Publisher: Frewel and Friends
ISBN: 978-0-312-65009-4
Pages: 317
Series: Razorland #2
Type: Young Adult Dystopian
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Deuce and her friends have found shelter in a remote Outpost called Salvation.
But suddenly Deuce is expected to act as a child, doing chores and attending
school. After existing as an adult Deuce struggles to adapt while her partner
Fade becomes increasingly distant. So when the opportunity to guard the growers
while they plant the fields comes up, Deuce leaps at the chance only to find
that the threat of Freaks is just as prominent as ever...and that these Freaks
are even smarter and deadlier than those she's faced before.
This is the
second book in the Razorland trilogy (after Enclave)
and a book I was really looking forward to given how much I enjoyed the first. I
have to say I wasn't let down. While Deuce's life has changed a lot since the
end of the first book, the two months in Salvation haven't changed her.
Interestingly the author includes key moments from the last book as dream
sequences near the start which may be helpful to new readers, although I would
recommend reading the series in order.
The world building continues on
the foundations laid before, introducing some different perspectives on the
collapse of society and the Freaks (or Muties as they're now also called). There
are suggestions about how society fell, and the religious focus of the Salvation
residents adds a new dimension to the storytelling.
The pacing is a
little different in this book as Salvation is a safer place than the Enclave was
and so the book has a slow but steady pace to begin. However around a quarter of
the way in this picks up and the pace steadily increases to the end of the book.
There are twists and turns galore, and not only is the Freak threat just as
prominent Deuce stands out in a town where conformity is
encouraged.
Deuce is the same kick-butt heroine as always but she is
gradually becoming a girl as well as a warrior. She has been taken in by Momma
Oaks and Edmund and is learning how to be treated as younger and worthy of
protection. Fade and Tegan have adjusted the best to life in Salvation (with
school and chores), relying on their pasts to see them through whilst Stalker
and Deuce who grew up fighting for survival struggle to adapt or even see the
point. I loved that the main characters got more development, and the Salvation
residents who feature in the book are incredibly well developed.
The
romance aspect of the book is different to a lot of YA books. Deuce is only
interested in one guy romantically, and while two guys are interested in her one
is seen only as a friend despite their best efforts to change her perspective.
Deuce is very clear that it won't happen though which is a refreshing change.
The romance that is featured is sweet and at times tortured, but always fun to
read given that Deuce grew up without affection and doesn't really "get"
love.
All in all this was another great read and I'm looking forward to
the final book Horde.
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Ending:
10/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Overall: 48/50
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I only recently bought Enclave and can't wait to dive into this series. Great review.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katja! I really hope you enjoy them :)
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