Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland #2
Rating:
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.
Outpost started off pretty strong. The gang was adjusting to life in Salvation instead of fighting for their lives in the wild. I should really say "trying" to adjust to life in Salvation. Tegan seemed to fight right in, while Striker, Fade, and Deuce had a bit more work to put in. I'm a little disappointed in Deuce. She had a whole book to grow and it didn't really happen for me. She's so dead set in her ways of being a Huntress but constantly complaining and self-doubting. JUST SHUT UP ALREADY!!! If you want to be the Huntress you say you are then do it! She did enough to alienate herself from the rest of the female populace in Salvation.
They are quite strange in Salvation, I might add. In this post-apocalyptic world, Salvation women remind me of a religious cult. Women must dress modestly and definitely not in "men's clothing" as Deuce prefers. And they most certainly do not fight and take up arms. I almost want to say they're old fashion, but that's hardly the case. Too stubborn to change!
The Freaks are a whole different brand of bad in Outpost. Not long after their arrival, there is an attack, which leads to the creation of the outpost. Deuce has made at least one ally in an old man that values her opinion and leadership. That still doesn't mean the townsfolk agree with his decision to keep her on board for the protection of the town. The outpost comes with a new set of dangers and and twists.
I will say that I am happy with the way the book ended. I feel like book 3 will really give Deuce the time she needs to grow as a character. I wanted to slap her a few times, especially when it comes to Stalker and Fade. It's barely even a live triangle but enough to annoy the crap out of me. Deuce finally see that Stalker wants something more than friendship with her and instead of being firm with him, she's all wishy washy. UGH! I'm still holding on that things will work out with her and Fade. Onto the next book! Need to finish before Vanguard comes out.
Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes books, emo music, and action movies. She writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens.
