Sunfire

by Dan Kenner

One touch from the sun and she'll die a fiery death. What happens when the government regulated bunker for their protection isn't as safe as they claim? Korrine’s life in Safety is starting to get to her, but there’s not much she can do to change it. She and the few thousand other people living there are allergic to the sun—so much so that they’ll burn to death with the slightest exposure. The solar flares a hundred years ago plagued the unlucky few with this malady. Those found with the discovered gene mutation have been ripped from their families and confined to Safety, the sunless bunker, until they die. Life is slow in Safety, regulated and monitored by the Creators. Nothing eventful ever happens in the compound. Until now. After two different families are abruptly removed from Safety’s population, one thing becomes clear to Korrine. Her family is next.

322 pages, Hardcover

Published November 12, 2021

Reviews

[Smarzbar · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a fine line between "for their safety" and bureaucratic control.
Set in a dystopian future where the world is still in one piece but the people...well most are okay. The government tests all newborns to find the ones with mutated DNA after solar events have left a small portion of the population with an allergy to the sun. A deadly allergy. As in catch on fire if they're exposed.

We see Korrine and her fellow citizens of Safety, in their monotonous, monitored lives within the confines of the underground bunker.
When things start to go pear shaped, we join Korrine on her journey to unravel the mysteries before its too late and watch as her love and loyalty for the only family she's ever known is put to the test.
The author has done a great job at exploring a variety of themes, while still keeping it an enjoyable read. I can't say much on the themes as to avoid giving away any spoilers but I'm excited to see where this goes and how the government will go up against the power of the people.

[Danielle Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.75 stars

I enjoyed the concept of this book. There are people the government houses (imprisons) for their own protection against the sun. The tagline is: they're allergic to sunlight & will burst into flames if exposed. Of course, not all is as it seems. As Korrine navigates the "tests" she's forced to partake in, and her normal routine in Safety gets disrupted, mysterious events begin to unravel, and she discovers that her life in Safety is part of something much more complex than she could have imagined.

It was a quick read with a great reveal at the end. I'm a sucker for a good dystopian book, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this story. (Plus, I'm a dystopian author myself!)

Overall, there were a few minor plot holes & questions I had that didn't get addressed. And I did find myself getting caught up in the use of filter words & repeated phrases. But overall, this is a great read for anyone looking for a classic YA dystopian story.

[Ashley Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading Sunfire. This is a perfect book for fans of the Divergent Series to sink their teeth into.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book, but from the very first chapter, I was intrigued. Korrine is a sassy, lovable rebel who you can't help but connect to. As you follow her routine of life and the sudden changes that happen around her, you're not quite sure what's coming next. By the time you reach the end of the book, you'll be eager to see when the next one comes out.
I can't wait to see more from this author. Definitely a book to add to your TBR pile!

[K.J. Burrage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book that I have read from Dan Kenner. I have heard from a few readers lately they will not read fantasy written by a male author. Please can I just say that Dan does a fantastic job of writing his protagonist Kor, a 15 year old girl. Well done, Dan.
I loved the character building in this novel and the family dynamics.
There might be only two main settings but the author has done a great job of bring the institution of Safety to life. It's almost scary how real this could be.
Pace is good - doesn't lack.
I think the author has left the ending so that he might be able to pick it up where it left off and continue what happens next.

[Mackenzie Friel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this book, I was suprised how the world of Safety ended up being portrayed. It added to the mystery of what's really going on and I enjoyed trying to put the pieces together with Korrine.
Watching her story progress was done really well.
This is a great standalone, but if it's made into a series I wouldn't complain. The ending gives you enough to be satisfied, but also gives you the chance to make some assumptions.
If you live scifi, young adult, 1st person POV, mystery; check this book out!

[M.K. Dockery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I can say it had me stuck to my chair when I should have been doing work.

Yeah, it was my choice to read when I should have worked, but it is his fault for ensnaring my attention and holding me hostage. AND THIS IS NOT A THIN BOOK. I was dead to the REAL world and fell into Sunfire.

I would ask for my time back, but I think it was well spent. LOL. GREAT READ.

M. K.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunfire is a very interesting dystopian sci-fi and I would absolutely recommend this book. There are times when it’s a little slow and it can be predictable at times but it’s such an amazing read and I doubt you’ll regret buying this book. Go ahead. Buy it. Do it.

[Jaelanne Gilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I've loved everything from this author!

[Tommy-Lee Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! Kenner is a fantastic writer. I didn’t want to put the book down. Great pacing, great plot, plenty of action, drama, and character development. One of my best reads of 2024.