Monday, June 18, 2012

Review: Spark

Book: Spark
Author: Amy Kathleen Ryan
Series: Sky Chasers #2
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 309
Source: Raincoast Books (Thank you so much!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon CA | The Book Depository | Chapters
Stars: 4.5/5
Waverly and Kieran are finally reunited on the Empyrean. Kieran has led the boys safely up to this point, and now that the girls are back, their mission seems slightly less impossible: to chase down the New Horizon, and save their parents from the enemy ship. But nothing is truly as it seems…Kieran’s leadership methods have raised Seth’s hackles— and Waverly’s suspicions. Is this really her fiancĂ©? The handsome, loving boy she was torn from just a short time before? More and more, she finds her thoughts aligned with Seth’s. But if Seth is Kieran’s Enemy No. 1, what does that make her?

In one night, a strange explosion rocks the Empyrean—shooting them off course and delaying their pursuit of the New Horizon—and Seth is mysteriously released from the brig. Seth is the most obvious suspect for the explosion, and Waverly the most obvious suspect for releasing him. As the tension reaches a boiling point, will Seth be able to find the true culprit before Kieran locks them both away—or worse? Will Waverly follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? With the balance of power precarious and the clock ticking, every decision counts… every step brings them closer to a new beginning, or a sudden end...


(summary taken from Goodreads)
MY THOUGHTS:  

After not really loving Glow earlier this year, I went into the sequel with zero expectations. I started it thinking I'd be able to fit in a few chapters here and there, that I could put it down if I wanted to. But I was completely wrong!  

Spark was amazing from beginning to heart-stopping end! It picks up right where Glow left off, with all of the kids stuck on the spaceship alone, trying to reunite with their parents who were captive on another ship.There's a little bit of deception, a lot of secrets, and enough mistrust to last a lifetime. It all makes everything on the Empyrean even more intense.  

I was so invested in this story that I found myself yelling out loud. When bad things happened, I curled up in a ball and prayed for the best. And when Kieran did something ridiculous, I imagined hitting him over the head with a stick. Repeatedly.  

(Seth was my favourite character, so everything Kieran did to him just made me so angry!)  

My heart ached for Waverly. Everyone wrongly blamed her for abandoning their parents, even though none of them would've made it out alive if she hadn't done what she did. She had to live with everyone's hatred and guilt everyday, but she still stayed strong and more clear-minded.. She was fifteen like I am, but I could never imagine being as strong as her!  

Actually, the whole cast continued to blow my mind. Over and over again, I reminded myself that they were just kids that the oldest on the space ship was sixteen years old, and yet somehow they were surviving. They were intelligent and sneaky when they need to be, yet despite their brilliance, it was easy to see how real they were as kids. It was all believable.

With an intensely unpredictable storyline and characters I couldn't stop rooting for, Spark was an amazing installment to the series that sure sets the bar high for the next! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: I would recommend this book whether you liked Glow or not! It was absolutely worth the sleepless night I got from wrongly believing it wouldn't be that addicting! ;)

-Mimi

38 comments:

  1. I didn't really like Glow, but I'll still give this one a go! The fact that you loved it makes me so excited, Mimi-doll! <3 This seems so much better than Glow, that's for sure. Fabulous review as usual Mimi sweets!! :) Oh my goodness Mimi you must really hate Kieran as I could never imagine you ever thinking such violent thoughts!! :P I didn't like him that much either though. :)

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    1. Oh my I am finally the first one to comment on one of your reviews!!! YES Goal achieved!! ;)

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  2. Bahaha I'm looking up at The Teen Book Guru's comment and thinking the same thing -- imagining you hitting someone over the head with a stick makes me laugh! (x He was kind of sweet in Glow (although he could never hold a candle to Seth), so I'm wondering how evil he must become to evoke your rath. It's making me more intrigued than usual! :P Glow wasn't my favourite book in the world either, but if Spark is much better, then I'm def giving it a shot!

    FANTABULOUS review as per usual, Mimiii!! <33333 I'm preparing my stick and sleepless night as we speak (:

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  3. When I saw review for Spark I got all excited thinking it was the one for Brigid Kemmerer's latest release! hah! But this sounds like an amazing follow up to Glow. (A book which I still haven't checked out yet!) I'm glad it had you hooked from the beginning! Fab review my lovely!!

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  4. OHMYGOSH, THIS IS BETTER THAN GLOW!?! YAYYYYYYYYY! Let's just say, I wasn't the biggest fan of GLOW when I read it last year and I would've started reading Spark with zero expectations,BUT after reading your review now, I think my expectations will be higher! (well...actually MUCH higher LOL) YESSSS! Seth was my favourite character in Glow :) Keiran...just annoyed me too much. And I REALLY don't like the whole "We're meant to be together so we'll be together" thing- I WANT SETH AND WAVERLEY TO BE TOGETHER!!!!! hahahaaaaa Anywayyy I'M SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED THIS<3 FAB review Mimiiii!<3

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  5. Ahaha I love that you were so moved that you yelled things out loud! I sometimes do that too, haha. I think it's amazing that these teens face such issues and managed to come off as realistic too. Love that this was even better than the first one! Wonderfuuuuul review as always, Mimi! ♥

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  6. I wasn't going to read Glow because of some of the things I've read but now that you say Spark is so good I'm rethinking my decision! I like the idea of a role reversal for a character. Makes me think this book is worth it just for that!

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  7. Ohh, I am so, SO relieved that Spark ended up being better than Glow! I know not everyone was thrilled with the first book, you included, but I just can't resist a space ship story. Considering that these are teens on a space ship, not much could stop me from reading it.
    Hah, I can totally picture you yelling at a character, and Kieran sounds like he deserved it. I know how it is when you get attached, like you did with Seth. I'm happy you got so invested and ended up loving this, Mimi!
    Wonderful review, my love.

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  8. I'm glad to hear this book was better than Glow since I didn't like the first book at all. I don't know whether I'll give this one a go or not . . . but we'll see. Great review!

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  9. It's fantastic that the second book was so much better than the first. It shows that the author is evolving as a writer.
    I've never read Glow before but your review has me really interested ! :D
    I love when characters manage to extract any kind of emotions from me since it reveals that they have so much depth !
    I'm so glad you enjoyed Spark so much, Mimi ! :) I hope the next book also blows your mind away !
    Wonderful review, doll ! <3

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  10. So glad to hear the second book was better! That is exactly the way it should go: each subsequent book building on the previous and improving it for a strong story and better reading experience. I think you're also really brave to give the second book a chance; I know if the first book doesn't impress me, I probably won't pick up the second because there are so many other books to read but it does mean that I could miss out on something as awesome as this.

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  11. "And when Kieran did something ridiculous, I imagined hitting him over the head with a stick. Repeatedly."

    You are hilarious Mimi, I just want to hug you! Your enthusiasm just radiates from every review and you make me want to pick up each and every book you talk about. Love it:) I can imagine I will be wanting to brandish a stick based on whatever Kieran does as well, but I'm glad that despite that, you really loved the story overall:)

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  12. I loved Glow. It was dark, much darker than other books I'd read, but I loved it. To hear that Spark is better? I need to get a copy of this!

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  13. lol when i clicked the link to your review i tought it was a review of spark by brigid kemmerer[ me soo stupid lol]

    i've not read glow yet but i'll give it atry
    tnx 4the lovly review mimi

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  14. This sounds wonderful, Mimi! I didn't take off with the first book but I am willing to give this one a try after your fab review. I like the way you describe the characters. Kids who are intelligent and strong without any of it coming cross as unbelievable. I love that! I'm so glad you had fun reading this. :) Amazing review!

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  15. Yikes! I have yet to read Glow, but now I really want to so I can get to Spark. I love when a story is so engaging that you can't help but scream out your anger and even happiness. It's the best feeling. And if you need back up to beat up Kieran, let me know. I've got your back. LOL

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  16. Wow hon!!!!! How can I now pass on this after you loved it so much even though you didn't like the first one so much!!! It's awesome that you even read it, but apparently it was good you did right??

    I feel bad but I always mixed up Across The Universe and Glow... but, after reading your review I'm backon the story! YES I did love Seth in the end so much although I stared off liking Kieran more. This totally changed at the end of the books... I love when books surprise you so much! Now, I can't wait to read this one!!

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  17. I have still to read Glow, but its going right at the top of my TBR pile, so I can read Spark because it sounds amazing! (more than amazing)
    Lovely review Mimi!

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  18. I skpped Glow after the lukewarm reviews. Sounds like the series just notched up. So glad this was a much better book. I hope you really didn't stay up too late..you need your energy for your exams and such. Good luck with everything, I am sure you will excel, summer is almost here!

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  19. it's so nice your feelings improved with this book. I didn't know this one. I'm sure it would have been funny to be in the same room with you as you read this book. thanks for the review mimi.

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  20. Oohhh You know, I haven't been interested in Glow, because I've heard many many different things about it, and mostly negative or just "meh" feelings. But I think I want to read it now, just to get to this book!! It sounds really interesting and the characters seem like they'd be worth reading about. I'll definitely have to check into these a bit more. Thanks for the awesome review, Mimi!

    Oh, and why do they change the covers in the middle of the series? Goodness me I hate that. I like both covers, but I definitely like the cover of Glow best... Hmmm....

    Sierra @ Yearning to Read

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  21. Well it's nice to know that the series got BETTER for you and not worse. The setting of these books sounds fun. The whole spaceship thing should be interesting. Especially with so many people in a confined space. They can't really get away from each other so I'm sure it made for some interesting situations. I'll have to look into this author and series. Glad the second book was enjoyable for you.

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  22. I haven't read Glow, but I must add it to my Wishlist! I don't read many sci-fi books, but you've sold this to me.

    I love the name Seth, but I'll have to watch out for Kieran. I also love the sound of Waverly. Despite not reading the book, I already feel sorry for her!

    Brilliant review, Mimi.(:

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  23. Sorry about the sleepless night, but that DOES say something about this one. I haven't read Glow...but good to know the sequel is even BETTER. I suppose your review will be great for those that weren't going to continue the series after the first. Thanks for your thoughts.

    -Lauren

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  24. OMG awesome review!!!! I still need to start reading my ARC of Spark so I am sooooooo happy to hear you loved it! I actually thought Glow wasn't too bad so the fact that you think the sequel is an improvement definitely makes me want to read it asap! Seriously your review is so cheerful that I am actually jumping up and down in excitement!!! Forget all the other books I have to read I am moving Spark up to the top of my tbr list :-) I think I will be posting my review closer to the release date so maybe early July but I will tell you what I think of it before!!!!! Thanks for the awesome review :-) I am going to go check out your other reviews right now :-)

    SeeitORreadit

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  25. Ooh, this book sounds amazing! Glad to hear that this book worth your sleepless night hehe! x) This is the first time I see this series, but it sounds like a heart-stopping awesome material! <3 Brilliant and believable characters? Wow, I gotta meet them!! x)

    Super cute review, Mimi! I'll definitely check out this this book later! ♥

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  26. Oh my gosh for a moment I though you were reviewing Storm's Spark and I almost started hyperventilating LOL Oh, I remember Glow... Haven't read it yet, but I knew it from around a bit. So sad to hear that you didn't like the first, but I'm so happy the second did it for you! :D That doesn't happen to all series, so now I'm really excited for this. Interesting, interesting :)

    I hope you're having a great start of the week, Mimi~ <3

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  27. I really need to take a few lessons from you, because I often give up if I don't like a book within the first 100 pages, let along continue to the sequel. And look how reading this turned out for you!! CLEARLY taking a chance on it paid off.

    Hehehe! I love that it literally had you yelling out loud... and entertaining violent stick thoughts :P THOSE are the kind of the stories, the ones you're so emotionally invested in, that are worth the read.

    I am DEFINITELY going to read Glow now and even if I'm not a big fan, I know to persevere onto the sequel thanks to your flipping incredible review!! So happy this was such a pleasant surprise!

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  28. I can't wait to read Spark! I loved Glow, and the non-stop action that made it so exciting. I could never imagine being able to survive like these teens do and rise up to the occasion. After your review I'm definitely going to pick up a copy of Spark right away! Awesome review!

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  29. Glow was pretty interesting so I've been eager to find out what happens in Spark. After reading your review I'm even more excited for the July release.

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  30. Ohh!! I'm so glad you decided to pick the sequel up then o: That's so awesome you liked it so much more than the first time, and a bit unusual! I've been very curious about Glow, but haven't gotten to actually picking it up yet. I so want to though! I'm a bit worried about it now though, but maybe it's worth it for Spark even if I'm not blown away... ;) Great review!

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  31. I downloaded GLOW for ... $0.99 awhile back, figuring whether I liked it or not, I didn't invest much in it. I've read some mixed reviews. But I am kinda excited for it, since it sounds a bit different. It makes my heart happy knowing there is a character called Seth, and that you loved him. I have an extreme fondness for that name. (I blame Seth Green, yo.)

    I'm glad you liked this one, Mimi! I think I'm going to TRY to get to GLOW this summer. :)

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  32. I wasn't sure if I would read this, after only "Okaying" Glow, but I think I'll definitely try it! I'm so glad you liked it! I'm interested to see more of Seth... I sense he's going to be the new LI for Waverly! Squee!
    Romi.x

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  33. I was 'eh' about Glow but it really evoked strong emotion. So I do have this for review and its probably my next read. But I'm finally excited to read it after your review! I know I'm going to be experiencing lots of emotions in it!

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  34. Awwww Mimi! I'm so glad you enjoyed Spark! I actually didn't like Glow and thought of not reading the sequel but after your review, I think I might need to reconsider that! ;)

    Awesome review, Mimi! So glad you enjoyed it! <3

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  35. Glow has a sequel? Didn't know that. This looks so good.. I def need to read the 1st one. Btw, loving the cover for this book. So luminescent.

    Thanks so much for sharing and great review, Mimi <3

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  36. I loved Glow and can't wait to read Spark! Especially since you liked it so much after not really caring for Glow. Great review, Mimi :)

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  37. Even though you posted this some time ago, I thought I'd leave another comment because---
    MY COPY OF SPARK ARRIVED!
    I wasn't going to request a review copy of it, because, as I said in my previous comment on this post, I didn't find Glow all that amazing, but after your review of Spark I decided I would regardless of that! I can't wait to start it!
    Yes- I love it when my mother buys me books! She bought me the Maze Runner a few months ago and now I'm desperate for the second book in the series! xx.

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Thanks so much for leaving your thoughts! I love hearing what you have to say, and I always try to comment on one of your blog posts in return! :)

It's really nice to meet you!