The Burn of a Thousand Suns
Jillian Webster
Book Two of The Forgotten Ones trilogy
Self-published
Pub. 2021

September 28, 2021

The Burn of a Thousand Suns by Jillian Webster is the second book in The Forgotten Ones trilogy. This book continues on with the story of Maia and her difficult journey to The Old Arctic Circle.

I can honestly say that it is just as good as the first book and if anything it’s better. The many emotions I felt while reading were unexplainable.

Webster has a way with words. She has written this book in such a way that makes it feel like you are included there in the moment with Maia and Lucas. It transported me to another place, taking me from my bedroom and into the forest or on the highway with Maia and Lucas. I felt as if I was on the journey to The Old Arctic Circle with them.

In the first book, Maia was travelling by herself to till she meets Lucas. After some unexpected events these two join forces, fall in love and decide to make the journey together.

In the second book, they continue on with their journey but Lucas wants to find the brother he abandoned, many years before, in a fit of rage. They go to the old and abandoned city of L.A, where they find Miguel living alone. He surprisingly joins their little group and they all set off for The Old Arctic Circle. When Maia feels like she can trust Miguel like she can Lucas, she shows her powers to him. He doesn’t run scared as she expects; it brings them closer.

Things are going really well with everything and everyone, however, something happens causing pain and destruction in the little group, causing them to go their separate ways. Read the book to find out more.

The Burn of a Thousand Suns left me completely speechless. I am in love with this book. It was a roller coaster of emotions and I don’t want to get off the ride. I really hope there is a third one coming out soon because I cannot wait to continue reading about Maia and her journey to The Old Arctic Circle. She is so inspiring and I think a great role model for teenagers as she shows the reader that you can make your own decisions. You can change your own future and you can be in control of your own life.

I have already recommended this read to many of my friends and co-workers. I am really hoping to get them just as hooked on these books as I am. I would also recommend them to those who like adventure books with a little bit of love and a story where you never know what is going to happen next.

I think The Burn of a Thousand Suns is better suited to older readers such as late-teenagers, as there are many emotions which I reckon older readers would understand better.

• Caitlin Fuldseth is 16 and lives in Palmerston North.