Eighteen-year-old Becky and her best friend, Meghan, can't wait to join the army and start their basic training in September. Becky especially yearns to leave her rundown neighbourhood in Langley, British Columbia, as it will soon become flooded by rising sea levels. But when they head to Reunion Square to meet their friends, Connor and Robert, disaster strikes and their lives are changed forever.
A massive earthquake ignites widespread panic, and people start to run in fear of a tsunami. Becky and Connor are separated from Meghan and Robert. Forced to leave the area, Becky and Connor find her brother, Tommy, and they make their way back to the siblings' home in hopes that Meghan and Robert are going there too. But as they wait for their friends, Langley goes up in flames and the trio must flee by car.
With nowhere else to go, they decide to head to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where Becky's parents are staying. En route, they learn that a deadly new virus, with horrific symptoms, is tearing through British Columbia. They will have to make it to Manitoba before the borders close. Meanwhile, Tommy suffers severe drug withdrawal and shares a devastating confession with Becky. Tension rises as fear grips the country and more disasters impede their way. How will they possibly survive?
The world has become a strange creature now. There is no certainty here. This book is a proof of uncertainty occurs here. Becky and Meghan are so excited for their new life, new turn and their new job. Before they leave for their job, they went to meet their Friends but everything changed in their life after that.
Natural disaster never comes informing. Like that a disaster destroys everything in their lives. Becky separated from Meghan and Robert and togethered with Connor. Finally becky and connor went to their parents but life has something else for them. A deadly virus is spreading everywhere in their hometown. One by one new problem are coming up. Tommy has a serious secret to share.
How will Becky handle rhe truth? How is their life going back to normal?
This book is full of dilemmas. I got so carried away by the incidents happening in these four friend's lives. Thay have struggled so much to have a normal life. This gives a message to stay positive and strong always. Life is uncertain amd you have ro strong enough to face the hurdles. The situations are so relatable to the real life situation.
I would recommend it to everyone. Anyone can read it but if you are kind hearted and can't put off with Emotional situations then take it a little light hearted. A very very emotional read.
"Spark" by Julita Leung is a wild adventure from the first few pages. It takes place in what could be the not-so-distant future as it tackles the rising problem of climate change, pandemics, and natural disasters that consistently leave people displaced, traumatized, injured, or worse. Leung creates a story that hits close to home and grapples with a lot of tough subjects, but is a never-ending journey of chaotic events that will have readers gripped until the very last word.
When an earthquake hits, Meghan and Connor get separated from their friends and a widespread panic makes it impossible for them to reconvene. They make the tough decision to leave their friends behind to seek safety. As more dangerous events occur, Meaghan and Tommy make the tough decision of fleeing to Manitoba where their parents reside at their aunt's place. Connor decides to go with them as he has family nearby he can meet up with.
Unfortunately, the journey is not as straightforward as they thought. Not only must they grapple with a stream of natural disasters, but a dangerous and deadly virus that threatens to become widespread, making it more and more impossible to pass through the provincial borders. Getting to Manitoba is not only a matter of safety but a race against travel restrictions and the risk of catching this highly contagious virus.
This is an absolutely thrilling read! While it hit close to home and brought up more anxiety around the issues of climate change, there were so many heart-stopping moments that it was impossible to put down. Leung perfectly captures what it would be like to live in a world that is slowly diminishing due to natural disasters and a dangerous virus. It's a world where people are trying to find normality in an unstable and high-risk situation, which is probably why the novel creates some anxiety but manages to be an addictive read. While it's hard to hang onto the horrible situations the characters end up in, it's impossible to not know how everything will end.
The characters are convincing, though there are a few places where the dialogue feels not disingenuine, but forced, maybe? Like the characters are borrowing lines people use when they don't know what else to say, kind of like being told "sorry" at a funeral. Though, considering the traumatic circumstances and the fact the characters are young, this may have been the intent behind the "forced" dialogues. There isn't much that people can offer in these kinds of circumstances that will make someone feel more optimistic or comforted. Sometimes, there isn't anything that can be said.
There are also certain parts of Tommy's character that aren't fully developed. Out of all of the characters, he's one of the most complex and maybe the most misunderstood. It's clear there are some issues with his upbringing that caused tension in the family and perhaps led to his current situation. Throughout the story, it was only hinted at which made his decisions hard to understand. The limited information could be due to the fact the story is told from Meghan's perspective and she only knew so much about his situation. Even a bit more backstory that she could dredge up would've brought a bit more substance to Tommy's character.
Overall, this book is hands down a brilliant novel and one that readers of all kinds should consider picking up and giving a read. "Spark" by Julita Leung is out now!
Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a free e-arc of this novel and the opportunity to share my honest opinion in this review.
People are gathered in Reunion Square, enjoying things before the area would be flooded by the rising sea waters. Four friends set off for a night of fun, little did they know that their life was to be turned upside down.
Spark is a dystopian science fiction novel set in the future. It is set in a world of rising sea levels where neighborhoods being submerged and lost forever has become a commonplace occurrence. When a massive earthquake hits panic and chaos break out. With the threat of a tsunami, and a fire engulfing the town, this group of friends tries to escape to safety.
Readers follow along on the journey of a group of young adults as they navigate the obstacles that befall them. The story introduces our protagonist, Becky, and her friend Meghan, who is going to Reunion Square to welcome their long-time friends Robert and Connor. And that is when the first catastrophe hits. One after the other, author Y.C. Leung moves the story along a detailed and well-crafted plotline, full of twists and turns such that there are no dull moments.
The author does a fantastic job of keeping the readers engaged right from the beginning. Throughout the book, the characters go through many life-changing events, catastrophes, and inner turmoil, thereby making the story very engaging and realistic. The story covers multiple coming-of-age themes, like self-doubt, inner turmoil, embracing one’s identity, making life-altering decisions, drug abuse, and relationships.
The writing style is relatively straight and simple, making it easy for middle-grade teens to follow and stay engaged. The author doesn’t spend a lot of time setting up the scene and rather goes straight to the action, giving readers just what they need to know to be in the moment. The conversations, the scene-setting, and the action are straightforward, making this fast-paced novel move quickly, adding to the feel and drama of the storyline.
Spark is the coming of age story of a group of teens that were about to set off on the next stage of their lives before apocalyptic events turn their life into a race for survival with action at every turn. I recommend this book for young adults who are interested in dystopian science fiction.
I inhaled the first 5 chapters so quickly - I couldn't put it down. Spark had my attention from the very first page to the last one. The pace was fabulous and had me turning the page to find out what was happening next. The story was easy to follow and captivating throughout. The only downside to this book is that it ended and I don't know when the 2nd book is coming out.
I love dystopian books and having one based in Canada was a treat. I highly recommend reading this.
I have given this book a 5 star rating. However I have a few quibbles with some aspects of the story - but it is Apocalyptic so the author's vision reigns. My quibbles are the cellular network still at times working and being able to recharge these cellphones and smartwatches when the world is being shaken by earthquakes, flooded and major fires and then a disease that turns humans into kind of feral killers…….
4 friends are together when the first quake separates them into 2 pairs (each with a male and female protagonist) - there are elements of romance and hints of the main character Becky being infatuated with the male who is not with her…..
Becky's brother hooks up with Becky and Connor when they flee the soon to be flooded coast of Canada they are making their way to Becky's parents and aunt. This is an interesting part of the story as the brother is a drug addict and he has major episodes when the drugs are not there. The author depicts well these episodes of depression and also the moments of lucidity. The author also subtlety shows that Becky like her brother has emotional and mental problems but her method of coping is not consuming drugs but is self harming in a way others do not see it.
This is the first book in a series and it mostly tells the story of how the world (Canada) is falling apart, the military and medical response and how Becky and Connor flee. There are mentions of the other couple who were hurt in the initial quake of the story, but my guess would be their story will be in the next installments. This book can be read as a standalone as there is a sense of ending when Becky sees her parents again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Review: Spark is a young adult fiction that revolves around the main characters Becky, her brother Tommy, her best friend Meghan and two other friends Connor and Robert. Becky and Meghan were about to go join the army, when they decide to go for a reunion with their friends. Who knew that this sweet get together would be followed by a catastrophe? An earthquake turns the world upside down. Fearing that it would be followed by a Tsunami, people are starting to evacuate the neighbourhood, which is when the friends get separated, fortunately, Becky and Connor find her brother and look for the other two friends. Little do they know that escaping the town would not be the last of their problems. A deadly virus breaks out in their area. The trying times bring out some heartfelt confessions, and bring the friends closer together. Will they find their way out to safety?
A very exciting novel that has drama of the teenage life, also the thrill of surviving a natural disaster, and followed by a pandemic. This book is just crazy. There is so much happening and so fast, that you will just not be able to put the book down for even a second. I was truly holding my breath as I read the book. There’s so much going on… an earthquake, an alert for tsunami, a fire and a virus break out… It will keep the readers glued to the book.
This is just the author’s debut novel, and it’s absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait to read what more stories the author has in store for us in the future. If you are a fan of apocalyptic novels, you can certainly not miss out on Spark. Get your copies today and see for yourself if Becky and friends make out alive.
•Life without uncertainty doesn't exist, it is related to everyone present on this planet. Sometimes uncertainty can hit the whole population like it did in the form of covid-19. Let's see what happens we are surrounded by it from all sides, introducing SPARK by YC LEUNG. The cover page is a very intriguing and beautiful scenic view.
•The plot revolves around the lives of five people: Becky, Meghan, Connor, Robert, and Tommy. Becky and her closest friend Meghan were overjoyed because their lives were about to change for the better since they were about to begin army training. To commemorate this, they gathered in the reunion square with Connor and Robert. However, a large earthquake led the area to be under the fear of a tsunami, which was the turning point in their lives. Everyone panicked, and in this scenario, Becky and Connor became separated from the other two, adding to their uncertainty. Becky then caught up with her brother Tommy, and the three of them had to leave in their car, praying that Meghan and Robert were someplace safe.
But was this the end of their problems? There was more to come in their path, are they prepared for the worst? What is the worst to arrive? How will they all react to this chaotic situation? Read this ultra-thrilling novel to know all your answer.
•The author has written a well-crafted novel; the way events unfold and characters respond is amazing to read. As soon as you begin, you will get more immersed in the author's words. The description is excellent, and it is a page-turner. Readers will relate to the circumstance and the author's creativity since the characters are so realistic.
The planet has evolved into a bizarre beast. There is no assurance in this situation. This book is proof that uncertainty exists in this world. Becky and Meghan are ecstatic about their new life, new direction, and new work. They went to visit their friends before leaving for work, but everything changed in their lives after that. Natural disaster never comes informing. Like that a disaster destroys everything in their lives. Becky separated from Meghan and Robert and togethered with Connor. Finally becky and connor went to their parents but life has something else for them. A deadly virus is spreading everywhere in their hometown. One by one new problem are coming up. Tommy has a serious secret to share. How will Becky handle rhe truth? How is their life going back to normal? This book is full of dilemmas. I got so carried away by the incidents happening in these four friend's lives. Thay have struggled so much to have a normal life. This gives a message to stay positive and strong always. Life is uncertain amd you have ro strong enough to face the hurdles. The situations are so relatable to the real life situation. I would recommend it to everyone. Anyone can read it but if you are kind hearted and can't put off with Emotional situations then take it a little light hearted. A very very emotional read.
As from the title of the novel you can understand there is a spark in this one and the story also involves spark in it.Written by a very talented author Y.C leung who was born in Hong kong and raised over there also and won a prize for her creative writing And, this spark is her first book which is written with love So, here the concept is about the two friends who wants to join army Becky and Meghan and they are going to join their training is starting from September onwards .But, before the training starts last time they both wanted to meet their friends Connor and Robert .But, who knew from that time there life will going to change soon by the natural disaster .And from that time they were separated from each other they can't even meet them they were having some dreams all broked in one time .Life is very unpredictable so keep no grudges make out everything clear so this is my review for this one as I have learnt many things from this book .You Don't know like you took 2 + years to build a bond or relation and everything can be destroyed anytime so please be careful everytime coz you don't have idea what can be happen in next 1 minute.Read it once hope so you guys will love this very beautiful story with beautiful narration
📚The plot spins around the existences of five individuals: Becky, Meghan, Connor, Robert, and Tommy. Becky and her dearest companion Meghan were thrilled in light of the fact that their lives were going to improve since they were going to start armed force preparing.
📚To celebrate this, they assembled in the gathering square with Connor and Robert. Notwithstanding, an enormous quake drove the region to be under the apprehension about a tidal wave, which was the defining moment in their lives.
📚 Everybody overreacted, and in this situation, Becky and Connor became isolated from the other two, adding to their vulnerability. Becky then found her sibling Tommy, and them three needed to leave in their vehicle, supplicating that Meghan and Robert were somewhere protected.
📚Be that as it may, was this the finish of their concerns? There was something else to come in their way, would they say they are ready for just terrible? What is the most awful to show up? How might they all respond to this tumultuous circumstance? Peruse this super exciting novel to know all your response . . . Get your book from amazon ✨
Thank you to BookSirens for sending me a Kindle ARC in exchange for my honest review:
Spark is extremely relevant for our time as it involves climate change issues and pandemic issues. I feel like the character development is lacking depth because I never felt connected to any of the characters. I also feel like the story line could create a real feeling of dread if the characters acted more fearful. Becky and Connor seem to take everything in stride without that much emotion. The author included emotional scenes, but those scenes did not create an emotional bond to the story for me.
I'm trying to say that this author definitely has potential and that a storyline like this, that could become our reality should evoke some strong emotions in the reader, but this book did not do that for me.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!
This book is a dystopian novel with some eerie similarities to our very own non-fiction Covid pandemic. I really enjoyed the complex connections between the characters and how those were explored. That and the descriptions of settings are what made this closer to 4 stars than 3 for me! There were some typos that were frankly distracting, but over-all this was well written. The ending and possibilities for the future that were hinted at, set this up for being the start of a series in my opinion.
This was a well written and fast paced novel. The characters were well developed and the plot was engaging. Definitely looking forward to reading more!
While this was a well written book and addressed many of the issues facing our world today, I never really felt the connection I was looking for with the characters. I certainly feel this author shows potential and will look forward to revisiting more of their writings in the future....