Burning

Burning is the prequel to After the Thaw, a new series from Tamar Sloan and Heidi Catherine. I had the opportunity to read an advance copy, and I would like to read the entire series RIGHT NOW.

Burning takes place in Askala, what used to be Alaska, before catastrophe struck on a global scale. Icecaps have thawed and the sea is now toxic. Askala is home to a small population of survivors, connected to what they call the Outlands by one bridge. It's not an easy life, and for those who are selected in the Proving to serve and protect, to lead, it's harder still.

We meet four young people in the story, Callix, Amity, Magnus, and Mercy. Callix and Magnus are brothers. Callix is older, but jealous of Magnus, who seems to have everything break his way. Amity feels everything deeply. Mercy is noticed by few, but she notices much. We see them put into positions where they have to make hard choices and live with the consequences of those choices.

The story is a quick read. It doesn't give the entirety of the setting, but illustrates clearly that Askala is a hard place to live - the world, or what's inhabitable, is a hard place to live. It's a place that doesn't allow the luxury of doing what you want, but sometimes forces you to do what you must.

The characters are well written, and they act like what they are - teenagers. Sometimes they do the right and noble thing, and sometimes they don't. I have a teenager. I see that from him on a regular basis.

I'm not (yet) familiar with a lot of Ms. Sloan's work, but if y'all have read my reviews, y'all know how I feel about Ms. Catherine's Kingdoms of Evernow series. I am thrilled to have the chance to read more of her work, and Burning has me really looking forward to the entire series. The ending - well, I don't know what's coming, but I can see the potential for some major, major conflict. Bring it on.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary advance copy from the author. All opinions here are my own, and I don't say nice things about books I don't like.