Burn – Aleksandr Voinov

I am aware Aleksandr Voinov writes sci-fi but I almost didn’t recognize the story as his. Granted this is my first Voinov sci fi, I think perhaps the fact that the characters and the setting were American threw me off. I’m used to his European characters. This thing felt different. It wasn’t a dud, not the best either. It also felt like a prequel to something.

This sure packs a lot for a shortie.

It started out with Chris talking to a recorder and preening for the press which covers the world-building part. I thought it would continue in that vein, then, poof! It shifted to third person. We get burn junkies, a mystery, a one-night stand, military secrets, and a pilot gone rogue. What the titular burn is, I’m not exactly sure but Chris is addicted to it. I wouldn’t say the ending was satisfying or complete. More like, it hinted on so much more that the short story format would leave you wanting. Make this a full length novel, please.

P.S.

Reviews of Aleksandr Voinov’s books here.

Rating:
3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it 

Soundtrack: Jet Pilot
Artist: System of a Down
Album: Toxicity

(source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32603664-burn)