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.