From the Publisher
“Ryan’s fast-paced and cinematic style will satisfy returning fans and quickly engage new readers.” —
Booklist on
Spark
“Delivers a page-turning plot while delving deeper into questions of leadership, trauma and violence….Readers hungry for the next installment will have plenty to ponder in the meantime.” — Kirkus Reviews on Spark
"Utterly engrossing." —Lauren Myracle, New York Times bestselling author of Shine on Glow
“You'll love it if you love futuristic post-apocalyptic stories like The Hunger Games!"
—Seventeen.com on Glow
“No less than the fate of humanity is at stake in Amy Kathleen Ryan's rich and emotional sci-fi tale.” — USA Today on Glow
From the Publisher
“Ryan’s fast-paced and cinematic style will satisfy returning fans and quickly engage new readers.” —Booklist on Spark
“Delivers a page-turning plot while delving deeper into questions of leadership, trauma and violence….Readers hungry for the next installment will have plenty to ponder in the meantime.” — Kirkus Reviews on Spark
"Utterly engrossing." —Lauren Myracle, New York Times bestselling author of Shine on Glow
“You'll love it if you love futuristic post-apocalyptic stories like The Hunger Games!"
—Seventeen.com on Glow
“No less than the fate of humanity is at stake in Amy Kathleen Ryan's rich and emotional sci-fi tale.” — USA Today on Glow
VOYA
- Chase Carter
Spark was one of the most engrossing books this reviewer has ever read. It is un-put-downable. With all the romance, mystery, and adventure, the reader is never able to predict what is to come next. The only disappointing piece of the book is the ending. It cuts off too soon, leaving out too much detail and frustrating readers, who will have to wait for the next installment. Recommend this book to most people who are at least in eighth grade, for there are some mature points in the book that are not suitable for younger children. 4Q, 4P. Reviewer: Chase Carter, Teen Reviewer
VOYA
- Kim Carter
The second book in the Sky Chasers series, Spark continues the saga begun in Glow, where betrayal from their sister ship, New Horizon, left the children of the Empyrean without their parents. Now, the community of children, led by the disunited adolescent leaders, Seth, Kieran, and Waverly, struggles to find a balance that will allow them to create a plan for rescuing their parents. When a series of unexplained thruster bursts points to sabotage at the same time Seth and his fellow prisoner, Max, are unexpectedly released from the brig, no one is sure who can be trusted. In the midst of uncertain loyalties and the necessities of learning the skills for managing a starship community, Waverley pushes for democratic governance; Kieran draws on his faith and conviction; and Seth follows the clues to find the saboteur in hopes of both saving the ship and clearing his name. Elements of Lord of the Flies combine with plot twists similar to Lost in this not-too-distant science fiction tale of two ships sent to colonize New Earth. Plot development is compelling, carrying the story unerringly forward despite occasionally awkward prose and uneven character development. Spark may be read alone, but readers who have not read the first book will undoubtedly be motivated to do so, and all will be impatient for the third book in the Sky Chasers series. This is a likely hit with sci-fi aficionados, and a potentially engrossing introduction to science fiction for readers who like action and mystery. Reviewer: Kim Carter
School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up—Actions have consequences, and even the best-intentioned choices can lead to disastrous results-so says this sequel to Glow (St. Martins, 2011). As the book begins, Waverly and Kieran are no longer a couple: she can't reconcile the disturbing similarities between Anne Mather's God complex and Kieran's belief that God is speaking to him. Waverly has changed as well. Some of the children can't forgive her for leaving their parents behind, and her experience on the New Horizon has left her angry and withdrawn. Meanwhile, Kieran believes that he is to lead the Empyrean in battle against the New Horizon to rescue the surviving adults. He has become the captain of the ship without a vote and is keeping Seth in the brig without any sort of due process. So when Seth discovers the door to his cell open and the guard knocked out, he doesn't know who has become brave enough to defy Kieran's rule. Soon it becomes clear that whoever released him has no qualms about injuring children and is trying to sabotage Kieran's efforts. What this book lacks in consistent character development it makes up for in plot and setting. This thrilling story will hold readers attention and the cliff-hanger ending will leave fans of the first book shaking in frustration-and excited for more.Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO
Kirkus Reviews
The sequel to Glow (2011) delivers a page-turning plot while delving deeper into questions of leadership, trauma and violence. The girls of the Empyrean have returned to their ship after being kidnapped by the New Horizon. Waverly Marshall has endured and committed terrible acts aboard the New Horizon. She is tormented by both her own memories and a faction of younger girls who cannot forgive her for failing to rescue their parents. Kieran, who became the ship's de facto leader when the adults were taken out of the picture, delivers sermons designed to promote both unity and loyalty among his followers but is deeply anxious about his own power. Meanwhile, Seth, the former leader and third leg of a love triangle with Waverly and Kieran, escapes the brig under mysterious circumstances and discovers a major threat to the ship. As Waverly, Kieran, Seth and the large but generally well-constructed cast of supporting characters work--often at cross-purposes--to keep the peace, secure the ship and rescue their parents from the New Horizon, meaty political and moral questions arise. Is torture ever justified? What about imprisonment and surveillance? How does one stay human after doing something monstrous? Readers hungry for the next installment will have plenty to ponder in the meantime. (Science fiction. 14 & up)
