A vivid and believable dystopian culture complete with its own set of rules.
Death comes for us all, especially in a post-apocalyptic world where disease and war have decimated New York City. As society was forced deep into the tunnels under New York, Deuce—who has earned the right to a name at age 15—fights her way to becoming a huntress. Deuce and her trainer, a rebellious boy named Fade, are responsible for navigating the dangerous dark tunnels to find and bring meat back to the enclave while fending off Freaks, mutated creatures that roam the tunnels. As Deuce and Fade venture further into the underground, they discover a gut-wrenching truth: death looms only a claw’s length away.
In a world where survival is the primary concern, author Ann Aguirre showcases her greatest strengths: world-building, and character development. Aguirre creates a vivid and believable dystopian culture complete with both its own set of rules and a language only found in the ruinous tunnels below the decayed Big Apple.
On the hand of character development, Deuce is a likable protagonist who was born underground and has never seen beyond her small world. She is tough and resilient, but also has a vulnerability that makes her relatable. Fade, the rebellious protagonist, is an outsider who was brought to the underground as a young boy. Fade is a mysterious character who helps Deuce excel in hunting and teaches her valuable truths that change her perception of those around her, notably the elders who run their small community. Fade’s relationship with Deuce is nuanced as they both struggle to come to terms with their feelings for each other while navigating a world that doesn’t allow for emotional attachments.
As Deuce and Fade come to know and understand one another, the Freaks—the enemy that was once only a threat because of their large population—evolve into cunningly lethal creatures.
If you love stories that are tension-ridden, jaw-dropping, bleeding with action, with a dash of romance, you will love this novel. Aguirre’s carefully crafted story will leave any reader eager for more. It’s a good thing there are four books!
