Winter Burn

by Jacqueline Druga

On a frigid winter day, the sun hurls a massive solar ejection at the western hemisphere, creating an extinction-level crisis like the world has never known.

In typical fashion, sixteen-year-old Allie isn’t crazy about her life, and with good reason. Over the course of a year, her life has become unrecognizable. Not only have her parents lost their jobs, and the family lost their house, she now relies on stolen Wi-Fi. But worst of all, her seventeen-year-old brother is dying of brain cancer.

To her, nothing can be worse. On the morning of the event, Allie and her mother are forty miles from home getting medication her brother desperately needs.

The solar event turns everything upside down and cascades Allie and her mother into a nightmare journey.

Allie is determined. The new burning landscape is not the end of the world; to her the end of the world would be not making it home before her brother dies.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2022

Reviews

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally like this author and find her refreshing and imaginative in her story telling. This one is first person from the POV of a teenage girl. Like many of her other books, this one has editing issues (backing instead of baking, come instead of came, sacred instead of scared- etc). There is also weakness in the science, since solar flares do not cause rise in temp or danger of radiation. There was mention of Gamma rays later so perhaps this was really a gamma ray burst which makes more sense. The subplot of Allie's terminally ill brother was a major focal point of emotions. Some of the other characters, Duane, Aya and Orlando in particular, added to the richness of the human connections (and earned a 4 star). The ending seemed a little rushed, but leaves a hope for the future sentiment that is appealing.

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Burn is a winner for me, I absolutely loved it. Jacqueline Druga is my number one author at the moment, every book I’ve read from her has been great and I have no hesitation buying any of her books. This story is told by Allie who is sixteen years old and although mature for her age due to circumstances in the family it’s different seeing everything from her perspective as a young teenager. It’s an excellent read and I would recommend anyone who likes this genre to read it.

[Saint Vitas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

this plot surrounds a teenage girl and a few survivors up against nature when civilization was upended by a natural disaster. it is one of those events we really hope does not happen. This us one of those that I am sure I would not have survived. any way there will be grieving people just trying to live. What would you do and how would you cope with it afterwards? I enjoyed this senerio.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

not one of her best. no character depth.. the main character is a teen.. very one dimensional.. The mother.. omg. is horrendous as a human being.. most of the author's women in her books. make me think the author can't stand women. most are tough. but very bimboish, which makes them so attractive to the big bruiser male lead.. but the mother in this book was selfish.. dumb. but worst of all a major thief and corporate embezzler , who caused her unknowing family to become dirt poor.. she said. when this was found out.. that has always stolen znc was perfectly fine with stealing millions from her company for years. no repercussions.. daughter was fine

[Hibilliejean · Rating 4 out of 5]

great story

I’m annoyed with the author for letting so many of her stories be published with glaring errors, such as misspelled and missing words. and It breaks the flow of the story in my mind as I’m reading it and have to stop and reread something to figure out what she’s really trying to say. Please get them proofed better. Please. I really enjoy your stories, but I’m almost to the point of not bothering with them bc of the many mistakes.

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting idea of the aftermath of a natural EMP specifically if by an extreme solar flare. I liked the practicality of this story and the additional man vs man vs nature. What I would have liked to have seen was a little more of the ruthlessness that would ensue after an event like this. Overall I am excited to see where the author takes this story as it moves into a series.

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com

[Stacy Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed this one

Jacqueline is one of my favourite authors I always just love the characters and worlds she creates (and destroys) the characters always get enough development for you too root for them and feel every relationship they create within the story is genuinely heart felt and in turn feel the loss of them genuinely yourself.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all stories she writes. Adored this one. What to me is terrifying is it could happen. The way humans are going not caring for the planet is the big part of the story arc. The way the characters are developed. Some I absolutely hated in the beginning. But, they changed and grew. I highly recommend this book.

[EmrettaMay Hinman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting adventure

The story is told from the view point of a 16 year old child. A solar flare threatens to disrupt earth and life as we know it. This story has a little bit of everything as we share the emotions of a families loyalty and love for each other while undertaking the burden of survival.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

The second of three books I read recently that was neatly tied up into a great one-book story. I’ve become a little tired of book series that drag on and on and on. I read one that was 17 different books! 17! I would have never started had I known that. This book moves at a great pace. I love the first-person, teenage narrator.

[Kadlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read

It snowed steadily for months. Once it started to accumulate, it didn’t stop. A hard crunchy snow that never softened because the temperatures dropped so far overnight. Many of us went to the mouth of a cave opening to stare out, feel the cold so we could appreciate the warmth of our shelter.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and cold?

I am going to start with the recommendation. Yes! It was a down to earth, apocalyptic, end if the world kind of book that....depending on how you look at it, had a positive ending. I loved it.

[chris evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story.

This is another great apocalypse book, that kept me turning the page again and again.
It's a different type from the usual all about the sun and made for a great read.

[Katie_Living_in_Bookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

Another awesome read from Jacqueline Druga! Really great storyline and I really loved the characters. I loved the underlying message to appreciate each moment you have with our loved ones. Things can and do change quickly. Thank you for another amazing story.

[Dottie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Once again, MS Druga has come up with a different way to end the world. Her characters are always amazing, and I really can hardly wait until her next book! I highly recommend her books.

[Hazel Broadhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic take on the end of the world

I really enjoyed this book and am hoping there is a sequel. Much better than hoards of flesh eating zombies. I’m still not sure how they managed to have enough food though

[Mary Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Great book. Enjoyed the characters. Can't wait for the next book and see the next faze of the disaster and how the family handles it

[wendi c duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty easy fast read. I just wished it was a little bit longer.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I absolutely loved this book. The characters draw you in from the beginning and the plot moves at an action packed pace. Highly recommend 👌.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

Allie and her family are caught in a CMP. Their early winter disappears and scorched earth results. Read their story about surviving

[Jacqueline S. Hemminger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this apocalypse story! I always learn so much and store the end of times info... Just in case!!

[lucy keenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

Wow, I really enjoyed this book. The plot and the character development are excellent. I noticed one typo so far… Look for SON where it should be SUN.

[Laura L Grant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor spelling

The incorrect spelling of words and grammar mistakes made reading this book distracting.

It would have made a better story if the characters had more depth.

[T. Giachetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suspenseful

Good story line, a page turner ,hope the author will write a sequel.Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Matt Egan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre disaster fiction. Not the worst thing I've read, but not up to par for Drugs or modern disaster fiction

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid. Another good take on the apocalypse.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter Burn

Very suspenseful and exciting storyline. Fast moving, page turner. Another great tale of the Apocalypse from Ms Druga! Highly recommend!

[Carol Cuthbert]

Great read

Another good book from Jacqueline Druga! Well written, fast paced story with believable characters. Once I started I couldn't stop x

[TheReadingKnitter/ Kasey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book but sometimes it dragged I felt. And ended abruptly.

[Douglas Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, but what is new from Ms. Druga

Great story and love the ending. Love her writing. She do a little more character development and some more in the science area.