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Burn
Alexa Bernell can do what no one else can -- or so she thought, until the Omen Project found her. Shaped by drugs and brutal training, she was their weapon. Until she got loose.
Haunted by the memories of what she's done, Alexa ran. Now the Project is hunting her. They've sent Cav, her friend, her lover, and her only confidant, to bring her back -- no matter the cost.
If she ever wants to be free, she has to kill him.
Haunted by the memories of what she's done, Alexa ran. Now the Project is hunting her. They've sent Cav, her friend, her lover, and her only confidant, to bring her back -- no matter the cost.
If she ever wants to be free, she has to kill him.
- GenresFantasy
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2012
5 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Swensen
14 books95 followersDaniel Swensen tries to write the kind of fiction he wants to see in the world. ORISON is his first novel. http://ninemusepress.com/books/orison/
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 1, 2012
I have been privileged enough to have a couple "sneak peeks" at Daniel Swensen's writing - both this, and a couple other projects in the works, and I am in awe of his skill. His ability to capture human nature, its frustrations and double-edged triumphs, to communicate the raw edges of life without scalding your conscience - this is his forte, and it is well exhibited in this tense, gritty short about a pyromaniac gone rogue.
"Pyromanic rogue" might be a better turn of phrase, for Alexa doesn't just set things on fire like any principled arsonist - she is the fire, holding an innate ability to engulf what she likes in flame - buildings, boxcars, people. She's subtle, too, able to hold her gift in and use it in more nefarious, backhanded ways, such as in her early retaliation against her mother. In quick succession, we are given flashes of Alexa's life as she goes from isolation to neglect, to betrayal of multiple stripes, to being the lone vigilante against the covert operation that wants to make her their top secret weapon. The only chink in her armor? Cav, the one lone strand of sanity in her tormented life, who is both her heart and her hate.
Tightly crafted with pathos and precision, Alexa's cascade of moral dilemmas will keep you twisting and turning with her to the very end.
"Pyromanic rogue" might be a better turn of phrase, for Alexa doesn't just set things on fire like any principled arsonist - she is the fire, holding an innate ability to engulf what she likes in flame - buildings, boxcars, people. She's subtle, too, able to hold her gift in and use it in more nefarious, backhanded ways, such as in her early retaliation against her mother. In quick succession, we are given flashes of Alexa's life as she goes from isolation to neglect, to betrayal of multiple stripes, to being the lone vigilante against the covert operation that wants to make her their top secret weapon. The only chink in her armor? Cav, the one lone strand of sanity in her tormented life, who is both her heart and her hate.
Tightly crafted with pathos and precision, Alexa's cascade of moral dilemmas will keep you twisting and turning with her to the very end.
February 9, 2014
Burn, a great short story by Daniel Swensen, introduces the reader to Alexa--a young woman with a terrible gift, a gift that attracts the wrong kind of attention, that of the Good Guys Who Reassure Her They Only Want to Use Her Gift to Get the Bad Guys.
Swensen's story leapfrogs between past and present until it reaches a fiery denouement. Writing with great economy and precision, he conjures images and emotions that are both vivid and dreamlike, if that is not too much of a contradiction. Cinematic is the word that came to mind as I was reading Burn. And I don't use that word lightly.
Alexa is a character you will care about. Someone you will cheer and root for. She is human. She has heart. And she is starting to get a handle on this gift of hers. Bad news for the Good Guys and the Bad Guys.
Swensen's story leapfrogs between past and present until it reaches a fiery denouement. Writing with great economy and precision, he conjures images and emotions that are both vivid and dreamlike, if that is not too much of a contradiction. Cinematic is the word that came to mind as I was reading Burn. And I don't use that word lightly.
Alexa is a character you will care about. Someone you will cheer and root for. She is human. She has heart. And she is starting to get a handle on this gift of hers. Bad news for the Good Guys and the Bad Guys.
January 31, 2014
Burn is a smart and engaging genre thriller crafted by Daniel Swenson. The main story line, a confrontation between Alexa- a gifted but emotionally torn firestarter- and her possibly well meaning (or possibly highly manipulative!) ex-boyfriend Cav (a great name that, to me anyway, reminds me of the word cavalry and makes it sound like he's here to rescue her). Cav is a psychic who has the power to find other psychics.
Their confrontation plays out at a run down, small-town cafe and follows the classic format of many a genre thriller involving two people and one location, a mix of suspense and emotional volatility made extra dangerous by both a sniper and Alexa's ability to turn entire buildings into fiery infernos.
The main story line then becomes a framing device for flashbacks about the development of Alexa's powers and all the good and bad baggage that arrived with those psychic abilities. I liked the way the story ended as well; it's tinged with a sort of bittersweet ambiguity and a sense that more is still to come.
Burn itself is a fast and engaging read. Swenson does a nice job with both his main characters. Cav and Alexa and well rounded and, despite the fact that both are capable of awful things, they are both likable. I highly recommend this story.
Their confrontation plays out at a run down, small-town cafe and follows the classic format of many a genre thriller involving two people and one location, a mix of suspense and emotional volatility made extra dangerous by both a sniper and Alexa's ability to turn entire buildings into fiery infernos.
The main story line then becomes a framing device for flashbacks about the development of Alexa's powers and all the good and bad baggage that arrived with those psychic abilities. I liked the way the story ended as well; it's tinged with a sort of bittersweet ambiguity and a sense that more is still to come.
Burn itself is a fast and engaging read. Swenson does a nice job with both his main characters. Cav and Alexa and well rounded and, despite the fact that both are capable of awful things, they are both likable. I highly recommend this story.
February 8, 2014
To see the full review visit Adofaer & Arkhdrauth after 12th February 2014
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Burn is a fantastic short, it left me craving more about Alexa –her history, her future — I wanted to know everything, I still do. Alexa is a wonderful anti-hero, she has a history that Swensen hints at in her flashbacks giving just enough to tease. Unlike many short stories, Burn is compelling and full of action, keeping you reading and wishing for more.
At a tiny 20 pages, this one is a very fast read allowing you to read it on a break at work or whenever you have a little spare time and, after falling into Alexa’s dystopian world, lets you return to work with it lingering in your mind.
Swensen’s writing is refined and engaging, this small preview of his work has left me desperate for another fix of his enticing words.
I’m actively looking forward to reading his upcoming release ‘Orison’ and I hope to read more about Burn’s ruthless anti-hero Alexa in the future.
--
Burn is a fantastic short, it left me craving more about Alexa –her history, her future — I wanted to know everything, I still do. Alexa is a wonderful anti-hero, she has a history that Swensen hints at in her flashbacks giving just enough to tease. Unlike many short stories, Burn is compelling and full of action, keeping you reading and wishing for more.
At a tiny 20 pages, this one is a very fast read allowing you to read it on a break at work or whenever you have a little spare time and, after falling into Alexa’s dystopian world, lets you return to work with it lingering in your mind.
Swensen’s writing is refined and engaging, this small preview of his work has left me desperate for another fix of his enticing words.
I’m actively looking forward to reading his upcoming release ‘Orison’ and I hope to read more about Burn’s ruthless anti-hero Alexa in the future.
September 17, 2022
5 stars
Great little short story. Although it is not that long, it gives a good story with a solid premise and background.
Great little short story. Although it is not that long, it gives a good story with a solid premise and background.
December 18, 2012
I'm someone who can easily lose interest in the work of even the most famous of authors, having to go back and re-read pages where I let my mind drift away. Not so with this book. I started it and finished without pause- my attention was hooked from the first few lines.
The character of Alexa in Daniel Swensen's Burn is both compelling and repelling at the same time. Her history gives you an understanding of where she is in her life, and why she uses her powers the way she does. It also explains her nearly psychopathic inability to connect to other people.
Although understandable, those personality traits left me cold on the character- the novella is too short for her to achieve any sense of redemption, and I was left itching for more resolution. I wanted her to be able to grow past her limitations, instead of succumb to them- but that is my own limitation as a reader- I can only be swept down the river of this story, and let it take me where it leads, despite wanting to cheer the character on to a sweeter conclusion.
It's only my frustration in not being able to really connect to the anti-social Alexa that kept me from giving this short story five stars, a failing I'll readily admit to being my own. If this were to be made into a longer story, or if there were more sequels, I'd happily throw my final star on it.
The character of Alexa in Daniel Swensen's Burn is both compelling and repelling at the same time. Her history gives you an understanding of where she is in her life, and why she uses her powers the way she does. It also explains her nearly psychopathic inability to connect to other people.
Although understandable, those personality traits left me cold on the character- the novella is too short for her to achieve any sense of redemption, and I was left itching for more resolution. I wanted her to be able to grow past her limitations, instead of succumb to them- but that is my own limitation as a reader- I can only be swept down the river of this story, and let it take me where it leads, despite wanting to cheer the character on to a sweeter conclusion.
It's only my frustration in not being able to really connect to the anti-social Alexa that kept me from giving this short story five stars, a failing I'll readily admit to being my own. If this were to be made into a longer story, or if there were more sequels, I'd happily throw my final star on it.
March 12, 2013
As a short story should be, Burn is succinct and full of imagery. Without going into unnecessary detail, the author creates a protagonist who is sympathetic though she endures a world to which the reader will probably never relate. Scenes change before they can stagnate. Though I read this story within two sittings because of time constraints, it begs to be read in one. I couldn't wait to return to my Nook and finish the story.
If this is just a taste of Daniel Swensen's work, I'm anxious to see what else he will turn out.Daniel SwensenBurn
If this is just a taste of Daniel Swensen's work, I'm anxious to see what else he will turn out.Daniel SwensenBurn
May 28, 2013
One of the great pitfalls of many science fiction is that many sci-fi writers get so distracted by the novelty of an idea that they forget to develop characters. Burn does not have this flaw. With Alexa, Swensen creates a character whose raw emotions and justified sense of betrayal drive the plot of his story. While I would have liked to see a little more development of Cav since his betrayal seems to be the final breaking point for Alexa, the main character of this story is a truly compelling heroine with a voice that is credible and intriguing.
February 5, 2017
A well-written and horrifying tale of a girl with extraordinary abilities pitted against powerful people who wish to exploit her. It has some obvious similarities to the Stephen King novel, Firestarter, but I think there are some important differences too. For one, Alexa is much more bad-ass.
March 21, 2013
I don't normally care for short stories, but this one set its hooks in me fast. Alexa is exactly the kind of anti-hero that I love. Daniel Swensen is clearly a rising talent and I definitely want to see more of his work.
July 26, 2013
Short, vivid, gripping...short ;)
April 17, 2014
I read this novella in one huge gulp. I immediately jumped on the author's social media page and told him to drop everything and write more.
This is a perfect evocative story setting that is meant to be explored with many other short stories. It is an excellent introduction to the author and his style of working.
This is a perfect evocative story setting that is meant to be explored with many other short stories. It is an excellent introduction to the author and his style of working.
December 1, 2012
My only complaint with this story is that it ended so quickly.
March 16, 2013
Great short story. Truly enjoyable.
April 26, 2013
great read! Your book totally engaged me. I wish there'd been more. Thank you for the free read from Barnes & Noble!
January 10, 2025
I have had this story sitting on my Kindle for a LONG time, but like sometimes happens, you forget it's there. This is a short novella I read over two nights. I loved how this story unfolded. My first book of Stephen King's was Firestarter and this was similar, but told in such a way that you aren't quite sure what has happened, what is currently happening and what will happen - though you suspect the longer it goes on. Full of tension and suspense, Burn, builds and keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat. Brilliant writing.
September 21, 2024
Soundtrack: Fire by Delta Rae
"I could make him gone. One blink and he'd vaporize into a spray of ash. Screams and overturned tables, a downpour like summer rain as the heat touches off the sprinklers. I glance up, behind his left shoulder, to see if they even have a sprinkler system in this shitty little nowhere diner.
They don't. It would all go up. One blink."
Our main character Alexa is terrifying and utterly captivating; she is a character so real that it was as if I knew her. The plot unravels so perfectly, with emotions always high and tense and electric. I was hanging on every single word. And the writing - my goodness. It was unique and adrenaline-inducing, and so human. I wanted this story to turn into an entire book so I could read on and on, but the ending was so immaculate that I couldn't help but smile.
Insane props to Daniel Swensen and the masterful way he gave life to these pages.
"I could make him gone. One blink and he'd vaporize into a spray of ash. Screams and overturned tables, a downpour like summer rain as the heat touches off the sprinklers. I glance up, behind his left shoulder, to see if they even have a sprinkler system in this shitty little nowhere diner.
They don't. It would all go up. One blink."
Our main character Alexa is terrifying and utterly captivating; she is a character so real that it was as if I knew her. The plot unravels so perfectly, with emotions always high and tense and electric. I was hanging on every single word. And the writing - my goodness. It was unique and adrenaline-inducing, and so human. I wanted this story to turn into an entire book so I could read on and on, but the ending was so immaculate that I couldn't help but smile.
Insane props to Daniel Swensen and the masterful way he gave life to these pages.
September 6, 2013
Not sure what to say about this book other than it is truly brilliant. It is a short story centred round a conversation over coffee. Sounds simple but it isn't. Moving between past & present we're shown how Alexa feels let down by those around her and what brought her to this point. I was on tender hooks waiting to see if she could kill the man she loves to survive. (Not telling, you'll have to read)
Daniel managed to catch me unawares on several occasions, not an easy thing to do as I tend to spot twists a mile off.
Well developed and complete, it's cheaper than a cup of coffee and way more satisfying, a must for everyone's ereaders.
Daniel managed to catch me unawares on several occasions, not an easy thing to do as I tend to spot twists a mile off.
Well developed and complete, it's cheaper than a cup of coffee and way more satisfying, a must for everyone's ereaders.
May 23, 2015
A story of supernatural ability. The main character is a very believable firestarter, and though I’m beginning to wane in the face of so many stories of ‘gifted’ individuals who go on to be ‘heroes’, this was different and Alexa is both real and struggling. You’re thrown slap-bang into the middle of her dilemma on the very first page and it’s painful.
Daniel Swensen’s style of writing is dynamic and to the point, and I wasn’t able to put this book down until its conclusion.
This is a highly recommended stand-alone story…or maybe the start of something more?
Daniel Swensen’s style of writing is dynamic and to the point, and I wasn’t able to put this book down until its conclusion.
This is a highly recommended stand-alone story…or maybe the start of something more?
July 21, 2016
Great story. I hope he writes more.
July 24, 2013
Surprisingly, this was a good read. It kept me interested and entertained.
November 24, 2014
I want more of this world.
October 12, 2013
Fun short story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews