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Psions of SPIRE #1
Bright Spark
Sometimes growing up means giving up your preconceptions.
Aaron Anderson and Jake Matthews were childhood sweethearts until Aaron developed psionic abilities that turned both of their worlds upside down and tore them apart.
Six years later they reconnect when Aaron returns home to work with a youth summer camp affiliated with SPIRE. Jake is at the same camp, along with his current partners, to protest the organization funding it. Sparks fly when the couple reunites and Aaron discovers hidden abilities that bring him to the attention of SPIRE.
Aaron and Jake have every intention of seizing their second chance at love. But once more, forces outside their control are at play. And the organization Aaron believes in is at the center of events targeting vulnerable youth.
This paranormal sci-fi contains M/M and an open M/M/M relationship.
Aaron Anderson and Jake Matthews were childhood sweethearts until Aaron developed psionic abilities that turned both of their worlds upside down and tore them apart.
Six years later they reconnect when Aaron returns home to work with a youth summer camp affiliated with SPIRE. Jake is at the same camp, along with his current partners, to protest the organization funding it. Sparks fly when the couple reunites and Aaron discovers hidden abilities that bring him to the attention of SPIRE.
Aaron and Jake have every intention of seizing their second chance at love. But once more, forces outside their control are at play. And the organization Aaron believes in is at the center of events targeting vulnerable youth.
This paranormal sci-fi contains M/M and an open M/M/M relationship.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2019
16 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 5, 2021
3.5 Stars
Review:
For a while in the beginning, this book was mostly just about medical procedures and emotionally abusive parents, which I was not expecting.
Nor was I expecting so much of the book to be about the two main characters' separate lives before their second chance romance. There was also a lot of summarizing sometimes to get the reader up to speed on how things were changing in their lives.
There was also a lot of explanation about psions, their rights, their history, how their powers worked, the medical stuff to help, different organizations, etc. Which I respect and appreciate because it showed how much thought the author put into everything and also made it all feel very realistic! But I wasn't super interested in all the details.
After all that, it probably sounds like I didn't enjoy this book, but I did! It just had a lot of backstory and detail that I wasn't prepared for, and I want others to have the right expectations.
Eventually the story did get to the romances, and to the main plot about fighting for psion rights against a corrupt organization.
There was a lot of great LGBT+ rep! There was also a super healthy polyamorous relationship, one that was all about communication, boundaries, trust, and consent. And the polyam relationships were not the "three characters exclusive and equally in love" kind you normally see (not that I have anything against those). One of the main characters, Jake, was in a committed but open m/m/m relationship in which they discussed what sorts of other relations were acceptable and how much they wanted to know about them and what was ok to do with each other if all three weren't around. Jake was also in a committed m/m relationship with Aaron. And Aaron eventually became friends with Jake's other partners in the end. Jake and Aaron were kind of dramatic anytime something happened between them---instead of hashing it out, they just immediately were like, "Well, I guess we're broken up and will never speak again!"---but they eventually figured their stuff out and learned how to express their feelings.
There was also HIV+ rep (one of Aaron's partners).
There was a nice found family element too, with Aaron being brought into Jake's family as one of their own, even when he and Jake weren't together.
Although I can't say the book really grabbed me, it was overall well-written and good! This author has created a realistic, detailed world where people with different psionic abilities exist, there's lots of diversity in the LGBT+ rep throughout the series (I've already read the other books), the characters have depth, and I enjoyed this.
*Even though each book in this series focuses on different characters, I recommend reading them in order, or you might be lost in regards to some background info, plot elements, and character/relationship backgrounds.*
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes mlm romance, second chance romance, open polyamorous relationships, and telekinetics (this book). Anyone who likes queer romance, diverse queer rep, healthy relationships with lots of communication, supernatural mind abilities, detailed world-building, a bit of conspiracy-esque drama, a bit of action, and found family (series).
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
For a while in the beginning, this book was mostly just about medical procedures and emotionally abusive parents, which I was not expecting.
Nor was I expecting so much of the book to be about the two main characters' separate lives before their second chance romance. There was also a lot of summarizing sometimes to get the reader up to speed on how things were changing in their lives.
There was also a lot of explanation about psions, their rights, their history, how their powers worked, the medical stuff to help, different organizations, etc. Which I respect and appreciate because it showed how much thought the author put into everything and also made it all feel very realistic! But I wasn't super interested in all the details.
After all that, it probably sounds like I didn't enjoy this book, but I did! It just had a lot of backstory and detail that I wasn't prepared for, and I want others to have the right expectations.
Eventually the story did get to the romances, and to the main plot about fighting for psion rights against a corrupt organization.
There was a lot of great LGBT+ rep! There was also a super healthy polyamorous relationship, one that was all about communication, boundaries, trust, and consent. And the polyam relationships were not the "three characters exclusive and equally in love" kind you normally see (not that I have anything against those). One of the main characters, Jake, was in a committed but open m/m/m relationship in which they discussed what sorts of other relations were acceptable and how much they wanted to know about them and what was ok to do with each other if all three weren't around. Jake was also in a committed m/m relationship with Aaron. And Aaron eventually became friends with Jake's other partners in the end. Jake and Aaron were kind of dramatic anytime something happened between them---instead of hashing it out, they just immediately were like, "Well, I guess we're broken up and will never speak again!"---but they eventually figured their stuff out and learned how to express their feelings.
There was also HIV+ rep (one of Aaron's partners).
There was a nice found family element too, with Aaron being brought into Jake's family as one of their own, even when he and Jake weren't together.
Although I can't say the book really grabbed me, it was overall well-written and good! This author has created a realistic, detailed world where people with different psionic abilities exist, there's lots of diversity in the LGBT+ rep throughout the series (I've already read the other books), the characters have depth, and I enjoyed this.
*Even though each book in this series focuses on different characters, I recommend reading them in order, or you might be lost in regards to some background info, plot elements, and character/relationship backgrounds.*
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes mlm romance, second chance romance, open polyamorous relationships, and telekinetics (this book). Anyone who likes queer romance, diverse queer rep, healthy relationships with lots of communication, supernatural mind abilities, detailed world-building, a bit of conspiracy-esque drama, a bit of action, and found family (series).
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
December 16, 2019
Aaron and Jake are best friend since they’re 5 years old. At sixteen they decided to date but what supposed to be the most important, and beautiful, moment of their life turn out to be the beginning of the most difficult time of their life. Aaron is diagnosed with Psion ability while Jake as an anchor. While Aaron is happy to have the love of his life as his primary anchor, Jake refuses to see Aaron give up his dreams for him.
Pushed by his parent, Aaron leaves Seattle and start a new life in Connecticut... for 6 years, Aaron and Jake will live their own lives far away from each other, until life put them in the same path again.
Bright Spark by Alex Silver was an interesting and intriguing book. It was my first book by the author, and I discovered his universe and style.
The story was divided in three part, between the moment Aaron and Jake discover Aaron’s Psion ability and the moment they’re reunited together.
There’s a lot of details in the book, from the Psion phenomenon to the political scheme behind it. This book is also very inclusive (I adored it) we have a huge panel of the LGBTQA+ community represented by the diversity of the secondary characters; we also have a poly amorous relationship.
It was my first book in this series, it took me a little time to be in the story, too much details and information to assimilate but the author managed to keep my interest in the story until the end and I will read the next one in this series.
Pushed by his parent, Aaron leaves Seattle and start a new life in Connecticut... for 6 years, Aaron and Jake will live their own lives far away from each other, until life put them in the same path again.
Bright Spark by Alex Silver was an interesting and intriguing book. It was my first book by the author, and I discovered his universe and style.
The story was divided in three part, between the moment Aaron and Jake discover Aaron’s Psion ability and the moment they’re reunited together.
There’s a lot of details in the book, from the Psion phenomenon to the political scheme behind it. This book is also very inclusive (I adored it) we have a huge panel of the LGBTQA+ community represented by the diversity of the secondary characters; we also have a poly amorous relationship.
It was my first book in this series, it took me a little time to be in the story, too much details and information to assimilate but the author managed to keep my interest in the story until the end and I will read the next one in this series.
August 16, 2019
This story is one I happily finished in a few long sittings. It's hard to put down! It involves realistic, relatable characters that you want to take to dinner (and occasionally shake when they're being stupid, but in a good way). It explores love in all its forms, ethics, fear, and honor. The threat of shadowy quasi-governmental infringement on human rights adds just the right spice of trepidation to a story that is, at its heart, a tale of love and acceptance.
Silver has done a wonderful job of building a believable near-future world; each step he takes in his universe is completely believable, and often uncomfortably true to life. I love the fact that his human augmentations come with high costs and changes to psychology; that doesn't happen nearly often enough in spec-fic. And I adore his open-hearted writing of characters from all walks of life as they learn to support one another.
Thanks to the writer for this one, and I look forward to picking up the next!
Silver has done a wonderful job of building a believable near-future world; each step he takes in his universe is completely believable, and often uncomfortably true to life. I love the fact that his human augmentations come with high costs and changes to psychology; that doesn't happen nearly often enough in spec-fic. And I adore his open-hearted writing of characters from all walks of life as they learn to support one another.
Thanks to the writer for this one, and I look forward to picking up the next!
December 8, 2019
I was already a fan of Silver’s work, having previously read the Hauntastic Haunts books, but woah this book seriously blew me away. Silver really knows how to build a world and completely immerse the reader in it. One of the things I appreciated most was when the MCs were teenagers, they actually acted like teenagers, but then you got to see them grow and mature and it felt so realistic and natural; which is something you rarely see in books. I loved learning about Psions and anchors and felt really connected to the story. Can not wait to read the rest of the series (especially Roy’s story!).
Side note: this story does involve an MMM and MM open relationship with one of the MCs involved in both relationship groups. I know this might not be for everyone, but while I’ve never read anything like it, I found it incredibly well done and didn’t feel like anyone was left out or a second choice.
Side note: this story does involve an MMM and MM open relationship with one of the MCs involved in both relationship groups. I know this might not be for everyone, but while I’ve never read anything like it, I found it incredibly well done and didn’t feel like anyone was left out or a second choice.
December 21, 2019
4.5 🌟 rounded up
This is a new author for me, and I really enjoyed this book. From I understand, there is a prequel to this that I will be looking into along with other books in the series. The characters are very well developed throughout the story, and the writing style is smooth and flows nicely.
The book is divided into three parts. The first is when Aaron and Jake were teenagers, young and newly dating, but best friends for a decade or so; the time leading up to Aaron's emergence as a psion; a person with a genetic predisposition for powers such as different types of telekinesis and telepathy among others.
The second part is the six years they spend apart after Aaron gains his psionic powers. It's a time of self-realization and growth for them both, although they take different paths. Jake finds love and support as an anchor and a man in an equal rights group called SaFE, known by some to be a bit radical. He finds himself in a committed, yet open poly relationship. Aaron has devoted his life to helping young psions who are disadvantaged. The government branch devoted to psions, SPIRE, has helped shelters open across the country, and offers training summer camps that Aaron believes are in the best interests of his charges as a camp counselor.
The third part of the book is the unexpected reunion between Aaron and Jake. They are on opposite sides of a political and personal divide, but the link formed when they were young was never severed. In fact, it gives Aaron's powers a boost, leading to the beginning of a dangerous situation. Aaron has devoted himself to SPIRE because he believes in them, but he has to face reality when proof of what Jake has accused is right in front of him. Aaron and Jake must work together while physically apart, along with the members of SaFE to bring the truth to light.
Although not entirely satisfied with the outcome of the perilous journey taken to prove the truth, some serious changes are taking place. Jake is still in love with his partners, Caleb and Elliot, and also his newly rekindled relationship with Aaron. The three men in his life accept his feelings and even become a family of sorts. And, for the open triad and his relationship with Aaron, they have a happy for now ending.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
This is a new author for me, and I really enjoyed this book. From I understand, there is a prequel to this that I will be looking into along with other books in the series. The characters are very well developed throughout the story, and the writing style is smooth and flows nicely.
The book is divided into three parts. The first is when Aaron and Jake were teenagers, young and newly dating, but best friends for a decade or so; the time leading up to Aaron's emergence as a psion; a person with a genetic predisposition for powers such as different types of telekinesis and telepathy among others.
The second part is the six years they spend apart after Aaron gains his psionic powers. It's a time of self-realization and growth for them both, although they take different paths. Jake finds love and support as an anchor and a man in an equal rights group called SaFE, known by some to be a bit radical. He finds himself in a committed, yet open poly relationship. Aaron has devoted his life to helping young psions who are disadvantaged. The government branch devoted to psions, SPIRE, has helped shelters open across the country, and offers training summer camps that Aaron believes are in the best interests of his charges as a camp counselor.
The third part of the book is the unexpected reunion between Aaron and Jake. They are on opposite sides of a political and personal divide, but the link formed when they were young was never severed. In fact, it gives Aaron's powers a boost, leading to the beginning of a dangerous situation. Aaron has devoted himself to SPIRE because he believes in them, but he has to face reality when proof of what Jake has accused is right in front of him. Aaron and Jake must work together while physically apart, along with the members of SaFE to bring the truth to light.
Although not entirely satisfied with the outcome of the perilous journey taken to prove the truth, some serious changes are taking place. Jake is still in love with his partners, Caleb and Elliot, and also his newly rekindled relationship with Aaron. The three men in his life accept his feelings and even become a family of sorts. And, for the open triad and his relationship with Aaron, they have a happy for now ending.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
January 6, 2020
Reviewed by Ulysses Dietz
Member of The Paranormal Guild Review Team
“The only missing piece was my best friend at my side.”
Aaron Anderson and Jake Moretti have been friends and neighbors all their lives. At seventeen, their friendship suddenly, almost on a whim, changes. Then, just as suddenly, it all changes again.
This novel started out feeling like a YA novel, and then became something significantly more adult. The author lays down a rather striking premise in which the emergence of psychic powers during adolescence has engendered a whole world of unjust laws and cultural prejudice for the children who develop those powers. Called psions, these young people are faced with challenges that “norms” don’t face.
It’s a very interesting idea–displacing the gay dilemma with another one and playing with all the parallel narrative potential offered by such a sci-fi/paranormal hook. At first, I was puzzled by the introduction of a polyamorous gay couple into the plot, but then it all began to make sense as the author expanded on the nature of psions and their very particular physical and emotional complexities. One of the cleverest things about this book is the carefully rationalized explanations of what being psion is. Good sci-fi must be plausible, and Silver does this well.
In retrospect, I was a little disappointed that a story about cultural prejudice, in which the whole range of LGBTQ+ identity is honored and incorporated into the plot, somehow entirely misses ethnic variety. Jake is Italian, and Aaron is a pale-skinned redhead. There are no people of color, which seems an odd absence and a missed opportunity in a book so focused on the acceptance of diversity.
Another complaint I have is not a rare one in the world of gay romance. The book is riddled with grammatical errors that should have been corrected through editing.
Setting these flaws aside, “Bright Spark” is a fascinating adventure that carries a lot of emotional weight and kept me reading far beyond my usual bedtime. I’ve already purchased the second book in the series.
Member of The Paranormal Guild Review Team
“The only missing piece was my best friend at my side.”
Aaron Anderson and Jake Moretti have been friends and neighbors all their lives. At seventeen, their friendship suddenly, almost on a whim, changes. Then, just as suddenly, it all changes again.
This novel started out feeling like a YA novel, and then became something significantly more adult. The author lays down a rather striking premise in which the emergence of psychic powers during adolescence has engendered a whole world of unjust laws and cultural prejudice for the children who develop those powers. Called psions, these young people are faced with challenges that “norms” don’t face.
It’s a very interesting idea–displacing the gay dilemma with another one and playing with all the parallel narrative potential offered by such a sci-fi/paranormal hook. At first, I was puzzled by the introduction of a polyamorous gay couple into the plot, but then it all began to make sense as the author expanded on the nature of psions and their very particular physical and emotional complexities. One of the cleverest things about this book is the carefully rationalized explanations of what being psion is. Good sci-fi must be plausible, and Silver does this well.
In retrospect, I was a little disappointed that a story about cultural prejudice, in which the whole range of LGBTQ+ identity is honored and incorporated into the plot, somehow entirely misses ethnic variety. Jake is Italian, and Aaron is a pale-skinned redhead. There are no people of color, which seems an odd absence and a missed opportunity in a book so focused on the acceptance of diversity.
Another complaint I have is not a rare one in the world of gay romance. The book is riddled with grammatical errors that should have been corrected through editing.
Setting these flaws aside, “Bright Spark” is a fascinating adventure that carries a lot of emotional weight and kept me reading far beyond my usual bedtime. I’ve already purchased the second book in the series.
December 22, 2019
I enjoyed this start to a new series. The world-building is thorough and intriguing. I found the concept of psions and anchors unique, interesting, and creative. I loved the character diversity and the intricate personal relationships, including polyamory. There is some suspense due to government programs with suspect intentions. I liked watching Jake and Aaron interact, and their growth and maturing as the book progressed. This is a long book, but I didn't feel like any of the words were unnecessary or didn't further the story. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
December 22, 2019
Wow this was intense!
This is a very complex and enjoyable read. The characters are realistic in both their emotions and thought processes. That’s what makes the world the author created so much richer and more vibrant. Jake and Aaron’s story covers a lot of years plus we need the world build up as well so it’s a longer read but worth every page. I have a feeling we will get to know more about the other key players as we progress through the series. Definitely a journey worth taking and a world perfect to dive into.
This is a very complex and enjoyable read. The characters are realistic in both their emotions and thought processes. That’s what makes the world the author created so much richer and more vibrant. Jake and Aaron’s story covers a lot of years plus we need the world build up as well so it’s a longer read but worth every page. I have a feeling we will get to know more about the other key players as we progress through the series. Definitely a journey worth taking and a world perfect to dive into.
December 23, 2019
This was such an amazing, grab-you-by-the-feels, fast paced, action packed, exciting, excellent, unexpected, slow burning, vivid, complex, three dimensional, engaging, enthralling, fantastic, definitely different, and totally awesome thriller. I was hooked from the very first page, and ended up with a massive book because I just could NOT put it down. I would recommend getting this masterpiece immediately. It's the start of an intriguing new series, and I can't wait to see what this new-to-me author releases next.
May 23, 2019
Intriguing book
So far I’ve read the prequel to this book and of course this one as well. I was really interested in so many parts of this book, like the polyamory integration and the reconnected lovers, but this stuff was inter spliced with a big conspiracy plot that made the book feel choppy at times. I felt myself skimming to get through to the parts that I wanted more about. That being said, I think it was worth reading and the world building was really intriguing.
So far I’ve read the prequel to this book and of course this one as well. I was really interested in so many parts of this book, like the polyamory integration and the reconnected lovers, but this stuff was inter spliced with a big conspiracy plot that made the book feel choppy at times. I felt myself skimming to get through to the parts that I wanted more about. That being said, I think it was worth reading and the world building was really intriguing.
July 29, 2019
A good series starter
I enjoyed the storyline, it was interesting to see how the psions were integrated into society while still being marginalized. I like the MCs although some of their issues were self-made, they were also surrounded by an engaging supportive cast of characters. All in all a very enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it was interesting to see how the psions were integrated into society while still being marginalized. I like the MCs although some of their issues were self-made, they were also surrounded by an engaging supportive cast of characters. All in all a very enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews