Title: Burn
Author: Patrick Ness
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date: June 2, 2020
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Summary
It’s 1957 and Sarah Dewhurst and her father are waiting for the dragon that they hired to help out on their farm. The dragon is a last resort, since they’re not held in very high regard as they’re considered animals without souls. But it’s a necessity in order to keep their small Washington farm going, especially after Sarah’s mother died. No one else in their small town is very happy about it, though.
However, the dragon, Kazimir, brings dangerous information with him There’s a prophecy that’s about to come true including assassins, FBI agents, and the cult of dragon worshipers. And for some reason, Sarah is the one who is going to stop the coming of the end of the world. Does she have what it takes in order to do so?
Review: Burn
Thanks to one of my Instagram friends, I was able to snag an ARC of this book! I could’t be happier, honestly. Patrick Ness is one of my all-time favorite authors, and I never know what I’m going to get from his books. There’s one thing for sure: it will be a wild ride!
I went into this book with that mindset because never know what to expect when I start a Ness book. I am happy to say that this one didn’t disappoint! We’re taken on this wild ride starting in this imagined historical world where dragons exist. In true Patrick Ness style, we get everyone’s point of view as they each play a part in this mysterious dragon prophecy. Not only does this make the world-building extremely effective, but it also builds relationships and characters. You won’t want to put this book down until it’s done.
Dragons and Magic, Oh My!
Essentially, Burn is a re-imagining of how dragons might have affected the Cold War. Kazimir is a Russian dragon, something extremely rare. But he is key in this prophecy, one that foretells the end of the world. There are a lot of connections throughout to actual historical events in the United States, making the story all the more immersive. Even though there are dragons! Admittedly, the world would be way cooler if there really were dragons.
Ness also doesn’t shy away from issues like racism and homophobia. Sarah is mixed race and her best friend/love interest (Jason) is Japanese. They not only have to deal with judgment from the town’s population, but also racism from the police force. They’re outcasts because they’re different. And unfortunately, these are issues still highly prevalent today.
Malcolm and Nelson also experience homophobia first-hand, and some of the moments between them are so tender. Between Malcom, Nelson, Sarah, and Jason, there’s a lot of discussion about not letting labels define what you’re able to accomplish. As a dragon, Kazimir doesn’t let labels define him, and he encourages Sarah to do the same. He encourages them to take control of their own story.
Verdict
Honestly, I can’t wait until the final edition of this comes out so I can share all the quotes. This alternative world that Ness has created is immersive and empowering. It’s about found families, not letting others define you, and finding happiness in a crazy world. This might actually become one of my favorite Ness books. Because how can you go wrong with Patrick Ness and dragons?
5/5 stars