Maya’s latest discoveries have brought more questions than answers as she grapples with her new identity. With her mother missing and bonded to a man she despises, there is only one way for Maya to find what she seeks. While the war between the Elementals and Commoners intensifies, Maya embarks on a dangerous cross-country road trip with her closest friends to obtain answers. She will encounter new enemies, make unexpected friendships, and contend with her heart that is torn between three men. One whose friendship might mean more than she thought One who, despite his past mistakes, has an unyielding hold on her One who stole her heart and disappeared Between intense battles, Maya’s complicated love life, and profound revelations, the second installment in The Spark Series will leave you breathless and craving more.
Sam 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.
Holy moly it’s currently midnight and I just finished bc I hit 75% and could NOT put it down. my brain is currently glitching in the best way possible🤯 I’ll be back for my full review in the morning
*POSSIBLE SPOILERS TO FOLLOW!*
Let me start by saying thank you for choosing me to ARC read❤️
The twists and turns of this book are wild. I’m so glad Maya had her “oh shit I’M the badass” moment. I knew she would I was just biting my nails waiting for it the first 1/4 of the book!
Personally I’m a Sebastian hater through and through! Like even in book 1 he was giving me icky vibes! I wish Maya would have seen it sooner!!
#teamjames for life!!!!! Lord have mercy I LOVE me some Avery James🤤 I just hope he continues to be the bigger man come book 3 when he finds out about Maya.
I’m so glad Abby William and Juliet were okay but poor Abby😭😭 my heart BREAKS for her and I hope she doesn’t somehow grow to resent Maya.
Personally I don’t love the “oops I’m pregnant” trope but I kinda expected it since that’s sorta the whole baseline of the series (match making bloodlines to procreate the elementals) but man I was hoping she didn’t bc I really hate Sebastian 😂
Yes there was a cliff hanger😭😭 I knew there would be but MAN am I gonna die waiting for book 3 to come out in 2026.
BOOK REVIEW: I received an advanced reader copy of The Spark Ignites and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
This series is everything I never knew I needed. Im captivated by these characters. So much I pre-ordered the set. The Spark Ignites picks up where The Spark Within left off. We continue our journey with Maya, the Elementals and the Commoners. I love not only Maya but Abby and William. Just like The Spark Within, I loved the storyline. The war between the Elementals and Commoners was spun in such a crafty way that I just wanted to read more. The love story was mesmerizing. I had so many sleepless nights because I didnt want to put this book down. The 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 masterful storyteller.
The story picked up where the first book left off.
This book was entertaining, and the found family (literally) was heartwarming. I enjoyed the plot and the big twists in the story. However, there were a few tropes that I didn’t enjoy— that’s just my personal preference though. Those would be accidental pregnancy and why choose (sort of).
Maya had two whole books to figure out which guy she liked out of the three, but she was still conflicted throughout this whole second book. It had me wanting a definite “come to light” moment, but I never got that.
The ending is set up for another book, which I’m interested in reading! Definitely some big things will be happening in the future since the ending had some huge plot twists!
3.75 stars Mild language Mild spice (make out, fade to black between teenagers, unplanned pregnancy)
Thank you to the author for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I picked this as an arc read not knowing it was book 2 so of course I HAD to read the first. The Spark Within got me so hooked and left me wanting more.
The Spark Ignites!!! This book gave me all the feels. The twists and turns kept me reading. The family history of Maya was exactly what I was hoping for. The last 20-30% of this book had me in an emotional rollercoaster.
I am always going to be team James but the ending for Sebastian ripped my heart out. I can’t wait to read book 3 when it comes out in 2026 because that ending was insane 🤯
Releasing May 20th and this is a MUST READ!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I hate to even type this but I the FMC in the book pissed me off so much I almost dnf’d it. I was super excited too because I loved book 1. Also the surprise pregnancy at the end just made me livid. The only reason I rated it 3 is because I enjoy the magic system and world building.
Received an ARC for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
♥♥♥ Thank you to Samantha Christopher/the publisher for providing this ARC for an honest review! ♥♥♥
I devoured this—fast paced and action packed sequel to The Spark Within. There were so many ”a-ha” moments in the storytelling and I couldn’t guess what would happen next. Sam has drug out the heartache of being stuck in a quadrangle for the length of two books, but how can I explain that it’s been written in the best way?! 5 stars alone for the absolute ANGST! I cannot wait for the final book in the trilogy! Also, for my closed-door romantasy girlies this one is for you!
hmm So I give this book a 3.75 ⭐️ Not quite a 4 because of how absolutely irate I was feeling But honestly I haven’t felt strongly about a book in a while so thank you for letting me get all into a book 😂 I legit had to remind myself this was all fake and not real I honestly think the author WANTED me to feel those intense emotions She said in the authors note “I hope I don’t put you though too much emotional turmoil” TOO LATE SAMANTHA TOO. LATE. I WAS LITERALLY FUMING AT MAYA
This book made me realize how much I prefer a good slowburn romance on low simmering for 8+ hours in the crockpot ….yearning and all….. You will get yearning in the book kinda but it’s not rewarding….
THE ROMANCE CIRCUS: Ok so we’ve established that this is a love quadrangle BUT IM THINKING WE CAN ELIMINATE ONE PLAYER RIGHT mmmm WRONG how is she STILL in love with all three!?!? LIKE WHAT!? I feel like “love” in this book is so fickle and fake It’s extremely hard for me to believe she genuinely loves all of them She’s naive and has no experience with boys so of course she thinks it’s love The author has you up down and sideways when it comes to the romance in this book I wanted to shout at Maya for playing with these men’s hearts (funny bc my name is Mya so imagine me screaming “MAYA STOP PLAYING THESE DAGUM GAMES YOU COWARD” in my head….yeah 😂) I wanted to knock some sense into her ….literally dragging the Maya name in the MUD I was sick
Characters: So we do see character development in this book and I can’t say much on this without spoiling it But just know I’m mad about the development of one character… And Maya is definitely becoming more confident in her abilities which I’m happy for her She’s growing to be someone who thinks for herself rather than follow all the rules She continue to be protective of those whom she loves I won’t even touch the MMCs bc I have too much to say and they’re all spoilers… I’ll give you one emotion I’m feeling though: pissed 😛
The Plot: The plot was a lot better in this book! I enjoyed the action and the adventure of it all. The first book was like a build up to this book and the next one for sure I really enjoyed reading the action scenes and thought they were well done You finally get a glimpse of world outside of the manor and how people actually view Elementals The twists were good! I enjoyed them
I will be reading book three because what the actual heck was that ending…. I can’t even tell you what happened but it had me face palming an screaming “YOUVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME”
Book three here I come.. AND IT BETTER BE WRAPPED UP NICELY WITH A PINK BOW ON IT
Thank you so much to author Samantha Christopher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a fun and heart pounding second installment in this series! Book one ended in a cliffhanger with Maya's mother gone and Maya bonded to a man against her choice. In this book, she sets off a dangerous journey to find her mother, just as the war between the Elementals and Commoners continues to heat up.
One thing I really appreciated about this book is it kept me on my toes!! I literally was not able to predict a single one of the twists in this book! There is also a lot of action in this book and some big fight scenes involving the characters and their powers. When Maya and her friends set off on their clandestine road trip to try to find her mother, I had the same level of anxiety I felt watching The Walking Dead whenever characters would try to journey across the dangerous landscape that used to be America. In this book you never know who you can trust!
There were also a lot of shocking revelations. I love how much Maya learns about her family in this book. I especially loved the character of Izalia that we meet in this book and was delighted to learn in the author's note Christopher has written a prequel that tells her story!
Just like in book one, Maya continues to confuse the readers as to who she will ultimately end up with! Her love life is complicated, and I was convinced she would end up with three different love interests at different points in this book! I'm with her friend Abby when she said, "Ugh. Girl! This is like spring all over again. I love Sebastian. No, I love James. You can't be yanking their hearts around like that" (274). I know she is ultimately a teenager still trying to figure it all out, but I wanted her to pick and stop hurting the various guys by jerking their chains!
Just like book one, this ends on a cliff hanger, perfectly setting us up for the third book in the series. A great upper young adult read!
Title: The Spark Ignites Author: @samchristopherwrites Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I love you with my whole being and everything I am. You are my every breath, Maya."
I was looking forward to this next book of the series, and it did not disappoint! This love quadrangle has me overwhelmed and conflicted. The continuous tension between these characters has me stressed in the best ways possible!
In The Spark Ignites, we continue with Maya's story. A lot has happened at the end of Book 1. Maya is figuring herself out with her new identity. She is conflicted and in a constant battle with her current dilemma of being forced in a bond. We see the effect this has on her at the beginning of Book 2. When I began this book, I was upset at one her love interests with how he was treating her, while the other MC is her constant security blanket.
The battle between The Elementals and the Commoners begins to intensify, and Maya plans to venture out to find the answers to the unknown. As she and her friends travel through the states, they encounter some rough moments but also come across some new characters who become a huge part of the story. I like the dynamic of these new characters and the important role they play in Maya's life.
The ending has a lot of action packed into this story, along with Maya battling between her love for William, James, and Sebastian. I do have a favorite love interest, and I was constantly being thrown around with all these twist plots in the story. My heart broke, my stomach churned, and I was definitely thrown a fast ball with that big twist! O.M.G. I don't know what to think!! I am torn and upset and wanting Book 3!!
@samchristopherwrites has written an amazing fantasy! I continue to be drawn into this series, and I am unsure how to feel after that ending! What an amazing rollercoaster of tangled plot twists and chaotic emotion. This is a wonderful fantasy with great world building and a beautiful elemental magic system. For it being closed door, the love quadrangle is still 🥵
I was so graciously allowed to be able to receive the ARC for this upcoming book for an honest review of this book.
If you like these tropes: Dystopian vibes Bonded mates Multiple lovers Stong FMC Touch her and 💀 Found Family
This is definitely your kind of book, it was definitely mine 5⭐️
After reading the first book in the this series The Spark Within, The Spark Ignites picks up right where it left off. Samatha does an amazing job at world building and character development! I found myself so invested in these individuals I felt as if I was apart of them and vise versa! Built in a dystopian modern day with war raging everywhere you turn. Maya’s journey through the second book is built on uncovering the truth of everything you thought you knew while building the family you have always needed. The relationships written in this book will have you on the edge of your seat holding on to the emotions and ups and down of the journey across the country and back. The strength and determination each one had to maintain is crazy. It was also cool to the growth each character. There was a special place in my heart for each and every character, the side characters are just as equally important as the main ones allowing for such connections with every one of them!
When you think it can’t get any more intense the world flips upside down! The journey Samantha takes you on in the second half of this book is amazing and intense and I was there for every bit of it! I binged this book in 2 days I could not put it down.
Please be prepared for a serious cliff hanger after reading the epilogue. There is so much opportunity for whatever may be left of Maya’s story and I can’t wait to hear it!!! This is easily at the top of my reads for the year💚💚
I received an advanced reader copy of The Spark Ignites, providing my open & honest review voluntarily.
When signing up for the ARC, I didn't realize it was the 2nd book in an ongoing series. I quickly read the first book (The Spark Within) and was definitely left wanting to know more of Maya's story... but also eager to find out if she and James end up together in the long run!
The 2nd book had many twists & turns throughout the war between the Elementals & Comms... plus you get to learn more about Maya's backstory and just history of the Elementals in general, which I loved!
The book leaves you on a little bit of a cliffhanger, but that just means we'll all have to wait [not so patiently] for the next book to be released in 2026!
I definitely enjoyed the story quite a bit, so I would recommend it to friends, but probably not a good recc. for any of my smut-loving friends. If you're looking for spice, these books aren't it. There's definitely love, passion, & yearning, but anything beyond just making out happens behind closed doors. Fine for most, but I honestly signed up for the ARC when there was mention of 'multiple love interests' (IYKYK *wink wink*)... This really just meant that our girl Maya had CHOICES and not that she'd be getting all out freaky with James, William, and/or Sebastian at the same time.
Overall, great story telling from Samantha Christopher, I'll definitely be back next year to find out what happens next!
THIS BOOK!! THE ENDING!!😱😱 I neeeeeed book 3 now please, Samantha.🤯
I devoured this book like book 1 and absolutely enjoyed every second of it.❤️🔥 Maya’s growth in this book compared to book one was so needed and incredible to see. I love how confident she became in herself and her powers, and how she handled her emotions, even though it was overwhelming for her many times.🥺
I thought we all knew who Maya had chosen at the end of book one but the love quadtrangle is back.😂 I was shocked by how many things happened with all of Maya’s love interests and there were things I did not see coming at all.😱 Sebastian redeemed himself but I can understand why Maya did what she did at the end with their bond. I love Maya and William’s friendship and I really hope William finds the right girl for him (wink, wink, Juliet.)😉 James I think will always be Maya’s true love because of the fact that she got to choose him and he wasn’t chosen for her like Sebastian and William.❤️ I really can’t wait to see who Maya ends up with at the end of this series and where Samantha takes us next.🤭
The whole book was full of action, adventure, plot twists and turns, and a cliffhanger that left me wanting the next book ASAP.😱
I’m so grateful to be part of Samantha’s street team and can’t wait for the last book in this series.❤️
Ooooh the plot thickens in this excellent sequel to The Spark Within. Just when you think you know where it’s going … the rug is pulled out from under you and you’re on your butt wondering what on earth just happened. Twists and turns and oh so much tension!
We pick up not too long after we left off in book 1. Maya is back in the Elemental’s base after it was attacked by Coms, missing her mum, who’s been kidnapped, her love James, who’s left to help the resistance, and her mate Sebastian, who’s run off after getting nasty at the end of book 1. She’s got William, her love interest-turned best friend-but is that all, her bff Abby and her brother Cal. When Maya and her friends decide to leave the safety of the Elemental base to find her mum, secrets are revealed, dangers lurk around every corner and bonds are tested in a rollercoaster ride of a story.
The pacing in this book is so good. Nothing is skimmed over too quickly but there’s also not a single page that’s boring. The world building is weaved throughout the whole book gradually so there are no huge info dumps that leave your brain hurting. Just non-stop action and plenty of swooning!
There is absolutely a love quadrangle in here so if that’s not your thing, you may not enjoy this book. Just when you think Maya has made her decision … think again. I am still not sure which team I am on and I really have no idea where Maya’s heart will take her but I’m so keen to find out what happens next in book 3!
The Spark Ignites by Samantha Christopher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
***No spice skipping***
This book, just like the first, is an incredible YA dystopian adventure. This epic rescue story takes our characters all across the country to rescue the people they love. We finally get a window into the reality of life outside the compound and the real political climate towards Elementals. There are plot twists you definitely won't see coming. Some moments call for a box of tissues while others have you holding your breath. Enjoy the ride!
The characters are what make this a 5 star book. Maya is a layered character that offers a relatable window into living (or sometimes just surviving) with mental health struggles. William is the lovable best friend who has his own demons to conquer. Sebastian brings the heat, literally and metaphorically. And James is our lost loverboy, torn betwern his heart and his duty. The other women in this book, Abigail, Juliet, Izalia (queen, love this woman), etc., show the intricacies of bring both strong and feminine in a way that reminds you that kindness is not weakness.
What an emotional rollercoaster. Book 2 is action pack and emotionally charged. I definitely rage quit a chapter and maybe when you get there you'll message me and we can talk about it. Maya is 18 (turns 19) and have to remember the stupid decisions fueled by my immature brain back then, but phew. She does really start to come into her own and it's nice to see her grow through some of the trauma. our three love interests are back for Book 2 and if you didn't pick a Team im Book 1, you might or maybe not I'm Book 2. My MMC Team didn't change, but I definitely fell for one of the other two more. no spoilers though, you'll have to read to find out. We did meet two new characters that I enjoyed. We're left on sort of a cliffhanger hanger, part of it I kind of was expecting all along and the other I'm not super excited about, but I'm excited to see where Book 3 goes. Message me once you finish and pick the right Team 🤣
I'm going to talk about book 1, so if you haven't read that yet, SPOILER ALERT:
The Spark Within was filled with an indecisive teenage girl who had never interacted with men before, and then reacted exactly how you'd expect once she was allowed to talk to them - by falling in love with all 3. Most of the book was focused on her feelings and not the fact that they were, you know, in a war. I was very eager to read book 2 to see if we got more plot or just more lovesick teenager vibes.
The Spark Ignites showed tremendous growth as an author. The characters were more fleshed out, the plot thickened, and overall it was a good read. My one hesitation in making this 5 stars was the forced bond from book 1 led to some VERY uncomfortable situations in The Spark Ignites. The ending is a great setup and I'm eager to see where it goes!
Thank you to Samantha and her team for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team. I am beyond grateful. 🖤
About The Spark Ignites, 🍃🌊💨🔥Even though her ability to control water endangers her in the outside world, 18-year-old Maya yearns to be free from her isolated community in the mountains. Her only hope of escape is deciding between two genetically perfect men to bond herself to. Something she’s been looking forward to until she meets a rebellious and carefree recruit who makes her rethink her usual unwavering obedience.
This book was absolutely amazing. It picks up right where book leaves off. This story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and plot twist that I definitely didn’t see coming. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Quote:
“Love is an unruly thing. Other feelings can overshadow it, but it never truly goes away.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First I want to thank Sam Christopher for allowing me to read this! I love being on your team!
For the second book of the Spark series, I have to say; it was amazing. Usually the second book of a series is eh for me, but nope this one had me literally screaming, I had thought and theory’s that came, but as questions got answered. Many more started popping up.
Emotions where felt with this book as we follow Maya and her friends on a wild goose chase to save her family, love was won and lost, tensions rose, and we discovered new ally’s that help against a war with the Coms. Pasts are revealed and new relationships form. Maya must make a chose between a love and sacrifice.
I don’t even know where to begin. I read books fast and sometimes I don’t catch everything. I had to force myself to take my time. The first book was really good. This second book was even BETTER!!
The back story of the elementals and the coms was blended very well. The telling of power and how the greed for power can take hold was written very well.
Maya and the raging hormones that come from a teenager who has pretty much been locked away until matched. Falling in love with not just one but 3 guys!! Oh the teenage angst and all the emotions of being a young girl.
Then the ending………like WTH!!!!!
You must read the first book. I hope you fall in love with the characters like I did.
Can I just say that in this series I'm really hating that stupid mating bond!!!! This book was a good one. I couldn't put it down and am waiting impatiently for the 3rd book now. Sabastian is a tool and if I had been Maya I would have kicked his butt for lying about his memories coming back. Like really dude you forced the mating bond on her in the first book, lose your memories and claim to be a better man now, only to get your memories back and lie about it to get her to seal the bond!!!! Oh I was so mad! Her and James are meant for each other and you just keep getting in the way. My heart breaks for poor Abby after losing her mate. This series had my emotions all over the place! Truly a MUST READ!!!!
The Spark Ignites is Book 2 of a planned trilogy. I would consider it Upper YA due to the age and maturity (immaturity) level of the characters. By this, I mean the characters are 18+ but you can tell the FMC was living off the grid for a her adolescence. The book was very well-paced and exciting! Once I finally opened it, I could not put it down. I loved that there was more action and Maya is truly finding herself in this 2nd book. Yes, you still have a bachelorette-ish, love triangle but this is not real life so it works for romantasy. While this was prevalent in the story line, I don't feel like it overshadowed Maya and her growth. I was hoping for more revelations with Maya's powers but maybe that's coming?! 🔥
I am lucky enough to have been chosen to read the ARC of this book, but i also have a million questions, So umm Samantha wtf was that?! First, Abby finds love and bonds, and you kill him. Second, Maya breaks her bond with Sebastian, and now she could be pregnant. Also, wtf is going on with Sebastian? What did Kirk do to him?! I definitely need more! Leaving me on this cliffhanger is so rude, lol. Overall, it's an amazing book just like the first one. Definitely leaves you wanting more, and I can't believe I now have to wait another year before I find out what happens! This series is definitely so far a 5 star read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
After reading book one of the Spark series and it ending on a cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to dive into The Spark Ignites.
The Spark Ignites jumps right back into the action (and drama) of Maya, her love interests, and the battle between the Coms (Commoners) and Elementals (magical people).
Overall, I loved the book. You get more of a backstory to Maya, her ancestors, and why the war is going on. The only thing I slightly disliked was the love triangle going on so long just because I felt bad for the boys.
I'll be eagerly awaiting book threes release to see what choices Maya makes as we have once again been left on a slight cliffhanger.
I couldn't wait for this second book to come out! I was absolutely obsessed after reading The Spark Within! The Spark Ignites takes us further into the story of Maya as she continues to find herself while untangling the confusion that is her life! Still dealing with her love for 3 incredible men William, Sebastian and James. Through it all she comes across Found family where things turn even more dangerous while on her journey her and the other Elementals fight against the Coms, Secrets come to the light and we get to see it all unfold before our eyes. Big BIG things happen in the end that has left me conflicted but excited for book 3!
This book was definitely an improvement on the last one, the writing style was better, there was more world building and character development. I absolutely adored Izalia! I really enjoyed it! That being said, it did have some issues. I thought that William deserved better. I also thought that Maya was kind of annoying and weak at times. I wasn't convinced by the relationship between her and Sebastian. Also, that ending reveal? Honestly, not a huge fan. But I am very much looking forward to the next one!!
This book kept me hooked beginning to end. It picked up where The Spark Within left off and ended in another insane cliffhanger.
In this sequel Maya deals with trauma, goes on crazy endeavors, and handles verrrry surprising events. She is accompanied by the best friends and I seriously love them all.
How the author managed to twist the extremely complex web of this elemental world blows my mind. The character depth and development is amazing and I want more of all of them!
I was most definitely on the edge of my seat the whole time and I CANNOT wait for more.
This was such a fun continuation of The Spark Within! While it discusses such dark concepts (war, trauma, loss, kidnapping, etc.) the characters bring such light to the story
I really loved the characters you met in this book! I hope I get to learn more about Thomas and Michael in the next book
Sebastian… I still have such mixed feelings about you. And same with James. William is my only perfect boy! (Though I’m excited to see how she finally ends her love… triangle? Square?)
I absolutely loved the first book so of course I wanted to read the spark ignites. I absolutely loved this one it was so freaking good. Twists and turns keep you guessing what's going to happen. I loved the story and the characters!
You have to read book one before this one. The spark ignites was so freaking good. I can't wait for the next book.
CAN someone agree with me or just help down off a ledge!
I like James don’t get me wrong, and William, BUT why would she spend a whole book redeeming a character to then try to make him the bad guy again? IS there any hope for a happy ending with Seb ?! Like I am dying !!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.