Review: Outpost by Ann Aguirre

 Salvation isn't as safe 
as  it seems...

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.
(Goodreads.com)
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Review
This is another exciting book in the Razorland series. Each one has taken place in a totally different world. The first book took place under ground in the tunnels. Most of the people never saw daylight. Now Deuce and her friends are above ground in the town of Salvation. A safe and comfortable place that embraces the old ways of the early pioneers. This is a lifestyle that is totally foreign to her but she is trying hard to fit in and do her share. It's an interesting contradiction that Deuce is considered an adult by the standards of her old life but a child in her new home. She does prove how strong and mature she is but still seeks the comfort and approval of parents, something she's never had. While many people are having a hard time accepting the new people and their differences there are some who are wise enough to realize their value. When it becomes apparent that their town in in danger, Deuce's special skills become very important to their survival.

The details are brutal and graphic but that is what has become of the world. Life is harsh and no one is truly safe. The characters are odd but interesting with definite heroes and villains and some are very unlikable (to say the least).  They are trying to, not only survive, but thrive in their community by developing relationships and rules to live by. I really liked Deuce's strength and resilience as the female lead. Other characters are also developing into stronger individuals. I've been very curious about everyone's backgrounds and the reader slowly get bits and pieces to fill in the gaps. The author writes so well and she has pulled me into the story. She has gradually built this world but there is still so much more to be revealed, so many unanswered questions. Outpost ends with another good cliff hanger and the Freaks are changing. I can't wait to read the final book in this trilogy!

*The Author's Notes at the end of the book offered interesting tidbits about how the idea for the town of Salvation came about.  
Horde (book #3 coming soon!)

Thank you to Macmillan for an arc to review.

Author
Publisher

Release date: 9/4/12
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 336 (hardcover)
Type: YA fiction, post apocalyptic