Outpost by Ann Aguirre Review

Outpost by Ann Aguirre
(Razorland, #2)
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; 336 pages

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'm kind of annoyed at myself. While I was reading this, I was in one of my 'I don't feel like reading' moods so this took me an extra long time to finish. I hate it because I really enjoyed this book (if we still did half stars, it would definitely be 4.5 stars). I really admired Deuce after reading Enclave. It instantly became a favorite read for me and I couldn't wait to find out more about her, Fade, Tegan and even Stalker. I must admit, after having finished Outpost, Stalker may be one of my favorite characters.

Outpost had plenty of action and plenty of gore. The Freaks are evolving and becoming even more dangerous than they were, which was pretty ridiculous. They're starting to think, starting to plan, starting to become more human (minus the claws, stench and the fact they eat meat straight off a kill without cooking it first). Deuce is frowned upon amongst the other woman (and most men) in Salvation because woman don't fight. Woman wear dresses, listen to the men and gossip. Sounds appealing, right? Ha. Deuce is not like any woman within these walls and she proves it, time and time again.

A group of men (and Deuce) are assigned to stake out the crops so the Freaks don't damage them (it's what they survive off of during the winter) and ruin their winter months. Deuce is joined by Longshot (whom was the one that rescued them toward the end of Enclave), Fade, Stalker and many other men who never wanted to be out there. The men learn to fight curtiosy of Stalker and Fade while the trio finds out some even more disturbing news regarding their friends the Freaks. Things about to go from bad to worse...

Before reading this book I heard that someone didn't like the book because there was too much 'teenage kissing' involved, which is ridiculous. It's YA so obviously there's going to be teenagers but this being said, I like romance added in books I read so I was expecting a lot. If this was too much kissing then that person wouldn't like a lot of books I read. I actually was disappointed not to find more but it's alright, didn't necessarily need it (I was just expecting it, I guess). There's more romance between Fade and Deuce but things are never always crystal clear for a future with them which does worry me somewhat. Stalker still has it bad for Deuce, real bad but Deuce doesn't have those same feelings. She cares for him, deeply but only Fade own her exclusive kissing rights.

The end of this book has me so worried for Horde. There was so much death in Outpost and I just know someone in this close knit group is going to die and I know I am going to bawl like a damn baby. I am ready for an even more emotional ride than what I suffered through with Outpost. Bring it on Ann Aguirre, I am ready with a box of tissues.

If you like post-apocalyptic or dystopian novels, this is definitely a series you want to check out. I am still super bummed that the Fierce Reads tour did NOT bring Ann Aguirre anywhere near the Northern East Coast...say like NYC or anything. Completely bummed.