Horde by Ann Aguirre

Series: Razorland Trilogy (bk. 3)

Genera: Dystopian Sci-fi/Romance/Horror

Subjects: survival, zombies, war, post-apocalyptic, adventure, monsters


Setting: Maine, Canada

POV/Tense: 1st person (Deuce), past tense

Age/Grade Level: Teen

Length: 418 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

List Price: $17.99

Publisher: Macmillan: Feiwel & Friends

Summary/ product description: “The epic conclusion to the USA Today bestselling trilogy.

The horde is coming.

Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love.

Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them.

This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.”

My Review: This final book was a major improvement from the previous books. Maybe because it had the most action and romance. I wasn’t too thrilled when I saw the book was 418 pages long, but once I got into it, I enjoyed it. I met the author, and really didn’t want to dislike her books, so I’m glad that this one turned out well. I’m still not a fan of Deuce. She’s kind of bland. Sometimes the narration (and dialogue) felt British. I understand that most of the story took place in Maine and Canada and that people in New England talk differently. 

I was a fan of Fade though. He made me think of Fang from Maximum Ride or other male leads. I kind of wish that we got his perspective in the story. I also liked how Tegan pretty much became a doctor/medic and she saved lives. She needs a short story too! I liked some of the new characters, especially Morrow. He likes to tell stories and read. He tells Deuce and Fade the story of Harry Potter, and other magical tales. 

I liked that we got to see other villages and how Deuce builds an army to fight against the Muties. I liked finding out more about how the Muties came to be through biological weapons. A scientists explains the history and science behind it. I’m always fascinated with the science stuff. There’s also a short story called Salvation that explains more. It’s kind of a prequel, but it’s not as scientific. The Muties/Freaks are evolving, and some can speak English. They apparently only live 10 years, so they have short generations and mature fast. One of the Muties wants to help Deuce and have an agreement to not kill his group. Seems like a theme of judging other is making an appearance. Maybe we shouldn’t judge Muties by their cover, or be racist against zombie-like creatures.

The one thing that annoyed me about this book was the huge time jumps. I’m sure they were there because other wise the book would’ve been much longer than it was. The time jumps happened inside chapters with no chapter breaks. Months pass and if you skim over it, you miss something. Basically, Deuce is training an army and winter turns to spring, and summer and then fall in one page. It’s not a spoiler, but why does half a year have to pass? 

The ending really wrapped up nicely. It seems like everything worked out in the end. Now I feel bad I didn’t like Enclave or Outpost. Maybe it was just the wrong time to read them when I did. I’m happy to say I enjoyed the finale. I recommend this series to fans of the Forest of Hands and Teeth series by Carrie Ryan, and Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry.

Cover Art Review: Cool cover. Love the textures and the embossment used. It’s a very tactile kind of cover and it’s also metallic.