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A Spark in Space
A song peeled itself from Tabea’s mind, accompanying the universe’s performance.
It was overflowing with discords, chaotic and seemingly random, but all together created a melody, one that felt familiar, as though it was knotting together the fibers of the universe, the same way her powers did.
The powers that made her a Space Witch.
Global warming has long since forced humanity to expand out into the universe, colonize other planets and encounter other sentient space-faring species, some benign, some hostile.
This also brought the discovery of Space Witches – beings capable of controlling technology and energy with their minds. Due to an accident Tabea becomes the first human with such abilities which, though she keeps them secret, paints a target on her back.
After a pirate attack, Tabea is separated from her ship and crew, finding herself instead in the custody of the Penyales—a species known to be hostile toward humans. But against all expectations, they ask for Tabea’s help, offering in return to find Tabea’s friends.
They can’t lie—but can they be trusted?
It was overflowing with discords, chaotic and seemingly random, but all together created a melody, one that felt familiar, as though it was knotting together the fibers of the universe, the same way her powers did.
The powers that made her a Space Witch.
Global warming has long since forced humanity to expand out into the universe, colonize other planets and encounter other sentient space-faring species, some benign, some hostile.
This also brought the discovery of Space Witches – beings capable of controlling technology and energy with their minds. Due to an accident Tabea becomes the first human with such abilities which, though she keeps them secret, paints a target on her back.
After a pirate attack, Tabea is separated from her ship and crew, finding herself instead in the custody of the Penyales—a species known to be hostile toward humans. But against all expectations, they ask for Tabea’s help, offering in return to find Tabea’s friends.
They can’t lie—but can they be trusted?
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2021
10 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Janina Franck
16 books25 followersJanina is a nature-loving story-addict who may have tea and chocolate running through her veins. Guided by her daydreams, she started writing stories at a young age and never really stopped. Now living in Ireland, she loves to try new things and experience adventures, both real and imagined.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 23, 2021
A "Spark in Space" is a young adults sci-fi/fantasy adventure novel by Janina Franck, author of the 'Captain Black Shadow' trilogy and several short stories published as part of an anthology collection alongside several other talented authors in "A Touch of Magic" & "Tales of Girls Who Tech and Tinker".
The story revolves around a young woman named Tabea, who, along with her best friend Besma, hopes to earn a permanent place onboard humanities' most advanced ship, the 'Calliope' captained by her friend and mentor Callaghan.
However, unlike her fellow cadets, Tabea has a secret that could cause everyone she loves and knows to fear them, for she is a space witch. An individual gifted with a unique ability to control technology and energy with their mind, and in Tabea cause, even speak with the Calliope herself. Fearfully not only for what others would think but also for what they might do to her if they discovered her powers, Tabea does her best to keep a low profile, concentrate on her work and studies.
But, after responding to a distress call and saving the life of the only survivor, Tabea abilities might not stay hidden for much longer!
A "Spark in Space" is a story about friendship and betrayal, where Tabea must learn who she can and cannot trust, but most of all, it is a story about facing one's fears and overcoming them. It is an excellent story with a great mixture of humour, drama and tension that will capture the readers' attention and leave them wanting more. In my honest opinion, I am genuinely excited to see where Janina Franck will go with this universe, and I look forward to reading more about Tabea story. I would recommend anyone, young or old, interested in sci-fi and fantasy to give it a read.
The story revolves around a young woman named Tabea, who, along with her best friend Besma, hopes to earn a permanent place onboard humanities' most advanced ship, the 'Calliope' captained by her friend and mentor Callaghan.
However, unlike her fellow cadets, Tabea has a secret that could cause everyone she loves and knows to fear them, for she is a space witch. An individual gifted with a unique ability to control technology and energy with their mind, and in Tabea cause, even speak with the Calliope herself. Fearfully not only for what others would think but also for what they might do to her if they discovered her powers, Tabea does her best to keep a low profile, concentrate on her work and studies.
But, after responding to a distress call and saving the life of the only survivor, Tabea abilities might not stay hidden for much longer!
A "Spark in Space" is a story about friendship and betrayal, where Tabea must learn who she can and cannot trust, but most of all, it is a story about facing one's fears and overcoming them. It is an excellent story with a great mixture of humour, drama and tension that will capture the readers' attention and leave them wanting more. In my honest opinion, I am genuinely excited to see where Janina Franck will go with this universe, and I look forward to reading more about Tabea story. I would recommend anyone, young or old, interested in sci-fi and fantasy to give it a read.
September 19, 2023
I picked this up through the inimitable Potato McWhiskey and seeing as this sort of thing is usually in my wheelhouse, thought I'd give it a go.
In terms of audience, this is aimed at the younger end of the market, and whilst this isn't necessarily problematic, there are some pitch inconsistencies when I found the shift from what felt like adult fiction to YA fiction somewhat jarring. This may be a personal preference issue rather than an intrinsic fault with the writing style.
The characters are a mix of very well developed personae and background personalities that feel like they need fleshing out (possibly in sequels).
The plot was fairly predictable and unfortunately the twist regarding one particular character was signaled far too early for my liking. Again, I think this is largely down to the audience this is aimed at, so I should expect that. Having said that, the pacing was well done. A little slow in the beginning, but to be expected in the necessary world building.
Although this has been tagged as LGBT and Asexual, I don't feel that these are themes within the book that are particularly of importance to the plot line, nor the character development. There are times when the romantic interests of the characters are mentioned, but they're not fully explored, so this aspect feels incidental rather than intrinsic.
This screams trilogy, and given the number of hooks that are left in this book, I would be interested to see where things progress.
Would I purchase subsequent works by this author? Possibly. I think I would be interested in the development of the characters, as I think there are definitely areas that I would like to read about.
In terms of audience, this is aimed at the younger end of the market, and whilst this isn't necessarily problematic, there are some pitch inconsistencies when I found the shift from what felt like adult fiction to YA fiction somewhat jarring. This may be a personal preference issue rather than an intrinsic fault with the writing style.
The characters are a mix of very well developed personae and background personalities that feel like they need fleshing out (possibly in sequels).
The plot was fairly predictable and unfortunately the twist regarding one particular character was signaled far too early for my liking. Again, I think this is largely down to the audience this is aimed at, so I should expect that. Having said that, the pacing was well done. A little slow in the beginning, but to be expected in the necessary world building.
Although this has been tagged as LGBT and Asexual, I don't feel that these are themes within the book that are particularly of importance to the plot line, nor the character development. There are times when the romantic interests of the characters are mentioned, but they're not fully explored, so this aspect feels incidental rather than intrinsic.
This screams trilogy, and given the number of hooks that are left in this book, I would be interested to see where things progress.
Would I purchase subsequent works by this author? Possibly. I think I would be interested in the development of the characters, as I think there are definitely areas that I would like to read about.
May 9, 2021
I recieved a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This book has a bit of a slow start, and certain plot points seem very obvious. But the magic of the space witches intrigued me. The story wasn't bad and I liked the characters and friendships so I carried on. Also the fact it has an AroAce protag? Bonus!
Then I reached the second part and I was hooked.
The moment i got more of a glimpse into the past before snapping back to the present, the story got so much more interesting and action-packed. I finished the first book and wish I could carry on the series immediately as I want to see what happens next.
This isn't a book you'll hear much about. But it's one you seriously should pick up.
Full review with all my thoughts to come on my blog.
This book has a bit of a slow start, and certain plot points seem very obvious. But the magic of the space witches intrigued me. The story wasn't bad and I liked the characters and friendships so I carried on. Also the fact it has an AroAce protag? Bonus!
Then I reached the second part and I was hooked.
The moment i got more of a glimpse into the past before snapping back to the present, the story got so much more interesting and action-packed. I finished the first book and wish I could carry on the series immediately as I want to see what happens next.
This isn't a book you'll hear much about. But it's one you seriously should pick up.
Full review with all my thoughts to come on my blog.
August 18, 2021
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
Tabea has a secret. She is a Space Witch – a Technomancer and can communicate with technology both close by and at great distances. She isn’t the only one but she is the first-ever Human Technomancer. She joined the space fleet under Captain Callaghan and on the spaceship Calliope. Her skills are crucial during missions as she joins with the AI that controls the ship also known as Calliope. When she senses a spaceship in distress, she connects with Calliope and proceeds to rescue the sole survivor, Yuri. She learns Yuri's ship's attackers were looking for her. This knowledge sets in motion a series of events that will change her life forever.
While trying to keep her Space Witch status a secret from her friends, Tabea is confronted by someone at a moment of weakness who she thought she could trust. This lack of judgment ends with her falling into the enemy hands. Separated from Calliope, her crew and alone in hostile territory, Tabea must forge new alliances, make sense of her emerging and strengthening abilities and learn how to use her powers to escape her captors and save her crew.
I give it 🌟🌟🌟🌟. It had an interesting concept that combined fantasy with science while delivering an action/adventure plot. I liked how Tabea's powers developed through the story and the exploration of her connection to Calliope. There were plenty of twists and turns which kept the plot intriguing and had unusual and diverse characters. I liked that Sh't'ani, Tabea's guard and friend on the enemy ship referred to themselves as they which opened up a discussion on gender which I found interesting. Sh't'ani's spaceships and planets all sounded incredible and visually appealing. Tabea was an engaging and charismatic hero and I rooted for her from the start. She doesn’t find another romantically attractive and I found the way the story dealt with her being potentially Ace refreshing. I did find the dangers she encountered were overcome a little too easy but overall it was a thrilling read. I look forward to reading more in this series.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
Tabea has a secret. She is a Space Witch – a Technomancer and can communicate with technology both close by and at great distances. She isn’t the only one but she is the first-ever Human Technomancer. She joined the space fleet under Captain Callaghan and on the spaceship Calliope. Her skills are crucial during missions as she joins with the AI that controls the ship also known as Calliope. When she senses a spaceship in distress, she connects with Calliope and proceeds to rescue the sole survivor, Yuri. She learns Yuri's ship's attackers were looking for her. This knowledge sets in motion a series of events that will change her life forever.
While trying to keep her Space Witch status a secret from her friends, Tabea is confronted by someone at a moment of weakness who she thought she could trust. This lack of judgment ends with her falling into the enemy hands. Separated from Calliope, her crew and alone in hostile territory, Tabea must forge new alliances, make sense of her emerging and strengthening abilities and learn how to use her powers to escape her captors and save her crew.
I give it 🌟🌟🌟🌟. It had an interesting concept that combined fantasy with science while delivering an action/adventure plot. I liked how Tabea's powers developed through the story and the exploration of her connection to Calliope. There were plenty of twists and turns which kept the plot intriguing and had unusual and diverse characters. I liked that Sh't'ani, Tabea's guard and friend on the enemy ship referred to themselves as they which opened up a discussion on gender which I found interesting. Sh't'ani's spaceships and planets all sounded incredible and visually appealing. Tabea was an engaging and charismatic hero and I rooted for her from the start. She doesn’t find another romantically attractive and I found the way the story dealt with her being potentially Ace refreshing. I did find the dangers she encountered were overcome a little too easy but overall it was a thrilling read. I look forward to reading more in this series.
April 20, 2021
A Spark in Space – Janina Franck
I was kindly provided with an advanced copy of this book by the author in order to provide an honest review.
Janina Franck, is an author who grew up in the Black Forest in Germany and has written books such as “Captain Black Shadow” and “A Touch of Magic”. Though I note that “A Touch of Magic”, was an anthology that featured six other authors as well.
Tabea is a young woman attending the space academy studying to become an engineer and hoping to earn a permanent place on the crew of the Calliope, with her friend and mentor Callaghan.
But Tabea is harbouring a secret only few knew, she was a space witch. Powers that let her control technology, let her speak to the ship Calliope. But people would fear her if she was discovered, so she keeps it secret and does her best to keep a low profile and concentrate on her work.
But all that changes when the Calliope and her crew stumble upon a space ship that had been attacked by pirates with a lone survivor aboard. This is the start of many troubles for Tabea and her friends.
The Calliope is attacked and Tabea finds herself separated from the ship, crew and friends. Alone and being used for her powers, Tabea must find a way to free herself and save her crew and the Calliope.
“A Spark in Space” is a young adult fantasy and science fiction novel. The story highlights the importance of knowing who your friends really are and being able to tell them apart from those you can not trust – it could mean the difference between life and death. It is a charming tale that many young adult readers will enjoy.
I was kindly provided with an advanced copy of this book by the author in order to provide an honest review.
Janina Franck, is an author who grew up in the Black Forest in Germany and has written books such as “Captain Black Shadow” and “A Touch of Magic”. Though I note that “A Touch of Magic”, was an anthology that featured six other authors as well.
Tabea is a young woman attending the space academy studying to become an engineer and hoping to earn a permanent place on the crew of the Calliope, with her friend and mentor Callaghan.
But Tabea is harbouring a secret only few knew, she was a space witch. Powers that let her control technology, let her speak to the ship Calliope. But people would fear her if she was discovered, so she keeps it secret and does her best to keep a low profile and concentrate on her work.
But all that changes when the Calliope and her crew stumble upon a space ship that had been attacked by pirates with a lone survivor aboard. This is the start of many troubles for Tabea and her friends.
The Calliope is attacked and Tabea finds herself separated from the ship, crew and friends. Alone and being used for her powers, Tabea must find a way to free herself and save her crew and the Calliope.
“A Spark in Space” is a young adult fantasy and science fiction novel. The story highlights the importance of knowing who your friends really are and being able to tell them apart from those you can not trust – it could mean the difference between life and death. It is a charming tale that many young adult readers will enjoy.
September 19, 2023
Welcome to space!
This was a very interesting book. The writing was great. The characters and world building were fully fleshed out without being overwhelming. I really enjoyed this and would love to see this story continue with a series. Overall a fantastic book and well worth the read.
This was a very interesting book. The writing was great. The characters and world building were fully fleshed out without being overwhelming. I really enjoyed this and would love to see this story continue with a series. Overall a fantastic book and well worth the read.
June 28, 2021
"No one. No one has more or less worth. Inequality exists, but not because anyone is 'better'. Whenever there is inequality, it's because someone is selfish."
Full review: https://raesreadingcorner726922248.wo...
Full review: https://raesreadingcorner726922248.wo...
July 7, 2021
YA story
The story is basic and can be read by pre teens. I was a bit bored and scanned/skipped some and it was predictable and a bit B grade. The 3rd star was for the character Narissa as she was interesting.
The story is basic and can be read by pre teens. I was a bit bored and scanned/skipped some and it was predictable and a bit B grade. The 3rd star was for the character Narissa as she was interesting.
October 4, 2022
Really enjoyed my read of this! Strong characters, I particuarlly liked Nerissa.
I really got into the second half of the book, the fantasy mixed with sci-fi goes into a lot more detail then and I was just soaking it up! I'd love to see more from this universe.
I really got into the second half of the book, the fantasy mixed with sci-fi goes into a lot more detail then and I was just soaking it up! I'd love to see more from this universe.
July 19, 2021
Good sci fi fantasy adventure
The story is a little more YA and fantasy than I expected, but it is enjoyable. The world building is good, and the characters are interesting.
The story is a little more YA and fantasy than I expected, but it is enjoyable. The world building is good, and the characters are interesting.
August 7, 2023
A beautiful story. You know it's a thrilling read when you get angry at yourself for forgetting your e-reader at home because now you have nothing to look forward to read on the commute to work.
Calliope is a darling, but Sh't'ani utterly stole my heart ❤️
Waiting for the next installment with bated breath!
Calliope is a darling, but Sh't'ani utterly stole my heart ❤️
Waiting for the next installment with bated breath!
October 19, 2023
Great new entry
The story was a fun adventure, and the text is well written and edited. I look forward to new content from the author.
The story was a fun adventure, and the text is well written and edited. I look forward to new content from the author.
January 7, 2024
I think, while the book is imperfect it was like an extremely delicious meal that had a small portion - I wanted to keep eating but there wasn't enough on the plate to satisfy me fully.
Very fun worldbuilding. Somewhat predictable plot. Slow to get started and fast to get finished is how I felt. I feel like I wanted to keep reading more, so hopefully a sequel is made! I think my expectations didn't match what the book delivered, which is half my fault and half the books so I wont judge it too harshly.
I think fundamentally what I wanted from the book was something a little bit meatier to sink my teeth into. There was depth hinted at in the characters, but I never felt like there was much of a payoff. The relationships between characters felt very light and slightly undercooked to put it simply. I felt like I wanted more scenes of characters talking, agreeing, disagreeing and so on but I don't think I got the payoff I wanted. I found myself imagining possible dialogue scenes between the characters and hoping there would be confrontations and discussion but they didn't come!
Very fun worldbuilding. Somewhat predictable plot. Slow to get started and fast to get finished is how I felt. I feel like I wanted to keep reading more, so hopefully a sequel is made! I think my expectations didn't match what the book delivered, which is half my fault and half the books so I wont judge it too harshly.
I think fundamentally what I wanted from the book was something a little bit meatier to sink my teeth into. There was depth hinted at in the characters, but I never felt like there was much of a payoff. The relationships between characters felt very light and slightly undercooked to put it simply. I felt like I wanted more scenes of characters talking, agreeing, disagreeing and so on but I don't think I got the payoff I wanted. I found myself imagining possible dialogue scenes between the characters and hoping there would be confrontations and discussion but they didn't come!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews