2082 and humanity is nearing extinction. Desperate to stay hidden from the violent gangs and thieves that prey on the survivors, a tiny community clings to life at the edges of a dying town.
Edie Fletcher is one of them. When her friends start to go missing, and her home is discovered, she knows the only hope is a treacherous journey across the moors.
But something waits for them across the hills. When they discover what it is, it will be too late.
Burning is a YA dystopian story which caught my attention as I haven't read a YA dystopian in some time and I thoroughly enjoy the genre, What also caught my eye was that it was set in England. I've been on the lookout for more England based YA that isn't contemporary, so was pleased to pick this up.
The main characters we follow are Edie Fletcher and her family. Edie is a very independent and impulsive 17 year old who is just trying to help her family and others survive in the new world after the disease has ravaged the population. She does things she's not supposed to like any other teenager as she feels she knows better, but she does them for the right reasons as she has a good heart. Pascha is a typical little brother who gets under the feet and is generally irritating to his older sister, but in reality is just a good boy.
Throughout the book there is a constant feeling of unease and that there is always a threat hanging over everyone. It made for quite an uncomfortable yet compelling read. I feel this is the closest to a "real" dystopian story that I have ever read and the fact that it could happen makes it all the more scary. It shows how different people cope in these situations, some become strong and lead others in the best way to work together and survive, others become followers and need other people to deal with things for them and some people use it as a way to gain power and control others in the most sinister and vicious way.
The story is very well written and the ending was incredibly intense. I found myself yelling at a particular character because of how angry and terrified I was of him.
I really enjoyed Burning and I'm glad Primitive is already out as I will be going straight on to read that!
Well written tale. And for once I'm tempted to give a damn about the characters and buy the next book. It is dark, but the girl Eddie is worth rooting for. Liked this story I did
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 amazing stars for a strong female lead If you're looking for a book that keeps you wanting to turn the page, look no further - Burning is it! From the suspense, to the love story and everything in between, this book had me at page one wanting more! The characters draw you in, word by word, making you fall in love with them and feeling every emotion they share! Edie is my favorite, she draws you into her life, she shows you strength and determination! I relate to her because, like her, I want to protect those I love! This book threw me through some loops and I can't wait to find out where Edie's journey leads me next. ~Raquel's review~