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Burn Bright

(Night Creatures #1)

Marianne de Pierres (Goodreads Author)

3.68 · Rating details · 2,028 ratings · 406 reviews

Retra braves the intense pain of her obedience strip, and stows away to seek her brother Joel, gone two years for Ixion - island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. Retra is a Seal – sealed minds, sealed community - no craving for parties or pleasure.

What are the Night Creatures Retra can see in the shadows? What happens to those who grow too old for Ixion? Without ...more

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Paperback, 316 pages

Published March 1st 2011 by Random House Australia

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Mar 15, 2012 karen rated it it was ok

Shelves: thanks-for-prezzies, why-yes-i-ya

AHA!!! i knew aussie YA couldn't all be the very pinnacle of perfection! i knew there had to be some clunkers cluttering up their shelves!

australia - they're just like us!

so, this one is about ixion - the island of ever-night. (read in a spooky voice, please) which is some sort of permanent goth spring break where it is always nighttime and the only rule is you gotta strive to experience pleasure all the time.it is an island of youth and raves and hallucinogenics, where there are "ripers" who ...more

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May 01, 2011 Kat Kennedy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: to-ya-or-not-to-ya, fun-fantasy, oppressive-dystopian-regime, books-i-want-for-christmas, australian-writer, ya-pnr-maddness, favorites, kat-s-book-reviews

Okay, you know that guy, THAT guy. The one so insanely hot that any flaws, personality issues or intellectual deficiencies pale in comparison to his smoldering sex appeal.

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And you know how he looks a lot like Ryan Reynolds...

This is how I feel about this book.

I will be the first to admit that it is not a perfect novel and rightly so, I should only give it four stars. The problem is that I just can't help myself. It has its issues. Whoever edited it did an appalling job. There were a ...more

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Nov 19, 2010 Lyndsey rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Those who enjoy things Hitchcockian or Burtonesqe

Shelves: 3rd-person-limited, reviewed-2011, genre-young-adult, tour, about-dystopia-or-utopia, my-top-dystopian-or-utopian, reviewed-5-stars, pov-primarily-female, aussie-fiction

Also on Strangemore with Bonus Material and an Author Interview with Marianne de Pierres and a campaign to bring Burn Bright to the US!

Welcome to Ixion. A place of constant darkness, the Ever Dark. It is a bazaar of the bizarre. On this strange island, everything is a party. Modesty is a sin.

Ixion is like Party Zion. You know that scene in Matrix Reloaded with the rave where everyone is going crazy and dancing up on each other. That is how Ixion is ALL the time. But instead of Machines lurking ...more

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May 27, 2011 Wendy Darling rated it liked it

Recommended to Wendy Darling by: Nomes

Shelves: sci-fi-or-futuristic, young-adult, dystopian-post-apocalyptic-utopian, aussies, read-2011, 2011-publication

Imagine a place where there are no Elders. No rules. No punishment. Only music and laughter and freedom.

Deadly pleasures await on Ixion, an eerie island where young people are transported twice a year when they want to indulge in hedonistic pursuits. It is always night here, and every conceivable vice is available and encouraged. Retra has gone to Ixion in order to find her brother Joel, but her sheltered upbringing makes her cringe at the excess on display. She knows, however, that she cannot ...more

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May 29, 2011 Nomes rated it really liked it

Shelves: faves-of-2011, love-the-premise, aussie-ya, 2011, up-all-night, post-apocalyptic-dystopia, i-had-no-idea-i-would-love-this-so, riding-the-older-ya-vibe, covers-i-love

4.5 stars

In a YA market fast becoming saturated in dystopia's BURN BRIGHT shines out in the crowd. It's a dystopian tale with splashes of sci-fi. It is, in fact, so vibrant and unique and convincing that it makes me feel embarrassed for other recent (often flailing romantic) YA dystopia's. It is fantastically original, creepy, riveting and atmospheric. I can honestly say BURN BRIGHT is unlike any book I have ever read = complete WOW experience.

de Pierres makes it easy to sink into a complex 4.5 stars

In a YA market fast becoming saturated in dystopia's BURN BRIGHT shines out in the crowd. It's a dystopian tale with splashes of sci-fi. It is, in fact, so vibrant and unique and convincing that it makes me feel embarrassed for other recent (often flailing romantic) YA dystopia's. It is fantastically original, creepy, riveting and atmospheric. I can honestly say BURN BRIGHT is unlike any book I have ever read = complete WOW experience.

de Pierres makes it easy to sink into a complex world: her prose is lush and rich, evoking vibrant imagery. She doesn't patronise her readers with an overabundance of explanations or bore us with oodles of backstory: she just throws us into the story along with Retra. Not everything instantly makes sense or is explained away and I think this is a strength ~ it truly made me feel as if I was submerged 100% into the story along with Retra.

I went into it not knowing much apart from the blurb and had no idea what to expect. It's hard to give you a feel of this evocative book in such a short review so rather than run down a synopsis I prefer just to share how brilliant I thought it was and give a little teaser:

There's pirates and gangs and secret passages and pills and dark creatures.

There's parties and a hot musician and mysterious creepy happenings.

There's a world bigger than Ixion, which skitters on the horizon, with even bigger dystopia themes.

It's ominous and daring and spectacular.

LOVED the climax where some of the islands secrets are revealed ~ while leaving me craving more.

I LOVED THIS: It's dark and wild, unpredictable and somehow enchanting. I found it unputdownable, sensory rich and utterly absorbing. It had been a while since I have been so pulled into someone else's story. I loved being in Retra's world and can't wait to return with the sequel.

Recommended: I very nearly missed out on reading this by thinking it wasn't a "me book." I thought it may be too paranormal-ish, too hedonistic (LOL) or too fantastical ~ GUYS ~ I know it may not be raved about by everyone but if you're in a reading slump or looking for a completely addictive absorbing experience I absolutely recommend Burn Bright. It's truly original and you can completely tell the author loves her world and characters. Brilliant stuff ~ it's in my top ten reads so far this year.

Listen well, baby bats. Burn bright, but do not stray from the paths. Remember, when you live in a place of darkness you also live with creatures of the dark.

...more

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Nov 19, 2010 Jillian -always aspiring- rated it liked it

Recommends it for: Readers who prefer world-building above all else in a story

Shelves: could-have-been-better, titles-i-love, should-have-loved-it-but-didn-t, world-building-worth-noting, covers-i-love, 2011-reads, dystopian-worlds-hells-and-cesspits, disappointing-books, left-me-feeling-conflicted, left-me-with-mixed-feelings

Ixion: a place of eternal night and eternal pleasure -- but nothing, nothing, comes without its price. . .

Admittedly, Burn Bright was one of my most anticipated releases of 2011. First, there's the darkly beautiful cover that brings to mind the fashion of Lady Gaga and the gothic wonder of Tim Burton's movies; right from the first time I saw it, it ensnared me in such a way that for months I thought, "I must have this book, I must have this book." Then there's the synopsis, speaking of a dark Ixion: a place of eternal night and eternal pleasure -- but nothing, nothing, comes without its price. . .

Admittedly, Burn Bright was one of my most anticipated releases of 2011. First, there's the darkly beautiful cover that brings to mind the fashion of Lady Gaga and the gothic wonder of Tim Burton's movies; right from the first time I saw it, it ensnared me in such a way that for months I thought, "I must have this book, I must have this book." Then there's the synopsis, speaking of a dark place called Ixion and a heroine who plunges into this night world to find her brother even though she has no desire to cavort and party as other Ixion migrants do. Burn Bright is of those ideas that just lit fire to my imagination and made me wonder what this story would entail and what dark delights would lay within its pages.

Thus, you can imagine that I came into reading this book with high expectations. Perhaps it was wrong of me, but I really expected this book to be a dark and heady mixture that made me think of the works of Laini Taylor or Melissa Marr. Instead, I received something that was bittersweet in texture and feel. . .and I honestly don't know if I liked it.

Burn Bright is a book that thrives on being different. It is very much a dark supernatural fantasy, and there is nothing quite like it in the young adult book market at the moment. Since it's fresh in that respect, I can see why other readers would be enamored with it. When you're faced with something so different from the norm, you're going to either embrace it or run away from it. Me? I was caught in the middle.

Where the story really succeeds is the world-building -- which, again, is so different from anything else that it's really rather fascinating and intriguing as you learn about Ixion right alongside its heroine, Retra. Ixion is a place where teenagers flee to lose themselves in wild parties and no-holds barred behavior, but there are people who act as guardians in Ixion: the Ripers, a group of overseers headed by the dark and secretive Lenoir. Why must the 'baby bats' -- the newcomers to Ixion -- stick to the lighted paths? And what happens to those who grow too old for Ixion?

Honestly, Ixion is a fantastically realized world, holding the madness of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland and the strangeness of J.M. Barrie's Neverland. However, a world on its own is not enough to carry a book: there also needs to be a balance with characterization and plot too. In Burn Bright, I couldn't help the feeling that the world of Ixion itself was so rich that the characters seemed flat and colorless by comparison. To me, the characters here felt like puppets moving against a backdrop that didn't help to ground or solidify them but rather outshine them -- when, really, it should be the other way around. The characters are what move the story forward, and they need to feel like live players instead of figures at the mercy of unseen twists and turns. Yes, the world building offers so many fantastic ideas and concepts -- but, meshed with the characters and plot, the story didn't seem so stellar of a package as it could have been.

The plot itself is mostly a mixture of uncovering the secrets of Ixion and seeing a battle for dominion over Ixion begin to stir -- and Retra finds herself caught up in all of it and forced to change because of her involvings in Ixion. In and of itself, the story didn't really offer me much that I hadn't expected. You have the heroine who becomes a key player in a world to which she is still only a newcomer. You have her love interests, neither of whom seem really good for her in the long run. You have her friends, most of whom have brighter personalities than she does but who take a backseat as mere tagalongs for much of the story. Needless to say, I wasn't very much impressed as far as the characters and plot go.

While others will love Burn Bright for its ingenuity and freshness, I'm sad to say that it just wasn't enough for me. However much I liked the world building, it wasn't the book I had expected to read. Whether it will be a hit or miss with you. . .well, you have to read it to find out. I hope it will burn bright in your eyes as I wish it had done for me. ...more

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May 31, 2011 Emily May rated it really liked it

Recommended to Emily May by: Lyndsey

Shelves: 2011, fantasy, young-adult

"Listen well, baby bats. Burn bright,
but do not stray from the paths.
Remember, when you live in a
place of darkness you also live with
creatures of the dark."

It's been a long time since I've felt this excited about the opening of a new series. I'm not yet prepared to give it 5 stars as it's only just begun... but, you know, I'm thinking this could potentially be a 5-star series. Hurray for the aussies again who, after dazzling me with a series of awesome realistic fiction, have now provided an ...more

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May 26, 2011 Arlene rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: YA Dystopic Fans

Recommended to Arlene by: Street Corner Bookers - Nomes

Shelves: read-2011, ya-dystopic, young-adult, aussie

Imagine a place where there are no elders, no rules, no punishment; only music, laughter and freedom. Welcome to Ixion! Island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. BURN BRIGHT! This is the place where modesty is kin to sin and baby bats run to in search of pleasure. But remember, when you live in darkness, you also live with creatures of the dark.

Woah! What a creeptastic book in the best possible way!

Burn Bright definitely commands your attention from page one as Marianne de Pierres takes Imagine a place where there are no elders, no rules, no punishment; only music, laughter and freedom. Welcome to Ixion! Island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. BURN BRIGHT! This is the place where modesty is kin to sin and baby bats run to in search of pleasure. But remember, when you live in darkness, you also live with creatures of the dark.

Woah! What a creeptastic book in the best possible way!

Burn Bright definitely commands your attention from page one as Marianne de Pierres takes you on a journey filled with bizarre twists, sinister settings, and uniquely subtle characters. I found myself captivated as I traveled an undefined time and place along the paths of Ixion leaving me continually on the edge of my seat.

This book is a definite contender for top-spot among note-worthy ya-dystopic novels that deserve a captive audience! Now if only US Publishers will start picking up these worthy books and making them available to us avid readers so we don’t have to scour the net and pay hefty shipping prices in order to own these little gems, but I digress…

As I mentioned, the setting is so completely vivid that it just feels dark and sinister as you turn the corners and walk down dark paths with the cast of this book. The characters are carefully crafted that it’s impossible not to fall for them, but simultaneously wonder what their hidden agendas might be. Retra was a worthy main character as her journey throughout the book was one of growth, constant challenge and increasingly bold moves. Markes and Lenior added a good balance to the mix of intriguing characters where they all played equally vital roles none commanding the stage more than others.

Marianne de Pierres cleverly adds several moving parts such as established gangs, including the White Wings, Freaks, Ghosts and League who oppose the Ripers (or Guardians) that are in place to protect the baby bats. There is also the Youth Circle which somewhat serves as the judicial system within Ixion, but isn’t highly trusted by the inhabitants especially the gangs. Lastly, there are the outlaws headed by Ruzalia, who execute rescue missions for the inhabitants on the verge of being faded out of the system. All very clever and unique, which provides for constant surprises and twists.

Now the writing.. What can I say that I haven’t said before about Aussie writers? They come from this mystical land filled with magical water or food… maybe it’s the vegemite. I don’t know. But it goes without saying, their writing sets them apart and their prose is elegantly crafted. I can’t for the life of me figure out how so many Aussie writers so seamlessly dominate the literary world with their fantastical stories! Unlike vegemite, though, their books are easy on the palate and leave you craving for more. They feel completely real and full of depth and Burn Bright is no exception.

I will warn you now, this story grabs your attention from the beginning, so if you start this book late into the evening, you’ll likely be pulling an all-nighter. So, take the journey to Ixion, it’s well worth the adventure.

Thanks to my Street Corner Booker friend Nomes for rec’ing this story to me. I can’t wait for the next installment!
...more

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Feb 10, 2011 Crystal rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2011, aussie

Okay that's it! I am packing my bags TODAY and moving to Australia! I don't know what they have over there that we don't but I really wish somebody would share the secret. In the past few months I have read several books and I can only think of a few US authors that have made my top 10. Every Aussie book I have had read is on that top 10 list and this one is no exception. First I have to thank Nomes for sending this one out on Tour. Nomes you are the absolute bestest ever!!
Now on to Burn Okay that's it! I am packing my bags TODAY and moving to Australia! I don't know what they have over there that we don't but I really wish somebody would share the secret. In the past few months I have read several books and I can only think of a few US authors that have made my top 10. Every Aussie book I have had read is on that top 10 list and this one is no exception. First I have to thank Nomes for sending this one out on Tour. Nomes you are the absolute bestest ever!!
Now on to Burn Bright...
Retra, a Seal from Grave, decides to run away from home to find her brother Joel who left to go to Ixion. A Seal is a person who is taught to seal off their minds and emotions. They are never to interact with others unless necessary and they are also limited in their knowledge of other places. Joel decides he can't live like this anymore and runs away leaving Retra to pick up the pieces and to be punished for his actions. He goes to Ixion which is a place where young people go to forget about rules and just live. It is built on a island in a cave like place where there is no light. All new baby bats (the new girls and boys) are told to stay on the lighted path and to just enjoy their new life ie Burn Bright. When Retra decides to find Joel she discovers that there is more going on than just parties and her new life may not be all that great. She is used to modesty and in Ixion there is to be none of that so right off she stands out. Her agenda is not to party and partake in the many drugs that are offered but to just find her brother and try to create a new life somewhere with him. Things get complicated when she helps a friend fend off a Guardian and finds herself put into danger for her actions. With Joel not being the brother she remembers she has to learn how to save herself. I loved the creepiness of the novel. The author really brought out the dark creatures and all the imagery very well. I could feel the darkness closing in on me while I read this book.
What follows is a deep and dark tale that has many twists and turns. I am very excited to read the sequel as I think the story will be even better than the first. I have so many questions that I want answered and I really hope that I get to read the next one because I have to know what happens with Lenior and Retra.

Thanks again Nomes you are the bestest! I don't know what I would do without you and Nic! ...more

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May 29, 2011 Janina rated it it was ok

Shelves: young-adult-fiction, dystopian-apocalyptic

Hmmm. I have to say that I'm neither over- nor underwhelmed. The concept was definitely interesting, and the world building and overall atmosphere well done. But everything remained superficial. I am sure that there will be more details revealed about Ixion in future installments, that there are a lot more things to discover as this series progresses, but I am missing the hook. The incentive that makes me want to read on.
To make things worse, I didn't really connect with the characters. They Hmmm. I have to say that I'm neither over- nor underwhelmed. The concept was definitely interesting, and the world building and overall atmosphere well done. But everything remained superficial. I am sure that there will be more details revealed about Ixion in future installments, that there are a lot more things to discover as this series progresses, but I am missing the hook. The incentive that makes me want to read on.
To make things worse, I didn't really connect with the characters. They remained pale and - mostly - uninteresting to me. I didn't understand Retra's infatuation with Markes and Lenoir, and Joel was kind of a jerk. The prospective love traingle is a huge turn off for me.
Retra's friends were okay, but nothing too special either. And, of course, there had to be the standard mean girl. At least she wasn't a cheerleader ... ;). I liked Retra as a heroine, though. Strong, yet vulnarable because of her past and reluctant to let herself go. I could relate to her mistrust concerning the Ripers, I understood her reluctance to party non-stop and take the sense-enhancing drugs she was offered (seriously, how could the others be so unsuspicious and quick to accept them?). She knew exactly what she wanted and was willing to sacrifice a lot for it. She had suffered deeply under the conditions at home (some issues were only hinted at) and I really felt with her.

All in all, I have to say that I found the first half very captivating and addicting despite the book's flaws - the pages just flew by - but the second half not so much. Retra's transformation to Naif didn't sit too well with me. Maybe because I could relate so well to her before and it seemed weird to me that she'd shed everything she believed in in a few seconds. And as much as I liked her at the beginning, new Retra got annoying.

At the end, we are - of course - left with a cliffhanger and I just don't like these much in general - even if the book is part of a series. I think there are better ways to keep the reader interested. Nevertheless, I wasn't really frustrated, and to me, that's an indicator I didn't particularly care for the book and its characters. I am not desperately awaiting what will happen next, more mildly interested.

Not entirely sure if I am going to read the sequel ... probably not.

Nomes, thank you so much for touring this and giving us the possibility to read this otherwise unobtainable Aussie book!

#4 Aussie YA Challenge 2011 ...more

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Nov 04, 2010 Kim rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Kim by: Lyndsey, Nic

Shelves: read-in-2011, fantasy, young-adult, dystopian-fiction

I don't think there will be a lot of spoilers in here, but there might be some small ones, so be warned.

The most difficult reviews to write are about the books I liked. This is no different. I mean, what is there to say? So much and yet so little.

I've been spending months and months without reading a single page, feeling no need to read. My Kindle was feeling sad and lonely, constantly giving me those "don't you love me anymore?" looks and to be honest, it only made me feel worse. But my ...more

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Jun 11, 2011 mark monday rated it it was ok

Recommended to mark by: Wendy Darling

Shelves: teenworld, scifi-modern

this is a little scifi-cum-PNR Young Adult novel from australia. on some planet somewhere, teens wanting to escape the varyingly restrictive environments of their home countries can escape to Ixion, a place of perpetual partying and constant night. but who are the island guardians; who really runs things? where do the aged-out go; why is a fearsome lady pirate trying to rescue them? who else lives on the island; what are those whispers in the night?

if i were to judge it by characterization and ...more

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Jan 24, 2016 Kelly (Diva Booknerd) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: loveozya, bookgasm

Burn Bright was incredible. A blend of dystopian and urban fantasy woven through a unique storyline that left me breathless. Following the storyline of Retra, readers are introduced to Ixion through the young and sheltered eyes of a sixteen year old girl who's searching for her brother. I loved Retra's character. She had a quiet determination and although having grown up in a community who punished free thought, she wasn't afraid to stand up for injustice in Ixion.

The island is only for the ...more

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Feb 10, 2011 oliviasbooks rated it really liked it

Recommended to oliviasbooks by: Lyndsey

Shelves: fantasy, other-creatures, favorites-of-2011, cliffhanger, e-version, not-afraid-of-sex-in-ya, outer-space, young-adult-fiction, scifi-dystopian-apocalyptic, gods-demons-angels-immortals

A scifi-in-space-fantasy-monsters-vampires-and-strange-creatures-good-and-evil-beastly-but-gorgeous-guy-drugs-and-blood-thriller featuring an innocent but incredibly strong heroine surviving a non-stop party on an island of infinite darkness, endless pleasure and short life-spans. Intrigued? You should be. It is that original and captivating.

(Note: 0.5 stars short of five because of the open ending.)

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Nov 03, 2010 Alexa rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult, aussie, 2011-reads, tour

My review can also be found on my blog Collections.

3.5 stars

In Burn Bright, seventeen-year-old Retra escapes from her strict and isolated life in Seal South, an area walled off from the already enclosed land called Grave, to Ixion. Ixion is an island with never-ending night known for it's pleasure. It's where young people go to run away from rules and to enjoy freedom. The freedom to have fun and party all the time. Retra isn't looking for pleasure though. Her sole purpose in going there is to
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.

3.5 stars

In Burn Bright, seventeen-year-old Retra escapes from her strict and isolated life in Seal South, an area walled off from the already enclosed land called Grave, to Ixion. Ixion is an island with never-ending night known for it's pleasure. It's where young people go to run away from rules and to enjoy freedom. The freedom to have fun and party all the time. Retra isn't looking for pleasure though. Her sole purpose in going there is to find her older brother Joel, who left to Ixion two years ago. But before she starts her search, she quickly learns that the island is a much darker and dangerous place than she could have imagined. If Retra wants any hope in finding her brother, she has to survive Ixion first.

What I liked about Burn Bright was Retra's character. Even though Retra was timid and naive when she arrived in Ixion, she wasn't completely helpless. She had a determination that came out when it was really needed. It gave her the strength to survive Ixion and to eventually overcome some of the fears caused by the sheltered life she grew up in. I found her development believable, and I was glad there wasn't anything I disliked about her. Although I thought Retra was a good character, Rollo and Suki were my favorites. I felt like they, especially Rollo, stood out among the rest of the characters. Suki was a strong fighter, and Rollo knew a whole lot about the secrets in Grave and Ixion than he first let on. Both were pretty funny and made great friends, and I liked how they did what they could to try and help Retra.

Some of the relationships Retra had with other characters, though, took some time for me to accept. I didn't get why she was drawn to Markes, a guy she met on the barge to Ixion, other than the fact that he was nice and good-looking. Another was the connection she felt with Ixion's Guardian leader Lenoir. They both seemed drawn to each other, and I couldn't figure out why. Lenoir also tended to give Retra puzzling information about Ixion, and he was a complete mystery. I still don't know what he is exactly and what he's trying to accomplish in Ixion.

Which brings me to the world in Burn Bright. Retra was lost in Ixion in the beginning, and I have to say that I was just as lost as her. Probably even more. It was strange and confusing to understand at times, especially the way things were done and the certain words used in Ixion. There were a lot of times where Retra asked questions, and she either didn't get answers or the answers were too vague for me to wrap my head around. Like when Retra had Confession. The confession Retra went through was not anything like the confession I know. It took me awhile to understand the purpose, which might have been because one of the Guardians (or Ripers) messed up Retra's first confession experience. I wish I had just went with it like Retra seemed to do. Maybe then I wouldn't have felt like I was missing details. By the end, however, I felt like I understood things that I was left wondering about throughout the book. Not everything was entirely clear though. I think the reason might be because it's a planned trilogy. I'm sure the next books will have more answers.

Other than the confusion I felt, I liked Burn Bright overall. It was definitely a unique story, and I thought it was well-written. Hopefully I get the chance to read the rest of the trilogy because the ending left me wanting to know more about that world and what happens next with Retra and the rest of the characters. ...more

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Nov 04, 2010 Nic rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourites, 2011, aussie-ya, dystopia, read-in-2011, unique

Favourite Quote: "Rules? Ixion is supposed to be free of rules, yet it seems as strict as Grave in its own way and more...more dangerous."

Three words: I loved it! Burn Bright is one of those reads that when you are finished you are left saying "WOW I want more" because it such a amazing story.

I am having such a hard time writing a review to explain why I am so impressed by this book. I have being trying to write this review for two weeks and still nothing. So here is a list of just some of the Favourite Quote: "Rules? Ixion is supposed to be free of rules, yet it seems as strict as Grave in its own way and more...more dangerous."

Three words: I loved it! Burn Bright is one of those reads that when you are finished you are left saying "WOW I want more" because it such a amazing story.

I am having such a hard time writing a review to explain why I am so impressed by this book. I have being trying to write this review for two weeks and still nothing. So here is a list of just some of the reasons why I love it:-

* Burn Bright has one of the most unique and captivating worlds. It slowly unravels and I love the fact that everything was not what it seemed. Also you could (and want to) re-read it again to see things you have missed the first time to better understand the mysterious and dark place of Ixion.

* It's plot is unpredictable and exciting. It is the type of book you read when you should be sleeping, or while you are cooking or during a red light in your car. You know what I am talking about, a completely consuming read.

* Retra (aka Naif) is incredible character. She is quite but yet still strong. I like the fact that she thinks about things, asks questions and doesn't follow blindly. Retra is definitely a heroine you admire.

* The well written subtle romance. I would call it attraction and connection. It looks like something is building for the future books. There is Lenior the leader of Ixion who I feel Retra has the strongest connection with. And then there is the mysterious Markes, the musician, who was on the barge with Retra when she entered Ixion, who pops up every now and then. Retra has more of an attraction to him. And I am going to surprise you here and say I actually like Lenior more. Yes I am picking him over the hot musician (normally they are my weakness) because I don't think Markes has been in the storyline enough to leave a strong enough of impression of who he really is.

Overall, Burn Bright is an alluring and gripping read that has left me craving the sequel. I highly recommend this to all dystopia fans. ...more

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Jun 08, 2011 Milly rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, dystopia, series, aussie, book-tour, aussie-reading-challenge, debut, 2011

3.5 stars

Aussie Reading Challenge #4

The first thing that came to mind was Pleasure Island at Disney World. It's all-night-long partying at the happiest place on earth. Burn Bright definitely captivated and intrigued me. It's so different from the young adult dystopias I'm used to that I couldn't stay away from it for far too long. It was definitely a book I had a hard time putting down. The world building was done fantastically and so differently since it's set only at night. Ixion is nocturnal, ...more

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Oct 04, 2013 Kitty (I solemnly swear that I am up to no good) rated it it was ok

Shelves: young-adult, dystopian, confused

(OK, so if you wanna read this book spoiler free then don't read this review)

Right...So this book was ok, it had an interesting concept, but I was basically overloaded with erroneous details, cardboard personalities, tedious inner-monologues (I do not like reading paragraphs about how shy Retra is or how hot some guy is) and sparse and confused descriptions. My head was spinning.

World building
Retra lives in a district that is closed off from the world, where everything is shit, a watcher-man ...more

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Dec 05, 2010 Brodie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2011

Twice a year the barge comes to Grave during the night to sneak unhappy young ones away to a world of uninhibited freedom, music and eternal pleasure - all day, every day. Where desires are acted upon without care and every person burns bright with life. Retra is not like the other young partiers taking the journey to Ixion - she doesn't want to be there, she only wants to find her brother Joel, who escaped the harsh and restricted community they live in. He's the only one she's ever been able Twice a year the barge comes to Grave during the night to sneak unhappy young ones away to a world of uninhibited freedom, music and eternal pleasure - all day, every day. Where desires are acted upon without care and every person burns bright with life. Retra is not like the other young partiers taking the journey to Ixion - she doesn't want to be there, she only wants to find her brother Joel, who escaped the harsh and restricted community they live in. He's the only one she's ever been able to freely talk to and form a connection with. But in order to stay safe and not attract attention, she must try to fit in. Modesty is a sin. For a girl raised with her every move dictated by others and having to wear a veil to conceal herself, this is quite the culture shock.

It doesn't take long for Retra to make enemies and form tentative friendships and alliances. She soon learns the intricacies of Ixion and discovers that it's not all just partying and fun. Under the layers of lust and pleasure beats a darker, scarier tune, pulsing throughout every vein of Ixion. They're all warned in the beginning not to stray from the light paths, for lurking in the dark are creatures of the night. But what Retra discovers is that the dangers of this world not only lurk within the shadows, but are hidden in plain sight too. In the end, no one stays safe in Ixion.

These young souls came to Ixion with the sole purpose of freedom, to reign free and forever indulge their body and emotions. But at what price are they willing to pay for these years of ecstasy? What happens when the Ripers - Guardians of Ixion - decide you are too old to stay? What happens when you burn too bright?

Burn Bright is a dark, thrilling, fascinating ride that pulls you in along with Retra as she explores the hedonistic world of Ixion, which ultimately allows her to free that part of herself that was still shackled to the suffocating restraints of her old Seal life. Seal Retra was robbed all colour - she was black and white with a little grey struggling to break through. By the end of the novel, Naif (the name she adopted while in Ixion) is bursting with a dizzying array of colours all trying to gleam dominant. She has grown into her own - from a shy, naive girl to a brave young heroine who will risk her life to save those she cares about. Free of strict, over-bearing rules to obey and dictate, she's finally being able to breathe and begin to discover herself. I enjoyed watching her grow and I'm looking forward to seeing her continued journey of self discovery in the following books.

All the secondary characters are fantastic. I especially loved Rollo and Suki. But I have to say I am most fascinated by the leading Riper, Lenoir. He's an enthralling character, at first we're given small tastes of him and you're a little unsure, you don't really know what to expect. The more you see of him, the more you want to unravel the mystery of him. And when certain aspects come to light... well I can't say I was expecting it! He's fascinating and enticing, but when you really think about what you've learned of him, it's rather disturbing. I think Marianne has written him perfectly - given us a hint of his vulnerabilities, personality and introduced an entirely original and intriguing element. I'm quite interested to discover more about him and to see the bond between him and Naif developed more in the next book.

Marianne dives deep and explores the human desires and fears in a thoroughly captivating world that is equal parts seductive and disturbing. Dangers lurk within every shadow, voices whisper from the dark, mysteries are unravelled and new ones present themselves. Words leap off the pages, wrapping their black curls around you and lure you deeper into Ixion. I was sucked into this world, the atmosphere was brilliant and I did not want to leave. I can't wait to get my hands on book two - Angel Arias - the first chapter was included at the end of Burn Bright and it sounds just as incredible as the first book! ...more

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Mar 06, 2011 Isamlq rated it really liked it

On Part One, the biggest thing that might put people off is the world building. It's a daunting thing to tackle especially with it being so intricate. Imagine a place where there are no Elders. No rules. No punishment. Only music and laughter and freedom. That's Ixion. Needless to say, Ixion is complicated. And I confess, after reading that line I was imagining an outcome of donkey ears and wooden noses.

That aside, what I truly enjoyed was the puzzle that Retra presented. Plopped smack in the ...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Braiden rated it it was amazing

Shelves: aussie-ya, our-dear-aussies

Oh my! I'm really annoyed that i knew there were a few more pages to go, but the next sentence I would be reading would plant me on a cliff, needing to want the next book immediately (which unfortunately isn't too far away - end of this year). It was BAM! the last sentence and then acknowledgments the page directly after it. Gutted me! However there is a chapter 1 preview of the next book Angel Arias, which I'm tempted to read but I just don't want to. I got totally lost in those last couple of Oh my! I'm really annoyed that i knew there were a few more pages to go, but the next sentence I would be reading would plant me on a cliff, needing to want the next book immediately (which unfortunately isn't too far away - end of this year). It was BAM! the last sentence and then acknowledgments the page directly after it. Gutted me! However there is a chapter 1 preview of the next book Angel Arias, which I'm tempted to read but I just don't want to. I got totally lost in those last couple of pages.

Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres was a phenomenally creative and original Young Adult read. A newly developed world is slowly revealed in front of our eyes but just enough so that we can understand it the way Retra, our protagonist, does. Because Burn Bright is so atmospheric and engaging in its nature, it is really hard to capture and give you details on everything that I loved about it. If there was only one thing to say it would be to, ‘Read it!’

What I got involved with the most in Burn Bright was Retra’s journey. She escapes her Seal-life in Grave where women wore veils, men ruled and wardens punished. She didn’t escape on her own moral choice, but rather because she wanted to find her brother Joel who had escaped and left her alone with their grieving mother and tyrannical father. Retra seeks out Ixion, an island of uninhibited freedom, music, partying and eternal pleasure every second of your consciousness. A place where desires are acted upon without care and every person burns bright with life. A place where fear and “self” is forgotten. Retra only has one reason for being on Ixion: to find her brother, not party and let her Seal principles deteriorate into lost memories. However Retra could not hide, but rather stood out. A change was the only possible decision. Retra’s struggle from coming from such a restricted and controlled life to the point of being a total introvert, to becoming someone who has started to find her feet and build her own path was worth the read. She built the courage to start standing up for herself and others. It takes a lot of courage to break free from being extremely withdrawn and isolated in the way Retra had been. Although she struggled as I said, she did it with not much help from anyone. I am introverted myself at times, so it was no difficult task to connect with Retra in the beginning. I don’t party a lot, and when I do I try and not draw much attention to myself - like I guess will happen at my own 18th birthday party in a couple of weeks time.

The cast of characters: those new to Ixion, those already residents of Ixion, and the Ripers all brought this world alive. Through each of their voices you could hear music playing or lights flashing. How? I don’t know. It just omitted into my vision while reading Burn Bright. You adapt your own party experiences and knowledge about partying and reflect that in the descriptions that Marianne provides. Burn Bright in itself is pretty provocative and dangerous at time, but in saying that Marianne does not shy from difficult subjects such as drugs and sex, which are two important parts of the Ixion way of life.

You do ask yourself a lot of questions. The plot thickens and thins, twists and turns in so many ways it is hard to keep up with it at times, therefore you wonder about things occasionally, hence the questions. Human desires and fears are investigated, and today’s ‘party-life’ of so many individuals is instigated. Much can happen when you’re having a good time, and most of it not a pleasant as you wanted your pleasurable night to be.

A thrilling ride in Ixion. A ride that I couldn’t hop off. I was bedazzled by the atmosphere and details, that made myself burn bright with ecstasy and passion for this home-grown Australian novel. Marianne de Pierres has sunken perfectly into the YA genre and doesn’t need a second chance to express herself once again. She has hit the donkey on the tail in the exact position. Love to Retra and this series. What does criticism mean?
...more

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Nov 20, 2010 Erica (storybookend) rated it liked it

Shelves: release-in-2011, 2011-reads, cover-love, could-have-been-better

Burn Bright first drew me in with its mysterious, beautiful cover. I’m a sucker for well done covers, and this cover is very nice, might I say. It’s dark and strange, alluring perhaps, with a brush of brightness. Then I found the synopsis intriguing, and I started hearing good things about it, about the mysteries hidden in the strange world of Ixion. Needles to say, I’ve been excited to read it. Then I finally got my hands on it, and… it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.

Let me start on a ...more

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Nov 20, 2010 Stacia (the 2010 club) rated it really liked it

Shelves: new-adult-college, extremely-unique, science-fiction, dystopia-or-apocalyptic, urban-fantasy, hybrid-multiple-genre, horror, shifters-or-weres

I had a few strange little quotes which I had planned on using to start this review. Apparently, I don't get to use them when I come late to the review party.

Other GR reviewers : 1
Stacia : 0

Burn Bright fine print : Use the good stuff quick before someone else does. You losers who read the book after everyone else are screwed.

Come with me to Ixion anyway. I'm afraid to go alone.

Ixion is one scary, scary place. Don't be fooled by the hype. People want you to believe it's one big non-stop party. ...more

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May 30, 2011 Amber rated it really liked it

I am going to say that this is my first Aussie book I have read. I don't know if all their books are like this one or if it is an exception, but Burn Bright was such a fascinating read for me. I was so captivated by the creativity the author put into this book. It's really unlike any other "dystopian" I have read before. The world that Marianne de Pierres has created really can't be compared to anything that I have read. It's so fresh, new and a pleasing change, as from monotony I feel with the ...more

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Apr 14, 2011 Karen Brooks rated it it was amazing

What a ride! From the moment the reader opens this book, and we're introduced to Retra, a young Seal (someone who lives in a sealed community, where education is limited and emotions oppressed), running for her life, we're plunged into the mysterious and sometimes terrifying world of Ixion - a type of pleasure sanctuary for young refugees, discontent with their lives and seeking thrills and change. In order to reach the isle, young people (and only young people are allowed there) must break all What a ride! From the moment the reader opens this book, and we're introduced to Retra, a young Seal (someone who lives in a sealed community, where education is limited and emotions oppressed), running for her life, we're plunged into the mysterious and sometimes terrifying world of Ixion - a type of pleasure sanctuary for young refugees, discontent with their lives and seeking thrills and change. In order to reach the isle, young people (and only young people are allowed there) must break all ties with their present and hand their well-being to the strange and seemingly omniscient Ripers. Retra's brother, Joel, fled to Ixion years before and it's to find him that Retra enters the darkness that is the pleasure isle - where innocence is a sin, drugs are plentiful and the rules that bounded her cloistered life no longer exist. Encouraged to 'burn bright' before expiring, clubbing, drinking and hedonism are encouraged. Flung into her new existence, Retra is reluctant to embrace all that Ixion appears to offer - a stance that earns her enemies faster than friends and exposes her to dangers that make those of her old life seem harmless...

This is such a fast-paced, tight narrative with absolutely splendid and evocative writing. de Pierres knows how to hook the reader - her metaphors are sharp and powerful - you breathe the air of Ixion, you feel the effects of the tablets the young initiates swallow and you experience the pulsating terror that the night creatures evoke.

When I first started reading, I was reminded of other fabulous narratives such as Logan's Run or the Hunger Games. I want to resist comparisons - but, while drawing on some similar themes, I feel Burn Bright is better than either of these. It is so original and intoxicating. The setting, vocabulary and sense of otherworldiness is powerful and real. You want to get to the source of the great mystery that is Ixion and the night creatures, and discover why Retra is such a threat and curiousity.

As the first book in a series (the second is Angel Arias - not out yet, dammit!), this is an incredible introduction. While it's a YA novel, it's clearly a fantastic crossover that will appeal to adults as well. Cannot recommend highly enough - Burn Bright indeed!

...more

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Feb 11, 2011 Amy Parker rated it it was amazing

I was privileged enough to read an early draft of this a couple of years ago. I got through it in one sitting, and loved it.

Today my advance copy arrived in the mail, and I made myself a cup of tea, curled up on the couch and read through the finished book... in one sitting. And loved it even more.

Burn Bright is edgy, adventurous and unapologetic in its exploration of teenage desires and curiosities. Anxiety and euphoria have equal places in Ixion, the island of ever-dark - at least for the ...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Juliet rated it really liked it

Burn Bright is the first book in the Night Creatures series for young adults by versatile Australian writer Marianne de Pierres. De Pierres has also written the highly successful Parrish Plessis and Sentients of Orion series for adults, as well as the Tara Sharp crime series under the pseudonym Marianne Delacourt.

Ixion is an island of eternal partying, a magnet for bored young people, provided they can sneak onto the barge that slips in twice a year to take them there. Retra is not like the ...more

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Sep 29, 2011 equilibri rated it did not like it

Shelves: ya-fantasy, death-by-dystopia

I wanted to read ‘Night Creatures’ because of the intriguing premise and the potential for something a bit different. I bought into the hype and the cover. Unfortunately, the execution was an epic fail. I don't think de Pierres knows how to write good dialogue, characters or human interaction. The whole mystery of the island was ridiculously obvious and underwhelming, and the ‘romantic’ aspects were puzzling and icky.

To illustrate a little: we get this insipid blushing virgin MC, who comes from I wanted to read ‘Night Creatures’ because of the intriguing premise and the potential for something a bit different. I bought into the hype and the cover. Unfortunately, the execution was an epic fail. I don't think de Pierres knows how to write good dialogue, characters or human interaction. The whole mystery of the island was ridiculously obvious and underwhelming, and the ‘romantic’ aspects were puzzling and icky.

To illustrate a little: we get this insipid blushing virgin MC, who comes from an extremely oppressive patriarchal society, is ignorant of life and used to constant self-denial. Suddenly she finds herself in this place of absolute freedom and self-indulgence. You'd think this is where you get a chance to see a character get new experiences, grow and come into her own, right?

What we get is Retra running around all shocked at people speaking their minds, wearing revealing clothes and making out in public (the horror!). Then, in the middle of the book, she gets seriously injured. So the head ‘riper’ of the island, who is a lot like a vamp but not exactly, decides to heal her through what he calls ‘enlightenment’. He licks her wound, which is, of course, on her thigh, and Retra gets her very first orgasm. Boom! Retra isn’t repressed anymore, changes her name and stops acting shocked at everything in a matter of minutes. I guess years of conditioning are overturned by one enlightening orgasm.

Oh, and the riper-vamp forms this amazing super-bond with her just because he licked some of her blood (and not in a sexy way either. Just saying). They can mind-speak now! How romantic! And it goes without saying that Retra’s blood tastes better than anyone else’s. She’s just that special. But fear not! By the end of the trilogy she remains 'pure', so no harm done.

Come to think of it, I should have paid better attention to the blurb. There it is, right there:
"Into a world of wild secrets and deadly pleasures comes a girl whose innocence may be her greatest strength."
Gag. I gotta say there were no wild secrets or deadly pleasures in sight, but yes, the girl did manage to hold onto her hymen. Hallelujah.

I power-skimmed through the rest of the books (because I’m sometimes like a dog with a bone. Fortunately, I can skim super-fast!), and it only goes downhill from there. The cardboard-cut characters run around doing things without rhyme or reason most of the time, fighting against night creatures, but mostly among themselves. And the ‘great revelations’ are not at all shocking or even a little exciting.

Why, people? Why so many high ratings?
...more

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Sep 06, 2013 Lila Lockhart rated it it was amazing

Shelves: yarr, dystopian, patriotism-much, fiendlings, display, young-adult, paranormal, romance, science-fiction, physical-bookshelf

4.5 / 5
I may have received this book at a very cheap price (under $5), but it was well worth more than that. It would have to be the best three-dollars-something I have ever spent (see, that just doesn't sound like much of a compliment, but I swear it is). I will admit that at first my expectations for this novel were low - a young adult book about 'night creatures' screamed some trashy 'vegan vampire' fiction. Still, the cover was absolutely gorgeous (I'm a sucker for metallic pink - shiny!) so ...more

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Jul 30, 2011 Merve Özcan rated it liked it · review of another edition

http://kitabisevda.blogspot.com/2012/...

The book starts with an escape to find her brother Joel. Main character's name is Retra (later she takes Naif as a name) when she runs away from a place named Grave ,where Seals trained very strictly, to İxio where plaesure, fun and life reign but after Retra lands there she finds nothing is fun, people vanish. Riper watch you like jail guardian it is not very different from Grave. then Leonir leader of ixion protect her and get bounded to save her life. ...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
YA Buddy Readers'...: Burn Bright (Night Creatures #1) by Marianne de Pierres - Restarting February 15th 2015	39	99	Aug 13, 2015 07:53PM
Markes, Rollo, Joel, Kero or Lenoir?	7	41	Jan 16, 2015 02:15AM
Marianne de Pierr...: Burn Bright Campaign	7	27	Aug 18, 2012 03:14PM
Marianne de Pierr...: Yunyu's Music	1	1	Feb 14, 2012 04:40PM
Official Petition: Burn Bright to U.S.	6	52	Aug 09, 2011 09:13PM

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About Marianne de Pierres

Marianne de Pierres

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Marianne de Pierres is the award winning author of the acclaimed Parrish Plessis,Sentients of Orion and Peacemaker science fiction series. Marianne is an active supporter of genre fiction and has mentored many writers. She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three galahs. Her Night Creatures series, Burn Bright, Angel Arias and Shine Light has been very popular among young adult ...more