Spark
Age 14+
General Fiction
Death by design.
“You think God has a loophole for people who don’t have a choice?” Jamie shrugs. “Hope so, otherwise we’re screwed.” 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.
Creators
Rachael Craw studied Classical Studies and Drama at the University of Canterbury, but became an English teacher after graduation. Working with teenagers has given her a natural bent towards Young Adult fiction and a desire to present a feisty female protagonist in her writing. Her debut novel, Spark, is the first in a series released with Walker Books Australia from 2014. Rachael was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand, and currently lives in Nelson with her husband and three daughters. Visit her online at www.rachaelcraw.com
Reviews
Spark presents a fascinating premise in a well-constructed world, with engaging characters and an enthralling plot. I look forward to seeing how the series develops.
Viewpoint
Spark was captivating. From the moment it began, I never wanted to stop reading. I wanted to forgo sleep in order to continue reading, and I’m not ashamed to admit that sometimes I did (forgo sleep, that is).
Books For a Delicate Eternity
After reading Spark – I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series. Secrets, Sparks, Shields, Strays, other Affinity goodness. And of course, more Jamie and Evie interactions!
Fictional Thoughts
There is something for everyone in this book, mystery, science fiction, super natural, romance and a couple of great fight scenes as Evie struggles to contain her emotions.
Lamont Books
How amazing is that cover! I love it. I am so excited about this one.
Inside My Worlds
a fast-paced read that gets your heart racing several times.
NZ Booklovers
If you’re looking for a sassy, intriguing and unique read, this one is definitely it.
Diva Booknerd
Spark is a compelling and suspenseful debut with a likeable, determined heroine, swoon-worthy guys and a mega twist at the end. And how awesome is that cover?!
The Tales Compendium
this trilogy is set to be fantastic.
Book Depository
a refreshingly original new series
Booktopia Young Adult Buzz
It was a crazy ride, one that everyone should go on. What are you waiting for? Read it now.
Inside My Worlds
With regular twists and turns than lead you ever deeper into this totally believable genetically engineered world, Spark is hard to put down. The real world disappeared as I lost myself in Evie’s high stakes dilemmas.
Kids' Book Review
Rachael Craw is aware of her genre and has fun fighting its stereotypes
Readings
a really fast-paced, well-written sci-fi
The Loony Teen Writer
The characters are believable and teens could relate to the romance in the book, as well as the school kids, bullies, and popular kids
Bookrapt
find a copy and be blown away
Brain Vomit and Wordstipation
Reading about how Evie experiments with her newly discovered abilities is hilarious
Dolly Magazine
I literally couldn’t stop reading this book.
Kids Books NZ
It really amazes me that this book is a debut because it was simply astounding… I loved Spark. The brilliant plot, the riveting twists, the action and the romance all created to form the original yet believable novel it came to be. The suspense and drama in this book kept me turning page after page, which was engrossing and kept me hooked! Rachael Craw has created a fantastic Sci-FI novel that captivated me from the start till the end; I definitely feel compelled to buy the next book. 4.5/5 stars.
melindaveronica
The blend of sci-fi “lite”, romance, and supernatural themes is well tested on the YA audience, and this new series brings a fresh perspective to the genre and will not disappoint. I’m certainly looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
NZ Booksellers Blog
An excellent start to a planned trilogy… Believable and refreshing science-fiction for young adults
The Press
Two more books to look forward to, yuss!! Oh the trilogy, happiest of story formats. Craw has left plenty of room to explore and world-build, and I for one will be lining up for the next instalment
Very Dark Horse
Mystery, suspense, romance and intrigue fill the pages. Spark is the first of a riveting trilogy
Buzz Words
Rachael Craw has crafted a high-octane series debut to what is sure to continue to be an intelligent, compelling series
Imaginary Misadventure
I’m not going to give away the ending but I, like Evie and Miriam, probably have false hope. There’s only one way to find out though, which is where Stray comes into it.
My Life in Books
Spark is perfect for 14-year-olds who liked Scott Westerfeld’s ‘Uglies’ series and Suzanne Collins’ ‘The Hunger Games’ trilogy.
Books+Publishing
Giveaway of the Spark triology
Divabooknerd
Good start to a new series as this novel sets up the scenario
Bobs Books Blog
The characters are believable and teens could relate to the romance in the book, as well as the school kids, bullies, and popular kids. Reviewed by Year 8 student, Hayley Tanner
Bookrapt
This is a taut, tightly constructed story– -plausible, and well written.
103.1FM
With regular twists and turns than lead you ever deeper into this totally believable genetically engineered world, Spark is hard to put down. The real world disappeared as I lost myself in Evie’s high stakes dilemmas.
Kids Book Review
The blend of sci-fi “lite”, romance, and supernatural themes is well tested on the YA audience, and this new series brings a fresh perspective to the genre and will not disappoint. I’m certainly looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
NZ Booksellers Blog
Rachael Craw is aware of her genre and has fun fighting its stereotypes.
Readings Monthly
If you’re looking for a sassy, intriguing and unique read, this one is definitely it.
The Diva Booknerd
An excellent start to a planned trilogy… Believable and refreshing science-fiction for young adults.
The Press
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.
The Reading Stack
Spark is a compelling and suspenseful debut with a likeable, determined heroine, swoon-worthy guys and a mega twist at the end. And how awesome is that cover?!
The Tales Compendium
Two more books to look forward to, yuss!! Oh the trilogy, happiest of story formats. Craw has left plenty of room to explore and world-build, and I for one will be lining up for the next instalment
Very Dark Horse
Spark presents a fascinating premise in a well-constructed world, with engaging characters and an enthralling plot. I look forward to seeing how the series develops.
Viewpoint
A great read.
The Examiner
With more twists than a bowl of spaghetti, I couldn’t put Spark down. Now I’m chafing at the bit for Book two.
Magpies Magazine
