This was a very engaging read, and the writing was typical Peter Heller, lush, a feast for the senses, and introspective. As always, he had very well developed characters that were flawed, but entirely relatable and likeable. I love the way Peter Heller takes me somewhere in the wilds and makes me feel as though I am really experiencing it firsthand. I think this is one of his best novels. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to have an ARC of this book. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys being swept into a story.

Peter Heller’s best books – and I’ve read several of them – share many essential themes that resonate deeply with our human experience: the complicated dynamic of male friendship, the existential grief and longing we carry within us, the majesty of nature amid dwarfing our paltry existence, and the chilling violence that lurks beneath our surfaces. These themes, once again, are at the heart of his newest book, Burn.

All these themes are again at play in Heller’s newest book, Burn. Like The Dog Stars, which presented an unforgettable vision of a post-apocalyptic world, Burn is about survival in a dystopian world and finding comfort and meaning in unexpected places. Again, Heller tackles the reasons for living and the hopeless cycles we all must go through. Here, the setting is rural Maine, where two long-time friends who go off the grid on a hunting grip emerge to confront a world where secessionist violence has destroyed much of the familiar landscape.

At first, the two bonded men forging their way through dystopia seemed too evocative of The Dog Stars. The reader is as mystified as the characters: who is responsible for the violence, why are entire buildings and homes and bridges burnt to the ground, and how can these two friends possibly survive in a new “game” without any definable rules?

Left in the dark, I kept reading, and I’m glad I did. As the book progresses, the men chance upon a five-year-old girl who changes their perception of what is at stake and unlocks their own childhood memories. It will also showcase what’s in the balance for our characters, Jess and Storey, and for mankind if we don’t quickly wise up and heal our political divisions. As in all Peter Heller’s books, a thread of hope lies loosely, particularly through the power of friendship.

I am so pleased to be an early reader and thank Knopf and NetGalley for providing me with this opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

Mr. Heller delivers another solid apocalyptic story of two friends hunting in the backwoods of Maine while the unthinkable happens in New England. They emerge from the forest to discover that something catastrophic has incurred and they embark on a journey to get home safely.

Childhood best friends Jess and Storey emerge from the woods on their annual hunting trip to find a very different Maine. Bridges have been blown up and entire towns burned to the ground. They attempt to survive in this new world and can only guess at what is going on and who might be the enemy.

This book ticked a lot of boxes for me. The writing is absolutely beautiful. I love outdoor survival tales, and I also enjoy a near-apocalypse/post-disaster element. I also live in Maine and although the premise seems a bit far-fetched for our state. I could unfortunately see the possibility of this scenario in our divided country. This one gets a rare 5 stars for me and I highly recommend it!

I was so thrilled to get the email that I could read this book! I finished it in a day and I will read it again. Just so loved it. Great story and it was so heart felt and sad too. But very exciting and suspenseful. His books are always so detailed and such super surroundings of nature. This book has you feeling as if your right there with them hiding in the grass. Don't miss out, get this book to read. Love all of Peter's books!!

Another beautifully written adventure featuring sensitive, outdoorsy men. Heller considers morality and internal landscapes while sharing rich descriptions of the American Northeast.