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The Spark Within
Even though her ability to control water endangers her in the outside world, Maya Mayfield yearns to be free from the isolated community in the mountains of Oregon. Her only hope of escape is through an arranged marriage that her mother has set up. She must decide between two genetically perfect matches that she almost immediately swoons over. That is, until she spends time with a rebellious and carefree recruit.
Outside Maya's sheltered existence rages a war between those who wield the elements of nature, Elementals, and those who don’t, Commoners. The strict rules of her community prohibit interactions with unmatched young men of the Legion who serve as their protectors. Wanting to make her own choices, she forges a forbidden friendship.
Maya committed to helping produce a powerful generation of Elementals by bonding with one of her matches. However, that was before she experienced the effects of pitting two good men against each other, vying for her love. This becomes more than a decision between love and duty as secrets unravel about the world outside her walls.
Outside Maya's sheltered existence rages a war between those who wield the elements of nature, Elementals, and those who don’t, Commoners. The strict rules of her community prohibit interactions with unmatched young men of the Legion who serve as their protectors. Wanting to make her own choices, she forges a forbidden friendship.
Maya committed to helping produce a powerful generation of Elementals by bonding with one of her matches. However, that was before she experienced the effects of pitting two good men against each other, vying for her love. This becomes more than a decision between love and duty as secrets unravel about the world outside her walls.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
40 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Christopher
5 books30 followersSam is a mother to three boys and lives in the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not wrangling her wild children or two dogs, you can usually find her hiding in her bedroom with a bag of Sour Patch Kids and a good book or typing away at her next story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 18, 2024
I may be a little biased, but this is my favorite book. I’ve read it many times.🥰
May 16, 2025
⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 0/5
Genre: YA Romantasy
Ok, this one was so fun! Maya is a water wielded who lives in a base full of elemental magic wielders in Oregon. The outside world has become dystopian from war raging between the elementals and those without powers. However, Maya’s biggest problem is deciding who she wants as a mate from her two genetically perfect matches… until she finds love in a third…
Maya is so wonderful! She’s perfectly 18, trusting while skeptical. Confident while being uncertain. Sweet while being able to stand up for herself
I also loved the men! Each man had their moment to shine, though I loved James the most throughout.
Overall such a fun book and I’m excited to read the next one!!
🌶️: 0/5
Genre: YA Romantasy
Ok, this one was so fun! Maya is a water wielded who lives in a base full of elemental magic wielders in Oregon. The outside world has become dystopian from war raging between the elementals and those without powers. However, Maya’s biggest problem is deciding who she wants as a mate from her two genetically perfect matches… until she finds love in a third…
Maya is so wonderful! She’s perfectly 18, trusting while skeptical. Confident while being uncertain. Sweet while being able to stand up for herself
I also loved the men! Each man had their moment to shine, though I loved James the most throughout.
Overall such a fun book and I’m excited to read the next one!!
August 7, 2024
“A spark has been lit. I feel it, burrowed deep, but it’s there. A spark within.”
Maya is a water wielding elemental and about to face the most important choice of her life. Since the raids began the numbers of elementals have diminished. Her community, hoping to replenish the world with strong elementals, created a matching system, pairing eligible women with two men who are genetically perfect for them.
While wanting to fulfill her duty to her community, Maya feels uneasy about possibly matching with a man for life. What if she chooses the wrong one? What if they don’t find her appealing?
Everything changed when mere days before she meets her matches, she lands in the arms of a curly haired, hazel eyed man. Whom she instantly feels a sense of familiarity to.
Maya’s journey is so captivating, full of love, heartbreak, and a strong sense of duty. Her life quickly becomes stuck between two choices, following her heart or following her duty.
•••••
I was lucky enough to be able to receive an ARC of this debut novel. Let me tell you this book had me in a chokehold from the first chapter! Christopher has a way of describing Mayas world that sucks you right in. I cannot wait for the next book!
Tropes-
🌊 love Quadrangle
🌊 arranged marriage
🌊elemental powers
🔥dystopian vibes
🔥forbidden friends
🔥isolated community
🌧️ family secrets
Maya is a water wielding elemental and about to face the most important choice of her life. Since the raids began the numbers of elementals have diminished. Her community, hoping to replenish the world with strong elementals, created a matching system, pairing eligible women with two men who are genetically perfect for them.
While wanting to fulfill her duty to her community, Maya feels uneasy about possibly matching with a man for life. What if she chooses the wrong one? What if they don’t find her appealing?
Everything changed when mere days before she meets her matches, she lands in the arms of a curly haired, hazel eyed man. Whom she instantly feels a sense of familiarity to.
Maya’s journey is so captivating, full of love, heartbreak, and a strong sense of duty. Her life quickly becomes stuck between two choices, following her heart or following her duty.
•••••
I was lucky enough to be able to receive an ARC of this debut novel. Let me tell you this book had me in a chokehold from the first chapter! Christopher has a way of describing Mayas world that sucks you right in. I cannot wait for the next book!
Tropes-
🌊 love Quadrangle
🌊 arranged marriage
🌊elemental powers
🔥dystopian vibes
🔥forbidden friends
🔥isolated community
🌧️ family secrets
August 4, 2024
Unbelievably binge worthy. My new favorites read of 2024!!
August 5, 2024
✅ Clean/Closed Door Romantasy
✅ Elemental Powers
✅ Arranged Marriage
✅ Dystopian Vibes!
This is Samantha Christopher’s debut novel and I absolutely LOVED it! 😍 The story follows our main female character Maya Mayfield and her struggle with the laws and boundaries placed upon her in her isolated, tight-knit community. Maya, her mother, and her brother relocated to this walled community in the mountains of Oregon five years ago after the destruction to her hometown drove them away. With mounting hatred for her kind (those who yield elemental powers) on the rise, war is not only imminent but approaching closer and faster than she’d like. Maya, having recently turned 18, is forced to make quick decisions about her future as the age for the matching ceremony is changed from 20 to 18. “Perfect matches” are found for Maya and she has to choose between which boy she'll be permanently bonded to for the rest of her life. Is it really that easy to choose?
This book has everything a fantasy romance book needs! Love quadrangle (instead of a triangle 😂), sizzling romance, twisty turns, and page turning action! I love that the story was placed in a recognizable world with the addition of the elemental powers. I was sucked in from the very beginning and very nearly read it in one sitting! I can't wait for the second book in the series and highly recommend everyone pick this one up and read it!
Thanks to the author, I was given a free advance copy of this novel to read and review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own!
✅ Elemental Powers
✅ Arranged Marriage
✅ Dystopian Vibes!
This is Samantha Christopher’s debut novel and I absolutely LOVED it! 😍 The story follows our main female character Maya Mayfield and her struggle with the laws and boundaries placed upon her in her isolated, tight-knit community. Maya, her mother, and her brother relocated to this walled community in the mountains of Oregon five years ago after the destruction to her hometown drove them away. With mounting hatred for her kind (those who yield elemental powers) on the rise, war is not only imminent but approaching closer and faster than she’d like. Maya, having recently turned 18, is forced to make quick decisions about her future as the age for the matching ceremony is changed from 20 to 18. “Perfect matches” are found for Maya and she has to choose between which boy she'll be permanently bonded to for the rest of her life. Is it really that easy to choose?
This book has everything a fantasy romance book needs! Love quadrangle (instead of a triangle 😂), sizzling romance, twisty turns, and page turning action! I love that the story was placed in a recognizable world with the addition of the elemental powers. I was sucked in from the very beginning and very nearly read it in one sitting! I can't wait for the second book in the series and highly recommend everyone pick this one up and read it!
Thanks to the author, I was given a free advance copy of this novel to read and review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own!
October 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Couldn’t put it down! Such a good read.
Couldn’t put it down! Such a good read.
October 5, 2024
⭐️ 4.75 The Spark Within
✍️ AUTHOR: Samantha Christopher
🗓️ out NOW
📖 FIRST in a series
🫑 : CLOSED-DOOR ROMANCE
* PG-13 level romance.
* French Kiss and making-out described (multiple times)
* Marriage only activities are acceptable outside of marriage (main character never does this though)
📚 SUMMARY: Maya is what we call and Elemental. She lives in a hidden community of Elementals. Her main purpose is to be genetically matched to the perfect man. Both of her matches are genetically perfect for her, but are they perfect for her heart? However, chowing a match is not the biggest worry. The Coms are closing in and discovery after discovery leads Maya to question everything she’s ever known. Join Maya as she discovers the world is not what it seems and that live just might be worth the risk.
📝 REVIEW: Red Queen meets Divergent meets the Selection. What!! This book was full of so many twists and turns. From the start, this book had my attention. I could never figure out who was good or who was bad, and I especially could not figure out the love quadrangle. This book will have you rooting for your favorite characters, and wanting to flip the page. But beware of the ending… I really did NOT see that coming.
✍️ AUTHOR: Samantha Christopher
🗓️ out NOW
📖 FIRST in a series
🫑 : CLOSED-DOOR ROMANCE
* PG-13 level romance.
* French Kiss and making-out described (multiple times)
* Marriage only activities are acceptable outside of marriage (main character never does this though)
📚 SUMMARY: Maya is what we call and Elemental. She lives in a hidden community of Elementals. Her main purpose is to be genetically matched to the perfect man. Both of her matches are genetically perfect for her, but are they perfect for her heart? However, chowing a match is not the biggest worry. The Coms are closing in and discovery after discovery leads Maya to question everything she’s ever known. Join Maya as she discovers the world is not what it seems and that live just might be worth the risk.
📝 REVIEW: Red Queen meets Divergent meets the Selection. What!! This book was full of so many twists and turns. From the start, this book had my attention. I could never figure out who was good or who was bad, and I especially could not figure out the love quadrangle. This book will have you rooting for your favorite characters, and wanting to flip the page. But beware of the ending… I really did NOT see that coming.
April 17, 2025
This was such a unique and intriguing premise! Maya has been raised in an isolated community. Maya and those in her community have unique abilities related to the elements and are at war with commoners. Her mother, a geneticist, analyzes DNA to provide each young woman with two genetically ideal matches, in a unique twist on arranged marriages. Maya has been matched by her mother with two compatible young men and has a short period of time to decide which to marry. But along the way, she gets to know a third young man who opens her eyes to things about the outside world she didn't know and helps her start to question parts of her life that she has always taken for granted.
I really appreciated that this is true young adult! By that I mean, many books in that category include explicit/inappropriate content. While the characters in this book are considering very adult paths (as they should in an upper young adult novel), this book did not include excessively violent or spicy content, which I really appreciated for this category.
This book was not a love triangle but a love quadrangle. Multiple men vying for Maya's hand gave this a Bachelorette mixed with Survivor vibe. This felt like a lot to keep up with as a reader and just a lot in general, but I did like that Maya knows that her choice is not just for the man but for her long-term life and whether or not she will continue to blindly follow her mother's life choice for her or take a different path.
I do wish the characters had had a little more depth to them. Maya comes across as very naive and immature, especially for someone who is supposedly ready to marry, but I understand in part this is because she has been raised in isolation. In the final chapters, the reader gets pulled in a lot of different directions on a lot of various subplots concerning the outside world, Maya's family, her love life, and more. Of course, it was necessary to set the scene for the next book, but it felt like almost too much going on.
This novel really ends on a cliffhanger, perfectly setting us up for book two in the trilogy.
I really appreciated that this is true young adult! By that I mean, many books in that category include explicit/inappropriate content. While the characters in this book are considering very adult paths (as they should in an upper young adult novel), this book did not include excessively violent or spicy content, which I really appreciated for this category.
This book was not a love triangle but a love quadrangle. Multiple men vying for Maya's hand gave this a Bachelorette mixed with Survivor vibe. This felt like a lot to keep up with as a reader and just a lot in general, but I did like that Maya knows that her choice is not just for the man but for her long-term life and whether or not she will continue to blindly follow her mother's life choice for her or take a different path.
I do wish the characters had had a little more depth to them. Maya comes across as very naive and immature, especially for someone who is supposedly ready to marry, but I understand in part this is because she has been raised in isolation. In the final chapters, the reader gets pulled in a lot of different directions on a lot of various subplots concerning the outside world, Maya's family, her love life, and more. Of course, it was necessary to set the scene for the next book, but it felt like almost too much going on.
This novel really ends on a cliffhanger, perfectly setting us up for book two in the trilogy.
September 18, 2024
I binged this 5 ⭐️ book in one day! It was so hard to put down. I’m blown away by the fact that this is a debut novel. It is so incredibly written and fast paced! Perfect for fans of Divergent, The Hunger Games or the dystopian genre.
Add this to your TBR if you love these tropes: 👇
✨ Dystopian Vibes
🌊 Elemental Powers
🔥 Forbidden Friends
💕 Forbidden Love
❤️ First Love
⚔️ 3 Love Interests
💍 Arranged Marriage
🤫 Family Secrets
*Oh and it’s First Person POV!*
This is a new adult and upper young adult romantasy series that follows Maya, a young woman with the ability to manipulate water. She lives on a hidden compound in the middle of the Oregon forest with other Elementals with varying abilities. They have been at war with Coms (Commoners- those without elemental abilities) for years. She has a duty to her people to marry and produce children with strong elemental powers to help further their war efforts.
Maya is matched with two genetically ideal men, that happen to be best friends and really good guys. As if love triangles aren’t complicated enough, throw in a third guy and you have an angsty Love Quadrangle! She starts to develop feelings for an unmatched male with secrets and an air of familiarity. Things get messy when the men develop real feelings for her in the process of trying to win her hand. Understandably, she struggles with indecision and breaking hearts as she was thrust into this archaic matchmaking system with no dating experience.
Her seclusion in this community has left her in the dark about what’s really happening out in the world. Secrets are revealed and motives are questioned as she catches a glimpse of what’s happening outside her community.
We get to watch her leave behind her life of complacency as she begins to question authority and finds strength and power she didn’t know she possessed!
I highly recommend this book! It’s exciting and the story will leave you on the edge of your seat!
Add this to your TBR if you love these tropes: 👇
✨ Dystopian Vibes
🌊 Elemental Powers
🔥 Forbidden Friends
💕 Forbidden Love
❤️ First Love
⚔️ 3 Love Interests
💍 Arranged Marriage
🤫 Family Secrets
*Oh and it’s First Person POV!*
This is a new adult and upper young adult romantasy series that follows Maya, a young woman with the ability to manipulate water. She lives on a hidden compound in the middle of the Oregon forest with other Elementals with varying abilities. They have been at war with Coms (Commoners- those without elemental abilities) for years. She has a duty to her people to marry and produce children with strong elemental powers to help further their war efforts.
Maya is matched with two genetically ideal men, that happen to be best friends and really good guys. As if love triangles aren’t complicated enough, throw in a third guy and you have an angsty Love Quadrangle! She starts to develop feelings for an unmatched male with secrets and an air of familiarity. Things get messy when the men develop real feelings for her in the process of trying to win her hand. Understandably, she struggles with indecision and breaking hearts as she was thrust into this archaic matchmaking system with no dating experience.
Her seclusion in this community has left her in the dark about what’s really happening out in the world. Secrets are revealed and motives are questioned as she catches a glimpse of what’s happening outside her community.
We get to watch her leave behind her life of complacency as she begins to question authority and finds strength and power she didn’t know she possessed!
I highly recommend this book! It’s exciting and the story will leave you on the edge of your seat!
August 6, 2024
This is one of the best debut novels I’ve read! From the first chapter I was hooked and the ending had me wanting more immediately!🤯
This was such a unique modern fantasy book that gave me some Shatter Me and These Hollow Vows vibes. The world building was so good and written in a way that didn’t confuse me or made me feel overwhelmed by too much information.✨
Maya is such a fun FMC with a beautiful heart who goes through a beautiful journey of growth throughout this book. Her thoughts and emotions in every situation was so well expressed and made me feel what she felt in those moments.🥺 She is seriously such an incredible FMC and I would definitely be best friends with her if she was real.💚
Don’t even get me started on the men in this book!🔥
Sebastian was a very complicated character for me and I enjoyed getting to discover who he truly was, but I’m definitely in shock after that ending!😱 I really did not expect that at all.
Sweet William with his British accent immediately had my heart. He is such a softie and I love how both he and Sebastian never pressured Maya into anything as she decided which of them to choose to be her bonded.💚
James!!! He came as an unexpected man in Maya’s life and even though he wasn’t chosen to be one of her matches, the heart wants what it wants, and mine also wants James.😂 He really is a too tier book boyfriend and I can’t wait to see what book 2 has instore for him and Maya’s relationship, but I’m also so scared.👀
I really enjoyed every single moment of The Spark Within and I’m so glad that I got an arc of it! That ending left me wanting more and I can’t wait to see what Samantha does next!🔥
The Spark Within releases September 17th and if you’re a fantasy reader, this one is definitely for you!💚
This was such a unique modern fantasy book that gave me some Shatter Me and These Hollow Vows vibes. The world building was so good and written in a way that didn’t confuse me or made me feel overwhelmed by too much information.✨
Maya is such a fun FMC with a beautiful heart who goes through a beautiful journey of growth throughout this book. Her thoughts and emotions in every situation was so well expressed and made me feel what she felt in those moments.🥺 She is seriously such an incredible FMC and I would definitely be best friends with her if she was real.💚
Don’t even get me started on the men in this book!🔥
Sebastian was a very complicated character for me and I enjoyed getting to discover who he truly was, but I’m definitely in shock after that ending!😱 I really did not expect that at all.
Sweet William with his British accent immediately had my heart. He is such a softie and I love how both he and Sebastian never pressured Maya into anything as she decided which of them to choose to be her bonded.💚
James!!! He came as an unexpected man in Maya’s life and even though he wasn’t chosen to be one of her matches, the heart wants what it wants, and mine also wants James.😂 He really is a too tier book boyfriend and I can’t wait to see what book 2 has instore for him and Maya’s relationship, but I’m also so scared.👀
I really enjoyed every single moment of The Spark Within and I’m so glad that I got an arc of it! That ending left me wanting more and I can’t wait to see what Samantha does next!🔥
The Spark Within releases September 17th and if you’re a fantasy reader, this one is definitely for you!💚
September 18, 2024
Five years ago Maya and her family fled a ragging war between Elementals and Coms. This initiated her mother to start a hidden community to help protect Elementals from those without elemental powers that would wish them harm.
Within the walls of this hidden oasis Maya feels trapped. Young residents are unable to make any decision, their lives are to be led by strict rules. Among these rules is that boys and girls are forbidden to communicate with each other unless they have been matched. It is every young adult's dream to finally be paired with their perfect match. So when it is finally Maya’s turn she is prepared to be the obedient daughter and pick the best suitor chosen for her. However, when Maya is drawn to a boy who has not been selected for her, James, she starts to question everything she has been taught. Can she choose who she loves? Is still dangerous outside of their community or has she been lied to her whole life?
Overall rating 4/5
This book is perfect for young adult audiences. It has little to no spice, and great character development. This is a story about hope, doing what is right and perseverance. I do feel that there could have been more world building. I would have loved to have more scenes of Maya seeing the outside world and the dynamic of her realizing what it was truly like. I also could have done with a little less of the triad between Maya and her love interests, I felt that it took up too much of the plot. However, for younger readers I believe that this would be a great read on discovering oneself and their place within their world.
*Thank you to Samantha Christopher for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
Within the walls of this hidden oasis Maya feels trapped. Young residents are unable to make any decision, their lives are to be led by strict rules. Among these rules is that boys and girls are forbidden to communicate with each other unless they have been matched. It is every young adult's dream to finally be paired with their perfect match. So when it is finally Maya’s turn she is prepared to be the obedient daughter and pick the best suitor chosen for her. However, when Maya is drawn to a boy who has not been selected for her, James, she starts to question everything she has been taught. Can she choose who she loves? Is still dangerous outside of their community or has she been lied to her whole life?
Overall rating 4/5
This book is perfect for young adult audiences. It has little to no spice, and great character development. This is a story about hope, doing what is right and perseverance. I do feel that there could have been more world building. I would have loved to have more scenes of Maya seeing the outside world and the dynamic of her realizing what it was truly like. I also could have done with a little less of the triad between Maya and her love interests, I felt that it took up too much of the plot. However, for younger readers I believe that this would be a great read on discovering oneself and their place within their world.
*Thank you to Samantha Christopher for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
September 19, 2024
I have been KEEN to read this as part of the author’s ARC and Street Team and I can definitely say that I haven’t been disappointed. This is a fast-paced, action-packed, swoon-worthy romantasy novel, the first in a trilogy, set in our world but not as we know it.
The story is told by Maya, a human with Elemental powers to control water, who lives in a secret settlement in Portland, USA, for other Elementals. They are in hiding from non-Elemental humans (called Commoners, or Coms) who want to destroy the Elemental’s powers. To strengthen the Elemental’s chances of winning the war against the Coms and the future of Elemental power, young women must choose between two men who are genetically their match to bond to and create stronger offspring.
This is certainly a unique take on romantasy and I’m loving the dystopian futuristic vibes. It reminded me slightly of Divergent and Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga so if you’re into those, you’ll love this book. The pacing is excellent, never a boring page, and the last 20% or so positively flew. I couldn’t see where this book was going at all, and especially with the love interests, it was hard to know who Maya would choose, right up til the end. And even then, you’re kept guessing …
I love the elemental magic part of this story and learning about the different types was fun and engaging. There are never any huge info drops so it’s an easy to follow narrative that was great to be completely absorbed by. With lots of twists and surprises, it was definitely hard to put down.
This is a solid debut for the author with plenty of foreshadowing for future books and I’m so keen to see what happens in this world next.
The story is told by Maya, a human with Elemental powers to control water, who lives in a secret settlement in Portland, USA, for other Elementals. They are in hiding from non-Elemental humans (called Commoners, or Coms) who want to destroy the Elemental’s powers. To strengthen the Elemental’s chances of winning the war against the Coms and the future of Elemental power, young women must choose between two men who are genetically their match to bond to and create stronger offspring.
This is certainly a unique take on romantasy and I’m loving the dystopian futuristic vibes. It reminded me slightly of Divergent and Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga so if you’re into those, you’ll love this book. The pacing is excellent, never a boring page, and the last 20% or so positively flew. I couldn’t see where this book was going at all, and especially with the love interests, it was hard to know who Maya would choose, right up til the end. And even then, you’re kept guessing …
I love the elemental magic part of this story and learning about the different types was fun and engaging. There are never any huge info drops so it’s an easy to follow narrative that was great to be completely absorbed by. With lots of twists and surprises, it was definitely hard to put down.
This is a solid debut for the author with plenty of foreshadowing for future books and I’m so keen to see what happens in this world next.
September 18, 2024
"You captivated me with your smile, your words, and your eyes. I've never seen such beautiful green eyes. They are the exact color of when the light catches the treetops."
Where do I begin? This book...wow! I could not stop reading. The storyline, the characters, and the ambiance of this unique story had me fascinated from the start. I did not know what to expect from this story.
The elements of nature play an important role in this story as a group of people, the Elementals, have the ability to control and wield an element they inherit. This community is trying to preserve their kind as a war broke out between them and the Commoners. They come up with a bonding system in hopes of creating a stronger generation of Elementals. Maya, the MMC, is conflicted by the tradition of her community and following her heart. I really like her character and seeing her role play out as this story evolves. The guys that enter her life are all so different and keep the story interesting with plenty of drama and raw emotion.
The magic system in this book is unique, and I love the modern twist of when this story takes place. Samantha has a beautiful imagination with this stunning story. The clean romantasy of a love quadrangle is full of adventure with elemental magic. This is a wonderful and fun read!
Where do I begin? This book...wow! I could not stop reading. The storyline, the characters, and the ambiance of this unique story had me fascinated from the start. I did not know what to expect from this story.
The elements of nature play an important role in this story as a group of people, the Elementals, have the ability to control and wield an element they inherit. This community is trying to preserve their kind as a war broke out between them and the Commoners. They come up with a bonding system in hopes of creating a stronger generation of Elementals. Maya, the MMC, is conflicted by the tradition of her community and following her heart. I really like her character and seeing her role play out as this story evolves. The guys that enter her life are all so different and keep the story interesting with plenty of drama and raw emotion.
The magic system in this book is unique, and I love the modern twist of when this story takes place. Samantha has a beautiful imagination with this stunning story. The clean romantasy of a love quadrangle is full of adventure with elemental magic. This is a wonderful and fun read!
April 3, 2025
In a world where some people have power over the elements, "normal" people feel threatened and a war breaks out. Five years ago, Maya Mayfield's home was bombed, and she and her family had to flee for safely. Now they're in a secure community where men become fighters in the war and women are matched to men to create a stronger legacy of children. Thrilled to be safe and blindly trusting her mom, Maya never questions the dystopian life she's being raised into - until someone comes along and makes her question everything.
MINOR SPOILERS BELOW:
For a debut novel, I thought this was thrilling. Though predictable at times, some of the plot twists had my jaw DROPPING. Maya was written well, because she starts off supporting some of the most unhinged ideas - what do you MEAN 18 year olds have their fertility checked before they're matched to two strangers, have to pick between one in a relatively short time, and then spend their entire life with them or risk losing their powers?? Girl are you okay??? - but you can clearly see the inner turmoil build inside her. The cliffhanger ending really built it up nicely - if the character development continues, this could easily be a five star read, but I could also see it not living up to expectations. I'm excited to keep reading in book 2!
**Dystopian vibes
**Multiple love interests
**Clean romance
MINOR SPOILERS BELOW:
For a debut novel, I thought this was thrilling. Though predictable at times, some of the plot twists had my jaw DROPPING. Maya was written well, because she starts off supporting some of the most unhinged ideas - what do you MEAN 18 year olds have their fertility checked before they're matched to two strangers, have to pick between one in a relatively short time, and then spend their entire life with them or risk losing their powers?? Girl are you okay??? - but you can clearly see the inner turmoil build inside her. The cliffhanger ending really built it up nicely - if the character development continues, this could easily be a five star read, but I could also see it not living up to expectations. I'm excited to keep reading in book 2!
**Dystopian vibes
**Multiple love interests
**Clean romance
July 22, 2025
I wish I liked this book more.
I had a hard time getting into it. The setup was a bit confusing to me, trying to figure out exactly what the context of this book was. I figured out that it's a dystopian novel, whether or not its set in the future is still unclear, because there was too much reference to modern-day things.
The story itself had some promise. I liked the twist at about 75% through the book, and I thought that added some more interest to the book, and I think the ending was pretty well done, opening it up for more to come.
A lot of the dialogue and the relationship arcs felt super forced. I didn't really care for any of the characters, and I didn't really want Maya to end up with anyone in particular. This was teenage love triangle to the extreme, where all of them are good-looking, but their character is underdeveloped.
(SPOILER, BUT I JUST HAVE TO SAY IT !)
I hated that when they were under attack, Sebastian still just cared about Maya choosing James over him. That felt so dramatic for no reason. You're in a life or death situation, and you're raging over a girl choosing a guy that's not you (???)
I had a hard time getting into it. The setup was a bit confusing to me, trying to figure out exactly what the context of this book was. I figured out that it's a dystopian novel, whether or not its set in the future is still unclear, because there was too much reference to modern-day things.
The story itself had some promise. I liked the twist at about 75% through the book, and I thought that added some more interest to the book, and I think the ending was pretty well done, opening it up for more to come.
A lot of the dialogue and the relationship arcs felt super forced. I didn't really care for any of the characters, and I didn't really want Maya to end up with anyone in particular. This was teenage love triangle to the extreme, where all of them are good-looking, but their character is underdeveloped.
(SPOILER, BUT I JUST HAVE TO SAY IT !)
I hated that when they were under attack, Sebastian still just cared about Maya choosing James over him. That felt so dramatic for no reason. You're in a life or death situation, and you're raging over a girl choosing a guy that's not you (???)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
The Spark Within by Sam Christopher is a dystopian fantasy with romance in the forefront. One of the biggest things I want to shout out is her world building and the magical foundation of that world which was created with utmost care and I LOVED it!
Maya has finally reached the age of 18 and with that in her society she is required to help further their people through the act of reproduction. They are facing extinction with the Coms and are requiring the women of their world to further their ranks. Again this is all explained much better than I can within the book HOWEVER they are bonded to their partners which are chosen scientifically and based on their magic. Yet occasionally partners are found outside of these chosen arrangements. Which will happen to Maya? Will her mother choose the perfect man for her?
Maya is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is propaganda put out by the ruling members of her people. How will she know whats real? Who is her partner in life? Give this amazing fantasy book a shot. I couldnt put it down and can’t wait for book two!
Maya has finally reached the age of 18 and with that in her society she is required to help further their people through the act of reproduction. They are facing extinction with the Coms and are requiring the women of their world to further their ranks. Again this is all explained much better than I can within the book HOWEVER they are bonded to their partners which are chosen scientifically and based on their magic. Yet occasionally partners are found outside of these chosen arrangements. Which will happen to Maya? Will her mother choose the perfect man for her?
Maya is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is propaganda put out by the ruling members of her people. How will she know whats real? Who is her partner in life? Give this amazing fantasy book a shot. I couldnt put it down and can’t wait for book two!
September 6, 2024
3.5 stars
It took me a little while to get into this, but once I was there, I was there. I enjoyed the dystopian vibes and thought the idea of matching was original (I haven't read anything like this previously). Although I was frustrated with myself for being unable to choose who I preferred. I did, however, fall hard for James and how he came out of nowhere and blindsided Maya; their chemistry was brilliant.
This is Samantha's debut, and I look forward to seeing what happens next. There was a lot of action there at the end, and I have no idea what is to come.
"Choose who you love, not who other people want you to love."
I recommend if you love dystopian, YA fantasy, elemental powers, family secrets, and romance.
Would have been a 4 for me if I hadn't found the beginning as slow.
Thank you so much for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a little while to get into this, but once I was there, I was there. I enjoyed the dystopian vibes and thought the idea of matching was original (I haven't read anything like this previously). Although I was frustrated with myself for being unable to choose who I preferred. I did, however, fall hard for James and how he came out of nowhere and blindsided Maya; their chemistry was brilliant.
This is Samantha's debut, and I look forward to seeing what happens next. There was a lot of action there at the end, and I have no idea what is to come.
"Choose who you love, not who other people want you to love."
I recommend if you love dystopian, YA fantasy, elemental powers, family secrets, and romance.
Would have been a 4 for me if I hadn't found the beginning as slow.
Thank you so much for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2024
Thank you to Sam Christopher for allowing me to ARC read your debut novel in exchange for an honest review.
Maya Mayfield lives in an isolated community in the Oregon mountains. Her mother has set up a “matching” program that sets women up with “genetically perfect matches”. When she meets a new recruit before match day, everything changes.
Outside of her world, a war rages on between Elementals and Coms (those who don’t have the elemental power). Throughout the novel, Maya repeatedly makes new discoveries that threaten to change her perspective of everything she’s ever known.
This YA Dystopian Romantasy has elemental magic, banter, and a love triangle. The twists throughout the book kept me on my toes! I devoured this in a day because I just wanted to know what was going to happen next THAT bad. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes Maya!
February 5, 2025
Twists & Turns
This dystopian romantasy was original, because it included a love quadrangle, forbidden friends, elemental powers, and genetic match making. There were so many twists and turns that by the time that I thought I knew what was going on, the plot had the upper hand, even the ending had a major cliffhanger twist that stills has me in suspense. I would consider this book to be closed door, due to the fact that there were no explicit sex scenes or nudity, but sex was an option outside of marriage for the characters and at times it seemed to be encouraged. Although none of the characters participated, it still didn’t sit well with my moral compass, especially with the characters being teenagers. I just didn’t see why this particular part of the book was needed, and it had 5 star potential without it.
Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This dystopian romantasy was original, because it included a love quadrangle, forbidden friends, elemental powers, and genetic match making. There were so many twists and turns that by the time that I thought I knew what was going on, the plot had the upper hand, even the ending had a major cliffhanger twist that stills has me in suspense. I would consider this book to be closed door, due to the fact that there were no explicit sex scenes or nudity, but sex was an option outside of marriage for the characters and at times it seemed to be encouraged. Although none of the characters participated, it still didn’t sit well with my moral compass, especially with the characters being teenagers. I just didn’t see why this particular part of the book was needed, and it had 5 star potential without it.
Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
April 4, 2025
This series is everything I never knew I needed. Im captivated by these characters. So much I pre-ordered the set. The FMC, Maya, is so darn relatable. You laugh with her, get angry with her but you're cheering her on as well. The story is amazing and the world development I absolutely loved. The war between the Elementals and Commoners was spun in such a crafty way that I just wanted to read more. I was so sucked in to the love quadrangle that I stayed up way too late reading. The idea of arranged mates and forbidden relationships were to blame for my lack of sleep. The second book, The second book, Spark Ignites comes out on May 20th and trust me, you want this duo. Not to mention, the connecting covers are spectacular. Samantha Christopher is a master at weaving a story that you simply cant put down.
May 27, 2025
I flew through The Spark Within!
Samantha Christopher delivers a stunning debut filled with elemental powers, forbidden love, and high stakes decisionsss 💫
Maya struggle between duty and desire had me completely hooked. The tensionnn of choosing between her perfect matches and the rebellious recruit kept me flipping pages 🔥
The world building is sooo good and super immersive, with an intriguing elemental system and a chilling undertone of societal control. The love quadrangle was my fav part! If you’re into clean romantasy with dystopian vibes, this is a must read.
Can’t wait for book 2!!
Tropessss
✨ arranged marriage
✨ forbidden love
✨ elemental powers
✨ rebellion vs duty
✨ found family vibes
#cleanromantasy #elementalpowers #arrangedmarriage #forbiddenlove #dystopianromance #yafantasy #mustread #debutnovel
Samantha Christopher delivers a stunning debut filled with elemental powers, forbidden love, and high stakes decisionsss 💫
Maya struggle between duty and desire had me completely hooked. The tensionnn of choosing between her perfect matches and the rebellious recruit kept me flipping pages 🔥
The world building is sooo good and super immersive, with an intriguing elemental system and a chilling undertone of societal control. The love quadrangle was my fav part! If you’re into clean romantasy with dystopian vibes, this is a must read.
Can’t wait for book 2!!
Tropessss
✨ arranged marriage
✨ forbidden love
✨ elemental powers
✨ rebellion vs duty
✨ found family vibes
#cleanromantasy #elementalpowers #arrangedmarriage #forbiddenlove #dystopianromance #yafantasy #mustread #debutnovel
August 6, 2024
Okay so first off I would like to thank the author for letting me me ARC read this MASTER PIECE!!!
To start we are met with Maya, a young women who is faced with the matching system, a girl who lost her father young but thats the least of her concern, she meets a man named James, and the story just gets better. Just so I don’t spoil this! The emotions that this book put me through, let’s just say I was crying at the end. the scenes where written perfectly, the characters where easy to resonate with, I had a hard time putting this book down, and when I did I was mad cause I wanted to know what happened next.
The author has a way with describing the world you get sucked into, and makes you feel as if you’re there. Do i recommend this book absolutely!
To start we are met with Maya, a young women who is faced with the matching system, a girl who lost her father young but thats the least of her concern, she meets a man named James, and the story just gets better. Just so I don’t spoil this! The emotions that this book put me through, let’s just say I was crying at the end. the scenes where written perfectly, the characters where easy to resonate with, I had a hard time putting this book down, and when I did I was mad cause I wanted to know what happened next.
The author has a way with describing the world you get sucked into, and makes you feel as if you’re there. Do i recommend this book absolutely!
September 11, 2024
A little bit Bachelor Nation…a little bit dystopian fiction…The Spark Within is a strong debut novel from Christopher. The story is at once familiar and something new—putting a spin on your typical dystopian novel by setting it in the middle of the contemporary Oregon wilderness. Christopher touches on themes of belonging, otherness, coming of age, and the thin line between right and wrong when it comes to injustice in the world. Readers will fall in love with Maya (and her love interests) as she learns about herself and struggles to discern truth from fiction in an increasingly complicated world.
Amidst YA books almost too “adult” for actual teens, The Spark Within is a novel I’ll feel comfortable recommending to my students—and I can hardly wait to do so!
Amidst YA books almost too “adult” for actual teens, The Spark Within is a novel I’ll feel comfortable recommending to my students—and I can hardly wait to do so!
September 15, 2024
This is nothing like what I've read before. I would classify this as 18+ New Adult. The characters act like YA but it makes sense for their isolation, but they are 18 or older in the book.
I personally really enjoy the Elemental powers - air, earth, fire, water - it's something that I've always gravitated to in reading. It is a large part of this story with a majority of the characters wielding a power.
The author is a wonderful writer. It's lyrical and real at the same time. I would say this is also a coming-of-age story so there is meaning and some real good quotes in it.
I've been following this indie author since before the book was released and she is one that is worthy of the support. Down to earth and genuine! You will not regret reading this book.
I personally really enjoy the Elemental powers - air, earth, fire, water - it's something that I've always gravitated to in reading. It is a large part of this story with a majority of the characters wielding a power.
The author is a wonderful writer. It's lyrical and real at the same time. I would say this is also a coming-of-age story so there is meaning and some real good quotes in it.
I've been following this indie author since before the book was released and she is one that is worthy of the support. Down to earth and genuine! You will not regret reading this book.
September 15, 2024
You WILL NEED to read this!! If Hunger Games, The Red Queen, and Divergent are in you library or TBR, you better add The Spark Within.
I will admit that it took a little bit for me to get hooked, but once some of the pieces began to connect, I was hooked. I read this in less than 24 hours (I had family responsibilities in the evening).
There is lots of action, several twits I didn’t expect, banter, a love triangle +1 (so a love square?), complex characters, and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat!! I loved the New Mexico connection. I forgot that this was the debut book for Samantha Christopher. She is AMAZING!! She is an author to follow.
I will admit that it took a little bit for me to get hooked, but once some of the pieces began to connect, I was hooked. I read this in less than 24 hours (I had family responsibilities in the evening).
There is lots of action, several twits I didn’t expect, banter, a love triangle +1 (so a love square?), complex characters, and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat!! I loved the New Mexico connection. I forgot that this was the debut book for Samantha Christopher. She is AMAZING!! She is an author to follow.
December 9, 2024
Maya Mayfield can control water. She lives in an isolated community in the Oregon mountains and given her powers, her mother has arranged for her to date two men with the result being a marriage to one. When she chooses one, his powers would complement hers and make them a force to be reckoned with. The only problem is, there is a third candidate who has Maya rethinking her choices and potential arranged marriage. Throughout her courting, she knows there is a war happening outside their community walls between the Elementals and Commoners. Maya’s community is protected from the war by the Legion of unmatched men, and she is prohibited from interacting with these men.
The Spark Within feels like “The Bachelorette” meets “Divergent.” It is of the fantasy/romantasy genre but to me, it felt more simple than other books in this genre. Don’t get me wrong, fantasy/romantasy has become my top genre but sometimes it is nice to be able to read and not question if you are understanding the world-building and multiple characters introduced at once. The story takes place in familiar worlds.
I absolutely loved the sisterly bond that she shared with her best friend Abby. I also loved the effect the side characters had on the storyline. I loved William. Maya’s bond with her little brother is so sweet and heartwarming. Pick this book up if you are a fan of the following tropes: arranged marriage, forbidden love, forbidden friends, forever friends, love squares? (it is more than a triangle), family secrets, and stories told from a first person point of view.
The Spark Within feels like “The Bachelorette” meets “Divergent.” It is of the fantasy/romantasy genre but to me, it felt more simple than other books in this genre. Don’t get me wrong, fantasy/romantasy has become my top genre but sometimes it is nice to be able to read and not question if you are understanding the world-building and multiple characters introduced at once. The story takes place in familiar worlds.
I absolutely loved the sisterly bond that she shared with her best friend Abby. I also loved the effect the side characters had on the storyline. I loved William. Maya’s bond with her little brother is so sweet and heartwarming. Pick this book up if you are a fan of the following tropes: arranged marriage, forbidden love, forbidden friends, forever friends, love squares? (it is more than a triangle), family secrets, and stories told from a first person point of view.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2024
Whew! What a ride! I love Samantha Christopher’s The Spark Within. Think Divergent meets the Bachelorette, without spice.
The elemental magic and beautifully written forest setting was my favorite and made me want to go outside in nature. The love quadrangle was fascinating, both making me swoon and squirm at times lol. The political and familial dynamics were so interesting and well done. And oh BOY the twists… My jaw literally dropped several times and once I even startled my nearby children with my apparently very audible gasp! Tears were also shed. This book will stay with me for a while. Such a great debut, can’t wait for the rest of the series!
The elemental magic and beautifully written forest setting was my favorite and made me want to go outside in nature. The love quadrangle was fascinating, both making me swoon and squirm at times lol. The political and familial dynamics were so interesting and well done. And oh BOY the twists… My jaw literally dropped several times and once I even startled my nearby children with my apparently very audible gasp! Tears were also shed. This book will stay with me for a while. Such a great debut, can’t wait for the rest of the series!
April 30, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much! It reminds me of Divergent in some ways. Something has happened in the world between coms and those with power. Maya is an 18 year old girl who now must choose her match between 2 men, but her heart belongs to another. She's fallen for her best friends brother James, but he isn't one she has been matched with. She discovers her mother's been lying to her for her entire life about a few things. Now she must choose between the man she loves and the only home she's known. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Between the matches and the secrets and lies being told to this community of elementals. I can't wait for book 2 to release! I'm rooting for James and Maya so hard right now! What Sabastian did was so wrong!!!!!
September 15, 2025
It was okay
I hate love triangles bc they always make me dislike the FMC
in this case it was a friggin love square
What genius idea is having THREE love interests????
No….
The plot was mediocre but I’m curious enough to know what happens next
The ending was good
I enjoyed the chaos and the action
I feel like this book set it up for a better plot in the next book
The plot was new and not developed that well in my opinion for this book
There was no slowburn so I was already socking a star off for that
It was just “oooo a boy! I like you because you break rules and I’m a a good girl teehee” ……
let’s see what I feel in the next book
I hate love triangles bc they always make me dislike the FMC
in this case it was a friggin love square
What genius idea is having THREE love interests????
No….
The plot was mediocre but I’m curious enough to know what happens next
The ending was good
I enjoyed the chaos and the action
I feel like this book set it up for a better plot in the next book
The plot was new and not developed that well in my opinion for this book
There was no slowburn so I was already socking a star off for that
It was just “oooo a boy! I like you because you break rules and I’m a a good girl teehee” ……
let’s see what I feel in the next book
August 7, 2024
For a debut novel, this was pretty good. It reminded me a lot of the books I read as a teenager; Divergent, Hunger Games, Twilight, Matched etc. Because of that, it didn't feel super original, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I could barely put it down.
I wish it had explored the world more, and focused more on the war and their powers (which are super cool), and less on the romance and the matching process. And some of the dialogue was a little cringy, especially between Maya and the boys. But overall, a solid YA fantasy.
I wish it had explored the world more, and focused more on the war and their powers (which are super cool), and less on the romance and the matching process. And some of the dialogue was a little cringy, especially between Maya and the boys. But overall, a solid YA fantasy.
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