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Tamar Sloan
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Burning: Prequel After the Thaw (The Thaw Chronicles) Kindle Edition

by Heidi Catherine (Author), Tamar Sloan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 466 ratings
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Only the chosen shall breed.

In a new world isolated by a rising, toxic sea, a single bridge connects Askala to the Outlands. Those who remain will need to pass a Proving to determine if they have the intelligence and heart to champion the future of their broken Earth.

Those who succeed will become Bound, the ones chosen to breed.

Those who fail, are Unbound. Free of responsibility, but robbed of their ability to bear children.

Four young lives are born into this world. Magnus and Callix, two brothers determined to uphold this new order. Two brothers in love with the same girl.

Amity, the one who must make the impossible choice.

And Mercy, the girl who no one sees, but sees it all.

As a new threat to Askala emerges, secrets will be revealed and the fight for survival will become their biggest challenge yet.

Life is fragile. Love will refuse to be denied.

Sacrifice will be inevitable.

Lovers of Divergent, The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner will be blown away by the breathtaking new series from USA Today best-selling author Tamar Sloan and award-winning author Heidi Catherine.

Scroll up and grab your copy now!

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  1. Print length
    142 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    November 13, 2019
  4. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  5. Grade level
    7 - 12
  6. File size
    4.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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From the Publisher

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B081GKH1FF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sequel House (November 13, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 13, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 142 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 466 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Tamar Sloan

    Tamar Sloan

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    Tamar hasn’t decided whether she’s primarily a psychologist who loves writing, or a writer with a lifelong drive to make a difference. She must have been someone pretty awesome in a previous life (past life regression indicates a Care Bear), because she gets to do both. She divides her time between helping families and writing emotion driven YA stories set in amazing imaginary worlds that surprise even her.

    The driving force for all of Tamar’s writing is sharing and connecting. In truth, connecting with others is why she writes. She loves to hear from readers. Find her on all the usual social media channels or her website, www.tamarsloan.com where can download one of her books for free.

    (Seriously, I LOVE hearing from you guys!)

    See more on the author's page
  2. Heidi Catherine

    Heidi Catherine

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Heidi writes fantasy and dystopian novels, which gives her a chance to escape into worlds vastly different to her own life in the burbs. While she quite enjoys killing her characters (especially the awful ones), she promises she’s far better behaved in real life. Other than writing and reading, Heidi’s current obsessions include watching far too much reality TV with the excuse that it’s research for her books.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
466 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the prequel to an interesting new series. They describe it as an exciting, gripping read that holds their attention throughout. The characters are well-developed and relatable. Readers praise the writing quality as top-notch and the scenes as well-written. Overall, they say the book provides a good setup for the series and builds the foundation for the future books.

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PrequelReadabilityCharacter developmentWriting qualityBuildability
27 customers mention "Prequel"27 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the prequel to the new series. They find the story interesting, gripping, and fantastic. The premise is unique and intriguing, setting up drama and anticipation for the future of the series. Readers describe the book as an exciting, page-turning read that sets up a compelling world.

"...This first book sets up so much drama and anticipation for the future of the series that I really want to read through to the end to see what happens..." Read more

"This prequel was amazing. I got it free on Amazon and decided to read it for a break from my usual books...." Read more

"...This story is a great introduction to the world and builds the foundation to the series which will focus on the children of the characters in this..." Read more

"This is a really great read. Its a very well done prequel to the series and leaves me definitely wanting to read more...." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging and say it holds their attention through the whole book. The characters are relatable and easy to love.

"...will lead him and his future but the stakes are high, and it makes this read worth it...." Read more

"This is a really great read. Its a very well done prequel to the series and leaves me definitely wanting to read more...." Read more

"...I love how these to Authors have brought another fantastic read to fruition...." Read more

"First off, I read this book in 1 day. It’s an amazing read, and very quick since it’s a prequel...." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters.

"...authors have created an interesting world with very complex and vivid characters...." Read more

"...I’m excited to see how the story and characters develop in the coming books. Highly recommend! 4.5 stars" Read more

"...And the Characters feel so real in the scenes. This is definitely way up there with the hunger games and divergent...." Read more

"...The authors do a wonderful job in character development and I quickly found myself endeared to most of them...." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality. They find the scenes well-written, allowing them to visualize the world. However, some readers found errors in the first book.

"An exciting prequel to an interesting new series from two amazing authors that introduces you to this thrilling new world they have created...." Read more

"...The scenes are written so well that you can picture this world in your minds eye. And the Characters feel so real in the scenes...." Read more

"Book 1 was an okay read and had errors throughout. The story is interesting and the MC must safeguard where they are to preserve the Earth...." Read more

"...compared to the Hunger Games, although completely different the writing is top notch and on the same level as those books. The storyline is gripping...." Read more

3 customers mention "Buildability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a good setup for the series. They say it builds the foundation for the series and is an excellent prequel.

"...This story is a great introduction to the world and builds the foundation to the series which will focus on the children of the characters in this..." Read more

"...This is a great setup for the series! Overall, while I liked some elements of Burning, there were others I didn’t...." Read more

"Excellent prequel to a great series!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • BookLover
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great dystopian series starter!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Wow. I read this and the extra bonus chapters in a flash. These authors have created an interesting world with very complex and vivid characters. This first book sets up so much drama and anticipation for the future of the series that I really want to read through to the end to see what happens. I’ve seen it compared to Divergent but I really enjoyed it much more because I liked the characters so much more. Magnus is so good—yet I can see how good intentions and power can combine in devastating ways. I’m not sure yet where this will lead him and his future but the stakes are high, and it makes this read worth it. And even though Callix has made some poor choices due to jealousy, I understand them as well. I’m really invested in all of the characters and their fates and I look forward to reading more!
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  • Genesis Gage
    4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing prequel
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This prequel was amazing. I got it free on Amazon and decided to read it for a break from my usual books. I didn't want to stop reading, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series
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  • Tamara Kasyan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Prequel To An Interesting New Series!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    An exciting prequel to an interesting new series from two amazing authors that introduces you to this thrilling new world they have created. Set in a world ravaged by global warming, where the ocean has turned acidic and waters rose to cover most of the world, survivors have created a haven on a little piece of what was once known as Alaska and live in a beached cruise ship. They call their home Askala, and see it as their duty to protect the Earth and those in their care. Their society is divided into Bound and Unbound, where only the Bound have the honor of breeding and passing along what they see as superior genes of protection, empathy, and kindness. They are connected to the outside world by a lone bridge, but seldom are outsiders admitted since they often don't possess the character traits they deem necessary for their survival. There are four main characters in this story - brothers Callix and Magnus, Amity, and Mercy. They must balance duty and love while navigating this strange world and their feelings and protecting the secrets some of them have. This is an emotionally-packed story as both brothers are in love with Amity but only one will win her heart and while Mercy loves Callix, her secret forces her to be by another's side. But circumstances occur that threaten the survival of Askala and lead to some major decisions that will effect the future generation. This story is a great introduction to the world and builds the foundation to the series which will focus on the children of the characters in this book. I can't wait to see where this series will go!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lillian @ Mom with a Reading Problem
    3.0 out of 5 stars Great setup for a fast-paced dystopian
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Burning by Tamar Sloan & Heidi Catherine is the prequel novella to their dystopian series After the Thaw, setting up the world and characters. An imperfect system determines who will be allowed to rule, breed, and make decisions for the greater good of humanity….or what’s left of it. Following four teens, Burning is a fast-paced dystopian sure to please.

    Magnus and Callix are brothers that couldn’t be more different. Callix is a year older and already through with his proving. He is quiet, steadfast, and highly intelligent, yet jealous of his younger brother. Magnus is about to go through his proving (in fact this is a part of the plot of this story). He is tall, muscular, and introspective. He also happens to be in love with the same girl as his brother.

    Amity is one of the chosen. She is a bit naive when it comes to her responsibilities as chosen. She knows that at some point she must choose a mate, and everyone expects her to choose Callix. But it is Magnus that has her heart.

    Mercy is also one of the chosen. She is on the fringes of the main group, and she likes it that way. She keeps to herself and is hiding a big secret. She also happens to be crushing on Callix.

    The plot of this one revolves around these four, even alternating in their POV. It takes a look at the Proving ceremony, the Chosen, and how it can all crumble. You also get a brief look at the people who live in the Outlands. This is a great setup for the series!

    Overall, while I liked some elements of Burning, there were others I didn’t. The plot at times was fast-paced to the point I felt like I couldn’t keep up, and at other times was at a standstill. The romance fell flat, despite really liking Magnus and Amity together. However I’m still invested in the series. This is just the prequel (which is currently free) and I cannot wait to see where the authors take the series. If you enjoy YA dystopian, I’d recommend it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ama.Mee.Nightdweller13
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very good intro to this series!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is a really great read. Its a very well done prequel to the series and leaves me definitely wanting to read more. The very first chapter or two were a bit slow to me because almost right away its action-packed and I was lost in what was going on but it quickly all falls into place with the events going on. Wow, this was very enjoyable and I look forward to delving more into this series. Thank you!
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  • Shannon
    5.0 out of 5 stars So good!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I got this novella shortly before the holidays and it took me forever to finally find the time to read it but once I did...wow. This is the first story I’ve read in probably two years or more that had me actually trying to stay awake at 2am so I could keep reading. It’s an incredibly intriguing introduction to the series and I absolutely cannot wait to read more. If you’re a fan of YA, particularly dystopian, then this is for you. There is a bit of insta-love as mentioned in another review I read, but the rest of the story was so good that it wasn’t a big turn off for me. I’m excited to see how the story and characters develop in the coming books. Highly recommend! 4.5 stars
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  • richard joesten
    5.0 out of 5 stars Burning
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Wow what a fantastic prequel. A whole new world that takes you into a whole new way of life. I love how these to Authors have brought another fantastic read to fruition. The scenes are written so well that you can picture this world in your minds eye. And the Characters feel so real in the scenes. This is definitely way up there with the hunger games and divergent. I look forward to see where this series goes.
    Definitely recommend.
    Shauna Joesten
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Soulimpression
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to the series!
    Reviewed in Canada on December 16, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book is stellar! I really like the YA dystopian genre and this is a stand out book among the ones I’ve read. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! In Askala, the Proving selects the Bound and Unbound. The Bound have a responsibility to bear children and protect the human race in the hostile environment that they live in. The Unbound don’t have this responsibility, but they are forced to lose the ability to bear children. This was a book I devoured very quickly and I highly recommend it!

    I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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  • Sandra Richardson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to potentially brilliant series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I saw the cover first and felt immediately drawn to find out more. Upon reading the blurb I knew I didn’t just “want” to read it, I had to read it! I love the dystopian & post-apocalyptic genres so this series instantaneously had me adding it to my “must read” list!

    The cover, is bright and attractive and when reading the book, you learn about the bird and its relevance to the characters and their survival. The title fits the book perfectly. Its significance is revealed in the latter part of the prequel. I love a prequel, especially for dystopian & post-apocalyptic series as you learn the basics of the society and discover the world the characters have to live in. This prequel certainly delivers everything you need to know to make you desperate to read the rest of the series.

    The book is set after the world has basically gone under what I would describe as climate change. Maybe a prophetic look into the future is we don’t clean up our acts in the world we live in now.
    The sea levels have risen, taken back some of the land that people lived on and it is also has become toxic for anyone unlucky enough to find themselves in it for any length of time. Also, in the sea making it even more dangerous are the animal the Aksala people call “leatherskins.”
    All those that live in the Oasis have to go through a testing process that takes seven days and consists of three different tests which is called the “Proving”. After the testing is finished, they are presented with a chip that is placed into their hand. They then attend the Announcement Ceremony in front of family, friends both Bound and Unbound where it is revealed what they are, where they will be living, and what the future holds for them. They have to move their hand with the chip above a box with two compartments. Only one compartment will open, one side is empty, which means you are unbound, the other contains a ring, meaning you are bound.

    All announcement ceremonies are special to those in them and their families but every twenty years the High Bound retire and hand over their responsibilities to the next generation. Anyone that has become Bound in the last twenty years can take part to see if they are destined to become High Bound.

    The “Unbound” live a single life, some would say carefree life on the upper floors of the Oasis. The Unbound seem to live a carefree life, taken care of by the Bound who consider it their duty to look after them.

    The “Bound” who are expected to save the earth for the future generations that they must go on to breed. If you are not a “Bound” you are not allowed to have children. Once you are Bound you are expected to pair up with someone and start having children to keep Askala populated. It is the Bound that are in charge of guarding their home perimeter and preventing violent remnants from gaining access to the Oasis.

    Then there’s the highest of the society, the “High Bound” who make all the decisions for their people, from how they live, to dealing with banishments and deciding who if anyone from the outside can join their settlement. Those from outside Askala are known as “Remnants” and have to prove themselves before being allowed to join those living in Askala. However, should a remnant manage to sneak their way into Askala and step foot on their land they then have an automatic right to stay.

    There’s certainly lots going on in this prequel, remnants needing to be dealt with when they become violent, remnants that throw their child into the toxic see and one bound female cannot fight the urge to attempt to rescue the child despite knowing the risks of entering the toxic ocean. On the romance front there’s one bound female caught in a love triangle between two bound brothers, one brother loves her, but she loves the other brother. Who will she end up settling down with to perform her duty of having children? There is also a couple with a rather large secret, the poor female bound feels her only option is to settle with the male as if not he will reveal her devastating secret. Someone meddles with the only source of food with nutrients with disastrous consequences.
    Then we have a banishment of a member of the Askala society, something that is done with a heavy heart for all concerned.

    Characters I adored were Kimina, Amity, Magnus and Thea. The character I enjoyed disliking was Ronan! I don’t think he has finished disrupting things yet. Talking of possible future disruptions or problems I am also wary of Callix and Mercy. Could they end up causing problems for the High Bound to sort out.

    I knew at around 36% that I was hooked into this book, its different levels of society with its strange rules and expectations was going to be a highly addictive read for me. The traditions and rules of this society have been really well thought out. The “Proving” really fits what the whole testing is about, as it is proving your worth to society, and reveals whether you are considered worthy enough to procreate. I really had to try hard not to whizz through this prequel. I had to make a conscious effort to read it slower. It’s certainly a story worth savouring! I also enjoyed the historic elements with the beached luxury ship called Oasis being in Alaska where the climate should be cold, but had changed beyond all recognition. This luxury ship has now quite literally become the Oasis of those survivors, their chance at survival. I also thought the play on names was brilliant, with the new colony of survivors calling their settlement Askala. I kept looking at the word Askala and thinking why it looked sort of familiar.

    My immediate thoughts upon finishing this prequel were
    Wow! Love the great world building. Adored Magnus, who is so unassuming. He thinks all the responsibility and important roles and work will be given to his elder brother Callix. Callix is simmering when it becomes clear all that he had hoped for is going to his younger brother, even the girl he loves and wanted to have a family with.
    When I finished reading the Prequel, I had a few thoughts about what may be ahead, but then saw that there were bonus chapters available to download and read, sort of like an epilogue. These bonus chapters were interesting to read and yet manage to pose more questions for you to contemplate. I liked meeting the High Bound’s children, the next generation and catching up with the relationships that were still fairly new at the end of the prequel.
    Though I did finish reading it with loads of questions and thoughts about what could happen next for the different characters. I mean what a cliff hanger at the very end! What has been changed? What was about to happen? When can I read more? Will those with secrets be found out? It also made me wonder how far in advance, or how much time will have elapsed between the end of the Burning bonus chapters and the beginning of the next book in the series.
    So, to sum up I loved it! And when can I read more?
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  • katheyer
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best YA dystopian series of all times.
    Reviewed in Germany on December 16, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    “Burning - After the Thaw” is the first book in a new YA dystopian fiction series by Tamar Sloan & Heidi Catharine. The book is in fact a prequel to the upcoming Burning Series Trilogy to be release January 2020 to April 2020.

    The story is fresh and captivating, setting in destroyed world which has become nearly inhabitable due to climate change, it follows the life of the last survivors, who seek refuge in Askala (the Alaska of the future) after the rising oceans devoured the land and the waters turned acidic. Once there and to enable the survival of the human race they made some drastic changes to society, divided the habitants and Bound and Unbound, while defending their land from the attacks of the Remnants (wild humans that endanger their way of life).

    The book centers on two brothers (Callix and Magnus) and two girls (Amity and Mercy) closely intertwined with them and tells the story of how the decisions that will shape the future generations were taken.

    The plot is not only entertaining but most interesting, with some very carefully chosen premises: Askala = Alaska as the final retreat of humanity after a world cataclysm that almost destroys the land is brilliant, and terrifying. The related events have the necessary amount of fantasy while keeping enough credibility to make them relatable. The writing is both rich and fluid. One of the best YA dystopian series of all times.
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  • LC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great prequel to a fabulous series of books.
    Reviewed in Australia on October 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Burning is a great introduction to the After the Thaw series. This prequel novella Burning is a must read to be able to go onto Book One: Rising. Burning gives you an insight into what is expected from a future Dystopian society. Many clever concepts and what is to be expected from the books after reading the prequel novella. The characters are mesmerising and could not put the book down I thoroughly enjoyed it. After reading the prequel novella, I went straight into the first book Rising.
    A book I recommend highly.
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  • Kendo740
    4.0 out of 5 stars A post-apocalyptic story with a difference, about the fight for recovery, not surviving the event.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 12, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I found this story of survival after the apocalypse more interesting than the event itself, but as good as the storyline is, the world building fell short of expectations, especially for a prequel, hence the four stars.
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