured from the gang rape and beatings from the Wolves is not just pushed under a rug – but Teeagan continues to suffer from fear of boys and the need to be safe.

Outpost ends with a hell of a cliffhanger. Horribly tense yet hopeful. I cannot wait to read #3 in this series.
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Apr 10, 2011 Karen rated it it was amazing

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 liv 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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Jun 29, 2012 Kerry *Pale Daughter* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, dystopian

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 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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Jun 14, 2011 Maia rated it it was amazing

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:
Th ...more

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About Ann Aguirre

Ann Aguirre

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre has been a clown, a clerk, a savior of stray kittens, and a voice actress, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in Mexico with her family. She writes all kinds of genre fiction, but she has an eternal soft spot for a happily ever after.

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Razorland (4 books)

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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.” — 64 likes

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