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Sparkstone Saga #1
Stars In Her Eyes
Burn hot and cold.
Read minds.
Disappear at will.
Dream your own death.
Welcome to Sparkstone University, where some students are more gifted than others.
When Ingrid learns she’s been accepted at the hyper-secretive Sparkstone University, she is sceptical. It’s an honour to attend, apparently, and yet barely anyone has ever heard of the place.
And everyone seems a little too happy that she’s there: especially when she meets Sunni and her group of friends. They seem to already know Ingrid. As if she was expected. Expected to save Earth from an imminent alien invasion. Like she has superpowers or something.
As if magic and mutations exist. As if aliens are really planning to attack.
That just sounds ridiculous. There’s no such thing.
…right?
Wrong.
Read minds.
Disappear at will.
Dream your own death.
Welcome to Sparkstone University, where some students are more gifted than others.
When Ingrid learns she’s been accepted at the hyper-secretive Sparkstone University, she is sceptical. It’s an honour to attend, apparently, and yet barely anyone has ever heard of the place.
And everyone seems a little too happy that she’s there: especially when she meets Sunni and her group of friends. They seem to already know Ingrid. As if she was expected. Expected to save Earth from an imminent alien invasion. Like she has superpowers or something.
As if magic and mutations exist. As if aliens are really planning to attack.
That just sounds ridiculous. There’s no such thing.
…right?
Wrong.
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2013
5 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Clare C. Marshall
14 books139 followersClare C. Marshall grew up in rural Nova Scotia with very little television and dial-up internet, and yet she turned out okay. Her YA sci-fi novel Dreams In Her Head was nominated for Canada's 2014 Creation of Stories award. She is a full-time freelance editor, book designer, ghostwriter, and web manager. If there’s time left in the day, she devotes it to Faery Ink Press, her publishing imprint. When she’s not writing or fiddling up a storm, she enjoys computer games and making silly noises at cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 18, 2013
If you're looking for a quick, fun and sassy read, Stars in Her Eyes will be exactly what you're looking for. It reminded me of R.L. Stein's Goosebumps due to its ease of reading and a young woman discovering the other-worldly horrors that await her new school.
Ingrid is a smart, talented student accepted into the mysterious Sparkstone Academy full of other A class students. Everything seems peachy when she meets a vivacious girl called Sunni and is given a tour by a lovely woman. However, warning bells ring when the school takes a fingerprick sample of her blood, Sunni warns her not to eat the canteen food and she discovers hidden cameras all over the school. It turns out Sparkstone is run by The Collective, a group of aliens and Ingrid and her friends with special abilities are the only ones that can stop them.
The story is kind of like Xmen with aliens, where a group of students with special powers discover what is happening in their school and band together to fight the aliens. You've got Sunni who has premonitions in her dreams, Misty who can shoot fire from her hands, Will who can enter people's minds and see what they're thinking, and Jia who can make herself invisible. While we've seen these powers before, pitting them against aliens was a fun way to use them.
Ingrid was a very likable character, she doesn't preoccupy herself too much on why these things are happening and whether this is actually real and just goes along with it. She's not afraid to take risks and challenge the norm, and she picks up the strange occurrences at Sparkstone straight away.
Stars in Her Eyes is full of excitement, action and adventure as the plot moves at a progressively fast pace. It doesn't focus too much on complex world building or character development, which makes it a light read. Sometimes that's exactly what I'm looking for and I'm glad I picked it up.
I received a review copy from the author on this blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
Check out the blog tour on my Happy Indulgence blog here!
Ingrid is a smart, talented student accepted into the mysterious Sparkstone Academy full of other A class students. Everything seems peachy when she meets a vivacious girl called Sunni and is given a tour by a lovely woman. However, warning bells ring when the school takes a fingerprick sample of her blood, Sunni warns her not to eat the canteen food and she discovers hidden cameras all over the school. It turns out Sparkstone is run by The Collective, a group of aliens and Ingrid and her friends with special abilities are the only ones that can stop them.
The story is kind of like Xmen with aliens, where a group of students with special powers discover what is happening in their school and band together to fight the aliens. You've got Sunni who has premonitions in her dreams, Misty who can shoot fire from her hands, Will who can enter people's minds and see what they're thinking, and Jia who can make herself invisible. While we've seen these powers before, pitting them against aliens was a fun way to use them.
Ingrid was a very likable character, she doesn't preoccupy herself too much on why these things are happening and whether this is actually real and just goes along with it. She's not afraid to take risks and challenge the norm, and she picks up the strange occurrences at Sparkstone straight away.
Stars in Her Eyes is full of excitement, action and adventure as the plot moves at a progressively fast pace. It doesn't focus too much on complex world building or character development, which makes it a light read. Sometimes that's exactly what I'm looking for and I'm glad I picked it up.
I received a review copy from the author on this blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
Check out the blog tour on my Happy Indulgence blog here!
May 13, 2013
Ingrid has received an acceptance to a high end University that only the best are accepted into. Thing is she never applied to this University, yet she was not accepted anywhere else, even with her high scores and hard work. Ingrid has had a feeling about Sparkstone since she's received her acceptance letter however once she is there and meeting friends and a hot guy she doesn't think its that bad. That is until she finds out that its being run by the Collective and every student is hand picked for the Harvest. Now its up to Ingrid and her friends to not only save everyone at Sparkstone but themselves as well. Ingrid will gain friends and enemies everywhere she turns.
I really liked Stars In Her Eyes, the adventure Ingrid goes on with her friends is intense, exciting and full of drama. I can't wait to read the next chapter of the Sparkstone Sage to see what is in store for Ingrid and her friends.
I really liked Stars In Her Eyes, the adventure Ingrid goes on with her friends is intense, exciting and full of drama. I can't wait to read the next chapter of the Sparkstone Sage to see what is in store for Ingrid and her friends.
July 31, 2013
This was a fun read. I found it very light and relaxing. Even during the on the edge of your seat moments (and boy did it have me on the edge of my seat at the end) this story was a great read. The writing flowed easily, although, 1st person isn't my favorite POV to read. It jars me and takes a few sentences to get into. The story was a nice blend of Sci-Fi and mystery with plenty left to discover in upcoming books. I will be picking up the rest of the series as it's released because I want to know what happens.
July 26, 2020
I couldn't put this book down during the first half/part one! It was a page turner and I absolutely loved it! Part two did slow down a little bit, but was interesting nonetheless. Not to mention the fact that this cover is beautiful!
The relationship that's created between Ingrid and Ethan happens so fast but was done well, I can't wait to see more of them as well as more of Jia and Will, Misty didn't really appeal to me, she just seemed like a girl with superpowers and anger issues.
It's very sad that, (as far as I know), we won't see more of Sunni, she seemed like she was a good character and I would enjoy more of her.
Eager to read book 2!
The relationship that's created between Ingrid and Ethan happens so fast but was done well, I can't wait to see more of them as well as more of Jia and Will, Misty didn't really appeal to me, she just seemed like a girl with superpowers and anger issues.
It's very sad that, (as far as I know), we won't see more of Sunni, she seemed like she was a good character and I would enjoy more of her.
Eager to read book 2!
June 3, 2013
Blog Tour Stop: Love, Literature, Art, and Reason
http://meganm922.blogspot.com/2013/06...
I loved Stars in Her Eyes. It was a well written YA science fiction full of wonder, adventure, and strange concepts. Stars in Her Eyes had a hidden alien plot within a functioning university with beautiful descriptions and graceful, celestial writing.
The cover of the book is gorgeous and it reflects the book quite well. The book is every bit as beautiful and magnificent as the cover lead me to believe and each scene stood out.
I liked the main character, Ingrid, and I felt like she was a relatable character. She wanted to prove herself, fit in for once, but the possibility that she didn’t belong at such a prestigious university terrified her, which is something I think most book nerds (or nerds of any kind) can understand. Ingrid was immediately bombarded by a group of tight knit friends who reached out to her and warn her that everything was not as it seemed. Thrust into a conspiracy she wasn’t even sure she understood, she struggled to fit in, arrange her priorities, and save the people she came to care about. And then, of course, there was a guy.
I really loved the plot of Stars in Her Eyes because it was a mixture of things I love: aliens, science fiction, coming of age, romance, friendship, conspiracies, and superpowers. The alien agenda at a school definitely reminded me of some of the plots in middle grade series like Goosebumps, but there was an element of maturity, beauty, and wonder that isn’t present in those types of stories. I love how the author was able to combine the elements in such a magical way and make me appreciate the beauty of the world and the horror of the situation while also caring about the characters and their outcomes.
Ingrid was central to the plot, but she had no idea why. She wasn’t sure what she could possibly bring to the table in the midst of the talented group of friends she became a part of. However, I thought she ended up being a valuable person to the group even without super abilities. She tried to get the extremely different personas of the group to work together and succeeded.
While a lot happened in the novel and I have a better understanding of the overall plot, I thought more questions arose near the end than answers. Which means I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I love books that make me think and make me wonder what the author will do next and Stars In Her Eyes is definitely one of those books. I highly recommend the book and other books by Clare C. Marshall. I love the way she writes and can create such amazing action and adventure while also being wonderfully descriptive.
http://meganm922.blogspot.com/2013/06...
I loved Stars in Her Eyes. It was a well written YA science fiction full of wonder, adventure, and strange concepts. Stars in Her Eyes had a hidden alien plot within a functioning university with beautiful descriptions and graceful, celestial writing.
"Sparkstone is determined to keep outsiders out. Or insiders in. I wonder what secrets it holds."
The cover of the book is gorgeous and it reflects the book quite well. The book is every bit as beautiful and magnificent as the cover lead me to believe and each scene stood out.
"A cold, tingling sensation sweeps over me, the same one you might get when stepping into a freezer after sitting in a sauna. And then, I'm transported to a layer of reality that exists unnoticed within my own world. The real world whistles around me, a constant storm that I don't see when I'm visible to the naked eye."
"When I'm unseen, I see the beauty in everything."
I liked the main character, Ingrid, and I felt like she was a relatable character. She wanted to prove herself, fit in for once, but the possibility that she didn’t belong at such a prestigious university terrified her, which is something I think most book nerds (or nerds of any kind) can understand. Ingrid was immediately bombarded by a group of tight knit friends who reached out to her and warn her that everything was not as it seemed. Thrust into a conspiracy she wasn’t even sure she understood, she struggled to fit in, arrange her priorities, and save the people she came to care about. And then, of course, there was a guy.
I really loved the plot of Stars in Her Eyes because it was a mixture of things I love: aliens, science fiction, coming of age, romance, friendship, conspiracies, and superpowers. The alien agenda at a school definitely reminded me of some of the plots in middle grade series like Goosebumps, but there was an element of maturity, beauty, and wonder that isn’t present in those types of stories. I love how the author was able to combine the elements in such a magical way and make me appreciate the beauty of the world and the horror of the situation while also caring about the characters and their outcomes.
"'It's too much after a while,' she says finally. 'It's paradise. A siren's song. Too dangerous for me to remain here long.'"
"Earth is too beautiful , too small in the endless black vacuum of space to look at."
Ingrid was central to the plot, but she had no idea why. She wasn’t sure what she could possibly bring to the table in the midst of the talented group of friends she became a part of. However, I thought she ended up being a valuable person to the group even without super abilities. She tried to get the extremely different personas of the group to work together and succeeded.
"I don't know why I'm so hopeful, since I have zero experience in being a hostage on an alien spaceship, but I have to believe that the countless hours I've spent reading and watching science fiction is going to help keep us alive somehow."
While a lot happened in the novel and I have a better understanding of the overall plot, I thought more questions arose near the end than answers. Which means I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I love books that make me think and make me wonder what the author will do next and Stars In Her Eyes is definitely one of those books. I highly recommend the book and other books by Clare C. Marshall. I love the way she writes and can create such amazing action and adventure while also being wonderfully descriptive.
June 3, 2013
I really enjoyed Stars in Her Eyes. It was a quick, but action packed fun read. It was a sci/fi mix with paranormal too. I was caught up in it right from the start.
I connected with most the main characters pretty quick too. I thought one of the group, Misty was a bit harsh, and didn't really find out why exactly, but figure more will be revealed in the next book. Ingrid was pretty likable, she was curious for sure, where I would have been scared more than her, lol.
It was pretty short, but like i said, a great start to a new fun series. I don't want to give anything away with the story. The blurb is just right to tell you enough I think.
I don't think I would want these kinds of Aliens to come to Earth, that's for sure. Scary, lol
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a little sci-fi or paranormal with some sci-fi in their books. There is not really any romance at all. There is hint of a possibility. This all happens over a short time, like a few days it feels like anyway.
5 out of 5 stars. Try it out.
I was provided a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
September 4, 2015
Like I said, this is a good book, but is was a little confusing for me. The story is original and interesting, but is too tangled and there are a lot of secrets and nobody knows anything excerpt Sunni and she doesn't tell anyone anything. It's a little annoying.
Ingrid had been chosen at Sparkstone University and she was a little surprised because she didn't even try to get in that university. There are only smart kids and this is a very big challenge for her. She is a musician and she is very smart, but sh is afraid she doesn't keep up with the others.
Here, at university, she met Sunni and her friends: Jia, Wil and Misty and they are a little strange. She also met Ethan, a boy with British accent and she kinda likes him. But this university is not what it seems. And here we go, this is a book with aliens and I love that kind of books, but it has too much mystery and the secrets aren't elucidated until this book ends and it's too much. I don't know when the second book will come out, but I want to read it because this one has too many secrets and things which I don't understand.
I'm so happy that in this book was a kiss and it was in a little funny moment, even if this book isn't about the funny things (those aliens were so slimy!). Anyway, I liked this book and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it. Thanks Clare for the book!
This book receives from me 3.7/5 stars. I want the sequel! :)
Ingrid had been chosen at Sparkstone University and she was a little surprised because she didn't even try to get in that university. There are only smart kids and this is a very big challenge for her. She is a musician and she is very smart, but sh is afraid she doesn't keep up with the others.
Here, at university, she met Sunni and her friends: Jia, Wil and Misty and they are a little strange. She also met Ethan, a boy with British accent and she kinda likes him. But this university is not what it seems. And here we go, this is a book with aliens and I love that kind of books, but it has too much mystery and the secrets aren't elucidated until this book ends and it's too much. I don't know when the second book will come out, but I want to read it because this one has too many secrets and things which I don't understand.
I'm so happy that in this book was a kiss and it was in a little funny moment, even if this book isn't about the funny things (those aliens were so slimy!). Anyway, I liked this book and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it. Thanks Clare for the book!
This book receives from me 3.7/5 stars. I want the sequel! :)
July 22, 2014
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book was okay - it had a plot, some action, and characters to fill up the world. I just found that it didn't have enough...body. On top of that, even though Ingrid and I share a lot of the same characteristics, I found her unlikable. For someone so smart, she doesn't really use her head much. That frustrated me incredibly. Luckily this story isn't that long.
Narrated in a 1st person POV from 'heroine' Ingrid, things pick up pretty quickly. All in all, I think this book takes place within 3 days. There could have been a lot more explanation or at least insight to Ingrid as a person, but without those things there wasn't anything here to draw me in to the story. Yes, there's mystery and some magic/paranormal activity, and of course the alien teacher aspect, but it was just there. Ingrid has no investment in the school or her 'friends', so why should I?
This book was okay - it had a plot, some action, and characters to fill up the world. I just found that it didn't have enough...body. On top of that, even though Ingrid and I share a lot of the same characteristics, I found her unlikable. For someone so smart, she doesn't really use her head much. That frustrated me incredibly. Luckily this story isn't that long.
Narrated in a 1st person POV from 'heroine' Ingrid, things pick up pretty quickly. All in all, I think this book takes place within 3 days. There could have been a lot more explanation or at least insight to Ingrid as a person, but without those things there wasn't anything here to draw me in to the story. Yes, there's mystery and some magic/paranormal activity, and of course the alien teacher aspect, but it was just there. Ingrid has no investment in the school or her 'friends', so why should I?
July 30, 2014
Truthfully the section of science fiction related to aliens was never my favorite. However, after reading the description of the book "Stars In Her Eyes", I found that it would be interesting and I give it a chance.
I read it in one day and at the end I have mixed feelings about it.
On the one hand, Stars In Her Eye is a very nice and pleasant to read. There was a lot of action which I think is always a plus. Also there was varied characters, which from the star were very likeable, with one exception .... The main character - Ingrid. I am not sure why but I didn't like her and sometimes I didn't understand her actions. What else I would indicated as minus - the whole story takes place in a very short time and Ingrid is immediately drawn into the whole action.
When it comes to science fiction, everyone always has their own preferences. This book did not completely matched mine, but I'm glad that I read it.
I read it in one day and at the end I have mixed feelings about it.
On the one hand, Stars In Her Eye is a very nice and pleasant to read. There was a lot of action which I think is always a plus. Also there was varied characters, which from the star were very likeable, with one exception .... The main character - Ingrid. I am not sure why but I didn't like her and sometimes I didn't understand her actions. What else I would indicated as minus - the whole story takes place in a very short time and Ingrid is immediately drawn into the whole action.
When it comes to science fiction, everyone always has their own preferences. This book did not completely matched mine, but I'm glad that I read it.
May 28, 2013
The first thing I notices about this book, is that it is set in Canada. I appreciate the fact that this author did so, because most stories I read are set in the US or Europe. No joke, this is the first book I have read that has Canada as a setting. I guess that the Clare being from Canada has something to do with it. Nonetheless, I love that. The book itself was well written, and the story was well thought out. There is a complex reason for the happenings at Sparkstone, and you really have to pay attention to learn these things. I loved the little love affair going on on the side! It was adorable, and I think that everyone would like this light read. I am excited for the sequel, Dreams in her Head. I give this book 5 out of 5 book-a-saur paws!
August 2, 2017
This book caught my eye at a comic and entertainment expo near my home town and the book takes place close to were I l9ve so I thought that was exciting and decided to buy it and check it out. This book is short and 200 pages and was a very quick read but it was almost too quick and things happened so suddenly and the were over so suddenly I never really understood what was happening. The overly fast pace also kept me from having any connections with the characters. There were some interesting parts and some neat ideas but overall I was not as impressed as I wanted to be and I'm still unsure if I will continue on, to be fair I probably won't cause there are alot of books out there and I don't want to be disappointed again.
July 20, 2014
Going away to college is always an experience. Imagine going away to a college you have never heard of let alone applied to, where everyone there is extremely intelligent. That is Ingrid's reality. That and her life is about to turn into something out of science fiction/fantasy.
This novel is thrilling, fast paced and action packed. I did find the novel to be a little too fast paced. There wasn't enough about the sidekick characters, making them feel one dimensional. There was definitely a lot of action, having to fight aliens. This book was a light and easy read, which is always enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it to others.
This novel is thrilling, fast paced and action packed. I did find the novel to be a little too fast paced. There wasn't enough about the sidekick characters, making them feel one dimensional. There was definitely a lot of action, having to fight aliens. This book was a light and easy read, which is always enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it to others.
July 21, 2014
Ingrid has been recruited and accepted, even though she never applied, to Sparkstone University - a college who actually seeks only the best and brightest and they are thrilled Ingrid is attending.
Put on your self-belts and hang-on because thus story takes almost from the beginning and it's a roller coaster of action until the very end - which of course sets us up for the second in the series. This was definitely an introduction and you need to keep that in mind because a lot of the characters will need more of a back story, but I can't imagine a way that the author could include those without slowing down the story.
Put on your self-belts and hang-on because thus story takes almost from the beginning and it's a roller coaster of action until the very end - which of course sets us up for the second in the series. This was definitely an introduction and you need to keep that in mind because a lot of the characters will need more of a back story, but I can't imagine a way that the author could include those without slowing down the story.
May 25, 2013
One word. Fantastic. I am surprised to give a sci-fi book a top rating considering I prefer paranormal romance but this book was definitely worth it. I have just realised there is so much more to sci-fi than I thought there was. I enjoyed the way the story was written, the characters were so realistic that at one point I was just wishing for a change to bring my favourite back (no spoilers :P) but alas, maybe in the next book??? wink wink!
*I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
*I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
July 28, 2014
I received this book in exchange for a review. Ingrid is accepted into a secret university in the middle of nowhere in Canada. As soon as she arrives, strange things begin to happen. She can't get her new friends to explain to her what is happening.
This book is a very easy, fast read. The book leaves you hanging at the end though. It never really tells us what Ingrid is or why she is so important. I assume there will be another book. If so, I would like to read it to find out what happens.
This book is a very easy, fast read. The book leaves you hanging at the end though. It never really tells us what Ingrid is or why she is so important. I assume there will be another book. If so, I would like to read it to find out what happens.
July 31, 2014
This was ARC
I really liked this book, and it was really easy (and fast) read.
The writter described everything very well, and I've could see everything in my head. It just kept me interested.
One thing that I mind is the time table. Everything happened too fast. She was barely two days there, so I would prefered that there was a little bit more time with her introducing the University and her friends.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
I really liked this book, and it was really easy (and fast) read.
The writter described everything very well, and I've could see everything in my head. It just kept me interested.
One thing that I mind is the time table. Everything happened too fast. She was barely two days there, so I would prefered that there was a little bit more time with her introducing the University and her friends.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
July 25, 2014
Stars in Her Eyes is a creative and well-written YA novel. The story line is unique and the author does some great world building. Personally I am not a big fan of alien stories so it was not a series that I myself would read any more of or recommend to anyone else. However, for those who are fans of fantasy/sci-fi with an alien story line I am sure they would like this book.
October 12, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the author at a local comic-con a couple years ago! It was so nice meeting the author, having her sign the book, and knowing she was Canadian!
I love supporting any and all Canadian YA authors. But Stars in her eyes tries (and mostly fails) to be a mashup of YA and NA with a MG writing style. The characters and plot are not memorable, and the most memorable part of the book is the setting in the mountainous regions of Alberta, Canada.
Plot: The plot wrote like a young Middle Grade novel. There were not many twists and turns to turn a used idea into something special or even with Canadian flair, despite the setting being this gorgeous "university" in Alberta.
Setting & imagery : If there's one thing Clare C. Marshall is really good at, it's describing settings (and unnecessarily, clothing)!
Characters: They were not memorable and not well developed. Half the time, I forgot that the MC was named Ingrid, and that's not a good sign. I felt her point of view was very superficial and contradictory at times and was more "tell" than "show". Though the friendships were okay, any semblance of romance fell flat.
Writing style: Again, wrote like an early MG novel to me, which isn't bad! I just wish the intended audience of the book would have known that
All in all, I think this would have been an appropriate book for a 9-12 age group, not a real young adult.
I love supporting any and all Canadian YA authors. But Stars in her eyes tries (and mostly fails) to be a mashup of YA and NA with a MG writing style. The characters and plot are not memorable, and the most memorable part of the book is the setting in the mountainous regions of Alberta, Canada.
Plot: The plot wrote like a young Middle Grade novel. There were not many twists and turns to turn a used idea into something special or even with Canadian flair, despite the setting being this gorgeous "university" in Alberta.
Setting & imagery : If there's one thing Clare C. Marshall is really good at, it's describing settings (and unnecessarily, clothing)!
Characters: They were not memorable and not well developed. Half the time, I forgot that the MC was named Ingrid, and that's not a good sign. I felt her point of view was very superficial and contradictory at times and was more "tell" than "show". Though the friendships were okay, any semblance of romance fell flat.
Writing style: Again, wrote like an early MG novel to me, which isn't bad! I just wish the intended audience of the book would have known that
All in all, I think this would have been an appropriate book for a 9-12 age group, not a real young adult.
November 29, 2018
I commend authors who go the independent publishing route because I know publishing is wicked hard. Marshall’s book was not bad by any means - in fact I think the novel had an interesting concept and could have really worked. It is reminiscent of Xmen in space, which was an element that I actually enjoyed. I did think the novel was an easy read and extremely fast paced, but I think that might of been it’s downfall. The novel could have used another 200-300 pages and I think that would have fixed many of my issues. I think the novel dived into the action with no development; Ingrid goes from entering the compound with her family to getting onto a spaceship and fighting aliens. The timeline was also off - the novel took place in over a day (or maybe two, but it wasn’t clear). The world building was hardly explained - even when Ingrid asked her peers SEVERAL times to explain things (why was the food so enthralling??). I definitely understand that this is Marshall’s debut novel, and her writing has most probably improved since then (2013), I am just not invested enough in this underdeveloped story to continue with the series overall.
(The mentions of Canadian cities and the prairies really churned my butter.)
(The mentions of Canadian cities and the prairies really churned my butter.)
April 20, 2024
This story was somewhat interesting, and definitely fast paced. The entire action takes place within about 24 hours. And that’s the problem which makes some of the situations hard to connect with.
Ingrid arrives and a unique and very exclusive school, meets a few people, and after her first class is thrown into an ongoing battle between the leadership of the school and her classmates. These classmates have extraordinary powers, like the ability to make themselves and others invisible, see the future, and throw fire and ice. But since the action starts immediately, there’s no friendship building between them and Ingrid. She’s essentially helping out strangers, and as a reader I just don’t really connect with her deep need to help them out.
There is also a lack of world building. We’re thrown into this strange fantastical scenario with no background and just supposed to accept it. And what’s more, Ingrid just accepts it like nothing is weird and doesn’t even ask questions of her new classmates to understand what’s going on.
Not sure if I’m going to continue with the series or not. I might just to see if more things get explained.
Ingrid arrives and a unique and very exclusive school, meets a few people, and after her first class is thrown into an ongoing battle between the leadership of the school and her classmates. These classmates have extraordinary powers, like the ability to make themselves and others invisible, see the future, and throw fire and ice. But since the action starts immediately, there’s no friendship building between them and Ingrid. She’s essentially helping out strangers, and as a reader I just don’t really connect with her deep need to help them out.
There is also a lack of world building. We’re thrown into this strange fantastical scenario with no background and just supposed to accept it. And what’s more, Ingrid just accepts it like nothing is weird and doesn’t even ask questions of her new classmates to understand what’s going on.
Not sure if I’m going to continue with the series or not. I might just to see if more things get explained.
November 26, 2017
I picked up the trilogy at the Edmonton entertainment Expo. I knew very little about the series but a discussion with the author sold me on the set. Set in northern Alberta( in a fictional university- thankfully lol), my own home base with liberal references to science fiction, how could I resist? Well written characters, a Good book is one that you want to keep reading even though you know you need to go to sleep. A young woman accepted into a university that turns out not to be all it initially seems. Aliens? Of course- no spoiler as its on the back cover. I’m not a “young” adult but I think even us “older” adults can enjoy this book. Anytime I felt critical of how the characters would react I had to remind myself that these would be first year university students not someone several years older like myself.
July 15, 2017
If X-Men and Harry Potter had a baby in book form this would be it. Now, I love HP and X-men, this however was a little too much like the two and offered little unqiue characteristics. In fact the main character even referenced the similarity to X-men.
I also really didn't find a connection with any of the characters, they didn't get any time to develop. I think the plot is good and had more development than characters, however, it is not original. The "chosen one" has to help save a school and possibly the world from evil alongside her convenient new friends with amazing powers, who teach her that she too had amazing powers.
If you don't mind well used troupes or haven't happened upon these ones I would still reccomend this, but it's definitely not a book for me.
I also really didn't find a connection with any of the characters, they didn't get any time to develop. I think the plot is good and had more development than characters, however, it is not original. The "chosen one" has to help save a school and possibly the world from evil alongside her convenient new friends with amazing powers, who teach her that she too had amazing powers.
If you don't mind well used troupes or haven't happened upon these ones I would still reccomend this, but it's definitely not a book for me.
December 26, 2019
It was childish but it's for young adults. There is so much that is not explained and a lot of the explanations are sketchy like they were author trying to answer the question 'why don't they do the smart thing?' and then giving us a too quick reason for why they don't.
The story does have a lot of potential and I will pick up the others when I see them. Suspend your disbelief. that's really the key here.
The characters are starting to flesh out and hopefully they will get better-rounded in the next books.
If you get the chance, give it a try.
The story does have a lot of potential and I will pick up the others when I see them. Suspend your disbelief. that's really the key here.
The characters are starting to flesh out and hopefully they will get better-rounded in the next books.
If you get the chance, give it a try.
October 31, 2017
It's okay. I'd probably give it closer to 2.5 stars. I have to admit I'm an adult, so I think a preteen would really enjoy this book (whom it is geared for). It is imaginative and interesting and there are great visualizations.
However, I think it could have been developed more- it all happens rather quickly. Some of it was predictable. I debated whether I wanted to read the 2nd one- there was some appeal to do so, but in the end, I decided I'd rather find something else to read.
However, I think it could have been developed more- it all happens rather quickly. Some of it was predictable. I debated whether I wanted to read the 2nd one- there was some appeal to do so, but in the end, I decided I'd rather find something else to read.
May 22, 2024
This book was fun. The prologue sucked me in immediately. I do wish we had a bit more time with Ingrid at the school to really introduce us to the Sparks before all the action started. This book delivered exactly what I hoped for when I started reading it. I can’t wait to see where the series goes. I hope SOMEONE comes back to life because ouch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
*3.5 stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed this book, And wish I would have picked up the other three when I got this one at Montreal Comic Con last year. Hoping to order the sequel soon I can’t wait to see how it ends
I really enjoyed this book, And wish I would have picked up the other three when I got this one at Montreal Comic Con last year. Hoping to order the sequel soon I can’t wait to see how it ends
July 31, 2023
Not my normal type of read but Clare’s writing is amazing! Mysterious academia meets fantasy with a dash of thriller. Great for a YA book or a quicker read for adults. Need to get my hands on book #2!
August 27, 2025
3.5 FINALLY CATCHING UP ON MY GOODREADS GUYS AFTER NEARLY A MONTH!
May 30, 2013
Stars In Her Eyes (Sparkstone Saga #1) by Clare C. Marshall
Steph's Rating: 4 stars
Overall Rating: 4 stars
Steph's Review:
I'm usually not a big sci-fi fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed Stars In Her Eyes. While this is not Clare Marshall's debut book, it is the introduction to her new series: Sparkstone Saga. I felt this was an adequate beginning to her new realm, and if you are looking for a quick and easy read, this is for you!
Ingrid has been accepted into the prestigious Sparkstone University in middle-of-nowhere Alberta. It is invitation only, no applications. Kind of an oxymoron in my opinion, but there's a reason for it. Ingrid knows she's smart and gifted; she's been a stellar student and musician her whole life, but it's flipped around when she arrives at Sparkstone. Here, she learns just how special she truly is, along with the other students at this university. Creepy enough, everyone seems to know just who Ingrid is, and even worse, they expect her to be their savior: from an outer-planetary alien attack that is. She wants nothing to do with it and is ready to pack her bags and report to the police that people out in rural Kansas are going loco, but when a startling and unexpected attack occurs, Ingrid knows that this alien business might really all be true. To help her newly found friends and to save the school from imminent threats, Ingrid must look deep into herself and discover the very powers she holds within.
I really liked Ingrid's story: it's wild, intense, and keeps readers on their toes. The superpowers Clare came up with were exciting to learn about, and it all reminded me a lot of X-Men (which I love!). If your a sci-fi or fantasy lover, you will surely enjoy this tale. This story is action packed to the core, especially since it's short. While it started out a little on the slow side in my opinion, this story increases page fast. I was little bit confused when Clare got to the big reveal because it all came so suddenly that my brain could not even process the information. I had to reread those pages about 3 times before I really got the situation at hand.
Monsters. Are you afraid of them? The authors takes on aliens is original--originality is always refreshing--but holy crap. I was pretty scared of these aliens by description only. It was a good scared because it kept be completely engrossed in absolute horror, but this is a warning to people who are scared of all things slippery and slimy. I really enjoyed Clare's writing style in this book because she describes the scenes in depth, but it doesn't have the too-much-info feeling that I get from some longer books. Definitely something I thought was wonderful!
Ingrid herself is pretty spunky. I loved that she really thought out the problem at hand and didn't just eat everything people revealed to her. She has an independent mind, and reading from her POV is as intriguing as it is exciting. She is a big girl and doesn't let anyone boss her around. I also really like her because of her good taste...British Guy...yum :). There is a slight romance developing here, and I can't wait to find out more about that!
This climax was absolutely explosive. In an intergalactic battle for her and her friend's lives, Ingrid must discover the true reason behind the alien's attack on Earth. Startling secrets are revealed that I can't believe I missed from the start, because they change everything about Sparkstone. The ending left me reeling and wanting book 2, but unfortunately I'll have to wait a while for that one.
The only problems I felt with this were too many secrets, and rushing. As I said, this is a fairly short novel. Some of the events I feel were glazed over too quickly and it left me confused sometimes, making me having to go back and reread portions to understand the next one. The other problem was secrets. There are so many secrets involved in this that I really had no clue which secret went with what after they were revealed. I also wish we learned more about Ingrid's powers, which I'm hoping will be explored more in book 2.
I am a pretty fast reader though and I tend to skip words when I read, so you may not find this book confusing at all! It's fast-paced and exciting, and I recommend this to anyone who is in need of a quick and interesting read!
Steph's Rating: 4 stars
Overall Rating: 4 stars
Steph's Review:
I'm usually not a big sci-fi fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed Stars In Her Eyes. While this is not Clare Marshall's debut book, it is the introduction to her new series: Sparkstone Saga. I felt this was an adequate beginning to her new realm, and if you are looking for a quick and easy read, this is for you!
Ingrid has been accepted into the prestigious Sparkstone University in middle-of-nowhere Alberta. It is invitation only, no applications. Kind of an oxymoron in my opinion, but there's a reason for it. Ingrid knows she's smart and gifted; she's been a stellar student and musician her whole life, but it's flipped around when she arrives at Sparkstone. Here, she learns just how special she truly is, along with the other students at this university. Creepy enough, everyone seems to know just who Ingrid is, and even worse, they expect her to be their savior: from an outer-planetary alien attack that is. She wants nothing to do with it and is ready to pack her bags and report to the police that people out in rural Kansas are going loco, but when a startling and unexpected attack occurs, Ingrid knows that this alien business might really all be true. To help her newly found friends and to save the school from imminent threats, Ingrid must look deep into herself and discover the very powers she holds within.
I really liked Ingrid's story: it's wild, intense, and keeps readers on their toes. The superpowers Clare came up with were exciting to learn about, and it all reminded me a lot of X-Men (which I love!). If your a sci-fi or fantasy lover, you will surely enjoy this tale. This story is action packed to the core, especially since it's short. While it started out a little on the slow side in my opinion, this story increases page fast. I was little bit confused when Clare got to the big reveal because it all came so suddenly that my brain could not even process the information. I had to reread those pages about 3 times before I really got the situation at hand.
Monsters. Are you afraid of them? The authors takes on aliens is original--originality is always refreshing--but holy crap. I was pretty scared of these aliens by description only. It was a good scared because it kept be completely engrossed in absolute horror, but this is a warning to people who are scared of all things slippery and slimy. I really enjoyed Clare's writing style in this book because she describes the scenes in depth, but it doesn't have the too-much-info feeling that I get from some longer books. Definitely something I thought was wonderful!
Ingrid herself is pretty spunky. I loved that she really thought out the problem at hand and didn't just eat everything people revealed to her. She has an independent mind, and reading from her POV is as intriguing as it is exciting. She is a big girl and doesn't let anyone boss her around. I also really like her because of her good taste...British Guy...yum :). There is a slight romance developing here, and I can't wait to find out more about that!
This climax was absolutely explosive. In an intergalactic battle for her and her friend's lives, Ingrid must discover the true reason behind the alien's attack on Earth. Startling secrets are revealed that I can't believe I missed from the start, because they change everything about Sparkstone. The ending left me reeling and wanting book 2, but unfortunately I'll have to wait a while for that one.
The only problems I felt with this were too many secrets, and rushing. As I said, this is a fairly short novel. Some of the events I feel were glazed over too quickly and it left me confused sometimes, making me having to go back and reread portions to understand the next one. The other problem was secrets. There are so many secrets involved in this that I really had no clue which secret went with what after they were revealed. I also wish we learned more about Ingrid's powers, which I'm hoping will be explored more in book 2.
I am a pretty fast reader though and I tend to skip words when I read, so you may not find this book confusing at all! It's fast-paced and exciting, and I recommend this to anyone who is in need of a quick and interesting read!
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