Spark by Rachael Craw Review

Spark Spark Book One
Written by Rachael Craw
Science Fiction, Romance
Published July 1st 2014
400 Pages
Thank you to Walker Books Australia
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★★★★
Evie doesn't have a choice. One day she's an ordinary seventeen year old, grieving for her mother. The next, she's a Shield, the result of a decades-old experiment gone wrong, bound by DNA to defend her best friend from an unknown killer. The threat could come at home, at school, anywhere. All Evie knows is that it will be a fight to the death. And then there's Jamie. Irresistible. Off limits.
Having lost her mother, seventeen year old Evie is now living in her Aunt Miriam's spare room in amongst the boxes that she can't bring herself to unpack. She mourns the only parent she's ever known, while night terrors, an awkward growth spurt and and her frantic heart palpitations only adding to her anxiety. But it isn't anxiety that is slowly consuming Evie's life, it's her DNA, and she's about to find out why.

Evie is a Shield, her hereditary disposition dictating that she's built to protect and serve those who need it most, and her instinct to protect best friend Kitty is overwhelming. So when Kitty plans to attend the Governor's Ball, Evie has no option but to tag along. But she never planned on seeing Jamie, the boy that Evie spent years trying to forget.

But when a killer has Kitty in his sights, Evie knows the only way to protect her best friend is to move into the lavish family estate and enroll at the prestigious Gainsborough Collegiate. It isn't long before training is in full force, honing her skills as a Shield requires focus and intensity, something that Evie has in abundance now that Jamie is slowly inching his way back into her life. But will the distraction prove deadly?

Kelly's Thoughts

Spark was a mix of science fiction and contemporary, but felt more like a unique spin on the superhero and savior role. It was intense, and entertaining. Not often does a young adult storyline take me by surprise, but Spark certainly did. I adored Evie's character, not only has her world fallen apart with the loss of her mother, she lives each day with the knowledge that she never knew her father and the only family she has now is her Aunt Miriam, whom she now lives with. The only constant in her life, is spending each summer with her best friend Kitty. Evie has known the Gallagher family for the best part of a decade, including Jamie.

Jamie is Evie's Achilles Heel. Having shared a brief, but embarrassing kiss before he left three years ago. But now Jamie's eighteen and back in Evie's life. But Jamie isn't without his secrets and the relationship between the two is as intense as it is forbidden. The romance reminded me of that of Rose and Dimitri in the popular Vampire Academy series, the student teacher aspect and forbidden romance that follows. I really enjoyed Evie and Jamie's relationship, the two teens shared a history together so the seemingly instant love felt more natural.

My only one real complaint was the overload of information once Evie is told exactly who she is. There were so many descriptions and acronyms, that I knew I'd never be able to remember. But I didn't need to. As the storyline progresses, you'll learn what being a Shield entails alongside Evie, as she navigates her new role. First time author Rachael Craw is a born storyteller, she's taken what are seemingly normal teens who are still finding their feet, and throwing them into a world of killers, protectors are rules of how they must now live their lives. But what made the characters so engaging, was her use of dialogue. It's quick, it's witty and realistic between the characters.

The Final Verdict

If you're looking for a sassy, intriguing and unique read, this one is definitely it. Already eagerly awaiting book two in the series, Stray.

16 comments

  1. I can't stop thinking of Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D here. Sorry. *snickers* I kind of didn't request this one because I've read so many superhero books and they're all the same. *snoozes* Buuut, this does sound unique! Sassy = yes please, I would like to read this.

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    1. It really is. It reminds me of the same bond that Lissa and Rose share in the Vampire Academy series, different premise, but the book had the same feel. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to seeing what you think.

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  2. I haven't seen this book until now but the cover looks so interesting and pretty *pets cover*, I kinda like the idea of the book, but I don't know what to feel about the romance. :/ Its kinda hard to appreciate some romance in dystopian/sci fi books

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    1. It's more of a contemporary with the science fiction element, but rest assured Jules, the romance is pretty good. It's out the first of July and the cover is absolutely divine!

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  3. I've never heard of this book before, but it sounds very interesting. I'm not going to lie, the word 'sassy' is the major reason why I want this book now. Who doesn't love a bit of sass?

    x Ely

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    1. The main character Evie is brilliant, apart from her DNA, she's just your regular teen. Sassy, a bit snarky and an emotional thinker. If you've enjoyed Vampire Academy, you'll love this one.

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  4. Ohhhh, I really love the sound of this book! Was going to buy it, now I definitely am going to as soon as I see it. Great review! x

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    1. Thanks Gina. I think you'll really enjoy this one, and wait until you see the cover, ohhhhhh so stunning!

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  5. I am incredibly shallow because what sold me on this book was the romance and how you said it reminded you of Rose and Dimka's. :P

    I DONT CARE IF YOU ARE JUDGING ME. I am fabulous.

    Lovely review, Kelly welly nelly jelly! :DDDDDDDDDDDD

    Rashika @ The Social Potato

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    1. It totally is. You know that slow, dancing around each other romance that's forbidden. The eye contact, training together, it's intense. I really loved that it wasn't a sappy romance either, both characters are kick ass in their own right too.

      You ARE fabulous Rashika. Damn you, nothing rhymes.

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  6. I'm not typically a huge fan of student / teacher relationships, but this one does sound pretty good, so I might just give it a try! I'm glad you enjoyed it despite the occasional info-dumping though! Sassy characters are the best though! ;)

    Thanks for sharing, and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3

    ~ Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf

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    1. He's actually training her, but it felt like a student scenario and it created more intensity and that forbidden romance element. You'll enjoy this one Zoe, It's really unique.

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  7. Oh man, as a huge fan of those superheroes and savior roles, I feel like reading this one now. I am super intrigued what the characters could be; I don't even mind some information dumping as long as they're interesting enough. ADDING IT TO MY TBR!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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  8. Oh whoa man i had not heard of this book before but the cover's got me wanting to read it. I can deal with information dumping if the overall plot of a books interesting enough and the characters seem so good in this one I WANT TO READ IT!

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  9. Glad you enjoyed this book as well Kelly, I thought it was done well despite some of the acronyms and concepts being difficult to pick up.

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  10. Ooo. A book that surprised you. I'm always looking for those as a lot of books can get pretty old. Although I imagine I'get confused by the stuff Evil had to learn. Although I assume I'be as confused as her. An food dialogue! I definitely got interested from this review.

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