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Burner
What if your social media addiction jeopardized the person you love?
Inspired by the explosive events of our polarized political climate, Burner is an all-too plausible contemporary thriller that examines the social and personal consequences of the lost sense of identity, trust, and truth itself that characterizes our technology-obsessed culture.
Shane Stoller has just been arrested for domestic terrorism, accused of being the mastermind behind the online profile Burner_911—the anonymous leader of a massive populist movement. Chloe Corbin has just been abducted by Burner_911’s followers in a lawless uprising on the streets of San Francisco, targeted as the socialite daughter of a tech billionaire. What nobody knows is that Shane and Chloe are secretly in love despite coming from opposite worlds. Plagued with regret but unable to communicate with his followers from prison, Shane tries desperately to find a way to save Chloe from the forces he has unleashed. From her own captivity, Chloe becomes more sympathetic to Burner_911’s cause—and transitions from victim to conspirator in an effort to free herself and exonerate Shane.
Part tragic love story, part mind-bending psychological thriller, Burner dives headfirst into the modern zeitgeist of politically motivated disinformation, toxic internet subcultures, and our continuing need for belonging, purpose, and love in an age of distorted online personas.
Inspired by the explosive events of our polarized political climate, Burner is an all-too plausible contemporary thriller that examines the social and personal consequences of the lost sense of identity, trust, and truth itself that characterizes our technology-obsessed culture.
Shane Stoller has just been arrested for domestic terrorism, accused of being the mastermind behind the online profile Burner_911—the anonymous leader of a massive populist movement. Chloe Corbin has just been abducted by Burner_911’s followers in a lawless uprising on the streets of San Francisco, targeted as the socialite daughter of a tech billionaire. What nobody knows is that Shane and Chloe are secretly in love despite coming from opposite worlds. Plagued with regret but unable to communicate with his followers from prison, Shane tries desperately to find a way to save Chloe from the forces he has unleashed. From her own captivity, Chloe becomes more sympathetic to Burner_911’s cause—and transitions from victim to conspirator in an effort to free herself and exonerate Shane.
Part tragic love story, part mind-bending psychological thriller, Burner dives headfirst into the modern zeitgeist of politically motivated disinformation, toxic internet subcultures, and our continuing need for belonging, purpose, and love in an age of distorted online personas.
360 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2024
15 people are currently reading
6576 people want to read
About the author
Mike Trigg
2 books63 followersMike Trigg was born in Kentucky and raised in Wisconsin. Prior to becoming an author, he was an executive, founder, and investor in dozens of technology start-up companies for over 25 years.
Trigg’s debut novel, the Silicon Valley corporate thriller BIT FLIP, received widespread critical acclaim, with 5-star reviews from Foreword, IndieReader, and the Manhattan Book Review and lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as a “twisty, acerbic corporate thriller.”
His second novel, BURNER, is a “searing, all-too-believable novel” (BookLife Reviews, Editor’s Pick) and “fascinating thriller in which an online movement swallows up the person who started it.” (Foreword Clarion Reviews). Described as “a cautionary tale for the digital age” by IndieReader and an IR Approved novel, BURNER dives head-first into the pernicious impacts of technology and social media on our lives.
Trigg’s work has been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and Literary Hub. Living in Portola Valley, California with his wife and two sons, he is a frequent columnist and has been a contributor to Writer’s Digest, TechCrunch, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company. For more information, including posts, media coverage, events, videos, and more, visit miketrigg.com.
Trigg’s debut novel, the Silicon Valley corporate thriller BIT FLIP, received widespread critical acclaim, with 5-star reviews from Foreword, IndieReader, and the Manhattan Book Review and lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as a “twisty, acerbic corporate thriller.”
His second novel, BURNER, is a “searing, all-too-believable novel” (BookLife Reviews, Editor’s Pick) and “fascinating thriller in which an online movement swallows up the person who started it.” (Foreword Clarion Reviews). Described as “a cautionary tale for the digital age” by IndieReader and an IR Approved novel, BURNER dives head-first into the pernicious impacts of technology and social media on our lives.
Trigg’s work has been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and Literary Hub. Living in Portola Valley, California with his wife and two sons, he is a frequent columnist and has been a contributor to Writer’s Digest, TechCrunch, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company. For more information, including posts, media coverage, events, videos, and more, visit miketrigg.com.
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April 16, 2024
I saw this on NetGalley and thought it sounded amazing! The reviews were also great, so I gave this one a chance. The synopsis drew me in, as the story sounded quite unique. It was definitely unique, but this book just didn’t hit the way I wanted it to.
Burner_911 is an account on far-right social
media platforms, spouting anti-government, anti-liberal propaganda. After a protest that turned violent and left several people dead, a man named Shane Stoller is arrested and charged with several crimes against the government - but is Shane really Burner_911? With encryption, burner phones and private browsers, it’s impossible to tell who actually runs the account. There are now thousands of “Burnoutz” across the country, people who are part of this movement. Who exactly was responsible for this uprising?
I think part of this book not resonating with me is the technological aspect - I don’t know much about these kinds of sites, and I know nothing about cryptocurrency, which is mentioned a lot. One other thing that threw me off is that this is a far-right group, but their idea on how to get billionaires to pay is quite a liberal concept. It’s like these Burnoutz are Q-Anon mixed with Democratic Socialists of America, and while the book briefly touches on that dichotomy, it made everything seem discordant.
In their quest to make billionaires go down in flames, a young woman named Chloe is kidnapped and held by members of this group. Her father is a billionaire with no scruples, but Chloe has a few secrets - one of which being that she’s in love with Shane. The book goes through Shane being in prison, and Chloe held hostage, while they are still fighting for each other (blech, love story) and what they believe in.
This book was quite slow, though it did start to pick up at the end. It was the odd political disconnect and the technology/crypto lean that has me giving this a lower rating. I think if you’re into those things, and like to read thrillers about technology, you’re probably going to love this book. For me, I’m going with three stars.
(Thank you to SparkPress, Mike Trigg and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on April 16, 2024.)
Burner_911 is an account on far-right social
media platforms, spouting anti-government, anti-liberal propaganda. After a protest that turned violent and left several people dead, a man named Shane Stoller is arrested and charged with several crimes against the government - but is Shane really Burner_911? With encryption, burner phones and private browsers, it’s impossible to tell who actually runs the account. There are now thousands of “Burnoutz” across the country, people who are part of this movement. Who exactly was responsible for this uprising?
I think part of this book not resonating with me is the technological aspect - I don’t know much about these kinds of sites, and I know nothing about cryptocurrency, which is mentioned a lot. One other thing that threw me off is that this is a far-right group, but their idea on how to get billionaires to pay is quite a liberal concept. It’s like these Burnoutz are Q-Anon mixed with Democratic Socialists of America, and while the book briefly touches on that dichotomy, it made everything seem discordant.
In their quest to make billionaires go down in flames, a young woman named Chloe is kidnapped and held by members of this group. Her father is a billionaire with no scruples, but Chloe has a few secrets - one of which being that she’s in love with Shane. The book goes through Shane being in prison, and Chloe held hostage, while they are still fighting for each other (blech, love story) and what they believe in.
This book was quite slow, though it did start to pick up at the end. It was the odd political disconnect and the technology/crypto lean that has me giving this a lower rating. I think if you’re into those things, and like to read thrillers about technology, you’re probably going to love this book. For me, I’m going with three stars.
(Thank you to SparkPress, Mike Trigg and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on April 16, 2024.)
May 12, 2024
#ad I received a gifted copy of Burner / many thanks to @mike_trigg254 + @BookSparks #partner
𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓻
If you love action-packed thrillers then look no further. After I bought and read, “Bit Flip” last year, I knew I’d read any thriller this author writes; and “Burner” held true to being every bit as action-packed and fun to read as the first book.
The action kicks off immediately with the arrest of Shane and the kidnapping of Shane’s girlfriend Chloe. An anonymous user, known as Burner_911, has gathered quite the following online and now leads a major movement against the government. But the kidnappers, who are followers of the Burner_911 account fail to realize Chloe is their leader’s girlfriend. Mostly because Burner_911 is supposed to be an anonymous person.
There’s so much to love about this book. There’s chapters that are transcripts from the legal aspect, online posts and comments, news articles, wire taps and dash cam transcripts and so much more. These “goodies,” as I call them, all add an extra special layer to the overall story.
The story is intriguing and pulls you in from the start. You won’t be able to put this one down until you’ve read the last page. The characters are well-built and relatable.
So buckle up, run to buy this book, and enjoy the crazy ride. You won’t regret buying this one! But I also recommend buying “Bit Flip” too. It’s a story about the darker side of Silicon Valley and will not disappoint.
𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓻
If you love action-packed thrillers then look no further. After I bought and read, “Bit Flip” last year, I knew I’d read any thriller this author writes; and “Burner” held true to being every bit as action-packed and fun to read as the first book.
The action kicks off immediately with the arrest of Shane and the kidnapping of Shane’s girlfriend Chloe. An anonymous user, known as Burner_911, has gathered quite the following online and now leads a major movement against the government. But the kidnappers, who are followers of the Burner_911 account fail to realize Chloe is their leader’s girlfriend. Mostly because Burner_911 is supposed to be an anonymous person.
There’s so much to love about this book. There’s chapters that are transcripts from the legal aspect, online posts and comments, news articles, wire taps and dash cam transcripts and so much more. These “goodies,” as I call them, all add an extra special layer to the overall story.
The story is intriguing and pulls you in from the start. You won’t be able to put this one down until you’ve read the last page. The characters are well-built and relatable.
So buckle up, run to buy this book, and enjoy the crazy ride. You won’t regret buying this one! But I also recommend buying “Bit Flip” too. It’s a story about the darker side of Silicon Valley and will not disappoint.
April 14, 2024
4.5 Stars!!
“What if your social media addiction jeopardized the person you love?”
This book was really good! It is fictional, but reads like true crime especially with the inclusion of the mixed media elements (court transcripts, text messages, letters, etc.)
This contemporary thriller is based on the themes of political misinformation, toxic internet subcultures and the role technology plays in it all- you get major cult vibes too. Very relevant in today’s world.
The character development was great- you truly got an understanding for each one and their background. I enjoyed the different POVs and seeing how it all came together.
Most all chapters were short and with the use of the mixed media elements, I flew through this one and had trouble being able to ever put it down!
Very well written and unique! Recommend checking this one out!🖤
Thank you @booksparks & @mike_trigg254 for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼
“What if your social media addiction jeopardized the person you love?”
This book was really good! It is fictional, but reads like true crime especially with the inclusion of the mixed media elements (court transcripts, text messages, letters, etc.)
This contemporary thriller is based on the themes of political misinformation, toxic internet subcultures and the role technology plays in it all- you get major cult vibes too. Very relevant in today’s world.
The character development was great- you truly got an understanding for each one and their background. I enjoyed the different POVs and seeing how it all came together.
Most all chapters were short and with the use of the mixed media elements, I flew through this one and had trouble being able to ever put it down!
Very well written and unique! Recommend checking this one out!🖤
Thank you @booksparks & @mike_trigg254 for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼
December 18, 2024
Still picking my jaw up off the floor.. 🤗
April 16, 2024
"𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒕, 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅."
BURNER is a contemporary fiction about Shane Stoller. Shane is behind a burner_911username, and has become the leader of a radical group that calls themselves BurnOutz, heading an extreme movement to attack Billionaires via Wall Street. On Oct. 12th there is an uprising and Shane is arrested. Chloe Corbin, a daughter of a targeted Billionaire (and secret girlfriend of Shane) is kidnapped and held hostage by a militia. Shane, locked away in solitary confinement for domestic terrorism, is more worried about Chloe's safety than his legal defense and potential death penalty.
"𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕. 𝑵𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒂𝒓𝒅. 𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓. 𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅."
Told through multiple POVs, court transcripts, and additional media format the aftermath of Oct. 12th unfolds. BURNER has short chapters and the action starts right away in Chapter 2.
"𝑰𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚."
This story feels timely and somewhat unnerving in it's realism. Most of it felt like a modern 'Fight Club' and other parts reminded me of 'Romeo and Juliet'.
A big thank you @booksparks and @mike_trigg254 for the advanced review copy. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily
BURNER is a contemporary fiction about Shane Stoller. Shane is behind a burner_911username, and has become the leader of a radical group that calls themselves BurnOutz, heading an extreme movement to attack Billionaires via Wall Street. On Oct. 12th there is an uprising and Shane is arrested. Chloe Corbin, a daughter of a targeted Billionaire (and secret girlfriend of Shane) is kidnapped and held hostage by a militia. Shane, locked away in solitary confinement for domestic terrorism, is more worried about Chloe's safety than his legal defense and potential death penalty.
"𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕. 𝑵𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒂𝒓𝒅. 𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓. 𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅."
Told through multiple POVs, court transcripts, and additional media format the aftermath of Oct. 12th unfolds. BURNER has short chapters and the action starts right away in Chapter 2.
"𝑰𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚."
This story feels timely and somewhat unnerving in it's realism. Most of it felt like a modern 'Fight Club' and other parts reminded me of 'Romeo and Juliet'.
A big thank you @booksparks and @mike_trigg254 for the advanced review copy. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily
April 8, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and SparksPress for a copy of this book! I really enjoyed this book! I was a little hesitant at first but was surprised at how into it I got. This book reminds me a lot of Jan 6 insurrection, has major cult vibes, talks a lot about political issues, and world views. If you have any knowledge of the stock market or are entertained by it I think you will really enjoy this book. I loved the setting, mainly because I am also from the San Francisco Bay Area and know the Central Valley area really well so it was cool to feel like I knew where everything was. There are some plot twists that you don’t expect which makes the story something you don’t want to put down. I loved how this book was written, like a true crime documentary but book style. It was tricky to read over kindle so I recommend picking up a book copy for sure! The text was fun as it was like court transcripts, emails, letters, interviews, news articles, etc. The characters are really interesting and I like how in depth Trigg went with their background so you really understood them and their viewpoints which was important for the story. Overall a great read!
April 16, 2024
Brilliant! This story blew my mind. It was so well written, and so relevant to the times, but also just a unique version of things. I love the perspective this comes from, and the court transcripts just made it that much better! I love the unexpected ending! The whole book kind of had a modern Romeo And Juliet twist to it. Just amazing! I will be thinking about this one for a long time! I can't wait to see what else this amazing author comes up with.
"That is all you need is BELIEF."
-Anonymous
"That is all you need is BELIEF."
-Anonymous
May 3, 2024
Thank you to my partner, BookSparks, and the author. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of the Spring PopUp and the gifted paperback, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
1. 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 - 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 takes the reader into the world of obsession with social media personalities. Both Shane and Chloe have large followings; however, one is anonymous while the other is a public one.
2. 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 - A true testament to how easy it is to follow an account with just words. Burner_911 has a massive following that, in a sense, bow to his every command. While the reader knows who is behind the account, the characters are trying to decide if they have the right guy.
3. 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 - The story definitely spotlights the greed of the massively wealthy and the contradiction of it to the rest of society. The main objective of Burner_911 is to equalize wealth in the country.
4. 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 - Chloe’s abduction adds some suspense. His followers believe that Shane will be released in order to save Chloe, but things do not go according to plan and the fallout has huge implications.
5. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 - You really cannot believe everything you see on the internet. This is proven to a huge degree at the end after a video of Chloe surfaces and Shane sees it. The ending was not one I expected.
1. 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 - 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 takes the reader into the world of obsession with social media personalities. Both Shane and Chloe have large followings; however, one is anonymous while the other is a public one.
2. 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 - A true testament to how easy it is to follow an account with just words. Burner_911 has a massive following that, in a sense, bow to his every command. While the reader knows who is behind the account, the characters are trying to decide if they have the right guy.
3. 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 - The story definitely spotlights the greed of the massively wealthy and the contradiction of it to the rest of society. The main objective of Burner_911 is to equalize wealth in the country.
4. 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 - Chloe’s abduction adds some suspense. His followers believe that Shane will be released in order to save Chloe, but things do not go according to plan and the fallout has huge implications.
5. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 - You really cannot believe everything you see on the internet. This is proven to a huge degree at the end after a video of Chloe surfaces and Shane sees it. The ending was not one I expected.
March 11, 2024
Aww I loved this! There's been a couple of netflix shows recently on a similar premise and these themes really are just so relevant and fascinating. Now I'm not a fan of having a load of different types of media used in books like switching from normal narrative to newspaper clippings to chat sites to podcast type vibes but it does work well and overall I just loved the premise and how it was plotted out. The current culture of misinformation, dog whistles, online pile ups, the power in being anonymous online and the fact some people are so addicted that likes become their only interest is very real! I was completely taken in by this story and it does highlight how scary it can all get! Very relevant and thought provoking. Loved, loved, loved
January 30, 2024
#Burner # NetGalley
BURNER: a blistering thriller of media, obsession, identity and healing.
Thrillers have the potential of being more and more fraught with impossible twists and turns that help the story blister along to its shattering conclusion. Which, of course, can lead to pretty run-of-the-mill thrillers.
Why I am out here talking about run-of-the=mill thrillers?
Because, dear readers, BURNER is ANYTHING BUT!
You know those ripped-from-the-headlines books? This is a ripped-from-the Internet, blistering story of identity, celebrity culture, radicalism, and so much more.
Chloe Corbin is a social media darling who has a perfect, pampered princess life. Shane Stoller's life has been a complete and total mess. He is angry at the system that screwed him over and wants the whole world to be on notice about it. And he is in love with Chloe.
This book had the potential of turning into a romantic comedy, but Mr. Trigg, its author, is such a fine observer of the human psyche, that the gripping drama I experienced while reading this story of lives going south in San Francisco due to the intoxicating power of the Internet is SO well-wrought, that I am BEGGING for a movie or series based on it! PLEASE, Netflix, Amazon, whatever studio may want to, PICK THIS UP, you will not regret it. This is the most original thriller I have read so far this year. Think Romeo and Juliet meets Searching. Solid, solid ten out of five! Great jobs, Mr. Trigg.
BURNER: a blistering thriller of media, obsession, identity and healing.
Thrillers have the potential of being more and more fraught with impossible twists and turns that help the story blister along to its shattering conclusion. Which, of course, can lead to pretty run-of-the-mill thrillers.
Why I am out here talking about run-of-the=mill thrillers?
Because, dear readers, BURNER is ANYTHING BUT!
You know those ripped-from-the-headlines books? This is a ripped-from-the Internet, blistering story of identity, celebrity culture, radicalism, and so much more.
Chloe Corbin is a social media darling who has a perfect, pampered princess life. Shane Stoller's life has been a complete and total mess. He is angry at the system that screwed him over and wants the whole world to be on notice about it. And he is in love with Chloe.
This book had the potential of turning into a romantic comedy, but Mr. Trigg, its author, is such a fine observer of the human psyche, that the gripping drama I experienced while reading this story of lives going south in San Francisco due to the intoxicating power of the Internet is SO well-wrought, that I am BEGGING for a movie or series based on it! PLEASE, Netflix, Amazon, whatever studio may want to, PICK THIS UP, you will not regret it. This is the most original thriller I have read so far this year. Think Romeo and Juliet meets Searching. Solid, solid ten out of five! Great jobs, Mr. Trigg.
April 19, 2024
Some part of me loves political thrillers, though I am not overly political by nature. Maybe it's a bit of an alter ego thing for me, but Burner by Mike Trigg was just the book I needed to feed this portion of my soul!
This plot is an extremely well executed game of cat and mouse; it is Aladdin and Robin Hood for a digital age. As Trigg says in his acknowledgements, this was a Rubik's Cube for him to write, and it unfolds so perfectly with each move towards the solution for the reader.
Shortly after receiving my physical copy, I flipped through the book, saw the pages in different fonts and formats, and instantly thought: "Oh, this is going to be fun!" This story is pieced together as a magpie collection of three different first-person accounts, newspaper articles, transcripts, and social media posts. As the story was well explained, the plot never once became too big and never provided redundant information; kudos to Trigg for this accomplishment! (Stylistically, I loved how the right-hand page always had a heading to show whose perspective or article was being voiced, creating absolutely no confusion while reading.)
Now, do I love the outcome? That moment when I gasped and my heart plummeted to the floor, I lost part of the mounting hope I had. But does this outcome make sense? Yes, absolutely! And in retrospect there is no other feasible ending for these characters. So, it’s a brilliant outcome!
Other highlights:
-vigilante justice
-"other"
-on trend
-freedom of speech, freedom to believe what one wants, and not be told by those in power what is wrong or right
-American Dream
-digital fingerprint
If you enjoyed the Millennium trilogy by Stieg Larsson, absolutely give this one a try!
Five huge stars to Trigg and his second thriller, Burner!
Thank you NetGalley, Book Sparks and SparkPress for the complimentary copies to read and review.
This plot is an extremely well executed game of cat and mouse; it is Aladdin and Robin Hood for a digital age. As Trigg says in his acknowledgements, this was a Rubik's Cube for him to write, and it unfolds so perfectly with each move towards the solution for the reader.
Shortly after receiving my physical copy, I flipped through the book, saw the pages in different fonts and formats, and instantly thought: "Oh, this is going to be fun!" This story is pieced together as a magpie collection of three different first-person accounts, newspaper articles, transcripts, and social media posts. As the story was well explained, the plot never once became too big and never provided redundant information; kudos to Trigg for this accomplishment! (Stylistically, I loved how the right-hand page always had a heading to show whose perspective or article was being voiced, creating absolutely no confusion while reading.)
Now, do I love the outcome? That moment when I gasped and my heart plummeted to the floor, I lost part of the mounting hope I had. But does this outcome make sense? Yes, absolutely! And in retrospect there is no other feasible ending for these characters. So, it’s a brilliant outcome!
Other highlights:
-vigilante justice
-"other"
-on trend
-freedom of speech, freedom to believe what one wants, and not be told by those in power what is wrong or right
-American Dream
-digital fingerprint
If you enjoyed the Millennium trilogy by Stieg Larsson, absolutely give this one a try!
Five huge stars to Trigg and his second thriller, Burner!
Thank you NetGalley, Book Sparks and SparkPress for the complimentary copies to read and review.
April 20, 2024
This book is about a social media movement gone wrong. Shane Stoller, the mastermind behind the online profile Burner_911 is arrested after being accused of inciting domestic terrorism. In the chaos, his girlfriend and daughter of a billionaire, Chloe Corbin is kidnapped and her captors demand that Shane be released or they’ll kill Chloe. Will Shane be convicted? Will Chloe be survive? Only time will tell.
This book was a little bit outside of my normal reads but I absolutely loved it. I was hooked from the beginning and could hardly set this book down. Told from multiple perspectives and incorporating text messages, letters, social media posts and court transcripts, this book had lots of variety, making it a very engaging read. This book also made me think about the what-ifs and what consequences of extremism on social media can bring. It also made me think about our current political climate and wealth inequality in America. Overall this was a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking novel.
This book was a little bit outside of my normal reads but I absolutely loved it. I was hooked from the beginning and could hardly set this book down. Told from multiple perspectives and incorporating text messages, letters, social media posts and court transcripts, this book had lots of variety, making it a very engaging read. This book also made me think about the what-ifs and what consequences of extremism on social media can bring. It also made me think about our current political climate and wealth inequality in America. Overall this was a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking novel.
April 19, 2024
Burner by Mike Trigg
Thank you so much Booksparks and Spark Press for the gifted copy.
What if your social media addiction jeopardizes the person you love?
✨ My thoughts:
This book isn’t one is typically pick up but after reading the synopsis I was intrigued and I’d like to say pleasantly surprised. It kept me on my toes, wanting to know what was going to happen. Luckily it was fast paced for me and easily read though thanks to the shorter chapters and mixed text formats. When the synopsis claims all too plausible… it’s eerily true. There are multiple point of views but they all came together seamlessly to give us a truly thrilling story that is relevant to us today. Burner is out now!
Happy reading 📖
Thank you so much Booksparks and Spark Press for the gifted copy.
What if your social media addiction jeopardizes the person you love?
✨ My thoughts:
This book isn’t one is typically pick up but after reading the synopsis I was intrigued and I’d like to say pleasantly surprised. It kept me on my toes, wanting to know what was going to happen. Luckily it was fast paced for me and easily read though thanks to the shorter chapters and mixed text formats. When the synopsis claims all too plausible… it’s eerily true. There are multiple point of views but they all came together seamlessly to give us a truly thrilling story that is relevant to us today. Burner is out now!
Happy reading 📖
March 28, 2024
Thank you so much for the copy of Burner Book Sparks!
What a wild book! It was told so differently from any book that I have read. Each chapter was told from a different person, court documents or social media posts. It was so interesting to see all of the different point of views of the story and how it all comes together. The trial documents were so interesting to read because it really analyzed one of the main characters, Shane. I couldn’t figure out Shane’s lawyer through out the story. Was he on Shane’s side or not until it unfolded at the end. I was not expecting the way the story ended! After the story was over I kept thinking about how real it sounded as I was reading it.
Shane Stroller was arrested for various crimes. The court is trying to prove that he is the mastermind behind the social medial account Burner_911. His online movement left people dead and his girlfriend Chloe Corbin being kidnapped. Shane is working with a lawyer that he trusts to prove his innocence. Chloe is sympathetic to the movement that Burner_911 is trying to accomplish. She tries to think of ways to get out of her kidnapping and get back to Shane as soon as possible.
What a wild book! It was told so differently from any book that I have read. Each chapter was told from a different person, court documents or social media posts. It was so interesting to see all of the different point of views of the story and how it all comes together. The trial documents were so interesting to read because it really analyzed one of the main characters, Shane. I couldn’t figure out Shane’s lawyer through out the story. Was he on Shane’s side or not until it unfolded at the end. I was not expecting the way the story ended! After the story was over I kept thinking about how real it sounded as I was reading it.
Shane Stroller was arrested for various crimes. The court is trying to prove that he is the mastermind behind the social medial account Burner_911. His online movement left people dead and his girlfriend Chloe Corbin being kidnapped. Shane is working with a lawyer that he trusts to prove his innocence. Chloe is sympathetic to the movement that Burner_911 is trying to accomplish. She tries to think of ways to get out of her kidnapping and get back to Shane as soon as possible.
Read
March 31, 2024This author is extremely talented and clever. I would definitely recommend reading from them. However, well-written as this book was, it was too extreme for my taste and around 37% I had to discontinue.
February 13, 2024
Thanks to Sparkpress, NetGalley and Mike Trigg for the ARC of this book!
Inspired by the tumultuous events of our politically charged society, the novel weaves together elements of a tragic love story, a mind-bending psychological thriller, and a sharp critique of our technology-obsessed culture. It does not merely entertain; it challenges readers to reflect on the implications of extremism in a post-truth world. "Burner" is a must-read for those who seek a gripping narrative that not only keeps them on the edge of their seats but also prompts contemplation about the world we live in today.
Inspired by the tumultuous events of our politically charged society, the novel weaves together elements of a tragic love story, a mind-bending psychological thriller, and a sharp critique of our technology-obsessed culture. It does not merely entertain; it challenges readers to reflect on the implications of extremism in a post-truth world. "Burner" is a must-read for those who seek a gripping narrative that not only keeps them on the edge of their seats but also prompts contemplation about the world we live in today.
March 13, 2024
When I say this book could've been ripped from today's headlines, i mean it. Very well written book about the dangers of the media and social media as well. The book is a quick read, and enjoyable. I loved the setup, including courtroom transcripts, and back and forth conversations that made you feel like you were the one sending the messages! Least I did! Great book. Definitely pick it up and give it a read!
February 19, 2024
Burner is not the typical type of thriller I read but I truly enjoyed it. It was written in multiple points of view, along with court transcripts/ documents, news articles, letters, and texts. It is also a commentary on social media. How it influences the influencer. How far out of control it can go. Not just in matters of gossip or material things, but with the right leverage create an unintended act of domestic terrorism. As frantic as Shane was to save Chloe there was nothing he could do if he weren’t logged in. The power that he wielded was with complete anonymity. As Chloe sat with her wrist bound her number one thought was “How many likes did I get?” The addiction to the thrill of likes went beyond the bounds of safety.
The plot twists were exceptional. Every new piece of information, new character, had me guessing. I knew that that piece of information was going to be very important in a chapter or a few pages. The characters were developed well. Shane’s background was told through interviews with the court appointed psychiatrist. How his troubled past led him to Chloe.
This was an excellent thriller and take on social media. It is completely realistic. You don’t have to use a large stretch of imagination to see it happening tomorrow.
The plot twists were exceptional. Every new piece of information, new character, had me guessing. I knew that that piece of information was going to be very important in a chapter or a few pages. The characters were developed well. Shane’s background was told through interviews with the court appointed psychiatrist. How his troubled past led him to Chloe.
This was an excellent thriller and take on social media. It is completely realistic. You don’t have to use a large stretch of imagination to see it happening tomorrow.
February 9, 2024
We have arrived! We no longer rip twists and turns from the headlines of old fashioned news~
Nobody sets their television to record hours of local to network news anymore. Why not? Well,
who relies on anything but their wrist unit, or (if you’re a Baby Boomer, you have an I-Pad,,
IPhone etc. and expect~ DEMAMD ~news be provided in real time, all of the time and forever.
So, when a “Princess,” is kidnapped, her knight in shining armor appears ready to solve all
sorts of complicated issues to bring a resolution to several problems..
This would be too simple as written, so the fellow in love turns out to be the terrorist
and the Princess is daughter of a Tech Millionaire, and this was a well planned attack.
Set in San Francisco, this story resonates from a decades ago event that I won’t mention
since it would cloud this well written story. And as the story develops the twists and turns
are beyond unexpected and amazing.
The Author is on a roll with his second book. While not a sequel, it is fun to have the story
set in San Francisco. My thanks to SparkPress via NetGalley for a download copy of this
book for review purposes
Note: This review may contain a “spoiler,” in the eyes of some.
Nobody sets their television to record hours of local to network news anymore. Why not? Well,
who relies on anything but their wrist unit, or (if you’re a Baby Boomer, you have an I-Pad,,
IPhone etc. and expect~ DEMAMD ~news be provided in real time, all of the time and forever.
So, when a “Princess,” is kidnapped, her knight in shining armor appears ready to solve all
sorts of complicated issues to bring a resolution to several problems..
This would be too simple as written, so the fellow in love turns out to be the terrorist
and the Princess is daughter of a Tech Millionaire, and this was a well planned attack.
Set in San Francisco, this story resonates from a decades ago event that I won’t mention
since it would cloud this well written story. And as the story develops the twists and turns
are beyond unexpected and amazing.
The Author is on a roll with his second book. While not a sequel, it is fun to have the story
set in San Francisco. My thanks to SparkPress via NetGalley for a download copy of this
book for review purposes
Note: This review may contain a “spoiler,” in the eyes of some.
April 9, 2024
Thank you NetGalley!
So, unless Mr. S.A Cosby decides to drop a surprise book that I don’t know about this year and happens to be amazing, Burner by Mike Brigg might be my favorite action thriller of the year. From the first page, I was sucked in. I needed answers and I needed them right there. The stakes were HIGH! The subject matter is chef kisses because we are closer to that type of environment than we think. The multiple media used in this book was necessary and insightful on the different stakeholders when it comes to things like that. Especially on the year 2024 where this mass corporations are being exposed and how everyday social media censors us more everyday. How sometimes we might be so hyper fixated with a cause without knowing how our actions and words might be taken to an extreme. This book is relevant to our times. A MUST READ
So, unless Mr. S.A Cosby decides to drop a surprise book that I don’t know about this year and happens to be amazing, Burner by Mike Brigg might be my favorite action thriller of the year. From the first page, I was sucked in. I needed answers and I needed them right there. The stakes were HIGH! The subject matter is chef kisses because we are closer to that type of environment than we think. The multiple media used in this book was necessary and insightful on the different stakeholders when it comes to things like that. Especially on the year 2024 where this mass corporations are being exposed and how everyday social media censors us more everyday. How sometimes we might be so hyper fixated with a cause without knowing how our actions and words might be taken to an extreme. This book is relevant to our times. A MUST READ
February 20, 2024
This is not your typical thriller book, it has some crime element into it and also a belief group.
This was an ok read for me, I think it could’ve been said and done within 200 pages, it did drag on a bit longer.
This was an ok read for me, I think it could’ve been said and done within 200 pages, it did drag on a bit longer.
May 1, 2024
Burner by Mike Trigg is a page-turner. The reader is dropped into the action of the story from the very first page, and the action doesn’t let up until the very last page. Trigg does an excellent job crafting a truly engaging story with short chapters that will keep readers’ interest the entire time they’re reading the book. Seriously, there isn’t a moment of reprieve when reading this book, and I mean that in the best possible way. This book is thrilling.
The plot of this book was compelling because it addresses head-on some important social and legal topics regarding income inequality (mainly in the US), forcing readers to ask questions about what they can or cannot do about such inequality and whose side they’re ultimately on and who they want to emulate more—The haves or the have-nots? Is it possible to live in this world and not (even if subconsciously) try to emulate the haves to some degree in order to survive?
This novel also forces readers to ask themselves questions about social media and the power of the online content they both create and consume, and the effect such content has on not only their behavior but their identities.
Here are some questions I was left with after reading this novel:
Does it really matter who @Burner_911 is at the end of the day? Or does it matter more what the @Burner_911 account shares and how it affects people? And how much control and culpability does @Burner_911 have in relation to their followers’ extreme words and actions? Was @Burner_911 exploiting their followers for a personal vendetta, or was it the other way around? With whom do responsibility and accountability really lie when it comes to online content: the app owners, the users, law enforcement, the laws regulating (or not regulating) all of them, or something or someone else?
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Although I may be physically constrained, ideas can’t be suppressed so easily. There is no prison for thoughts, no jail that can contain the mind.” (p.11)
“Words don’t kill people; people kill people.” (p. 59)
“Sometimes the story people want to believe sells better than the truth.” (p.73)
“You have that power—to capture the most precious commodity, people’s attention.” (p.86-7)
“Who would want their identity defined entirely by what they viewed online?” (p.102)
“But just because you watch something doesn’t automatically mean you agree with it. There are so many people trying to control what you’re allowed to watch, and say, and think in America. So many people on both sides trying to censor any opposing thought. No debate or discussion, just entrenched opposition.” (p.103)
“You can’t just be anti, anti, anti. Eventually, you need to be for something.” (p.154)
“The only difference between an internet troll and a terrorist messiah is how many followers you have.” (p.157)
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy novels with compelling plots full of contemporary social commentary, and to those who enjoy a fast-paced thrilling read that will make them think. I only rated this book four stars out of five because I didn’t end up caring about the characters that much and what they were doing or going through by the end of the novel and couldn’t really empathize with them on an intimate human-to-human and unideological level, although I really wanted to do so. And I wasn’t ultimately convinced of the love story narrative between Chloe and Shane, which was touted to be a propulsive force behind both of their actions and the main plot. Maybe more positive and truly intimate interactions or flashbacks would have helped make their bond seem more passionate, stronger, and more loving? Regardless, I will keep recommending this book to those who like plot-driven novels centered around pervasive contemporary popular ideologies.
Subscribe to Daily Drafts & Dialogues to receive more book reviews and posts about reading and writing in your inbox every day: dailydraftsanddialogues.substack.com
The plot of this book was compelling because it addresses head-on some important social and legal topics regarding income inequality (mainly in the US), forcing readers to ask questions about what they can or cannot do about such inequality and whose side they’re ultimately on and who they want to emulate more—The haves or the have-nots? Is it possible to live in this world and not (even if subconsciously) try to emulate the haves to some degree in order to survive?
This novel also forces readers to ask themselves questions about social media and the power of the online content they both create and consume, and the effect such content has on not only their behavior but their identities.
Here are some questions I was left with after reading this novel:
Does it really matter who @Burner_911 is at the end of the day? Or does it matter more what the @Burner_911 account shares and how it affects people? And how much control and culpability does @Burner_911 have in relation to their followers’ extreme words and actions? Was @Burner_911 exploiting their followers for a personal vendetta, or was it the other way around? With whom do responsibility and accountability really lie when it comes to online content: the app owners, the users, law enforcement, the laws regulating (or not regulating) all of them, or something or someone else?
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Although I may be physically constrained, ideas can’t be suppressed so easily. There is no prison for thoughts, no jail that can contain the mind.” (p.11)
“Words don’t kill people; people kill people.” (p. 59)
“Sometimes the story people want to believe sells better than the truth.” (p.73)
“You have that power—to capture the most precious commodity, people’s attention.” (p.86-7)
“Who would want their identity defined entirely by what they viewed online?” (p.102)
“But just because you watch something doesn’t automatically mean you agree with it. There are so many people trying to control what you’re allowed to watch, and say, and think in America. So many people on both sides trying to censor any opposing thought. No debate or discussion, just entrenched opposition.” (p.103)
“You can’t just be anti, anti, anti. Eventually, you need to be for something.” (p.154)
“The only difference between an internet troll and a terrorist messiah is how many followers you have.” (p.157)
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy novels with compelling plots full of contemporary social commentary, and to those who enjoy a fast-paced thrilling read that will make them think. I only rated this book four stars out of five because I didn’t end up caring about the characters that much and what they were doing or going through by the end of the novel and couldn’t really empathize with them on an intimate human-to-human and unideological level, although I really wanted to do so. And I wasn’t ultimately convinced of the love story narrative between Chloe and Shane, which was touted to be a propulsive force behind both of their actions and the main plot. Maybe more positive and truly intimate interactions or flashbacks would have helped make their bond seem more passionate, stronger, and more loving? Regardless, I will keep recommending this book to those who like plot-driven novels centered around pervasive contemporary popular ideologies.
Subscribe to Daily Drafts & Dialogues to receive more book reviews and posts about reading and writing in your inbox every day: dailydraftsanddialogues.substack.com
April 19, 2024
Thank you so much @BookSparks @Mike_Trigg254 for the gifted book! As well as including me in this spring pop up!
4.5🌟
📱 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 📱
This was a very interesting way to write a thriller that weaves in the internet obsessed culture that is prevalent today, with a polarized political climate, and a tragic love story. I enjoyed the variety of ways that this book was written including POVs, court transcripts, interviews, and online posts.
This story starts off explosive with two POVs, Shane and Chloe, on the day of a domestic terrorist attack where one is arrested and the other is being kidnapped and it’s live-streamed.
We don’t have the backstory of the initial day but slowly learn it as the chapters go back in time through online posts and interviews about the past. It was a very clever way to bring together the present day with its backstory. The chapters were short and fast paced, which I enjoyed.
The underlying story about a man building a following online telling about the wealth inequity, where others rallied behind him, is something that I’m sure happens online frequently. Shane didn’t want to be cast as a certain political affiliation, which people were always trying to identify him as one thing or the other. Having a certain identity is prevalent in today’s culture, and Shane didn’t want to be nailed down as one thing, but he wanted to be heard and valued most of all.
This story appealed to me because of the technology side of things, which the authors background is in. I could follow a lot of the technical jargon, even if high level, which kept me engaged.
The love story in this was interesting because we don’t really get much actual information on how they fell in love, so its belief is up to the reader. Interlaced into this story with people wanting to create change and start a movement, are two people falling in love, and when push comes to shove, they value that higher than they believed they would.
I had a guess as to what may happen with the online account that the massive following was following that everyone wanted access to. I think this is a unique digital age thriller that will appeal to techy folks and those who find the internet obsessed culture intriguing!
✨ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
📱 Digital Thriller
📱 Dark Web Conspiracies
📱 Social Media Influence
📱 Trading/Stocks
📱 Internet Obsessed Culture
4.5🌟
📱 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 📱
This was a very interesting way to write a thriller that weaves in the internet obsessed culture that is prevalent today, with a polarized political climate, and a tragic love story. I enjoyed the variety of ways that this book was written including POVs, court transcripts, interviews, and online posts.
This story starts off explosive with two POVs, Shane and Chloe, on the day of a domestic terrorist attack where one is arrested and the other is being kidnapped and it’s live-streamed.
We don’t have the backstory of the initial day but slowly learn it as the chapters go back in time through online posts and interviews about the past. It was a very clever way to bring together the present day with its backstory. The chapters were short and fast paced, which I enjoyed.
The underlying story about a man building a following online telling about the wealth inequity, where others rallied behind him, is something that I’m sure happens online frequently. Shane didn’t want to be cast as a certain political affiliation, which people were always trying to identify him as one thing or the other. Having a certain identity is prevalent in today’s culture, and Shane didn’t want to be nailed down as one thing, but he wanted to be heard and valued most of all.
This story appealed to me because of the technology side of things, which the authors background is in. I could follow a lot of the technical jargon, even if high level, which kept me engaged.
The love story in this was interesting because we don’t really get much actual information on how they fell in love, so its belief is up to the reader. Interlaced into this story with people wanting to create change and start a movement, are two people falling in love, and when push comes to shove, they value that higher than they believed they would.
I had a guess as to what may happen with the online account that the massive following was following that everyone wanted access to. I think this is a unique digital age thriller that will appeal to techy folks and those who find the internet obsessed culture intriguing!
✨ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
📱 Digital Thriller
📱 Dark Web Conspiracies
📱 Social Media Influence
📱 Trading/Stocks
📱 Internet Obsessed Culture
April 27, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
In the heart of Silicon Valley's digital battleground, Mike Trigg's "Burner" emerges as a contemporary thriller that encapsulates the essence of our technology-driven zeitgeist. The novel is a labyrinthine journey through the consequences of our online obsessions, where the lines between reality and virtual personas blur, leading to a crisis of identity, trust, and truth.
The story unfolds with Shane Stoller, the alleged mastermind behind the infamous online profile Burner_911, arrested for domestic terrorism. His secret lover, Chloe Corbin, daughter of a tech mogul, finds herself abducted amidst a chaotic uprising spurred by Burner_911's followers. What ensues is a harrowing tale of love, regret, and the desperate quest for redemption.
Trigg's narrative is a masterclass in tension and pace, weaving a tragic love story into a psychological thriller that delves deep into the politically charged disinformation and toxic internet subcultures. The author's background in Silicon Valley lends authenticity to the depiction of a society grappling with the ramifications of distorted online identities.
The characters are meticulously crafted, with their development unfolding in a manner that is both believable and compelling. Shane's transformation from a voice of populist dissent to a figure of regret is particularly striking, as is Chloe's evolution from a victim to a conspirator. Their relationship, a microcosm of the novel's broader themes, is a poignant commentary on the search for belonging and purpose in an age where online interactions often replace genuine human connections.
"Burner" is not just a thriller; it's a mirror held up to our current world, reflecting the dark underbelly of the digital age. It's a cautionary tale that questions the very fabric of our society, where movements can be born and die in the span of a tweet, and where love and truth become casualties in the war for clicks and likes.
In conclusion, "Burner" is a gripping read that offers more than just edge-of-your-seat suspense—it provides a thought-provoking examination of the personal and societal costs of our digital lives. Mike Trigg has penned a novel that is both timely and timeless, a must-read for anyone who has ever questioned the impact of their online footprint on the world around them.
In the heart of Silicon Valley's digital battleground, Mike Trigg's "Burner" emerges as a contemporary thriller that encapsulates the essence of our technology-driven zeitgeist. The novel is a labyrinthine journey through the consequences of our online obsessions, where the lines between reality and virtual personas blur, leading to a crisis of identity, trust, and truth.
The story unfolds with Shane Stoller, the alleged mastermind behind the infamous online profile Burner_911, arrested for domestic terrorism. His secret lover, Chloe Corbin, daughter of a tech mogul, finds herself abducted amidst a chaotic uprising spurred by Burner_911's followers. What ensues is a harrowing tale of love, regret, and the desperate quest for redemption.
Trigg's narrative is a masterclass in tension and pace, weaving a tragic love story into a psychological thriller that delves deep into the politically charged disinformation and toxic internet subcultures. The author's background in Silicon Valley lends authenticity to the depiction of a society grappling with the ramifications of distorted online identities.
The characters are meticulously crafted, with their development unfolding in a manner that is both believable and compelling. Shane's transformation from a voice of populist dissent to a figure of regret is particularly striking, as is Chloe's evolution from a victim to a conspirator. Their relationship, a microcosm of the novel's broader themes, is a poignant commentary on the search for belonging and purpose in an age where online interactions often replace genuine human connections.
"Burner" is not just a thriller; it's a mirror held up to our current world, reflecting the dark underbelly of the digital age. It's a cautionary tale that questions the very fabric of our society, where movements can be born and die in the span of a tweet, and where love and truth become casualties in the war for clicks and likes.
In conclusion, "Burner" is a gripping read that offers more than just edge-of-your-seat suspense—it provides a thought-provoking examination of the personal and societal costs of our digital lives. Mike Trigg has penned a novel that is both timely and timeless, a must-read for anyone who has ever questioned the impact of their online footprint on the world around them.
April 28, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What initially drew me to Burner was the variety of mediums used to show the story: multiple POVs, courtroom transcripts, social media posts, news articles. I am always a fan of telling a story in an untraditional style. We follow Shane’s story, an individual behind a social media account that has caused particular extremists to take the movement’s intentions and use them for their own agenda.
As I started to read, I was initially concerned that it would be very political in one direction, which I wasn’t sure about reading. However, as I continued, it became clear that the intent behind the book was to show every side of a movement and how different ideologies can coopt that for their own benefit. I think it is a great example of how a movement can start as a passive form of expression and soon become something else depending on the people it attracts. Shane is quick to reinforce that his ideas and his intent aren’t politically motivated whenever it’s mentioned, but that doesn’t stop his followers from making it political. There’s a lot of social commentary going on, especially regarding extremist movements and social media, and I appreciate that. It made it different from the thrillers I usually read.
I have to commend the ending. I wasn’t sure how the story would come to an end, especially because I predicted several of the reveals throughout the book. I think the ending resonates both with recent events that have been in the public eye, but also in what I imagine is an ideal world for some of these movements. It’s a prime example of how getting out into the world and away from how you were raised can change your views.
Thank you so much to BookSparks for my finished copy!
April 14, 2024
Full disclosure: if I had read the summary of this book before choosing to read it....I probably wouldn't have picked it up. But let me just say....I am really glad I went in blind!
Shane's one goal really resonates throughout the entire book. He wants economic fairness, a redistribution of wealth. There are multiple times that support characters try to force his beliefs to one side or the other, and Shane is adamant that his cause and his plan are NOT political. Conservative or Liberal, everyone can believe in his plan. Chloe believes in his plan.
Shane is arrested for (among other things) inciting an alt-right violent protest that threatened public safety and caused unreal economic upset. When a cell among his followers attempt to take matters in their own hands, Shane's secret girlfriend (and billionaire's daughter) Chloe is kidnapped. Shane needs to make sure he is safe, but he is cut off from technology and his online platform. Chaos ensues.
There is a lot of technological jargon in here, be warned. That being said, Mike Trigg makes it very easy to understand via context clues. Also, there are multiple medias explored....from court transcripts and press releases to blog posts and text threads. Again, very easy to follow so don't let that scare you away!
Thank you SparkPress, Mike Trigg, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Shane's one goal really resonates throughout the entire book. He wants economic fairness, a redistribution of wealth. There are multiple times that support characters try to force his beliefs to one side or the other, and Shane is adamant that his cause and his plan are NOT political. Conservative or Liberal, everyone can believe in his plan. Chloe believes in his plan.
Shane is arrested for (among other things) inciting an alt-right violent protest that threatened public safety and caused unreal economic upset. When a cell among his followers attempt to take matters in their own hands, Shane's secret girlfriend (and billionaire's daughter) Chloe is kidnapped. Shane needs to make sure he is safe, but he is cut off from technology and his online platform. Chaos ensues.
There is a lot of technological jargon in here, be warned. That being said, Mike Trigg makes it very easy to understand via context clues. Also, there are multiple medias explored....from court transcripts and press releases to blog posts and text threads. Again, very easy to follow so don't let that scare you away!
Thank you SparkPress, Mike Trigg, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
April 17, 2024
Summary:
Shane, the anonymous online presence behind a group of domestic terrorists, is arrested in the aftermath of his uprising against a set of billionaires he calls the elite. But when a militia type group that follows Shane kidnaps his girlfriend in order to leverage his acquittal, his goals change in prison change from keeping the movement going to saving Chloe. Through a dual POV and series of court and media documents, the identity and downfall of burner_911 shows how propaganda and mob mentality can sway people to make devastating choices.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️ 0/5
Tropes:
Conspiracy Theories
Anti-government
Dual POV
Triggers:
K!dnapping
Mürd3r
Extortion
Financial Ruin
My Thoughts:
This isn’t typically my type of book but I was super intrigued by the plot and I’m glad I read it! The book reads like a movie (in a good way) and the story moves with transcripts from press briefing and court, as well as media articles. This book shows how dangerous fear and anger between the haves and the have nots can be, and how easy it is for a person of influence to sway the thinking of others.
Shane, the anonymous online presence behind a group of domestic terrorists, is arrested in the aftermath of his uprising against a set of billionaires he calls the elite. But when a militia type group that follows Shane kidnaps his girlfriend in order to leverage his acquittal, his goals change in prison change from keeping the movement going to saving Chloe. Through a dual POV and series of court and media documents, the identity and downfall of burner_911 shows how propaganda and mob mentality can sway people to make devastating choices.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️ 0/5
Tropes:
Conspiracy Theories
Anti-government
Dual POV
Triggers:
K!dnapping
Mürd3r
Extortion
Financial Ruin
My Thoughts:
This isn’t typically my type of book but I was super intrigued by the plot and I’m glad I read it! The book reads like a movie (in a good way) and the story moves with transcripts from press briefing and court, as well as media articles. This book shows how dangerous fear and anger between the haves and the have nots can be, and how easy it is for a person of influence to sway the thinking of others.
April 13, 2024
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire read. The storyline had so many twists and turns and was extremely well thought out and executed.
I loved the characters as soon as we were introduced to them, they all had an air of mystery and excitement to them in their own ways. As I got to know the characters more I just wanted more and more details on them.
The whole book was extremely intense and anytime I had to put it down I was just itching to pick it back up again.
The writing style really drew me in and had a great flow to it. I think the author did an amazing job giving us multiple POVs, exciting characters, social media posts, court proceedings and media press conferences. I felt like I was right there watching everything in real life, instead of just reading about it.
This book gives you thriller, mystery, romance, suspense and tons of drama!
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
Thank you so much BookSparks and Mike Trigg for my arc copy, I am leaving this review on my own.
April 20, 2024
“Burner” by @mike_trigg254 is 🔥 this book was a high octane thriller from page one - I couldn’t put it down!
This contemporary thriller explores the dark underbelly of our technology-obsessed culture. Inspired by the explosive events of our polarized political climate, follows Shane Stoller, accused of domestic terrorism and leading an online revolution under an account called Burner_911, who is secretly in love with Chloe Corbin, the socialite daughter of a tech billionaire.
The story is told ingeniously through first person narratives of Shane, Chloe, and Wayne (Shane’s lawyer), as well as courtroom transcripts, news articles, and intercepted texts.
The story was so believable because we are living through the themes of the book in the real world. Burner navigates the murky waters of disinformation and distorted online personas - asking at what cost do we offer ourselves up to technology and who holds the power.
Thanks to @booksparks for providing #BurnerTheNovel and allowing me to participate in the #SpringPopUp 🌺
This contemporary thriller explores the dark underbelly of our technology-obsessed culture. Inspired by the explosive events of our polarized political climate, follows Shane Stoller, accused of domestic terrorism and leading an online revolution under an account called Burner_911, who is secretly in love with Chloe Corbin, the socialite daughter of a tech billionaire.
The story is told ingeniously through first person narratives of Shane, Chloe, and Wayne (Shane’s lawyer), as well as courtroom transcripts, news articles, and intercepted texts.
The story was so believable because we are living through the themes of the book in the real world. Burner navigates the murky waters of disinformation and distorted online personas - asking at what cost do we offer ourselves up to technology and who holds the power.
Thanks to @booksparks for providing #BurnerTheNovel and allowing me to participate in the #SpringPopUp 🌺
April 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Sparkpress for giving me the opportunity to read this book! This book was such an interesting read to me. I was expecting it to be a typical thriller that I would buzz through and enjoy while I had it in my hands, but the topic was much more complex than that. We live in a day and age where extremism is everywhere. Vitriol is everywhere, and everyone enjoys throwing stones. In the midst of it all, Burner_911 is ready to harness it and burn it down. But when online extremism becomes October 12, what is the cost of fighting?
I am not going to lie to you, I almost DNF’d this book a couple of times because the language used are things that people I loved used to say all the time and it honestly was triggering. But this book was actually kinda a space for me to explore what might be going on in their minds and lives. It was also just a fascinating thriller that I really enjoyed, so while it was uncomfortable at times, I’m grateful I had the opportunity to read it.
I am not going to lie to you, I almost DNF’d this book a couple of times because the language used are things that people I loved used to say all the time and it honestly was triggering. But this book was actually kinda a space for me to explore what might be going on in their minds and lives. It was also just a fascinating thriller that I really enjoyed, so while it was uncomfortable at times, I’m grateful I had the opportunity to read it.
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