June 28, 2012

Review: Outpost by Ann Aguirre

Hardcover, 336 pages
Expected publication: September 4, 2012 by Feiwel & Friends

Goodreads | Amazon

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 not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.
Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.

I have mixed feelings about Outpost. While I did enjoy it and I’m still attached Duece, Fade, and Stalker—I wasn’t quite as fond of it as I was Enclave. Something just didn’t connect for me, and this upsets me.

It started off a bit slow but it was never in a way that bored me. I adore these characters, and I think Outpost is more about their personal growth and changes than anything else. It wasn’t nearly as action packed as Enclave, but I’m okay with that. I liked the addition of new characters. We see them all adjust to their new lives and find their new roles in this society, and it’s ultimately about their self-discovery. That was an aspect I did enjoy and I think it was done really, really well. Duece is a fantastic character, and I can relate to her in a lot of ways. Watching her grow and change was captivating.

I love both Fade and Stalker, but I’m disappointed in the fact that the love triangle has become such a part of the story. This was my biggest issue with Outpost.  It was obviously going that way in Enclave, but it intensified in Outpost and it was just a letdown for me. If I wasn’t so sick of love triangles, perhaps this wouldn’t have bothered me. I was always a fan of Stalker, but not as a romantic option. He has definitely become a contender. His loyalty is astounding and I’m not looking forward to him being hurt in the end.

Overall, this wasn’t quite the sequel I had hoped for, but I still really enjoyed it. I cannot stress how much I loved these characters. If I had to guess, I'd say their emotional turmoil (present and future) is ultimately why I can't say I loved it. It makes me hurt. Nevertheless, I’m definitely anticipating Horde!

4/5 Stars





20 comments:

  1. I will miss the action, but I will be picking up Outpost come September. I can't wait to read what happens next.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've never heard of this series but man does it sound awesome! I really have to check this out. :) Thanks for the great review!
    Janiera @ Books & Beauty

    ReplyDelete
  3. I really like Enclave and I'm hoping I'll like Outpost just as much. But I can say that I had my doubts because of the way Enclave ended in terms of the romantic relationships. I love Fade and I like Stalker, but I really was wishing that the full on love triangle wouldn't develop in Outpost. But I'll still pick it up, especially now because of your review :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Despite the love triangle becoming a stronger element, I think it's still less of a focus than most series' these days. Hope you enjoy :)

      Delete
  4. Yay! A new series to look out for! thanks for the recommendation :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gonna have to read these...reviews for both sound good for the most part. I always like to read and see for myself. Thanks for the heads up...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for the review! I loved the first book, so I'll definitely be reading this one. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Awesome review! I love the first book and I can't wait to read this.

    -TheUnseelieNerd

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've already read Enclave and now I'm so excited to read Outpost. It sounds really great.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've heard awesome things about this series, and it's great that the second book lets the characters develop so nicely.

    I love the world in this:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great review! I can't wait to start this one, especially after how much I loved Enclave. The new setting and characters sound interesting. I completely agree with your view on Stalker, a fan but not as a romantic option. He might surprise me though!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I haven't read this series yet. I'm not sure about the love triangle thing. I don't mind them if they are done well but this one sounds like it might be a pain.

    Nice review.

    Valerie
    StuckInBooks.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a strange cover. The peeking eye is sooo creepy! I still haven't read this series, but maybe I will soon. Thanks for the great review!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is Michaela (and I don't have a blog). Commenting on this for the big mid year giveaway.

    I am very curious about this book. the second half of Enclave really made me made. I don't like Stalker and I am not keen on the idea of a love triangle. *sigh* I will probably still read this anyways.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I can't wait for Outpost...I absolutely loved Enclave.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I had mixed feelings about Enclave. Disappointed to hear about the love triangle. Blech! I'm sick of those!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for the review. I heard mixed things about the book and wasn't sure if I should bother with the book. I think I will pass on it after your input so thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great review! I did really enjoy the suspense and action of Enclave, but I also love character development and love triangles, so I think I will definitely like this book!

    Thanks!
    Leanne

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by! We love reading your comments and we try to reply back to each comment. So make sure to check back with us.