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A Tale of the Hidden Isle: A Spark Series Novel
18-year-old Izalia lives on a secluded island surrounded by people just like magic-wielding, pure-blooded Divina. However, the similarities stop there because Izalia has a rare condition that causes seizures and fainting spells. If it weren’t for her adorable monkey companion that detects the episodes, her parents wouldn’t let her leave their side. Nobody is allowed to come to or leave the island and taint the Divina’s pure blood--or so Izalia thought before a golden-haired young man with no magic in his veins saves her life.
Theo dreams of an angel of the ocean, a girl with flowing, long dark hair and emerald eyes bright with risk-taking curiosity. Alone in a world of magic with loving adopted parents who try to keep him hidden, he strives to prove his worth through his musical talents. In a strange twist of fate, he saves a Divina, who happens to be the girl from his dreams.
Izalia is betrothed to a man she despises, and Theo is destined for a life of solitude. Despite their predetermined futures, they are drawn to each other. But as the relationship blooms past friendship, they must decide if happiness is worth the risk of losing everything, even their lives.
Theo dreams of an angel of the ocean, a girl with flowing, long dark hair and emerald eyes bright with risk-taking curiosity. Alone in a world of magic with loving adopted parents who try to keep him hidden, he strives to prove his worth through his musical talents. In a strange twist of fate, he saves a Divina, who happens to be the girl from his dreams.
Izalia is betrothed to a man she despises, and Theo is destined for a life of solitude. Despite their predetermined futures, they are drawn to each other. But as the relationship blooms past friendship, they must decide if happiness is worth the risk of losing everything, even their lives.
- GenresAmazon
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
About the author
Samantha Christopher
4 books53 followersSam is a mother to three boys and lives in the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not wrangling her wild children or two dogs, you can usually find her hiding in her bedroom with a bag of Sour Patch Kids and a good book or typing away at her next story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 19, 2025
An entertaining, emotional read.
This is a prequel to The Spark Series so a basis for this book had previously been set up. It was enjoyable getting to read the backstory behind this character and get a fun new location. The island was a beautiful backdrop to the story and I loved the inclusion of the wildlife, primarily her monkey Beau.
The characters in this book are so well written that you really start to care about them and when things happen, good or bad, you really feel it. The ending has many emotions and once you get close to the ending you can't put the book down.
This is a prequel to The Spark Series so a basis for this book had previously been set up. It was enjoyable getting to read the backstory behind this character and get a fun new location. The island was a beautiful backdrop to the story and I loved the inclusion of the wildlife, primarily her monkey Beau.
The characters in this book are so well written that you really start to care about them and when things happen, good or bad, you really feel it. The ending has many emotions and once you get close to the ending you can't put the book down.
October 26, 2025
First thank you Samantha Christopher for the ARC sorry it took so long to post a review I’ve been dealing with an MS flare.
This was a beautifully written love story that hooked me from the get go, well to be honest before the get go. The dedication page had me loving this book before it began. Jack could have totally fit on that door! My wife and I have inside jokes about titanic (the movie) so I was super excited to read this.
Izalia is an amazing character with a medical condition and magic. Theo is shy, good with music, and try’s to hide from the world but has dreams of a divina. Two very different people will forever be changed when one saves the other!
This was a beautifully written love story that hooked me from the get go, well to be honest before the get go. The dedication page had me loving this book before it began. Jack could have totally fit on that door! My wife and I have inside jokes about titanic (the movie) so I was super excited to read this.
Izalia is an amazing character with a medical condition and magic. Theo is shy, good with music, and try’s to hide from the world but has dreams of a divina. Two very different people will forever be changed when one saves the other!
September 11, 2025
received as an arc
Okay so wow, lets start this off by saying that if you love the Titanic, plus barbie and the Island princess was a favorite Barbie movie,a book where the FMC has ability who sees the eminence beauty in a boy that's nothing like her then this book is your cup of tea. The tale of the hidden isle is a book of pure emotions and raw feelings, you feel connected to the characters and to the story, this book will have you literally hooked. yes it is a YA/ NA book, there is closed door spice and some very passionate scenes. its well worth the read!
the story starts off with a Divina names Izalia, born on an island where only those who can wield the elements live, Izalila just wanted to do something nice for her mother and ended up in a situation where we meet Theo, a Nomagi, he helps her and she starts to question everything shes ever known, one about her people, the way of life shes been taught, all to fall in love with this strange boy from a world she knows nothing about.
When love proves that anything is possible, we are then met with heart break tears and even more.
yes this book will probably make you cry, but this is a story that predates the Spark series. it's a look into the past and the information we don't have in the first two books.
I have a deep connection to this book, in more way then one could think. these aren't just characters, they become someone to you and make it hard to leave the island that they call home, the emotions are real and the story line pulls you in. though yes you do have moments where you are angry, this book also hold moments where your heart melts and swells with the love between Iz and Theo, the termoils these two go through, it makes for a great story.
Okay so wow, lets start this off by saying that if you love the Titanic, plus barbie and the Island princess was a favorite Barbie movie,a book where the FMC has ability who sees the eminence beauty in a boy that's nothing like her then this book is your cup of tea. The tale of the hidden isle is a book of pure emotions and raw feelings, you feel connected to the characters and to the story, this book will have you literally hooked. yes it is a YA/ NA book, there is closed door spice and some very passionate scenes. its well worth the read!
the story starts off with a Divina names Izalia, born on an island where only those who can wield the elements live, Izalila just wanted to do something nice for her mother and ended up in a situation where we meet Theo, a Nomagi, he helps her and she starts to question everything shes ever known, one about her people, the way of life shes been taught, all to fall in love with this strange boy from a world she knows nothing about.
When love proves that anything is possible, we are then met with heart break tears and even more.
yes this book will probably make you cry, but this is a story that predates the Spark series. it's a look into the past and the information we don't have in the first two books.
I have a deep connection to this book, in more way then one could think. these aren't just characters, they become someone to you and make it hard to leave the island that they call home, the emotions are real and the story line pulls you in. though yes you do have moments where you are angry, this book also hold moments where your heart melts and swells with the love between Iz and Theo, the termoils these two go through, it makes for a great story.
October 8, 2025
Received this as an ARC
I loved this book, but I have to forewarn you: it will make your heart hurt.
As a dedicated fan of The Spark Within series, I admit I was hesitant to pick up this book. It branches off the main timeline to tell the history of Maya's Great-Grandmother, Izalia. I don't typically do well with spin-offs, so it took me a minute to convince myself to read it—but I'm so happy I did! This story stands beautifully and powerfully on its own.
At its core, this is Izalia's high-stakes love story. She is a Divina (one with powers) living a sheltered life on an isolated island where everyone shares her gifts. Her world is thrown into chaos when she meets Theo, a Nomagi (a person without powers). A Divina and a Nomagi? Can you say forbidden love? The moment Theo saves Izalia, their lives are irrevocably changed forever.
Beyond the magnetic romance, this book offers incredible depth into their world. As Izalia and Theo risk everything to be together, they are forced to confront hidden secrets—not just among the Elders, but within the people they trust most. Once those secrets are brought into the light, they try to step up and make a change.
This narrative is a gut-wrenching examination of the generational trauma that is passed down when good people stay silent. If you're looking for a fantasy love story with a profound message, this is it. Don't let the "prequel" label scare you off; this is essential reading.
I loved this book, but I have to forewarn you: it will make your heart hurt.
As a dedicated fan of The Spark Within series, I admit I was hesitant to pick up this book. It branches off the main timeline to tell the history of Maya's Great-Grandmother, Izalia. I don't typically do well with spin-offs, so it took me a minute to convince myself to read it—but I'm so happy I did! This story stands beautifully and powerfully on its own.
At its core, this is Izalia's high-stakes love story. She is a Divina (one with powers) living a sheltered life on an isolated island where everyone shares her gifts. Her world is thrown into chaos when she meets Theo, a Nomagi (a person without powers). A Divina and a Nomagi? Can you say forbidden love? The moment Theo saves Izalia, their lives are irrevocably changed forever.
Beyond the magnetic romance, this book offers incredible depth into their world. As Izalia and Theo risk everything to be together, they are forced to confront hidden secrets—not just among the Elders, but within the people they trust most. Once those secrets are brought into the light, they try to step up and make a change.
This narrative is a gut-wrenching examination of the generational trauma that is passed down when good people stay silent. If you're looking for a fantasy love story with a profound message, this is it. Don't let the "prequel" label scare you off; this is essential reading.
June 24, 2026
Samantha, who hurt you??
What is with these horrible, angry, crazy abusive men she writes?! Someone hurt her. Badly.
I was so excited to read this because Izalia is the best character from the series, but this took a harsh left turn mid book. We also had only one random POV from what’s his name (he disgusted me so much I forgot it) which was weird but I was glad it was only one because man did I hate his guts. Anyway, nice lovely forbidden love story then abrupt left turn and back to honestly copy paste of her other story line. Forced bonding to an angry dude, people in charge are mean, no one tries to change how things are run, too many secrets, she’s pregnant, etc. Seemed like a condensed version of the same story.
Howeverrrrrrrrr, they get to get married and it’s adorable and his parents are the best. Her mom is great. His parents come find her 😭 Just yay there.
But he took too long to fight for her. And he dies?? No! And then sort of comes back as a spirit or something? Big nope from me. Especially after he says there’s lots of work to do in the afterlife. Nopeeee.
But did I read this mostly in one day eager to know how it played out? Yup. Maybe like a train wreck though? Can’t look away? I’m having trouble deciding my feelings for these books.
Epilepsy with support monkey was, a choice. He was cute though.
Martial sex again, but way less descriptive in this one. Definitely still some VERY adult language and inferences though.
Also foul language again.
What is with these horrible, angry, crazy abusive men she writes?! Someone hurt her. Badly.
I was so excited to read this because Izalia is the best character from the series, but this took a harsh left turn mid book. We also had only one random POV from what’s his name (he disgusted me so much I forgot it) which was weird but I was glad it was only one because man did I hate his guts. Anyway, nice lovely forbidden love story then abrupt left turn and back to honestly copy paste of her other story line. Forced bonding to an angry dude, people in charge are mean, no one tries to change how things are run, too many secrets, she’s pregnant, etc. Seemed like a condensed version of the same story.
Howeverrrrrrrrr, they get to get married and it’s adorable and his parents are the best. Her mom is great. His parents come find her 😭 Just yay there.
But he took too long to fight for her. And he dies?? No! And then sort of comes back as a spirit or something? Big nope from me. Especially after he says there’s lots of work to do in the afterlife. Nopeeee.
But did I read this mostly in one day eager to know how it played out? Yup. Maybe like a train wreck though? Can’t look away? I’m having trouble deciding my feelings for these books.
Epilepsy with support monkey was, a choice. He was cute though.
Martial sex again, but way less descriptive in this one. Definitely still some VERY adult language and inferences though.
Also foul language again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2025
✨ARC Review✨– A Tale of the Hidden Isle by Samantha Christopher
⭐ My Rating: 5/5 (and all the tears 😭💜)
This book completely stole my heart and shattered it in the best way. A Tale of the Hidden Isle is a sweeping, magical Titanic-inspired retelling filled with forbidden love, high-stakes tension, and characters who will stay with me forever.
Izalia’s journey pulled me in right from the start—her strength, her longing for freedom, and her heart made me root for her every step of the way. Theo? Absolute perfection. Sweet, soulful, and brave, he’s the kind of character you can’t help but fall for. And then there’s the weight of tradition, secrets, and danger that keep you turning the pages long past when you should have put the book down.
This story is romantic, heartbreaking, and beautifully bittersweet. It gave me swoons, tears, and goosebumps, sometimes all at once. Samantha Christopher weaves magic, music, and emotion into a tale that feels both epic and deeply personal.
If you love forbidden romance, magical worlds with strict rules, and emotional storytelling that lingers long after the last page, this is an ARC you do not want to miss.
⭐ My Rating: 5/5 (and all the tears 😭💜)
This book completely stole my heart and shattered it in the best way. A Tale of the Hidden Isle is a sweeping, magical Titanic-inspired retelling filled with forbidden love, high-stakes tension, and characters who will stay with me forever.
Izalia’s journey pulled me in right from the start—her strength, her longing for freedom, and her heart made me root for her every step of the way. Theo? Absolute perfection. Sweet, soulful, and brave, he’s the kind of character you can’t help but fall for. And then there’s the weight of tradition, secrets, and danger that keep you turning the pages long past when you should have put the book down.
This story is romantic, heartbreaking, and beautifully bittersweet. It gave me swoons, tears, and goosebumps, sometimes all at once. Samantha Christopher weaves magic, music, and emotion into a tale that feels both epic and deeply personal.
If you love forbidden romance, magical worlds with strict rules, and emotional storytelling that lingers long after the last page, this is an ARC you do not want to miss.
October 16, 2025
"She's the music that thrums through my body--my soul--and I will never be the same."
"As long as my heart beats, you're my existence."
I’ll start with this—if you haven’t read The Spark Series, you need to! I’ve been on Samantha’s ARC and Street Team since Book 1, and I’ve been in love with this YA fantasy world ever since.
A Tale of the Hidden Isle is the prequel to The Spark Series, and it’s absolutely beautiful. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I completely fell in love with these characters. The way this story weaves into the main series gives such a fresh perspective on the magic system and gives the reader an even deeper look into the world building.
I won’t spoil anything, but this story had my emotions all over the place from page one. The connections between the characters are heartfelt and powerful. The setting is vivid and enchanting, I could picture every single scene. The main characters are perfection, and the sidekick monkey? The perfect touch of charm in this magical world.
It definitely gave me Titanic vibes with elemental magic and taking place on a mysterious island. 🤌🏽
"As long as my heart beats, you're my existence."
I’ll start with this—if you haven’t read The Spark Series, you need to! I’ve been on Samantha’s ARC and Street Team since Book 1, and I’ve been in love with this YA fantasy world ever since.
A Tale of the Hidden Isle is the prequel to The Spark Series, and it’s absolutely beautiful. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I completely fell in love with these characters. The way this story weaves into the main series gives such a fresh perspective on the magic system and gives the reader an even deeper look into the world building.
I won’t spoil anything, but this story had my emotions all over the place from page one. The connections between the characters are heartfelt and powerful. The setting is vivid and enchanting, I could picture every single scene. The main characters are perfection, and the sidekick monkey? The perfect touch of charm in this magical world.
It definitely gave me Titanic vibes with elemental magic and taking place on a mysterious island. 🤌🏽
October 21, 2025
This book is a charming young-adult fantasy that blends magic, romance and social tension in an imaginative setting. The story follows Izalia, who lives among the magic-wielding Divina on a secluded island—but she has a rare illness that sets her apart. Then there is Theo, outsider with musical talent, whose fate becomes entwined with hers.
The strength of the book lies in its vivid world-building: the island of the Divina, the rules of pure blood, the outsider with hidden worth. It raises interesting themes of belonging, identity and the courage to break away from predetermined paths.
On the bright side, the romance and trope-elements (betrothal, forbidden love, magic vs non-magic) feel familiar.
If you enjoy fantasy with a sweet core of romance and a strong female lead, this is a fun read. If you prefer more original or un-tropey plots, it may feel a little predictable—but it’s worth the read 100%
The strength of the book lies in its vivid world-building: the island of the Divina, the rules of pure blood, the outsider with hidden worth. It raises interesting themes of belonging, identity and the courage to break away from predetermined paths.
On the bright side, the romance and trope-elements (betrothal, forbidden love, magic vs non-magic) feel familiar.
If you enjoy fantasy with a sweet core of romance and a strong female lead, this is a fun read. If you prefer more original or un-tropey plots, it may feel a little predictable—but it’s worth the read 100%
June 29, 2026
I loooovee Samantha Christopher’s books! A Tale of the Hidden Isle is a prequel to her Sparks series, and it was so beautifully written about one of my favorite characters from the series-Izalia. It’s a heart-wrenching Titanic-inspired love story and I couldn’t put it down! Luckily I was able to read the whole thing while my husband drove our family on a long road trip so I could immerse myself in the world of a beautiful island with gorgeously described sunsets, waterfalls, and cute animals, including Izalia’s adorable pet monkey named Beau. Samantha describes the characters so well, I became so emotionally invested that my heart broke near the end of the book when things get sad. I loved that Theo was a musician and adored the descriptions of his songs, music, and the verse of song he wrote for Izalia. Easy to read and so captivating all together! Thank you for sharing your artistry with us Samantha!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2025
My heart hurts. By the island, it HURTS. 💔
This book is a prequel of the Spark series, but it’s a prequel that is read after book 2 which is when we first meet the main character. And my gosh it is heartbreaking.
We know Izalia’s story from The Spark Ignites. We know who she is, where she came from, who her children are… we know she lost someone in her youth but we don’t know all the details. Enter A Tale of the Hidden Isle. It fills in the blanks in all their emotionally damaging glory and will leave you in PAIN. PAIN, I tell you. Why, Sam, whyyyyyy 😭
Younger readers will absolutely adore this book. The MC’s are in their late teens, there’s no swearing, there’s yearning for days but all fade to black spice. In saying that, this 38-year-old loved it. The writing is descriptive and beautifully describes the island setting. It’s fast-paced and exciting. This one is all about the vibes and let me tell you, they are vibing.
The first two books in the Spark series, The Spark Within and The Spark Ignites, are available now. A Tale of the Hidden Isle releases on October 14. Get those tissues out and add these to your TBR!
Big thanks to Sam for allowing me into your team again!
4.5 stars
This book is a prequel of the Spark series, but it’s a prequel that is read after book 2 which is when we first meet the main character. And my gosh it is heartbreaking.
We know Izalia’s story from The Spark Ignites. We know who she is, where she came from, who her children are… we know she lost someone in her youth but we don’t know all the details. Enter A Tale of the Hidden Isle. It fills in the blanks in all their emotionally damaging glory and will leave you in PAIN. PAIN, I tell you. Why, Sam, whyyyyyy 😭
Younger readers will absolutely adore this book. The MC’s are in their late teens, there’s no swearing, there’s yearning for days but all fade to black spice. In saying that, this 38-year-old loved it. The writing is descriptive and beautifully describes the island setting. It’s fast-paced and exciting. This one is all about the vibes and let me tell you, they are vibing.
The first two books in the Spark series, The Spark Within and The Spark Ignites, are available now. A Tale of the Hidden Isle releases on October 14. Get those tissues out and add these to your TBR!
Big thanks to Sam for allowing me into your team again!
4.5 stars
October 11, 2025
I loved the first two books that I read by this author and this book is no exception. This was one hundred percent a five star read for me. Samantha Christopher has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
This book took me on an emotional journey where it gave me the highest of highs and then the lowest of lows when it ripped me to shreds. The characters in this book will live rent free in my heart forever. Theres something so magical and captivating about a forbidden love story. Izalia and Theo's story was everything I wanted and needed and so much more.
Just like her other books, this one kept me up way too late , but I couldn't put it down and wanted to see what happened next. Love and heartbreak; secrets and traditions ... this book is the journey that you never knew you needed.
This book took me on an emotional journey where it gave me the highest of highs and then the lowest of lows when it ripped me to shreds. The characters in this book will live rent free in my heart forever. Theres something so magical and captivating about a forbidden love story. Izalia and Theo's story was everything I wanted and needed and so much more.
Just like her other books, this one kept me up way too late , but I couldn't put it down and wanted to see what happened next. Love and heartbreak; secrets and traditions ... this book is the journey that you never knew you needed.
October 3, 2025
This book destroyed my heart!! I shed more than a few tears! This is a closed door romance, but the romance will not be missed with the amazing storytelling from Samantha Christopher! Her books are getting better and better!!
Izalia is living on an isolated island and is preparing for her upcoming trials and her bonding ceremony.
Theo just wants to live his life and be left alone until he saves Izalia.
This meeting changes both of their lives in more ways than they ever expected.
This book is the backstory to a character from The Spark series and needs to be read after The Spark Ignites (book 2). This entire series is a must for everyone's TBR.
Izalia is living on an isolated island and is preparing for her upcoming trials and her bonding ceremony.
Theo just wants to live his life and be left alone until he saves Izalia.
This meeting changes both of their lives in more ways than they ever expected.
This book is the backstory to a character from The Spark series and needs to be read after The Spark Ignites (book 2). This entire series is a must for everyone's TBR.
October 4, 2025
5 ⭐️ 1 🌶️
Definitely one of my top 10 books of the year!
“As long as my heart beats, you’re my existence. You are all I have ever wanted in this life. That is my choice. Mine. I am yours if you want me or not.”
😭💔
Yall this book finished ME!
I said I wanted to know Izalia’s story but I was NOT prepared for that.
I’m disappointed in Izalias parents for falling for Alexi’s act and pushing her towards him and their ceremony no matter what.
But Theo’s parents, Iris and Boaz, were perfect all the way through to the end. I always say “know better do better” and they were the living breathing embodiments of that!
Definitely one of my top 10 books of the year!
“As long as my heart beats, you’re my existence. You are all I have ever wanted in this life. That is my choice. Mine. I am yours if you want me or not.”
😭💔
Yall this book finished ME!
I said I wanted to know Izalia’s story but I was NOT prepared for that.
I’m disappointed in Izalias parents for falling for Alexi’s act and pushing her towards him and their ceremony no matter what.
But Theo’s parents, Iris and Boaz, were perfect all the way through to the end. I always say “know better do better” and they were the living breathing embodiments of that!
October 13, 2025
Izalia and Theo are a story of forbidden love woven in a way that is to take your breath away as it had mine. The complexity of this story and the depth that it entailed was a perfect balance. It held mystery as well as love. A pain covered in the hope of love. I love so profound that it will lead you to wanting to see there happily ever after. The betrayal witnessed within these pages left me heart broken and shattered. My heart mended and shattered over and over, but it is true that love no matter the hurdles is what keeps us going. The author did a marvelous job keeping me engaged and placing me within the pages.
October 9, 2025
What...was...that??? My brain is literally still trying to recover from this emotional roller coaster. First book that had me completely sobbing for the entire last hour. I absolutely loved everything about this book from start to finish. It was a great look into the back story of The Spark Series that makes you understand everything in the first two books even more. I don't know if I'll ever quite recover from this one though. It left me staring at the walls all teary eyed with both happy and sad tears. This one will definitely rip your heart out in the best way.
October 19, 2025
I strongly believe The Spark Series will forever be my favorite fantasy series. I admire Samantha Christopher and her way to create characters that are both relatable, and to be able to have a love hate relationship with them. Izalia, Theo, and Beau, will always have a special place in my heart.
Izalia is a Divina, with pure blood. She also has epilepsy, and has Beau as her companion. Since Izalia is a pure blood, she must also marry a pure blood. But what if she doesn’t even like her match?
Then there’s sweet ol’ Theo. Who just happened to be a Nomangi who got shipwrecked on the Divinas island. No one really accepts him besides his little village of outcast. What happens when Theo meets a beautiful Divina and falls in love with her only to find out they cannot actually be together?
If this was the last book I was ever allowed to read, I would be beyond content. The way this story sucked me in and took me on an emotional journey is unexplainable. I do not think I will ever recover from this story, and I don’t think I ever wanted. My heart is forever with Izalia, Theo, and Beau. 🖤
This book is a journey. My heart was wrapped up in this book since page one, and I never wanted to put it down.
Thank you Samantha Christopher for allowing me to be on your arc team 🖤🖤 I cannot wait to read more.
Izalia is a Divina, with pure blood. She also has epilepsy, and has Beau as her companion. Since Izalia is a pure blood, she must also marry a pure blood. But what if she doesn’t even like her match?
Then there’s sweet ol’ Theo. Who just happened to be a Nomangi who got shipwrecked on the Divinas island. No one really accepts him besides his little village of outcast. What happens when Theo meets a beautiful Divina and falls in love with her only to find out they cannot actually be together?
If this was the last book I was ever allowed to read, I would be beyond content. The way this story sucked me in and took me on an emotional journey is unexplainable. I do not think I will ever recover from this story, and I don’t think I ever wanted. My heart is forever with Izalia, Theo, and Beau. 🖤
This book is a journey. My heart was wrapped up in this book since page one, and I never wanted to put it down.
Thank you Samantha Christopher for allowing me to be on your arc team 🖤🖤 I cannot wait to read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
Prequel, but best read after book 2 for full impact.
If you read book 2, you have met the main character Iz. She was instantly a favorite in Book 2 for me and I absolutely loved her story. I love her even more now knowing all that she went through! She's brave and kind despite hardships in her life. A life planned for her that she never felt was just right is challenged after meeting strangers, one in particular, and being exposed to all the things her family and her people sheltered her from learning. As Iz learns more about her past and her world, she learns to follow her instincts.
If you read book 2, you have met the main character Iz. She was instantly a favorite in Book 2 for me and I absolutely loved her story. I love her even more now knowing all that she went through! She's brave and kind despite hardships in her life. A life planned for her that she never felt was just right is challenged after meeting strangers, one in particular, and being exposed to all the things her family and her people sheltered her from learning. As Iz learns more about her past and her world, she learns to follow her instincts.
November 25, 2025
It's only been several days since I finished reading A Tale of the Hidden Isle, and my heart has not recovered…
This story captured my heart, broke it, and then pieced it back together in the final chapter, which had me in tears. I adored the love between the two main characters, Izalia and Theo—and was rooting for them from the start. I was hooked and invested, so much so that I consumed the last 150 pages in a single sitting. I couldn’t put the book down!
If you’re looking for a Titanic-inspired fantasy, with forbidden love, elemental magic, closed-door romance, relatable characters who will steal your hearts, then check this book out and add it to your TBR!
I’ve already started the next book in the series, The Spark Within, because I couldn’t help myself.
This story captured my heart, broke it, and then pieced it back together in the final chapter, which had me in tears. I adored the love between the two main characters, Izalia and Theo—and was rooting for them from the start. I was hooked and invested, so much so that I consumed the last 150 pages in a single sitting. I couldn’t put the book down!
If you’re looking for a Titanic-inspired fantasy, with forbidden love, elemental magic, closed-door romance, relatable characters who will steal your hearts, then check this book out and add it to your TBR!
I’ve already started the next book in the series, The Spark Within, because I couldn’t help myself.
September 24, 2025
This was such a fun addition and insight to The Spark Series books.
I loved reading more about Izalia and Theo and the Divina people! This book can stand alone, but also adds depth and understanding to the story told in its counterparts.
An epic love story that explores many social challenges, and a great reminder that we are more than our circumstance.
Another great read from Samantha Christopher!!!
I loved reading more about Izalia and Theo and the Divina people! This book can stand alone, but also adds depth and understanding to the story told in its counterparts.
An epic love story that explores many social challenges, and a great reminder that we are more than our circumstance.
Another great read from Samantha Christopher!!!
October 14, 2025
This is a prequel to The Spark Series and is a beautifully written, emotionally charged story that pulled me in from the very first page. The characters are deep, layered, and in their struggles you feel like you’re standing there with them in the thick of it. By the end, I was completely in tears which is rare for a book to affect me like that. If you’re a fan of The Spark Series or looking to get a taste of the world, definitely give this a read!
October 14, 2025
A prequel to “The Spark Within” series, this book tells the tale of Izalia and where she grew up, her story. She is a magic wielder, and has a fun and sassy side kick monkey. She soon comes across someone (or rather he came across her 😉) though, who is different from the other boys and draws in her intrigue: Theo, a talented musician who is non-magical and saves Izalia from near death.
If you loved the tragic love story of Jack and Rose in “Titanic”, then this is the book for you!
If you loved the tragic love story of Jack and Rose in “Titanic”, then this is the book for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
Did you read “The Spark Within” and “The Spark Ignites” and want to know where the magic comes from? The read the “Hidden Isle!”
It’s the story of how Izalia met her soulmate and how she left the island.
Loved it! I hope we have more tales between the island and the mainland. Did the Elders go off island that much?!?
It’s the story of how Izalia met her soulmate and how she left the island.
Loved it! I hope we have more tales between the island and the mainland. Did the Elders go off island that much?!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2025
This book recked me, in a good way. Samantha Christopher did an amazing job with the writing of this book. After reading the first 2 books of the Spark series, I see some of the correlations in this book. Don't even get me started on Izalia and Theo's love. I wish I have someone to love me the way Theo does Izalia. A must read!!
October 5, 2025
“I belong to her. I love her. She is everything good and kind in this world.”
10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so excited to read Izalia’s story and it was so good. I was not prepared for the heartbreak of this book but what an ending 🥹.
Their love story was beautiful and Theo is everything I could have hoped for Izalia.
Samantha Christopher did it again 👏🏼👏🏼
10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so excited to read Izalia’s story and it was so good. I was not prepared for the heartbreak of this book but what an ending 🥹.
Their love story was beautiful and Theo is everything I could have hoped for Izalia.
Samantha Christopher did it again 👏🏼👏🏼
September 7, 2025
This was a really great addition to the series! I loved Izalia in the last book, so was excited to read her story, and it did not disappoint.
The island and the Divina people were so interesting! And the romance between Izalia and Theo was so sweet, I loved it so much that it made me cry 😊
The island and the Divina people were so interesting! And the romance between Izalia and Theo was so sweet, I loved it so much that it made me cry 😊
September 25, 2025
This book caused so much emotion damage, I cried my eyes out for 30 minutes and couldn’t read for the rest of the night. The story was written with great detail, and was a wonderful addition to the other Spark novels.
October 12, 2025
I loved reading the origin story of Izalia. I enjoyed it as much as I did the first 2 books. It was heartbreaking and made me cry. It was beautifully written. The book was full of mystery, love, and heartbreak. Thank you Samantha for writing such a hauntingly beautiful origin story.
Want to Read
October 14, 2025Very well written prequel to The Spark Series. This was an emotional rollercoaster of a ride. Just when you start to care for the characters things happen, you get sucked in. I felt a deep connection to this book. A great look into the past and the information we don't have in the first two books.
September 7, 2025
This story is very close to my heart. I hope you enjoy reading about Izalia and Theo as much as I loved writing about them.
October 1, 2025
Overall this book had me on the edge of my seat feeling all the feels. The story building is beautifully done.
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