You know how you feel when you find a book that’s
got everything you want as a reader but is still totally different to anything
else you’ve read? The feeling might be hard to remember because it rarely
happens. But that’s how Spark
affected me.
From the very first page the reader experiences
absolutely everything Ev (Evangeline) does, not only her emotions, reactions
and relationships but every single body zap and zing. It’s a very physical
immersion for the reader. Ev’s body is alive with energy. She’s a Shield, the
third generation offspring of a defunct DNA project which aimed to create
superior military assassins.
She’s not alone. In addition to other Shields, the
project also spawned descendants who are Strays and Sparks. The genes have not
been distributed evenly. Shields have the “good” genes, driven to protect. Strays have the “bad” genes. Sparks are innocent bystanders in the middle
of this conflict. When their DNA sparks the activation of the Stray as a
ruthless single –minded killer, they become its target. Shields are also directly connected
to Sparks. When the Spark activates a Stray, its Shield is its only protection.
No-one wants a first time Shield. They always fail.
They need a few Stray encounters to learn their new skills. Ev is a newly
matured Shield. Untrained. Her first Spark isn’t a stranger, the way it usually
happens, it’s her best friend.
In addition to a plot that literally rockets along,
Spark explores moral dilemmas. What if a Stray was was a “good” person before
their DNA made them a killer? What if a Spark isn’t worth risking a life to
save? Who says what is “good” and “bad”? Are we more than our DNA or victims of
its make-up? Ev has to find the answers if she is to succeed as a Shield.
If you’re a science fiction or fantasy fan, you absolutely
need to read Spark. If you like edgy YA, you need to read it too.
Reviewed by
Sandy Fussell
Note: Spark
is a trilogy and the next two instalments, Stray and Shield, already have
release dates.
Title: Spark
Author: Rachael Craw
Publisher: Walker Books Australia RRP
$19.95
Publication Date: July 2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922179623
Type: Young Adult, Science Fiction/Fantasy
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