Shield

May contain spoilers. See my review for book one Spark and book two Stray

Shield
Spark Trilogy Book Three
Written by Rachael Craw
Science Fiction, Romance
Published September 1st 2016
429 Pages
Thank you to Walker Books Australia
Add to Goodreads
★★★★★
Evie is out of options. She must comply with the Affinity Project, obey their rules, play their deadly games, give up Jamie. And her losses keep growing...

When she decides to help a small group of Shields trying to affect change, Evie finds herself in the firing line. Counsellor Knox is intent on revealing her secrets and shackling her to the Affinity Project for life. To protect her family, Evie must betray those closest to her.

The odds of success, let alone survival, are slim.
The final instalment in the Spark Trilogy is absolutely breathtaking. Rachael Craw is an exquisite storyteller, creating an intelligent and intricate narrative that will captivate and consume readers until the final page.

Evie is an intense and fiercely devoted heroine, a girl who has survived The Infinity Project and now returning to the compound where change in policy is fermenting, a potential cure for the Stray mutation is on the horizon. This time Evie is unsure of who to trust.

Evie is a formidable character. She's tenacious but still remains charismatic and pragmatic. She's conflicted when it comes to Jamie and her controversial attraction to her fellow Shield, her Aunt Miriam still remains silent on her enhanced bandwidth and being the child of a Synergist relationship ensures Evie's impeccable pedigree, hiding her true identity from Knox who will ensure Evie's life is never her own. Beyond the realm of The Infinity Project and their rigorous legislation, Shield also touches on Evie's basic freedoms of owning her own body as The Infinity Project determines approval for relationships and pregnancy.

Leader Knox is a fascist and his internal conflict with Ethan only fuelled the intensity throughout the storyline. Ethan is determined to protect Evie, especially while Miriam lies unresponsive. Evie's relationship with Ethan begins to develop, gently, tentatively and was lovely to experience. Ethan is integral to The Affinity Project, which often amplifies the tension placed upon his familial bonds.

The secondary characters were superb and so wonderfully written, Davis especially. Davis is a character who captivated my attention, his maturity and vulnerability was incredibly charming. Despite my previous animosity towards her character, Helena's character was wonderful and I've discovered a new found appreciation for who she is as an individual furthermore to her connection with Jamie.

The romance.


Hot. The connection between Evie and Jamie is intense, sultry and incredibly awkward. Hilariously so. Jamie has an opportunity to deactivate and despite his own safety, wants nothing more than to share his life with Evie. Their friendship and tentative relationship throughout the series has been fiercely passionate while the physical aspects of their bond, tender and gratifying.

The greatest aspect of the Spark series is the writing. Rachael Craw has created an engaging and utterly captivating narrative. Evie is magnificent, maturing and adapting while allowing readers to share her journey of evolution and self discovery. The romance is achingly beautiful, the intimate scenes breathtaking.

Rachael Craw is an exceptional author and has crafted a sensational series that will enthral and enchant readers.


You brilliant woman.

16 comments

  1. I saw lot ausie bookstagram post about this book. Now reading your review made me want to read this. I will add it to my TBR. Thank you Kelly :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a brilliant series Hana, really engaging and Evie's character is such a strong and determined young woman. I'd love to see what you think of it.

      Delete
  2. After reading Spark the other week I immediately went out and read all three of the short stories and loved them :-) I must get of my ass and get a copy of Stray so I can continue the journey. Awesome review, I'm even more excited now :-).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It only gets better with each instalment too Sarah. And the romance! Hot! Just wait until you read Shield Sarah, one of the best finales I've read.

      Delete
  3. how is it that no one else that I follow have read and reviewed these books? This is the first I've heard of and now I need them in my life, if not for the plot than for the romance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's such an amazing series Lily, so intricate and the romance is breathtaking!

      Delete
  4. I haven't read any of these, but I love to hear that the last book in a series was done so well. Yay for a good romance and awesome secondary characters. I do love good characterization.

    -Lauren

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The character development throughout the series was amazing. I love when an author allows readers to experience the journey of a character coming of age and in Evie's case, coming into her own to become a fierce and determined young woman. She's remarkable.

      Delete
  5. Maaaaaan, I wish I could get this series here in the U.S. I probably could the the physical book through Book Depository maybe, but gah, I prefer ebook. This series sounds so good, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It probably should be available on Amazon Kindle Christy and iBooks. Well worth hunting down a copy or asking at your local library, the series is incredible, one of my favourites.

      Delete
  6. I love it when a series concludes so brilliantly -- and so epic! Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Verushka. Such a brilliant finale and wonderful series, was sorry to have to say goodbye but super excited to see what Rachael Craw is working on next.

      Delete
  7. A finished book series? With good reviews? YES! I will definitely pick this series up, Kelly! I always hate starting books midway through, because oh the commitment! If its good, and not all the books are released yet - PAINFUL WAITS. If the first book is good and the second book was meh - ALL THE CONFUSION.
    Glad to see a great series wrapped up perfectly! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's such a fantastic series, I'd love to see what you think of it.

      Delete
  8. This book definitely was weird when it came to the dynamics between Jamie and it felt really different overall. I loved Evie's character development throughout the course of the series though and Davis was such a lovely character. Great review Kelly!

    ReplyDelete

© Diva Booknerd. Design by Fearne.