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The Burn #1
The Burn
The Burn is full of nuclear fallout, roving gangs, anarchy, unreliable plumbing. That's what Terra's father tells her. She has lived her whole life in comfort in a colony at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. She hates it. And she would pay any price to leave. But when Terra finally escapes the colony, she finds out her father is right.
She finds a group of survivors that quickly become friends, and every day with them is a race for survival. When she witnesses and commits unspeakable acts, she has to decide where her loyalty lies: with the colony she despises or The Burn, where every day is filled with nightmares.
She finds a group of survivors that quickly become friends, and every day with them is a race for survival. When she witnesses and commits unspeakable acts, she has to decide where her loyalty lies: with the colony she despises or The Burn, where every day is filled with nightmares.
234 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2011
75 people are currently reading
2039 people want to read
About the author
Annie Oldham
11 books174 followersAway from her writing, Annie is the mother of the most adorable girls in the world, has the best husband in the world, and lives in one of the prettiest places in the world (the Wasatch mountains are breathtaking!). She loves to cook, sing, play the piano, and participate in community theater.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 14, 2012
Letter Grade: C-
This was an easy book to get drawn into and a hard book to feel good about having read. The main character was charming in her teen-aged dramatic way, and though headstrong in some ways she had more maturity than some of my children at that age. When I began to read the preview, the mother in me became emotionally invested in what she was going to do and what the outcomes would be.
I felt drawn to all of the characters in the story and wished that the book had been longer and so the time we spent with the individuals was enough to give them some depth.
The reading level for this book seemed very low, which I suppose means that on one level would make it easy to read for any ten year old I know. On the other hand, most ten year olds are not prepared to deal with the emotional content of leaving home, facing death and the kinds of dangers and worries contained in the story line. As a tool to use to get a younger reader involved in books, however, this might provide an incentive.
I have given the book three stars because I liked the protaganist and the concept of the book was a good one with real potential.
Sadly, a number of scenes in the book are just not believable. The sacrifice the main character makes without any sort of struggle is beyond laughable. It just would not happen that way. Beyond that, much of the story was flat, devoid of any serious emotion. And it is told in a detached, superficial way and not developed in any depth at all. That disappointed me and I feel that it does a disservice to the "Young Adult" population towards which the book is aimed.
In my opinion all sorts of people would be interested in post-apocalyptic tales such as this, if only there was more to it than "just the facts" type story. On a less generous day it could have easily rated two stars. And that makes me sad for the book that could have been.
This was an easy book to get drawn into and a hard book to feel good about having read. The main character was charming in her teen-aged dramatic way, and though headstrong in some ways she had more maturity than some of my children at that age. When I began to read the preview, the mother in me became emotionally invested in what she was going to do and what the outcomes would be.
I felt drawn to all of the characters in the story and wished that the book had been longer and so the time we spent with the individuals was enough to give them some depth.
The reading level for this book seemed very low, which I suppose means that on one level would make it easy to read for any ten year old I know. On the other hand, most ten year olds are not prepared to deal with the emotional content of leaving home, facing death and the kinds of dangers and worries contained in the story line. As a tool to use to get a younger reader involved in books, however, this might provide an incentive.
I have given the book three stars because I liked the protaganist and the concept of the book was a good one with real potential.
Sadly, a number of scenes in the book are just not believable. The sacrifice the main character makes without any sort of struggle is beyond laughable. It just would not happen that way. Beyond that, much of the story was flat, devoid of any serious emotion. And it is told in a detached, superficial way and not developed in any depth at all. That disappointed me and I feel that it does a disservice to the "Young Adult" population towards which the book is aimed.
In my opinion all sorts of people would be interested in post-apocalyptic tales such as this, if only there was more to it than "just the facts" type story. On a less generous day it could have easily rated two stars. And that makes me sad for the book that could have been.
August 11, 2016
Thanks to goodreads First Reads for the free copy of this book.
The Burn is set in a dystopian world where a select number live in strictly controlled, "perfect" bottom-of-the-ocean colonies, and the survivors of WWIII eek out a living on the surface ("the burn"). Terra, a fourth-generation colonist, seems to be the only one bothered by her underwater prison, and finally finds a way to the surface.
Up to this point, I was totally into the book. Oldham's vision of the underwater colonies was thorough and detailed, and it was easy to picture. Also easy to understand Terra's frustration while we're getting to know her.
And then, Terra gets to the burn. And there's a boy. And yeah, maybe the burn sucks, but mostly Terra's focused on the boy, and she cries a lot, and there's the boy.
Life on the surface isn't crafted nearly as well as colonial life, and I found it harder to get into. Also Terra seemed to suffer from what I call 'Twilight syndrome' - lots of boy-filled emotion, and not enough story to back it up. I felt like the author got about halfway through her story and wasn't sure where to take it. What's Terra going to do, now that she's on the surface? Will she ever be able to connect with people there, while lying about where she comes from? The reader's not sure, and it doesn't seem like the author was either.
Lots of great potential here, but I wish the second half had been more thought out.
P.S. On a side note, I'm curious why the coffee in the underwater colony is strictly caffeine-free, but they keep energy bars in the submarine. Hm.
The Burn is set in a dystopian world where a select number live in strictly controlled, "perfect" bottom-of-the-ocean colonies, and the survivors of WWIII eek out a living on the surface ("the burn"). Terra, a fourth-generation colonist, seems to be the only one bothered by her underwater prison, and finally finds a way to the surface.
Up to this point, I was totally into the book. Oldham's vision of the underwater colonies was thorough and detailed, and it was easy to picture. Also easy to understand Terra's frustration while we're getting to know her.
And then, Terra gets to the burn. And there's a boy. And yeah, maybe the burn sucks, but mostly Terra's focused on the boy, and she cries a lot, and there's the boy.
Life on the surface isn't crafted nearly as well as colonial life, and I found it harder to get into. Also Terra seemed to suffer from what I call 'Twilight syndrome' - lots of boy-filled emotion, and not enough story to back it up. I felt like the author got about halfway through her story and wasn't sure where to take it. What's Terra going to do, now that she's on the surface? Will she ever be able to connect with people there, while lying about where she comes from? The reader's not sure, and it doesn't seem like the author was either.
Lots of great potential here, but I wish the second half had been more thought out.
P.S. On a side note, I'm curious why the coffee in the underwater colony is strictly caffeine-free, but they keep energy bars in the submarine. Hm.
December 20, 2011
The Burn is a fantastic novel that takes place in a war-torn future where underwater colonies exist and the United States is now New America, where it is illegal to live outside of the cities controlled by the government. Where food and medical supplies are rationed and people fight each other to survive. Terra chooses to leave the safety of the colony to live on the Burn, but pays a dear sacrifice.
This book really appealed to my love for dystopian novels. I enjoy seeing the world turned upside down, as strange as that might sound. I could relate to Terra’s desire to escape the controlling world of the colony, because I’m a Leo and I like to be the one in control. I admired her determination and bravery in both leaving the colony and living on the Burn. She’s a character that has faults, which I love! A good character isn’t perfect, in fact, she’s pretty naive. I mean, come on, she’s lived at the bottom of the ocean her whole life! She’s never even had to FIND her own food! But she also isn’t weak. It takes a pretty strong person to venture out into the unknown. But what I’m really looking forward to in the future (other than finding out what happens to Terra) is Jack! Yes, he may not seem too significant at the moment, but I have a VERY strong feeling he is going to become a favorite.
FANTASTIC! Fans of THE HUNGER GAMES, DELIRIUM, MATCHED and similar books will love it!
This book really appealed to my love for dystopian novels. I enjoy seeing the world turned upside down, as strange as that might sound. I could relate to Terra’s desire to escape the controlling world of the colony, because I’m a Leo and I like to be the one in control. I admired her determination and bravery in both leaving the colony and living on the Burn. She’s a character that has faults, which I love! A good character isn’t perfect, in fact, she’s pretty naive. I mean, come on, she’s lived at the bottom of the ocean her whole life! She’s never even had to FIND her own food! But she also isn’t weak. It takes a pretty strong person to venture out into the unknown. But what I’m really looking forward to in the future (other than finding out what happens to Terra) is Jack! Yes, he may not seem too significant at the moment, but I have a VERY strong feeling he is going to become a favorite.
FANTASTIC! Fans of THE HUNGER GAMES, DELIRIUM, MATCHED and similar books will love it!
December 9, 2011
Disclaimer: The author of The Burn is my sister-in-law.
Next Disclaimer: The above fact made the prospect of reading this book and writing a review extremely daunting.
But this isn't good the way your great aunt's holiday fruitcake is good.
The best part of this imaginative combination of the Little Mermaid story and the post-apocalyptic genre is seeing a very talented author grow as she writes. As the narrative shifts with Terra venturing outside the Colony, The Burn does what every successful adventure should--foreshadow enough of the road ahead to make the reader feel in control, and twist just often enough to convince the reader that his or her supposed control is never entirely stable.
This isn't a perfectly written novel. The Burn has its share of that new author smell. But the fast-paced story and the Settlement's deftly painted characters carry the book. I look forward to the sequel to see what happens next to both the characters and Annie Oldham's burgeoning writing talent.
Next Disclaimer: The above fact made the prospect of reading this book and writing a review extremely daunting.
But this isn't good the way your great aunt's holiday fruitcake is good.
The best part of this imaginative combination of the Little Mermaid story and the post-apocalyptic genre is seeing a very talented author grow as she writes. As the narrative shifts with Terra venturing outside the Colony, The Burn does what every successful adventure should--foreshadow enough of the road ahead to make the reader feel in control, and twist just often enough to convince the reader that his or her supposed control is never entirely stable.
This isn't a perfectly written novel. The Burn has its share of that new author smell. But the fast-paced story and the Settlement's deftly painted characters carry the book. I look forward to the sequel to see what happens next to both the characters and Annie Oldham's burgeoning writing talent.
January 1, 2012
Terra and her family lives below the ocean in a Colony built by the finest biologists and scientist of the world over a hundred years ago. In school, she learns about The Burn; life above the water on land that was destroyed by multiple nuclear bombs. He teaches them of destruction, fighting, and anarchy of a crumbling government. But Terra sees more than what the teacher shows. She sees a new way of life, a life full of light unlike the dark ocean bottom she sees every day. Terra sees freedom most of all. So when Terra is offered a chance to escape the colony and flee to New America, she takes it. But she must sacrifice much in order for this once in a lifetime chance. Is life on The Burn everything she thought it would be or exactly what her teacher and father warned her about? Was Terra’s idea of freedom worth the sacrifice she took?
I wasn’t real sure how I would feel about this book when I started it, but I was quickly absorbed into the story. The author described everything so well the places and feelings were so vivid in my mind. The sacrifice that Terra made is something I don’t think I could have ever done. And she did it without hesitation. She truly is a brave girl who knew what she wanted. I really felt sorry for Terra as she made the decision to leave her family for The Burn. She had no idea what awaited her there but knew it had to be better than the confines of the Colony. I enjoyed the other characters as well. Dave, Nell, Red were all so great to her when they took her in. I can’t say I could relate to them, seeing as I have never had to fight every day for my survival. But hearing most of their backgrounds, they became more personal to me. I really cared what happened to each one of them.
The Burn was a fast paced read that grabbed my attention from the start and only got better as the story unfolded. The ending leaves you to believe the author will continue on with Terra's story...we can only hope! I love a good dystopian book and this one delivered.
I wasn’t real sure how I would feel about this book when I started it, but I was quickly absorbed into the story. The author described everything so well the places and feelings were so vivid in my mind. The sacrifice that Terra made is something I don’t think I could have ever done. And she did it without hesitation. She truly is a brave girl who knew what she wanted. I really felt sorry for Terra as she made the decision to leave her family for The Burn. She had no idea what awaited her there but knew it had to be better than the confines of the Colony. I enjoyed the other characters as well. Dave, Nell, Red were all so great to her when they took her in. I can’t say I could relate to them, seeing as I have never had to fight every day for my survival. But hearing most of their backgrounds, they became more personal to me. I really cared what happened to each one of them.
The Burn was a fast paced read that grabbed my attention from the start and only got better as the story unfolded. The ending leaves you to believe the author will continue on with Terra's story...we can only hope! I love a good dystopian book and this one delivered.
March 31, 2012
Fast paced dystopian version of The Little Mermaid. Good for a quick read but Terra's almost constant state of dissatisfaction as well as Dave's fickleness kinda irked me. I can relate more to her sister Jessa's temperment I think.
September 5, 2012
Post Apocalyptic book about what happens after nuclear wars etc. basically a ton of scientists make colonies under the ocean to protect humanity. The only thing is that not everyone gets to go. Only those originally in the colonies and involved in their making are allowed in.
Of course someone ends up being unhappy and wants to go live on the surface (what they call "the Burn"). This is that persons story.
I found it very "meh." I was not impressed. It was such a great concept and it completely fell flat! It took me FOREVER to finish this book and the only reason I did is because I already bought it. If I hadn't then I wouldn't even have bothered.
This book had no real ending. Throughout the whole thing nothing really happened and it had no direction. The ending itself felt like a cop out. Like "um... oh snap! I have to finish this book! eh... ugh.... *hits the keyboard a few times* there we go!"
Overall I would not recommend this book. There are WAY better ones out there!
Of course someone ends up being unhappy and wants to go live on the surface (what they call "the Burn"). This is that persons story.
I found it very "meh." I was not impressed. It was such a great concept and it completely fell flat! It took me FOREVER to finish this book and the only reason I did is because I already bought it. If I hadn't then I wouldn't even have bothered.
This book had no real ending. Throughout the whole thing nothing really happened and it had no direction. The ending itself felt like a cop out. Like "um... oh snap! I have to finish this book! eh... ugh.... *hits the keyboard a few times* there we go!"
Overall I would not recommend this book. There are WAY better ones out there!
March 29, 2012
This is a fast-paced, interesting look at a dystopian society on what was once the United States. There's a twist however, there's also colonies on the bottom of the ocean floor, and that's where we meet Terra, the main character in this novel. I was intrigued by this take on the classic Little Mermaid story, and I found myself really becoming invested in the lives of the characters. Only criticism is that it rushes a bit at the end. It is set up that a sequel could follow, but you are also left with enough closure that a sequel is not necessary. Highly recommend!
June 23, 2012
I'm so glad I only paid $.99 for this book. I really thought it was going to be good. Honestly, if I could make myself finish it, it might be. But it was starting to really depress me and make me mad. I got about 1/3 of the way through it and realized this book was mostly going to be about depressed people being horrible to each other. Not my idea of a good time.
March 1, 2017
The cover caught my eye and then the twist of an apocalyptic sea dweller sealed the deal. The reading is easy and flowed well as I followed the female protagonist through her underwater world. I found that world to be well written and empathized with Terra. Unfortunately it doesn't last long.
Topside we forget about the things Terra has never seen or experienced before and she becomes just like any other teenager mooning over a boy while being thrust into a very unique and dangerous landscape. The author had the chance to really make me feel the world through newborn eyes and failed to deliver any of Terra's wonder at seeing all these things for the first time or examine the world. Instead we went right into the love triangle that had me rolling my eyes at times.
Some things were a little over the top but since this a dystopian fantasy, I suspended reality and went with the flow. I was actually okay with the loss of speech. Seemed a bit much at the time but hey, what do I know? Terra managed just fine so who am I to judge.
It is not a complicated tale, definitely geared toward YA readers. I loved the old couple but aside from them, I'd of liked to see more characterization and have a bit more information on the world. It seemed disjointed at times. Maybe because of these things, the ending didn't sit well with me. Overall though I liked the idea and will be interested to see where Annie Oldham takes the series.
Topside we forget about the things Terra has never seen or experienced before and she becomes just like any other teenager mooning over a boy while being thrust into a very unique and dangerous landscape. The author had the chance to really make me feel the world through newborn eyes and failed to deliver any of Terra's wonder at seeing all these things for the first time or examine the world. Instead we went right into the love triangle that had me rolling my eyes at times.
Some things were a little over the top but since this a dystopian fantasy, I suspended reality and went with the flow. I was actually okay with the loss of speech. Seemed a bit much at the time but hey, what do I know? Terra managed just fine so who am I to judge.
It is not a complicated tale, definitely geared toward YA readers. I loved the old couple but aside from them, I'd of liked to see more characterization and have a bit more information on the world. It seemed disjointed at times. Maybe because of these things, the ending didn't sit well with me. Overall though I liked the idea and will be interested to see where Annie Oldham takes the series.
October 1, 2022
It was fun to see how the author worked out the details of the fairy-tale Little Mermaid, with having the main character come from sci-fi "colonies" beneath the sea instead of actual mer-folk.
The post-apoc future of the upper world, (or "the Burn" as it's termed by those scientist colonies which hid away from the Event in their specially controlled bubbles,) is thoughtfully imagined and realistically drawn, with tough choices to be made and nothing to far from potential reality of what could likely be in store should "times go bad" in the present future.
A thought provoking tale which I'd recommend to teens and up, anyone who likes dystopian, fairytales, post-apoc, or a combination of them all!
Congrats to the author on presenting a work of fiction which could be used as a great jumping off place to have deep conversations between readers, on so many levels!
(The writing style knocked a star off this for me... present tense is workable as a reader, but the stylistic choices were less fun and advanced as I like to read. It probably makes for a more simplistic reading experience, which I'm sure many people enjoy.
But it was a little "un-hooking" for me and my preferred reading level.
That's pretty much my only complaint with this tale, I'm glad I gave it a shot! I'll probably be thinking it over for a long time to come! :-) )
The post-apoc future of the upper world, (or "the Burn" as it's termed by those scientist colonies which hid away from the Event in their specially controlled bubbles,) is thoughtfully imagined and realistically drawn, with tough choices to be made and nothing to far from potential reality of what could likely be in store should "times go bad" in the present future.
A thought provoking tale which I'd recommend to teens and up, anyone who likes dystopian, fairytales, post-apoc, or a combination of them all!
Congrats to the author on presenting a work of fiction which could be used as a great jumping off place to have deep conversations between readers, on so many levels!
(The writing style knocked a star off this for me... present tense is workable as a reader, but the stylistic choices were less fun and advanced as I like to read. It probably makes for a more simplistic reading experience, which I'm sure many people enjoy.
But it was a little "un-hooking" for me and my preferred reading level.
That's pretty much my only complaint with this tale, I'm glad I gave it a shot! I'll probably be thinking it over for a long time to come! :-) )
December 16, 2016
Engaging and interesting!
I've wanted to read The Burn for quite awhile now. I finally got around to it, and was not disappointed.
Like others have said, it is a loose retelling of The Little Mermaid. Terra goes through similar things as the original Little Mermaid and as Ariel. Terra lives in a very different world, however, so how it plays out is different.
The pacing of The Burn is very consistent and well planned. The only issue I had was the storyline between two main characters. It went from nonexistent to super fast within a few pages. I had suspicions about that and in the end, those suspicions were justified.
The beginning of the story is mildly reminiscent of Renegade by J. A. Souders, which I enjoyed. The underwater world built by Annie Oldham is beautiful with plenty of description to make you feel like you're there.
The Burn itself is a scary place full of even scarier people, and description isn't lost here. It's easy to imagine yourself in the world that is being built.
I'm looking forward to reading Infraction and The Reaping.
I've wanted to read The Burn for quite awhile now. I finally got around to it, and was not disappointed.
Like others have said, it is a loose retelling of The Little Mermaid. Terra goes through similar things as the original Little Mermaid and as Ariel. Terra lives in a very different world, however, so how it plays out is different.
The pacing of The Burn is very consistent and well planned. The only issue I had was the storyline between two main characters. It went from nonexistent to super fast within a few pages. I had suspicions about that and in the end, those suspicions were justified.
The beginning of the story is mildly reminiscent of Renegade by J. A. Souders, which I enjoyed. The underwater world built by Annie Oldham is beautiful with plenty of description to make you feel like you're there.
The Burn itself is a scary place full of even scarier people, and description isn't lost here. It's easy to imagine yourself in the world that is being built.
I'm looking forward to reading Infraction and The Reaping.
August 27, 2017
The Burn is the first book in the trilogy by Annie Oldham. It truly is a dystopian retelling of The Little Mermaid.
Our "mermaid" lives in the Colony, an undersea habitat created to escape impending nuclear Holocaust on the surface. Fast forward 100 years -- the surface, known as the Burn, is habitable, and there are still people. Our main character, the daughter of the leader of the Colony, chafes at what she sees as freedom. And she plans her escape.
We have all the classic elements -- the trapped girl, the sea witch, the handsome prince.
The book started slow, but it is the first book in a trilogy. And I have admittedly only read the first book. Likely there will be more pay off as the series progresses, but I can't address that directly.
If you enjoy mangled fairy tales or teen dystopian fiction, you will likely enjoy this book.
Our "mermaid" lives in the Colony, an undersea habitat created to escape impending nuclear Holocaust on the surface. Fast forward 100 years -- the surface, known as the Burn, is habitable, and there are still people. Our main character, the daughter of the leader of the Colony, chafes at what she sees as freedom. And she plans her escape.
We have all the classic elements -- the trapped girl, the sea witch, the handsome prince.
The book started slow, but it is the first book in a trilogy. And I have admittedly only read the first book. Likely there will be more pay off as the series progresses, but I can't address that directly.
If you enjoy mangled fairy tales or teen dystopian fiction, you will likely enjoy this book.
August 30, 2017
A Sudden Romance
Was finding this one to be very different and entertaining when suddenly in the last third it took a big 90* turn into a romance complete with triangles! The story moved along nicely with young Terra escaping to the Burn and finding refuge among a eclectic group of survivors. But why would they jeopardize their existence by taking a newbie, who has never fired a weapon, on a dangerous mission for medicine? Just became a bit too unbelievable for me topped off with the jealousies and strained relationships. Still, the book has it's moments and overall a decent read.
Was finding this one to be very different and entertaining when suddenly in the last third it took a big 90* turn into a romance complete with triangles! The story moved along nicely with young Terra escaping to the Burn and finding refuge among a eclectic group of survivors. But why would they jeopardize their existence by taking a newbie, who has never fired a weapon, on a dangerous mission for medicine? Just became a bit too unbelievable for me topped off with the jealousies and strained relationships. Still, the book has it's moments and overall a decent read.
April 16, 2018
Nice twist at the end; good setup for a sequel.
SPOILER -
A few things really, really bothered me:
1. The Little Mermaid-like crush Dave had on his "mystery savior". Eye-roll.
2. How in the hell is getting your tongue hacked out (Terra) considered an even sacrifice as cutting off your "beautiful hair" (Jessa)? And if Jessa was coming back, why was a sacrifice necessary?
3. Her response to all drama: curl in a ball and cry, and let the boys save her. Or run away, and let them chase after.
I knew Gaea was their mother the moment she was introduced. Too obvious. Hoping that background story is explored more.
SPOILER -
A few things really, really bothered me:
1. The Little Mermaid-like crush Dave had on his "mystery savior". Eye-roll.
2. How in the hell is getting your tongue hacked out (Terra) considered an even sacrifice as cutting off your "beautiful hair" (Jessa)? And if Jessa was coming back, why was a sacrifice necessary?
3. Her response to all drama: curl in a ball and cry, and let the boys save her. Or run away, and let them chase after.
I knew Gaea was their mother the moment she was introduced. Too obvious. Hoping that background story is explored more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
The Burn by Annie Oldham follows Terra, a girl living in underwater domes called “The Chosen.” When she’s forced to the surface, a wasteland known as the Burn, she discovers it’s not what she was taught to fear. Terra must uncover hidden truths and decide where she belongs. Stopped after the second book.
April 22, 2024
Good sf
Good SF takes science and pushes time to ask a question. This is what happens in The aftermath of a nuclear war. Not as much technical stuff but what it's with characters. Different survivors. In separate civilizations. With a great feel for characters.
Good SF takes science and pushes time to ask a question. This is what happens in The aftermath of a nuclear war. Not as much technical stuff but what it's with characters. Different survivors. In separate civilizations. With a great feel for characters.
January 9, 2012
I haven’t read much by the way of dystopian, but not for lack of want. So when the author contacted me to review The Burn, I was excited. I had seen this book floating around, and I was eager to read it.
“The world as we knew it ended in a bang”
The world as we know it is destroyed. In an effort of survival and moving on, people – scientists – set up colonies to live in… in the ocean on the ocean floor. Life in the colonies is planned and watched. There is barely any room for self choice. Even your meals are planned. There’s no pollution, very little crime, and for the most part people seem happy.
But one person isn’t. Terra is a 16 year old girl, the daughter of The Speaker (basically like the governor). She is one of six siblings in her family, yet only one of two to survive birth. Terra and her sister Jessa couldn’t be more different. Right here I want to point out the cleverness in this story. I mean, sure you will read it (the cleverness) throughout, but just in Terra’s name – land – you know she isn’t mean to live in the ocean. Well done. I really appreciate little things like that. Attention to detail goes a long way.
It is approximately one hundred years after WWIII. And Terra has heard about The Burn, land that has been ravaged since The Event, her entire life. She wants to get out of the ocean, the never-ending blackness beyond the windows, the blind fish that bump into the windows. They are a poor substitute for birds, which she has never seen.
“Nuclear fall out. Roving gangs. Complete Anarchy. No reliable plumbing. Take your pick”
That’s what they are told is all that is left on land. But it doesn’t matter, Terra is going to get out. And she does. And there are plenty of sacrifices she must make to do so, but so great is her need to be free that she makes the sacrifices and goes forth. Honestly, if it were me, I don’t think I could make the same sacrifices. I’d like to think there was a different way, there had to be. I would have liked to have kept her choice as a last resort. But then I’ve never been captive in what amounted to a bubble in the sea. Who is to say what you would or wouldn’t do? Just because your captor keeps you clean and well taken care of doesn’t mean that its good for you, right?
I suppose that extreme situations and adrenalin can cause an emotional flood – but the quick bond between Dave and Terra on The Burn kind of didn’t sit well with me. It just didn’t seem, I don’t know, right. She can’t tell him the whole truth, and he just seems a bit confused. He doesn’t seem to be as in control of himself as I’d like to see, for someone who is the unspoken leader of their group. It’s hard for me to remember that these people are teenagers. That’s not because of the story, the author does an extremely good job of painting the picture. I just think that I was looking for a bit more in terms of Dave. Her inexperience at lying creates problems, and he just accepts what she says even though it clearly isn’t true. The joys of being young and not having the experience that’s needed to detect lies.
Generally I found this story to be a fascinating story of what is to come. Annie Oldham set the scene flawlessly, in both the water and on land. New America (The United States) is exactly what Terra was taught her whole life, and it is clearly and rawly shown. From the beauty and simplicity of the colonies, the harsh reality of life on The Burn, you completely feel you are right there with Terra experiencing everything.
The people Terra meets are quick to accept her, just as she was told they would be. They are an instant new family, and it is easy to be with them. At least for a bit. That doesn’t take long for it to change. And ultimately I believe Terra made the right choices each step of the way since she arrived on The Burn. She is a strong young woman, a wildcard in the colonies, but she is going to quickly come into her own when she is on land. She has a lot to learn, but I believe she will do it with ease.
A few things within the story itself leave me with a few questions. I want to know more about Matt, and why he had such an unusual name. I’m curious about how Gaea and how she manages to live undetected where she does. But all in all I really enjoyed this story.
“The world as we knew it ended in a bang”
The world as we know it is destroyed. In an effort of survival and moving on, people – scientists – set up colonies to live in… in the ocean on the ocean floor. Life in the colonies is planned and watched. There is barely any room for self choice. Even your meals are planned. There’s no pollution, very little crime, and for the most part people seem happy.
But one person isn’t. Terra is a 16 year old girl, the daughter of The Speaker (basically like the governor). She is one of six siblings in her family, yet only one of two to survive birth. Terra and her sister Jessa couldn’t be more different. Right here I want to point out the cleverness in this story. I mean, sure you will read it (the cleverness) throughout, but just in Terra’s name – land – you know she isn’t mean to live in the ocean. Well done. I really appreciate little things like that. Attention to detail goes a long way.
It is approximately one hundred years after WWIII. And Terra has heard about The Burn, land that has been ravaged since The Event, her entire life. She wants to get out of the ocean, the never-ending blackness beyond the windows, the blind fish that bump into the windows. They are a poor substitute for birds, which she has never seen.
“Nuclear fall out. Roving gangs. Complete Anarchy. No reliable plumbing. Take your pick”
That’s what they are told is all that is left on land. But it doesn’t matter, Terra is going to get out. And she does. And there are plenty of sacrifices she must make to do so, but so great is her need to be free that she makes the sacrifices and goes forth. Honestly, if it were me, I don’t think I could make the same sacrifices. I’d like to think there was a different way, there had to be. I would have liked to have kept her choice as a last resort. But then I’ve never been captive in what amounted to a bubble in the sea. Who is to say what you would or wouldn’t do? Just because your captor keeps you clean and well taken care of doesn’t mean that its good for you, right?
I suppose that extreme situations and adrenalin can cause an emotional flood – but the quick bond between Dave and Terra on The Burn kind of didn’t sit well with me. It just didn’t seem, I don’t know, right. She can’t tell him the whole truth, and he just seems a bit confused. He doesn’t seem to be as in control of himself as I’d like to see, for someone who is the unspoken leader of their group. It’s hard for me to remember that these people are teenagers. That’s not because of the story, the author does an extremely good job of painting the picture. I just think that I was looking for a bit more in terms of Dave. Her inexperience at lying creates problems, and he just accepts what she says even though it clearly isn’t true. The joys of being young and not having the experience that’s needed to detect lies.
Generally I found this story to be a fascinating story of what is to come. Annie Oldham set the scene flawlessly, in both the water and on land. New America (The United States) is exactly what Terra was taught her whole life, and it is clearly and rawly shown. From the beauty and simplicity of the colonies, the harsh reality of life on The Burn, you completely feel you are right there with Terra experiencing everything.
The people Terra meets are quick to accept her, just as she was told they would be. They are an instant new family, and it is easy to be with them. At least for a bit. That doesn’t take long for it to change. And ultimately I believe Terra made the right choices each step of the way since she arrived on The Burn. She is a strong young woman, a wildcard in the colonies, but she is going to quickly come into her own when she is on land. She has a lot to learn, but I believe she will do it with ease.
A few things within the story itself leave me with a few questions. I want to know more about Matt, and why he had such an unusual name. I’m curious about how Gaea and how she manages to live undetected where she does. But all in all I really enjoyed this story.
November 6, 2011
My Review
Terra lives in a colony at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The World went into WWIII and nuked itself. But not before some of the world’s greatest minds came together to build a perfect society at the bottom of the ocean.
Tessa feels confined, claustrophobic, like a fish stuck in an aquarium. She yearns to be in the fresh air with the grass, soil, freedom. Her father tells her that it is a world full of anarchy, murder, and hard survival. Terra doesn’t care. She wants her freedom, no matter the cost.
She finally gets her chance of freedom and goes to The Burn, the surface. After saving a boy’s life, Terra quickly falls into a group of survivors that ultimately become like family. From there, life turns into a constant battle for survival and the safety of their small family.
Terra is forced to ask herself if this new life is worth the effort and difficulties, or if the Colony where every choice is made for her is a better life.
My Thoughts
I cannot even begin to describe how much I love this book! I mean just true love. YA dystopian novels are quickly becoming my favorite, so this one went right to the top when I read it. The whole concept of the Colony at the bottom of the ocean is intriguing to me. I wonder from a logical point of view how something like this could be possible, the steps that need to be taken, and the freedoms given up. And then there is the tree-hugging, fresh air loving part of me that gets freaked out. I mean totally freaked out. I definitely know how Terra feels; like she is an animal in a cage with the weight of the world repressing her lungs and crushing her soul. Phew. That would be absolutely horrible.
In a way, the Colony is almost perfect in their jobs, prescribed foods, things like that. Perfect for the body, but not for the soul. Everything is streamlined, practical, and useful. I would feel so completely repressed the same as Terra.
The author Annie writes a section in the beginning of the book where Terra experiences warmth, plants, and soil with all of her senses for the first time ever. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Brilliant. Writing at its best and most raw. I love writing that is raw and really dig into the details of something small and seem but a moment in our lives. But these are the moments that make life what it is. And that moment with the earth is something that really pushed Terra to adventure her dream of living on The Burn.
It is also interesting to me that Terra is unable to speak. There is an incident with a woman helping Terra to get to The Burn. She made her pay a price to gain entry to the surface: her tongue. She can no longer speak in this world of ultimate survival.
A small romance does brew between Terra and a boy named David; but very small. Mary, David’s old flame is jealous and a sort of rivalry breaks out between Terra and Mary. No brawl breaks loose, but there is a definite tension between them. She also makes a great friend out of a boy named Jack.
Terra also learns some basic skills to keep herself alive on The Burn. I really would have loved to see her doing more hard labor, like actually doing some of the hunting and maybe just a little more work. But, it is pretty perfect the way it is, and if there is another book, I could definitely see Annie adding and little more hardship to her travels.
In the end, Terra decides that she has to move on from her little family and learn to survive on her own without relying on the help of others. At first I was a little surprised and little sad that she left because I sincerely began to like a lot of the characters, especially Nell and Red. But, I am very glad because she is moving to her next adventure, which might mean a series is brewing. Yes!
And Jack followed her. How cute is that? I really do hope that some sort of romance begins between those two. I know, I’m a romance junkie.
The Burn is the story of a girl silently finding her way in an unrelenting and cruel world. Even in the darkest days, friendships can be made and kept, and survival can be a way for a new life.
Favorite Character: Nell and Red; they come as one character for me :D Also Jack.
Least Favorite: Mary; only kind of.
Terra lives in a colony at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The World went into WWIII and nuked itself. But not before some of the world’s greatest minds came together to build a perfect society at the bottom of the ocean.
Tessa feels confined, claustrophobic, like a fish stuck in an aquarium. She yearns to be in the fresh air with the grass, soil, freedom. Her father tells her that it is a world full of anarchy, murder, and hard survival. Terra doesn’t care. She wants her freedom, no matter the cost.
She finally gets her chance of freedom and goes to The Burn, the surface. After saving a boy’s life, Terra quickly falls into a group of survivors that ultimately become like family. From there, life turns into a constant battle for survival and the safety of their small family.
Terra is forced to ask herself if this new life is worth the effort and difficulties, or if the Colony where every choice is made for her is a better life.
My Thoughts
I cannot even begin to describe how much I love this book! I mean just true love. YA dystopian novels are quickly becoming my favorite, so this one went right to the top when I read it. The whole concept of the Colony at the bottom of the ocean is intriguing to me. I wonder from a logical point of view how something like this could be possible, the steps that need to be taken, and the freedoms given up. And then there is the tree-hugging, fresh air loving part of me that gets freaked out. I mean totally freaked out. I definitely know how Terra feels; like she is an animal in a cage with the weight of the world repressing her lungs and crushing her soul. Phew. That would be absolutely horrible.
In a way, the Colony is almost perfect in their jobs, prescribed foods, things like that. Perfect for the body, but not for the soul. Everything is streamlined, practical, and useful. I would feel so completely repressed the same as Terra.
The author Annie writes a section in the beginning of the book where Terra experiences warmth, plants, and soil with all of her senses for the first time ever. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Brilliant. Writing at its best and most raw. I love writing that is raw and really dig into the details of something small and seem but a moment in our lives. But these are the moments that make life what it is. And that moment with the earth is something that really pushed Terra to adventure her dream of living on The Burn.
It is also interesting to me that Terra is unable to speak. There is an incident with a woman helping Terra to get to The Burn. She made her pay a price to gain entry to the surface: her tongue. She can no longer speak in this world of ultimate survival.
A small romance does brew between Terra and a boy named David; but very small. Mary, David’s old flame is jealous and a sort of rivalry breaks out between Terra and Mary. No brawl breaks loose, but there is a definite tension between them. She also makes a great friend out of a boy named Jack.
Terra also learns some basic skills to keep herself alive on The Burn. I really would have loved to see her doing more hard labor, like actually doing some of the hunting and maybe just a little more work. But, it is pretty perfect the way it is, and if there is another book, I could definitely see Annie adding and little more hardship to her travels.
In the end, Terra decides that she has to move on from her little family and learn to survive on her own without relying on the help of others. At first I was a little surprised and little sad that she left because I sincerely began to like a lot of the characters, especially Nell and Red. But, I am very glad because she is moving to her next adventure, which might mean a series is brewing. Yes!
And Jack followed her. How cute is that? I really do hope that some sort of romance begins between those two. I know, I’m a romance junkie.
The Burn is the story of a girl silently finding her way in an unrelenting and cruel world. Even in the darkest days, friendships can be made and kept, and survival can be a way for a new life.
Favorite Character: Nell and Red; they come as one character for me :D Also Jack.
Least Favorite: Mary; only kind of.
November 15, 2012
Check out my other book reviews at my blog; The Title Page
Rating: 3
The Burn starts off quickly with an introduction to Tessa, and the colony she lives in with her sister, father, and grandmother. The underwater world Oldham has created is intriguing and extremely detailed. Her character and setting descriptions help pull the reader into the world she has created. She does an amazing job setting up the plot, and you can easily see the turmoil Tessa has brewing in her head. She is unhappy in the colony and decides to adventure to the surface, a desolate land nicknamed The Burn.
Sadly, this is where the story plummets. It feels like the author assumed the reader would know what The Burn looked and felt like because, naturally, we live in that present day setting. The world building completely plummets, I found myself confused and questioning what exactly was going on in the book. Unlike in the colony, I was not able to picture what was going on in my head.
The price that Tessa paid to get to the surface was steep. I was confused, shocked, and appalled at this. I get the reference to The Little Mermaid, where the protagonist was forced to give up her voice in exchange for her freedom, but that seems to be where the similarities stop.
She goes to the surface and immediately falls in love with a boy named Dave. Dave was previously engaged to Mary and they both still harbor feelings for each other. Throughout the novel, Tessa states how head over heels she is for this boy, and how amazing it is that she has found love in such a short time. When she first arrives, Dave seems to feel the same way, he barely leaves her side. However, when their first kiss comes, his feelings are confused and he doesn't speak to Tessa for days afterwards. I'm not sure what the author was trying to do here, either Dave is mighty bipolar, or he is an asshole toying with Tessa's heart. Ignoring her for days after kissing her is an extremely sadistic approach.
My main issue with the romance in this story is that
I feel the novel redeemed itself by the end, however abrupt it was.
Overall, this book started and ended great, but is weighed down by a lot of pointless back story.
Recommended for: Newer YA readers
Favorite Character: Jack
Least Favorite Character: None of the characters really got to me that way. Since the antagonist was an entire group (the Government), there was no one person we were supposed to hate. I think that was another unique charm of this novel. No, I don't hate Mary, and I don't think we are supposed to.
Rating: 3
The Burn starts off quickly with an introduction to Tessa, and the colony she lives in with her sister, father, and grandmother. The underwater world Oldham has created is intriguing and extremely detailed. Her character and setting descriptions help pull the reader into the world she has created. She does an amazing job setting up the plot, and you can easily see the turmoil Tessa has brewing in her head. She is unhappy in the colony and decides to adventure to the surface, a desolate land nicknamed The Burn.
Sadly, this is where the story plummets. It feels like the author assumed the reader would know what The Burn looked and felt like because, naturally, we live in that present day setting. The world building completely plummets, I found myself confused and questioning what exactly was going on in the book. Unlike in the colony, I was not able to picture what was going on in my head.
The price that Tessa paid to get to the surface was steep. I was confused, shocked, and appalled at this. I get the reference to The Little Mermaid, where the protagonist was forced to give up her voice in exchange for her freedom, but that seems to be where the similarities stop.
She goes to the surface and immediately falls in love with a boy named Dave. Dave was previously engaged to Mary and they both still harbor feelings for each other. Throughout the novel, Tessa states how head over heels she is for this boy, and how amazing it is that she has found love in such a short time. When she first arrives, Dave seems to feel the same way, he barely leaves her side. However, when their first kiss comes, his feelings are confused and he doesn't speak to Tessa for days afterwards. I'm not sure what the author was trying to do here, either Dave is mighty bipolar, or he is an asshole toying with Tessa's heart. Ignoring her for days after kissing her is an extremely sadistic approach.
My main issue with the romance in this story is that
I feel the novel redeemed itself by the end, however abrupt it was.
Overall, this book started and ended great, but is weighed down by a lot of pointless back story.
Recommended for: Newer YA readers
Favorite Character: Jack
Least Favorite Character: None of the characters really got to me that way. Since the antagonist was an entire group (the Government), there was no one person we were supposed to hate. I think that was another unique charm of this novel. No, I don't hate Mary, and I don't think we are supposed to.
March 19, 2021
I'm not sure what to say about The Burn, I'm pretty sure earlier in the week that I got the review request I was thinking to myself "Enough, already with the dystopias!" I don't know if it's the whole "2012 the end is near!" thing that's been going around since like last year, but I'm starting to get a little tired of hearing (or reading) what the world will be like once we destroy it.
And it's always us, in the words of H.G Welles "If we don't end war, war will end us." And then in turn we will have to continue killing to survive.
Even with my not so favorable views of the genre, something told me to give it a try. Then when it came time to read it a month later, I kind of struggled and almost decided to pass on it.
Before I make it look like I'm going the negative route with this I would like to say that I did like it enough to actually rate it and give it a fuller review instead of just saying "It was pretty good, but not for me." I've even considered giving it two reviews, of course one would have to be a not so good one.
Sometimes when I like a book I can't always list what I liked about it so I tend to go on about what I didn't. Which might be what I'm trying to do here.
One thing that gets me about all dystopias is that the message is a little too obvious; here I saw it as trying to just say "the grass really isn't greener on the other side." The main character Terra was unhappy and decided to go somewhere she thought might be better then she realized: it's not.
Also maybe a message to teens saying that maybe your parents are actually right and just trying to protect you.
In the beginning the main character Terra kind of comes off as a reckless brat, so I was not feeling for her. It was hard to understand why exactly she was unhappy with her living situation. That being at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, it all seemed a little too Little Mermaid to me.
The wanting to go up on land and a few other details.
Those other details might have been the turnaround point for me because after that I found myself enjoying the story and finally liking Terra.
I loved how Dave and his group just accepted her so quickly, there was something about these characters that just seemed so comfortable. The way they meet is a little iffy but besides that I really liked them.
I was a little heartbroken for Terra at times and started understanding her better. Her need to feel like she truly belonged somewhere, was pretty relatable we all have our times when we need to find where we fit just right.
I did and didn't like the ending, didn't because it wasn't exactly the one I was expecting and liked... well for the same reason I guess.
All in all I'm glad I gave The Burn a chance, just goes to show that it's always worth trying something out before you brush it off.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
And it's always us, in the words of H.G Welles "If we don't end war, war will end us." And then in turn we will have to continue killing to survive.
Even with my not so favorable views of the genre, something told me to give it a try. Then when it came time to read it a month later, I kind of struggled and almost decided to pass on it.
Before I make it look like I'm going the negative route with this I would like to say that I did like it enough to actually rate it and give it a fuller review instead of just saying "It was pretty good, but not for me." I've even considered giving it two reviews, of course one would have to be a not so good one.
Sometimes when I like a book I can't always list what I liked about it so I tend to go on about what I didn't. Which might be what I'm trying to do here.
One thing that gets me about all dystopias is that the message is a little too obvious; here I saw it as trying to just say "the grass really isn't greener on the other side." The main character Terra was unhappy and decided to go somewhere she thought might be better then she realized: it's not.
Also maybe a message to teens saying that maybe your parents are actually right and just trying to protect you.
In the beginning the main character Terra kind of comes off as a reckless brat, so I was not feeling for her. It was hard to understand why exactly she was unhappy with her living situation. That being at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, it all seemed a little too Little Mermaid to me.
The wanting to go up on land and a few other details.
Those other details might have been the turnaround point for me because after that I found myself enjoying the story and finally liking Terra.
I loved how Dave and his group just accepted her so quickly, there was something about these characters that just seemed so comfortable. The way they meet is a little iffy but besides that I really liked them.
I was a little heartbroken for Terra at times and started understanding her better. Her need to feel like she truly belonged somewhere, was pretty relatable we all have our times when we need to find where we fit just right.
I did and didn't like the ending, didn't because it wasn't exactly the one I was expecting and liked... well for the same reason I guess.
All in all I'm glad I gave The Burn a chance, just goes to show that it's always worth trying something out before you brush it off.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2012
The Burn is the name given to the world 100 years after World War III erupted and left the Earth devastated by nuclear burnout. That's all Terra, a teenage girl, really knows about The Burn. She's been living her entire life in a comfortable colony at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
The Burn, by Annie Oldham, is a dystopian novel about a group of scientists that predicted the nuclear war that caused the Earth to become known as The Burn. For year's before the was broke out scientists in all fields began creating secret colonies at the bottom of the ocean. At the time of World War III there were 14 colonies of scientists and there families living in the ocean.
Terra is not like the other people who live in the colony. Most people are happy living at the bottom of the ocean with their job picked out for them, their menus planned for them, and video recording watchers taping their every move. Terra is not satisfied with her life in the colony. She feels claustrophobic and crushed by the ocean above and around her. She longs to see real light and not the artificial lights that are in every part of the colony.
All of this is complicated by the fact that she lives with her father and her grandmother. Her grandmother was the former speaker, or leader, of their colony and her father is the current speaker. Her mother left years before after the birth of Terra and her twin sister Jessa.
When she thinks she can't take it anymore an opporunity to go to The Burn falls in her lap. There is a hefty price to pay in addition to the fact that she can never come back to the colonies but Terra takes it. She arrives in The Burn and finds a group of survivors hiding from the government. She quickly becomes friends with them and everything seems to be falling into place.
Just when she gets comfortable Terra finds that life on The Burn is not what she expected. She witnesses and commits unspeakable acts. She realizes that everyday will be a struggle for survival and she's not sure if living above water is any better then living under it in the colonies.
For the most part I really enjoyed this book. Terra is a strong female character that follows her heart. She is naive in the way that many teenagers are but she never gives up. The whole concept of living on the bottom of the ocean really interested me and it was neat to see the underwater world Annie Oldham dreamed up. There were several parts where I thought things changed a little abruptly or happened too quickly but overall I liked this novel and hope there's a second book so I can see what happens to Terra.
The Burn, by Annie Oldham, is a dystopian novel about a group of scientists that predicted the nuclear war that caused the Earth to become known as The Burn. For year's before the was broke out scientists in all fields began creating secret colonies at the bottom of the ocean. At the time of World War III there were 14 colonies of scientists and there families living in the ocean.
Terra is not like the other people who live in the colony. Most people are happy living at the bottom of the ocean with their job picked out for them, their menus planned for them, and video recording watchers taping their every move. Terra is not satisfied with her life in the colony. She feels claustrophobic and crushed by the ocean above and around her. She longs to see real light and not the artificial lights that are in every part of the colony.
All of this is complicated by the fact that she lives with her father and her grandmother. Her grandmother was the former speaker, or leader, of their colony and her father is the current speaker. Her mother left years before after the birth of Terra and her twin sister Jessa.
When she thinks she can't take it anymore an opporunity to go to The Burn falls in her lap. There is a hefty price to pay in addition to the fact that she can never come back to the colonies but Terra takes it. She arrives in The Burn and finds a group of survivors hiding from the government. She quickly becomes friends with them and everything seems to be falling into place.
Just when she gets comfortable Terra finds that life on The Burn is not what she expected. She witnesses and commits unspeakable acts. She realizes that everyday will be a struggle for survival and she's not sure if living above water is any better then living under it in the colonies.
For the most part I really enjoyed this book. Terra is a strong female character that follows her heart. She is naive in the way that many teenagers are but she never gives up. The whole concept of living on the bottom of the ocean really interested me and it was neat to see the underwater world Annie Oldham dreamed up. There were several parts where I thought things changed a little abruptly or happened too quickly but overall I liked this novel and hope there's a second book so I can see what happens to Terra.
September 4, 2012
The Burn quickly became one of my favorite dystopian/post-apocalyptic reads. It's intense, emotional, suspenseful, and full of life. If you are a fan of Article 5 by Kristen Simmons, Legend by Marie Lu, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, Blood Red Road by Moira Young, and/or Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi don't miss this one!
Annie's world building in The Burn is exquisite. Every detail was thought of and the image in my mind, while not beautiful with rainbows and butterflies, is real and scary and concrete. The New America, the result of nuclear fallout and a raging World War III, is filled with darkness and misery. The people are fighting for their lives and trying to live a well life at any cost. The government has installed trackers in the citizens and they monitor their every move. It's barbaric and draining, this future is cruel and there are others who have escaped this reality and live a life under the water.
Last week I reviewed Annie Oldham's book, Bound, the difference in the two stories is remarkable. Her writing is fluid and the voices, style, and touch she puts on each is unique. Both feature a lot of action and a lead girl who goes through immense changes throughout each story. But, The Burn really took hold of me. There are enough shock inducing parts of this story to keep the reader's eyes glued to the book until the last page.
In the Colony under the ocean, where Terra is raised, she is trapped and dreams of the world above. Kind of made me think of The Little Mermaid (I really felt that way when she surfaces, read the book to see why). She finds someone she trusts and learns how to escape to The Burn. Even though she is warned that the world isn't stable, she still risks everything and sacrifices something dear to her, to make the journey herself. Her will is admirable, but her self preservation may be a little lacking. She's a brave girl, whether she admits it to herself or not, and is a strong character.
The Burn could easily be the beginning to an amazing series or a stand alone novel that is just as fantastic. Annie Oldham is an awesome writer and imaginative story teller with a lot to say. She builds up intense plots with unforgettable settings and I can't wait to read more of her work. Thank you so much to Annie Oldham for the opportunity to read this one and Bound. Both are wonderful reads that I hope I have convinced everyone to check out!
Annie's world building in The Burn is exquisite. Every detail was thought of and the image in my mind, while not beautiful with rainbows and butterflies, is real and scary and concrete. The New America, the result of nuclear fallout and a raging World War III, is filled with darkness and misery. The people are fighting for their lives and trying to live a well life at any cost. The government has installed trackers in the citizens and they monitor their every move. It's barbaric and draining, this future is cruel and there are others who have escaped this reality and live a life under the water.
Last week I reviewed Annie Oldham's book, Bound, the difference in the two stories is remarkable. Her writing is fluid and the voices, style, and touch she puts on each is unique. Both feature a lot of action and a lead girl who goes through immense changes throughout each story. But, The Burn really took hold of me. There are enough shock inducing parts of this story to keep the reader's eyes glued to the book until the last page.
In the Colony under the ocean, where Terra is raised, she is trapped and dreams of the world above. Kind of made me think of The Little Mermaid (I really felt that way when she surfaces, read the book to see why). She finds someone she trusts and learns how to escape to The Burn. Even though she is warned that the world isn't stable, she still risks everything and sacrifices something dear to her, to make the journey herself. Her will is admirable, but her self preservation may be a little lacking. She's a brave girl, whether she admits it to herself or not, and is a strong character.
The Burn could easily be the beginning to an amazing series or a stand alone novel that is just as fantastic. Annie Oldham is an awesome writer and imaginative story teller with a lot to say. She builds up intense plots with unforgettable settings and I can't wait to read more of her work. Thank you so much to Annie Oldham for the opportunity to read this one and Bound. Both are wonderful reads that I hope I have convinced everyone to check out!
January 19, 2012
Originally posted on Pawing Through Books on 1/5/12
The Burn takes place in two different places. We first meet Terra living in the colony that is located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. These colonies are where a lot of people went to escape the world after WWIII destroyed the land. Everything is fine down there... everyone has a vocation, a job, a place to live, and meals are planned for them. However, Terra longs for something more for something different. She longs to live a life on the fascinating Burn.
The Burn is what is left of the lands after WWIII ended. The government controls everyone's food and medical supplies. They track everyone's moves through trackers on their arms. Buildings are destroyed and people often have to fight to stay alive.
When Terra decides to leave the colony for The Burn he soon discovers a group of survivors. She becomes friends with them and stays with them for her first few weeks on The Burn. While there she discovers that this place is a lot more than she thought it was. It isn't as glorious as she pictured it to be. Terra then has to make a decision on what she is going to do the survive and be happy.
The Burn was a great read. It sucked me in from the beginning. I loved that there were two different "worlds"... one in the ocean and one on land. Both worlds are completely different, yet have some similarities. I thought the ocean colonies was a great take on a unique distopian novel.
Terra is an amazing strong hearted and strong willed teenage girl. She cares strongly for those she loves, but knows what she wants and sticks with it. You can easily relate to her and I instantly felt for her. Her struggle is obvious throughout The Burn -- physical and emotional. While reading you are taken on a journey where she is trying to find herself while trying to survive.
Annie Oldham did a beautiful job writing this book. You are hooked in the beginning and taken on an adventure full of love, lust, action, survival, curiosity, and more.
In the end, I would highly recommend it to any dystopian lover. I can't wait to read the sequel that is set to come out sometime this Fall.
The Burn takes place in two different places. We first meet Terra living in the colony that is located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. These colonies are where a lot of people went to escape the world after WWIII destroyed the land. Everything is fine down there... everyone has a vocation, a job, a place to live, and meals are planned for them. However, Terra longs for something more for something different. She longs to live a life on the fascinating Burn.
The Burn is what is left of the lands after WWIII ended. The government controls everyone's food and medical supplies. They track everyone's moves through trackers on their arms. Buildings are destroyed and people often have to fight to stay alive.
When Terra decides to leave the colony for The Burn he soon discovers a group of survivors. She becomes friends with them and stays with them for her first few weeks on The Burn. While there she discovers that this place is a lot more than she thought it was. It isn't as glorious as she pictured it to be. Terra then has to make a decision on what she is going to do the survive and be happy.
The Burn was a great read. It sucked me in from the beginning. I loved that there were two different "worlds"... one in the ocean and one on land. Both worlds are completely different, yet have some similarities. I thought the ocean colonies was a great take on a unique distopian novel.
Terra is an amazing strong hearted and strong willed teenage girl. She cares strongly for those she loves, but knows what she wants and sticks with it. You can easily relate to her and I instantly felt for her. Her struggle is obvious throughout The Burn -- physical and emotional. While reading you are taken on a journey where she is trying to find herself while trying to survive.
Annie Oldham did a beautiful job writing this book. You are hooked in the beginning and taken on an adventure full of love, lust, action, survival, curiosity, and more.
In the end, I would highly recommend it to any dystopian lover. I can't wait to read the sequel that is set to come out sometime this Fall.
December 19, 2013
Author: Annie Oldham
Publisher:
Published: 9-26-2011
ISBN: 9781466187207
E-Book ASIN: B005Q18AAU
Pages: 234
Genre: YA Fiction
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Apocalyptic, Colonization, Dystopian, Government Corruption, Teen Romance
Terra was born on the Colony and has never felt the sun upon her face. When she and her sister Jessa were born her mother left never to be heard from again. Her departing was covered in secrecy and she was rarely spoken of. With no pictures she doesn't even know what her mother looks like. Her father, is the Speaker of the Colony is reserved and is quick to let her know she disappoints him with her questions and actions.
When the Event happened, where all the countries released their nuclear bombs. The governments have fallen into chaos, retaining control through intimidation and threats. All she has ever heard of the burn is that it is covered in radiation fallout, the cities are ravaged and the humans outside the Colonies are all but animals. They fight among themselves and struggle to survive on too little food, little or no medical access, and constant fear of the neighbors killing them for what little they do have or turning them into the government for any real or imagined infraction.
The day comes when Terra is offered a chance to go to the Burn and not just read about it in her history class. She prepare to escape the place that feels like a prison to her. But will she be willing to pay the price for that supposed freedom she seeks? If she does will she find her father has spoken the truth about the Burn and the people who live there or will it be as she dreamed? The ending will catch you by surprise and have you reaching for book 2 "Infraction" right away. This book was so surprising to me I wasn't expecting it to be as so involving. When you open the story Ms. Oldham pulls you into the lives of the characters. They are done with thought and care so that they could be someone you know and imagine yourself liking.
This trilogy is a must read. Thank you so much to Ms. Oldham for the hours of reading pleasure she provided.
Publisher:
Published: 9-26-2011
ISBN: 9781466187207
E-Book ASIN: B005Q18AAU
Pages: 234
Genre: YA Fiction
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Apocalyptic, Colonization, Dystopian, Government Corruption, Teen Romance
Terra was born on the Colony and has never felt the sun upon her face. When she and her sister Jessa were born her mother left never to be heard from again. Her departing was covered in secrecy and she was rarely spoken of. With no pictures she doesn't even know what her mother looks like. Her father, is the Speaker of the Colony is reserved and is quick to let her know she disappoints him with her questions and actions.
When the Event happened, where all the countries released their nuclear bombs. The governments have fallen into chaos, retaining control through intimidation and threats. All she has ever heard of the burn is that it is covered in radiation fallout, the cities are ravaged and the humans outside the Colonies are all but animals. They fight among themselves and struggle to survive on too little food, little or no medical access, and constant fear of the neighbors killing them for what little they do have or turning them into the government for any real or imagined infraction.
The day comes when Terra is offered a chance to go to the Burn and not just read about it in her history class. She prepare to escape the place that feels like a prison to her. But will she be willing to pay the price for that supposed freedom she seeks? If she does will she find her father has spoken the truth about the Burn and the people who live there or will it be as she dreamed? The ending will catch you by surprise and have you reaching for book 2 "Infraction" right away. This book was so surprising to me I wasn't expecting it to be as so involving. When you open the story Ms. Oldham pulls you into the lives of the characters. They are done with thought and care so that they could be someone you know and imagine yourself liking.
This trilogy is a must read. Thank you so much to Ms. Oldham for the hours of reading pleasure she provided.
October 14, 2015
The Burn is a dystopian that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
To what once was the United States is now New America (aka The Burn) a hundred years after The Event. People will do anything to survive and it is illegal to have a gun or live outside of the government controlled cities. Medical supplies and food are given out once a month and people will fight or even kill to get some. Everyone has a tracker put inside their arm/wrist so they can be tracked by the government.
Under the ocean is an entirely different world, The Colonies. They were formed by scientists after The Event. People up on The Burn just know The Colonies as stories. This is where we first meet Terra. She does not like living below the ocean where everything is controlled. She learns about The Burn in school from her teacher Mr. Klein. She has always dreamed of what it would be like to live on land where she could do what she wants. Her family and friends think she is crazy to be thinking this way. She will make a huge sacrifice to leave The Colonies.
Once on The Burn she saves someone's life. She also quickly finds out how people really live on The Burn and just how dangerous life here is. Terra is taken in by a group of people who live outside the cities hidden inside of an old abandoned school. While some trust her many do not. She must learn to adapt to life here fast or risk being captured and put in a work camp or ending up dead.
The story was well written, descriptive but not overdone and the characters were as likable as they could be due to their circumstances. Terra's sacrifice to leave The Colonies for The Burn was really gross to me and made my stomach turn. I was glad when that scene was over. The story is fast paced with lots of action and suspense. There is twist at the end that leaves the reader wanting to know what is going to happen next. I know I do! This e-book was provided to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
To what once was the United States is now New America (aka The Burn) a hundred years after The Event. People will do anything to survive and it is illegal to have a gun or live outside of the government controlled cities. Medical supplies and food are given out once a month and people will fight or even kill to get some. Everyone has a tracker put inside their arm/wrist so they can be tracked by the government.
Under the ocean is an entirely different world, The Colonies. They were formed by scientists after The Event. People up on The Burn just know The Colonies as stories. This is where we first meet Terra. She does not like living below the ocean where everything is controlled. She learns about The Burn in school from her teacher Mr. Klein. She has always dreamed of what it would be like to live on land where she could do what she wants. Her family and friends think she is crazy to be thinking this way. She will make a huge sacrifice to leave The Colonies.
Once on The Burn she saves someone's life. She also quickly finds out how people really live on The Burn and just how dangerous life here is. Terra is taken in by a group of people who live outside the cities hidden inside of an old abandoned school. While some trust her many do not. She must learn to adapt to life here fast or risk being captured and put in a work camp or ending up dead.
The story was well written, descriptive but not overdone and the characters were as likable as they could be due to their circumstances. Terra's sacrifice to leave The Colonies for The Burn was really gross to me and made my stomach turn. I was glad when that scene was over. The story is fast paced with lots of action and suspense. There is twist at the end that leaves the reader wanting to know what is going to happen next. I know I do! This e-book was provided to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
October 18, 2011
Terra has always been fascinated by the Burn, the world above, the one destroyed by bombs during the Event a hundred years ago. Living in the colonies is dull when every single part of your life is controlled and equalized. Terra dreams of a world where she can make choices, but she never dreamed of the hard choices she would have to make when the opportunity to top side arises. But that is just the beginning! Terra will make even harder choices, because survival in the Burn is no easy matter.
Written in a fun and youthful prose, The Burn will have you chuckling every couple of pages…at least in the beginning. Once Terra gets involved in the plan to escape, things turn quite serious. I couldn’t believe what she gave up to go to the Burn. I swear my jaw dropped and stayed that way during the entire scene. Then she gets to the Burn and she is all fascinated and happy with all the things she sees. That idea is quickly wiped out when she sees the people living in fear of the government and the possibility of being caught and sent to the work camps.
Terra was such a fun and strong character to read. She has to make many hard choices, and she takes time before making them. Her relationship with Dave was nice to watch. They quickly grow fond of each other because they have an easy way of just being together. I also liked sweet elderly Nell and young doctor Jack.
The final part derailed me a little from the story. The sudden appearance of Jessa and the without-a-purpose payment she made was like something out of the blue (literally). I get the necessity to silence Mary, but did Gaea really think Terra would do it? I mean, she is top side already, what can Gaea do to her if she doesn’t go with the plan? I don’t get it. But I did like the ending. I can’t wait to see where Terra goes next!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*
Written in a fun and youthful prose, The Burn will have you chuckling every couple of pages…at least in the beginning. Once Terra gets involved in the plan to escape, things turn quite serious. I couldn’t believe what she gave up to go to the Burn. I swear my jaw dropped and stayed that way during the entire scene. Then she gets to the Burn and she is all fascinated and happy with all the things she sees. That idea is quickly wiped out when she sees the people living in fear of the government and the possibility of being caught and sent to the work camps.
Terra was such a fun and strong character to read. She has to make many hard choices, and she takes time before making them. Her relationship with Dave was nice to watch. They quickly grow fond of each other because they have an easy way of just being together. I also liked sweet elderly Nell and young doctor Jack.
The final part derailed me a little from the story. The sudden appearance of Jessa and the without-a-purpose payment she made was like something out of the blue (literally). I get the necessity to silence Mary, but did Gaea really think Terra would do it? I mean, she is top side already, what can Gaea do to her if she doesn’t go with the plan? I don’t get it. But I did like the ending. I can’t wait to see where Terra goes next!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*
January 12, 2012
I received this novel for review from the author. Here is part of my review:
World building and character building at its best. A beautifully written novel that dystopian fans will love.
To start off, I really liked the characters, the setting of this story, and the writing style. This novel was one that I was excited to read from the moment I was asked to review it, and so when I finally got to reading it, I was very excited.
I loved the world building in this novel. The colony that Terra lives in and the Burn (what’s left of the world as we k now it) is one that was all too-easy to imagine. The Burn and the colony were worlds that I related to and could see how they could come to be. That was thing I loved about this novel from the very beginning—the world building was terrific.
I also loved Terra. I found myself getting sucked into her story from the very beginning. She is a character that I loved and was rooting for from the beginning. I could sympathize with her desire to leave and her fears of leaving. When she pays an ultimate prize for leaving, my heart broke for her. Yet, she didn’t pity herself. She just picked up the pieces and moved on. I loved that.
There were many other characters I liked: Dave, Nell, and Red. These are few of the masterfully created characters that I liked from the very beginning, but I loved Jack and was drawn to him from the very beginning. I don’t know why there was just something about him that made me really like him.
Annie is definitely an author that I’ll be keeping an eye on. The sequel to The Burn is coming out in fall 2012 (The Reaping) and she has a faerie tale coming out in the spring (Bound). I will definitely be keeping my eye on these two.
For a more extended review, please visit htis link.
World building and character building at its best. A beautifully written novel that dystopian fans will love.
To start off, I really liked the characters, the setting of this story, and the writing style. This novel was one that I was excited to read from the moment I was asked to review it, and so when I finally got to reading it, I was very excited.
I loved the world building in this novel. The colony that Terra lives in and the Burn (what’s left of the world as we k now it) is one that was all too-easy to imagine. The Burn and the colony were worlds that I related to and could see how they could come to be. That was thing I loved about this novel from the very beginning—the world building was terrific.
I also loved Terra. I found myself getting sucked into her story from the very beginning. She is a character that I loved and was rooting for from the beginning. I could sympathize with her desire to leave and her fears of leaving. When she pays an ultimate prize for leaving, my heart broke for her. Yet, she didn’t pity herself. She just picked up the pieces and moved on. I loved that.
There were many other characters I liked: Dave, Nell, and Red. These are few of the masterfully created characters that I liked from the very beginning, but I loved Jack and was drawn to him from the very beginning. I don’t know why there was just something about him that made me really like him.
Annie is definitely an author that I’ll be keeping an eye on. The sequel to The Burn is coming out in fall 2012 (The Reaping) and she has a faerie tale coming out in the spring (Bound). I will definitely be keeping my eye on these two.
For a more extended review, please visit htis link.
April 9, 2013
In the future, the world destroys itself through a series of nuclear bombs. The world as we know it no longer exists. However, prior to the destruction, the world's leading scientists build colonies on the ocean floor and secretly move their families there. In the future, the children are taught about The Burn (the name for the surface) and the destruction and lawlessness that exists there. No one ever goes to The Burn, until Terra, a teenager who is unhappy with everything about the colonies, finds a way out (with help). She goes to The Burn to find that nearly everything she was taught is true. She sets out to find her own way in the new world she has adopted.
Not terrible, but I won't be continuing the series. Mainly, I found I had too many questions and not enough information. First, the character and story development in the colony was not quite descriptive enough. I wanted to know more about the colony and its people. Then, I had huge problems with the Gaea character (OBVIOUSLY Terra's long lost mother - how did she not see that?). Why cut out Terra's tongue? If she wanted to keep Terra from telling about the colonies, then she need not have let her go. Obviously if you are going to tell, you can just sign it out, especially considering at least one character finds out anyway. And when her sister just happens to show up (with just a shaved head????) at the moment she goes to the water, I thought "Seriously??" Nope, too much coincidence! Also, other things were just too easy. She lands and immediately finds a wonderful community to settle into. And everyone understands her with just a few points and shrugs and eyebrow raises?? It was too much of a leap for me.
Not terrible, but I won't be continuing the series. Mainly, I found I had too many questions and not enough information. First, the character and story development in the colony was not quite descriptive enough. I wanted to know more about the colony and its people. Then, I had huge problems with the Gaea character (OBVIOUSLY Terra's long lost mother - how did she not see that?). Why cut out Terra's tongue? If she wanted to keep Terra from telling about the colonies, then she need not have let her go. Obviously if you are going to tell, you can just sign it out, especially considering at least one character finds out anyway. And when her sister just happens to show up (with just a shaved head????) at the moment she goes to the water, I thought "Seriously??" Nope, too much coincidence! Also, other things were just too easy. She lands and immediately finds a wonderful community to settle into. And everyone understands her with just a few points and shrugs and eyebrow raises?? It was too much of a leap for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2013
2.5 stars. An apocalyptic story about a young girl that lives in an undersea colony who sacrifices all her family and friends because of her dream to go to shore and discover 'The Burn', which is basically what is left of the continents after massive nuclear war.
This felt a little too simplistic for me - definitely young adult, but I am thinking *very* young adult - maybe 13-14 year old age range. I spent the first 50 pages rolling my eyes because everything felt a little silly, until I realized that this was basically a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, which gave me a better understanding of what *I* believe to be what the author was going for. Not that it was very successful in that regard, in my view.
I will preface this by saying that The Little Mermaid continues to be one of my favourite fairy tales of all time, but a lot of the beauty of the tale lies in the bittersweet ending (which was so horribly defiled in the Disney version). This novel also circumvented what I think could have been a much stronger ending for the sake of the possibility of a sequel. I always find this to be a cop out. Why do authors leave their endings open ended like this when a book would be so much more fulfilling if it just *finished*?
I didn't really think that the post-apocalyptic setting suited The Little Mermaid story, so this didn't really work for me, and I felt like everything was a little rushed. Definitely a let down for me, I don't think I'll even bother with the next one.
This felt a little too simplistic for me - definitely young adult, but I am thinking *very* young adult - maybe 13-14 year old age range. I spent the first 50 pages rolling my eyes because everything felt a little silly, until I realized that this was basically a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, which gave me a better understanding of what *I* believe to be what the author was going for. Not that it was very successful in that regard, in my view.
I will preface this by saying that The Little Mermaid continues to be one of my favourite fairy tales of all time, but a lot of the beauty of the tale lies in the bittersweet ending (which was so horribly defiled in the Disney version). This novel also circumvented what I think could have been a much stronger ending for the sake of the possibility of a sequel. I always find this to be a cop out. Why do authors leave their endings open ended like this when a book would be so much more fulfilling if it just *finished*?
I didn't really think that the post-apocalyptic setting suited The Little Mermaid story, so this didn't really work for me, and I felt like everything was a little rushed. Definitely a let down for me, I don't think I'll even bother with the next one.
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