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The Outlawed Myth #1
Flight of the Spark
***Winner of the 2021 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal for YA Epic Fantasy***
Book 1 of The Outlawed Myth series
An ancient prophecy, now an outlawed myth. A forbidden love, that could be deadly. A young girl, who was never meant to wield a magic amulet.
Iskra is terrified of breaking the rules. So her world turns upside-down when a supposedly savage outlaw rescues her from a gang of deadly bandits. But as she learns more about the rebellious outsiders and their magic amulets, the authorities abduct her friend to ensure her silence.
Determined to search forbidden territory for her missing confidant, Iskra finds herself falling for the brave renegade willing to help her cause. But when local leaders catch wind of her whereabouts, they'll do whatever it takes to stop this rule-breaker from learning the dangerous truth.
Will Iskra and her forbidden love escape the clutches of the ruthless leaders determined to silence her?
Flight of the Spark is the thrilling first book in The Outlawed Myth YA fantasy series. If you like dystopian worlds, tenacious heroines, compelling characters, and a splash of romance, then you'll love Evelyn Puerto's gripping tale.
Book 1 of The Outlawed Myth series
An ancient prophecy, now an outlawed myth. A forbidden love, that could be deadly. A young girl, who was never meant to wield a magic amulet.
Iskra is terrified of breaking the rules. So her world turns upside-down when a supposedly savage outlaw rescues her from a gang of deadly bandits. But as she learns more about the rebellious outsiders and their magic amulets, the authorities abduct her friend to ensure her silence.
Determined to search forbidden territory for her missing confidant, Iskra finds herself falling for the brave renegade willing to help her cause. But when local leaders catch wind of her whereabouts, they'll do whatever it takes to stop this rule-breaker from learning the dangerous truth.
Will Iskra and her forbidden love escape the clutches of the ruthless leaders determined to silence her?
Flight of the Spark is the thrilling first book in The Outlawed Myth YA fantasy series. If you like dystopian worlds, tenacious heroines, compelling characters, and a splash of romance, then you'll love Evelyn Puerto's gripping tale.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2020
47 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Puerto
15 books34 followersEvelyn Puerto reads just about anything and writes in multiple genres. When she married, she inherited three stepdaughters, a pair of step-grandsons, and a psychotic cat. Currently she writes from South Carolina. Sign up for her newsletter at https://www.evelynpuerto.com/ for news of new releases and book recommendations. Or follow her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/evely...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 1, 2019
Dystopian is my favorite genre, and Evelyn Puerto didn't let me down with her new book, Flight of The Spark. YA isn't my favorite trait from the dystopian family, but Puerto's book is suitable for all audiences.
The author mixes medieval fantasy vibes with YA dystopian features as she tells the story of young Iskra. Iskra starts as an obedient fifteen-year-old who flies under the radar. Soon, she uncovers prophecies and dark leads that crack the facade of the rulers. What are the real motives of the guardians of peace and safety? People disappear after asking questions, and even Iskra's family hides a dark secret.
The book started off a bit slow, and I skipped a few pages, but the carefully crafted plot ensnared me. The writer does an excellent job with the worldbuilding, the craft at the heart of every dystopian story. She reveals the horrors of the regime as the plot thickens, and the descriptions of fear and mounting doubt are vivid.
I must mention how well the author portrays the young heroine: her insecurities and the mounting threats around her. Iskra frees herself from the shackles of fear, and her growth story into a wife and mother shows a significant change in the Main Character. I also loved the point of view of the antagonist: Kaberco. Puerto builds a villain with his own, understandable agenda.
The author knows how to create conflict and release tension only to produce another danger around the next corner. Even the ending came as a surprise to me. I devoured this book faster than I wanted. I thoroughly enjoyed Flight of The Spark!
I recommend this book to all who love an exciting adventure.
The author mixes medieval fantasy vibes with YA dystopian features as she tells the story of young Iskra. Iskra starts as an obedient fifteen-year-old who flies under the radar. Soon, she uncovers prophecies and dark leads that crack the facade of the rulers. What are the real motives of the guardians of peace and safety? People disappear after asking questions, and even Iskra's family hides a dark secret.
The book started off a bit slow, and I skipped a few pages, but the carefully crafted plot ensnared me. The writer does an excellent job with the worldbuilding, the craft at the heart of every dystopian story. She reveals the horrors of the regime as the plot thickens, and the descriptions of fear and mounting doubt are vivid.
I must mention how well the author portrays the young heroine: her insecurities and the mounting threats around her. Iskra frees herself from the shackles of fear, and her growth story into a wife and mother shows a significant change in the Main Character. I also loved the point of view of the antagonist: Kaberco. Puerto builds a villain with his own, understandable agenda.
The author knows how to create conflict and release tension only to produce another danger around the next corner. Even the ending came as a surprise to me. I devoured this book faster than I wanted. I thoroughly enjoyed Flight of The Spark!
I recommend this book to all who love an exciting adventure.
May 9, 2020
This book became better as the story progressed. I was intrigued at first with Iskra. She lives in a small dystopian village. She is oppressed but doesn't realize it. The village is told that the rules are to keep them safe, but anytime someone asks too many questions, they are "taken". The villagers can't speak about them and none of them know their fate.
At the beginning of the book, Iskra is on a caravan to a neighboring village. They are under heavy guard to keep "safe" from the bandits and the Riskers. She missed the caravan and narrowly escaped being killed by the bandits. She finds herself in a village of Riskers and soon uncovers all of the lies and the secrets that are kept from her and her village.
Iskra is a reluctant hero. She isn't a rule breaker, but the more she gets to know a family of Riskers, the more unanswered questions she has. There is also the teenage son, Xico, who pulls her in.
Ther are many layers of secrets in this story. It was interesting to see each of the lies revealed and the impact they have for Iskra and Xico. There are people she has known and trusted who are not what they seem. With so many voices going around her, it is hard to know who to trust and how to live her life.
The book is told from more than one perspective. This adds an extra layer of understanding to the book. It is nice to know the reasoning and plots that are happening to and around Iskra. I enjoyed the religious aspect of the book. The Riskers believe in an "all-knowing and seeing" diety. There are amulets of power that believers use to access the power and in religious ceremonies.
The ending left me wanting more. I hope that the second book will be released soon!
The book has some fade to black intimacy and violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
At the beginning of the book, Iskra is on a caravan to a neighboring village. They are under heavy guard to keep "safe" from the bandits and the Riskers. She missed the caravan and narrowly escaped being killed by the bandits. She finds herself in a village of Riskers and soon uncovers all of the lies and the secrets that are kept from her and her village.
Iskra is a reluctant hero. She isn't a rule breaker, but the more she gets to know a family of Riskers, the more unanswered questions she has. There is also the teenage son, Xico, who pulls her in.
Ther are many layers of secrets in this story. It was interesting to see each of the lies revealed and the impact they have for Iskra and Xico. There are people she has known and trusted who are not what they seem. With so many voices going around her, it is hard to know who to trust and how to live her life.
The book is told from more than one perspective. This adds an extra layer of understanding to the book. It is nice to know the reasoning and plots that are happening to and around Iskra. I enjoyed the religious aspect of the book. The Riskers believe in an "all-knowing and seeing" diety. There are amulets of power that believers use to access the power and in religious ceremonies.
The ending left me wanting more. I hope that the second book will be released soon!
The book has some fade to black intimacy and violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
May 22, 2020
Flight of the spark is an epic fantasy about a girl named Iskra. She is 15 living in a land where ignorance and fear dominate the people. As she misses her ride back home, one day, she is attacked by bandits but rescued. As new things reveal about the attackers and a prophecy is revealed, which she never knew about, Iskra begins to question things and seek answers for herself.
The young adult novel takes you on a journey as we watch this young girl battel through reality and finding the truth. Although the novel was action-packed and possessed a real adult-like nature drama, it still suited the young age and owned a particular element of youth.
The literature was face paced and was filled with suspense and tension. Everything about the story was written with care, and it was evident that the author had taken much care writing the story.
Another unique component of the book was that the protagonist grew. It was a thrill watching her personality branch throughout the story and evolve to a stronger, more confident woman.
I would recommend this story to fantasy readers and young adult fans.
The young adult novel takes you on a journey as we watch this young girl battel through reality and finding the truth. Although the novel was action-packed and possessed a real adult-like nature drama, it still suited the young age and owned a particular element of youth.
The literature was face paced and was filled with suspense and tension. Everything about the story was written with care, and it was evident that the author had taken much care writing the story.
Another unique component of the book was that the protagonist grew. It was a thrill watching her personality branch throughout the story and evolve to a stronger, more confident woman.
I would recommend this story to fantasy readers and young adult fans.
November 13, 2020
Iskra is stuck as a Villager, living a safe–if controlled–life. At least, that’s what everyone believes. The Riskers, a dangerous group of people living in the mountains, are used to scare the Villagers into compliance. It is forbidden for any villager (besides traders with the correct licensing) to have contact with a Risker–for their own safety. But as Iskra continues to learn more about the Riskers, she realizes that the only thing separating them from the Villagers is their freedom. They are free to make their own decisions and to decide what risks to take. That doesn’t make them evil savages. In fact, Iskra finds that she may enjoy the Risker life, as long as the handsome, green-eyed Xico is beside her. However, a dark prophecy that speaks of the bond between a Villager and Risker hangs above them all.
As a dystopian novel, I was a bit disappointed. I wanted more. I tend to prefer my dystopian societies shoved in my face. There were little dystopian aspects sprinkled around here and there, such as having dedicated cooks, because everyone having their own fire was too dangerous. Or that everyone wore the same thing, with the same haircut for conformity. But I wanted to experience more of this Village life and how it came to be. Instead, the novel focused more on internal conflicts–if this is what you like, then this novel is perfect for you.
As a YA novel, this one is actually really good. The romance element is a bit rushed and toes the line with the instant-love trope, but it also had me hurriedly turning the pages until I could read about the two love-birds seeing each other again. I’ll admit that my 25-year-old self giggled like a little girl at those cute moments. Xico was absolutely my favorite character in the novel.
Iskra, on the other hand, could be a bit annoying. But this can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On one side, it is refreshing to see a main character with so many flaws and self-doubts. She is truly an embodiment of teenagers, especially in this day and age, and she thus will allow readers to relate to her and her struggles. They have representation. They are not alone. But on the other side, it makes for a whiny story, one where I wish there was more action and less hesitation.
Going along with this, the plot meandered along with no goal in mind until the last section of the novel, forcing the reading experience to suffer. I had nothing other than Xico and Iskra’s relationship to tie me to the book during these parts.
Overall, this is a great YA dystopia/fantasy novel for teenagers. Although the main character is not the shining, perfect girl that we come to expect in fantasy, she is realistic and grows tremendously throughout her journeys. By the end of the novel, I was ready for the sequel.
See more reviews at thebookdragon.blog
As a dystopian novel, I was a bit disappointed. I wanted more. I tend to prefer my dystopian societies shoved in my face. There were little dystopian aspects sprinkled around here and there, such as having dedicated cooks, because everyone having their own fire was too dangerous. Or that everyone wore the same thing, with the same haircut for conformity. But I wanted to experience more of this Village life and how it came to be. Instead, the novel focused more on internal conflicts–if this is what you like, then this novel is perfect for you.
As a YA novel, this one is actually really good. The romance element is a bit rushed and toes the line with the instant-love trope, but it also had me hurriedly turning the pages until I could read about the two love-birds seeing each other again. I’ll admit that my 25-year-old self giggled like a little girl at those cute moments. Xico was absolutely my favorite character in the novel.
Iskra, on the other hand, could be a bit annoying. But this can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On one side, it is refreshing to see a main character with so many flaws and self-doubts. She is truly an embodiment of teenagers, especially in this day and age, and she thus will allow readers to relate to her and her struggles. They have representation. They are not alone. But on the other side, it makes for a whiny story, one where I wish there was more action and less hesitation.
Going along with this, the plot meandered along with no goal in mind until the last section of the novel, forcing the reading experience to suffer. I had nothing other than Xico and Iskra’s relationship to tie me to the book during these parts.
Overall, this is a great YA dystopia/fantasy novel for teenagers. Although the main character is not the shining, perfect girl that we come to expect in fantasy, she is realistic and grows tremendously throughout her journeys. By the end of the novel, I was ready for the sequel.
See more reviews at thebookdragon.blog
October 25, 2020
Flight of the Spark ended up being a very unexpected book for me, from the cover I thought I was in for a magic heavy, high fantasy, however, it was very much a dystopian world albeit in a medieval setting. It was an easy world to get into with great descriptive world building that painted a vivid picture of the area. I loved the opening stages, Iskra is wonderfully naive and but also horribly controlled by fear. Her inquisitive nature, however, leads to the perfect story arc for her. As I discovered more about the village and those that are tasked with keeping its inhabitants safe, the more it made sense that she was so easily pulled further and further into the arms of the Risker's. The two area's could not be more different and made for a nice juxtapose, between the bleak village and the hard but colourful Risker life, it gave great light and dark to the story. The school elements really allowed for the backstory to be creatively woven in across several lessons, which meant the the author cleverly avoided an infodump. I think I would have liked to have understood sooner though why the villagers and the Riskers were not allowed to mix, because I was always questioning why Iskra felt she had to always return to the village up until that point.
The magic system was simple and understated in this opening book, more of an ideology, those who are able to wield do so sparingly and with subtlety. I hope that it gets the chance to shine later in the series as I liked the way the foundation was laid for it.. The relationship for the most part is very sweet but does have a Romeo and Juliet undertone, I liked how the romance was able to develop slowly and didn't dominate the story, which was complex at times and also pretty dark in places. There's a side story that I would have loved to have explored further with regard to the Taken, but events overtook that section quickly and it probably would have pulled too far away from the fast pace of Iskra's arc to return to it. There are many fast paced and a few slightly chilling moments woven through which really had me turning the pages! As a stylistic point, I liked how the inner monologue was denoted by italics so I always knew where I was with the narrative.
The book for the most part read like a teen novel for me but there is a lot of violence and whilst the intimate moments are fade to black, the underage aspect didn't sit well with me. The point that Iskra was just 15 was drilled so heavily home to drive certain aspects of the story forward that the author was left with no choice in order to get the rest of the story where it needed to go. I also felt that the earlier part of the story was bogged down a little with a huge cast of side characters who didn't really add anything to the story. I was also often left struggling to keep track of every new name and area, this was also compounded by the fact that days of the week, seasons, even the moon all had their own new identity too and it felt name overloaded at times.
However, it remained a captivating read throughout and one that I found myself eager to pick back up, I'm intrigued as to where the story will head next, given the devastating cliffhanger and revelation! My thanks to the Author for providing a finished copy for review.
The magic system was simple and understated in this opening book, more of an ideology, those who are able to wield do so sparingly and with subtlety. I hope that it gets the chance to shine later in the series as I liked the way the foundation was laid for it.. The relationship for the most part is very sweet but does have a Romeo and Juliet undertone, I liked how the romance was able to develop slowly and didn't dominate the story, which was complex at times and also pretty dark in places. There's a side story that I would have loved to have explored further with regard to the Taken, but events overtook that section quickly and it probably would have pulled too far away from the fast pace of Iskra's arc to return to it. There are many fast paced and a few slightly chilling moments woven through which really had me turning the pages! As a stylistic point, I liked how the inner monologue was denoted by italics so I always knew where I was with the narrative.
The book for the most part read like a teen novel for me but there is a lot of violence and whilst the intimate moments are fade to black, the underage aspect didn't sit well with me. The point that Iskra was just 15 was drilled so heavily home to drive certain aspects of the story forward that the author was left with no choice in order to get the rest of the story where it needed to go. I also felt that the earlier part of the story was bogged down a little with a huge cast of side characters who didn't really add anything to the story. I was also often left struggling to keep track of every new name and area, this was also compounded by the fact that days of the week, seasons, even the moon all had their own new identity too and it felt name overloaded at times.
However, it remained a captivating read throughout and one that I found myself eager to pick back up, I'm intrigued as to where the story will head next, given the devastating cliffhanger and revelation! My thanks to the Author for providing a finished copy for review.
May 15, 2020
What I Loved:
Well, this book gave me a book hangover, and I loved that! I got really connected to the characters and by the end, I was like… “WAIT! It can’t be over!”
My Synopsis:
Flight of the Spark introduces us to Iskra. She lives in a small village with a long list of rules to keep everyone safe.
📜 No cooking in your own home.
📜 Don’t question the leaders.
📜 Don’t go near a Risker encampment. (They are bad and dangerous!)
📜 Volunteer day is mandatory.
📜 Marry the person we feel is best for you.
The list goes on and on. Iskra is happy in her life. She would like a mother that was more loving and less concerned about her reputation with the neighbors, but overall, she’s comfortable and safe.
Iskra is excited about her first trip outside her city’s walls, but she misses the caravan home and hitches a ride with a lone traveler. They are attacked by bandits and Iskra runs for her life. She is saved by two men. This experience starts a series of events that lead Iskra to question all the “truths” she has been told about her life and the world around her. She travels with the two men to a Risker camp and finds nothing the way she was told it would be. Now she wonders at all the secrets and lies her leaders have told her and she begins to dig for the truth. What she finds is a romance with a forbidden lover, friends who become enemies, and a destiny that cannot be avoided.
How I Felt:
Flight of the Spark had a wonderful story that really drew me in. I was interested in the beginning as the world unfolded, but by the time Iskra was attacked by bandits, I was engrossed. I thought that Evelyn Puerto did a great job building the world of this story. Fantasy novels must have good world-building or I feel completely lost, so I was so happy at the details provided by Puerto.
The book uses multiple character perspectives to tell the story. I liked the insight this gave the reader as it helped to provide truths to me that Iskra had not uncovered. I think, however, that it made me a bit impatient with Iskra’s character growth. She is in the dark about everything so much longer than the reader is, and I found myself getting frustrated with her at times. She does get to where the reader does, it just takes longer.
There were a ton of secrets about the world Iskra lives in. I kept finding myself shocked again and again as more was revealed. I think that Puerto did a great job weaving the story with Iskra’s destiny and this book sets the reader up to be so excited about book two. This definitely ends on a cliffhanger that will have you wanting the next book right now.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characters are complex and likable. The world has history and depth making it feel real, and the plot is enticing and exciting!
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend Flight of the Spark for readers that like a fantasy with a focus on the character’s destiny. Slow-burn romance readers will enjoy this as well!
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review of this book will post to my blog on 5/21/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/all-boo...
Well, this book gave me a book hangover, and I loved that! I got really connected to the characters and by the end, I was like… “WAIT! It can’t be over!”
My Synopsis:
Flight of the Spark introduces us to Iskra. She lives in a small village with a long list of rules to keep everyone safe.
📜 No cooking in your own home.
📜 Don’t question the leaders.
📜 Don’t go near a Risker encampment. (They are bad and dangerous!)
📜 Volunteer day is mandatory.
📜 Marry the person we feel is best for you.
The list goes on and on. Iskra is happy in her life. She would like a mother that was more loving and less concerned about her reputation with the neighbors, but overall, she’s comfortable and safe.
Iskra is excited about her first trip outside her city’s walls, but she misses the caravan home and hitches a ride with a lone traveler. They are attacked by bandits and Iskra runs for her life. She is saved by two men. This experience starts a series of events that lead Iskra to question all the “truths” she has been told about her life and the world around her. She travels with the two men to a Risker camp and finds nothing the way she was told it would be. Now she wonders at all the secrets and lies her leaders have told her and she begins to dig for the truth. What she finds is a romance with a forbidden lover, friends who become enemies, and a destiny that cannot be avoided.
How I Felt:
Flight of the Spark had a wonderful story that really drew me in. I was interested in the beginning as the world unfolded, but by the time Iskra was attacked by bandits, I was engrossed. I thought that Evelyn Puerto did a great job building the world of this story. Fantasy novels must have good world-building or I feel completely lost, so I was so happy at the details provided by Puerto.
The book uses multiple character perspectives to tell the story. I liked the insight this gave the reader as it helped to provide truths to me that Iskra had not uncovered. I think, however, that it made me a bit impatient with Iskra’s character growth. She is in the dark about everything so much longer than the reader is, and I found myself getting frustrated with her at times. She does get to where the reader does, it just takes longer.
There were a ton of secrets about the world Iskra lives in. I kept finding myself shocked again and again as more was revealed. I think that Puerto did a great job weaving the story with Iskra’s destiny and this book sets the reader up to be so excited about book two. This definitely ends on a cliffhanger that will have you wanting the next book right now.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characters are complex and likable. The world has history and depth making it feel real, and the plot is enticing and exciting!
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend Flight of the Spark for readers that like a fantasy with a focus on the character’s destiny. Slow-burn romance readers will enjoy this as well!
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review of this book will post to my blog on 5/21/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/all-boo...
December 2, 2019
I found it a very captivating story. Minor Spoilers ahead.
Around the second chapter, it takes off immediately. There were a few quirks to get used to at the beginning like dialogue and description in the same paragraph, but the story was good enough that they are easily glossed over. They only really appeared for maybe the first few chapters.
The diction was superb and varied. The characters were interesting. Personally, I wish I could pronounce more of the risker names. Xico, I had the most difficulty. Luckily, she spells it out as "Hee-Coo." A lot of the risker colloquialism get explained and help add another layer to the world.
Iskra held to a strong endurance to the end and goes through a great character arc. Her plight seeming against the entire world is very upsetting, and I wanted better circumstances for, but it seemed nothing would let up.
I didn't like the most starting out, but she gets better. My only problem with her character was seemed to avoiding the obvious with my question of why not just live with the riskers. It gets answered, but I felt had it been answered sooner it may have easied some of my frustration with the book.
I felt toward the middle there was a brief lull, then immediately hooked you back into rocketing to the end. So there were parts where it was a page-turner, but it gives you some room to recover.
Knowing bits like the prophecy just makes the ending even more gut-wrenching. No spoilers. Sorry. I found it somewhat satisfying, in that it made the most logical sense, and it left more questions for the next book. It's true to the dystopian tone that things aren't right, and there's not much they can do to stop it.
Not to give too many spoilers. The book plays with themes of freedom versus safety that resonates beyond the walls of its fantasy world. It also plays on themes of love and fear where love drives out fear, but love requires risk and freedom in that there is a choice. There's also the classic dystopian question of whether ignorance really equals bliss.
Overall, I enjoyed the read. The language was very flowery at the beginning and had a captivating enough story to keep me going, and I don't read much. I liked it.
Around the second chapter, it takes off immediately. There were a few quirks to get used to at the beginning like dialogue and description in the same paragraph, but the story was good enough that they are easily glossed over. They only really appeared for maybe the first few chapters.
The diction was superb and varied. The characters were interesting. Personally, I wish I could pronounce more of the risker names. Xico, I had the most difficulty. Luckily, she spells it out as "Hee-Coo." A lot of the risker colloquialism get explained and help add another layer to the world.
Iskra held to a strong endurance to the end and goes through a great character arc. Her plight seeming against the entire world is very upsetting, and I wanted better circumstances for, but it seemed nothing would let up.
I didn't like the most starting out, but she gets better. My only problem with her character was seemed to avoiding the obvious with my question of why not just live with the riskers. It gets answered, but I felt had it been answered sooner it may have easied some of my frustration with the book.
I felt toward the middle there was a brief lull, then immediately hooked you back into rocketing to the end. So there were parts where it was a page-turner, but it gives you some room to recover.
Knowing bits like the prophecy just makes the ending even more gut-wrenching. No spoilers. Sorry. I found it somewhat satisfying, in that it made the most logical sense, and it left more questions for the next book. It's true to the dystopian tone that things aren't right, and there's not much they can do to stop it.
Not to give too many spoilers. The book plays with themes of freedom versus safety that resonates beyond the walls of its fantasy world. It also plays on themes of love and fear where love drives out fear, but love requires risk and freedom in that there is a choice. There's also the classic dystopian question of whether ignorance really equals bliss.
Overall, I enjoyed the read. The language was very flowery at the beginning and had a captivating enough story to keep me going, and I don't read much. I liked it.
May 27, 2023
In a dystopian time, the leaders have decided to try and make a fair and safe society by taking those who would question the authority or the rules that kept them safe. It was those rules and those consequences that kept them afraid. They were so fearful of the rules they didn’t even have ovens in their dwellings, having to allow those professionals to cook for them. Usually, at the local tavern, they could get a bowl of mush for breakfast, a bowl of stew with hard brown bread, and maybe some wine for dinner. Iskra is fifteen years old, and today her mother finally allowed her to leave the village to visit another settlement, but when it came to the return trip, she was late and missed the caravan. Fortunately, a trader offered her a ride to catch up as he was also supposed to be part of the caravan. When they finally caught up with the convoy of wagons, they noticed bandits were robbing it. They jumped from the wagon and ran up the hill away from the pursuing bandits. The bandits killed the trader, but a Risker helped Iskra and took her to his family to have her wounds tended. Iskra was afraid of what she had gotten herself into. What she was doing, going to a Risker village, was against the rules, but when she got there, she found out they were not barbarians. They lived better than the whole village she came from. They ate better and did things she was not allowed to do, like make and use weapons. These actions were eye-opening to her, and questions began to bubble up in her mind. Questions that would get her into trouble and taken if she was not careful.
So much going on here with this story and the social commentary on the what-if scenario, and I could see it even in these times, but hopefully, there will continue to be people who will safeguard our freedoms. The story started slow, but there was a lot of atmospheric world-building going on, the information we, the reader, needed to know. To give our protagonist the background and the motivation, she needed to do the things she does.
There is plenty of action & adventure in the epic fantasy. If you like these genere’s combined, you should download this and read it today. I give this epic fantasy five stars out of five stars.
So much going on here with this story and the social commentary on the what-if scenario, and I could see it even in these times, but hopefully, there will continue to be people who will safeguard our freedoms. The story started slow, but there was a lot of atmospheric world-building going on, the information we, the reader, needed to know. To give our protagonist the background and the motivation, she needed to do the things she does.
There is plenty of action & adventure in the epic fantasy. If you like these genere’s combined, you should download this and read it today. I give this epic fantasy five stars out of five stars.
March 15, 2023
This is a beautiful dystopian tale that examines cultures and love, and what we will do and not do, in our pursuit of happiness.
Iskra lives in a place and time where the citizens and the leaders within her country put safety above all else. But what is the cost of living in a place where even swimming is frowned upon because of the dangers involved? When Iskra is rescued from a gang of bandits, by someone outside of her country, a person who her village deems as being one of a group of outlaws- she soon discovers that what her country and village has told her was based on lies. As this so-called outlaw introduces her to his family, a loving and happy family surrounded by luxuries she never knew before, she begins to take risks that open her up to new freedoms she never believed existed. She falls in love with this man but there is a cost. Her country and her village and her own mother forbid that she involves herself with these "barbarians." Iskra soon realizes that the people she once loved and respected and who she totally believed in are now her enemies. They have now made plans to destroy her.
Iskra must now choose the life she wants to live, even if it becomes unbearable and deadly, it's still a risk she must take to pursue her happiness and freedom, and to be with the man she loves.
Described as a young adult epic fantasy, a first installment of a three-part series, this dystopian tale had me hooked from the beginning. The author developed characters that were compelling and interesting and the world she created had a lot of similarities to our own, in that it highlighted how different cultures and people can often get caught up in politics and propaganda, which is frequently far from reality. Sometimes when love is injected into the equation, a separation occurs and there is no looking back or believing in the ways that you have held faith in your whole life. This is a beautiful dystopian tale that examines cultures and love, and what we will do and not do, in our pursuit of happiness.
I loved Flight of the Spark!
Iskra lives in a place and time where the citizens and the leaders within her country put safety above all else. But what is the cost of living in a place where even swimming is frowned upon because of the dangers involved? When Iskra is rescued from a gang of bandits, by someone outside of her country, a person who her village deems as being one of a group of outlaws- she soon discovers that what her country and village has told her was based on lies. As this so-called outlaw introduces her to his family, a loving and happy family surrounded by luxuries she never knew before, she begins to take risks that open her up to new freedoms she never believed existed. She falls in love with this man but there is a cost. Her country and her village and her own mother forbid that she involves herself with these "barbarians." Iskra soon realizes that the people she once loved and respected and who she totally believed in are now her enemies. They have now made plans to destroy her.
Iskra must now choose the life she wants to live, even if it becomes unbearable and deadly, it's still a risk she must take to pursue her happiness and freedom, and to be with the man she loves.
Described as a young adult epic fantasy, a first installment of a three-part series, this dystopian tale had me hooked from the beginning. The author developed characters that were compelling and interesting and the world she created had a lot of similarities to our own, in that it highlighted how different cultures and people can often get caught up in politics and propaganda, which is frequently far from reality. Sometimes when love is injected into the equation, a separation occurs and there is no looking back or believing in the ways that you have held faith in your whole life. This is a beautiful dystopian tale that examines cultures and love, and what we will do and not do, in our pursuit of happiness.
I loved Flight of the Spark!
January 23, 2020
4.5 stars
Dystopian YA fiction often has something to say about our current society or mankind in general, and this book did a great job of illustrating several different evils. The leaders in this dystopia rule by keeping the populace ignorant and afraid, and it was easy to believe that that could happen, even to this extreme. The common villagers' infighting and betrayals are a product of this. The abuse is as well. Through young Iskra's eyes, we see what it would be like to be brainwashed into believing that semi-enslavement is for their own protection. It was incredibly frustrating at times, and often you want to shake Iskra and tell her not to be so stupid, but at the same time you get why she is the way she is.
The plot of the book is pretty straightforward, and suspense builds and builds as you follow Iskra through her discoveries and decisions. There's a constant sense of impending doom, but there's also hope as she learns from the Riskers and begins to find confidence in herself. I really liked that we got to see the perspective of the "bad guy" to learn more about what was really going on, and this also worked to build tension as he suspects her of rebellion. The first part of the book drags a little bit but has plenty going on to hold your attention. The last part of the book skips forward as things come together, and it's in this part that you definitely begin to understand how this is going to be part of a series.
The writing itself is quite descriptive and easy to read. There's enough description to give you a great picture of what this world and people are like. The dialogue feels natural. The action scenes pull you in.
I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys YA dystopia that doesn't feel like it's aimed only at teenagers. Because Iskra is fifteen, some of the situations she gets into might make some readers uncomfortable, but nothing is gratuitous.
Dystopian YA fiction often has something to say about our current society or mankind in general, and this book did a great job of illustrating several different evils. The leaders in this dystopia rule by keeping the populace ignorant and afraid, and it was easy to believe that that could happen, even to this extreme. The common villagers' infighting and betrayals are a product of this. The abuse is as well. Through young Iskra's eyes, we see what it would be like to be brainwashed into believing that semi-enslavement is for their own protection. It was incredibly frustrating at times, and often you want to shake Iskra and tell her not to be so stupid, but at the same time you get why she is the way she is.
The plot of the book is pretty straightforward, and suspense builds and builds as you follow Iskra through her discoveries and decisions. There's a constant sense of impending doom, but there's also hope as she learns from the Riskers and begins to find confidence in herself. I really liked that we got to see the perspective of the "bad guy" to learn more about what was really going on, and this also worked to build tension as he suspects her of rebellion. The first part of the book drags a little bit but has plenty going on to hold your attention. The last part of the book skips forward as things come together, and it's in this part that you definitely begin to understand how this is going to be part of a series.
The writing itself is quite descriptive and easy to read. There's enough description to give you a great picture of what this world and people are like. The dialogue feels natural. The action scenes pull you in.
I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys YA dystopia that doesn't feel like it's aimed only at teenagers. Because Iskra is fifteen, some of the situations she gets into might make some readers uncomfortable, but nothing is gratuitous.
June 24, 2020
Devastatingly beautiful from start to finish, Flight of the Spark left me completely enthralled and praying to the sky-god that my predictions for the sequel would come true! I find that my heart actually feels like breaking knowing that at least for now the story is over and that I will have to wait to find out the fate of these wonderful characters.
Iskra fights with everything she has, risking it all for the truth about her society where injustices keep her questioning what is safe, and what is just there to keep her controlled. The exponential growth we experience with Iskra as she battles her way through her story grips us at our very core and pulls us along with her through order, rebellion, and through a beautiful bond she shares with her forbidden love.
Xico, the fearless, charming, and patient boy of practically a different world from Iskra, guides us along in learning that fears that have been faced can become strengths. He never gives in, and brings color to Iskra’s world of mandated gray.
I am in awe. Truly, I am emotional and delighted that I could fall so easily into a book like this again. All the nostalgia of falling for a dystopian series, gripping the edge of my seat while the turning pages grip the edge of my heart, having me question if any of us, (me and the characters), are going to make it out unscathed from the story that Evelyn Puerto has brought us.
Though Flight of the Spark was written for a teen audience, it brought with it so many important lessons that especially in today’s world would be so immeasurably important for audiences of all ages. It took me away to a different world, but saddled itself up parallel to the one we live in now, helping me find perspective in these unsure times.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to enter the world that Evelyn Puerto has so passionately created for us. Flight of the Spark will fill you with a magic you may have thought disappeared a long time ago. I can’t wait for the sequel.
Iskra fights with everything she has, risking it all for the truth about her society where injustices keep her questioning what is safe, and what is just there to keep her controlled. The exponential growth we experience with Iskra as she battles her way through her story grips us at our very core and pulls us along with her through order, rebellion, and through a beautiful bond she shares with her forbidden love.
Xico, the fearless, charming, and patient boy of practically a different world from Iskra, guides us along in learning that fears that have been faced can become strengths. He never gives in, and brings color to Iskra’s world of mandated gray.
I am in awe. Truly, I am emotional and delighted that I could fall so easily into a book like this again. All the nostalgia of falling for a dystopian series, gripping the edge of my seat while the turning pages grip the edge of my heart, having me question if any of us, (me and the characters), are going to make it out unscathed from the story that Evelyn Puerto has brought us.
Though Flight of the Spark was written for a teen audience, it brought with it so many important lessons that especially in today’s world would be so immeasurably important for audiences of all ages. It took me away to a different world, but saddled itself up parallel to the one we live in now, helping me find perspective in these unsure times.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to enter the world that Evelyn Puerto has so passionately created for us. Flight of the Spark will fill you with a magic you may have thought disappeared a long time ago. I can’t wait for the sequel.
May 2, 2022
World-building with characters to care about.
The author says she wrote the first draft in sixty days, but took six years to polish and finish this tale. The wait is worth it. It is populated with characters who you root for and those you would boo and hiss at the pantomime. The villains are more sketchy, but run through pirates, bandits, bullied soldiers to self-serving leaders. The main character is an initially insipid and weak teenage female who discovers her strength through falling for an attractive slightly older young man.
The plot is rather Romeo and Juliet as these young lovers come from different backgrounds that are kept apart by their respective societies. The cultural differences are important to the theme of the book and you would not want to be under the repressed population living in conformity and fear, made to share everything and obliged to "volunteer" to do public service on your rest day. Choice and initiative are squashed to such an extent that young people are assigned marriage partners.
The contrast is a society where people help each other through choice and neighbourliness and diversity is allowed, as is marriage choice. Using initiative and seeking to develop your talents is encouraged. Another main difference is the belief in and adherence to the teachings of the sky-god. I was pleased to immerse myself in this world-building and followed the author's undoubted intention of rooting for the young couple.
This would seem to be the beginning of a series with the way the story resolved. It was a good ending as it resolved many story arcs developed, yet left the reader wanting more. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author says she wrote the first draft in sixty days, but took six years to polish and finish this tale. The wait is worth it. It is populated with characters who you root for and those you would boo and hiss at the pantomime. The villains are more sketchy, but run through pirates, bandits, bullied soldiers to self-serving leaders. The main character is an initially insipid and weak teenage female who discovers her strength through falling for an attractive slightly older young man.
The plot is rather Romeo and Juliet as these young lovers come from different backgrounds that are kept apart by their respective societies. The cultural differences are important to the theme of the book and you would not want to be under the repressed population living in conformity and fear, made to share everything and obliged to "volunteer" to do public service on your rest day. Choice and initiative are squashed to such an extent that young people are assigned marriage partners.
The contrast is a society where people help each other through choice and neighbourliness and diversity is allowed, as is marriage choice. Using initiative and seeking to develop your talents is encouraged. Another main difference is the belief in and adherence to the teachings of the sky-god. I was pleased to immerse myself in this world-building and followed the author's undoubted intention of rooting for the young couple.
This would seem to be the beginning of a series with the way the story resolved. It was a good ending as it resolved many story arcs developed, yet left the reader wanting more. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2020
“Taking a risk stretches you, so you can find out what you can do, instead of being sure you cannot.” (Location 2602).
Iskra has lived in her small town her entire life. She is safe. She follows the rules. But she longs to visit the next town over and when her mother allows it, she giddily accompanies her friend on the trip. The road between towns is dangerous, full of Riskers and other barbarians. Iskra wasn’t worried before stepping outside the town’s gate, but with only the protection of the guards Iskra is plagued with worry. Even her carefree friend can’t keep her from anxious thoughts and when she misses the caravan back to town, to safety, what will Iskra risk to get back home in time? What else is Iskra willing to risk when her friend is taken because Iskra was a cowardly mushroom? The more Iskra learns how the town keeps peace and safety for all its citizens, the more Iskra is willing to risk.
From the moment I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down. Before I had even started reading, this book contained certain elements I love in YA books: dystopian features and a female main character.
The mood is set so well, especially in the beginning. “The wind picked up, raising goose bumps on Iskra’s arms.It rocked the branches of the trees that stood behind the pines back and forth, rustling the leaves, sounding to Iskra like a thousand whispered threats.” (Location 316). The writing style was very easy to read and flowed from word to word and page to page. It was the dystopic plot, though, that really drew me in.
The story was very well set and the world building was very well done. Tension and mystery hinted at a deeper plot that both Iskra and I couldn’t help but run toward. The suspense and tension builds until the end.
I loved how much Iskra grew throughout the book. She is such a dynamic main character. As the reader, we really get to know and understand where she is coming from and how brave she is to question her surroundings and change. Those around her were fully fledged characters with backstories. The love story is well crafted and very believable and so sweet.
I can’t wait to read book two.
Iskra has lived in her small town her entire life. She is safe. She follows the rules. But she longs to visit the next town over and when her mother allows it, she giddily accompanies her friend on the trip. The road between towns is dangerous, full of Riskers and other barbarians. Iskra wasn’t worried before stepping outside the town’s gate, but with only the protection of the guards Iskra is plagued with worry. Even her carefree friend can’t keep her from anxious thoughts and when she misses the caravan back to town, to safety, what will Iskra risk to get back home in time? What else is Iskra willing to risk when her friend is taken because Iskra was a cowardly mushroom? The more Iskra learns how the town keeps peace and safety for all its citizens, the more Iskra is willing to risk.
From the moment I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down. Before I had even started reading, this book contained certain elements I love in YA books: dystopian features and a female main character.
The mood is set so well, especially in the beginning. “The wind picked up, raising goose bumps on Iskra’s arms.It rocked the branches of the trees that stood behind the pines back and forth, rustling the leaves, sounding to Iskra like a thousand whispered threats.” (Location 316). The writing style was very easy to read and flowed from word to word and page to page. It was the dystopic plot, though, that really drew me in.
The story was very well set and the world building was very well done. Tension and mystery hinted at a deeper plot that both Iskra and I couldn’t help but run toward. The suspense and tension builds until the end.
I loved how much Iskra grew throughout the book. She is such a dynamic main character. As the reader, we really get to know and understand where she is coming from and how brave she is to question her surroundings and change. Those around her were fully fledged characters with backstories. The love story is well crafted and very believable and so sweet.
I can’t wait to read book two.
December 5, 2021
Flight of the spark
Evelyn Puerto
Little Iskra, bound by rules, had made up her mind to find her best friend Tavda after she had been TAKEN. Iskra never thought of getting out of her small village, Gishin. The idea of traveling always seemed to amaze her, but her mother never allowed her to step out of their village. Never had she thought of breaking rules especially not with those who everyone considered to be BARBARIANS, known as Riskers. Everyone thought that the rules of their village were meant for everyone’s peace and safety. Rules that stopped them from asking questions about those who were taken or riskers, rules that forbid them from cooking, rules that made them fearful of almost everything that can be considered normal. What kind of rules these were that didn’t allow the villagers to do simple everyday tasks of living. Iskra never thought of these questions until 1 day, she met the RISKERS…
Evelyn Puerto is gifted with the extraordinary art of storytelling. Deep layers of secrets unfold as the story passes. Reading this book was like living in an altogether different new world. Puerto made this story seem like a real-life incident. All the imaginary things, magical concepts were shown as reality.
While writing a book, one has to take care of a number of things, like revealing the secret of every mystical illusion created or bringing the correct form of modulation. All these things were taken care of perfectly. On this note, I highly recommend reading this book.
Tanishkka
Evelyn Puerto
Little Iskra, bound by rules, had made up her mind to find her best friend Tavda after she had been TAKEN. Iskra never thought of getting out of her small village, Gishin. The idea of traveling always seemed to amaze her, but her mother never allowed her to step out of their village. Never had she thought of breaking rules especially not with those who everyone considered to be BARBARIANS, known as Riskers. Everyone thought that the rules of their village were meant for everyone’s peace and safety. Rules that stopped them from asking questions about those who were taken or riskers, rules that forbid them from cooking, rules that made them fearful of almost everything that can be considered normal. What kind of rules these were that didn’t allow the villagers to do simple everyday tasks of living. Iskra never thought of these questions until 1 day, she met the RISKERS…
Evelyn Puerto is gifted with the extraordinary art of storytelling. Deep layers of secrets unfold as the story passes. Reading this book was like living in an altogether different new world. Puerto made this story seem like a real-life incident. All the imaginary things, magical concepts were shown as reality.
While writing a book, one has to take care of a number of things, like revealing the secret of every mystical illusion created or bringing the correct form of modulation. All these things were taken care of perfectly. On this note, I highly recommend reading this book.
Tanishkka
November 16, 2025
15-year-old Iskra is leaving the village of Gishin to see the outside world but before setting foot out of the village, she is informed ‘Old Cassie’ has been taken. The mood of the narrative is presaged by this statement because anyone who is taken is never to be spoken of again. Nonetheless, with the permission from her mother and having a friend with her, Iskra is allowed to go on the journey to Shinroo under the safety of Kaberco, the Ephor. Tavda encourages Iskra to break Gishin’s rules by spending more time in Shinroo, resulting in missing the wagons to get home, and this chain of events begins the slow uncovering of the truth behind Gishin’s controlled rules.
The story is told from different characters, which allows readers to gain a greater perspective of the overall narrative. This also makes for a dark read as the truths eventually reveal themselves and the stakes get high. This is a lengthy read and digresses from the main plot. This only helps to reinforce the character-driven narrative. Ultimately, this is an ideal book for young adults who enjoy quests, forbidden love, multiple characters, and the discovery of lies. The book does grow increasingly dark 3/4 of the way in.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to VRO and author.
The story is told from different characters, which allows readers to gain a greater perspective of the overall narrative. This also makes for a dark read as the truths eventually reveal themselves and the stakes get high. This is a lengthy read and digresses from the main plot. This only helps to reinforce the character-driven narrative. Ultimately, this is an ideal book for young adults who enjoy quests, forbidden love, multiple characters, and the discovery of lies. The book does grow increasingly dark 3/4 of the way in.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to VRO and author.
October 20, 2022
I read a lot of YA and dystopian fantasy books in the past and I was very interested what will make this book different from the others. And I found one of my favourite techniques in this book: the meaning of the characters' name and how does it link to the story/title and character's personality. Did you know that Iskra in Croatian means Spark?! The title of the book is basically 'Flight of Iskra'. It's such a nice way to bring the main story into the title: how an ordinary villager meets this fantasy world's "bandits", the Riskers. The idea that there are the strict rules such as do not ask questions shows how the protagonist is trapped in this ordinary yet mysterious life. The idea of people disappearing kept me on edge.
If I could say who is my favourite character, I would say it's the antagonist of the story Kaberco. His cause, his appearance and his figure of speech made me want to know more about the character.
To give one critic of the book is that I was annoyed that I need to wait for the next book, especially after the twist at the end of the book! I can't wait for Book 2 and what Iskra is going to do next.
If I could say who is my favourite character, I would say it's the antagonist of the story Kaberco. His cause, his appearance and his figure of speech made me want to know more about the character.
To give one critic of the book is that I was annoyed that I need to wait for the next book, especially after the twist at the end of the book! I can't wait for Book 2 and what Iskra is going to do next.
March 2, 2020
Flight of the Spark is a captivating and fascinating read.
The main populace of the land are ruled by fear and ignorance, and at the start of the book we meet Iskra, a 15 year old, who lives in Gishin. She was an obedient villager until her first trip out of the village goes horribly wrong when she misses the caravan home. Attacked by bandits, then rescued by a trader, Iskra is taken to a Risker camp.
The discovery that Riskers are not the barbarian savages the villagers are taught, sets her on a collision course with the leader of Gishen and changes the direction of her future.
The world building in Flight of the Spark was great and I could see the scenery in my mind. The main characters were multi-demensional and credible. I enjoyed watching Iskra grow from a ‘brainwashed’ teen into someone who questioned her life and started thinking for herself.
An enjoyable read, with plenty of action, intrigue and suspense.
The main populace of the land are ruled by fear and ignorance, and at the start of the book we meet Iskra, a 15 year old, who lives in Gishin. She was an obedient villager until her first trip out of the village goes horribly wrong when she misses the caravan home. Attacked by bandits, then rescued by a trader, Iskra is taken to a Risker camp.
The discovery that Riskers are not the barbarian savages the villagers are taught, sets her on a collision course with the leader of Gishen and changes the direction of her future.
The world building in Flight of the Spark was great and I could see the scenery in my mind. The main characters were multi-demensional and credible. I enjoyed watching Iskra grow from a ‘brainwashed’ teen into someone who questioned her life and started thinking for herself.
An enjoyable read, with plenty of action, intrigue and suspense.
May 3, 2020
This novel was like a Romeo and Juliet story, about two people from different ways of life meeting and falling in love. Iskra is not a rule breaker and believes rules are in place to keep everyone safe from bandits and Riskers. Xico is a Risker, who is strong and falls quickly for Iskra. Two people who should never have met and are torn between duty to their people and the duty to their hearts. Xico is not willing to give up on Iskra, even though she is scared about what she does not understand. However, Iskra learns some of the truth about what is considered safe and fair, and how some have more than others and why certain people are "taken". Iskra has to make a choice of the lifestyle she wants to live, under the thumb of the people in her village, where she is watched and has to live in fear, or a life a freedom with Xico, whom she is free to love.
I received this novel from Booksprouts. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this novel from Booksprouts. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2022
3.5/4.0
I enjoyed it from the beginning- but was becoming disappointed with how slow the pace of the story was. However, I was intrigued enough to continue through.
About half way through, I thought "finally, something going to happen!" and things picked up. It really wasn't until around 2/3 of the way through that I realized this was like a prequel. Once that dawned on me, things made more sense and I looked back on the slower pace of the story with understanding that you needed to know these characters and the back story.
I thought that was really unique. Normally authors start a story where the story REALLY begins with the main character, and you get a prequel after the series is done like a bonus. So it was interesting to have it the other way around.
And I must say- I love Xico! I love his strength for Iskra. His love and kindness. By the end I was invested in their story because I had so much detail. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next in the series!
I enjoyed it from the beginning- but was becoming disappointed with how slow the pace of the story was. However, I was intrigued enough to continue through.
About half way through, I thought "finally, something going to happen!" and things picked up. It really wasn't until around 2/3 of the way through that I realized this was like a prequel. Once that dawned on me, things made more sense and I looked back on the slower pace of the story with understanding that you needed to know these characters and the back story.
I thought that was really unique. Normally authors start a story where the story REALLY begins with the main character, and you get a prequel after the series is done like a bonus. So it was interesting to have it the other way around.
And I must say- I love Xico! I love his strength for Iskra. His love and kindness. By the end I was invested in their story because I had so much detail. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2023
I really liked this dystopian fantasy! The audio was great. This reminded me a lot of the way I felt reading the Graceling books. It gets a 4.5/5 for me. Towards the end, Tarqio (not sure If I spelled that right because I listened rather than read a print version) became so self flagellating that it took me out of things a bit and that’s the only reason it didn’t get a full five stars. I think I know why the author focused so heavily on his guilt but it was hard to repeatedly hear a character just in his head berating himself over and over. Otherwise, I loved the concept behind the world the story takes place in and found Iskra, Hilo, and many of the other characters to be interesting. I liked the Sky God aspects and am curious to see how the amulets play further into the fantasy pieces of future books in the series! Looking forward to the next one.
April 1, 2023
I think I went through all 5 stars reading this. At first I wasn't sure, I thought it was quite concise, the world as far as the main characters is limited considering the idea of the society, but then if it wasn't so limited the interaction would never occur. The character portrayal is excellent, I could feel the nervousness of Iskra and the questioning and eventual realisation of oppression but still doubt, and the relaxed optimism of Xico. There are characters to love and ones to dislike intensely and some who could benefit from more of a back story. Then again, they might not appear again.
I've read a lot of fantasy over the years and can usually build a fairly accurate idea of where the story is heading and what might happen. But, I was wrong. It certainly makes the next in the series an interesting proposition.
I've read a lot of fantasy over the years and can usually build a fairly accurate idea of where the story is heading and what might happen. But, I was wrong. It certainly makes the next in the series an interesting proposition.
March 2, 2024
FLIGHT OF THE SPARK
Book 1 in The Outlawed Myth Series
EVELYN PUERTO
Review by Author Roy Murry
Despotism vs. Freedom is the central theme of this award-winning Young Adult Fantasy. It is how the Villages and Riskers unite or stay apart; a Villager can never question it.
Iskra, a fifteen-year-old girl, is a resident of the Villages. A nail-biting event brings her into the Riskers' homeland, where people can ask questions and do as they wish - it is another world.
In the Riskers' camp, there are sparks between Iskra and Xico. However, she must go back home. It is the rules.
The risky adventure begins. The leader of the Villages knows and must stop for all the villagers' safety and fairness.
She returns many times, the sparks become love, and a deadly adventure begins. The twists and turns of this whole story will have the reader thinking about current events.
Book 1 in The Outlawed Myth Series
EVELYN PUERTO
Review by Author Roy Murry
Despotism vs. Freedom is the central theme of this award-winning Young Adult Fantasy. It is how the Villages and Riskers unite or stay apart; a Villager can never question it.
Iskra, a fifteen-year-old girl, is a resident of the Villages. A nail-biting event brings her into the Riskers' homeland, where people can ask questions and do as they wish - it is another world.
In the Riskers' camp, there are sparks between Iskra and Xico. However, she must go back home. It is the rules.
The risky adventure begins. The leader of the Villages knows and must stop for all the villagers' safety and fairness.
She returns many times, the sparks become love, and a deadly adventure begins. The twists and turns of this whole story will have the reader thinking about current events.
July 23, 2020
A grand fantasy
Puerto pens a grand story in Flight of the Spark. I haven't read anything from this author before, and I really enjoyed this story. The characters were not only magical and mythical, but also realistic in their own way. Puerto brings the reader on an intriguing adventure to another world. It's a wonderfully entertaining story that is the perfect escape, into a remarkable fantastical dystopian world. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. The search for peace and safety has very high costs. This author is not just a writer but a great storyteller. An enjoyable journey. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Puerto pens a grand story in Flight of the Spark. I haven't read anything from this author before, and I really enjoyed this story. The characters were not only magical and mythical, but also realistic in their own way. Puerto brings the reader on an intriguing adventure to another world. It's a wonderfully entertaining story that is the perfect escape, into a remarkable fantastical dystopian world. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. The search for peace and safety has very high costs. This author is not just a writer but a great storyteller. An enjoyable journey. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
August 17, 2020
I haven't read a dystopian book in quite a while. I guess I just haven't been in the mood for that genre. So, when I picked this book up I was, as bad as I hate to admit it, dreading it. Well, I soon realized that there was no need to dread!
I highly enjoyed this book and had a really hard time putting it down to get my work done. I was so into it! That is the sign of a good book!
I do have to say, while I understand the reason for the way this book ended, I did not like the ending! I wasn't expecting it to be so abrupt! And, like I said, I get it....but I don't have to like it! Lol!
If you enjoy dystopian books at all, you definitely need to pick this one up! So good!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I highly enjoyed this book and had a really hard time putting it down to get my work done. I was so into it! That is the sign of a good book!
I do have to say, while I understand the reason for the way this book ended, I did not like the ending! I wasn't expecting it to be so abrupt! And, like I said, I get it....but I don't have to like it! Lol!
If you enjoy dystopian books at all, you definitely need to pick this one up! So good!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2022
Flight of the Spark is a thrilling adventure riddled with secrets, betrayal, and ill-fated romance. From the start, inklings of an overly strict society are revealed, but the further you read, the more you come to realize just how deep the corruption and greed run.
I absolutely loved this book, from the diversity of the characters (and point of views) to the settings where everything takes place. Evelyn Puerto masterfully reveals secret upon secret as Iskra discovers that everything is not as it seems; those she thought to be enemies may just be her closest allies; and those she trusts the most may very well be her downfall.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I absolutely loved this book, from the diversity of the characters (and point of views) to the settings where everything takes place. Evelyn Puerto masterfully reveals secret upon secret as Iskra discovers that everything is not as it seems; those she thought to be enemies may just be her closest allies; and those she trusts the most may very well be her downfall.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
July 4, 2023
Excellent. You just can't keep it down.
The story starts taking control of your mind from the Page 2 itself.
Whether it is about main characters Iskra, Xico, village culture, Riskers and their unbroken treaty.
The life of Iskra is better be Imagin by flow of River from its Origin.
Initially from a single but steady flow of stream which is then joined by smaller streams from various directions.
As the water gets interruptions in its path, Iskra's life also faces multiple hurdles. It Speeds up when she met Xico the young Risker.
Their journey takes major twist and turns until the they are at the edge of the mountain. But that's not the end but a new Stream called "The Desired One".
Evelyn - Awaiting Part 2
The story starts taking control of your mind from the Page 2 itself.
Whether it is about main characters Iskra, Xico, village culture, Riskers and their unbroken treaty.
The life of Iskra is better be Imagin by flow of River from its Origin.
Initially from a single but steady flow of stream which is then joined by smaller streams from various directions.
As the water gets interruptions in its path, Iskra's life also faces multiple hurdles. It Speeds up when she met Xico the young Risker.
Their journey takes major twist and turns until the they are at the edge of the mountain. But that's not the end but a new Stream called "The Desired One".
Evelyn - Awaiting Part 2
March 5, 2022
Flight of the Spark is the first book of The Outlawed Myth. I was really eager to read this book after reading so many good reviews.
It was a good YA fantasy read, in a dystopian theme. Iskra’s world was easy to get in, a fast paced read that was getting more and more interesting with the story’s flow. The characters and the places were well written. I wasn’t disappointed at all reading this book.
I recommend this book for everyone who loves YA fantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was a good YA fantasy read, in a dystopian theme. Iskra’s world was easy to get in, a fast paced read that was getting more and more interesting with the story’s flow. The characters and the places were well written. I wasn’t disappointed at all reading this book.
I recommend this book for everyone who loves YA fantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2023
I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I really liked it, became invested, and then realized about 3/4 in that it is more of an origin story than anything else. I will say the pacing, style and plot felt more like something you would see in the 90s than what is popular or trendy today (ie, slower pace leading up to something terrible that you know is coming but want to pretend like it’s not). Which is fine, refreshing even. We don’t have to all be trendy to write awesome stories. Really well written, loved the audiobook narration too.
December 4, 2019
Let me tell you what I liked: There are bandits, war boars, and raiders; bowstrings, battle axes and throat slittings; wagons, swords, healing amulets and caravans. And there’s a prophecy! Wow! See what I mean? And then there are beautiful words and excitement in every page. I could NOT put it down. Fantasy. YA. This will make a great gift, to give or to receive *😉* this holiday season. I recommend it highly. Selma Writes.
December 19, 2021
This book reads very much like fanfiction. From the cover and description, I was expecting a high fantasy book but it is actually more like dystopian set in medieval times. The concept of this book is very good, but the actual writing style was difficult to get past at times. I may have another try at this at a later date, but currently, I got 4 chapters in and really couldn't care less about the characters or settings and the plot hasn't really started.
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