SPARK

by Pat Daily

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?

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2021

Reviews

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice book. Couldn’t put it aside. Nicely written.

[Scribble's Worth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A teenage runaway. His mother’s last words to him in a letter: “Find me. Save me.” An amusement park powered by AI. A dangerous collective of individuals intent on stealing the park’s technology by any means necessary. Prepare to dive into the futuristic YA novel, Spark by Pat Daily, with science fiction undertones. At this futuristic park, Will Kwan relives memories from his childhood, and discovers more than he could have ever expected.
When you initially see the cover of Spark the first thing that catches your eye is a young man wearing futuristic style eye gear. He’s wearing a red jacket, with a white shirt underneath. He has orange hair, and his face gives the impression of his youth. It appears that he might have some acne blemishes as well as some dirt on his face.
Behind him is a faded image of a woman with long hair looking in his direction. Around and behind this male character are images that make readers think of circuits. Parts of a computer panel along with other computer elements in the background to help tie the theme into the AI element of the story.
Author Daily begins the story introducing readers to Will Kwan, the main character of Spark. Will is experiencing a nightmare. But this nightmare has roots. When Will is able to tear himself free from the nightmare, his current situation begins to move into focus for readers. He’s currently living with a foster family, but that...is about to come crashing down around him. Why? Because of his choice of “comfort” object that he’s seen carrying as he goes to the bathroom.
Granted, carrying around a nine-inch butcher knife isn’t going to do you any favors when you’re living with people who aren’t familiar with you. However, maybe his foster mother could have given him a chance to finish his explanation before screaming bloody murder and then calling the police on him? As you can imagine...Will runs. Honestly, who wouldn’t? He knows the truth of the situation, but the police? Well, they might not be so eager to listen to an explanation and...more importantly...believe what he’s telling them.
Spark puts readers in quite the moment with this opening chapter of the story. A young man having a nightmare, poor choice in “comfort objects” and now, he’s gotta go on the run. The world is not the place that it used to be. Another war broke out and tore the world apart. Prejudice is rampant against those of Korean heritage, which, once again, does Will no favors. So, to avoid jail (or juvie) or being sent to another group home...what is Will to do? Chase a dream.
With a little help he manages to gather a few things and go on the run. Will’s plan is to get out of Texas and to make it all the way to California where the AI run park SPARK is. Located in the Southern California Autonomous Zone it operates under it’s own rules and regulations. Will has dreamed of returning there with his family, but now sees it as a chance at freedom and a future if he can just get there.
What he discovers when he gets there will lead him down a path that he would have never expected. It’s more than just memories that he’ll relive and revisit, but he’ll discover new friendships, find strength in himself, and secrets that the park has hidden all over the place. He’ll have some close calls in life and death situations, but it will all push him to discover an inner strength he never knew he had.
Spark is an intriguing novel that blends in futuristic elements while still keeping this story rooted in enough realism for readers to grasp. As Spark unfolds author Daily maps out the story to give readers just enough of an understanding concerning Will’s situation. Life has been a rollercoaster ride for him. Good times that then fell to bad times with the loss of one parent and him having to watch the mental decay of another. That can’t be an easy thing to endure for anyone let alone a child who needs their parent present.
Then when he’s put into foster care, things don’t get any better. Of course, being seen with a giant knife is sure not do you any favors either. Good news is that he had some means of having some money, so when he goes on the run he’s not scraping the bottom of the barrel. As author Daily moves Spark forward, he maps out Will’s journey, but doesn’t get bogged down in the details. It’s safe to determine that the majority of the trip was relatively uneventful.
Once Will gets to SPARK that’s when things start to get really interesting. This theme park is run by an AI, but of course, there are humans helping to keep things running smoothly. SPARK is sure to “spark” the imagination of readers as it is laid out for them. Honestly, it will have readers wishing that SPARK was real so that they could visit it for themselves.
Author Daily includes a map of this fantastical theme park and it is quite the thing to behold. This virtual reality complex has something for everyone of all ages. But beneath the surface of SPARK is more than meets the eye. Author Daily gives readers our first insight into this when Will has a flashback of one of his first moments at SPARK when he was a little boy and both his parents were still alive.
As Spark unfolds, author Daily has a clock running. A countdown to an ucpoming attack. At first, this was a curiosity to us, but then, he introduces Ragnar Sarnak. Ragnar is a dangerous character, and has no qualms carrying out heinous deeds for money. After committing multiple acts of murder, he begins to prepare for his next job...an attack on SPARK. His employers are going to be some familiar names who have evolved over the years to better fit this new world order.
Spark is told from the third person POV. Author Daily shifts the story between Will Kwan and Ragnar Sarnak for the majority of the story. There are other side characters that author Daily allots the spotlight to give this story more depth and detail. One such character? ShaChri Patel or as you’ll come to know her – Feral Daughter.
Feral is a feisty character. She may take a bit to grow on readers due to her personality, but she’s a nice balance to Will’s naivety. The children (or teens) in Spark bring a sense of innocence while you have the darker side that is brought by Ragnar and a SPARK employee with an ax to grind against those of the Korean race. The way the two sides mix together create a dynamic blend to the story and really elevate the drama when chaos rains down near the end.
The pacing of Spark is just enough to keep readers glued to the pages without making the overall storyline feel rushed. Author Daily weaves in a hint of mystery with the cryptic “Find me. Save me.” that was part of Will’s mother’s final letter to him. The question of “what did she mean” will drive readers to discover answers, especially when you learn the truth about what happened to his mother.
The drama in Spark is layered and detailed. Don’t worry it’s not overdone. It’s just enough to pull you to the edge of your seat in the right places and allow you to relax as needed. The characters are written as realistic. Readers will enjoy the character development and growth that takes place with the younger characters throughout Spark. You’ll discover the secrets of SPARK and more about the people and AIs that run it.
There is much to discover in Spark (both the story and the theme park). For those wondering if there is violence and foul language the answer is this – There is no foul language, but there is some mild violence. It’s there in specific scenes, but there is nothing gratuitous. Especially in light of the fact that the target audience is young adult readers. Author Daily does an excellent job staying on target.
When Spark draws to a conclusion readers can make a choice. The story closes in a way that readers can choose to stop there and be satisfied with the story. For readers who want more, Spark leaves the door open for more. Which is good since this is the first book in the Spark Chronicles series. We know that for us, we’re eager to continue the story and see what comes next. Why? Simple. Things have changed at SPARK, and while some changes can be undone...some cannot.
If you’re someone looking for your next near future science fiction novel then you’re not going to want to miss out on author Pat Daily’s Spark. Ideal for younger readers or those who just enjoy a thrilling drama that will keep you page-turning to find out how things go for the characters. Spark is a must-read and you’re not going to want to pass this book up.

Pros:

• Engaging storyline
• Dynamic cast of characters
• Good amount of balance
• Ideal for it’s target audience

Cons:

• None of note

Cover Score: 8.8/10
Overall Book Score: 9.1/10

[Matt Flaherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ardith · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Obviously written by a girl Dad.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kasey Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 😊.

[Anthony]

The 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.

[B. F. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cami Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Anna Benald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spark is an imaginative and thrilling adventure that blends virtual reality, mystery, and self-discovery. I enjoyed following Will’s journey as he searched for answers while finding friendship and purpose along the way. The world of SPARK was creative and engaging, making this a memorable read filled with action, emotion, and unexpected twists.

[Mack Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Arnav Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.