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Spark
In his mother’s last letter, she wrote, “Find me. Save me.” And Will Kwan had heard those words before. He’d heard them in a video game.Solar Prime Augmented Reality Park, or SPARK, is a theme park for a sprawling virtual reality complex with quests and games that appeal to all ages. But beneath the surface, SPARK harbors many a secret.When sixteen-year-old Will has to escape the foster system, SPARK is his destination. “Find me. Save me.” What had his mother meant? At SPARK, he runs headlong into the force of nature known as Feral Daughter, another runaway who has chosen to make SPARK her home and her life. As their friendship grows, Will begins to walk a path that will unveil not only the secrets of SPARK, but also a whole new perception of his world. So when terrorists threaten his new home and new friend, Will cannot stand idly by. Can Will finally get his closure? Or will SPARK be destroyed, along with the new life he has built?
- GenresScience Fiction
348 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2021
3 people are currently reading
1411 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 3, 2023
Really nice book. Couldn’t put it aside. Nicely written.
June 20, 2022
The star of this book is an augmented reality theme park called Spark. Think cool glasses like in “Free Guy” but with actual humans walking and running around a physical park. Or, Pokemon Go upgraded with state of the art glasses, haptic gloves, and real-world environments. Spark reminded me of Ready Player One: Spark has that same sense of the open-endedness that hooks you into new quests–but instead of vintage gaming and 80s pop-culture we geek out on cutting-edge tech and scientific puzzles.
Although I’m far from a hardcore engineer type, the park is run by an AI named Janne in a way that feels both original and plausible. A far cry from the AI-as-human / Turing-test tropes of mainstream sci-fi (Ex Machina, Simone, Her), Janne sounds friendly by “experimenting with a new subroutine, prompting her to make unsolicited remarks to employees concerning their work.” In general, the fully-realized texture of Spark’s technology and world impressed me. When an Easter Egg at the end of a quest requires a child actor to pretend to be lost, we observe how Janne uses her network of employees and security cameras to recruit and coach the child on site, complete w/ paperwork signed by her parents. There’s an avalanche on Mars that gets simulated by dumping truck loads of sand. A park-goer’s unexpected decision to jump on top of a T-Rex requires careful coordination with a crane and hydraulics. Spark’s operational details are fun to get lost in, but I also particularly appreciated the attention to even minor characters. One scene features two security guards, both ex-military, who bicker about real knife-fighting techniques before one leaves to get some Pepto-Bismol for his heartburn.
The story nested in this environment stars Will Kwan who runs away from his foster parents, clutching a knife which he keeps for protection against the voices in the wall–carryovers of the nightmares he used to have when his mother was a hoarder. Will is a gritty teenager with a streak described by other Houston locals as “pure cussedness, plain and simple.” Despite Will’s trauma, he has more of the poise and self-sufficiency of an Ender than the brooding inner turmoil of a Katniss. Will is independent: he’s not trying to become a leader who protects a civilization or leads a rebellion, but to explore, to test his own limits. This book is thus a coming-of-age story that feels less like man vs. society like than man versus nature. Except here, the outer world that challenges Will are the quests of a VR park. And, interestingly, the employees and AI play the role of God, keeping Will and other runaway park guests out of danger as best as they can and cheering on their progress along with us.
Janne’s omnipresence in the park through a network of security cameras means that most of the book lacks the palpable sense of danger that other fantasy/real world hybrid stories (e.g. The Matrix, Ready Player 1, Ender’s Game) have to manufacture artificially. In case you’ve forgotten, recall that were supposed to buy the idea that real physical bodies in the Matrix could die from simulated wounds. Because Spark’s adventures take place within a plausibly real-life adventure park where lawsuits would make frequent deaths unmarketable, most of the book lacks life and death stakes of a typical action thriller. Fortunately, the sheer coolness of the quests themselves and the relationships between Will and his fellow runaway, Feral Daughter, provide hooks for the reader. One fun part about the plot structure of this is that you truly don’t know where it’s going; I’ve been trying to give you analogies in this review (Ready Player 1, The Matrix, Ender’s Game), but you will never read another book exactly like Spark. The idea of a theme park designed to generate addiction and dollars, but personal growth and intellectual play is a much more creative premise than your typical sci-fi thriller. Because of this plot structure, if you’re looking for white-knuckled suspense, you’ll have to wait until the intense finish (the last 10% of the book or so) when the park itself is threatened and the stakes become chillingly real.
As someone who always looks to get involved with characters, my favorite character in this book Will’s fellow runaway and eventual love-interest, gamertag “Feral Daughter.” She completes a nearly impossible Easter Egg in a quest by drop-kicking a virtual baby to safety, to protect it from a T-Rex, much to the confusion and anger of said baby’s virtual parents. Feral’s first words to Will are: “I see the perv brought his own gift bag.” I loved the tension between the two at the beginning especially before they get more cozy.
For a doggedly stubborn hero and a fiery femme fatale, Will and Feral have an almost refreshing ability to communicate with each other after their initial misunderstanding. For myself, I confess to enjoying the more inward (melo?)drama of Katniss’s love triangles in Hunger Games where every chapter she’s guessing about her own feelings. Although I could see how other readers might find Will’s cool steadiness and Feral’s shocking bluntness a refreshing break from the brooding emotions of other YA fiction, I’m personally hoping for more fireworks between him and Feral in book two.
Although I’m far from a hardcore engineer type, the park is run by an AI named Janne in a way that feels both original and plausible. A far cry from the AI-as-human / Turing-test tropes of mainstream sci-fi (Ex Machina, Simone, Her), Janne sounds friendly by “experimenting with a new subroutine, prompting her to make unsolicited remarks to employees concerning their work.” In general, the fully-realized texture of Spark’s technology and world impressed me. When an Easter Egg at the end of a quest requires a child actor to pretend to be lost, we observe how Janne uses her network of employees and security cameras to recruit and coach the child on site, complete w/ paperwork signed by her parents. There’s an avalanche on Mars that gets simulated by dumping truck loads of sand. A park-goer’s unexpected decision to jump on top of a T-Rex requires careful coordination with a crane and hydraulics. Spark’s operational details are fun to get lost in, but I also particularly appreciated the attention to even minor characters. One scene features two security guards, both ex-military, who bicker about real knife-fighting techniques before one leaves to get some Pepto-Bismol for his heartburn.
The story nested in this environment stars Will Kwan who runs away from his foster parents, clutching a knife which he keeps for protection against the voices in the wall–carryovers of the nightmares he used to have when his mother was a hoarder. Will is a gritty teenager with a streak described by other Houston locals as “pure cussedness, plain and simple.” Despite Will’s trauma, he has more of the poise and self-sufficiency of an Ender than the brooding inner turmoil of a Katniss. Will is independent: he’s not trying to become a leader who protects a civilization or leads a rebellion, but to explore, to test his own limits. This book is thus a coming-of-age story that feels less like man vs. society like than man versus nature. Except here, the outer world that challenges Will are the quests of a VR park. And, interestingly, the employees and AI play the role of God, keeping Will and other runaway park guests out of danger as best as they can and cheering on their progress along with us.
Janne’s omnipresence in the park through a network of security cameras means that most of the book lacks the palpable sense of danger that other fantasy/real world hybrid stories (e.g. The Matrix, Ready Player 1, Ender’s Game) have to manufacture artificially. In case you’ve forgotten, recall that were supposed to buy the idea that real physical bodies in the Matrix could die from simulated wounds. Because Spark’s adventures take place within a plausibly real-life adventure park where lawsuits would make frequent deaths unmarketable, most of the book lacks life and death stakes of a typical action thriller. Fortunately, the sheer coolness of the quests themselves and the relationships between Will and his fellow runaway, Feral Daughter, provide hooks for the reader. One fun part about the plot structure of this is that you truly don’t know where it’s going; I’ve been trying to give you analogies in this review (Ready Player 1, The Matrix, Ender’s Game), but you will never read another book exactly like Spark. The idea of a theme park designed to generate addiction and dollars, but personal growth and intellectual play is a much more creative premise than your typical sci-fi thriller. Because of this plot structure, if you’re looking for white-knuckled suspense, you’ll have to wait until the intense finish (the last 10% of the book or so) when the park itself is threatened and the stakes become chillingly real.
As someone who always looks to get involved with characters, my favorite character in this book Will’s fellow runaway and eventual love-interest, gamertag “Feral Daughter.” She completes a nearly impossible Easter Egg in a quest by drop-kicking a virtual baby to safety, to protect it from a T-Rex, much to the confusion and anger of said baby’s virtual parents. Feral’s first words to Will are: “I see the perv brought his own gift bag.” I loved the tension between the two at the beginning especially before they get more cozy.
For a doggedly stubborn hero and a fiery femme fatale, Will and Feral have an almost refreshing ability to communicate with each other after their initial misunderstanding. For myself, I confess to enjoying the more inward (melo?)drama of Katniss’s love triangles in Hunger Games where every chapter she’s guessing about her own feelings. Although I could see how other readers might find Will’s cool steadiness and Feral’s shocking bluntness a refreshing break from the brooding emotions of other YA fiction, I’m personally hoping for more fireworks between him and Feral in book two.
June 17, 2022
Spark evokes memories of two of my favorite books - Ender's Game and Ready Player One.
You're rooting for the main character, Will, the whole book. Escaping an undeniably sh*tty situation, carrying his trauma with him, but still able to view the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
I can't wait to see what Will and FeralDaughter (other main character, and a girl after my own heart) get up to in book 2.
You're rooting for the main character, Will, the whole book. Escaping an undeniably sh*tty situation, carrying his trauma with him, but still able to view the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
I can't wait to see what Will and FeralDaughter (other main character, and a girl after my own heart) get up to in book 2.
June 3, 2021
I loved Will and his innocence in spite of all that had happened to him early in life. I loved seeing how these kids who came from difficult beginnings were able to traverse their futures without becoming beaten and feeling like victims.
I don’t think we are too terribly far from this type of park and I’m looking forward to experiencing it when it does become a thing!
Looking forward to the sequel!!
I don’t think we are too terribly far from this type of park and I’m looking forward to experiencing it when it does become a thing!
Looking forward to the sequel!!
September 4, 2021
Good read. Obviously written by a girl Dad.
January 16, 2025
Pat Daily's SPARK thrusts readers into a richly imagined virtual world where the stakes feel as real as life itself. At the heart of this gripping sci-fi tale is sixteen-year-old Will Kwan, a foster kid whose life has been shaped by uncertainty. His world changes when he clings to the last words from his birth mother: “Find me, save me.” Those same words appear in SPARK, the Solar Prime Augmented Reality Park, a dazzling digital universe that offers Will a sense of purpose and belonging. What begins as escapism soon turns into a high-stakes mission as Will dives deeper into the realm of SPARK and encounters Feral Daughter, a defiant runaway who has made the park her sanctuary. Together, they unravel secrets that could change everything.
This novel borrows familiar themes from classics like Ender’s Game and modern hits such as Ready Player One. Yet, SPARK stands out for its emotional depth and grounded protagonist. Will Kwan is an easy character to root for, a kid navigating the dual struggles of foster care and the existential questions that come with it. His journey feels genuine. He’s not just looking for a home but searching for identity, closure, and hope. His connection with Feral Daughter, another misfit seeking refuge in SPARK, is compelling and adds emotional weight to the story’s twists.
What’s refreshing is how the book avoids the well-tread sci-fi path of portraying technology as a lurking menace. Instead, it channels the spirit of Jules Verne, celebrating innovation and its ability to unite and empower. SPARK, as a virtual playground, is more than a backdrop; it’s a lifeline for Will and Feral Daughter, as well as countless others who feel alienated in the real world. Daily’s world-building is vibrant and imaginative, making SPARK a place readers will want to explore, even as its darker truths emerge. The stakes in the story rise steadily, intertwining Will’s personal quest with larger, often perilous, discoveries about SPARK itself. Every layer revealed about the virtual realm brings new surprises and challenges for Will.
The narrative’s pacing is taut, and the unfolding mysteries keep readers turning pages. Young adults will especially enjoy this fast-paced adventure, but older sci-fi fans will find themselves equally captivated by the dynamic characters and thoughtful exploration of technology’s role in human connection.
In SPARK, Pat Daily delivers a story that’s as heartfelt as it is thrilling. It’s a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the enduring power of hope. Whether you’re a teen seeking adventure or a seasoned sci-fi enthusiast, this book promises a virtual escape worth taking.
This novel borrows familiar themes from classics like Ender’s Game and modern hits such as Ready Player One. Yet, SPARK stands out for its emotional depth and grounded protagonist. Will Kwan is an easy character to root for, a kid navigating the dual struggles of foster care and the existential questions that come with it. His journey feels genuine. He’s not just looking for a home but searching for identity, closure, and hope. His connection with Feral Daughter, another misfit seeking refuge in SPARK, is compelling and adds emotional weight to the story’s twists.
What’s refreshing is how the book avoids the well-tread sci-fi path of portraying technology as a lurking menace. Instead, it channels the spirit of Jules Verne, celebrating innovation and its ability to unite and empower. SPARK, as a virtual playground, is more than a backdrop; it’s a lifeline for Will and Feral Daughter, as well as countless others who feel alienated in the real world. Daily’s world-building is vibrant and imaginative, making SPARK a place readers will want to explore, even as its darker truths emerge. The stakes in the story rise steadily, intertwining Will’s personal quest with larger, often perilous, discoveries about SPARK itself. Every layer revealed about the virtual realm brings new surprises and challenges for Will.
The narrative’s pacing is taut, and the unfolding mysteries keep readers turning pages. Young adults will especially enjoy this fast-paced adventure, but older sci-fi fans will find themselves equally captivated by the dynamic characters and thoughtful exploration of technology’s role in human connection.
In SPARK, Pat Daily delivers a story that’s as heartfelt as it is thrilling. It’s a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the enduring power of hope. Whether you’re a teen seeking adventure or a seasoned sci-fi enthusiast, this book promises a virtual escape worth taking.
January 18, 2023
This novel is about an orphan/runaway named Will Kwan. Escaping the foster care system, Will heads for SPARK (think of it as a virtual reality Disneyworld). Will runs into another orphan/runaway named Feral Daughter. She is one of those who won't take any nonsense from anyone. Feral is part of a small group who have managed to live in the park, while staying away from the security guards.
As Will and Feral become close, Will discovers some of SPARK's secrets, including finding "Easter Eggs" that no one had ever found before. Meantime, ISIS, with help from North Korea, plans a major terrorist incident inside SPARK. This is soon after a successful and coordinated terrorist incident inside the Mall of America. Can Will and Feral do anything about it? Will the other SPARK attendees cower in a corner, or will they fight back?
This is surprisingly good. The story moves very well, from start to finish. It has enough high-tech/cyberpunk to satisfy anyone. Here is another book that may be intended for young people, but adults will also enjoy it.
As Will and Feral become close, Will discovers some of SPARK's secrets, including finding "Easter Eggs" that no one had ever found before. Meantime, ISIS, with help from North Korea, plans a major terrorist incident inside SPARK. This is soon after a successful and coordinated terrorist incident inside the Mall of America. Can Will and Feral do anything about it? Will the other SPARK attendees cower in a corner, or will they fight back?
This is surprisingly good. The story moves very well, from start to finish. It has enough high-tech/cyberpunk to satisfy anyone. Here is another book that may be intended for young people, but adults will also enjoy it.
September 19, 2021
Today's read: "Spark" by Pat Daily @Patdailypics
Picked up this indy scifi book last weekend at a comic book convention. I try to get one new (to me) author's work anytime I attend a convention, and Mr. Daily talked me into his. He was quiet the salesman, tried to sell me 2. Positively flew through it. So much fun. A bit Peter Pan meets Ender's Game (with less philosophy).
This is a near-future tale of orphans finding themselves a "family" in a virtual-world amusement park for gamers. Sort of a modern virtual Never-Never Land. When their chosen family, and the whole park, is threatened by terrorists, our heroes are given some tough choices.
Fans of West World, Ready Player One, and online exploration games, and Star Trek will love this book. It is full of little winks, nods, and Easter eggs. It will make your (our) nerdy hearts happy 😊.
Picked up this indy scifi book last weekend at a comic book convention. I try to get one new (to me) author's work anytime I attend a convention, and Mr. Daily talked me into his. He was quiet the salesman, tried to sell me 2. Positively flew through it. So much fun. A bit Peter Pan meets Ender's Game (with less philosophy).
This is a near-future tale of orphans finding themselves a "family" in a virtual-world amusement park for gamers. Sort of a modern virtual Never-Never Land. When their chosen family, and the whole park, is threatened by terrorists, our heroes are given some tough choices.
Fans of West World, Ready Player One, and online exploration games, and Star Trek will love this book. It is full of little winks, nods, and Easter eggs. It will make your (our) nerdy hearts happy 😊.
Read
March 27, 2022The Review
If you were to combine West World, Ready Player One and Peter Pan’s Never Land into one story, it would be author Pat Daily’s “Spark”. The expertly woven narrative does an incredible job of balancing out the themes of finding family and the hero’s journey to find one’s place in the world with the action and suspense of the narrative. The imagery and detailed deep dive into this futuristic technology and the near-future really did a great job of giving readers a clear picture of the story unfolding.
The thing that stood out to me was the depth of character development that the author was able to flesh out throughout this narrative. In such a grand and tech-heavy narrative, the balance that was struck between the action and the personal histories and emotions these characters evoke made this a wonderful story. In particular, Will’s story is so heartbreaking and engaging, and even the history of the second Korean War that the author introduces and how it impacts everyone involved felt like a much-needed call-back to the aftermath of the first Korean War around the world.
The Verdict
Brilliant, captivating, and engaging, author Pat Daily’s “Spark” is a must-read sci-fi narrative. The heart-pounding action and shocking twists and turns in the story will keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the emotional character growth each character faces will have readers emotionally invested throughout.
If you were to combine West World, Ready Player One and Peter Pan’s Never Land into one story, it would be author Pat Daily’s “Spark”. The expertly woven narrative does an incredible job of balancing out the themes of finding family and the hero’s journey to find one’s place in the world with the action and suspense of the narrative. The imagery and detailed deep dive into this futuristic technology and the near-future really did a great job of giving readers a clear picture of the story unfolding.
The thing that stood out to me was the depth of character development that the author was able to flesh out throughout this narrative. In such a grand and tech-heavy narrative, the balance that was struck between the action and the personal histories and emotions these characters evoke made this a wonderful story. In particular, Will’s story is so heartbreaking and engaging, and even the history of the second Korean War that the author introduces and how it impacts everyone involved felt like a much-needed call-back to the aftermath of the first Korean War around the world.
The Verdict
Brilliant, captivating, and engaging, author Pat Daily’s “Spark” is a must-read sci-fi narrative. The heart-pounding action and shocking twists and turns in the story will keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the emotional character growth each character faces will have readers emotionally invested throughout.
March 7, 2022
Ready Player One meets Jurassic Park in this cool sci-fi about an adorable nerdy teenage orphan searching for hope and belonging and the fierce wariorress who shows him the ropes of life as a runaway in a virtual reality theme park full of mind-bending puzzles, kick-ass combat, and--eventually--danger. If you like geeking out over Mars, video games, or dinosaurs, or if you're just looking for your next good SFF with a cute teen romance and some excellently well-developed characters, this one's for you.
May 29, 2025
Wow! Unexpected page turner!
I am not a gamer, I do not usually like dystopian books or sci-fi. I could not put it down until it was done. The characters are real and believable and you want to follow their live, their thoughts and struggles. A bloody battle! A battle of the minds. Definitely a must read, no matter the age.
I am not a gamer, I do not usually like dystopian books or sci-fi. I could not put it down until it was done. The characters are real and believable and you want to follow their live, their thoughts and struggles. A bloody battle! A battle of the minds. Definitely a must read, no matter the age.
August 6, 2021
Best YA I've read in a long time. It is the most original with great philosophical insight that I believe the young'uns will pick up on and perhaps learn from
June 9, 2021
Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Will Kwan is an orphan. Orphaned by war, anxieties, and nervous breakdowns. Changing several group homes and misunderstanding with foster parents leave Will to fend off for himself as a runaway. Prey to untimely reveries and nightmares, he finds SPARK as his destination and refuge. Where his heart guides him and reminds him of all the fun he had with his parents a long time ago…
Spanning over to a mile, Solar Prime Augmented Reality Park is every gamer’s fancy. Paired up with ARGs and haptic gloves, orcs, elves, giants, and princesses come to life! Run by an almost-human AI, Janne, SPARK conceals many easter eggs, secrets, and wonders. Paths cross and Will finds Feral Daughter, an American-Indian, Katana Wielder, and Fist Fighter. Friendships bloom and become relations to cherish for life.
Why did Will’s mother’s last letter say “Find me, save me”? Has Will heard it somewhere in SPARK before? Will’s inquisitive nature, and a natural phobia for violence, lead him to unexplored quests of SPARK. Paths meant only to be followed by the worthy.
Owned by a billionaire, SPARK was sure to attract enemies… Terrorist agencies team up together to end SPARK’s glory once and for all. Plans formulated, assassins hired, large sums of money guaranteed, nothing can prevail the attack now…
Read the book to find it a potpourri of high-tech gaming, beautiful friendships, and sworn enemies!
Review
Firstly I would like to thank the author, Pat Daily, to send me a signed copy of this wonderful book! Do check out Pat’s amazing website.
SPARK was one of my very first books about techy Sci-Fi. And I can tell you it was a really great experience!
Generally, we have a tendency to associate AI with something cold. An in-human touch, without emotions. But Pat was successful in portraying the humane side of it. Janne, the park’s quest and security controller is a well-coded AI, who understands human emotions. She interacts with guests, forms opinions, and is continuously improving. In the end, I really got a bit sad, when her code crashes and she suicides.
The book moves from a sad start to a cliffhanger ending. Will faces many hard losses at a tender age. Having a Korean father, and an American mother, he was sure to face discrimination. It was heart-wrenching to watch him cope up with it all.
The plot highlights that gaming is not just light entertainment. Education can go hand in hand with it, and make us all the more productive. Knowledge quests in SPARK help the player not only virtually but also in the real world!
I particularly liked Will’s resilient nature. His strong determination to overcome boundaries. He was successful in making SPARK’s security people his friends!
And not forgetting the female protagonist, Feral Daughter. An expert martial artist, Feral’s in the same boat as Will. Orphaned. Her eyes are so dark, that it’s difficult to differentiate her iris from the pupil. Blessed to be a friend and a curse as an enemy.
I found some phrases rather amusing in the book like, “two dollars later” and, “few heartbeats later”. They gave the plot a realistic feel.
I am sure that there shall be a part two to SPARK. The book ends you at a cliffhanger. Lots of questions unanswered. I have been formulating twists and turns on my own since then!
SPARK is one of those books which you can imagine being re-told as a movie. A circle on the cover page, reading “now a major film”.
SPARK is the author’s debut novel! Go buy your copy now! It’s a fun read, you are sure to cherish! To know more about the author and characters, visit his website.
Rating – 4/5
Pages – 347
Author – Pat Daily
~ Arnav Gupta
Sixteen-year-old Will Kwan is an orphan. Orphaned by war, anxieties, and nervous breakdowns. Changing several group homes and misunderstanding with foster parents leave Will to fend off for himself as a runaway. Prey to untimely reveries and nightmares, he finds SPARK as his destination and refuge. Where his heart guides him and reminds him of all the fun he had with his parents a long time ago…
Spanning over to a mile, Solar Prime Augmented Reality Park is every gamer’s fancy. Paired up with ARGs and haptic gloves, orcs, elves, giants, and princesses come to life! Run by an almost-human AI, Janne, SPARK conceals many easter eggs, secrets, and wonders. Paths cross and Will finds Feral Daughter, an American-Indian, Katana Wielder, and Fist Fighter. Friendships bloom and become relations to cherish for life.
Why did Will’s mother’s last letter say “Find me, save me”? Has Will heard it somewhere in SPARK before? Will’s inquisitive nature, and a natural phobia for violence, lead him to unexplored quests of SPARK. Paths meant only to be followed by the worthy.
Owned by a billionaire, SPARK was sure to attract enemies… Terrorist agencies team up together to end SPARK’s glory once and for all. Plans formulated, assassins hired, large sums of money guaranteed, nothing can prevail the attack now…
Read the book to find it a potpourri of high-tech gaming, beautiful friendships, and sworn enemies!
Review
Firstly I would like to thank the author, Pat Daily, to send me a signed copy of this wonderful book! Do check out Pat’s amazing website.
SPARK was one of my very first books about techy Sci-Fi. And I can tell you it was a really great experience!
Generally, we have a tendency to associate AI with something cold. An in-human touch, without emotions. But Pat was successful in portraying the humane side of it. Janne, the park’s quest and security controller is a well-coded AI, who understands human emotions. She interacts with guests, forms opinions, and is continuously improving. In the end, I really got a bit sad, when her code crashes and she suicides.
The book moves from a sad start to a cliffhanger ending. Will faces many hard losses at a tender age. Having a Korean father, and an American mother, he was sure to face discrimination. It was heart-wrenching to watch him cope up with it all.
The plot highlights that gaming is not just light entertainment. Education can go hand in hand with it, and make us all the more productive. Knowledge quests in SPARK help the player not only virtually but also in the real world!
I particularly liked Will’s resilient nature. His strong determination to overcome boundaries. He was successful in making SPARK’s security people his friends!
And not forgetting the female protagonist, Feral Daughter. An expert martial artist, Feral’s in the same boat as Will. Orphaned. Her eyes are so dark, that it’s difficult to differentiate her iris from the pupil. Blessed to be a friend and a curse as an enemy.
I found some phrases rather amusing in the book like, “two dollars later” and, “few heartbeats later”. They gave the plot a realistic feel.
I am sure that there shall be a part two to SPARK. The book ends you at a cliffhanger. Lots of questions unanswered. I have been formulating twists and turns on my own since then!
SPARK is one of those books which you can imagine being re-told as a movie. A circle on the cover page, reading “now a major film”.
SPARK is the author’s debut novel! Go buy your copy now! It’s a fun read, you are sure to cherish! To know more about the author and characters, visit his website.
Rating – 4/5
Pages – 347
Author – Pat Daily
~ Arnav Gupta
January 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The pacing started off at a pleasant clip and never got boring. The subplots seemed fairly well balanced and the world was interesting, particularly with the twist of using augmented rather than virtual reality. I liked that this kept the world more grounded and provided some half-in-world-half-out plot opportunities you don't necessarily have in full VR. Will was also an interesting protagonist, given his more thoughtful approach, particularly alongside the super rad Feral Daughter. There were a few places where things weren't completely seamless towards the end with the final attack and some of the antagonists could have used a little more depth, but all in all, this was a really fun, enjoyable read. Full disclosure: I do know the author.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews