Book Review: Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres

Burn Bright (Night Creatures #1) by Marianne de Pierres
Publication date: 1st March, 2011
Published by:  Random House Australia
Source: Bought

Into a world of wild secrets and deadly pleasures comes a girl whose innocence may be her greatest strength.

In Ixion music and party are our only beliefs. Darkness is our comfort. We have few rules but they are absolute . . .

Retra doesn’t want to go to Ixion, the island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. Retra is a Seal – sealed minds, sealed community. She doesn’t crave parties and pleasure, experience and freedom.

But her brother Joel left for Ixion two years ago, and Retra is determined to find him. Braving the intense pain of her obedience strip to escape the only home she’s ever known, Retra stows away on the barge that will take her to her brother.

When she can’t find Joel, Retra finds herself drawn deeper into the intoxicating world of Ixion. Come to me, whispers a voice in her head. Who are the Ripers, the mysterious guardians of Ixion? What are the Night Creatures Retra can see in the shadows? And what happens to those who grow too old for Ixion?

Retra will find that Ixion has its pleasures, but its secrets are deadly. Will friendship, and the creation of an eternal bond with a Riper, be enough to save her from the darkness?

Listen well, baby bats. Burn bright, but do not stray from the paths. Remember, when you live in a place of darkness you also live with creatures of the dark.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  "Rules? Ixion is supposed to be free of rules, yet it seems as strict as Grave in its own way and more...more dangerous."

Three words: I loved it! Burn Bright is one of those reads that when you are finished you are left saying "WOW I want more" because it such an amazing story.

Burn Bright has one of the most unique and captivating worlds.  So refreshingly different but in a good way.  It slowly unravels and everything is not what it seems.  Also you could, and you will want to, re-read it again to see things you have missed the first time to better understand the mysterious and dark place of Ixion.

The plot is unpredictable and exciting.  I couldn't get enough of this story.  It is the type of book you read when you should be sleeping, or while you are cooking or during a red light in your car.  You know what I am talking about, a completely consuming read.

Retra (aka Naif) is intriguing main character.  She is quite but yet still strong.  I like the fact that she thinks about things, asks questions and doesn't follow blindly.  Retra is definitely a heroine you admire.

There is a little bit of delicious romance.  I would call it  attraction and connection.  It looks like something is building for the future books.  There is Lenior the leader of Ixion who I feel Retra has the strongest connection with.   And then there is the mysterious Markes, the musician, who was on the barge with Retra when she entered Ixion, who pops up every now and then.  Retra has more of an attraction to him.   And I am going to surprise you here and say I actually like Lenior more.  Yes I am picking him over the hot musician (normally they are my weakness) because I don't think Markes has been in the storyline enough to leave a strong enough of impression of who he really is.

Overall, Burn Bright is an alluring and gripping read that has left me craving the sequel.  I highly recommend this to all dystopia, fantasy and paranormal fans.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4.5/5
Cover: 4.5/5

Visit Book Probe for an INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY of a signed copy of Burn Bright, copy of Angel Arias (when published) and Angel Arias CD by Yunyu.   Also visit Nice Girls Read Books for a INTERVIEW with Maria de Pierres.

For more info:  Visit the Burn Bright website

For more reviews: Inkcrush and Tales of Compendium

Trailer: