SciFi Book Review: Outpost

Outpost by Ann Aguirre

Synopsis:
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.

Review:
Following the events in Enclave, this sequel begins after Deuce and her friends have settled into the town of Salvation. Deuce now lives with a loving and understanding couple. Deuce has never experienced a family like this, and is struck with unfamiliar emotions. Aguirre has created an amazing character that despite her warrior nature and skills fighting the mutant Freaks, remains innocent in all other aspects such as family, friendship, and love.

Even though the Freaks seem to be learning and mimicking humans, they’re still blood-thirsty cannibals much like the Reavers from the television show Firefly. We see more of the Freaks and where they live on the surface, but they still remain a mystery. And that seems to make them even scarier. Outpost is a dark, exciting sequel with non-stop suspense and plenty of action, drama, and heartache. Surprising and unpredictable, this was fast-paced excitement from beginning to end. We’re left with a mild cliffhanger that will leave readers eager for the next in this fantastic series.