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Burn
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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…
Sarah Dewhurst and her father, outcasts in their little town of Frome, Washington, are forced to hire a dragon to work their farm, something only the poorest of the poor ever have to resort to.
The dragon, ...more
Sarah Dewhurst and her father, outcasts in their little town of Frome, Washington, are forced to hire a dragon to work their farm, something only the poorest of the poor ever have to resort to.
The dragon, ...more
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Hardcover, 371 pages
Published
June 2nd 2020
by Quill Tree Books
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Although it leaves you wanting more!
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Start your review of Burn

it is my professional opinion that society is collapsing because we stopped writing books and making movies about dragons and I'm glad Patrick Ness is taking the necessary steps to remedy that
...more

I honestly don't know what to do with this book. Finished it yesterday and just couldn't make my mind up about it. It's definitely a Patrick Ness novel in all its originality and weirdness. It reminds me of Release in that two separate stories are being told in one book. And of course, it's gay, even though the blurb might not make it seems that way. My problem, I think, was that there was a disconnect.
I'll try and explain why but I can't guarantee that I'll do a good job. The first thing that ...more
I'll try and explain why but I can't guarantee that I'll do a good job. The first thing that ...more

I finished this one a few days ago and had to just sit on it a while and collect all my feelings. I truly believe 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 mid-point left me utterly breathless. It's one of those books you cannot predict and I actually enjoy being left to the whims of an author instead of guessing how it'll all turn out by the end (I read a lot,
...more

Feb 13, 2020
The Burning Rose (Jess)
marked it as to-read
Patrick Ness + dragons = a wish came true even though I did not ask for it. 😍

Jul 20, 2019
Tucker (TuckerTheReader)
marked it as other
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
young-adult

Content Warning in Spoilers - (view spoiler)
Patrick Ness weaves dragons into 1950s rural America in his newest YA release.
I really enjoyed the writing and world of this book, I expected the inclusion of dragons in a somewhat recent historical setting to be quite jarring but I liked how they were woven into the world and learning about the background and political structure of a world that humanity has to share with majestic winged beasts. ...more
Patrick Ness weaves dragons into 1950s rural America in his newest YA release.
I really enjoyed the writing and world of this book, I expected the inclusion of dragons in a somewhat recent historical setting to be quite jarring but I liked how they were woven into the world and learning about the background and political structure of a world that humanity has to share with majestic winged beasts. ...more

What a unique, different kind of book. But I expect nothing less from Patrick Ness.
I was intrigued when this was first announced, because Patrick Ness + dragons. And then throw in a prophecy about the end of the world, an assassin, and two FBI agents as well. Strange, right? But strange in the best way possible.
I like how Patrick Ness is able to create such diverse casts of characters, and it’s no different here. For the most part the characters were well developed and felt real. Malcolm was my ...more
I was intrigued when this was first announced, because Patrick Ness + dragons. And then throw in a prophecy about the end of the world, an assassin, and two FBI agents as well. Strange, right? But strange in the best way possible.
I like how Patrick Ness is able to create such diverse casts of characters, and it’s no different here. For the most part the characters were well developed and felt real. Malcolm was my ...more

I'm also a book blogger: Vee_Bookish
(ARC provided by NetGalley, my opinions are unbiased)
You never quite know what to expect from Patrick Ness book, leaving me to believe that he is either a robot controlled by several gnomes, or experimenting with different hallucinogenics. Burn is yet again, another unique book, about Dragons. In 50s America.
It's very much the 50s we know, including the racism, but it has dragons it. Somehow this never feels shoehorned in, it just works seamlessly. We have a ...more
(ARC provided by NetGalley, my opinions are unbiased)
You never quite know what to expect from Patrick Ness book, leaving me to believe that he is either a robot controlled by several gnomes, or experimenting with different hallucinogenics. Burn is yet again, another unique book, about Dragons. In 50s America.
It's very much the 50s we know, including the racism, but it has dragons it. Somehow this never feels shoehorned in, it just works seamlessly. We have a ...more

Dragons are for sale, but only to those poverty-stricken enough to have no other option than to accept their cheap rates for services and deal with their abhorred race. Sarah and her father own a farm and a rare blue dragon may be their only hope for keeping it. Soon, however, it seems this dragon has been sent to them to perform more than just the clearing of a few fields and may be the only hope for humanity’s salvation, in general.
Ness has such a skill for seamlessly blending reality with mor ...more
Ness has such a skill for seamlessly blending reality with mor ...more

It's Patrick Ness. It has dragons in it. So of course I have to read it.
...more

I had to stop reading this book at the two thirds mark which I think is plenty far to be able to judge it without forcing myself to read a page more of it. First, let me say that this is the fifth book I’ve read by this author, so I thought I knew what to expect from him. Adding the summary of this book to my expectations, I was ready to read a fantasy story with some depth and social consciousness, one that featured a dragon that might be fearsome, but protective toward a young girl at the cent
...more

Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Set in 1950s America at a time when humans and dragons co-exist. We meet young Sarah Dewhurst and her father who is waiting for the arrival of a dragon that will help them on their farm, as they are much cheaper than people. The dragon, a Russian Blue named Kazimir is there though to protect Sarah and to save the world.
In Canada, a young teenage ‘Believer’ (Dragon worshippers) called Malcolm has been given orders by his goddess to head to America and to ...more
Set in 1950s America at a time when humans and dragons co-exist. We meet young Sarah Dewhurst and her father who is waiting for the arrival of a dragon that will help them on their farm, as they are much cheaper than people. The dragon, a Russian Blue named Kazimir is there though to protect Sarah and to save the world.
In Canada, a young teenage ‘Believer’ (Dragon worshippers) called Malcolm has been given orders by his goddess to head to America and to ...more

‘We are in the hands of Goddesses and madmen, Sarah Dewhurst.’
‘Burn’ is one of those books where I think it’s best to go into it knowing as little as possible. It’s set in an alternate 1950s America during the Cold War and Sarah Dewhurst’s father has just hired a dragon to help on their farm. The Dragon has motives other than the money he will be paid though, Sarah is mentioned in a prophecy that could mean the end of the world.
I’d argue that there isn’t really a main character in ‘Burn’, it fel ...more
‘Burn’ is one of those books where I think it’s best to go into it knowing as little as possible. It’s set in an alternate 1950s America during the Cold War and Sarah Dewhurst’s father has just hired a dragon to help on their farm. The Dragon has motives other than the money he will be paid though, Sarah is mentioned in a prophecy that could mean the end of the world.
I’d argue that there isn’t really a main character in ‘Burn’, it fel ...more

Ok, so I need to start reading more Patrick Ness books. Like, has his books just been hiding from me or...?
(view spoiler)
After reading this, I admit I am a little obsessed with dragons. I think a re-binge of "The Dragon Prince" on Netflix is necessary. Or maybe I should re-watch of "How To Train Your Dragon". Toothless is my dream pet, and I won't be satisfied in the pet department until I have one.
["br"]>["br
...more
(view spoiler)
After reading this, I admit I am a little obsessed with dragons. I think a re-binge of "The Dragon Prince" on Netflix is necessary. Or maybe I should re-watch of "How To Train Your Dragon". Toothless is my dream pet, and I won't be satisfied in the pet department until I have one.


dnf @ 70%
I'm giving up. It's too heavy and dark for me at the moment. ...more
I'm giving up. It's too heavy and dark for me at the moment. ...more

I'm having a hard time processing this one. The premise was wild and engaging, but the plot was convoluted and confusing. The characters were a little empty to me, and I'm not sure what this story was trying to say. There was some commentary via a bigoted deputy in a small town, but those parts just made me uncomfortable, particularly because we get some of the story from this deputy's point of view, and we're mostly told HE'S ANGRY, SEE? Like sure, anger feeds racism, thanks for sharing, I gues ...more

"Dragon magic is wild."
TW: racism, blood, gore, attempted rape, homophobia, police brutality, bullying, grief
Unpopular Opinion Time 🐸☕️
Actual rating: 2.5 ⭐️
It is with a heavy heart that I am telling you that this time, Patrick Ness missed the mark.
I am a huge fan of his writing style and his storytelling, but this novel did not deliver.
You know when you go to an all-you-can-eat buffet and you fill your plate so much it challenges all the laws of physics?
Yeah, that was this book.
This was a lot ...more
TW: racism, blood, gore, attempted rape, homophobia, police brutality, bullying, grief
Unpopular Opinion Time 🐸☕️
Actual rating: 2.5 ⭐️
It is with a heavy heart that I am telling you that this time, Patrick Ness missed the mark.
I am a huge fan of his writing style and his storytelling, but this novel did not deliver.
You know when you go to an all-you-can-eat buffet and you fill your plate so much it challenges all the laws of physics?
Yeah, that was this book.
This was a lot ...more

This was not it for Patrick Ness. This was a hell of a hot mess.
Weird story that never really stuck; and that’s coming from someone who has loved his other work. The story was never really established well enough for me to make it believable. Nor was it well thought out and detailed background provided. We just dove in and had to just believe without being given anything to actually believe in.
Characters were okay - all a bit slap dash and whizzed through quickly and nothing really clicked or ...more
Weird story that never really stuck; and that’s coming from someone who has loved his other work. The story was never really established well enough for me to make it believable. Nor was it well thought out and detailed background provided. We just dove in and had to just believe without being given anything to actually believe in.
Characters were okay - all a bit slap dash and whizzed through quickly and nothing really clicked or ...more

Oh wow this book was fantastic. It read like a thrilling fast moving film, in fact it should be a film!!!!
It took off on page one and didn’t let up until the last page. I am devastated that I’ve finished it and, as I shut this wonderful book my thoughts were will there be another one? I certainly hope so!!!
It took off on page one and didn’t let up until the last page. I am devastated that I’ve finished it and, as I shut this wonderful book my thoughts were will there be another one? I certainly hope so!!!

Full review on my blog.
Instagram | Twitter| Facebook
3.5/5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Would I suggest you reading it? Yes.
I often want to rate Patrick Ness book slightly more than I end up doing, but I keep on reading his books, so I guess there is something there. I'm just always left... Wanting a bit more.
This time, its message turned out to be eerily prophetic and at the same time displaying patterns and behaviours that have been happening since the dawn of humankind. ...more
Instagram | Twitter| Facebook
3.5/5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Would I suggest you reading it? Yes.
I often want to rate Patrick Ness book slightly more than I end up doing, but I keep on reading his books, so I guess there is something there. I'm just always left... Wanting a bit more.
This time, its message turned out to be eerily prophetic and at the same time displaying patterns and behaviours that have been happening since the dawn of humankind. ...more

You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
ME: Eh I don't know if I like dragons, but it's Patrick Ness so let's try.
ME, AFTER: Wow so I love dragons and obviously Patrick Ness.
There is SO much that I loved about this book that I cannot even tell you for the sake of spoilers. Places I did not see things going. And like, it's seriously SO GREAT so can you just trust me? Awesome thanks. Here's what I can tell you:
►Alternate 19 ...more
ME: Eh I don't know if I like dragons, but it's Patrick Ness so let's try.
ME, AFTER: Wow so I love dragons and obviously Patrick Ness.
There is SO much that I loved about this book that I cannot even tell you for the sake of spoilers. Places I did not see things going. And like, it's seriously SO GREAT so can you just trust me? Awesome thanks. Here's what I can tell you:
►Alternate 19 ...more

Sometimes you just have to feel bad about a thing. Sometimes that's the only thing that makes you human.
On my blog.
Actual rating 4.5
Rep: biracial (Black, white) mc, Japanese American mc, gay mc, Guatemalan Canadian gay mc
CWs: period typical racism and homophobia, blood, gore, violence
Galley provided by publisher
It would be fair to say Patrick Ness ranks as one of my favourite authors ever. I’m not sure, in the almost ten years I’ve been reading his books, I’ve ever disliked a book he has ...more

May 10, 2019
vatana 🤡 who is bad at reading
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
well, i said i’d read anything this man writes.

Like I always do with a Patrick Ness, I had pre-ordered this and I had some worries going into it because the last couple of books haven't been my faves. I was so hoping he wouldn't disappoint me with this one. And he hasn't. This is a return to form. I think what works best for this author is when he doesn't try to do too much with his stories. This one is a dual storyline but it is way more successful in this novel than in Release. You know that these stories are going to combine and you just
...more

And once more Book Box Club got me a book that I wouldn't have bought myself. Of course, I had seen this book on the internet already. I know quite a few people who were really looking forward to this one and I came across it while making my wishlist for June. However, for some reason this book didn't really speak to me and I don't know why. Sometimes it happens. I read a blurb and somehow I kinda know that it's not gonna be my new favorite book.
Let me start this review with saying that this is ...more
Let me start this review with saying that this is ...more

Oct 14, 2019
Ashley
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
releases-2020,
favorite-authors
OMFG. *no words*

Star Rating: —> 4 Stars
[This rating keeps changing in my head- I need some time to sit & think on this one.
what a strange, strange,
(still AMAZING though!)
strange,
Oh so difficult to rate, read lol
Patrick Ness has a very eclectic, eccentric, super difficult to rate writing style, soo yeah RTC
Regardless, I realize that that sounds negative, but it is NOT at all. It is just that this is a read that really makes you think, and to inevitably ponder the meaning of life, Lol, as all of Ness’s work te ...more
[This rating keeps changing in my head- I need some time to sit & think on this one.
what a strange, strange,
(still AMAZING though!)
strange,
Oh so difficult to rate, read lol
Patrick Ness has a very eclectic, eccentric, super difficult to rate writing style, soo yeah RTC
Regardless, I realize that that sounds negative, but it is NOT at all. It is just that this is a read that really makes you think, and to inevitably ponder the meaning of life, Lol, as all of Ness’s work te ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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mdoiqmoijhq | 1 | 1 | Nov 17, 2020 12:58AM | |
Shoulders to be relaxed and less tension | 1 | 4 | Jul 14, 2020 01:52AM | |
Burn by Patrick Ness | 1 | 5 | Jun 26, 2020 07:26AM | |
YA Buddy Readers'...: Burn by Patrick Ness - Starting 4th May 2020 | 14 | 16 | May 21, 2020 03:35AM |
Patrick Ness, an award-winning novelist, has written for England’s Radio 4 and Sunday Telegraph and is a literary critic for The Guardian. He has written many books, including the Chaos Walking Trilogy, The Crash of Hennington, Topics About Which I Know Nothing, and A Monster Calls.
He has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the C ...more
He has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the C ...more
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As dedicated readers already know, some of the best and most innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of young...
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“I'm just a girl."
"It is tragic how well you have been taught to say that with sadness rather than triumph.”
—
27 likes
"It is tragic how well you have been taught to say that with sadness rather than triumph.”
“He was the thing the world had suffered from most in her four billion years of existence: a stupid man with power.”
—
17 likes
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