The Burning Men

Nathaniel Cade #2.5

by Christopher Farnsworth

A man stands up in a crowded movie theater. A moment later, everything is burning. When the smoke clears and the bodies are removed, there is no trace of any bomb, or device, or even a matchstick. There's just the corpse of one man, a statue in ash, with an obscene grin still upon his charred skull.

Nothing human could have done this.

Fortunately, Nathaniel Cade isn't human, either. Turned into a blood-drinking abomination 145 years ago, he is bound by a special blood oath to serve and protect the United States from supernatural threats. Together with his White House handler, Zach Barrows, Cade races to find out who was behind the murders of a dozen innocent people. They have no suspects, no leads, and no explanations.

All they have is Cade's vampiric talents and a ticking countdown to the next explosion. Because Cade is certain of one thing: this is only where the fire starts...

Genres: Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Horror, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Thriller

34 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2014

About the author

Christopher Farnsworth is the author of FLASHMOB (one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2017), KILLFILE, THE ETERNAL WORLD, and the PRESIDENT'S VAMPIRE series. A screenwriter and journalist, he lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've missed Cade and this was good mini-adventure with him and Zach as they tackle the latest supernatural threat, set in between the second and third books. We also get introduced to a new character that I'd like to see more of but time will tell on that one. In any event, this story just whetted my appetite for another full Cade novel which, hopefully, will come sooner rather than later.

[Graeme Rodaughan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short novella/novelette, not as good as the full sized books.

This (short) book will suit those who enjoy a good, solid (but very slim) conspiracy, some supernatural elements (at least one), and thriller and suspense style action (delivered in a very small package...)

[Elena Linville-Abdo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a little short story about Cade and Zach investigating another one of the cases that involve sorcery or monsters.

It's short and fast paced and will help you kill a couple hours during a lazy afternoon. It's rather straightforward and has none of the political conspiracies, cross and double cross, that the main books in the series have. But all in all, as I said, it was an easy read on a cold afternoon, so I appreciated it for what it was.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good quick read with Nathaniel Cade searching out "burning men", set between books 2 and 3. Introduced a new character, Dr. Ramos, who seems to be a good foil for Cade. Hope to see more of her in future books.
Speaking of that, when is the next book coming out, anyway?

[Tim Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always glad to get another Nathaniel Cade (and Zach Barrows) story, however short it is. Like many fans, I have been eager for a fourth novel in the series. This, while quite enjoyable, just made me miss the series even more. Is that a good thing?

It is my kind of short story, a good self-contained adventure with a clear beginning, middle, and end, not just a literary thought exploration of some idea that is never fully followed up on. The adventure clearly takes place in the Cadeverse but doesn’t seem to touch upon larger issues in the series (and doesn’t spoil other books in the series either). I have a minor complaint in the amount of exposition related about Cade, Barrows, and what they do, but if viewed as a good way for a new reader to try out the series is quite forgivable.

There isn’t much I can really say about the story other than it involves something not explored so far in the series, an apparent case of spontaneous human composition. Or perhaps more than one case… The overall probem is clearly handled, though there is a definitely a large loose thread that is left hanging. I would have liked a little more story to resolve that loose plot element but it was by no means a problem as far as the overall quality of the story.

The author did a good job of capturing the feel of the setting, the interaction between Cade and Barrows, and their quite different senses of humor and general perspective on both things that go bump in the night and of life in general.

There is a new character, a medical examiner by the name of Dr. Ramos, that is introduced. She was interesting, time will tell if she will be a permanent addition to the series.

[Jamey Goodyear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read about our favorite vampire.

The Burning Men is a short story starring Nathaniel Cade, the President’s vampire and Cade’s handler, Zack.

It’s the story of some men who seem to be able to spontaneously combust when they will it. The fire is so intense that it takes out people around them. However, it is a one-time deal. Their original goal was to attack places of political power but they are unable to do that so their plans change.

Cade and Zack get the first call after a fire in a movie theater. From there they are in a rush to find the other men before any more lives are lost.

This is a fast paced story and a quick read. Christopher Farnsworth has one of the best vampire series that I have read. I recommend this story to those who like vampire stories. If you haven’t read the other books by Christopher, you will enjoy them also. They are much more in depth with a lot of action.

[Siera London · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathanial Cade is one sexy vampire.

I love his dedication to protecting the nation and the human race. Zach is the humanity that Cade can’t be. They are a nice hero pair.

[Ubiquitousbastard · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unenthusiastic three stars from me. It would have been two, really, but I sort of laughed about the whole Burning Man thing. Yes it was funny, because hippies. So, while this was ridiculous in the same way as the rest of the series, it fell flat with me, maybe because a lack of a good amount of bickering, I'm not sure. I think the more that I talk about the short story, the more I actually don't like it, so I'm going to just stop so that I can still give it the three stars that I wanted to give it. Kind of wanted to give it.

[Dana Delamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short adventure about Cade and Zach. It wraps up a little too neatly--it felt like there wasn't quite enough challenge for Cade at the end. However, there are some good gems in the dialogue, and I liked the new medical examiner with the hots for Cade. I hope we see more of her in later stories.

I hope there's more planned in the Nathaniel Cade series, because I need it!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cade does what he does best in this one, no surprise there. The surprise was how much these crimes bothered Zach, to the point that he became the blood thirsty one, I totally agreed with him.

There was one funny spot, when one of the scientist hit on Cade, she was a brave woman to even try.

[Luke Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When a fire kills almost a dozen people in a movie theatre, the authorities are stumped. There's no trace of arson, no sign of gasoline or a bomb, the only evidence a charred human corpse with a mocking grin on its skull. Nathaniel Cade and Zachary Barrows recognise it instantly as something not of this world. Someone has found a way to weaponise spontaneous human combustion, to turn themselves into living bombs that can walk through any form of security and will themselves to detonate. Cade and Zach have to find these pyromaniacs and stop them before the body count climbs higher..."

A bit like a kid with a new toy having started with Kindle, so I decided to read a book I've been meaning to for a while; Nathaniel Cade remains one of my favourite fictional vampires, and while The Burning Men was short and sweet, and the ending a bit too abrupt for my liking, it was a fast paced short story that kept me hooked all the way through and has definitely got me wanting more; I desperately need a full length Cade novel soon!

[Allison Simms · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this out of order, as I have already read the main trilogy, but my library didn't have the novellas. That said, it worked fine as a standalone. I liked Zach's character arc in the story although I am not exactly sure why this case felt more upsetting to him than other civilian deaths he has witnessed on the job. The backstory of the antagonists had some interesting dialogue on how well meaning people can become radicalized and end up doing harm and losing their way. And that we should be mindful not to be gullible followers. I would have liked to learn more about the supernatural force that gave them the power to spontaneously combust. That it smelled like brimstone makes me think it was demonic, but that was never explicitly stated.

[Cynthia Terrones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT STORY THAT JUST LEAVES YOU WANTING MORE OF CADE & ZACH.

This was another must read book by Christopher Farnsworth with Nathaniel Cade as the main character. Definitely another 5 star review and I'm so very ready to see what else is in store for this Vampire and his handler Zach Barrows. This is one great duo and I am loving that their back together again and of course can't wait to see what Christopher Farnsworth does with them in the future as I'm counting the days and hoping for another nice big long story to read. Thank you so much Christopher Farnsworth.

[Lucas Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I can't get enough of Cade and Zach and their fight against the "other side". Great little short story (novella? ....whatever it didn't last long enough). Quick read and very entertaining. Great for the President's Vampire completist but also it would be a low cost low commitment if you are thinking of exploring the series more fully.

[Jeannie Musick]

This was a Cade short story, which I was happy to see. It was about time we saw Cade again. Sometimes Chris uses more profanity than I would like, a trend that escalated throughout the Cade series, but his storytelling is solid. Burning Men is well worth the read for anyone interested in the horror genre.

[Margaret Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different read

This looked interesting so I decided to get it. A vampire working for the government. I will have to go back and read the first books. But this can be read on it’s own. It was as interesting as it sounded.

[John Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great.

It's been quite a while since I last read these stories. I'd forgotten how much I liked Cade as a character. A brilliant take on the vampire genre. Looks like i'm going to reread all the novels, that's how good the books are.

[Paxton Holley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a short story that takes place between the second and third books. Cade and Zach against terrorists that can spontaneously combust.

Love stories with this duo. Hoping there’s more to come.

[Anne Stiebing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Wish it had been longer. But that's okay because it was still great!

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's was good but way too short and there was no explanation how they blow up? Otherwise Cade is a bad ass like always.

[Wanda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this character

Would like to see more of this series. I usually don't care for short stories,but this one was well worth reading. Can't wait for the next Cade full length book😊

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick novella in the Nathaniel Cade series. While I can see why it wasn't incorporated into a full novel, it was an enjoyable aside into a smaller adventure with Zach and Cade.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure where in the series line-up this was quite supposed to go. Other than that, and enjoyable mini-outing.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story - felt a little too short, but still an enjoyable super-quick read.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story that I enjoyed much better. The concept for the villein was an interesting one.

[Daniella Featherstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it's supposed to be short but I wish it was longer. It was nice to see then work on a case together.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cool Cade short story.

[Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short! Kidding, always love to read a Nathaniel Cade story. Genuinely hope that the author works out the rights issues and can continue with the series.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cafe novella

I enjoyed this novella but I don't think anyone who had not read the two presidential vampire books would appreciate it.

[Neyly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice visit with Cade and Zach but short - too short. I actually looked to see if I missed some pages once I got to the end, but no. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent.