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Beneath the Burning Sun
It’s been four years since Kaira Aziz was imprisoned at the prisoner-of-war camp. In that time, she’s established a school, built a community and found a friend who has her back in everything. Yet, her hope for the future of Altairians, her people, diminishes.
At least, that is until she meets Mikko Arias in less than fortunate circumstances. He’s one of the highest ranking Keranian guards - the enemy of her people - and just so happens to be the one keeping the camp running. When he learns one of her most well-kept secrets, he offers her a dangerous proposition: become his spy or face the wrath of his King.
Pressured to give up the things most important to her, Kaira grapples with a decisive question. Can she betray those closest to her for a chance at her people’s freedom?
As the pair teeter on the edge of trust and betrayal, one thing becomes clear: not everyone will survive the final reckoning.
At least, that is until she meets Mikko Arias in less than fortunate circumstances. He’s one of the highest ranking Keranian guards - the enemy of her people - and just so happens to be the one keeping the camp running. When he learns one of her most well-kept secrets, he offers her a dangerous proposition: become his spy or face the wrath of his King.
Pressured to give up the things most important to her, Kaira grapples with a decisive question. Can she betray those closest to her for a chance at her people’s freedom?
As the pair teeter on the edge of trust and betrayal, one thing becomes clear: not everyone will survive the final reckoning.
280 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2025
12 people want to read
About the author
Annalise Healey
6 books36 followersAnnalise Healey is an Australian author who has had a passion for reading for most of her teenage years. Now, she's juggling completing a Bachelor's degree whilst publishing books, being a prose editor for a literary magazine and offering freelance author services.
Annalise enjoys reading a wide range of genres, with a special fondness for fantasy and romance. Her enjoyment of variety is reflected in her writing as she has written fantasy, dystopian, contemporary romance and children's books, and her next plans involve dark romance.
Annalise enjoys reading a wide range of genres, with a special fondness for fantasy and romance. Her enjoyment of variety is reflected in her writing as she has written fantasy, dystopian, contemporary romance and children's books, and her next plans involve dark romance.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
thank you to the author for the arc!
this book was wonderful! i loved the way the world was set up — kerani and altairian — it was super easy to understand the world, which made it more enjoyable to read. the characters were also absolutely lovely! mikko and kaira were so cute, i loved them. their relationship arc was extremely well done and engaging. i also loved how we got snippets of other characters like tuomas and mila! they were such a sweetie, and she was such a badass. the plot twists at the end result threw me for a loop, i kept getting shocked and more shocked, i was impressed! overall, it is a very good dystopian novel with really fun characters, intriguing plot and story and fascinating world/politics.
thank you to the author for the arc!
this book was wonderful! i loved the way the world was set up — kerani and altairian — it was super easy to understand the world, which made it more enjoyable to read. the characters were also absolutely lovely! mikko and kaira were so cute, i loved them. their relationship arc was extremely well done and engaging. i also loved how we got snippets of other characters like tuomas and mila! they were such a sweetie, and she was such a badass. the plot twists at the end result threw me for a loop, i kept getting shocked and more shocked, i was impressed! overall, it is a very good dystopian novel with really fun characters, intriguing plot and story and fascinating world/politics.
March 5, 2025
First of all, thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. I apologize for this being a day late due to time zone differences.
I have no idea what to rate this because I only read dystopian YA every now and then but oh my gosh, when's Book 2? And the spin-off series? And the spin-off series of the spin-off series? How can it just end like that? GIRL.
I loved Kaira and Mikko. Their friendship was top-notch, and I kept highlighting their banter like crazy. Not to mention the book blew by in a breeze. I'm a slow reader, but with my Kindle Paperwhite, I was able to read this in about 80 hours or so. I read this on the beach, and the setting seemed perfect. It was fun to see the characters grow together. Also, the detail in the nickname "little birdie?" I enjoyed it so much.
The twists made my jaw DROP. I had to go inside and finish the book because my hands were too cold to type up all my reactions. I loved how the beginning of the story came back around and the ending (I was so worried something tragic would happen).
So one note is that I'm a first-person past-tense girlie. This book is third-person present tense, which is usually hard for me to get into, but this was the perfect perspective for Kaira's story. I connected to her very early into the story. I'm also a romance girlie. I knew going into this that there was no romance, and this felt like the right choice for the characters and their development.
I also appreciate that this is an indie book that isn't riddled with errors or grammar mistakes. The fact that the author edited this herself (to my knowledge) shows the skill level she has in her craft.
Please write more YA, Anna Healey, please! I recommend this book for teens (and adults!) who enjoy a nice and fast PG read.
I have no idea what to rate this because I only read dystopian YA every now and then but oh my gosh, when's Book 2? And the spin-off series? And the spin-off series of the spin-off series? How can it just end like that? GIRL.
I loved Kaira and Mikko. Their friendship was top-notch, and I kept highlighting their banter like crazy. Not to mention the book blew by in a breeze. I'm a slow reader, but with my Kindle Paperwhite, I was able to read this in about 80 hours or so. I read this on the beach, and the setting seemed perfect. It was fun to see the characters grow together. Also, the detail in the nickname "little birdie?" I enjoyed it so much.
The twists made my jaw DROP. I had to go inside and finish the book because my hands were too cold to type up all my reactions. I loved how the beginning of the story came back around and the ending (I was so worried something tragic would happen).
So one note is that I'm a first-person past-tense girlie. This book is third-person present tense, which is usually hard for me to get into, but this was the perfect perspective for Kaira's story. I connected to her very early into the story. I'm also a romance girlie. I knew going into this that there was no romance, and this felt like the right choice for the characters and their development.
I also appreciate that this is an indie book that isn't riddled with errors or grammar mistakes. The fact that the author edited this herself (to my knowledge) shows the skill level she has in her craft.
Please write more YA, Anna Healey, please! I recommend this book for teens (and adults!) who enjoy a nice and fast PG read.
March 4, 2025
“Don’t be silly” Kiara says in the same demeaning tone, “One person isn’t enough to lift the sun”
~~~~~
A fast pace fantasy that grabs your attention quickly. This was a wonderful book about the fight in a woman, even when all hope seems to be lost. A soldier struggling with the pressure of his people and the conviction from his morals.
The supporting characters were memorable and some of my favorites. Tuomas and Mila added depth and context to the world and Forren, or Mikko’s, character.
I absolutely loved the arc between Forren and Kaira. It was realistic, slowly building, and I found relief in the fact it wasn’t a main plot point. You could see it hidden in the actions and the dialogue between them and it made it almost infinitely better seeing the tension build up.
The storyline was entertaining and easy to track. I loved the world building and just the idea of the story. After finishing the book, I found it absolutely insane it was only 37 chapters. I almost wish it could’ve been longer. Not only to allow me, all readers, to get a better glimpse inside the world, but allow the story more time to more time to truly develop. Though that may be me being selfish because this book is so good, and I can only hope for more content from the author! I am so appreciative and honored to have been an ARC reader for Annalise Healey, and I cannot wait for more!
~~~~~
A fast pace fantasy that grabs your attention quickly. This was a wonderful book about the fight in a woman, even when all hope seems to be lost. A soldier struggling with the pressure of his people and the conviction from his morals.
The supporting characters were memorable and some of my favorites. Tuomas and Mila added depth and context to the world and Forren, or Mikko’s, character.
I absolutely loved the arc between Forren and Kaira. It was realistic, slowly building, and I found relief in the fact it wasn’t a main plot point. You could see it hidden in the actions and the dialogue between them and it made it almost infinitely better seeing the tension build up.
The storyline was entertaining and easy to track. I loved the world building and just the idea of the story. After finishing the book, I found it absolutely insane it was only 37 chapters. I almost wish it could’ve been longer. Not only to allow me, all readers, to get a better glimpse inside the world, but allow the story more time to more time to truly develop. Though that may be me being selfish because this book is so good, and I can only hope for more content from the author! I am so appreciative and honored to have been an ARC reader for Annalise Healey, and I cannot wait for more!
January 27, 2025
Thank you so much to Annalise Healey for this ARC!
•
There is a lot to like about this book. The desert setting, the layered characters, the fun dynamics. I love Kaira and Mikko. Mikko is one of my favorite kinds of mmcs and is just...precious.
I wish some moments had been given more space to breathe. Sometimes I felt like we were moving too quick and wanted to slow down a little just to exist in that moment. There were a few scenes (one in particular that I wish I could squeal about in this review because it's one of my favorite tropes) where we slowed down and the characters were allowed to just feel and/or talk, and I loved it, but even those I would've liked to be stretched out just a tad more. Most people will probably like how fast the book clips along, though. So don't let my personal preference deter you.
There were other things that I wish were fleshed out just a bit more, and the ending felt somewhat abrupt. But the overall vibes of this book are superb. I didn't want it to end. I just wanted to stay with Mikko and Kaira. And everyone else! There are some fun side characters in this book too. If you like dystopian YA, I think you'll like this book.
•
There is a lot to like about this book. The desert setting, the layered characters, the fun dynamics. I love Kaira and Mikko. Mikko is one of my favorite kinds of mmcs and is just...precious.
I wish some moments had been given more space to breathe. Sometimes I felt like we were moving too quick and wanted to slow down a little just to exist in that moment. There were a few scenes (one in particular that I wish I could squeal about in this review because it's one of my favorite tropes) where we slowed down and the characters were allowed to just feel and/or talk, and I loved it, but even those I would've liked to be stretched out just a tad more. Most people will probably like how fast the book clips along, though. So don't let my personal preference deter you.
There were other things that I wish were fleshed out just a bit more, and the ending felt somewhat abrupt. But the overall vibes of this book are superb. I didn't want it to end. I just wanted to stay with Mikko and Kaira. And everyone else! There are some fun side characters in this book too. If you like dystopian YA, I think you'll like this book.
March 20, 2025
First, this is an ARC review, and I would like to thank the author for the early access to reading this book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay, I literally loved this book. It was amazing, with complex and realistic plot lines. I don't read much dystopian books (trying to get more into it) and this is literally such an amazing start. The characters, the setting, the world cultures and politics, all of it is so interesting and really shows how complicated the world is beyond the eye. At some points I would disagree with a character or an opinion, but that really shows that complexity in perspective and the world itself.
Character wise, Kaira was literally so amazing. She's a complicated character, loyal to her people, but also willing to go against them for their own good. She does everything she can through the whole book to help her people and free them, even if it means ruining her reputation and 'betraying them'. This is such a realistic topic, and it reminds me of a quote from a show, "A good man never does the right thing and never sins" (or something like that). Doing the right thing isn't always black and white, and that story shows that with Kaira. It also does with Mikko, aka Forren (Iconic behavior from Kaira calling him that throughout most of the book). He's his own type of complex character, and shows the grey area of doing the best for others. He's seen as an enemy, hurting and locking the people away, but in reality it's so much more than that. I did disagree with him at times, but again, this shows how complicated reality is beyond one's perspective. Also, their relationship is legit so cute, and interesting. Love them so much.
As for the plot itself, it was amazing. It was perfectly paced, with the perfect length. I found it so easy to read, and with the length it was at, it gave me great understanding of the plot and story background. The last 30% of the book literally made me hold my breath at times, and I was STRESSED. THOSE PLOT TWISTS?? ANNA?
Generally, this is an amazing book, and isn't too complicated for people starting to read dystopian. I would recommend it one hundred percent. The desert vibes of this book helped me through the snow of the month, and they were immaculate. Loved it, now go support Anna and read it now. :)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay, I literally loved this book. It was amazing, with complex and realistic plot lines. I don't read much dystopian books (trying to get more into it) and this is literally such an amazing start. The characters, the setting, the world cultures and politics, all of it is so interesting and really shows how complicated the world is beyond the eye. At some points I would disagree with a character or an opinion, but that really shows that complexity in perspective and the world itself.
Character wise, Kaira was literally so amazing. She's a complicated character, loyal to her people, but also willing to go against them for their own good. She does everything she can through the whole book to help her people and free them, even if it means ruining her reputation and 'betraying them'. This is such a realistic topic, and it reminds me of a quote from a show, "A good man never does the right thing and never sins" (or something like that). Doing the right thing isn't always black and white, and that story shows that with Kaira. It also does with Mikko, aka Forren (Iconic behavior from Kaira calling him that throughout most of the book). He's his own type of complex character, and shows the grey area of doing the best for others. He's seen as an enemy, hurting and locking the people away, but in reality it's so much more than that. I did disagree with him at times, but again, this shows how complicated reality is beyond one's perspective. Also, their relationship is legit so cute, and interesting. Love them so much.
As for the plot itself, it was amazing. It was perfectly paced, with the perfect length. I found it so easy to read, and with the length it was at, it gave me great understanding of the plot and story background. The last 30% of the book literally made me hold my breath at times, and I was STRESSED. THOSE PLOT TWISTS?? ANNA?
Generally, this is an amazing book, and isn't too complicated for people starting to read dystopian. I would recommend it one hundred percent. The desert vibes of this book helped me through the snow of the month, and they were immaculate. Loved it, now go support Anna and read it now. :)
February 6, 2025
This book is a mix of The Hunger Games and Divergent in the best way. It really is coming out at the perfect time, since politics are jumping at the absolute worst possible way. It’s alright, though, cause we have new dystopian books like this one to inspire people to fight back.
I absolutely loved reading Kaira and Mikko’s story and trek to making their world fair. Even though some parts were slower than others, it didn’t stop me from binging the entire book within twenty four hours and talking to my friends about it excitedly between reading sessions.
Thank you so much to Anna for sending me an early copy of this book!
I absolutely loved reading Kaira and Mikko’s story and trek to making their world fair. Even though some parts were slower than others, it didn’t stop me from binging the entire book within twenty four hours and talking to my friends about it excitedly between reading sessions.
Thank you so much to Anna for sending me an early copy of this book!
March 6, 2025
"...I'll happen, becuase beneath the burning sun, the future has never been brighter".
It was a super easy read and I had an easy start into the book.
The book is a dystopian read with no smut or strong language - I still wish there would've been a little more tention between Kaira and Forren.
The different settings were great - desert, modern cities and the ocean. The different places were well presentet and I was able to imagine them pretty well.
Overall a super cute read. Would absolutley recommend.
It was a super easy read and I had an easy start into the book.
The book is a dystopian read with no smut or strong language - I still wish there would've been a little more tention between Kaira and Forren.
The different settings were great - desert, modern cities and the ocean. The different places were well presentet and I was able to imagine them pretty well.
Overall a super cute read. Would absolutley recommend.
May 11, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book so much! It caught my attention quickly and I easily plunged into this universe. Thank you Annalise for this amazing story! <3
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews