Burn
Age 14+
General Fiction Fantasy & Magical Realism Thrillers
An all-consuming story of revenge, redemption and dragons from the twice Carnegie Medal-winner Patrick Ness.
“On a cold Sunday evening in early 1957, Sarah Dewhurst waited with her father in the parking lot of the Chevron Gas Station for the dragon he’d hired to help on the farm.”
This dragon, Kazimir, has more to him than meets the eye. Sarah can’t help but be curious about him, an animal who supposedly doesn’t have a soul but is seemingly intent on keeping her safe from the brutal attentions of Deputy Sheriff Emmett Kelby.
Kazimir knows something she doesn’t. He has arrived at the farm because of a prophecy. A prophecy that involves a deadly assassin, a cult of dragon worshippers, two FBI agents – and somehow, Sarah Dewhurst herself.
From the bestselling author of the Chaos Walking trilogy comes a heart-stopping story of fanaticism, hope, bravery and impossible second chances, set in a world on the very brink of its own destruction.
"Exhilarating and heart-stopping." Russell T Davies
"Gloriously original and unpredictable ... Mind-bending in the best possible way.” Observer
“A clever, complex and completely engrossing story.” The Times
“[An] extraordinary story of fate, power and redemption … He is a remarkable talent.” Daily Mail
“Ness shows that although monsters exist in every world, many wish to overcome them; and even in the smoking ruins of civilisation, there is room for hope.” Guardian
“Revenge, redemption, the Cold War and dragons. Another great tale from the master with the best opening line of any book this year.” Simon Mayo
“You can always rely on Patrick Ness to surprise you, and this beautifully written urban fantasy doesn’t disappoint … an immersive, rewarding read.” Independent
“Never less than gripping ... full of charm, intriguing characters and awesome, cinematic set-pieces.” SFX
“An incredibly touching, powerful and startling read.” Female First
“A provocative Cold War-set tale of dragon worshippers, parenthood, and the apocalypse.” Entertainment Weekly
“Gripping until the end.” Irish Times
Resources
Creators
Patrick Ness is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Chaos Walking trilogy, A Monster Calls, More Than This, The Rest of Us Just Live Here, Release and And the Ocean Was Our Sky. John Green has described him as "an insanely beautiful writer". He has won every major prize in children's fiction, including the Carnegie Medal twice. He has written the screenplay for the film of A Monster Calls and the BBC Doctor Who spin-off, Class. The first Chaos Walking film is slated for release in 2020.
Reviews
Asking questions about free will versus destiny, exploring small-town racism and homophobia, this is an incredibly compelling narrative with strong, believable characters, really evil baddies, and baddies who maybe just turn out to be good. Burn is another tour de force by Patrick Ness with incredible storytelling that is absolutely not to be missed. Suitable for readers aged 13+.
Readings
5 stars. I loved it, and Ness has done it again.
Josh Radwell - Instagram
Ness books are always this exquisite mix of the unique, bizarre and heartfelt aching. This one is set in the 1950s and it’s strange, so so strange, but honestly enthralling. The middle of the book left me utterly breathless.
Paper Fury
Patrick Ness has created an enthralling and eccentric adventure that is like no other and I highly recommend you give it a go.
Swords and Roses
a thrilling read
Readings
5/5… This fast paced and enthralling book will literally leave you bitting you fingernails as you read, unsure, uncertain but ready for a twist you won’t see coming. Ness delivers a diverse fantasy that no one has ever seen before!
Blue Fairy Tales
I would recommend this book for all readers, 12+
Better Reading
The character threads of the story are woven together in a surprising and powerful way. The idea of adding dragons to an already terrifying time in history results in a riveting narrative that deftly adds magic to the madness. The story explores questions of faith, as well as forbidden relationships in a time when prejudicial attitudes meant homosexuality and interracial relationships were taboo. Burn is an engaging read that will appeal to teens and adults alike.
CBCA: Reading Time
Ness is an author who transcends expectations and genres and here he blends realism with fantasy so that the fantastic appears seamless and natural
Magpies
Highly recommended … The twisty plot and the surprising creation of an alternative universe make for exciting reading
Readplus
