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The Burn (The Burn #1)

by Annie Oldham (Goodreads Author)

3.44 of 5 stars 3.44 · rating details · 348 ratings · 72 reviews

The Burn is full of nuclear fallout, roving gangs, anarchy, unreliable plumbing. That's what Terra's father tells her. She has lived her whole life in comfort in a colony at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. She hates it. And she would pay any price to leave. But when Terra finally escapes the colony, she finds out her father is right.

She finds a group of survivors that qui...more

Paperback, 234 pages

Published September 27th 2011

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Best YA Dystopian/Utopian/Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic

111th out of 246 books — 510 voters

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Community Reviews

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Dec 20, 2011 Britney rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Burn is a fantastic novel that takes place in a war-torn future where underwater colonies exist and the United States is now New America, where it is illegal to live outside of the cities controlled by the government. Where food and medical supplies are rationed and people fight each other to survive. Terra chooses to leave the safety of the colony to live on the Burn, but pays a dear sacrifice.
This book really appealed to my love for dystopian novels. I enjoy seeing the world turned upside...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Katherine rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. In the future, the world destroys itself through a series of nuclear bombs. The world as we know it no longer exists. However, prior to the destruction, the world's leading scientists build colonies on the ocean floor and secretly move their families there. In the future, the children are taught about The Burn (the name for the surface) and the destruction and lawlessness that exists there. No one ever goes to The Burn, until Terra, a teenager who is unhappy with everything about the colonies, f...more

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Mar 18, 2013 Angela Stackhouse rated it 2 of 5 stars

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Jul 14, 2012 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Teenagers

Recommended to Susan by: Appeared on a list of Dystopia & futurist books

Shelves: dystopia, fiction

Letter Grade: C-

This was an easy book to get drawn into and a hard book to feel good about having read. The main character was charming in her teen-aged dramatic way, and though headstrong in some ways she had more maturity than some of my children at that age. When I began to read the preview, the mother in me became emotionally invested in what she was going to do and what the outcomes would be.

I felt drawn to all of the characters in the story and wished that the book had been longer and so...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Sonny rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My Review
Terra lives in a colony at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The World went into WWIII and nuked itself. But not before some of the world’s greatest minds came together to build a perfect society at the bottom of the ocean.
Tessa feels confined, claustrophobic, like a fish stuck in an aquarium. She yearns to be in the fresh air with the grass, soil, freedom. Her father tells her that it is a world full of anarchy, murder, and hard survival. Terra doesn’t care. She wants her freedom, no m...more My Review
Terra lives in a colony at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The World went into WWIII and nuked itself. But not before some of the world’s greatest minds came together to build a perfect society at the bottom of the ocean.
Tessa feels confined, claustrophobic, like a fish stuck in an aquarium. She yearns to be in the fresh air with the grass, soil, freedom. Her father tells her that it is a world full of anarchy, murder, and hard survival. Terra doesn’t care. She wants her freedom, no matter the cost.
She finally gets her chance of freedom and goes to The Burn, the surface. After saving a boy’s life, Terra quickly falls into a group of survivors that ultimately become like family. From there, life turns into a constant battle for survival and the safety of their small family.
Terra is forced to ask herself if this new life is worth the effort and difficulties, or if the Colony where every choice is made for her is a better life.
My Thoughts
I cannot even begin to describe how much I love this book! I mean just true love. YA dystopian novels are quickly becoming my favorite, so this one went right to the top when I read it. The whole concept of the Colony at the bottom of the ocean is intriguing to me. I wonder from a logical point of view how something like this could be possible, the steps that need to be taken, and the freedoms given up. And then there is the tree-hugging, fresh air loving part of me that gets freaked out. I mean totally freaked out. I definitely know how Terra feels; like she is an animal in a cage with the weight of the world repressing her lungs and crushing her soul. Phew. That would be absolutely horrible.
In a way, the Colony is almost perfect in their jobs, prescribed foods, things like that. Perfect for the body, but not for the soul. Everything is streamlined, practical, and useful. I would feel so completely repressed the same as Terra.
The author Annie writes a section in the beginning of the book where Terra experiences warmth, plants, and soil with all of her senses for the first time ever. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Brilliant. Writing at its best and most raw. I love writing that is raw and really dig into the details of something small and seem but a moment in our lives. But these are the moments that make life what it is. And that moment with the earth is something that really pushed Terra to adventure her dream of living on The Burn.
It is also interesting to me that Terra is unable to speak. There is an incident with a woman helping Terra to get to The Burn. She made her pay a price to gain entry to the surface: her tongue. She can no longer speak in this world of ultimate survival.
A small romance does brew between Terra and a boy named David; but very small. Mary, David’s old flame is jealous and a sort of rivalry breaks out between Terra and Mary. No brawl breaks loose, but there is a definite tension between them. She also makes a great friend out of a boy named Jack.
Terra also learns some basic skills to keep herself alive on The Burn. I really would have loved to see her doing more hard labor, like actually doing some of the hunting and maybe just a little more work. But, it is pretty perfect the way it is, and if there is another book, I could definitely see Annie adding and little more hardship to her travels.
In the end, Terra decides that she has to move on from her little family and learn to survive on her own without relying on the help of others. At first I was a little surprised and little sad that she left because I sincerely began to like a lot of the characters, especially Nell and Red. But, I am very glad because she is moving to her next adventure, which might mean a series is brewing. Yes!
And Jack followed her. How cute is that? I really do hope that some sort of romance begins between those two. I know, I’m a romance junkie.
The Burn is the story of a girl silently finding her way in an unrelenting and cruel world. Even in the darkest days, friendships can be made and kept, and survival can be a way for a new life.

Favorite Character: Nell and Red; they come as one character for me :D Also Jack.
Least Favorite: Mary; only kind of.
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Oct 27, 2012 Bedwings rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopia

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Jan 08, 2012 Liz at Fictional Candy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopia

I haven’t read much by the way of dystopian, but not for lack of want. So when the author contacted me to review The Burn, I was excited. I had seen this book floating around, and I was eager to read it.

“The world as we knew it ended in a bang”

The world as we know it is destroyed. In an effort of survival and moving on, people – scientists – set up colonies to live in… in the ocean on the ocean floor. Life in the colonies is planned and watched. There is barely any room for self choice. Even yo...more I haven’t read much by the way of dystopian, but not for lack of want. So when the author contacted me to review The Burn, I was excited. I had seen this book floating around, and I was eager to read it.

“The world as we knew it ended in a bang”

The world as we know it is destroyed. In an effort of survival and moving on, people – scientists – set up colonies to live in… in the ocean on the ocean floor. Life in the colonies is planned and watched. There is barely any room for self choice. Even your meals are planned. There’s no pollution, very little crime, and for the most part people seem happy.

But one person isn’t. Terra is a 16 year old girl, the daughter of The Speaker (basically like the governor). She is one of six siblings in her family, yet only one of two to survive birth. Terra and her sister Jessa couldn’t be more different. Right here I want to point out the cleverness in this story. I mean, sure you will read it (the cleverness) throughout, but just in Terra’s name – land – you know she isn’t mean to live in the ocean. Well done. I really appreciate little things like that. Attention to detail goes a long way.

It is approximately one hundred years after WWIII. And Terra has heard about The Burn, land that has been ravaged since The Event, her entire life. She wants to get out of the ocean, the never-ending blackness beyond the windows, the blind fish that bump into the windows. They are a poor substitute for birds, which she has never seen.

“Nuclear fall out. Roving gangs. Complete Anarchy. No reliable plumbing. Take your pick”

That’s what they are told is all that is left on land. But it doesn’t matter, Terra is going to get out. And she does. And there are plenty of sacrifices she must make to do so, but so great is her need to be free that she makes the sacrifices and goes forth. Honestly, if it were me, I don’t think I could make the same sacrifices. I’d like to think there was a different way, there had to be. I would have liked to have kept her choice as a last resort. But then I’ve never been captive in what amounted to a bubble in the sea. Who is to say what you would or wouldn’t do? Just because your captor keeps you clean and well taken care of doesn’t mean that its good for you, right?

I suppose that extreme situations and adrenalin can cause an emotional flood – but the quick bond between Dave and Terra on The Burn kind of didn’t sit well with me. It just didn’t seem, I don’t know, right. She can’t tell him the whole truth, and he just seems a bit confused. He doesn’t seem to be as in control of himself as I’d like to see, for someone who is the unspoken leader of their group. It’s hard for me to remember that these people are teenagers. That’s not because of the story, the author does an extremely good job of painting the picture. I just think that I was looking for a bit more in terms of Dave. Her inexperience at lying creates problems, and he just accepts what she says even though it clearly isn’t true. The joys of being young and not having the experience that’s needed to detect lies.

Generally I found this story to be a fascinating story of what is to come. Annie Oldham set the scene flawlessly, in both the water and on land. New America (The United States) is exactly what Terra was taught her whole life, and it is clearly and rawly shown. From the beauty and simplicity of the colonies, the harsh reality of life on The Burn, you completely feel you are right there with Terra experiencing everything.

The people Terra meets are quick to accept her, just as she was told they would be. They are an instant new family, and it is easy to be with them. At least for a bit. That doesn’t take long for it to change. And ultimately I believe Terra made the right choices each step of the way since she arrived on The Burn. She is a strong young woman, a wildcard in the colonies, but she is going to quickly come into her own when she is on land. She has a lot to learn, but I believe she will do it with ease.

A few things within the story itself leave me with a few questions. I want to know more about Matt, and why he had such an unusual name. I’m curious about how Gaea and how she manages to live undetected where she does. But all in all I really enjoyed this story.(less)

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Jan 04, 2012 Fallon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, dystopian, young-adult

The Burn is a dystopian young adult novel that takes place about 100 years after World War III which follows not long after the Iraq events of today. A bunch of scientist figured the world would destroy themselves, so they built secret shelters that no new people are allowed into, just those born into them. This world is a prison for Terra who has rose-colored goggles for Earth, or as they call it 'The Burn. Her life is dedicated to leaving her colony and finding land, only it's not what she exp...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Ami Blackwelder rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love this story so far....ok I'm done with it now. It was a quick read and enjoyable and found myself wanting to know what happened to the characters...

Can't way to see where Terra ends up...because the novel ends on sort of a could-be-the-end, could-be-a-cliff-hange. There are many questions a sequel could address, such as what happens to the mother? Where is the father in all of this? What happens with David and Terra? Jack and Mary?

This is a dystopian novel and so had to give it a try. I...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Henri Moreaux rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure, dystopian, post-apocalyptic, scifi-fantasy, survival

An interesting easy to read book, set in a future 100 years after World War 3 which based on referenced events seems to be about 2103, there are colonies under the sea, and a war ravaged surface. A young woman, 'Terra', decides she can't handle living in the prison of her undersea utopia and decides to explore the surface, 'The Burn', and so the adventure commences.

It's a very leisurely read, but there are a few puzzling instances - I didn't quite understand the logic of, or need for Terra to ha...more

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May 11, 2013 Christine DeLong rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When WWIII began, the most brilliant scientists on earth devised a plan to save the human race from itself. In the case of a worldwide nuclear event, some of the human race must be saved. Of course, these people should only be the best, the brightest, the richest, or the most connected. Their plan? Create a series of colonies on the ocean floor, far away from the nuclear fallout that could occur up above.

Over a hundred years later, Terra feels claustrophobic and trapped in this world that her an...more

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Mar 10, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

The Burn is the name given to the world 100 years after World War III erupted and left the Earth devastated by nuclear burnout. That's all Terra, a teenage girl, really knows about The Burn. She's been living her entire life in a comfortable colony at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

The Burn, by Annie Oldham, is a dystopian novel about a group of scientists that predicted the nuclear war that caused the Earth to become known as The Burn. For year's before the was broke out scientists in all fi...more The Burn is the name given to the world 100 years after World War III erupted and left the Earth devastated by nuclear burnout. That's all Terra, a teenage girl, really knows about The Burn. She's been living her entire life in a comfortable colony at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

The Burn, by Annie Oldham, is a dystopian novel about a group of scientists that predicted the nuclear war that caused the Earth to become known as The Burn. For year's before the was broke out scientists in all fields began creating secret colonies at the bottom of the ocean. At the time of World War III there were 14 colonies of scientists and there families living in the ocean.

Terra is not like the other people who live in the colony. Most people are happy living at the bottom of the ocean with their job picked out for them, their menus planned for them, and video recording watchers taping their every move. Terra is not satisfied with her life in the colony. She feels claustrophobic and crushed by the ocean above and around her. She longs to see real light and not the artificial lights that are in every part of the colony.

All of this is complicated by the fact that she lives with her father and her grandmother. Her grandmother was the former speaker, or leader, of their colony and her father is the current speaker. Her mother left years before after the birth of Terra and her twin sister Jessa.

When she thinks she can't take it anymore an opporunity to go to The Burn falls in her lap. There is a hefty price to pay in addition to the fact that she can never come back to the colonies but Terra takes it. She arrives in The Burn and finds a group of survivors hiding from the government. She quickly becomes friends with them and everything seems to be falling into place.

Just when she gets comfortable Terra finds that life on The Burn is not what she expected. She witnesses and commits unspeakable acts. She realizes that everyday will be a struggle for survival and she's not sure if living above water is any better then living under it in the colonies.

For the most part I really enjoyed this book. Terra is a strong female character that follows her heart. She is naive in the way that many teenagers are but she never gives up. The whole concept of living on the bottom of the ocean really interested me and it was neat to see the underwater world Annie Oldham dreamed up. There were several parts where I thought things changed a little abruptly or happened too quickly but overall I liked this novel and hope there's a second book so I can see what happens to Terra.
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Jan 11, 2012 Danica Page (One Page at a Time) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, romance, relationships, dystopia, science-fiction, asked-to-review

I received this novel for review from the author. Here is part of my review:

World building and character building at its best. A beautifully written novel that dystopian fans will love.

To start off, I really liked the characters, the setting of this story, and the writing style. This novel was one that I was excited to read from the moment I was asked to review it, and so when I finally got to reading it, I was very excited.

I loved the world building in this novel. The colony that Terra lives...more

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Mar 31, 2012 Emily rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of The Little Mermaid, Someone looking for a quick dystopian

Shelves: dystopian, romance, ya, lendable-kindle-books

Fast paced dystopian version of The Little Mermaid. Good for a quick read but Terra's almost constant state of dissatisfaction as well as Dave's fickleness kinda irked me. I can relate more to her sister Jessa's temperment I think.

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Nov 25, 2012 Abigailann (Abigail) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Setting teenage angst against a radically different backdrop, Annie Oldham managed to convey a new significance to the classic coming-of-age tale. The dystopian world which resulted is close enough to our own for comparison, and yet it has enough new attractions to get the readers' attention.

I loved the character of Terra. She is complex, fiercly independent, and yet vunerable at the same time. The whole story revolves around her in a very natural fashion.

As Terra begins to make a new life her h...more

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Dec 06, 2011 Sophie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, 2011, sci-fi, young-adult

Thanks to goodreads First Reads for the free copy of this book.

The Burn is set in a dystopian world where a select number live in strictly controlled, "perfect" bottom-of-the-ocean colonies, and the survivors of WWIII eek out a living on the surface ("the burn"). Terra, a fourth-generation colonist, seems to be the only one bothered by her underwater prison, and finally finds a way to the surface.

Up to this point, I was totally into the book. Oldham's vision of the underwater colonies was thor...more

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Dec 31, 2011 Mandy (I read Indie) Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Terra and her family lives below the ocean in a Colony built by the finest biologists and scientist of the world over a hundred years ago. In school, she learns about The Burn; life above the water on land that was destroyed by multiple nuclear bombs. He teaches them of destruction, fighting, and anarchy of a crumbling government. But Terra sees more than what the teacher shows. She sees a new way of life, a life full of light unlike the dark ocean bottom she sees every day. Terra sees freedom m...more Terra and her family lives below the ocean in a Colony built by the finest biologists and scientist of the world over a hundred years ago. In school, she learns about The Burn; life above the water on land that was destroyed by multiple nuclear bombs. He teaches them of destruction, fighting, and anarchy of a crumbling government. But Terra sees more than what the teacher shows. She sees a new way of life, a life full of light unlike the dark ocean bottom she sees every day. Terra sees freedom most of all. So when Terra is offered a chance to escape the colony and flee to New America, she takes it. But she must sacrifice much in order for this once in a lifetime chance. Is life on The Burn everything she thought it would be or exactly what her teacher and father warned her about? Was Terra’s idea of freedom worth the sacrifice she took?

I wasn’t real sure how I would feel about this book when I started it, but I was quickly absorbed into the story. The author described everything so well the places and feelings were so vivid in my mind. The sacrifice that Terra made is something I don’t think I could have ever done. And she did it without hesitation. She truly is a brave girl who knew what she wanted. I really felt sorry for Terra as she made the decision to leave her family for The Burn. She had no idea what awaited her there but knew it had to be better than the confines of the Colony. I enjoyed the other characters as well. Dave, Nell, Red were all so great to her when they took her in. I can’t say I could relate to them, seeing as I have never had to fight every day for my survival. But hearing most of their backgrounds, they became more personal to me. I really cared what happened to each one of them.

The Burn was a fast paced read that grabbed my attention from the start and only got better as the story unfolded. The ending leaves you to believe the author will continue on with Terra's story...we can only hope! I love a good dystopian book and this one delivered.
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Oct 07, 2012 Lynn Buchanan rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was so excited about this book. Post apocalyptic and dystopian novels are fascinating to me and to think the survivors reside on the floor of the Pacific was a bonus. However, I found the novel to be poorly executed. I found Terra unbelievably annoying and the overall character development lacking. The book was over before it started and it just didn't satisfy. A bit more editing is needed as well as there were three typos in the first ten pages of my copy of the e-book. Thankful to have gott...more

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May 03, 2012 Jules rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1-nook, 2-new-obsession, 3-post-apocalyptic, 3-dystopian, 0-sorted

This book was alright. The beginning was good but once she got up to the Burn, everything just felt a little ridiculous to me. I hate, hate, hate when people just bond immediately and they could be in love or whatever. If the author is really subtle about it then its not that bad but when they come out and just say it, it drives me nuts. Show me, don't tell me, and then maybe I might buy it. I also really don't understand the extreme method of preventing her from talking to anyone about the colo...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: appropriate-for-jh, dystopian, 2013-winter, appropriate-for-hs, heroines

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 29, 2012 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a fast-paced, interesting look at a dystopian society on what was once the United States. There's a twist however, there's also colonies on the bottom of the ocean floor, and that's where we meet Terra, the main character in this novel. I was intrigued by this take on the classic Little Mermaid story, and I found myself really becoming invested in the lives of the characters. Only criticism is that it rushes a bit at the end. It is set up that a sequel could follow, but you are also left...more

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Nov 24, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

See My Full Review Here: http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy....

First Impressions: At first, I can’t say I was excited about The Burn. The story wasn’t terribly attractive. I felt as if it was yet another remake of other post apocalyptic stories. I can’t say these were fair feelings though, as I started reading The Burn while reading another book. This is a big no-no for me and for good reason. I’m a child. I get distracted. While I started to read The Burn, my attention kept wondering back to...more See My Full Review Here: http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy....

First Impressions: At first, I can’t say I was excited about The Burn. The story wasn’t terribly attractive. I felt as if it was yet another remake of other post apocalyptic stories. I can’t say these were fair feelings though, as I started reading The Burn while reading another book. This is a big no-no for me and for good reason. I’m a child. I get distracted. While I started to read The Burn, my attention kept wondering back to the other book. So The Burn got put down for a few days.

My Review: After my initial attempt I came back to the book with a renewed attention span, as much as a child can have. I didn’t re-read what I had already digested. I can’t stand redoing things. So I picked up where I left off. I have to say, the second time around, The Burn was much better.

I want to start with the characters first.

The primary character is Terra. She is incredibly brave. She follows her heart and her passions. She pays a very heavy price to be able to reach the Burn from her current living environment. Terra still emphasizes some of her shelteredness through the book. She has a lot to learn, both about life and love.

The next character is Jessa, Terra’s sister. We don’t see much of Jessa except for the beginning and end of the book. She helps shape who Terra is. But that is about it.

Dave is the “sort of” antagonist. Well, him and Mary. I would think Dave is more of the antagonist, though rather silently. Dave becomes Terra’s love interest. Both are rather confused about the situation. Neither realizes what they want until the end of the book. Dave is the strong, comforting, silent type.

Mary isn’t much of a threat. She loves Dave. Both share a history. She knows what she wants from the beginning. Unfortunately, an incident with Terra leaves Dave confused and it will take some time for Dave to figure himself out.

Jack is the last person I want to mention. There are two other characters worth mentioning, but I’ll let the reader discover them. Jack is a doctor. Jack is young. Jack becomes the quiet hero. Should there be a sequel to The Burn; Jack will play an important part.

I already mentioned that my first attempt reading The Burn left me a little sour. My second attempt was much better. I love the whole dystopian themed book. Think of The Burn as a Fallout esque kind of book, for you video game people out there. The plot line is simply addicting. I devoured the book after I started really reading it. There are no life changing and dramatic twists and turns. They are all rather tiny. But they come often enough to keep the book going at a steady pace. They make for an addicting book.

Once Terra decides her course of action, the book becomes much better. I couldn’t put it down. There is enough action and suspense to keep the reader hooked. The writing style is simple, as if meant for the younger crowd. But at the same time it didn’t feel that way. The Burn is a self published book. I don’t really know why it hasn’t been picked up. Honestly, for those that love dystopian, pick this book up. You won’t be disappointed. (less)

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Nov 20, 2011 Katie Cody rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Amazing thought provoking novel that will leave you wanting more.
“The Burn” is an excellent post apoplectic/dystopian novel that is also a bit of a coming of age story. Terra goes on a terrifying journey and along the way learns the value of friendship and that not all things are as they seem. I was captivated from the first page by the descriptive imagery and how well the characters are written. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good post apoplectic/dystopian novel.
Be sure to c...more

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Dec 23, 2011 Kristin (Kritters Ramblings) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kritter-reviewed-2011

A little sci fi, a little dystopian mixed with a lot of heart. I was completely intrigued by this other world or two worlds that Oldham created, she mixed current events to create the happenings that absolved the US and helped to create her underworld.

With an element of humanity as the center of this book, Oldham makes the reader think twice about how our world and government is made up and how easily it could all change. We are each affected by our surroundings and upbringings and what if we kn...more

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Dec 08, 2011 Dave rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011, read-on-kindle

Disclaimer: The author of The Burn is my sister-in-law.

Next Disclaimer: The above fact made the prospect of reading this book and writing a review extremely daunting.

But this isn't good the way your great aunt's holiday fruitcake is good.

The best part of this imaginative combination of the Little Mermaid story and the post-apocalyptic genre is seeing a very talented author grow as she writes. As the narrative shifts with Terra venturing outside the Colony, The Burn does what every successful ad...more

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Aug 17, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

I did not realize this book was a futuristic re-telling of The Little Mermaid until I was 1/3 into it. Then I was a little annoyed because it was not an original story like I thought. But I read the rest of the book since it was not that long, and it did prove to be more than just a re-telling like I thought. I had serious doubts about how it would end (trying not to give too many spoilers!) but I was pleasantly surprised by what happened. It set itself up nicely for a sequel, and I will definit...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Dawn Husted rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Burn (book one of the Burn Series) is set in a post-apocalyptic time period evolving around the ‘colonists’ and the people that have survived the burn. The colony consists of a society of doctors and scientists that created an underwater civilization due to the nuclear fall-out. Terra, the main character, is a teenage girl who hates living underwater, never EVER seeing what it’s like above ground (The Burn). In fact, it’s practically forbidden to talk about the Burn. The entire plot hooked m...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Jamie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ts-eliot-rip-off, reviewed-less-than-4-stars, reviewed, cover-love

Check out my other book reviews at my blog; The Title Page

Rating: 3

The Burn starts off quickly with an introduction to Tessa, and the colony she lives in with her sister, father, and grandmother. The underwater world Oldham has created is intriguing and extremely detailed. Her character and setting descriptions help pull the reader into the world she has created. She does an amazing job setting up the plot, and you can easily see the turmoil Tessa has brewing in her head. She is unhappy in the c...more

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Sep 03, 2012 carole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

The Burn quickly became one of my favorite dystopian/post-apocalyptic reads. It's intense, emotional, suspenseful, and full of life. If you are a fan of Article 5 by Kristen Simmons, Legend by Marie Lu, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, Blood Red Road by Moira Young, and/or Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi don't miss this one!

Annie's world building in The Burn is exquisite. Every detail was thought of and the image in my mind, while not beautiful with rainbows and butterflies, is real and...more The Burn quickly became one of my favorite dystopian/post-apocalyptic reads. It's intense, emotional, suspenseful, and full of life. If you are a fan of Article 5 by Kristen Simmons, Legend by Marie Lu, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, Blood Red Road by Moira Young, and/or Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi don't miss this one!

Annie's world building in The Burn is exquisite. Every detail was thought of and the image in my mind, while not beautiful with rainbows and butterflies, is real and scary and concrete. The New America, the result of nuclear fallout and a raging World War III, is filled with darkness and misery. The people are fighting for their lives and trying to live a well life at any cost. The government has installed trackers in the citizens and they monitor their every move. It's barbaric and draining, this future is cruel and there are others who have escaped this reality and live a life under the water.

Last week I reviewed Annie Oldham's book, Bound, the difference in the two stories is remarkable. Her writing is fluid and the voices, style, and touch she puts on each is unique. Both feature a lot of action and a lead girl who goes through immense changes throughout each story. But, The Burn really took hold of me. There are enough shock inducing parts of this story to keep the reader's eyes glued to the book until the last page.

In the Colony under the ocean, where Terra is raised, she is trapped and dreams of the world above. Kind of made me think of The Little Mermaid (I really felt that way when she surfaces, read the book to see why). She finds someone she trusts and learns how to escape to The Burn. Even though she is warned that the world isn't stable, she still risks everything and sacrifices something dear to her, to make the journey herself. Her will is admirable, but her self preservation may be a little lacking. She's a brave girl, whether she admits it to herself or not, and is a strong character.

The Burn could easily be the beginning to an amazing series or a stand alone novel that is just as fantastic. Annie Oldham is an awesome writer and imaginative story teller with a lot to say. She builds up intense plots with unforgettable settings and I can't wait to read more of her work. Thank you so much to Annie Oldham for the opportunity to read this one and Bound. Both are wonderful reads that I hope I have convinced everyone to check out!(less)

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Jan 19, 2012 Peggy (Pawing Through Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Originally posted on Pawing Through Books on 1/5/12

The Burn takes place in two different places. We first meet Terra living in the colony that is located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. These colonies are where a lot of people went to escape the world after WWIII destroyed the land. Everything is fine down there... everyone has a vocation, a job, a place to live, and meals are planned for them. However, Terra longs for something more for something different. She longs to live a life on the f...more Originally posted on Pawing Through Books on 1/5/12

The Burn takes place in two different places. We first meet Terra living in the colony that is located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. These colonies are where a lot of people went to escape the world after WWIII destroyed the land. Everything is fine down there... everyone has a vocation, a job, a place to live, and meals are planned for them. However, Terra longs for something more for something different. She longs to live a life on the fascinating Burn.

The Burn is what is left of the lands after WWIII ended. The government controls everyone's food and medical supplies. They track everyone's moves through trackers on their arms. Buildings are destroyed and people often have to fight to stay alive.

When Terra decides to leave the colony for The Burn he soon discovers a group of survivors. She becomes friends with them and stays with them for her first few weeks on The Burn. While there she discovers that this place is a lot more than she thought it was. It isn't as glorious as she pictured it to be. Terra then has to make a decision on what she is going to do the survive and be happy.

The Burn was a great read. It sucked me in from the beginning. I loved that there were two different "worlds"... one in the ocean and one on land. Both worlds are completely different, yet have some similarities. I thought the ocean colonies was a great take on a unique distopian novel.

Terra is an amazing strong hearted and strong willed teenage girl. She cares strongly for those she loves, but knows what she wants and sticks with it. You can easily relate to her and I instantly felt for her. Her struggle is obvious throughout The Burn -- physical and emotional. While reading you are taken on a journey where she is trying to find herself while trying to survive.

Annie Oldham did a beautiful job writing this book. You are hooked in the beginning and taken on an adventure full of love, lust, action, survival, curiosity, and more.

In the end, I would highly recommend it to any dystopian lover. I can't wait to read the sequel that is set to come out sometime this Fall.(less)

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About Annie Oldham

Away from her writing, Annie is the mother of the two most adorable girls in the world, has the best husband in the world, and lives in the hottest place in the world (not really, but Phoenix sure feels like it).

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Quotes from The Burn

“I wear a solar radiation suit. The lights we have over our artificial fields simulate real sunlight, so if I were in there for too long, I’d get a sunburn just like if I was on a beach. I guess up on the Burn (that’s what we call the land) they had something called sunscreen, but then some dermatologist down here designed the solar radiation suits and said they were much more effective protection. Sometimes I want to smack him.” — 1 person liked it

“He turns to point the knife at Dave. Smitty opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. Instead his eyes widen in surprise because with a clap of thunder, I blow a hole in his chest.” — 1 person liked it

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