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I'm not a huge fan of dystopian fiction. It's always blended with fantasy in my mind. If I had know the main theme of Burn I might not have read it. I never read a synopsis, nor a publication blurb, about Burn. All I needed to know about this book was that it was written by Peter Heller, an author whose writing I respect and enjoy.

The first book I read by Heller fell into my hands at a book event. I don't always read an author's book before attending. After reading the book, which I loved, I had an image in my mind of what this author would be like in person. Oh, so wrong. I expected a quiet, introverted, very serious man. He immediately wormed his way right into my heart. An enthusiastic, engaging, articulate speaker, who brings his adventuresome spirit to the forefront, a man who can interest a non-hunter or fisher right into the wilds with him, a lover of nature who gets it right off the page and on. Oh, his laugh, and the smile, one of the best things of a book talk by this man.

Yes, Burn is pegged as dystopian fiction taking place in Maine. Just when I think dystopian fiction is not for me, I'm hooked because it is plausible and so much more than that. I didn't realize this in the opening pages and at first wondered “what?'. Quickly, Heller's plotting skills brought both me and his two primary characters the answers. Heller's fiction often takes place in his homeland, Colorado, therefore the idea of taking Jess and Storey out of their known hunting grounds to a new, unknown locale, the deep woods of Maine, ramps up the the reality of being strangers to the area. Both are enjoying this new adventure, until they find themselves in a small town, not only shocked by the lack of any life, but one that is devastated by what looks like a wildfire that burned anything standing to the ground, demolished cars seemingly bombed and a blown up bridge that leaves anyone living without a way to connect to the other side. Oddly, and an interesting tidbit to throw in, there are some ships that were spared destruction, which may play a part in the whole picture. I can see these two men sorting what is happening in each of their minds, in their initial view, confusion, navigation, and decision making,

As the story moves forward, we are also taken back in time to the beginning of the friendship of these two men. So few stories can bring the friendship of males to light as well as Heller portrays them. This and Heller's ability to write beautifully about trust, nature, resilience, working together, survival, love and what is family, rapped me up in the possible outcome of our world.

Sharing one longer quote of many passages I saved.
”They slipped back into the dark of the woods. Now they didn't speak; they didn't need to. They had been hunting together since they were boys. Jess shucked his pack and put out a palm against the wagon, motioned that they would leave the stuff just off the road, and Storey didn't need to nod. They slipped into the trees on the west, the inland, side of the track. They moved fast through the sparse understory, making little noise. How many times had they moved this way? In tandem, crossing a drainage moving up on a bull or a buck? But never in pursuit of humans. Were they in pursuit? No. They were just being careful.��

Have to mention some songs that were mentioned by one character that found me looking them up and listening. The only one I was familiar with was Tennessee Waltz, a long-time favorite of mine.

(view spoiler)[There is a rumor that Heller might have a sequel in mind. I am satisfied with the book just remaining right where it is. (hide spoiler)]

Highly recommended. All the stars which I rarely leave visible in my reviews.