Burn Bright (Night Creatures, #1) in Aussie Readers

Mar 05, 2011 Sammy rated it it was amazing

I thought that this was a wonderful book. An interesting and curious story, I didn't want to put the book down. I can't wait for book 2 ' Angel Arias'.
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Sep 15, 2011 Paperback Princess rated it liked it

Retra leaves Grave...the only home she's known to follow her brother's, Joel's, footsteps. She's ran away to the land of Ixiom, where the only rules is to pleasure yourself! Sounds great right? However, it seems that Ixiom is dangerous and has so much more rules that they are told.

There's the Guardians, otherwise called as Ripers. They're meant to protect the children that goes there, but is that truly what they are doing?

There are the Night Creatures that they are constantly warned against, i ...more

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Apr 17, 2011 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-are, aussie-author

I was gifted Burn Bright by the author after reviewing a book by her literary alter ego, Sharp Shooter. Fantasy YA is not usually a genre I would seek out and I admit I chose to read it because I was grateful for the gift and because it neatly coincided with a GR challenge. However from the beginning I was drawn into this imaginative and bold YA fantasy novel.
Retra lives on an island in a repressive society whose strict class structure segregates its inhabitants. As a 'Seal', Retra lives under a I was gifted Burn Bright by the author after reviewing a book by her literary alter ego, Sharp Shooter. Fantasy YA is not usually a genre I would seek out and I admit I chose to read it because I was grateful for the gift and because it neatly coincided with a GR challenge. However from the beginning I was drawn into this imaginative and bold YA fantasy novel.
Retra lives on an island in a repressive society whose strict class structure segregates its inhabitants. As a 'Seal', Retra lives under a repressive regime that denies free thought or speech. Retra's brother rebelled against the strictures and escaped to the rumoured island of Ixia leaving her to face punishment from her family and community leaders. Despite the cost, Retra follows in her brother's footsteps, and lands in Ixia - a haven of pleasure and self expression determined to reunite with him.
What particularly hooked me with this novel, was taking the journey with Retra as opposed to watching it unfold. Starting the book, I was pretty confused, not understanding why Retra was fleeing, crippled with pain, or where she was headed, but I wanted to know and I soon appreciated that this unusual beginning was a clever technique that mirrored Retra's own experience of disorientation and created an immediate bond between her character and myself as the reader. Even though the narrative is third person, the perspective always comes from Retra's experience maintaining that link throughout the story. Since we rarely learn any more than what Retra does and she knows very little, some details of the storyline have to be intuited or imagined, which can be frustrating if you prefer your fantasy world and it's rules to be clearly delineated. As a series debut there is some deliberate vagueness and mystery surrounding the characters and plot direction leaving the author plenty of scope to navigate in future installments.

The plot explores the extremes of repressive and hedonistic society and the natural inclination of teenage rebellion. Ixia is a pleasure island, constantly in darkness, that advocates freedom and constant partying. Everything is provided for it's refugees and there are few rules, but behind the glittering facade, the Ripers hide a secret. As the residents age they are withdrawn, though no one seems to know where it is they go, the teens are forced to take mind altering drugs under the guise of care and the Ripers seem more sinister than solicitous. Retra is not the only one who sees past the glossy surface, unsanctioned gangs like the League led by Dark Eve, and the mysterious Ruzalia. Events begin to spiral out of control and as truths are revealed, Retra sheds her Seal identity to become Naif who may well lead a revolution.

Burn Bright is an intoxicating and edgy adventure from accomplished Australian writer, Marianne de Pierres. I look forward to the second book in the Night Creatures series. ...more

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Oct 20, 2010 Amanda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2011

★★★★☆ I loved it!
Burn Bright was one of the most interesting reads I've had in while. Everything about it was so different and even when I thought I could draw some parallels in the plot to other books, it would turn out I was on the wrong track. The only thing that felt familiar was the infatuation a certain character has with Retra but it seems as if there's something we haven't been told about that yet. Either way, who doesn't love a story of the underdog getting the hot guy? I did get confus ★★★★☆ I loved it!
Burn Bright was one of the most interesting reads I've had in while. Everything about it was so different and even when I thought I could draw some parallels in the plot to other books, it would turn out I was on the wrong track. The only thing that felt familiar was the infatuation a certain character has with Retra but it seems as if there's something we haven't been told about that yet. Either way, who doesn't love a story of the underdog getting the hot guy? I did get confused with some of the scenes but once I kept reading things began to fall into place. I think this had to do with it being so different.

Burn Bright had quite a few unexpected moments of humour (see my favourite quote below). Retra comes from a very closed off society that doesn't encourage human interaction at all so watching her trying to fit in, in a place that very much encourages you to get close to others had me squirming with delight. She braves it all in search of her brother and meets some every interesting characters along the way. Everything she's ever known is turning out to be false with each new person we're introduced to. In a way it's like someone from every culture in the world has joined together in this world where they celebrate one thing - having fun.

There's a few guys in Retra's life but I definitely like Lenoir the best. I can't wait to learn all his and the other Riper's secrets. There are just so many secrets! It's what kept me addicted to the pages and has me thinking about the sequel already. The ending reveals a secret that totally blew me away. A perfect example of me being way off track. I was sad (but not disappointed) with the ending as everything changes and we don't know if a character is alive or not. I was thankful that the first chapter of Angel Arias was included to give an indication of where things take off again. Bring on the sequel!

Favourite Quote:

"In Stra'ha we only need men for their spermies, otherwise . . . pffft."
(page 79)

Cover: Love it! It's so unique and portrays the change that Retra goes through.

Night Creatures Series

1. Burn Bright
2. Angel Arias (out late 2011)
3. Blaze Dark (out 2012) ...more

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Nov 20, 2010 Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten) rated it liked it

Shelves: i-own, for-review, random-house-sent, publisher-sent

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

**Thank you to Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of this to read and review!**

Find my complete review here: http://rachybee-the-rest-is-still-unw...

Burn Bright is the first book in Marianne de Pierres Night Creatures series and is a darkly alluring tale full of seductive adventure and steeped in mystery!

Even after finishing this novel, I’m still not quite sure what to make of it. I have mixed emotions where it’s concerned. Marianne de Pierres has crafted a world so very differ ...more

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Oct 11, 2010 Melissa rated it it was amazing

An absolutely brilliant start to the series. I loved reading from Retra/Naif's point of view and discovering the great and not so great sides to Ixion.

Look forward to the next book in the series. ...more

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