Sparks

Sparks Saga #1

by R.S. McCoy

“Everyone in the world has a Spark, a light inside that guides them, keeps them alive.”

Starting school is supposed to be a fun and exciting time for any new student. But for Lark, a skilled archer and fledgling mind-reader, it’s a creative form of torture. Locked in rooms and hallways with both friends and enemies, bombarded by the thoughts and feelings of his peers, Lark is a prisoner.

On a quest to master his Spark, Lark’s mentor–his one ally–is anything but helpful. What Lark fails to realize is the value of his rare ability, and just how far some are willing to go to have control of him.

Now including Chapter One of Spirits.

Genre: Epic Fantasy
Length: Novel, 301 pages
Series: Book One of Three in Sparks Saga

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Amazon, Romance, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2013

About the author

Rachel McCoy is a Texan living in Baltimore. Between binge-watching MTV reality shows and baking gluten-free treats, she writes paranormal fantasy and science fiction novels.

She is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Sparks Saga trilogy, The Alder Tales series, and The Extraction Files. Back when she lived in the real world, Rachel earned a degree in marine biology, which contributed to her die-hard love of manta rays.

To connect with RS McCoy (or swap recipes), visit her on her website (www.rsmccoyauthor.com) or check out her Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AuthorRSMcCoy). You can also join her newsletter to receive release updates, free stories, and bonus extras (http://eepurl.com/YItp1).

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you imagine hearing every person’s thoughts all of the time, being bombarded with whatever is rattling around in someone’s mind? That is what happens to Lark, a teen chosen to attend a special school for individuals who have “talents.”

R.S. McCoy brings fantasy to life in SPARKS and we’re taken into a world filled with magic, mayhem, mysteries and the insecurities of youth in a world filled with deceit. It will be that world who will ask these children to step up and save their world, but will they be fighting on the right side?

Follow Lark through his education, his awakening and as he discovers truths wrapped up in the lies he was told. Who can he trust?

R.S. McCoy is such a talented author! She whisks us away into a world far beyond reality, and makes it come alive with characters who begin to feel close to us! Her style welcomes readers into the story, to become part of it and fuels our own imaginations with brilliantly drawn scenes that are dimensional with emotion!

Absolutely loved this escape from reality filled with characters of every type and adventures filled with intrigue.

Series: Sparks Saga - Book 1
Publisher: Independent (December 4, 2013)
Publication Date: December 4, 2013
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 302 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is on my blog: http://bookchick2013.blogspot.ca/2014...

I was given this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

I don't really read much paranormal or fantasy books... but this one blew me away.

Wow. And this is a debut novel? I am blown away at this book. I don't like fantasy books. I like contemporary much better, but this book was amazing. I'll be honest, in the beginning of the book, I didn't like it much, but the second half raised the rating by about two stars.

It was amazing to be with Lark throughout the years and see him grow from a scrawny little boy to a full grown swoon worthy man. I thought it was amazingly sweet how protective he was of Khea and loved their chemistry. It was nice to see their relationship progress throughout the years.

Khea was one of my favorite female heroines. She was strong willed and very kind. I'm not going to lie, she did annoy me at some points in the book, but that's what made me like her that much more. She isn't one of those characters that you love throughout the entire book.

I thought that the best part of this book was the ending. There was an amazing battle scene that I just loved to read. Man, RS McCoy is not afraid of doing things in her book that I've seen some authors struggle with. She took some battle scenes to the extreme and I loved it! I figured I should also put in a word about Avis.

Avis is a character I appreciated and I enjoyed when we got the chance to see what he was thinking. I did feel a little bad for him when we learn a little more about his past, but I was also happy that such a character was included in the book.

I didn't like how fast things went by in the book. I did feel it was a little rushed at times. I also don't like the book cover much. I think it would be good if it was a hawk and a lark bird. I also didn't like the amount of awkward names. Half the time, when I was reading I wouldn't know who had what spark because I would mix up all the names. They were all very awkward, aside from four or five people.

I really hope that I can get an ARC copy of Spirits. That would be fantastic, and I hope that I can work with RS in the future.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy and paranormal books. Also to readers in a book slump or are having a hard time getting back into reading in the new year.

Rating: 7.6/10
Parental Rating: 14+

[AudioBookReviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

My original Sparks audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Sparks is of the training school variety of fantasy:  Boy with unexplained abilities gets shipped off unexpectedly to said place where abilities are explained.  Boy has mean, evil tutor, who doesn't teach him nice.  Girl and bully show up.  Boy loves girl, boy fights bully, boy saves girl from bully.  Characters develop and do plot moving things that I won't mention to keep from spoiling it for you, then the partially trained students get thrust into a potentially violent, politically volatile situation.  More plot stuff, and minor friend characters die, and you want to read the sequel.

Lark is a bit of a boy genius character, a bit too smart for his own good.  With his mind reading Spark he can anticipate fights, and he can learn and retain information extraordinarily fast.  While important, and certainly relationship building between the characters, the time at the academy is a little rushed and awkward, as is the romance that developed between Lark and Khea.

Khea is rather severely underdeveloped in my opinion, she's a likable character with a lot of potential for the rest of the series, obviously important as a love interest and motive for the main character, and a large catalyst of the plot towards the end, but for most of the book she just fuels Lark's hormones.

Avis (evil tutor) is the most interesting, and one of the better mentor figures I've come across lately. Lots of possibilities with him.

On the whole, I enjoyed the story, it flowed well, the characters were pretty well written, if I had any major complaint it would be the dialogue, it felt a little unnatural, though I think that was partly due to the narration.

There is some sexual content, not explicit, but it was kind of weirdly done.  I wouldn't recommend this to younger children.

The quality is not bad, though there is a little bit of a wet sound to the narration.  Maybe an EQ or recording issue.

Kyle Wright is a good reader, he's clear, and easy to understand. His voice is a little too sympathetic for my taste (if that makes sense), but I would listen to him again.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty much always on the lookout for a book that will take me into a new world, and finding a world that is as spellbinding as this one rarely happens. I was quite enchanted with the whole story, and enjoyed watching both Lark and Khea grow from the starving children from Lagodon into strong young adults, with more responsibility and power in their hands than many twice their age. I enjoyed that, though the story was fast-paced in the way that it spans many years, you never felt it was moving too fast as it flowed quite smoothly. I will say I was a bit confused at one point because I was under the impression that Lark started out the book in his fourteenth summer, and then about two years later he was in his fourteenth summer. Although, that could be my mistake.

Nonetheless, the world created in Sparks is one I was very happy to be given the opportunity to live in. I found the culture created to be fascinating(and a little chilling, at times) and I found the characters all around to be very well-developed. R.S. McCoy certainly knows how to create a strong background for an even greater novel. To be completely honest, the only thing I regret in reading Sparks is that it ended way too soon!
"Everyone in the world has a spark, a light inside that guides them, keeps them alive.”

I love that line! It sort of has a double meaning, doesn't it? In Sparks, without giving too much away, these "sparks" really are the difference between life and death sometimes. There are moments that will leave you laughing, and a fair few that will leave you deeply saddened, and yet still more(and the novel as a whole), that will leave you simply smiling. I know, myself, that I look forward to finding out what R.S. McCoy has in store for us next, as she has most definitely found herself a lifelong fan in me. The world was so timeless and ageless that I found myself reminded of some childhood favorites. I wholeheartedly recommend!

**I received this novel in exchange for an honest review by the author, but this in no way affected my opinion/review.**

[Tami Veldura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn on Sparks, which is unfortunate. The entire story takes place over the course of 7ish years, with much of the first half of the book barely better than summary. There's little telling, but it's impossible to get deep into the characters or their situation with the time frame moving along at such a rapid pace.

I like the concept of the Sparks and I love the fact that the 'chosen one' is not the main character. However, that impact is lessened when the main character discovers he also has the same powers at the end of the book.

There was also a major white-savior shift at the very end that came up out of nowhere.

So... I give it a three. I think there's a great concept here. I like some of the intrigue but a lot of that showed up after the fact. When things didn't go as planned it was explained later as being part of a larger plot.

Avis didn't get a good arc of character development. I wanted to see behind his mask ina more intimate way than an infodump of his entire backstory mid-book.

Character deaths/losses were... distant. I didn't feel them. They were given the same weight as a good meal or getting a new horse.

And I'm frustrated because I really wanted to get into the lore of the sparks. I want to know more about the Majestic(s). I wanted be involved in the school lessons but it all came across as a training montage.

So three stars.

[Andrea Huseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so very glad I stepped outside my comfort genres to enjoy this 5 star adventure.
Paranormal- Fantasy isn't a genre I read very often.Something really has to get my attention.The description immediately made me want to chance it. It just sounded interesting and intriguing. I definitely wasn't disappointed.
Very impressive for a debut. I saw very little to make a notable recognition for a first time release. I am talking about editing errors,holes in plots,slow pace,loss of attention,etc.
The elements and themes composing this storyline were well developed and written. Very impressive storytelling. Format and plot arrangement well executed.
Every well defined storyline need characters that give it life. Those roles that bring the words off the paper into a reader's heart. I was so immediately attached. Don't let the word fantasy fool you. Each one is so realistic and enjoyable. I was so emotionally involved. My emotions were everywhere. I love when I get so engrossed. The longing to know what happens next was overwhelming.
I can't say enough positive. I can't wait to begin the next. AndreaGAH

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant epic fantasy that grabs you from the start and refuses to let go throughout. It is an emotionally packed story that will keep you turning the pages, long after you should have put it down and gone to bed!

The main characters of Lark, Khea, and Micha are all fantastic and I loved all three of them for their varying abilities and differing personalities. I wasn't too sure about Avis to begin with, but before long, I was loving every scene he was in. As this book takes place over a number of years, you get to see each character's growth, trials, and tribulations as they grow.

Brilliantly written, smoothly paced and with intense and vivid scenes, this is classic Fantasy brought to life. Highly recommended.

*ps - I must add that there are some scenes that may just bring a tear to your eyes! Tissue warning, just in case!!*

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 15, 2015

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on one of the GOODREADS FIRST READS Giveaways!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it. I read it in pretty much 24 hours!!! I can't wait for her next one. Good job for your first novel!

The only complaint: a few editing errors throughout...a little distracting, but I got over it because the story was amazing...Fun...and unique.

[K Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a first novel, this is phenomenal. I was very impressed with the way that McCoy drew the reader into the story and the stakes that were presented.

Although the main characters were very believable, I loved Avis. What an awesome character!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was slow to start; however, as I kept reading the plot and characters developed into a novel worth reading. Recommended book.

[a_tiffyfit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was totally enthralled and focused on this novel, ignoring other things I was supposed to have accomplished today (oh, like last minute xmas shopping, laundry, cleaning, organizing, etc. You know...stuff I put off on a daily basis because I'd rather read). My friend bought me a copy of this book last year, but I hadn't yet read it. The author offered a read in exchange for an honest review thing and I took it to read the whole series.

WOW!

I loved the characters, the world created, and the "sparks." Lark & Khea, both from the same village and both named after birds, are selected to leave their village and go to a special school that will train them in the use of their sparks. Lark had no idea what a spark was, but he willingly left the village so that the tracker would give money to his father in an attempt to save his mother, wasting away of sickness.

Lark is a fast learner, but he's puzzled by Khea's treatment of him once at school. And if I were to go into more plot detail, I would give it all away. Suffice to say that not all is what it seems and the adventures are just beginning.

A wonderful fantasy told in a way that keeps you interested from the first page to the last page.

[Karen Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read a book from the Fantasy genre for a while, so I was really pleased when I realised that Sparks belonged to this genre.
Fantasy is special to me because it reignited my love of reading after experiencing a reading drought. When I started reading Sparks, I was NOT disappointed. I was immediately transported to another world where anything could happen and I found my hero straight away.
Although similar to other books I have read in the Fantasy genre, it was also different. I found elements that I remembered and loved and I also found new concepts that made this book even more interesting. As I mentioned I fell in love with the hero, Lark Davies, almost straight away but there were also other characters that I grew to love or hate. Some I even changed my mind out because I found out their true nature.
The story flowed smoothly, making it extremely easy to read and as I approached the climax, I found this book very hard to put down. No, it does not have a cliff hanger (Thank goodness!) but there is at least another book in the series. I hope there will be many more.
I gave Sparks 5 out of 5 stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog

[BooksandBeyondFiftyShades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lark Davies enrolls in Myxini School for Children, which is a special scholl for kids with powrful Spaarks. Lark finds out just how rare his ability is after he's been at the school for a little while. Lark meets Khea, a frightened girl who brings out Lark's protective instincts where she is concerned.

A bond develops between them that Lark doesn't undestand. As time goes on, Lark unravels more power beyond what anyone thought he could be but this has also made him a target for those who want to use him.

This book was amazin, I found out I was doing reseach on the book that it was a first time author who wrote this makes it more amazing.

It is a fast pace book in the sense that the timeline expansed several years, but the story doesn't feel rushed, rather the times we are shown are the important glimpses the reader needs to see to understand where the story is going. I look forward to see what else Ms. McCoy has in store for in the future books.

I would recommend this book.

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to say about R.S. McCoy's SPARKS? I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the sequel--but to categorize this book is difficult. It had elements of the Harry Potter series,"Ender's Game" and "Eragon". The "sparks" within the characters reminded me so much of the cartoon "Avatar: The Last Airbender". I thought about the collection of children as in "The False Prince" and "The Hunger Games"...and I bring to mind the true love of Wesley and Buttercup from "The Princess Bride". McCoy also delves into the bloody rituals of the ancient Aztecs. "Sparks" brings all of these ideas to my mind, but it really is a fantasy with so much more. I highly recommend this book for junior high and up. I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway in return for an honest review.

[phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born to be Together

Lark and as brought up in a small fishing village. He learned how to hunt from his father made himself a bow and arrows which helped his family to survive. His mother was very ill but they didn't have the money for medications. That's why when the tracker came, he knew there would be enough money for medicine if he went with him. There was a young girl in the cart when he went to the cart and Lark tried to help her. When they finally camped, the tracker told them why he had taken them. They were going to go to school. They both had sparks bigger than many people. They would be going to school in Hubli. Park wasn't sure about his future but he did like steady meals.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great addition to the fantasy genre. It's like a mix between Graceling and Harry Potter, with a few more plot twists thrown in. The characters are mysterious and well developed, and the setting is believable and beautiful. The relationships between the characters were admirable and heartwarming. The plot is unique. Would I read more by R.S. McCoy? I plan to! Would I recommend this book to others? Definitely.

See the full review on my blog, Awesome Book Assessment.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first novel from this young author! A really fun read. Plot is tremendous. I look forward to her next effort. This young author is worth a strong look by established publishers.

[Ryan M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very unexpected. It had me captivated until the end. I really like the idea of abilities that are called Sparks. This story tells of two young teens from a poor village brought to a school for the gifted Sparks, and how they grow, learn, and struggle with their talents. They make strong connections with a few and find themselves pawns in a much bigger scheme. The school to help the gifted develop, may not be all that it seems.

If you continue to read on prepare for a spoiler of sorts:

Towards the end of this book, it gets really dark and actually had me angry at the author. It almost seemed the story was rushed and all that plot build up was given an unsatisfying conclusion. I still like the story and I am curious to see where it leads in the next book. But so far this one does not end with a happy or even contented ending in my opinion. I almost want to rewrite the last bit. However, despite disagreeing with how certain events went I would like to see the big picture and see if it melds better as a whole and not just this first glimpse into this fantastical world.

[Annette Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable magical tale full of adventure, with a sprinkling of romance . Taking many of the tropes of the genre and mixing them with aspects of real world history works well and the world building is interesting, particularly the different types of magic and the training school that those with the spark attend. A promising beginning and I look forward to reading more of the series in the near future.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was well written, creative, and kept me reading. The worldbuilding was unique and the characters were likeable. I immediately fell in love with Lark, Khea and Micha. I liked how each relationship that Lark built was purposeful and special, and that really drove the story for me. To see how everything he learned, whether on his own or from someone else, was going to affect the person he became. Very much looking forward to reading the next books.

[Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Sparks

I choose a five star rating because there was nothing higher to go to . This is a great read,as good a book as John Ringo or Jim Butcher puts out. Loved the characters

[Vonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

A fantastic fantasy in this first in trilogy book. I found it difficult to put down, and luckily didn't have to because I got a boo-boo. And the next book seems a good choice.

[Alysa H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 5 star read for me until the last 1/4 or so, where it kind of went of the rails. The whole section set in (fictionalized) Nakbe was extremely rushed, and also wildly problematic. I liked the earlier parts so much that I'm only taking off one star, but wow.

[LecturerRich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it - was different but not sure that I will continue the series as I don't see where it really could go

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I wish I loved this as much as the Alderwood series.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child to man of a gifted person via school and experiences

[iamnotabookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the first book RS McCoy wrote. This is also the first in a trilogy.

I am a member of the rep team of Rs McCoy. I signed up to be part of her rep team because I really enjoyed her works and I also believe in her talent. I read about two of her series (The Extraction Files and The Alder Tales) when she wanted people to be a part of her rep team. I readily signed up and thankfully, I got in. Now, I get to enjoy her books for free while helping her tell the world of how amazing and engaging her books are.

Last December, we were celebrating The Extraction Files. This month, we are spreading the light on the Sparks Saga. Sparks was free for a week until yesterday on all platforms. This week, Spirits is reduced to $0.99 and next week, Schism will be at the same reduced price also. And as a member of her rep team, I will be holding a giveaway for Spirits and Schism before the month ends. To be exact, on January 22. So, please watch out for the giveaway on Instagram.

Sparks is the story of Lark and Khea. These two were from a very impoverished place that they were forced to leave their family and home to seek fortune in another place when the opportunity came. Lark had to leave his parents in exchange for money so they can afford to buy the cure for his ailing mother. Khea, on the other hand, is an orphan. These two were bound to be together, more than poverty, the same hometown, and their need to survive.

This book was very impressive. Granting that this was the author's first book. The characters and all the details were impressively woven with great attention. I was brought to a different time and to an exotic place, much to my fancy and delight. I eagerly embraced the new characters as part of my ever-growing imaginary family. I love Lark and Khea. I feel protective of them knowing they started as two hungry, scrawny and dirty kids away from home.

Another fascinating character in the story is Avis. He is Lark's assigned mentor. I was so shocked that his character was mean to Lark when they first met. I really hated him. Good thing, it was not all he is. There was a reason to his madness. I grew to like him as the story progressed, just like how Lark felt about him.

There were a lot of characters that were not really who they are. There were hidden agendas and hunger for power. Though this book had teenage characters in them, there were scenes that were a bit mature but were written with care, that did not in any way diminish the wholesomeness of the story. I think it was done with ample sensitivity which I really like so this book could be at least suitable for some teens. Although, I think, this book was not really intended to be a YA novel.

This was a very wonderful and exciting adventure. I am looking forward to the next two books. I actually can't wait to read them and see where the rest of the story will take me.

I give the book 4/5 copper rings. This book is in a way like The Avatar, The Legend of Korra, only the Avatar is much more gifted and more lovable. She is not as moody and impatient as Korra (I liked Aang better than Korra). I find this book and its two heroes very captivating. Unlike the animated series, I was not let down or in any way irritated by the actions and decisions of Lark and Khea.


Reading books turned out to be much easier than reading people. Words are rather straightforward in a way that humans could never be.
- RS McCoy, Sparks -

[Patricia Hamill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has all the expected elements of a great fantasy book. It’s not muddied up with highschool drama or shifter-wolf lovers. There are no vampires or ghosts. There’s no detailed intimacy. Nope, this is simply a great, well-planned, and satisfyingly executed fantasy novel, the first of a now complete trilogy.

Unlike some fantasies, though, the story is told from Lark’s perspective (limited 3rd person) the entire time. I found this somewhat refreshing. It’s not that I don’t enjoy a little perspective hopping, but I think the choice to keep it to Lark was a good one. Plus, it was well done and likely kept the story from getting too longwinded. Though we don’t get in the heads of the other characters, Lark is observant enough and aware enough to pick up on the other character’s emotions and motivations, plus, his spark allows him to read their thoughts, so there’s that.

Finally, I enjoyed the magic system, the sparks. They encompass a range of abilities all the way from druidic (as in communing with animals) to physical (the obligatory control over the elements) to mental (like Lark’s mind reading). The Myxini school, which Lark and his friends attend, teaches its gifted students how to master their sparks, among other things. While students are separated according to type of spark, there are rumors that at times an incredibly gifted student is blessed with more than one. That in itself piqued my interest. I love stories where it seems someone in the main character’s inner circle is super gifted. And this one did it in a way that it didn’t turn anyone into a superman figure, too perfect to believe, and neither did it make it obvious, which kept me guessing.

I guess if I had to pin down anything I didn’t like it would have to be the time jumps in the middle and also the ease with which the characters accepted their lot in the end. As for the time jumps, they were probably needed to keep the story from being bogged down in tedium, but some were rather sudden, a whole year gone by with a quick recap of the highlights, or a choppy shift between fast forward and real time in others. As for the end, well, I don’t want to spoil it. Let’s just say it left me confused, just a bit, about why the characters would make the choices they did under those circumstances, although the outcome was in tune with my expectations for a book in the fantasy genre.

Overall, I really liked this book. It had a great balance between fantasy elements, politics, and plotting. It’s not too complex or long, but it is meaty enough and long enough to keep the reader engaged. I found the characters and the world well-developed without being bogged down in description. As for those few things I didn’t like, they weren’t enough to take away from my enjoyment of this book. I would recommend this story to folks who enjoy fantasy, magic, and coming of age books.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review was written for the PureTextuality.com blog.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is told through Lark's eyes, a boy who was only trying to improve his lot in life. When he is chosen to go to the Myxini School for Children, he feels a lot of guilt over leaving his father and sick mother behind. He is a good kid and has problems adapting to school life. His mentor, Avis, is a thorn in his side and does everything he can to get Lark to give up and go home. Lark, however, is determined to give his best no matter the circumstances.

Chimalma, a city in the Nakbe Islands, was a barbaric place where religious figures performed human sacrifices to the dog god Chichiton. There was a time or two I wanted to slap Lark up-side his head when he didn't grab the long knives, spears, and copper bracelets from his defeated victims as he and his small band tried to avoid recapture. I was completely drawn into the story and cared about their mission, as misguided as it was. The plot was well developed and flowed smoothly. Also, I noticed no inconsistencies in the many locations or any of the characters’ attributes, although a couple of puzzling story points were glossed over and could have used more details.

I enjoyed the idea of the sparks some people had and the different rates the sparks were given. Ms. McCoy's concept is unique and the story was engaging. Lark and his classmates’ interactions were pretty typical for their ages and entertaining. The political intrigue that develops later in the story was captivating as the misinformation was sorted out. Lark could never have anticipated the skills of those in power.

This story has an epic climax that is horrific and devastating to most of the characters, but we are given a small ray of hope for a better future. Sparks are growing stronger and still developing, but certain people have not been dealt with yet. It will be interesting to see what the future of this world holds.

Format/Typo Issues: My review is based on a pre-release copy of the book, so I’m unable to evaluate this area.


**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** March 14, 2014

[Kayla West · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always have loved stories, especially fantasy stories, that take place in some sort of school. Whether it is for magic, or vampires, or sword-fighting, as long as it takes place in a school, it's for me. So it was no surprise that I knew instantly I was going to like this one. Okay...you got me...it was initially because of the title, but can you blame me? It's absolutely stunning.

At first, I had no idea it was about a school. Note to self: READ THE BLURB! Usually with every book I read, I will. But in this case I did not. However, I am kind of glad that I didn't. It brought more of an element of surprise to the story, and made me feel like one of the characters that were brought to the school with little or no inclination of what was going on.

Schools in stories, if done right, can show how imaginative the author truly is. Because you have to think about the general layout of the school, classes, different cliques of students if applicable, and if possible, you have to remember all of this throughout a series of novels. You must stretch your knowledge of the world you are creating. So kudos to this particular author for succeeding in this so wonderfully.

I loved the characters in the story. The main ones, the not so main ones, the bad ones, the good ones...all of them. They have such resilience of character, the good ones at least, and they are so willing to fight and protect one another.

As I reached the end of the novel, I actually felt that this could definitely be standalone. But when I read that a second book would be coming out, I immediately started anticipating what could possibly be next.

While I am a stickler for an exciting story, one that flows easily and leaves no room for boring and stagnant plods through the plot, I sometimes felt that this story went a bit quick for its own good, and maybe could have done with some good plodding in a few parts. However, the ending made up for it and then some. Definitely cannot wait until the second installment.