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The First Spark
Legends would remember it as the night a single bombing changed the galaxy forever.
Kalie Hannover never wanted to wear her aunt’s crown. Hated by her aunt’s planet for the crimes of her father, isolated from her parents for renouncing her father’s empire, Kalie is determined to prove her worth by ending the galactic tyrant’s reign of terror.
Until Prime Minister Carik slaughters her family.
Left with nothing but ashes, Kalie’s desire for vengeance makes her Carik’s next target. Her only chance of survival—and revenge—is Zane Wells, an ex-soldier with a bitter grudge against her family. Together, they must navigate a galaxy on the brink of war, if they can stop themselves from killing each other first—or from giving into temptations that are far more dangerous.
As Kalie fights to reunite her people, she forges unexpected alliances and confronts her family’s dark legacy. But betrayals lurk at every corner, and the heiress to a fractured planet makes for an easy target…
Kalie Hannover never wanted to wear her aunt’s crown. Hated by her aunt’s planet for the crimes of her father, isolated from her parents for renouncing her father’s empire, Kalie is determined to prove her worth by ending the galactic tyrant’s reign of terror.
Until Prime Minister Carik slaughters her family.
Left with nothing but ashes, Kalie’s desire for vengeance makes her Carik’s next target. Her only chance of survival—and revenge—is Zane Wells, an ex-soldier with a bitter grudge against her family. Together, they must navigate a galaxy on the brink of war, if they can stop themselves from killing each other first—or from giving into temptations that are far more dangerous.
As Kalie fights to reunite her people, she forges unexpected alliances and confronts her family’s dark legacy. But betrayals lurk at every corner, and the heiress to a fractured planet makes for an easy target…
414 pages, ebook
First published September 29, 2025
6 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Mallory Moss
1 book14 followersHi! I'm Mallory.
I'm a writer, artist, traveler, and a nerd about all things medieval. If I'm not buried in whatever book I'm working on or staring at a stubbornly blank screen, you can find me playing in my medieval sandboxes, going to grad school in an actual castle, and working on my dissertation about medieval queens and politics.
You can learn more about my debut novel on Instagram @mallorymossauthor!
I'm a writer, artist, traveler, and a nerd about all things medieval. If I'm not buried in whatever book I'm working on or staring at a stubbornly blank screen, you can find me playing in my medieval sandboxes, going to grad school in an actual castle, and working on my dissertation about medieval queens and politics.
You can learn more about my debut novel on Instagram @mallorymossauthor!
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October 20, 2025DNF at 10% because of a scene that made me uncomfortable
October 2, 2025
Before I start I want to say that I received an ARC copy of this book but all my thoughts are genuine and my own!
I wouldn’t classify myself as a sci-fi reader so when I heard about this book I was a bit scared because of that aspect. But I am so glad I read it because it was the best first sci-fi book I could have read. Not only is it easy to understand for readers like me who are new to the genre, but it would intrigue sci-fi fans as well!
One reason it was so enjoyable was the writing! It was so easy to understand while also painting a vivid image in my mind. This is not an easy feat for a debut author, so it definitely exceeded my expectations.
I also enjoyed the snippets of romance (how could you not?!?!) because it appeased my romance loving heart! But I will say that the romance was not the main aspect of the book in my opinion so if you don’t care for that I believe you will still enjoy it!
The ending was so action packed and got me on the edge of my seat. It also set up for the rest of the series and made me super excited to continue!
Overall this was a great story that I think sci-fi fans and newbies will enjoy!
I wouldn’t classify myself as a sci-fi reader so when I heard about this book I was a bit scared because of that aspect. But I am so glad I read it because it was the best first sci-fi book I could have read. Not only is it easy to understand for readers like me who are new to the genre, but it would intrigue sci-fi fans as well!
One reason it was so enjoyable was the writing! It was so easy to understand while also painting a vivid image in my mind. This is not an easy feat for a debut author, so it definitely exceeded my expectations.
I also enjoyed the snippets of romance (how could you not?!?!) because it appeased my romance loving heart! But I will say that the romance was not the main aspect of the book in my opinion so if you don’t care for that I believe you will still enjoy it!
The ending was so action packed and got me on the edge of my seat. It also set up for the rest of the series and made me super excited to continue!
Overall this was a great story that I think sci-fi fans and newbies will enjoy!
October 15, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book, and here’s my honest review!
wow!!!! Mallory Moss is an amazing author!!! this book is so beautifully written. the writing style flows brilliantly and is truly lovely. emotions are described so vividly and viscerally. all of the characters have such unique voices, and their interactions are so great!!!
Kalie’s freaking character arc???? absolutely incredible. so raw and real; watching her grow was a true gift. she truly feels like a real person with both strengths and flaws, and she is a true heroine! I really love her and am so proud of her!
the romance was wonderful!!!! it’s loathing to lovers done in such a healthy and wholesome way, and it’s beautiful to watch. the couple is so adorable!!!!! so many sweet and swoon-worthy moments!
the side characters were also fabulous!!! I especially loved Mira!!! I love a snarky girlboss queen. she’s a strong female character done right!
I loved the way that morality was not black-and-white in this book, especially in the cases of Kalie’s family. just like in real life, each family member was flawed. and when you’re in charge of a whole PLANET, those flaws hurt people—this was shown so excellently in this book. I loved the messy and complicated nature of it; I’d never seen something like that in a book before! it reminded me of Arcane, which is a huge compliment. it’s clear how much deep thought and careful effort was put into every word of this book.
finally, the WORLD-BUILDING. SO GOOD. the religious culture of Dali? SO FASCINATING. exploring the kind of sci-fi technology and advancements that this universe is full of? SO COOL. it all felt so well fleshed-out and real!
also the twists were absolutely insane. 10/10.
this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and take you on an invigorating roller coaster ride!! you should read it!
wow!!!! Mallory Moss is an amazing author!!! this book is so beautifully written. the writing style flows brilliantly and is truly lovely. emotions are described so vividly and viscerally. all of the characters have such unique voices, and their interactions are so great!!!
Kalie’s freaking character arc???? absolutely incredible. so raw and real; watching her grow was a true gift. she truly feels like a real person with both strengths and flaws, and she is a true heroine! I really love her and am so proud of her!
the romance was wonderful!!!! it’s loathing to lovers done in such a healthy and wholesome way, and it’s beautiful to watch. the couple is so adorable!!!!! so many sweet and swoon-worthy moments!
the side characters were also fabulous!!! I especially loved Mira!!! I love a snarky girlboss queen. she’s a strong female character done right!
I loved the way that morality was not black-and-white in this book, especially in the cases of Kalie’s family. just like in real life, each family member was flawed. and when you’re in charge of a whole PLANET, those flaws hurt people—this was shown so excellently in this book. I loved the messy and complicated nature of it; I’d never seen something like that in a book before! it reminded me of Arcane, which is a huge compliment. it’s clear how much deep thought and careful effort was put into every word of this book.
finally, the WORLD-BUILDING. SO GOOD. the religious culture of Dali? SO FASCINATING. exploring the kind of sci-fi technology and advancements that this universe is full of? SO COOL. it all felt so well fleshed-out and real!
also the twists were absolutely insane. 10/10.
this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and take you on an invigorating roller coaster ride!! you should read it!
August 10, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book, and this is my honest review of it!
WOW this book was awesome. I absolutely adore so many parts of it, it's hard to know where to start.
I absolutely adore the world building in this story. The world feels so gritty and rich and REAL while also absolutely magical!! There's a lot of good attention to detail.
The plot itself was so well done. It reminded me of a lot of books I love but in such a good way, it was so creative!! Also there were a solid amount of twists, and while some of them I saw coming (they were built up well! it made sense!) there were others that BLEW ME AWAY!! It was so fun to experience.
The characters were really good, too. Ariah and Kalie were probably my favorites—as a twin, their arc HURT and resonated with me deeply. And of course I adore Mira and Zane and Mylis—it's a really good cast. I also am very intrigued by Kalie's mom. She's such a complicated character who's definitely made mistakes, but she intrigues me!
The romance!! Was built up super well! I had some moments where I was skeptical and then BAM my perceptions and expectations were totally flipped on their head. It honestly turned out really well, and I'm excited to see more of them in the future!!
The ending was both super well done, and sets up what comes up next PERFECTLY!! I can't wait to see what happens, and will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series.
(side note that there is some pretty intense gore in the latter half of the book, and a bit of language. By no means does this take away from my rating, but I thought I'd mention it!)
WOW this book was awesome. I absolutely adore so many parts of it, it's hard to know where to start.
I absolutely adore the world building in this story. The world feels so gritty and rich and REAL while also absolutely magical!! There's a lot of good attention to detail.
The plot itself was so well done. It reminded me of a lot of books I love but in such a good way, it was so creative!! Also there were a solid amount of twists, and while some of them I saw coming (they were built up well! it made sense!) there were others that BLEW ME AWAY!! It was so fun to experience.
The characters were really good, too. Ariah and Kalie were probably my favorites—as a twin, their arc HURT and resonated with me deeply. And of course I adore Mira and Zane and Mylis—it's a really good cast. I also am very intrigued by Kalie's mom. She's such a complicated character who's definitely made mistakes, but she intrigues me!
The romance!! Was built up super well! I had some moments where I was skeptical and then BAM my perceptions and expectations were totally flipped on their head. It honestly turned out really well, and I'm excited to see more of them in the future!!
The ending was both super well done, and sets up what comes up next PERFECTLY!! I can't wait to see what happens, and will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series.
(side note that there is some pretty intense gore in the latter half of the book, and a bit of language. By no means does this take away from my rating, but I thought I'd mention it!)
September 29, 2025
Un-putdownable, beautifully written, Action packed space opera that deals with PTSD & loss.
In an election turned galaxy-wide coup thrusts Kalista Hannover into a position she does not want. Duchissa of the planet Dali. And the next target for the assassinators. But as she's fleeing for her life, she collides with Zane Wells, a drunken man with a grudge and a painful past. He's more than willing to strike a bargain in exchange for not turning her in to the authorities. That being-- a lot of money and the return of his barony taken from his family by Kalista's predecessors.
The political intrigue and worldbuilding of this space opera are so well fleshed and fairly easy to follow. Pacing is back to back action, however, with just enough time for introspection that deals with the love interest's PTSD and loss. Every character is fully fleshed with conceivable (and well hidden) motivations. There's betrayal and more betrayal and who can dear Kalista trust? Oh my!
I love how this story showed that even good rulers with noble intentions make choices that end up hurting innocent people and making great enemies. This world also features a Goddess religion dominated by priestesses and right to rule passing down to female offspring.
Like most space opera, the world's expansiveness diminishes the expansiveness of worlds. We don't get a feel for the size of planets and their continents as characters zip on and off worlds in craft that are both deep space capable & surface to atmosphere. You've got energy shields and stargates. Lasers and cannons. Some hull breaches and catastrophic armada warfare. Speed-healing salve and advanced radio communications & holographic face-timing. And 8 sectors of a galaxy with over 100 inhabited planets. Humanoid characters with scales or gills are mentioned as part of the alliance.
As this seems to be the start of a series, the election stealing, war-waging politico-dictator remains off page except for several holographic missives, and our brave Zane and Kalista are forced to battle legionnaires, armadas, and traitors on the antagonist's payroll. Every on page character is delicious though-- even the sniveling, back-stabbing relatives. Contract-girl Mira is definitely a favorite, along with her robot Cybil who I demand to see more of in future stories.
The loathing to lovers is well paced, as Kalie and Zane wrestle with vulnerability & trusting each other. Neither are cookie-cutter love interests from the genre. Both are realistically flawed, and at times, annoying. But those flaws make them feel real, and I suspect, are exactly what kept them unique!
Overall the story gripped me and I could not put it down.
In an election turned galaxy-wide coup thrusts Kalista Hannover into a position she does not want. Duchissa of the planet Dali. And the next target for the assassinators. But as she's fleeing for her life, she collides with Zane Wells, a drunken man with a grudge and a painful past. He's more than willing to strike a bargain in exchange for not turning her in to the authorities. That being-- a lot of money and the return of his barony taken from his family by Kalista's predecessors.
The political intrigue and worldbuilding of this space opera are so well fleshed and fairly easy to follow. Pacing is back to back action, however, with just enough time for introspection that deals with the love interest's PTSD and loss. Every character is fully fleshed with conceivable (and well hidden) motivations. There's betrayal and more betrayal and who can dear Kalista trust? Oh my!
I love how this story showed that even good rulers with noble intentions make choices that end up hurting innocent people and making great enemies. This world also features a Goddess religion dominated by priestesses and right to rule passing down to female offspring.
Like most space opera, the world's expansiveness diminishes the expansiveness of worlds. We don't get a feel for the size of planets and their continents as characters zip on and off worlds in craft that are both deep space capable & surface to atmosphere. You've got energy shields and stargates. Lasers and cannons. Some hull breaches and catastrophic armada warfare. Speed-healing salve and advanced radio communications & holographic face-timing. And 8 sectors of a galaxy with over 100 inhabited planets. Humanoid characters with scales or gills are mentioned as part of the alliance.
As this seems to be the start of a series, the election stealing, war-waging politico-dictator remains off page except for several holographic missives, and our brave Zane and Kalista are forced to battle legionnaires, armadas, and traitors on the antagonist's payroll. Every on page character is delicious though-- even the sniveling, back-stabbing relatives. Contract-girl Mira is definitely a favorite, along with her robot Cybil who I demand to see more of in future stories.
The loathing to lovers is well paced, as Kalie and Zane wrestle with vulnerability & trusting each other. Neither are cookie-cutter love interests from the genre. Both are realistically flawed, and at times, annoying. But those flaws make them feel real, and I suspect, are exactly what kept them unique!
Overall the story gripped me and I could not put it down.
September 3, 2025
This was such a good scifi book that kept me reading.
It follows Kalie, she wasn’t meant to be Duchissa but when her aunt and cousin are killed, she is next in line. And the president of the federation now has his sights set on her. She escapes an attack on her fleet, and in trying to find a way back home she meet Zane. He despises her family for what happened to his, but agrees to help if he gets paid.
This was a entertaining read, definitely with Star Wars vibes, with the president of the federation trying to enforce control across all the systems. The banter between the MC's was great, as well as some of the other characters like Mira.
I was warry about this book as it starts of with maps of the planet and different system, thinking it would get over complicated. But it as it only followed Kalie and Zane, it was easy to follow and did keep you reading. I would say that i did start to wonder how many time Carik could send troops after them and they escape (making me think of how bad storms troopers aim is) 😂
All in all a great read for those who like a scifi action and adventure story with a side of romance.
It follows Kalie, she wasn’t meant to be Duchissa but when her aunt and cousin are killed, she is next in line. And the president of the federation now has his sights set on her. She escapes an attack on her fleet, and in trying to find a way back home she meet Zane. He despises her family for what happened to his, but agrees to help if he gets paid.
This was a entertaining read, definitely with Star Wars vibes, with the president of the federation trying to enforce control across all the systems. The banter between the MC's was great, as well as some of the other characters like Mira.
I was warry about this book as it starts of with maps of the planet and different system, thinking it would get over complicated. But it as it only followed Kalie and Zane, it was easy to follow and did keep you reading. I would say that i did start to wonder how many time Carik could send troops after them and they escape (making me think of how bad storms troopers aim is) 😂
All in all a great read for those who like a scifi action and adventure story with a side of romance.
November 6, 2025
This book was absolutely incredible!! I haven’t really read many sci-fi fantasies, so it took me a little bit to get used to the setting, but I was so very thrilled with this book :)
The characters were very well-written and followed clear character-arcs, and the story itself was compelling and constantly kept me on my toes. I was shocked many times to say the least.
Zane was also my favorite character 🤭 If you like the ‘boy who’s lost a previous love’ trope but are tired of how poorly it’s often done, you’ll love Zane!! He felt like a real person I could empathize with and often I was very interested by his perspective in the story.
I can’t wait for the next book!! I need it!! Everyone should definitely check out The First Spark :)
The characters were very well-written and followed clear character-arcs, and the story itself was compelling and constantly kept me on my toes. I was shocked many times to say the least.
Zane was also my favorite character 🤭 If you like the ‘boy who’s lost a previous love’ trope but are tired of how poorly it’s often done, you’ll love Zane!! He felt like a real person I could empathize with and often I was very interested by his perspective in the story.
I can’t wait for the next book!! I need it!! Everyone should definitely check out The First Spark :)
September 3, 2025
As a lifelong Star Wars fan raised by a sci-fi obsessed dad, I was beyond excited to dive into this Space Opera by Mallory Moss, and I was absolutely not disappointed.
The First Spark introduces us to Kalie, a princess with a tendency to avoid anything uncomfortable…until she no longer has that luxury. When her beloved aunt, the woman who raised her, is murdered, Kalie finds herself framed for the crime by the Prime Minister of The Federation. Suddenly, she’s thrust into a fight not only to clear her name, but to avenge her family and protect her people.
Her dynamic with Zane adds another layer of depth. He’s a soldier wrestling with PTSD, and the fact that Kalie’s family played a role in his trauma makes their connection even more complicated. Watching the two navigate mistrust, pain, and a slow build toward understanding adds powerful emotional weight to the breakneck action.
This book is equal parts space battles, political intrigue, and raw human emotion - grief, resilience, and the fight to keep going when everything feels lost.
I have so many question about what happens next, especially about Mira! Add this to your TBRs immediately, this is not one to sleep on!
The First Spark introduces us to Kalie, a princess with a tendency to avoid anything uncomfortable…until she no longer has that luxury. When her beloved aunt, the woman who raised her, is murdered, Kalie finds herself framed for the crime by the Prime Minister of The Federation. Suddenly, she’s thrust into a fight not only to clear her name, but to avenge her family and protect her people.
Her dynamic with Zane adds another layer of depth. He’s a soldier wrestling with PTSD, and the fact that Kalie’s family played a role in his trauma makes their connection even more complicated. Watching the two navigate mistrust, pain, and a slow build toward understanding adds powerful emotional weight to the breakneck action.
This book is equal parts space battles, political intrigue, and raw human emotion - grief, resilience, and the fight to keep going when everything feels lost.
I have so many question about what happens next, especially about Mira! Add this to your TBRs immediately, this is not one to sleep on!
December 1, 2025
Really enjoyed this one. The writing style is vivid and smooth. The FMC grows a lot throughout the book, and she and the MMC have distinct voices in their POV chapters.
The vibes are definitely Star Wars with lots of political intrigue in a universe that feels big and well thought out.
This book had a resolution but with questions left to be answered, so it was satisfying, yet I'm looking forward to the next book.
Truly a solid scifi read with enough romance and scifi for fans of either (or both!).
The vibes are definitely Star Wars with lots of political intrigue in a universe that feels big and well thought out.
This book had a resolution but with questions left to be answered, so it was satisfying, yet I'm looking forward to the next book.
Truly a solid scifi read with enough romance and scifi for fans of either (or both!).
August 29, 2025
This story was SO GOOD! I could definitely feel the Star Wars vs Games of Thrones vibes, but it also touched on historical aristocracy rules of hierarchy, which I loved.
After a fatal attack, Kalie finds herself as the surviving heir to the Dalian throne, but due to who her parents are and the controversy surrounding how her aunt came to the throne, her people and her court are divided when she calls for war against the man who killed her loved ones.
There is a massive, twisty political plot to this story. And to add to the struggle and heartache Moss has thrown in some epic characters and an angsty enemies to lovers arc.
Zane was the perfect love interest. I've said this before - I'm a sucker for a guy who knows how to fight. As well as a guy in a military uniform - Julian and Mylis.
But saying that, my favourite character was by far Mira. And I'm so excited to see where this story takes us, as I have an inkling Mira is going to be in the spotlight.
Thank you Mallory for the ARC. Such a fantastic debut, and I can't wait for more!
After a fatal attack, Kalie finds herself as the surviving heir to the Dalian throne, but due to who her parents are and the controversy surrounding how her aunt came to the throne, her people and her court are divided when she calls for war against the man who killed her loved ones.
There is a massive, twisty political plot to this story. And to add to the struggle and heartache Moss has thrown in some epic characters and an angsty enemies to lovers arc.
Zane was the perfect love interest. I've said this before - I'm a sucker for a guy who knows how to fight. As well as a guy in a military uniform - Julian and Mylis.
But saying that, my favourite character was by far Mira. And I'm so excited to see where this story takes us, as I have an inkling Mira is going to be in the spotlight.
Thank you Mallory for the ARC. Such a fantastic debut, and I can't wait for more!
August 28, 2025
Reading the First Spark was like lighting a match and watching it go. We dive straight into the excitement, and never really stop running—even when you think Kalie and Zane have got it all figured out, trust me, they don’t, there is more coming;)
This is so much fun. Chock full of action, high stakes, betrayal, heartache, and so much political intrigue. And strategy. This is another of those author’s that I’m pretty sure she’s leading spaceships in another lifetime.
We definitely live up to the Star Wars and Daenerys comps for epic revenge. And we even snuck some simmering romance in there, which I went crazy for. I do claim my title as captain of her Zane fan club. I’m making pom poms as we speak;)
Very epic and exciting read. I recommend to all.
And the epilogue—I have a feeling we don’t even know what’s coming for us next book. Bring it!
This is so much fun. Chock full of action, high stakes, betrayal, heartache, and so much political intrigue. And strategy. This is another of those author’s that I’m pretty sure she’s leading spaceships in another lifetime.
We definitely live up to the Star Wars and Daenerys comps for epic revenge. And we even snuck some simmering romance in there, which I went crazy for. I do claim my title as captain of her Zane fan club. I’m making pom poms as we speak;)
Very epic and exciting read. I recommend to all.
And the epilogue—I have a feeling we don’t even know what’s coming for us next book. Bring it!
August 10, 2025
Mallory Moss has done an incredible job with this book. It’s her indie debut, which makes it all that much more impressive. The ebook is beautiful with gorgeous graphics at the top of each chapter and scene break.
Now to the story. It definitely delivers right away on the Star Wars vibes! Kalie and Ariah reminded me immediately of Padme and Queen Amidala… a very pleasant association for me because I loved that particular Star Wars movie. The opening chapters are gutting and fast paced, launching us right into exciting political/galactic turmoil. It also gets fun quite quickly too! Chapter four opens up with Zane knocking back a shot of Deathstroke Nectar while he’s on a date with a pretty lavender-skinned dancer in lingerie whose name Zane can’t remember lol. I was like okay here we gooooooo when that chapter opened up. I love that sort of a scene, and it brought some levity after some anxious (in a good way… the story is gripping) opening chapters.
If you like Star Wars you definitely should check this one out. I look forward to seeing what this author does next.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC!
Now to the story. It definitely delivers right away on the Star Wars vibes! Kalie and Ariah reminded me immediately of Padme and Queen Amidala… a very pleasant association for me because I loved that particular Star Wars movie. The opening chapters are gutting and fast paced, launching us right into exciting political/galactic turmoil. It also gets fun quite quickly too! Chapter four opens up with Zane knocking back a shot of Deathstroke Nectar while he’s on a date with a pretty lavender-skinned dancer in lingerie whose name Zane can’t remember lol. I was like okay here we gooooooo when that chapter opened up. I love that sort of a scene, and it brought some levity after some anxious (in a good way… the story is gripping) opening chapters.
If you like Star Wars you definitely should check this one out. I look forward to seeing what this author does next.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC!
September 21, 2025
The First Spark is a blueprint for what romantasci (romance + sci-fi) can be. If you love sprinkles of fantasy elements, indulgent royal court politics, immaculate medieval vibes, and delightfully unique romances, but don’t want to compromise on the unforgiving social commentary and unpredictable plot twists that make sci-fi such a powerful genre, look no further than The First Spark.
To start with, let me say that I finished this book in single digit days which is a massive accomplishment for me and my very (very) busy schedule. The story pulls you in quickly and rips your heart out just as fast. In trying to oust a galactic tyrant, Kalie and her family set themselves up to become targets of an election night bombing that changes the fate of our FMC forever. She manages to escape with her life, and vows one thing: vengeance.
Problem is, Kalie is a single woman against the powers of The Federation. So, she’s going to need help, right?? Right. Cue our dashing MMC, Zane. I will spare the spoilers, but let me just say that these two are both VERY big personalities who stubbornly believe they know what is best for the galaxy. And that means they both have A LOT of growing to do.
This is one thing I adore about TFS. The characters are realistic because they are *flawed*. Kalie starts out as a sheltered princess. Zane is so disillusioned that he’s turned to literally any and every unhealthy outlet for his grief. They loathe each other and what the other stands for, but they find commonalities. Overlapping goals. And they use those to their benefit.
And slowly, their shared struggles kindle their relationship. The budding of this romance is weaved seamlessly into the main characters’ development. It does not feel forced or unnatural in any way. There is attraction while there is still loathing. There is understanding while there remains disagreement. And trope alert: there is wound tending and hurt/comfort and looking out for the other when they can’t do it themselves. These little tender moments foster not only a beautiful relationship, but push the individual characters further. It tests the beliefs they’ve grown comfortable in and strengthens their values while leading them to become better.
(Also, a plus for me, this is a closed-door romance! That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of moments where you’ll be blushing or giggling and kicking your feet.)
This romance is married perfectly with the main plot and all the social commentary that goes along with figuring out how to take revenge against the tyrant that murdered Kalie’s family. Difficulty truly finds these characters at every turn, but with the allies they gain along the way - and ones they wrote off too soon - they navigate the stormy waters. You’ll have to pick up a copy of the book if you want to find out whether they make it through!
And have I mentioned how rich the worldbuilding is? Seriously, this is a universe that I have gotten lost in - in the BEST way possible. Every planet is immersive, every character has a meaningful backstory (which will undoubtedly come back to haunt us one day), and it’s ALL interconnected. It is a joy settling into this story and its galaxy, even when I know the pain is hunting us down. Because I said good sci-fi has twists, right? You will not see all of Mallory’s twists coming. The First Spark will absolutely have you gasping to turn the page and find out what happens next!
As President of the Mylis Fanclub, I cannot write a review without mentioning my boy. But I also will not stray into the realm of spoilers. What I will say is this guy is fierce, sassy, and absolutely tragic because behind that anger and defensiveness is a gentle soul who wants answers, and like Zane, wants what was taken from him to be returned. Whether you wanna call Mylis the second male lead or a side character doesn’t matter. You WILL swoon over him - the knight in shining armor. But as Mallory has said many *many* times… not everything is as it seems.
It has been my absolute pleasure to read The First Spark, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of this series takes us. I hope you’ll join us on this adventure and support one of the absolute sweetest and most talented authors I know. Congratulations on your release Mallory!!
To start with, let me say that I finished this book in single digit days which is a massive accomplishment for me and my very (very) busy schedule. The story pulls you in quickly and rips your heart out just as fast. In trying to oust a galactic tyrant, Kalie and her family set themselves up to become targets of an election night bombing that changes the fate of our FMC forever. She manages to escape with her life, and vows one thing: vengeance.
Problem is, Kalie is a single woman against the powers of The Federation. So, she’s going to need help, right?? Right. Cue our dashing MMC, Zane. I will spare the spoilers, but let me just say that these two are both VERY big personalities who stubbornly believe they know what is best for the galaxy. And that means they both have A LOT of growing to do.
This is one thing I adore about TFS. The characters are realistic because they are *flawed*. Kalie starts out as a sheltered princess. Zane is so disillusioned that he’s turned to literally any and every unhealthy outlet for his grief. They loathe each other and what the other stands for, but they find commonalities. Overlapping goals. And they use those to their benefit.
And slowly, their shared struggles kindle their relationship. The budding of this romance is weaved seamlessly into the main characters’ development. It does not feel forced or unnatural in any way. There is attraction while there is still loathing. There is understanding while there remains disagreement. And trope alert: there is wound tending and hurt/comfort and looking out for the other when they can’t do it themselves. These little tender moments foster not only a beautiful relationship, but push the individual characters further. It tests the beliefs they’ve grown comfortable in and strengthens their values while leading them to become better.
(Also, a plus for me, this is a closed-door romance! That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of moments where you’ll be blushing or giggling and kicking your feet.)
This romance is married perfectly with the main plot and all the social commentary that goes along with figuring out how to take revenge against the tyrant that murdered Kalie’s family. Difficulty truly finds these characters at every turn, but with the allies they gain along the way - and ones they wrote off too soon - they navigate the stormy waters. You’ll have to pick up a copy of the book if you want to find out whether they make it through!
And have I mentioned how rich the worldbuilding is? Seriously, this is a universe that I have gotten lost in - in the BEST way possible. Every planet is immersive, every character has a meaningful backstory (which will undoubtedly come back to haunt us one day), and it’s ALL interconnected. It is a joy settling into this story and its galaxy, even when I know the pain is hunting us down. Because I said good sci-fi has twists, right? You will not see all of Mallory’s twists coming. The First Spark will absolutely have you gasping to turn the page and find out what happens next!
As President of the Mylis Fanclub, I cannot write a review without mentioning my boy. But I also will not stray into the realm of spoilers. What I will say is this guy is fierce, sassy, and absolutely tragic because behind that anger and defensiveness is a gentle soul who wants answers, and like Zane, wants what was taken from him to be returned. Whether you wanna call Mylis the second male lead or a side character doesn’t matter. You WILL swoon over him - the knight in shining armor. But as Mallory has said many *many* times… not everything is as it seems.
It has been my absolute pleasure to read The First Spark, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of this series takes us. I hope you’ll join us on this adventure and support one of the absolute sweetest and most talented authors I know. Congratulations on your release Mallory!!
September 30, 2025
Kalie never wanted a crown, but tragedy & revenge lead her down that path. Her true family is murdered by a galactic tyrant, and she will do anything to avenge them, even return to a court that wants her dead. As a fugitive, she is caught by Zane, an ex-soldier who hates her family and begs for his help. He is supposed to loathe her, but she is his ticket to getting back his family's inheritance. To accomplish their mission, they will face a galaxy full of threats that is ready for war, and they will either kill each other or fall into the grasp of temptation.
We land right into an inviting whirlwind of info & political intrigue, keeping us on our toes from the get-go, and I'm here for it. The author treats her readers like the intelligent people they are, confident they can keep up. While you're getting comfortable and finding your space legs, BOOM! a life-altering tragedy changes everything. Your heart will be in your throat quite often during this tale. The edge-of-our-seat action is so intense, it felt like R2-D2 screaming (come on, I had to put Star Wars in here). It comes alive, making you feel like you can touch it, as does the sum of the engaging narrative, thanks to the energetic writing in all its evocative glory. We are moved to perceive the technology, aliens, different planets and so on as natural — everyday life — accepting the invitation for our imagination to roam.
The 3rd person POVs are so intimate, so personal, looking inside their souls, they feel beyond and above 1st person. The relatability of the main characters is a more than welcome attribute as they stumble in their new roles, make mistakes and try to make things right. These are circumstances we can identify with as we more than willingly root for them. Kalie and Zane lash out at one another, thinking it will ease their pain, though they have more in common than they think — both are serving heartbreak and grief. But more often than not, they surprise each other and themselves with gradual acts of respect and loyalty, slowly thawing their frosty shields, protection from outside hurt. In true, wonderful, loathing-to-lovers fashion, there are biting remarks, awkward situations that spark inexplicable feelings and butting of heads. And that yummy, sizzling slow burn...
Gifted with an exceptionally heinous villain to hate, among other jaw-dropping betrayers, this tale is rich with Machiavellian tactics, royal drama, Game of Thrones level plays for power and breath-stealing battles. Let us not forget what all great stories should have: side characters that steal the show, a badass, snarky mercenary and a smartass aibot, Mira & Cybel give us a bow.
The reality and severity of war are depicted purposely here, while the book actually champions for peace. Grief is treated with respect for its unpredictability in appearance and bittersweet sensation of loss and cherishment. The person who loses everything and fights to come back from that exudes true strength. This tale is about rising to the occasion, stepping into your power.
I giggled and outright cackled, felt my heart squeeze and soar, I cheered, and cursed and outright yelled during the exhilarating experience of reading this book and loved every minute of it.
We land right into an inviting whirlwind of info & political intrigue, keeping us on our toes from the get-go, and I'm here for it. The author treats her readers like the intelligent people they are, confident they can keep up. While you're getting comfortable and finding your space legs, BOOM! a life-altering tragedy changes everything. Your heart will be in your throat quite often during this tale. The edge-of-our-seat action is so intense, it felt like R2-D2 screaming (come on, I had to put Star Wars in here). It comes alive, making you feel like you can touch it, as does the sum of the engaging narrative, thanks to the energetic writing in all its evocative glory. We are moved to perceive the technology, aliens, different planets and so on as natural — everyday life — accepting the invitation for our imagination to roam.
The 3rd person POVs are so intimate, so personal, looking inside their souls, they feel beyond and above 1st person. The relatability of the main characters is a more than welcome attribute as they stumble in their new roles, make mistakes and try to make things right. These are circumstances we can identify with as we more than willingly root for them. Kalie and Zane lash out at one another, thinking it will ease their pain, though they have more in common than they think — both are serving heartbreak and grief. But more often than not, they surprise each other and themselves with gradual acts of respect and loyalty, slowly thawing their frosty shields, protection from outside hurt. In true, wonderful, loathing-to-lovers fashion, there are biting remarks, awkward situations that spark inexplicable feelings and butting of heads. And that yummy, sizzling slow burn...
Gifted with an exceptionally heinous villain to hate, among other jaw-dropping betrayers, this tale is rich with Machiavellian tactics, royal drama, Game of Thrones level plays for power and breath-stealing battles. Let us not forget what all great stories should have: side characters that steal the show, a badass, snarky mercenary and a smartass aibot, Mira & Cybel give us a bow.
The reality and severity of war are depicted purposely here, while the book actually champions for peace. Grief is treated with respect for its unpredictability in appearance and bittersweet sensation of loss and cherishment. The person who loses everything and fights to come back from that exudes true strength. This tale is about rising to the occasion, stepping into your power.
I giggled and outright cackled, felt my heart squeeze and soar, I cheered, and cursed and outright yelled during the exhilarating experience of reading this book and loved every minute of it.
October 10, 2025
4,5 stars - A political sci-fi fantasy with an epic war
What a rich world, and what a bold move to take this court drama into space. This book is great for readers who love political sci-fi intrigue in fantasy settings with slow burn romance.
Genre/world
I was really curious to try this new subgenre! The best way to describe the book is a Medieval court drama in a sci-fi world with 300+ planets. It truly is original to merge these worlds together. I’m a sucker for historical drama! Loved The Tudors, Reign and Game of Thrones. If you enjoy those stories too, it’s definitely interesting to experience a version of that in space. I think it’s easiest to read this book, if you focus on the fact it’s a "fight for the throne" first and foremost! Tip: Ignore your sci-fi expectations!
The MC/themes
The female protagonist is a brave princess who has to fight for her crown after a major crisis. She’s dealing with grief, love, revenge and politics in a dysfunctional world. Lord, what a family… If you ever had issues with your own family, this book can either be very entertaining or very confronting! ;) I really felt sorry for Kalie to be born into this mess. So prepare to roast this court aloud while reading. Luckily, Zane (the other POV) provided some much needed balance! :)
Romance/audience
The worldbuilding was very rich and original! It had maps, yeah! The story world clearly shows that the author put many years of work into this book. This political court drama with slowburn romance had a strong main plot, unlike most romantasy books where worldbuilding and plot can feel secondary. That was not the case in this book! So expect a slowburn romance in a big plot, not the other way around! But there's plenty of good stuff coming up! I think it's best suited for a (new) adult audience given the political topics. It was spice free to me, but it might be spicier in book 2…?
Genre expectations
Note: The first chapters are heavier on the sci-fi side though, which may put you on the wrong track at first. But, once we enter the 'kingdom' locations the story really is a lot easier to read! You can tell the author has a keen interest in all things Medieval. This is a clear strength of the book! I personally enjoy sci-fi most when it includes more societal advancement. With 300+ planets I did expect that at least one of these new civilizations would have suggested a better way to lead than our Medieval ancestors did… But if you read it like a fantasy court story – with gadgets, it really is an enjoyable read! In the end, all pioneers are the ones brave enough to take the first step. This book definitely was a first spark in an exciting direction indeed!
Series
The story was very visual and detailed (500+ pages). The book was well formatted and clearly took years to create. I’m curious to see what will happen next! Loved the ending! This epic world definitely has a lot of potential. And as the title promises, I hope it will be the beginning of a series indeed. A very powerful debut!
Conclusion: Read with popcorn, chainmail and a pulser!
Official rating: 4,4 (Originality: 5, Genre: 4-, Plot: 4, Pacing: 4-, Text: 5, MC: 4+, Zane: 5)
Disclaimer: I received this book as an arc-copy to honestly review.
What a rich world, and what a bold move to take this court drama into space. This book is great for readers who love political sci-fi intrigue in fantasy settings with slow burn romance.
Genre/world
I was really curious to try this new subgenre! The best way to describe the book is a Medieval court drama in a sci-fi world with 300+ planets. It truly is original to merge these worlds together. I’m a sucker for historical drama! Loved The Tudors, Reign and Game of Thrones. If you enjoy those stories too, it’s definitely interesting to experience a version of that in space. I think it’s easiest to read this book, if you focus on the fact it’s a "fight for the throne" first and foremost! Tip: Ignore your sci-fi expectations!
The MC/themes
The female protagonist is a brave princess who has to fight for her crown after a major crisis. She’s dealing with grief, love, revenge and politics in a dysfunctional world. Lord, what a family… If you ever had issues with your own family, this book can either be very entertaining or very confronting! ;) I really felt sorry for Kalie to be born into this mess. So prepare to roast this court aloud while reading. Luckily, Zane (the other POV) provided some much needed balance! :)
Romance/audience
The worldbuilding was very rich and original! It had maps, yeah! The story world clearly shows that the author put many years of work into this book. This political court drama with slowburn romance had a strong main plot, unlike most romantasy books where worldbuilding and plot can feel secondary. That was not the case in this book! So expect a slowburn romance in a big plot, not the other way around! But there's plenty of good stuff coming up! I think it's best suited for a (new) adult audience given the political topics. It was spice free to me, but it might be spicier in book 2…?
Genre expectations
Note: The first chapters are heavier on the sci-fi side though, which may put you on the wrong track at first. But, once we enter the 'kingdom' locations the story really is a lot easier to read! You can tell the author has a keen interest in all things Medieval. This is a clear strength of the book! I personally enjoy sci-fi most when it includes more societal advancement. With 300+ planets I did expect that at least one of these new civilizations would have suggested a better way to lead than our Medieval ancestors did… But if you read it like a fantasy court story – with gadgets, it really is an enjoyable read! In the end, all pioneers are the ones brave enough to take the first step. This book definitely was a first spark in an exciting direction indeed!
Series
The story was very visual and detailed (500+ pages). The book was well formatted and clearly took years to create. I’m curious to see what will happen next! Loved the ending! This epic world definitely has a lot of potential. And as the title promises, I hope it will be the beginning of a series indeed. A very powerful debut!
Conclusion: Read with popcorn, chainmail and a pulser!
Official rating: 4,4 (Originality: 5, Genre: 4-, Plot: 4, Pacing: 4-, Text: 5, MC: 4+, Zane: 5)
Disclaimer: I received this book as an arc-copy to honestly review.
September 23, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
I was absolutely blown away by this book. The First Spark follows Kalie as she is suddenly thrust into a position of power that she never wanted. Determined to make those who killed those she loved pay for their actions, Kalie reluctantly teams up with a resentful ex-soldier in an attempt to start a revolution that will avenge every murdered and suffering citizen under the Federation’s tyrannical rule.
If you like Star Wars, then you will LOVE The First Spark. Its intriguing politics, wonderful characters, and slight fantasy element 100% give off the same vibes as the prequel trilogy. However, this book does an excellent job of having its own distinct voice and story, so it in no way feels like a copy of what you’ve already seen before.
The characters were just fantastic. And their arcs? So solid. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about a lot of them, and I’m so glad that was the case. Otherwise, I never would have experienced just how masterfully their arcs were handled or how much they truly grew as characters. And their arcs were so subtle that I often didn’t even notice how much the characters had developed until scenes came along that forced them to make decisions that they wouldn’t have made earlier in the story. By the end of the book, I felt ready to go to war with these fictional people.
In addition to great characters and so many cool sci-fi and fantasy elements, The First Spark is full of captivating political intrigue. It possessed a political system that was unique to its world but at the same time felt realistic and plausible. I love how often it came into play in the story. There were a few parts of the political world building and family tree that I had trouble understanding, but, if I’m being honest, that could have just been me missing some of the explanations.
Overall, The First Spark was such a delight to read! I can’t believe that it’s a debut novel. It does start out a little slow, but I promise you that all the buildup is more than worth it. I’m so looking forward to how this story continues!
I received The First Spark as an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Guide:
Romance:
A scene takes place in a bar where there are nude and scandalously-clad women, but nothing is described more than that. Multiple mentions of previous hookups or sleeping around, but again, they are not described any further. Kissing ranges from mildly-detailed to beginning to undress. A man patches up wounds on a woman’s back.
Language:
Semi-frequent mild language is present. Stronger language includes 18 uses of sh*t, 7 uses of b*tch, and 1 use of the f-bomb. God’s name is never taken in vain, but “gods” is often used in its place.
Violence:
You can expect normal fantasy/sci-fi level fighting. Characters are brutally tortured and is described in a fairly detailed manner.
Other:
There are mentions of characters either committing are trying to commit su!c!de in the past. One character actually does follow through.
I was absolutely blown away by this book. The First Spark follows Kalie as she is suddenly thrust into a position of power that she never wanted. Determined to make those who killed those she loved pay for their actions, Kalie reluctantly teams up with a resentful ex-soldier in an attempt to start a revolution that will avenge every murdered and suffering citizen under the Federation’s tyrannical rule.
If you like Star Wars, then you will LOVE The First Spark. Its intriguing politics, wonderful characters, and slight fantasy element 100% give off the same vibes as the prequel trilogy. However, this book does an excellent job of having its own distinct voice and story, so it in no way feels like a copy of what you’ve already seen before.
The characters were just fantastic. And their arcs? So solid. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about a lot of them, and I’m so glad that was the case. Otherwise, I never would have experienced just how masterfully their arcs were handled or how much they truly grew as characters. And their arcs were so subtle that I often didn’t even notice how much the characters had developed until scenes came along that forced them to make decisions that they wouldn’t have made earlier in the story. By the end of the book, I felt ready to go to war with these fictional people.
In addition to great characters and so many cool sci-fi and fantasy elements, The First Spark is full of captivating political intrigue. It possessed a political system that was unique to its world but at the same time felt realistic and plausible. I love how often it came into play in the story. There were a few parts of the political world building and family tree that I had trouble understanding, but, if I’m being honest, that could have just been me missing some of the explanations.
Overall, The First Spark was such a delight to read! I can’t believe that it’s a debut novel. It does start out a little slow, but I promise you that all the buildup is more than worth it. I’m so looking forward to how this story continues!
I received The First Spark as an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Guide:
Romance:
A scene takes place in a bar where there are nude and scandalously-clad women, but nothing is described more than that. Multiple mentions of previous hookups or sleeping around, but again, they are not described any further. Kissing ranges from mildly-detailed to beginning to undress. A man patches up wounds on a woman’s back.
Language:
Semi-frequent mild language is present. Stronger language includes 18 uses of sh*t, 7 uses of b*tch, and 1 use of the f-bomb. God’s name is never taken in vain, but “gods” is often used in its place.
Violence:
You can expect normal fantasy/sci-fi level fighting. Characters are brutally tortured and is described in a fairly detailed manner.
Other:
There are mentions of characters either committing are trying to commit su!c!de in the past. One character actually does follow through.
September 8, 2025
Where do I begin with this amazing book? I feel like I should start by thanking Mallory for the ARC copy. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to see where the series takes me!
I first found this book on Instagram and was immediately sold. The best way I can describe it is a mixture between the world of Star Wars, the political intrigue of Game of Thrones, and the action of Red Rising. On it's surface, it is a story of vengeance and how far someone is willing to go to avenge the ones they loved, but really, it's a story of grief. Grief is intwined with every part of this book, and it shows an interesting perspective on how it affects everyone differently.
The book is a dual POV, but it begins by following Kalie, Princessa of Dali, while an election for the Prime Minister of the Federation is underway. Here we're introduced to the main antagonist, Carik. He's the current Prime Minister, and people don't necessarily like his tyrannical ruling. Kalie and her Aunt Calidia, the current Duchissa of Dali, are some of those people going against him. Just when they think their candidate to replace the current Prime Minister is about to win, the unexpected happens. A bomb goes off, killing the candidate and Aunt Calidia and sending Kalie's world into disarray. The rest of the book follows her trying her best to gain the support of her people, and get her vengeance on Carik for her Aunt's murder.
The other person we follow through the book is named Zane Wells. He's jaded, closed off, and has severe PTSD from his past. His backstory is haunting to say the least, and war against the Federation is the last thing he wants. But fate works in funny ways and he finds himself acting as Kalie's guard despite the fact that he blames Kalie's family for his life falling apart. The butt heads on almost everything, especially when it comes to fighting back against the Federation.
The romance in this is written so well. It's a slow burn with true loathing in the beginning. But as they get to know each other and see past each others walls, they begin to see that maybe they aren't so different after all.
Like I said before, I absolutely love this book and can't wait to see what comes next!
I first found this book on Instagram and was immediately sold. The best way I can describe it is a mixture between the world of Star Wars, the political intrigue of Game of Thrones, and the action of Red Rising. On it's surface, it is a story of vengeance and how far someone is willing to go to avenge the ones they loved, but really, it's a story of grief. Grief is intwined with every part of this book, and it shows an interesting perspective on how it affects everyone differently.
The book is a dual POV, but it begins by following Kalie, Princessa of Dali, while an election for the Prime Minister of the Federation is underway. Here we're introduced to the main antagonist, Carik. He's the current Prime Minister, and people don't necessarily like his tyrannical ruling. Kalie and her Aunt Calidia, the current Duchissa of Dali, are some of those people going against him. Just when they think their candidate to replace the current Prime Minister is about to win, the unexpected happens. A bomb goes off, killing the candidate and Aunt Calidia and sending Kalie's world into disarray. The rest of the book follows her trying her best to gain the support of her people, and get her vengeance on Carik for her Aunt's murder.
The other person we follow through the book is named Zane Wells. He's jaded, closed off, and has severe PTSD from his past. His backstory is haunting to say the least, and war against the Federation is the last thing he wants. But fate works in funny ways and he finds himself acting as Kalie's guard despite the fact that he blames Kalie's family for his life falling apart. The butt heads on almost everything, especially when it comes to fighting back against the Federation.
The romance in this is written so well. It's a slow burn with true loathing in the beginning. But as they get to know each other and see past each others walls, they begin to see that maybe they aren't so different after all.
Like I said before, I absolutely love this book and can't wait to see what comes next!
August 28, 2025
What a ride! The First Spark delivered with its twists and turns; every time I thought I knew what was in store, my expectations were subverted. I loved the massive universe and depth of world-building that I can only imagine is going to increase in scope as the series goes on. You'll definitely need to pay close attention to the politics of the world and the different families and family trees (there is a guide in the beginning of the book to help with this) because things change quickly and it's all very central to what is going on.
Kalista is the heir to her aunt's throne, but she doesn't exactly want it. Zane is an ex-soldier with a dark past, and he wants nothing to do with her. Sparks fly when these two cross paths. I enjoyed the complexity of their relationship and how new secrets were revealed as the story progressed about both of them. If you like a slow burn with emotionally-charged characters, this one really hits all those marks and then some!
I'm so impressed by this debut novel from Moss and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys space operas, science fiction, dystopian, and slow-burn romance!
Kalista is the heir to her aunt's throne, but she doesn't exactly want it. Zane is an ex-soldier with a dark past, and he wants nothing to do with her. Sparks fly when these two cross paths. I enjoyed the complexity of their relationship and how new secrets were revealed as the story progressed about both of them. If you like a slow burn with emotionally-charged characters, this one really hits all those marks and then some!
I'm so impressed by this debut novel from Moss and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys space operas, science fiction, dystopian, and slow-burn romance!
November 3, 2025
Quick read. I think it was okay. I was a little let down, based on some reviews that I've read, my hopes were really high. Maybe 3.5 but I have to round down. Kallie had a good arc. Her relationship with her mother was most interesting to me, I wish there was more interaction. You can see quite clearly the complicated family dynamics and that was something I think worth exploring a smidge more. I liked the progression there. I'm so confused by Selene's turn. I knew she hated her sister but it seemed so abrupt and there was no real reason for it. That could have been left out. Zane was not my favourite MMC. I will say - overall, the plot seemed a little predictable. The fight scenes were great but it felt like the author would just use yet another bombing to move the plot forward. In some ways, it reminded me of Blood Over Bright Haven. Commoner becomes guard to an elite, "foes" to "friends" to "lover." There was even the similar religious undercurrent though not *as* prominent in First Spark.
September 28, 2025
I just finished The First Spark and I really enjoyed it. From the first few chapters, it had that “just one more page” pull that kept me reading way later than I planned. The writing flows really well, and it balances action with quieter, character-driven moments.
The characters were the highlight for me. Each one felt distinct, and I found myself caring about what happened to them pretty quickly. There’s some great banter, but also more emotional beats that gave the story some real weight. I also liked how the relationships developed naturally instead of feeling rushed.
The world-building was clear without being overwhelming, which is perfect for me. I never felt lost, but I still got the sense of a bigger, layered world behind the main story.
Overall, this is a really solid start, exciting, heartfelt, and easy to get lost in. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book to see where it all goes.
⭐ Closer to 5 than 4 for me!
*Kindly provided as an ARC by the author*
The characters were the highlight for me. Each one felt distinct, and I found myself caring about what happened to them pretty quickly. There’s some great banter, but also more emotional beats that gave the story some real weight. I also liked how the relationships developed naturally instead of feeling rushed.
The world-building was clear without being overwhelming, which is perfect for me. I never felt lost, but I still got the sense of a bigger, layered world behind the main story.
Overall, this is a really solid start, exciting, heartfelt, and easy to get lost in. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book to see where it all goes.
⭐ Closer to 5 than 4 for me!
*Kindly provided as an ARC by the author*
November 14, 2025
The First Spark is a blend of many things - a strong romance, a burgeoning space opera and the classic hero's journey. Moss writes with effective, focused prose that captures many traits of modern romantasy, but pairs this with a grand vision of interplanetary warfare and characters whose relationships are complex, fluid and engaging.
Our lead, Kalie, begins the novel as a naive, presumptuous young royal, but her kindness and love for her allies grounds the reader in her journey - while the love interest Zane is a sardonic, tough-yet-honest foil to her from start to finish. Their scenes together and slow burn romance is a highlight of the read!
The First Spark often hints at a far darker, more brutal universe, and personally, I hope Moss leans into these elements as the series progresses.
The love, planning and care put into this debut is there for all to see, and if you fancy a Star Wars-ian take on Romantasy, this is well worth your time!
Our lead, Kalie, begins the novel as a naive, presumptuous young royal, but her kindness and love for her allies grounds the reader in her journey - while the love interest Zane is a sardonic, tough-yet-honest foil to her from start to finish. Their scenes together and slow burn romance is a highlight of the read!
The First Spark often hints at a far darker, more brutal universe, and personally, I hope Moss leans into these elements as the series progresses.
The love, planning and care put into this debut is there for all to see, and if you fancy a Star Wars-ian take on Romantasy, this is well worth your time!
September 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to have received this amazing book as an ARC. I knew I would like it because a book that could be the combination of Star wars and Throne of glass? YES PLEASE! But I didn‘t expect to love it as much as I did. I don‘t know if it was the writing or just because I love star wars and have watched all the movies or a combination of both or I don‘t know but I could picture every scene so clearly and perfectly in my head while reading! The evolution of the FMC was amazing and I loved that slowburn between our lovers evolved naturally and took its fine time.
Every time I tought I knew how it would play out or how the plot would have to be in order to reach the desired outcome another plotwist appeard and kept me on my toes!! I just love how you could never tell what would happen and all I can say is: PLEASE read this book!!
Every time I tought I knew how it would play out or how the plot would have to be in order to reach the desired outcome another plotwist appeard and kept me on my toes!! I just love how you could never tell what would happen and all I can say is: PLEASE read this book!!
September 29, 2025
Thanks to Mallory Moss for the eARC
I really enjoyed this book, it's full of twists, turns & betrayal. If you liked the family and political interweaving of Game of Thrones and are partial to an inter-galactic space battle then this book is for you. The galactic federation and rebellion space battle scenes were epic and left me with the urge to start rewatching Star Wars :)
It's funny because I love sci-fi and fantasy, but I tend to watch more sci-fi and read more fantasy, so this has been a refreshing change that has me looking for more sci-fi to read!
The ending slides neatly into setting up the start of the next book in the series, I'll be looking to see when that's out :)
A shout out for the family tree at the beginning with the maps, love a family tree, and the chapter header artwork.
I really enjoyed this book, it's full of twists, turns & betrayal. If you liked the family and political interweaving of Game of Thrones and are partial to an inter-galactic space battle then this book is for you. The galactic federation and rebellion space battle scenes were epic and left me with the urge to start rewatching Star Wars :)
It's funny because I love sci-fi and fantasy, but I tend to watch more sci-fi and read more fantasy, so this has been a refreshing change that has me looking for more sci-fi to read!
The ending slides neatly into setting up the start of the next book in the series, I'll be looking to see when that's out :)
A shout out for the family tree at the beginning with the maps, love a family tree, and the chapter header artwork.
May 4, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading The First Spark through many of its stages, and it was beautiful watching Mallory’s world unfold. Kalie is a sheltered heiress. Zane, a disgruntled soldier with nothing left to lose. Their lives were never meant to intersect—until an assassination puts Kalie on the throne (and in Zane’s reluctant arms). He claims he’s only helping her to win back his barony, but their journey quickly spirals into a web of deception, danger, and desire. Both must face impossible choices that will shape not only their futures, but the fate of the entire galaxy. Every character in The First Spark is so vivid and compelling, they each feel worthy of a story of their own. (Mira is by far my favorite—just wait!). There’s not a single dull moment—from palace intrigue and deadly secrets to unexpected alliances and romance. Mallory delivers on every front and I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just sci-fi lovers!
August 27, 2025
A thrilling, immersive science-fantasy debut!
I'll start by saying this— I could not put this book down. It held my attention from start to finish with brilliantly faceted characters and gorgeous, detailed worldbuilding. Kalie is a force of nature, I love her, and every supporting character shines bright enough to merit a spinoff. This is what my younger self wanted Star Wars to feel like. It's as if Leia or Padme took center stage in a saga full of political intrigue, galactic power struggles, and heart-stopping romance. Don't get me started on the loathing-to-lovers between Kalie and Zane. Mallory has a universe of adventure here, and I cannot WAIT for more!
I'll start by saying this— I could not put this book down. It held my attention from start to finish with brilliantly faceted characters and gorgeous, detailed worldbuilding. Kalie is a force of nature, I love her, and every supporting character shines bright enough to merit a spinoff. This is what my younger self wanted Star Wars to feel like. It's as if Leia or Padme took center stage in a saga full of political intrigue, galactic power struggles, and heart-stopping romance. Don't get me started on the loathing-to-lovers between Kalie and Zane. Mallory has a universe of adventure here, and I cannot WAIT for more!
November 3, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! As a lifelong fan of Han and Leia (Star Wars), The First Spark scratched the itch of roguish, reluctant hero and tenacious and resourceful princess so well. The story begins with the assassination of Kalie’s family, and follows her as she seeks justice (and a bit of vengeance) for their deaths. There are many twists and turns, with the histories of characters and their families playing a large role in this and how the plot unfolds. This was a book that I just could not put down! Mallory Moss has created a world that feels so real and filled with history that I cannot wait to delve into it again and again.
September 17, 2025
There are literally so many amazing things I can say about this book! First of all I loved the relatable FMC. She is a strong female but she isn't a baddie at the beginning and I love that about her. Next, the amazing and intricate world building particularly in this worlds politics was just everything. It was giving Star Wars vibes in the best way! The character growth and development and the heart wrenching depiction of PTSD was phenomenal! I loved every minute I spent with Kalie and Zane! Oh also dual POV so who doesn't love getting in our MMCs thoughts!
September 29, 2025
This is a beautifully executed debut novel! I've thoroughly enjoyed following the adventures of Kalie and Zane through a war-torn galaxy. It's a stunning exploration of loss and the journey back to joy. I highly recommend it!
The plot is interesting and fun with a few unique twists I didn't see coming (which is unusual for me!) The characters are well rounded, and the enemies to lovers arc is very well done.
I had the honor of receiving an ARC copy from the author, but all opinions are my own. For a debut, The First Spark is a glorious triumph. Well done!
The plot is interesting and fun with a few unique twists I didn't see coming (which is unusual for me!) The characters are well rounded, and the enemies to lovers arc is very well done.
I had the honor of receiving an ARC copy from the author, but all opinions are my own. For a debut, The First Spark is a glorious triumph. Well done!
September 23, 2025
4 Star Read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Sci-fi lovers, you NEED this book in your life! ✨
I was lucky enough to read as an ARC.
✨ This story follows Kallie who was never meant to be Duchessia. But when her aunt and uncle are suddenly killed, everything changes. She finds herself next in line for the throne👑
Her path is filled with betrayal, heartbreak, politics and a deliciously slow burn romance 🖤🔥
And that ending… I did not see it coming! 😱 Now I need more of Mira NOW!! 🚀✨
It was a bit too heavy on politics for me personally and I want MORE romance but overall a nice book. I would pick up the next one! Mira intrigues me 🤔
✨ Sci-fi lovers, you NEED this book in your life! ✨
I was lucky enough to read as an ARC.
✨ This story follows Kallie who was never meant to be Duchessia. But when her aunt and uncle are suddenly killed, everything changes. She finds herself next in line for the throne👑
Her path is filled with betrayal, heartbreak, politics and a deliciously slow burn romance 🖤🔥
And that ending… I did not see it coming! 😱 Now I need more of Mira NOW!! 🚀✨
It was a bit too heavy on politics for me personally and I want MORE romance but overall a nice book. I would pick up the next one! Mira intrigues me 🤔
May 2, 2025
Fantasy and sci fi lovers let me introduce you to your next read! The first spark has it all from adventure, betrayal, humor, and romance. I loved the dialogue between the two main characters. You don’t see the mid-story plot twists coming and the book gets right into the action like literally in the first chapter. The end leaves me with questions I NEED answered in the next book.
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