Burn

by Dylan Steel

Alphastad. The last city left standing. A refuge for a remnant of humanity. Until it isn’t.

Charlie lives on the streets — the lowest level in a city of towers. The government doesn’t care about her existence — not like if she were an upstanding citizen living on a middle or upper level. To everyone above her, she’s forgettable scum, utterly insignificant… which is exactly what she wants.

The streets of Alphastad are dangerous. Charlie’s only survived them the last three years by pledging her loyalty to the leader of her sector and by keeping her past a secret.

But when a riot breaks out, the government retaliates by cutting off the food supply and transforming Alphastad from Earth’s last refuge to a tomb. As a street runner, Charlie can smuggle in rations — if she’s willing to risk the secret she’s already killed to keep.

A new young adult dystopian adventure for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent.

Start reading now!

Genres: Dystopia

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2022

Reviews

[Carol Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I expected when I decided to read this one, but I am glad I did. It pleasantly surprised me. I don't normally like most of the dystopian type of books that I have read in the past. They always seem to leave me vaguely disappointed in some way. I don't exactly know why. I can't seem to put my finger on it most of the time. I did not have that problem with this book. I absolutely couldn't put it down. It pulled me in and kept me glued until the end when I was hit with the unexpected twist. I was like "what??!!" and now I can't wait to read the next in the series to see what happens, hopefully find out the why things progressed as they did and how Charlie ended up on the run as she was.

It was well written and had great world building. I fully recommend this one. New author to add to my favorite list.

**I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review**

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intriguing start to a new YA dystopian series. The beginning was a bit confusing and it was slow to start. There wasn't much ground work in the beginning to explain the world Charlie found herself in. It eventually comes out but it was a bit late in the story. Charlie has secrets and is working for Naia in their sector. When the Prime threatens everyone the sectors come together to retaliate. Charlie gets partnered with Luke, who also has secrets. At about the 50% mark things pick up and it becomes action packed. Be warned, the first book ends on a major cliff hanger.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of YA Dystopian books, but I had a tough time getting interested in this book. From the very beginning, I didn't know what was happening and it never really seemed to make sense. Most of the book was people going through various buildings, meeting up with the enemy and fighting their way through. But, it just never seemed to go anywhere.

The book was well-written, but I never became invested in any of the characters. Mostly, I felt like I was reading the screenplay for an action/adventure movie.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy dystopian type of stories, and dangerous situations! Like to see characters rise up and fight against injustices, and those that are evil and/or corrupt. Liked that Charlie is a survivor, and I can see her growing stronger as this series progresses. This was a bit too YA for what I generally like, but the story is an entertaining one. Interested to see where the story goes in the next book!

[Lisa Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great start (if a little predicable) to The Last City series. I loved Steel's world building and could easily picture this as a TV series. Charlie is just perky and plucky enough to be a real star in this series. I love a good dystopian adventure and can't wait to see where book 2 takes us.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written, YA fantasy story! Good ideas & over all well thought out characters & plot. I did find the main characters & little irritating by the end of the story as this is a good length book! So something to disappear into if needed! I do recommend for all that love this type of read!.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with its blend of dystopian city, young adults, and secrets that everyone is hiding. It has lots of action as the main characters is always on the move in a mix of heists. Got caught up in the story to try and figure out what the secrets everyone was hiding were and how it would effect the heist they are all embroiled in.

[Sondra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whirl wind

From page one the action begins. I have no idea what was going on and am still a little baffled. It ends with a huge cliffhanger and it's not pretty, it's terrible. However I'm interested in figuring out what is going on in this mystery. It's quite a crazy beginning.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was hard to get into. It started right in with action with no idea of where we were or what the heck was going on. But, once I got into the action, it was really good. I am so disappointed in Luke though.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a neat story idea, but it is begging, screaming, crying, pleading for just one read from an editor.

[Kayleigh henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good read. Enjoyed the fmc and the storyline is catchy can't wait for book two. Would recommend