Burnt Out

by Victoria ✌️

'Burnt Out is the book we all need to read right now.' Mamamia

How do you start again when your life is a smoking ruin?

She lost everything in a bushfire and became the celebrity face of climate change. But is fame and living with a billionaire all it's cracked up to be? A warm and witty story for our times.


'Here's to rising from the ashes ...'

Calida Lyons is having a very bad week. She's long past deadline for her still unwritten second novel; her husband has just left her; and her Blue Mountains community is being threatened by bushfires. Just as she hits rock bottom, she's forced to shelter with neighbours while a fire incinerates everything she owns.

Devastated and emotional in front of news cameras, Cali delivers a blistering, unfiltered rebuke to the nation's rich to do something.

Her rant goes viral, and she quickly becomes the latest celebrity face of the climate movement. Soon she's offered a harbourside refuge by handsome tech billionaire Arlo Richard, her publisher is delighted with the new novel she's writing, and she's the darling of high society.

But things aren't as they seem. It's all built on lies, and Cali's pretty sure that the precarious house of cards she's built is about to come tumbling down.

'The story zings along with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, great characters and page-turning tension. It also has a huge heaping of heart and wisdom thrown into the mix, making this a wonderful read.' The Australian

'romance with an activist twist.' Sydney Morning Herald

'... a neat statement on our nation's climate inaction, wrapped up in a fun read with intriguing characters … a warm and witty read worth seeking out.' - Canberra Times

' Clever, funny, thought-provoking, and timely' - Mindful Puzzles

'A true-blue Aussie summer read' Woman's Day

'A sharp debut' Australian Women's Weekly

'Satisfying, surprising, funny and full of observations about the ineffective blame-game that passes for action on Australia's climate emergency. The fact it's also a page-turner is down to Victoria Brookman's quick wit. Read it if you want a rom-com with bite.' Holly Wainwright, author of I Give My Marriage A Year

'Blisteringly wise and funny, Burnt Out makes you want to hide from the world until you've turned the last page, then compels you to get up and 'Do Something' ... Searingly smart, heart-warming, and perfect for the world we have now.' Tori Haschka, author of Grace Under Pressure

'Has everything you want in a summer read: a page-turning plot, intriguing characters with wonky moral compasses, and enough political heart to make you feel like you've done something good for the world just by reading it' Jessica Dettmann, author of This Has Been Absolutely Lovely

'A page-turner with a big heart' Rose Hartley, author of Maggie's Going Nowhere

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Australia, Book Club, Novels

352 pages, Paperback

Published January 5, 2022

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burnt Out is a very refreshing novel. Reflecting very loosely on an incident in an area that is around the corner from where I live. The author has been unafraid to tell her story without fear of bringing a quirky, unusual, and interesting woman to the page. This is a debut work, and I can see the personality of the author quite easily shine through.

I had the pleasure of leading a panelled conversation with at a university event last night, and I can say that seeing a protagonist such as Cali, really does come from the mind of a vibrant woman. I see from where this spirit arose.

Cali loses her home in a bushfire, her marriage and her ‘novel’ in one day. She also forms friendships on this day, and just as quickly as all is lost, in comes a lifeline to move into a proper beach house free of charge with the services of a maid, instant designer wardrobe. All at no cost. No alarm bells just yet?

I forgive Cali for this. She is under the pump from her awful publisher, the novel is a lie, there really was none. She is falling for her benefactor, he’s showering her with everything; his superhero.

The suburbs are my suburbs, the shopping centre my shopping centre. This is a down to earth story, with a down to earth Cali who is open and honest in her desires, and very well written in this regard.

Cali wants us to “FUCKING DO SOMETHING” about climate change, the wankers in parliament don’t deserve our respect, nor do the rich idiots that can throw their money about but little else.

This story tells us about female friendship, climate issues – 48.6 degrees Celsius Penrith on 4th January 2020. BLACK SUMMER. The hottest day on earth. It’s true. I watched my son play cricket on this day, slap bang in the middle of where this book was set.

It also shows the greed and gluttony of those who assume they are on top. Will their power last, or will Cali’s voice reign supreme?

This was a unique debut novel, I like different things and this doesn’t neatly fit into a box. It was an easy read, Cali drove me mad a lot of the time, but endearing in the end, she grew on me.

This book will suit romance lovers, those interested in climate politics and more broad issues such as female friendship. My takeaway is refreshing and quirky, and fun as well because Cali is such a hoot.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say Calida Lyons was having a bad week might be a bit of an understatement. Everything and anything that could go wrong was and Calida couldn’t see her life improving anytime soon. Her deadline for her unwritten second novel was well past its deadline, her husband had walked out on her and to top things off her Blue Mountains community was being threatened by dangerous bushfires.

Aussie author Victoria Brookman has written a wonderful debut novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed from the beginning to the last page. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr

Burnt Out by Victoria Brookman. (2022).

**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; published 5 January 2022**

Calida is having a very bad week. She's long past deadlines for her still-unwritten second novel, her husband has just left her, and her Blue Mountains community is being threatened by bushfire. As she hits rock bottom, a fire incinerates everything she owns. Devastated and emotional, Cali delivers a blistering, unfiltered rebuke to the nation's rich to "do something". She goes viral and she becomes the latest celebrity face of the climate movement. Suddenly she's in a harbourside refuge offered by a handsome tech billionaire, her second novel on the way, and she's the darling of high society. But it's all built on lies and Cali's sure that it's all about to come out...

I think this one is a great debut for the author! While it deals with the very serious issue of climate change and environmental destruction, it is quite witty and will no doubt leave a smirk on reader's faces at times. Cali was an interesting lead - even though I definitely didn't agree with her on some choices she made, I also found her quite likeable and I thought she really ended up growing as a person (that sounds so cliche to me as I write it but it really is an accurate description haha). It's almost like Cali was stuck in a rut with her career, her relationship and so on, and over the course of the book she realises who she really wants to be as a person, with some drama and mistakes made along the way of course.
Overall, I would happily recommend this modern novel and I think it makes a great holiday read.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

Burnt Out is definitely a story for our times, particularly in relation to Australia’s experience of the devastating bushfires that ravaged our country in recent years and the impact of climate change are central themes in Victoria Brookman’s debut. Victoria Brookman’s first novel is about loss, reinvention, resilience, stepping forward, responsivity, truth and courage. A quick witted and engaging tale, Burnt Out is an essential sunny season read.

Burnt Out sees Victoria Brookman’s lead Calina Lyons confront the most trying week of her life. Working on a deadline for her highly anticipated second novel, Cali’s life hits rock bottom when her husband leaves her, just as a devastating spate of bushfires rage through her Blue Mountains home. Forced to retreat from her home, Cali takes refuge with her neighbours. When the fires reach Cali’s property, her home is obliterated, she has nothing left. Emotionally distraught, Cali is interviewed in front of a news crew following the bushfire that has destroyed her home. Cali issues the awaiting media with a heartfelt tirade of opinionated thoughts on what the wealthy should be doing to help the situation. This honest act of frustration sees Cali placed in the spotlight and she is soon viewed as a figurehead for the climate change campaign. A lifeline is offered to Cali in response, a billionaire provides her with a place to write her lucrative second novel and Cali is swept up in a world of privilege, but this comes at a cost. Can Cali remain true to herself and the world when she knows she is surrounded by lies?

Burnt Out is a modern Australian reinvention tale from first time author Victoria Brookman. This Blue Mountains resident pays homage to her local community, which was devastated by fires that ripped through the region in 2019-20. Burnt Out is a very up-to-the-minute tale, told with a flattering blend of humour, reflection and scathing social commentary. Brookman’s first novel was a great way to squander through a forty-degree day here in Western Australia.

Brookman begins her debut novel with a rather urgent, destructive and overwhelming scenario for her lead character to contend with. All Australians will be aware of the terrible bushfires that raged through our country at the close of 2019 and early 2020. Burnt Out takes us back the that time of complete devastation via the realistic experiences of Brookman’s fictional character Cali. I appreciated Brookman’s approach and this was a great initial set up. Brookman’s voice is strong, but she ensures that in our drawing attention back to such a trying time in our nation’s recent history, she does not venture into a sermon-like format. It was a sad to go back to this desolate time, particularly for the residents of the east coast of Australia and Brookman highlights this term with first-hand understanding.

Cali is Brookman’s primary protagonist. I’m not sure if I completely engaged with Cali or liked her. However, I was sympathetic to Cali’s situation and I had high hopes that she would be able to turn her life around. Cali’s difficult bind and the way her life simply collapses after a serious of blows makes up the bulk of the novel. Burnt Out is essentially Cali’s renewal story. This debut novel is dominated by character growth, which we bear witness to significantly as the story unfolds. Brookman allows us to be there every step of the way as Cali makes changes, mistakes, decisions and positive movements towards a new life for herself, in the wake of such devastation.

Burnt Out offers some interesting social commentary on a number of contemporary ideas. From climate change, activism, community relations, the distribution of wealth, power, class issues, political influence, reporting, social media and the rise of influencers in dictating our opinions forms the crust of this novel. There is also a focus on the life of writer and the pressure to follow up a successful first novel with subsequent releases. I found Cali’s experiences in trying to get her second novel off the ground an intriguing side storyline. With some comedic interludes and a touch of romance, Burnt Out moves in a pleasant direction towards a gratifying end point.

A scorching summer tale that looks at the unsettling experience of bushfire and resulting life pressures, Burnt Out is a drama filled tale that I enjoyed very much.

*Thanks extended to HarperCollins Books Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Lily · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Book provided by Harper Collins and Tandem Collective as part of a readalong**

Burnt Out is a unique glimpse into Australian climate politics. The story follows a woman who is tenuously holding on to her writing career, despite having spent the past three years not writing the book she’s being paid to. After a bushfire destroys her home, she finds a way to make her own luck - to blame the fire for destroying her (unwritten) novel, and to call the wealthy and powerful to action to do something about climate change in an impassioned speech that turns her into a viral climate activist.

I was really excited to pick up Burnt Out - the premise really caught me, and I always find it interesting to read stories set so heavily in places I grew up. But unfortunately, it fell flat for me.

The standout in this story was the sense of place and location. I loved the setting and being able to truly grasp what it would have felt like to be involved in the bushfires Sydney experienced during late 2019/early 2020. You can tell that Brookman has such a deep and emotional connection to the places she writes about, especially the Blue Mountains - that love shines through her writing, and it makes the setting so vivid. Growing up in Sydney, I’ve visited the Mountains several times, and she captured their beauty with such ease and elegance. It was then incredibly powerful to witness the devastating effects of bushfires on a personal level, through Cali, Spike, and Lady G. I think this element of the story was the strongest, and I almost wish we’d seen more of Cali’s grief and heartbreak over all she lost.

There were a couple of things I would’ve loved to see explored further, beyond just Cali’s grief over the fire - By the end, the major complications in the book had been resolved within a few pages - which was frustrating as a reader, because truly, all the conflict could’ve been solved with a conversation early on in the story, and Cali never really had to atone for the several things she did that were wrong.

I also wish we’d gotten more than one-dimensional side characters. Josh was a cartoonish villain with his blackmailing and evil new girlfriend, Arlo was a greedy rich man, Spike was a good honest boy (or man) next door, and Miranda was a scheming exploitative agent. They were all incredibly surface-level characters, and I was disappointed we didn’t get to see any depth from them. Especially considering the conflicts with all three of them ended up being solved with almost no effort in the final chapter. Am I supposed to believe that after spending the entire book twirling his cartoon moustache and blackmailing Cali for money Josh just... stops? This was one of many confusing and underbaked plotlines that ended up just being filler and adding nothing further to the story.

I think it takes away from the complex message the book tries to convey when the characters, who represent differing stakeholders in the overall climate crisis, were all so painfully one-dimensional, and unlike real people at all. I get the point Brookman is trying to make in this book, but with an issue as nuanced and complex as climate politics, it seems a little facile to have the overall conclusion be Rich People Bad. I wished there was more complexity played out in her relationship with Arlo, more elaboration on their dynamic and more nuance beyond Arlo bad Cali good - because to me, it read as a lot more complex.

Furthermore, Cali was an entirely unlikeable and frustrating main character. I empathise with her struggle with burnout, but she spent the entire book being selfish, willfully blind, and unmotivated. I would’ve loved to see more of her self-realisation, more exploration of her own flaws (of which there are many), and a shift in her behaviour. Cali was ruled by her selfishness, which to me, made her quite unlikeable, and it frustrated me a little that she just got away with it scot-free by the end of the book. I wish she’d come to the realisation that yes, she had been treated badly, but also, she had treated everyone around her poorly, too. Not only that, but despite having every advantage provided to her by Arlo (for better or for worse), she did nothing to get back on her own two feet and seek independence. She bounced from man to man over the course of the book, having them provide housing, food, and shelter. Even in the end, her house is literally built by a new man pursuing a romantic relationship with her. Not only does she face no consequences for her wrongful behaviour, but she also takes what she's offered (which is considerable!) for granted and ends up in essentially the same place she started in, which was wholly unsatisfying.

I really hoped this book would be what I was looking for. I wanted a story about overcoming adversity and fighting for what's right. I wanted hot politically engaged billionaire. I wanted endearing messy writer. I wanted a clever and nuanced discussion of climate politics and the way we engage with them in Australia. Unfortunately, Burnt Out was unable to deliver this for me.

[Em__Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

When disaster meets fraud meets greed meets frivolity . . . Victoria Brookman’s debut novel BURNT OUT is a real mixed bag of characters and diverse themes that includes climate disaster, manipulation by media, friendship and community, romance and personal growth. And it all somehow comes together cohesively to bring readers not only an entertaining read, but an enlightening one.

The book’s protagonist, Cali Lyons, becomes the unintentional face of the climate movement when her frustrated and angry response is filmed and broadcast in the immediate aftermath of a devastating bushfire whose widespread destruction resulted in the loss of her home, her cat and her work. With no savings, income or worldly goods, Cali accepts the generosity offered to her as a result of her newfound celebrity to restart her life.

This book kept me off-kilter in a good way. When we meet Cali, she’s an odd combination of lost, selfish, and self-absorbed. Importantly, she is a lot of us. Wondering whether she do “the right thing” or take advantage of her current good fortune, irrespective of the consequences, drives the story nicely towards a conclusion.

Another bonus for me is reading books that take place where I live – in this case, Sydney. I am always curious how an author will portray the place I live.

Well paced, well written and engaging. I am keen to see what Brookman writes next.

3.5 stars


Review copy courtesy of Netgalley and Harper Collins Australia

[Jodi]

A witty, engaging and keenly observant social commentary on the state of the world today and how we are dealing and not dealing with climate change. While I didn't warm to Cali right away; I questioned her decisions and felt like yelling at her 'what the hell are you thinking?', the story winds its way to a more than satisfying conclusion. A fantastic debut.

[Jessica (bibliobliss.au) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has ‘summer read’ written all over it.

When author Cali Lyons, who has failed to produce a much anticipated follow up to her debut novel, loses her house to a bushfire in the Blue Mountains, she sees an opportunity and deceives the public into believing her Great Australian Novel has been lost to the flames.
When her rant about climate change inaction & the loss of her novel goes viral, the lie quickly gathers momentum and she becomes a poster girl & spokesperson for climate change.
When one of the billionaires she’s targeted puts her up in his harbourside mansion to continue working on her novel, Cali finds fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when her lies begin to spin out of control…

Guaranteed to get you riled up about dismal climate change inaction from our government and class inequities, Burnt Out gives readers an insight into politics, climate change, the uber-rich and the media hamster wheel without deep diving enough to hurt your head. On the surface, it’s a contemporary novel about a woman who loses everything while in the midst of a relationship & career crisis. But underneath, there are a few wry observations about current-day Australia and some calls to action individuals.

Cali’s lies set up an interesting plot and while I didn’t always trust her judgement, waiting for her deceptions to unravel kept me rapidly turning the pages.

An interesting & modern premise, cleverly told. This is a solid debut by Victoria Brookman!

Thanks NetGalley and Harpercollins for an e-copy of this book.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
A fun and lighter read after some heavy reads is always refreshing.
Finding your truth features highly in this contemporary read that gives the reader a peek behind the scenes on pressures Authors have and the expectations.
Add in some narcissism, pretension and some wholesome refuge, the experiences of this author makes for an enlightened and entertaining expose’.
Cali lives through the unthinkable, losing her house to a bushfire.
As a best selling author she had contractual obligations and pressures to get another book out.
Lamenting the loss was counteracted by a silver lining.
It bought her time to write a book, introduced her to a neighbour that had fascinating stories and an opportunity to live with the rich in a boat house.
Breaking up with her husband has extra layers of emotional baggage as he tried to blackmail her, robbing her of any book advance.
Finding her voice and advocating a climate change stance makes her well known and introduces her to a world of smoke and mirrors.
A realistic story that packs a punch on a number of social and professional fronts had me caught up in Cali’s world.
A cast of characters that really worked well together was awesome.
An insight that should make us all remember the pressures of writing a book and that we can all make difference to adverse climate change.

[Fiona Lowe]

A fun romp with a good character arc. Reminded me of Maggie Alderson’s Pants on Fire … perhaps because of the Point Piper and fashion references. Perfect summer read ! (Out Jan 5th 2022 Harper Fiction)

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

" … things have been quite hectic. I’m actually just evacuating. Right now.’
‘’Evacuating? Oh pet, you poor thing. Are you all right?’
‘Well, this is the third time in the past six weeks, so I don't really know what to think anymore ...’
'Of course, of course. I don’t know how you put up with the trauma of it all.’


From the turn of the first page, Burnt Out captures your attention and keeps a tight grip. Anyone who has lived through bushfires (particularly Australia’s catastrophic Black Summer fires of 2019-2020) cannot help but become immersed in the opening chapters of Victoria’s book. As the sky alights and smoke makes breathing near impossible, Victoria takes you to that moment in time when fire erupts all around. Scary, confronting and unforgettable.

The fallout from these catastrophic fires is felt across many levels. Burnt Out is multidimensional and cleverly crafted as Victoria breaks down for readers how Australian’s are confronting a number of issues. First up, and a logical follow on from the opening chapters, is climate change and global warming. Victoria offers viewpoints from social media, to government, to the rich and powerful and it's all done so engagingly without the reader drowning in the politics of it all.

‘Once upon a time, it felt like having political opinions had been her entire identity.
But at some point, she’d taken that identity off, like a coat carefully hung on a hook by the door and never worn again. It had never been her plan. It had just happened like that.’

However, there is much more to this tale than meets the eye. Yes, it’s about the environment and exploitation, truth versus fallacy in what the public is told. Yet, running parallel to this overarching story, is that of a woman who lost everything - literally and figuratively - on that eventful day. Victoria gives her readers a contemporary tale about a woman who is facing a crisis on many fronts (pardon the fire pun) from her relationship to her career.

‘I don’t know ... I feel like I get up there and say all the stuff people want to hear, and then I go home to the same old me: scared, anxious, alone and fully expecting my star to wane, for it all to be over soon.’

At its heart, this is a story of a young woman who, having lost everything, didn’t know where to turn or who to trust. Yet through her passion she begins to remove the untruths to discover her own truth and make her own way in life. It’s about how people can make decisions that can have a positive impact by just being themselves. At times Cali is hard to like and cheer for but that just demonstrates her humanness I guess.

Congratulations Victoria on a splendid debut that is sure to generate much discussion. It’s contemporary, it's current and it offers readers much food for thought on issues, both broad and personal, that affect us all.











This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

[ClaudiaTalksFilm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the blurb, I assumed this would be your standard romance book - twenty-something has a bad break up, oh no! bushfire burns her house down! rich billionaire takes her in, romance ensues.

This book is not that simple.

Cali is a 23 year old writer, in heavy denial about her ability to write a follow up to her successful literary fiction debut, and therefore procrastinates to no end. She lives in the Blue Mountains with her husband (who she romantically eloped with in her youth) with her cat. She's under huge pressure by her agent to finish her new book - which she hasn't started.

She's clearly putting some sort of bad energy into the world, because she gets what she wanted - a way to extend her deadline. It comes at the consequence of her house burning down along with everything she's ever owned. But upside! She can say her manuscript was burned to ashes along with her comfortable life.

Naturally, her house burning down infuriates her. As it should. The government didn't prepare for these fires. People were left undefended. Homeless. Brookman (the author) here takes inspiration from our unfortunate reality - where bushfires destroyed so much of Australia without adequate support from the government. A journalist with a camera come past, capturing Cali's angry call to action - "fucking do something".

This is what launches the events of the novel - Cali navigating loses everything she owns while those around her take advantage of it for their own gain.

So, it's not a romance, it's not quite literary fiction, it's something in between - it's a twenty-something who gains the power to try make a difference in a world that do not want her to.

I really enjoyed this, and the longer I sit with it, the more I like it. Cali is a very interesting character to follow -she makes bad decisions, often not her fault, and has to deal with the repercussions. It's alarmingly realistic even though her scenario isn't. Really solid writing, and an enjoyable read. After about a quarter in, I was invested and finished the rest that afternoon.

[Nikki Sims-Chilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cali Lyons is a best-selling author living in the Blue Mountains with her husband and cat. She has been trying to write a second book for the past three years. When her husband leaves her and a bushfire ravages her home Cali delivers an emotional speech to lingering TV journalists. Cali gives the nation’s rich population a serve and asks them to DO SOMETHING about climate change.
Her outburst goes viral and she quickly becomes a famous face of the climate movement. She then finds herself living harbourside, supported by one of the nation’s richest. Arlo Richard offers her accommodation and food while she ‘rewrites’ her next book. Cali starts mixing in Arlo’s circles and becomes quite the household name. While she gets wrapped up in the glamour and Arlo’s ambition for helping the climate movement, in the back of her mind she continuously questions Arlo’s intentions and observes the many social inequities apparent in our society. Is he really putting his money where his mouth is?
A serious topic explored through a fun ‘rom-com’ style narrative, Burnt Out highlights the real and scary inaction from our government in relation to climate change.
This book has all the feels – beautiful characters, love, friendship, romance, deception, environmental activism, power and courage. It’s a great book by debut author Victoria Brookman - I read it a couple of days! Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Jo | Booklover Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Brookman’s debut novel Burnt Out is an intriguing combination of contemporary romance and at times darkly humourous social commentary. Some may class the latter element satire, but on reflection, I actually felt this story is a more authentic depiction of the real-world situation than many would like to admit. Which is wonderfully apt because, while this novel serves as a compelling reminder about the need for climate change action, underlying that is a simple but nonetheless stirring battle cry for living authentic lives.

Burnt Out‘s leading lady Calida Lyons is not wholly endearing. If like me, you find self-sabotagists downright infuriating, then you will not warm to her at the outset. But, you will warm to, or at the very least feel sympathy for some of the very genuine characters trying to help her. And, I immediately engaged with Brookman’s writing style that oozes a knowing, yet understated intelligence. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...

[Maya Linnell]

As an author myself, I was immediately drawn into the plight of Calida Lyons in the debut novel Burnt Out by Victoria Brookman. Calida is crippled by writers block, and a pressing deadline, when a bushfire razes her Blue Mountains home. At first, she's certain the incident is a death-knock for life as she knows it, but in a funny twist of fate, it has the opposite effect.

Suddenly Calida is a national media darling, with a rich benefactor, fresh inspiration and a serious case of the guilts. Brookman delivers a fresh tale with lashings of humour and wry observations, entwining a strong message on climate change within an entertaining and enjoyable story. There’s also a romance thread running through the novel, and plenty of characters to make you laugh. Burnt Out is out now with Harper Collins Australia.

Full review and author interview can be found at https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/vict.... Many thanks to Harper Collins for the early review copy.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved everything about this book. It is definitely a must read if you're looking for an escape but want some politics mixed in. A thinking-girl's escape.

From the moment you start reading it's like you're being told a story by your best friend about another best friend. The characters are very clearly well thought out and developed but not excruciatingly explained to the point that you can't create some attributes in your mind. In this way, while the narrative guides you through events and spaces that are familiar (especially to Australian audiences) there is room to apply your own experiences and understanding as the story unfolds before you.

The theme of fire is beautifully woven throughout the book. The desolation of the natural landscape is mirrored in the destruction of Cali's life. The smoldering ashes and the uncertainty of what can survive after such tragedy is reflected in Cali's own circumstances before a final and brilliant rebirth.

This is a book about women, about climate change, about nature, about exploitation, and about love. There is a strong feminist message and a profound belief that it is up to us to hold those in power to account. With all this going on you might think it makes for a dry read but nothing could be further from the truth. It is passionate, a real page turner, and better read with a buddy so you can have someone to vent your outrage too.

'Burnt Out' has already affected my life in the way I now think about myself and world. It is truly an empowering read.

WWDBD: What would Dominique Bissot do?

[Hayley (hayleys.little.library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Burnt Out' by Victoria Brookman was an absolute delight to read, whilst it was a page turner and reading it was the highlight of my week! I just couldn’t put this book down 🥰🥰

I'll give you a little summary to explain why I was so hooked on this story.. 👇🏻
I was instantly captivated by the story of the main character 'Cali' whose husband had just left her before her home in the Australian bush burnt down the following day. Cali was absolutely devastated, and her rant on live TV went viral, putting Cali as the new face of fighting climate change. Cali was then taken in by a billionaire named Arlo Richards who let her live in his Sydney Harbour bouthouse/apartmeent whilst she rebuilt her career as a writer.

This story was absolutely chaotic but in the best way possible! I was constantly left guessing about multiple characters and what their ulterior motives were, and how everything would pan out for Cali. I loved how multiple events and characters became somewhat entwined, before it was all explained over the course of the novel. I also loved the ending, especially one of the reveals in the last few pages (IYKYK).

I must admit, it was a bit weird to be reading about the Australian bush fires after living through them a few years ago, so this book did make me reflect a bit on those times. This book is not one to miss and I highly recommend it! A big thank you to harper collins for my gifted copy.

[Georgie Whitington · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Burnt Out' is such a fantastic summer read, which encapsulates impactful ideas surrounding climate change, weath, community, and friendship.
The range of interesting characters, (Cali- a strong minded woman- Yes please!... Spike is also a favourite 😍 ) and beautiful Australian settings, made this book exciting to read, whilst then ending with an important message- that we should all be thinking about.

An outstanding book, highly recommend reading this summer.

[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another why not reread novel;I get to talk with Victoria Brookman for my podcast…I loved Burnt Out even more the second time around. There’s so much to think about it, I just loved Cali, she’s such a relatable character. It’s such important themes; ‘the entire planet is in peril…do something’ as well as gaslighting and violence against women. This is such an important novel, I can’t recommend it more highly enough, such a contemporary novel

[Claire Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love this book!
Main character made me laugh! So honest, who couldn't resist a billionaire!
What modern gal hasn't told a lie??
Glad she stood up for her beliefs in the end :)
A real page turner x

[Luke Whitington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this 6 stars if I could. It is the best novel I have read in years, and I read it in two days.

[Mechelle Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this story..Fastest I've read a book in a long while too..Also, gifted my Mum a copy..Great writing..

[Mary Ladrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Very easy to read and fascinating about the fictional writing world. Hard to put down. Highly recommend.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Burnt Out” by @victoriabrookmn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 STARS

Firstly, I’d love to say a big happy release day to @victoriabrookmn + @harpercollinsaustralia and a big thank you for providing me with this beautiful ARC to read 📖🎉

This debut novel by Victoria Brookman is set in the Blue Mountains in Australia around the period of the devastating Australian Black Summer fires (2019-2020). Author Cali has just faced the highs after releasing her first book. This story-less author is now experiencing the crushing feeling of second book syndrome as her publisher eagerly awaits the manuscript of her “anticipated” follow-up novel.

After losing her home to the devastating bushfires, Cali sees her opportunity to spread word about her so-called “finished manuscript” that was lost to the flames and about climate change inaction in Australia. Her rant goes viral online, and she becomes somewhat of a figurehead for climate change action. Arlo, a handsome tech billionaire she targeted in her rant, offers for her to stay in his boathouse whilst she works on her “new” manuscript. Cali takes some time to find out what she wants and realises fame is not all that it’s cracked up to be. Will all the lies she’s formed and the image she created blow out of proportion?!

This book was set Australia, the beautiful country that I am so lucky to call my home. This story was compelling and attention-grabbing from the very beginning. I essentially went into this book blind, not knowing much of what this read was about. Now coming out on the other side, I can say that I am glad I dove headfirst into this read. It was such a powerful story, and will give all readers insight into climate change, the politics surrounding it and the class inequities involved in such an important subject.

This book does touch on some serious and important themes, but it’s also a contemporary read. It’s about a woman who has essentially lost everything - from her career and her relationship to quite literally speaking, her home and the life she had made for herself in the Blue Mountains. It’s about a woman in the thick of a crisis who discovers her truth and what she wants from her essentially “new life”.

[Shai on_shais_shelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am writing myself this review so I don’t pick this book up for a re-read!!

The first few chapters were captivating and drew me in. The writing style and pace moved quickly. Then somewhere in the middle it took a left turn and then a right and got lost. Until the last chapter.

I would’ve loved to have read a book about her rebuilding her life in the mountains. Even leaving in the psycho ex and the eccentric Lady G. But the Miranda, Tara and Arlo characters can go. Miranda was so frustratingly painful. Who calls a clients ex husband and tells him when and how much her clients been paid?! Come on!

After 8mths since losing your house you still haven’t filed an insurance claim? Trusting your ex husband is taking care of it? After he blackmails you and you blindly transfer him all your money?! Then when he tells you he didn’t go past the 1st page of the claim as it was too hard you don’t take over and do it yourself?! Come on!

You sleep with a billionaire naively thinking he is interested in you even though you have nothing and you don’t even do a google search on him?! Come on!

I gave myself a headache from the constant eye rolling.

I don’t have an issue with the writing style or pace and would read another of her books but it’s the flow and substance that I would hope improves.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, especially the main character and the range of events she went through and different relationships that she had. Having a main setting initially being about traumatic loss because of bushfire will be familiar to a lot of people and seeing just what can happen as a result of one press interview and social media when going through such trauma will bring back memories for some readers as well.

Overall a fast moving story that was great to read.

This book will be available on January 5, 2022.

[Chel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Burnt Out by Victoria Brookman- a relatable read about a serious topic, bushfires, climate change, politics - but also, at the heart of it, about a woman starting again after losing everything. A woman struggling through writing her second book, the new fame of losing everything in the fires, and putting one foot in front of the other. Definitely an easy read - a page turner.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mind is blown by Burnt Out! Compellingly readable from the beginning. I was rooting for Cali the whole time and so suspicious that there was a plot working against her. Masterfully written! Other than one thing that strained credulity near the end, this book is a home run.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what's worse, how infuriatingly hypocritical, ignorant and selfish the main character is, or the inclusion of the 'hippie headband' in her outfits after her numerous glam squad makeovers. I mean, in NO world, fictional or real life, would anyone pair a hippie headband with a low plunge evening gown and heels. Major LOL's and 🙄

[Cassie Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh and fun romantic fiction that deals with the uber-contemporary topic of climate change and confronts the question - what does it mean to be a true climate ally?