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Sparks Saga #3
Schism
“Keeping them alive was harder than I ever thought possible.”
The devoted lover and proud father Lark is on the verge of losing it all. His abilities are slowly fading without reason and his enemies are looming ever closer. He has mere days to prepare for war and earn the allegiance of the Nakben tribes, none of which are eager to fight for a foreign queen.
With his life and family hanging in the balance, Lark enters enemy territory, but he doesn’t realize just how weak he’s become.
The devoted lover and proud father Lark is on the verge of losing it all. His abilities are slowly fading without reason and his enemies are looming ever closer. He has mere days to prepare for war and earn the allegiance of the Nakben tribes, none of which are eager to fight for a foreign queen.
With his life and family hanging in the balance, Lark enters enemy territory, but he doesn’t realize just how weak he’s become.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2015
4 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
R.S. McCoy
20 books203 followersRachel McCoy is a Texan living in Baltimore. Between binge-watching MTV reality shows and baking gluten-free treats, she writes paranormal fantasy and science fiction novels.
She is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Sparks Saga trilogy, The Alder Tales series, and The Extraction Files. Back when she lived in the real world, Rachel earned a degree in marine biology, which contributed to her die-hard love of manta rays.
To connect with RS McCoy (or swap recipes), visit her on her website (www.rsmccoyauthor.com) or check out her Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AuthorRSMcCoy). You can also join her newsletter to receive release updates, free stories, and bonus extras (http://eepurl.com/YItp1).
She is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Sparks Saga trilogy, The Alder Tales series, and The Extraction Files. Back when she lived in the real world, Rachel earned a degree in marine biology, which contributed to her die-hard love of manta rays.
To connect with RS McCoy (or swap recipes), visit her on her website (www.rsmccoyauthor.com) or check out her Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AuthorRSMcCoy). You can also join her newsletter to receive release updates, free stories, and bonus extras (http://eepurl.com/YItp1).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 9, 2017
This is the last and the conclusion of the story of Lark and Kea. After all these two have been through, it is sad to say goodbye to them and their story. For me, the ending was sad too. It was not what I had expected and up to now, I am still trying to get over it. If it were up to me, I would want another ending. A happier one. Yes, you have been warned, this amazing and engrossing story will have an end that you will not ever imagine. It will stun you and leave you immobile.
Every time I think about Schism, my mind goes on autopilot. It directly goes to the ending. Yes, the ending. I have to talk about it or else I might just explode. I did not ever expect it, though in fairness to RS McCoy, it did make sense if you have really followed the whole story. But then, I hate saying goodbye to characters who I have become very invested in. They are like part of my family. I hate to say that I wished the ending was something else. I wish it did not have to be that way. But being Lark and Kea and knowing they have come to love their island-home, it made sense to go out through the most honorable way as known by the people they have come to love. They have fully embraced the culture and the people, so it was just fitting to choose to leave this earth the way the brave do. Ah, it was still so sad. I had my mouth hanging open for long after I read that part. It was so hard to accept.
Well, moving on, as I have no choice in the matter but accept how the series ended. It wasn't all that sad. Lark and Kea, after defeating Mathias and Lheda, lived a great life with their son Tona, Lark's father and sister Estha. There was peace and prosperity. No more war and greed. All the hardships that Lark and Kea had to go through did pay off. This story was actually a very great wrap-up but the ending. It was all great and sunshiny until the epilogue. Yes, still can't move on from it. Anyway, with the ending, I was looking forward to another series with Lark and Kea's successors as the main characters. It would be great to know how Tona and Estha fared out.
Even with great sadness as to how this series ended, I still give this a 5/5 great ships. The journey of Lark and Kea has been a very memorable one. From a hard life to a life of greatness and prosperity. I had an absolutely great time sharing their journey and being part of their adventures. I won't ever forget this two amazing and strong characters. I am sure, I will read and revisit this tale again and again when I feel like it. So, it's not goodbye at all, but until then, Lark and Kea. Thank you for a great story.
That's the funny thing about home, isn't it? You think it's a place, but it's not. It's the people that make a place, not the other way around.
- RS McCoy, Schism -
Thank you again, RS McCoy for the copy.
Every time I think about Schism, my mind goes on autopilot. It directly goes to the ending. Yes, the ending. I have to talk about it or else I might just explode. I did not ever expect it, though in fairness to RS McCoy, it did make sense if you have really followed the whole story. But then, I hate saying goodbye to characters who I have become very invested in. They are like part of my family. I hate to say that I wished the ending was something else. I wish it did not have to be that way. But being Lark and Kea and knowing they have come to love their island-home, it made sense to go out through the most honorable way as known by the people they have come to love. They have fully embraced the culture and the people, so it was just fitting to choose to leave this earth the way the brave do. Ah, it was still so sad. I had my mouth hanging open for long after I read that part. It was so hard to accept.
Well, moving on, as I have no choice in the matter but accept how the series ended. It wasn't all that sad. Lark and Kea, after defeating Mathias and Lheda, lived a great life with their son Tona, Lark's father and sister Estha. There was peace and prosperity. No more war and greed. All the hardships that Lark and Kea had to go through did pay off. This story was actually a very great wrap-up but the ending. It was all great and sunshiny until the epilogue. Yes, still can't move on from it. Anyway, with the ending, I was looking forward to another series with Lark and Kea's successors as the main characters. It would be great to know how Tona and Estha fared out.
Even with great sadness as to how this series ended, I still give this a 5/5 great ships. The journey of Lark and Kea has been a very memorable one. From a hard life to a life of greatness and prosperity. I had an absolutely great time sharing their journey and being part of their adventures. I won't ever forget this two amazing and strong characters. I am sure, I will read and revisit this tale again and again when I feel like it. So, it's not goodbye at all, but until then, Lark and Kea. Thank you for a great story.
That's the funny thing about home, isn't it? You think it's a place, but it's not. It's the people that make a place, not the other way around.
- RS McCoy, Schism -
Thank you again, RS McCoy for the copy.
May 12, 2018
This book frustrated me in a number of ways, the were a number of what I felt were contrived outcomes, I believe I was not not supposed to feel Khea was a bitch, but I so felt she did not value Lark enough to communicate even simple things. What set this down from 4 to 3 was the last chapter, I question the Young Adult statement with a chapter like that, it certainly spoiled my enjoyment of the series, and in my opinion unnecessary (or at least a warning prior to the chapter that if you want a happy ending stop here and read no further).
January 5, 2018
Characters in this one had a lot to overcome, both politically and in preparation for war. Spirits, sparks, warriors and treachery. Very good story, sad to be done with the series. Engaging and entertaining read.
January 17, 2019
Absolutely amazing!!
This is one of the best set of books I have ever read and I absolutely loved them!! The ending was the most surprising and I still cant believe it!
This is one of the best set of books I have ever read and I absolutely loved them!! The ending was the most surprising and I still cant believe it!
August 7, 2016
Schism wraps up the Sparks Saga in a rather surprising, but oddly satisfying way. Lark and Khea are parents now, leading their new people, the Nabken, against their former allies in a hopelessly outnumbered war. Meanwhile, the spirits that fuel their sparks are growing confused and unresponsive.
What I liked most about this story was the natural way in which the story is told. It really draws you in and makes you feel a part of things. Lark’s devotion to Khea seems so real I could feel it. His fear of losing her and their child drives his actions and the progression of the story.
Meanwhile, the political aspects of the book are also intriguing. Khea’s rise to power isn’t enough to guarantee the use of the army she’ll need to fight off the looming invasion. The frustration really comes through, even from Lark’s perspective, but I love how the two of them work as a team while all the while remaining true to their new culture. And that made me think, particularly about loyalty and devotion.
Adding to that, this story is quite exciting. The brawn versus magic element to the battles is very well done, and I love how the balance is so close despite the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two forces. And the fights, some were epic, others more personal, but I felt like I was there no matter the scale.
Besides that, the only thing that threw me was the epilogue. In fact, I had to mull it over for a couple of days before I felt I could write this review. It makes sense, really it does, but I struggled to come to terms with it on an emotional level.
Overall, I really liked this story. It’s complex and engaging. Folks who love fantasy with solid world-building and magic, romance and tragedy, will likely enjoy this book and the series as a whole. Highly recommended.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and wrote this review for the blog at PureTextuality.com.
What I liked most about this story was the natural way in which the story is told. It really draws you in and makes you feel a part of things. Lark’s devotion to Khea seems so real I could feel it. His fear of losing her and their child drives his actions and the progression of the story.
Meanwhile, the political aspects of the book are also intriguing. Khea’s rise to power isn’t enough to guarantee the use of the army she’ll need to fight off the looming invasion. The frustration really comes through, even from Lark’s perspective, but I love how the two of them work as a team while all the while remaining true to their new culture. And that made me think, particularly about loyalty and devotion.
Adding to that, this story is quite exciting. The brawn versus magic element to the battles is very well done, and I love how the balance is so close despite the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two forces. And the fights, some were epic, others more personal, but I felt like I was there no matter the scale.
Besides that, the only thing that threw me was the epilogue. In fact, I had to mull it over for a couple of days before I felt I could write this review. It makes sense, really it does, but I struggled to come to terms with it on an emotional level.
Overall, I really liked this story. It’s complex and engaging. Folks who love fantasy with solid world-building and magic, romance and tragedy, will likely enjoy this book and the series as a whole. Highly recommended.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and wrote this review for the blog at PureTextuality.com.
October 9, 2015
Schism is a fitting conclusion to the Sparks Saga. Khea confronts the challenges of ruling the islands while preparing for a war that eventually comes to her shores. Ultimately I thought this was a great novel. The darkness and funk around Lark finally lift and his relationship with Khea deepens. We learn more about the island peoples and their culture. There isn't much meandering here.. the plot starts strong and just continues building momentum until the final showdown with Mattias and Llheda. Everything finally starts coalescing well and we get great resolution for all the major characters. I can't think of anything I didn't really like with this one and it was well worth the read.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.This review was originally posted on MichaelSciFan
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.This review was originally posted on MichaelSciFan
December 29, 2015
Disclaimer: I received an electronic copy of this book direct from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This is the conclusion to the Sparks series and oh. mah. gawd. was it good. The characters are so well written that they might as well be real people. The nuances, facets, and personality tics make them seem so alive. Combine that with their interactions with one another and I was simply submersed in this world, the war, the friendships, the heartache, etc.
I really loved this series and can't recommend it enough. With an interesting blend of brutality, magics, love, friendships, strategy, etc., it kept me interested, vested in the characters, and the ending did not disappoint.
I wish I could erase my memory and reread these again, right now!
This is the conclusion to the Sparks series and oh. mah. gawd. was it good. The characters are so well written that they might as well be real people. The nuances, facets, and personality tics make them seem so alive. Combine that with their interactions with one another and I was simply submersed in this world, the war, the friendships, the heartache, etc.
I really loved this series and can't recommend it enough. With an interesting blend of brutality, magics, love, friendships, strategy, etc., it kept me interested, vested in the characters, and the ending did not disappoint.
I wish I could erase my memory and reread these again, right now!
January 10, 2016
This is the conclusion to the Sparks saga and this was by far my favorite so far! This was definitely the most emotional read of the three and I loved the way everything came together in the end. This author takes us through the entire spectrum of emotions and things are more intense than ever here and I loved every minute of reading this! I am sad to see this series end, but I'm loving this author and am looking forward to reading more from her in the future. I highly recommend this book and this entire series to anyone and I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2015
A absolutely great ending to a fantastical series. This book really keeps you on the edge of your seat, rooting for the good guys but never knowing what will come next. I found myself, happy, sad, shocked, outraged, relieved and just in OMG just what happened. At times I think my mouth hung open as reading thinking WTF is wrong with these people. Loved this series.
February 18, 2016
A very good ending to The Sparks Saga. Khea is having to overcome some challenges of ruling Nakbe. She wasn't born in Nakbe so the people think that she's unfit to lead. Lheda and Mathias is bringing war to them and Lark and Khea spend most of this book trying to get the other nations on their side of the war. It started out really well and had a very good ending.
January 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book as much as the first two in this series.
I'm not much for words, so I'll say just that once I started this book I found it difficult to put it down.
I'm not much for words, so I'll say just that once I started this book I found it difficult to put it down.
May 12, 2016
The ending OMG. Let me finish crying first. Perfect, amazing, magical ending to a fantastic series! WOW!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews