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Burn Bright
A handsome prince. A dangerous wolf shifter. And a quest to hunt a mysterious firebird...
Neva Bane knows better than to enter the Gravenwold Woods. Monsters and witches lurk there, and those who enter don't come out.
But when a handsome young prince arrives in her village, on a quest to hunt the firebird within the woods, Neva has no choice but to guide him—or see her ailing father forced to do so instead.
The king is dying. The only thing that can save him is the heart of the firebird. But the deeper into the forest they go, the more Neva learns about the firebird's secrets... Neva must sabotage the hunt if she's to prevent a magical war, but her only potential allies are a wolf shifter who drives her crazy, and a witch with an agenda of her own.
Can Neva save her world from the darkness they've unleashed—or is it too late?
Join USA Today bestselling author, Bec McMaster, on a journey through a dark fairytale where a young huntress clashes with a powerful curse that could destroy everything she loves... Download this epic coming-of-age fantasy filled with magic and breathtaking romance, today!
Neva Bane knows better than to enter the Gravenwold Woods. Monsters and witches lurk there, and those who enter don't come out.
But when a handsome young prince arrives in her village, on a quest to hunt the firebird within the woods, Neva has no choice but to guide him—or see her ailing father forced to do so instead.
The king is dying. The only thing that can save him is the heart of the firebird. But the deeper into the forest they go, the more Neva learns about the firebird's secrets... Neva must sabotage the hunt if she's to prevent a magical war, but her only potential allies are a wolf shifter who drives her crazy, and a witch with an agenda of her own.
Can Neva save her world from the darkness they've unleashed—or is it too late?
Join USA Today bestselling author, Bec McMaster, on a journey through a dark fairytale where a young huntress clashes with a powerful curse that could destroy everything she loves... Download this epic coming-of-age fantasy filled with magic and breathtaking romance, today!
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2018
31 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Bec McMaster
64 books3,464 followersKidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 29, 2018
I love Bec McMaster's paranormal romance so I don't know why I'm surprised that I dig her Young Adult as well. This is not paranormal, per se, it's more YA fantasy and it's adorable.
January 8, 2018
Reading this as part of Myths and Magic: An Epic Fantasy and Speculative Fiction Boxed Set
Bec McMaster has been one of my favorite urban fantasy authors ever since I started reading her London Steampunk series back in 2014 -- and it was for my personal challenge too! I found her heroines to be superbly awesome, and her heroes to die for. I've pretty much enjoyed any stories that she released.
Burn Bright is definitely another winner for me. I was a bit weary at first because this was a young adult fantasy with blurb (from the box-set) that seemed to allude that this involved a love triangle -- a trope that I totally dislike. But I kept going because I trusted that McMaster would still satisfy me.
Well, this did NOT involve a love triangle of any kind. I loved the myth of the universe -- the Darkness being trapped in the forest with five guardians -- was interesting. I also loved how McMaster took a different route for her werewolves/wolvren beings, making them more like selkies (they could change into a wolf form when they slipped inside their wolf skin).
And of course Neva was awesome. And Casimir made me swoon.
For sure, when this is released individually next month, I'll click that "Buy Now with 1-Click" button as fast as I can!
Bec McMaster has been one of my favorite urban fantasy authors ever since I started reading her London Steampunk series back in 2014 -- and it was for my personal challenge too! I found her heroines to be superbly awesome, and her heroes to die for. I've pretty much enjoyed any stories that she released.
Burn Bright is definitely another winner for me. I was a bit weary at first because this was a young adult fantasy with blurb (from the box-set) that seemed to allude that this involved a love triangle -- a trope that I totally dislike. But I kept going because I trusted that McMaster would still satisfy me.
Well, this did NOT involve a love triangle of any kind. I loved the myth of the universe -- the Darkness being trapped in the forest with five guardians -- was interesting. I also loved how McMaster took a different route for her werewolves/wolvren beings, making them more like selkies (they could change into a wolf form when they slipped inside their wolf skin).
And of course Neva was awesome. And Casimir made me swoon.
For sure, when this is released individually next month, I'll click that "Buy Now with 1-Click" button as fast as I can!
December 22, 2018
Picked this up because Bec McMaster's steampunk series was surprisingly entertaining and well-written. This book is clearly her YA version of writing as it reads easily, quickly, and sweetly.
THE GOOD
1) Adventures and fast-moving plot. Like a PG version of a Disney movie with evil beasties and epic beastie fights.
2) Quick read.
THE BAD
1) Wow, was that a quick read. Like the length of a middle grade book.
2) Because we went so quickly through the story, there wasn't much time to get to know the characters or deepen the setting. Info is dropped for the sake of dropping it. Do we care that something's been killing their chickens or that the king levies a hefty tax on the village? Or that Averill is a lesbian? Or that a creepy dude was creeping on the other sister? Or that Cas and Euron were friends? Or the history of their mythological origins?
3) All the character relationships -- family, romantic, friendship, animosity -- were wholly unconvincing.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I don't regret reading this as it was such an easy and entertaining read, but I'll stick with the author's adult works from now on.
THE GOOD
1) Adventures and fast-moving plot. Like a PG version of a Disney movie with evil beasties and epic beastie fights.
2) Quick read.
THE BAD
1) Wow, was that a quick read. Like the length of a middle grade book.
2) Because we went so quickly through the story, there wasn't much time to get to know the characters or deepen the setting. Info is dropped for the sake of dropping it. Do we care that something's been killing their chickens or that the king levies a hefty tax on the village? Or that Averill is a lesbian? Or that a creepy dude was creeping on the other sister? Or that Cas and Euron were friends? Or the history of their mythological origins?
3) All the character relationships -- family, romantic, friendship, animosity -- were wholly unconvincing.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I don't regret reading this as it was such an easy and entertaining read, but I'll stick with the author's adult works from now on.
May 13, 2018
4.5
"Don't go into the Gravenwold Woods, they say in my village. Or if you do, then don't expect to return."
Neva, a teenager living with her two sisters and their father in the Borderlands where everyone struggle to make ends meet, is about to meet her destiny. A destiny far more greater than anyone could have guess. But she'll have some tests to pass in the dangerous forest before. Her dad taught her how to hunt and with him ill now, it's up to Neva to resume the trade. But to go free into the wood, she must respect the arrangement her father made with it. And that was before Evaron, the Crown Prince, and his men need her for a risky mission.
Before reading it, I didn't realize this novella was in the Young Adult category. I saw the name of the author and for me, Bec McMaster is the best of the best so I clicked to download the Kindle without asking myself question. Can't tell you when and what book it was the last time I read a YA so that tell you it's not a genre I enjoy anymore but this author haven't let me down before and it didn't happen this time either. I'll repeat myself but Bec McMaster excel in all the genre she write. I love discovering each time the lore she create and even if some aspects recur it's always brought in a different way. I found the same quality of writing and entertaining story that BM always give me, the only difference the YA genre bring is no sex and a more simplistic love story. So that's the only reason I'm not giving a perfect score, just because there was more action than romance and I'm a romance junkie ;p I appreciate that even if Neva was only seventeen, she was mature and I think it was the first time this author wrote in the first person (except for the epilogue, in an other character's POV) so it was pretty cool too. Oh and if you think the Prince is the love interest, think again :p
"Don't go into the Gravenwold Woods, they say in my village. Or if you do, then don't expect to return."
Neva, a teenager living with her two sisters and their father in the Borderlands where everyone struggle to make ends meet, is about to meet her destiny. A destiny far more greater than anyone could have guess. But she'll have some tests to pass in the dangerous forest before. Her dad taught her how to hunt and with him ill now, it's up to Neva to resume the trade. But to go free into the wood, she must respect the arrangement her father made with it. And that was before Evaron, the Crown Prince, and his men need her for a risky mission.
Before reading it, I didn't realize this novella was in the Young Adult category. I saw the name of the author and for me, Bec McMaster is the best of the best so I clicked to download the Kindle without asking myself question. Can't tell you when and what book it was the last time I read a YA so that tell you it's not a genre I enjoy anymore but this author haven't let me down before and it didn't happen this time either. I'll repeat myself but Bec McMaster excel in all the genre she write. I love discovering each time the lore she create and even if some aspects recur it's always brought in a different way. I found the same quality of writing and entertaining story that BM always give me, the only difference the YA genre bring is no sex and a more simplistic love story. So that's the only reason I'm not giving a perfect score, just because there was more action than romance and I'm a romance junkie ;p I appreciate that even if Neva was only seventeen, she was mature and I think it was the first time this author wrote in the first person (except for the epilogue, in an other character's POV) so it was pretty cool too. Oh and if you think the Prince is the love interest, think again :p
December 23, 2018
This book hit all the right things for me, and I loved it!! I only wished it were longer. Worth every page turning thrill!
Neva, a young huntress is faced with many problems that revolve around her father's health and feeding her family during the harsh winter. And none of them seemed to coincide with helping a young prince and his hound capture the mythical firebird.
Until that's exactly what she's forced to do. And with Casimir, not man but neither fully beast, but of wolven kind; he brings another set of unknown complications. Those of the blushing veriety.
Soon they are all embroiled in a fight against an ancient evil tgat threatens not just Neva's village, but the entire kingdom.
A must read!!
Neva, a young huntress is faced with many problems that revolve around her father's health and feeding her family during the harsh winter. And none of them seemed to coincide with helping a young prince and his hound capture the mythical firebird.
Until that's exactly what she's forced to do. And with Casimir, not man but neither fully beast, but of wolven kind; he brings another set of unknown complications. Those of the blushing veriety.
Soon they are all embroiled in a fight against an ancient evil tgat threatens not just Neva's village, but the entire kingdom.
A must read!!
June 14, 2019
I enjoyed this fairytale story. I quite liked the main characters and I liked the storyline. There were a couple of things lacking for me in the relationship connection and I will always rate these kinds of books against anything by Grace Draven because she is a five star fantasy/ fairytale writer for me.
This was good but not perfect. Three solid stars.
This was good but not perfect. Three solid stars.
October 11, 2018
What rock have I been living under that this is the first Bec McMaster’s book that I’ve read???
This book had me at “Hello”! From the very first page I was engaged with the story; with the amazing girl who is wise enough to have learnt about the Old Ways and to respect them, with the world that was built in the woods and the knowledge of what happens outside of it. I did not want to take a moment’s break from it – and supper was quite late the night I read it!
Neva is everything you want in a heroine: smart, strong and wise beyond her years! Neva is a heroine who knows who she is and knows what she knows and she has enough strength of character to not change or bow down to anyone just because they try to make her feel like she’s not worth much.
The world that she is in, and the people that she shares it with is so well written that the pictures are instantaneously formed as you read and you see it all so vividly. Great authors write movies on the screen of your mind.
Neva knows that the Woods are not like any other. She knows that there are dangers lurking there and that the Old Ways must be observed to stay safe in the woods. When the Prince and his hunting party arrive and need Neva’s father, as weak and unwell as he is, to help them track a rare and mystical (and possibly mythical) creature called the Firebird. Being the heroine that she is, she leaves in his stead; although leading some of these loutish men is a bit of an uphill battle since she is after all “only a girl”.
I adored the Knight in shining armor! Especially because I’ve always preferred the armor more tarnished than shiny – that’s how we know that his mettle has been tested and he’s been found true! He was simply divine! Why oh, why wasn’t this story longer???
I loved how this story flowed and developed while regularly adding new layers of clues, challenges and information to the intrigue and what started off as a hunt for a mystical creature, becomes one of the oldest battles known to man and a life changing choice that our heroine needs to make. So again, every time I thought I’d just finish the chapter I was on and then go and do some adulting, I found that I had to keep going and quite frankly I was so immersed in this story that I often didn’t realise where one chapter ended and another began.
I wasn’t ready for it to end! And I will say this: this book might be intended for Young Adults because it’s about Young Adults, but this older adult enjoyed it immensely and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys tales of strength and magic and intrigue.
This is a beautifully written story by an amazing author – it’s a great talent to be able to write about magic and monsters in a way that people can easily understand within the context of the story because so often the magic part of a story gets skimmed over because it’s not easy to understand.
I loved this book and have happily put it on my Repeat Read list. I’ve also had the pleasure of adding Bec McMasters to the short list of automatic “1-click” authors that I depend on for books I’m always happy to read and reread ad infinitum.
This book had me at “Hello”! From the very first page I was engaged with the story; with the amazing girl who is wise enough to have learnt about the Old Ways and to respect them, with the world that was built in the woods and the knowledge of what happens outside of it. I did not want to take a moment’s break from it – and supper was quite late the night I read it!
Neva is everything you want in a heroine: smart, strong and wise beyond her years! Neva is a heroine who knows who she is and knows what she knows and she has enough strength of character to not change or bow down to anyone just because they try to make her feel like she’s not worth much.
The world that she is in, and the people that she shares it with is so well written that the pictures are instantaneously formed as you read and you see it all so vividly. Great authors write movies on the screen of your mind.
Neva knows that the Woods are not like any other. She knows that there are dangers lurking there and that the Old Ways must be observed to stay safe in the woods. When the Prince and his hunting party arrive and need Neva’s father, as weak and unwell as he is, to help them track a rare and mystical (and possibly mythical) creature called the Firebird. Being the heroine that she is, she leaves in his stead; although leading some of these loutish men is a bit of an uphill battle since she is after all “only a girl”.
I adored the Knight in shining armor! Especially because I’ve always preferred the armor more tarnished than shiny – that’s how we know that his mettle has been tested and he’s been found true! He was simply divine! Why oh, why wasn’t this story longer???
I loved how this story flowed and developed while regularly adding new layers of clues, challenges and information to the intrigue and what started off as a hunt for a mystical creature, becomes one of the oldest battles known to man and a life changing choice that our heroine needs to make. So again, every time I thought I’d just finish the chapter I was on and then go and do some adulting, I found that I had to keep going and quite frankly I was so immersed in this story that I often didn’t realise where one chapter ended and another began.
I wasn’t ready for it to end! And I will say this: this book might be intended for Young Adults because it’s about Young Adults, but this older adult enjoyed it immensely and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys tales of strength and magic and intrigue.
This is a beautifully written story by an amazing author – it’s a great talent to be able to write about magic and monsters in a way that people can easily understand within the context of the story because so often the magic part of a story gets skimmed over because it’s not easy to understand.
I loved this book and have happily put it on my Repeat Read list. I’ve also had the pleasure of adding Bec McMasters to the short list of automatic “1-click” authors that I depend on for books I’m always happy to read and reread ad infinitum.
April 3, 2018
This is a new direction for Bec McMaster and it is thoroughly enjoyable! If you go down to the Woods today, you're sure of a big surprise... and that is exactly what happens in Gravenwold Woods. Witches, magical monsters and beasts all live in this Wood. Neva Bane turns out to be the heroine, she never thought she could be and Casamir becomes her hero Wolvren. It is a magical adventure that captures you from the start and I hope that Bec will write more magical and mystical books in this genre. As usual Bec McMaster doesn't disappoint.
August 6, 2023
Basic Plot: Neva goes to the heart of the woods to save a prince, seek the firebird, and change her destiny.
This was a fun novella. Very different from McMaster's usual adult fare in tone and style, and still excellently written. This is very much a traditional fairy tale/high fantasy story geared to a younger audience. It's very much about growth, duty, and growing up. The world she has created here is intriguing, even if briefly glimpsed. I wouldn't mind seeing more of this if she decided to pursue it.
This was a fun novella. Very different from McMaster's usual adult fare in tone and style, and still excellently written. This is very much a traditional fairy tale/high fantasy story geared to a younger audience. It's very much about growth, duty, and growing up. The world she has created here is intriguing, even if briefly glimpsed. I wouldn't mind seeing more of this if she decided to pursue it.
April 19, 2018
Bec McMaster does it again. Her London steampunk series was what got me into romance novels and this one is just as eloquently written, well crafted and we developed. The world she creates is beautiful and she does it with a mastery that few authors in the genre can compete with. If you like her work, this is a must read that does not disappoint.
September 13, 2018
Like a well written fairy tale. Loved this story. Lots of ups and downs and not sure what is going on till almost the end. Neva is a breath of fresh air. She definitely fits the bill as the heroine. Cas is not quite the typical knight in shining armor, but he will do. This was an amazing story of old myths, evil kings, and a kind Prince.
March 12, 2021
Sweet World Build
I’m not one for YA books, but I really enjoy everything this author writes and figured I’d give this one a go. I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed the character and world building. Bec McMaster has a way with words that really transports you into the worlds she creates. Like you’re that fly on the wall, or shoulder, of the characters as the scenes unfold.
I’m not one for YA books, but I really enjoy everything this author writes and figured I’d give this one a go. I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed the character and world building. Bec McMaster has a way with words that really transports you into the worlds she creates. Like you’re that fly on the wall, or shoulder, of the characters as the scenes unfold.
Read
June 14, 2021I was surprised this turned out to be YA, but I suppose I should have known by how bratty the main character is. She wasn't the worst I've seen, but the main character regularly sasses people in un-sassable social positions, like the godamn prince of the country. That said! It was a fun little fairy tale-ish romp around a fell wood, and I'm always down for that.
November 28, 2023
I totally got this book because I loved the cover.
This was a great story full of danger and fun. This magical tale of a Firebird, a huntress, and a wolvren kept me turning the pages right to the end. A fairly short book with some fabulous world building. I especially liked the magical forest. This was a standalone and I felt everything wrapped up nicely.
This was a great story full of danger and fun. This magical tale of a Firebird, a huntress, and a wolvren kept me turning the pages right to the end. A fairly short book with some fabulous world building. I especially liked the magical forest. This was a standalone and I felt everything wrapped up nicely.
January 1, 2018
I read this novella in the Myths and Magic: An Epic Fantasy and Speculative Fiction Boxed Set (thanks to kindle unlimited.) It was the only novella I read in that anthology and I adored the characters, especially the fierce and capable heroine.
March 10, 2018
I liked the concept of Burn Bright and the characters. The world was also interesting,and the real story behind the myth and the resolution of the quest worked very well. Another win for Bec McMaster.
March 27, 2018
A marvelous story full of danger and delight. The pages flew by as I delved into this magical tale of a Firebird, a huntress, and a wolvren. Terrific world building. I wanted to visit the magical forest and drink from the pool. Thank you, Bec McMaster, for another amazing read!
March 27, 2019
Good, five stars for a good short story, but too short! I guess it’s a good thing I’m left wanting more. I think it could have been spread out and flushed out with the characters interacting more. But know going in that it’s just a short story and you won’t be disappointed.
March 2, 2018
I love this little piece, and I wantbto hear more about this magical forest. once again Bec McMaster captives with this beautiful tale 💟💟💟
November 1, 2018
Intriguing
This was another well written novel. The world and character building is excellent. My only criticism is the ending is too abrupt. I wanted more.
This was another well written novel. The world and character building is excellent. My only criticism is the ending is too abrupt. I wanted more.
September 20, 2019
Burn Bright
If it's by Be c McMaster I will read it. This is my first YA book. I enjoy fairy tales with a grown up twist. Happy reading.
If it's by Be c McMaster I will read it. This is my first YA book. I enjoy fairy tales with a grown up twist. Happy reading.
June 30, 2020
Sweet YA adventure, a huntress coming of age. Short quick read.
October 11, 2020
I enjoyed the world of fantasy created and the strong female character. "Never underestimate the underdog" theme to the story was very appealing.
November 25, 2020
DNF at 50%. Grew bored with it. Was reading to pass the time until Crown of Darkness came out.
October 20, 2025
Absolutely loved this book , I couldn’t put it down , literally read it in a day , it was really good and kept me interested the whole way through
November 14, 2025
It was fast paced but, I liked that! I’m intrigued enough to read more of this author so, that’s a plus! I kinda liked the werewolves and magic vibes. Not something I’ve read a lot of
January 2, 2019
A captivating and thrilling read! It sank its teeth in me and ensnared my interest from beginning to end. Even though the love interest wasn’t at the center of this story like so many of her others, it still captivated me. I felt like I walked into another world that just hooked me in and wouldn’t let go with the best intentions. The story was gripping with love, family, and even some action. Been a great while since I’ve read a young adult story and it felt like it was more than that because the character Neva felt older and wiser than her teenage years. I love how even though it was a young adult story it can be read by one more than a teenager. One of these best short fantasy stories I’ve ever read! This world captured my interest and I wish for even more.
June 11, 2022
A fun read that’s suitable for younger audiences. I loved the fantasy, medieval-like theme combined with the magical elements like shape shifters and magical abilities.
The story is self contained, but I almost wish to have a spin off story with more from this world.
The story is self contained, but I almost wish to have a spin off story with more from this world.
July 30, 2025
This was a well written one POV YA PNR
March 19, 2019
If you're looking for multiple different worlds to visit with excellent characters, creative world building, and sexy heroes and heroines, I highly recommend Bec McMaster :).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews