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A nail-biting epic fantasy novel about the discovery of magical heritage and the wielded power within.

Synopsis

Phe lives a dual life.

Everyone knows Phe as the sickly best friend of Her Grace, Kyra Theonora, the last Water Nymph duty bound by a familial oath to protect the island country of Xafara. Only a select group of people are aware of Phe’s shadow side. Trained by General Bastion to be an assassin and Kyra’s secret weapon.

Everything changes when Kyra is abducted, exposing Phe’s cover and acting as a catalyst to Phe’s own bound magic, thrusting Phe into a world she’d thought a fantasy.

As Phe maneuvers the unfamiliar landscape of magic, grappling with one obstacle after another, she tries to figure out how to save her best friend. Will she survive this new magical world? Will she rescue Kyra? Will she sacrifice herself in the process?

Phe is the last sea nymph Kyra’s best friend. She is also Kyra’s protector in secret. They are best friends, but Phe has a mysterious past and has been selected by the cruel general Bastion for shadow training. Phe’s disturbing and haunting past is unlocked when Kyra gets abducted by the evil Djall. Most of the plot line is about Phe discovering her magical powers that make her unique and extremely powerful, and at the same time searching desperately for a way to save Kyra from the despicable clutches of Djall. 


Spark has a very “chosen one” focus for the main character Phe. My favorite character aside from Phe is actually Finian, who always calls her “baby girl,” and I think they would have made a better pairing. The romance between Phe and Roar seems quite forced and unnatural from the beginning. 


I’m not sure how I feel about the Shadow Unit at the moment. I also don’t know how I feel about Djall, he seems rather flat as a villain. He speaks through other people and controls others but we don’t really get a full glimpse into his character and backstory except that he’s been around trying to take others' magic and energy for himself. 


The first half was fast-paced and so exhilarating. I devoured each page, with all the beautifully written descriptions. I love the way the author writes descriptions of the landscape and how the author describes physical attributes of characters. The flow immediately sucks the reader into this epic fantasy world. However, I felt the book dragged a bit slowly towards the latter part, due to the constant attacks against Phe, eventually leading to her having to break down and heal again and again, and Phe forming distrust of everyone she thought she could trust. 


Spark is recommended for readers of epic fantasy with a focus on secrets revealed and the discovery of magic power.


Forewarning: Spark ends with a cliffhanger and is the first in the Fire and Shadow series! Readers will have to wait in anticipation for the next books in the series. 

Reviewed by
Amanda C

I am a self-published author from Hong Kong. I am currently a postgraduate literature student. In my free time, I love reading and reviewing books. If you enjoy my reviews and would like to support me, please consider using the tips function! Thank you so much!

Synopsis

Phe lives a dual life.

Everyone knows Phe as the sickly best friend of Her Grace, Kyra Theonora, the last Water Nymph duty bound by a familial oath to protect the island country of Xafara. Only a select group of people are aware of Phe’s shadow side. Trained by General Bastion to be an assassin and Kyra’s secret weapon.

Everything changes when Kyra is abducted, exposing Phe’s cover and acting as a catalyst to Phe’s own bound magic, thrusting Phe into a world she’d thought a fantasy.

As Phe maneuvers the unfamiliar landscape of magic, grappling with one obstacle after another, she tries to figure out how to save her best friend. Will she survive this new magical world? Will she rescue Kyra? Will she sacrifice herself in the process?

Prologue

The swaying motion of the carriage gives a false sense of soothing, and I fight the lure of sleep weighing on me. Mama had signaled for silence when we’d entered this part of the forest, her tension seeping into the closed space of our horse-drawn caravan. My chest tightens with anxiety, and I resist the urge to fidget. Moving would wake the sleeping baby in my arms, and that would only distress Mama.

Light streams in from the edges of a large covered window, making the colors inside glow even more vividly and decorating the cramped space we call home. I focus on LaLora. She’s sitting at the rear of the wagon, peeking past the curtain. At almost eight years old, LaLora’s the eldest, older than me by six months. Our grandma calls her a cat for her insatiable curiosity.

Swaney, my two-year-old brother, is lying on Mama and Papa’s bed at the opposite end, trying to figure out a wooden horse toy that comes apart and clicks together. My gaze swings diagonally to my other sister, Jezzie, four years old. Head tilted down, hair tucked behind her ears, she concentrates on learning her letters at our small table. I peek at the sleeping bundle in my arms, eight-month-old Jayden. His sweet face is serene. I gently trace the line of his cheek.

All of my siblings are considered beautiful within our community of travelers. They have light brown hair, deep brown eyes, and a pale white complexion, courtesy of our parents.

I look completely different. My chestnut-brown hair feels drastically darker than everyone else’s and it curls around my face, framing my light olive-colored skin and reaching to my mid-back. Yet it’s the streak of silver growing a little off-center to the left of my forehead marking me as other. My eyes aren’t brown either. They are honey-colored. I am not one of them.

I was abandoned as an infant, a tiny baby girl left crying in a basket, with a name pinned to it. Everyone calls me Anala, except MaJaJa. She uses my other name, the one that meant darkness. It was MaJaJa, the leader of the caravan, who found me and placed me in the care of Mama, her daughter, since she was already breastfeeding LaLora. But the real reason was because MaJaJa wants me close to her. She has a feeling.

The caravan’s normal noises fade into the background. The clopping of hooves, wood creaking, leather stretching—all a symphony to our travels. Normally it was accompanied by jests and laughter or bird song, vocals to the track. Right now, the quiet feels like an oppressive blanket.

My skin tingles, and my gut twists.

“It feels like we’re being watched,” LaLora whispers, visibly shuddering. Her finger holds the curtain to the backdoor open a sliver, and she stares out intently.

The drape next to Swaney twitches, and Mama’s bejeweled hand comes through, signaling for complete quiet. LaLora huffs and rolls her eyes. I can tell she thinks Mama is overreacting. We share a smile. Mine is tight as apprehension fills me.  

A shout breaks the silence, immediately followed by the sound of clanging metal and the frightened shriek of horses. The symphony shatters. We’re pitched forward as the wagon abruptly stops, and I barely stay seated.

Mama ducks her head into the window, the bright light blinding for a moment as the shade is shoved aside. “We’re being attacked.” Her fierce eyes scan us, expression grim. “Stay inside until we tell you to leave.” Her eyes narrow in on me. “Anala, care for them,” she commands, then disappears behind the screen, thrusting the caravan back into darkness.

Swaney drops his toy. He glances from the window to my face. 

“Come.” I motion for him to sit next to me, and he scrambles over quickly, jostling me. Thankfully, Jayden has not awakened. Jezzie seems frozen with wide, fear-filled eyes. She clutches her pencil so tightly, the tip snaps against the table.

We wait tensely, listening to the sounds of battle. LaLora seems transfixed, half-sitting, half-standing, staring open-mouthed out the window. None of us make a sound.

“They’re burning the wagons,” LaLora whisper-shrieks.

I twist, knocking Swaney with my elbow, and shove aside the heavy curtain behind me. It’s hard to see at this angle, but the smell of burning reaches us and smoke climbs skyward.

Movement catches my attention. Papa lunging forward, engaged in a sword fight with a woman dressed in rags. Her face is gaunt, with hollowed cheeks and the crisscross of visible veins, and her limbs are gangly. But it’s her eyes that cause me to freeze. There is no white to them. Just pure blackness.

A horseman comes careening down the path, a torch in his hand, and someone hanging off his side. It’s hard to tell who. A swift punch from the horseman and they fall, leaving a knife protruding from the horseman’s leg. He doesn’t seem to notice, intent on sweeping the wagon’s curved roof with his torch.

I gasp; my heart stops. His black eyes lock onto mine as if he heard me. A grin spreads across his thin face, and he throws the torch at me.

I dodge immediately, dragging Swaney from the window. Both of us topple over; the impact jolts Jayden awake, and he screams.

Jezzie scrambles, the torch barely missing her as it lands on the cushioned bench. Flames lick up instantly. Jezzie’s dress ignites. Her cry is high-pitched, panicked.

LaLora has plastered herself against the carriage door. I shove Swaney behind me.

“LaLora! Open the door,” I yell.

She glances at me, then at the flames.

“Open the door!” I shout, desperate. Heat shoots up my arm as I smack one-handed at Jezzie’s dress, shoving her toward the exit.

LaLora unlatches the door and jumps.

“Jezzie, jump out!” I command, pushing her. She throws herself through the door, and I hear the thud of her landing. “Roll around, Jezzie. Roll!”

Without looking to see if she listened, I grab Swaney’s collar and drag him in front of me, dropping him outside. I don’t wait, but launch myself and Jayden out, landing hard and almost falling. Swaney is crying, and LaLora’s missing.

My gaze locks onto Jezzie. I drop next to her rolling form and hit the flames with my free hand, ignoring the pain. Together, we extinguish them just as LaLora returns with a bucket of water. She throws it on Jezzie and me, drenching all of us. Jayden wails louder.

Swaney’s hands wrap around my waist, latching onto me. My breath is ragged, my heart beating in my throat. I shakily try to drag Jezzie closer. My hand isn’t working right.

Noises rush in.

Children crying.

The stamping of hooves.

Horses neighing.

Metal clanging.

People yelling.

The crackling of wood burning. Then the smell of fire mixes with the aroma of incense, the familiar musky scent of sandalwood, and cooking spices. People are fighting within the tight confines of the road and burning wagons, the trees hindering the battle.

We shuffle off the road and try to hide behind the nearest tree. It’s not big enough.

A man grabs Swaney by his collar, violently yanking at him to dislodge him, shaking and dragging me in the process. I shove Jayden at LaLora, who’s kneeling next to Jezzie’s whimpering form. Swaney’s grip on me is gone, and I lunge, grabbing Swaney’s still-outstretched limbs. Agony radiates from my burnt hand as I force it to lock around Swaney’s arm.

No one is taking my family. No one.

With a hold on Swaney’s forearm, I dig my feet in to slow the man down. My hold is tenuous, my nails breaking skin, my injured hand slippery and weak. Swaney’s mouth is open in a silent scream. The man glances at us, and I catch sight of his black eyes. My breath seizes. They’re vacant, yet . . .

The next moment, metal is arcing toward me. I’d been too distracted to notice the man had pulled a sword. Reflexively, I shut my eyes and shrugged my shoulders up, dreading the impact.

An unnatural screech assaults my ears. Nothing hits me. I open my eyes as the resistance on Swaney is suddenly gone. We smack into each other, toppling backward.

Without stopping, I crab crawl with Swaney toward Jezzie. She cries out as I fall onto her. Shifting to her side, we all huddle together, and I realize the man we’d been struggling with was on the ground, unmoving.

My heart sinks. Xan, our horse, is rearing, trying to break free from the burning wagon.

I shift Swaney from me to Jezzie. “I’ve got to help Xan,” I mumble.

Jezzie whimpers as Swaney transfers his grip to her midriff. LaLora seizes my arm with a shake of her head. “Anala, don’t go.”

I break from her grasp and crawl, clutching my injured arm to my chest as I stay low and make my way to him. I stand and my legs wobble. Trying to figure out how I can help, I inch closer.

Jezzie screams.

I swivel.

Xan moves at the same time, knocking me down. All air leaves me when I hit the ground. I try to scramble away, but a frantic hoof catches me in the ribs, sending me flying.

Barely managing to prop myself up, I try to suck in a breath and nearly double over with the pain. It hurts so much, and I’m bleeding. The ground vibrates under me. My vision locks on my siblings. They are fighting to stay together. The edges of my sight blacken, tunneling my focus. I can’t help them. I need to help them. To wrap them in their own protective bubbles.

Almost as soon as I think it, I see something forming around each of them. I blink, trying to clear my vision. It doesn’t disappear—instead, it crystallizes into bubbles. Then I notice a pulsing in the shields, like a heartbeat, only they expanded with each beat.

A lightness spreads through my body. Heat creeps into my belly, extending to my limbs. I pick up a hand to drag myself forward and a trail of blue light follows it, connecting me to the earth.

What stops me is the orange and red sparks. Are they coming from my hand? I gaze in fascination, the hard-packed dirt rough on my cheek.

Scorching heat ignites where my body connects with the ground, and the colored cords solidify. The searing inferno pushes past the limit of my skin.

What is happening?

The weight of my arm is too much; it drops. I glance at my siblings as another sweltering wave sweeps through me. The spheres throb, and the men holding my siblings go limp. My siblings run to me. Swaney and Jezzie snuggle into my sides, shaking, and LaLora tries to move me. She can’t.

I’m too heavy.

A third rush hits, the bubble expands outward, growing, encompassing. I lose track of it as it goes past my narrowing vision. I only care about my siblings. Must keep them safe. A fourth swell pours into me, and my heart flutters. It’s going to burst.

My vision is a haze of darkness I try to see past. Shadows sweep in from the trees, tendrils of darkness reaching for me.

A whooshing noise jars me. Blinking, I glance in its direction. A blue light strikes a woman heading toward me, trapping her for a moment in its terrifying beam. Her body gives out.

Her head lifts, oily, matted hair sticks to her cheeks, and she spears me with her bulging black eyes, unnaturally craning her head. Grotesquely, she drags herself closer to me with single-minded determination. She’s close.

I can’t move.

Another bolt of light strikes her. The ground trembles.

My vision pinpricks. I fight to stay conscious when an upsurge pummels through the woman, engulfing her in blue light, her body quivering under its attack. I stare in horror as darkness captures me.

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12 Comments

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Amanda CI am so excited to start reading Spark! It sounds intriguing and something I would definitely pick to read in a bookstore.
about 2 years ago
Krysta MaravillaHello :) I'm super excited about launching Spark on Discovery today and to share Phe's story. I LOVE talking all things Phe, so if you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
about 2 years ago
Macarena Luz BianchiI love this fantasy book and it’s fascinating world of magic! I want to know what happens next for Phe and Kyra. Can’t wait for the next one!
about 2 years ago
Krysta Maravilla@macarenaluzbianchi I am just as excited to finish writing Book 2 :)
0 likes Reply
about 2 years ago
Eliot DavisCould not put the book down. Looking forward for the next one to come out.
about 2 years ago
Urooj AslamI love the concept of epic fantasy. It creates its own world around the reader. Spark seems to be a book full of different colours, delivering different shades of emotions, curiosity, and discovery involving situations through which the character go through. A great read.
about 2 years ago
Uzma KamranI read it and enjoyed it
almost 2 years ago
Rahul ThapaSpark by Krysta Maravilla is a truly remarkable literary work that swept me away on an exhilarating and enchanting journey of self-discovery. From the very first page, I was captivated by the vivid storytelling, richly developed characters, and the magical world that unfolded before my eyes. One of the book's greatest strengths lies in the way the author weaves together multiple genres seamlessly. It effortlessly combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and personal growth, creating a unique and captivating narrative that kept me glued to the pages. The blending of these genres adds depth and dimension to the story, making it appealing to a wide range of readers. The protagonist, Krysta Maravilla, is a character that readers will undoubtedly fall in love with. Her journey from an ordinary girl to an extraordinary heroine is both relatable and inspiring. I found myself rooting for her, celebrating her triumphs, and empathizing with her struggles. The author masterfully portrays Krysta's emotions, fears, and growth, allowing readers to connect with her on a deep and personal level. The world-building in Krysta Maravilla Spark is nothing short of exceptional. Each scene is meticulously crafted, painting vivid landscapes and intricate details that transport readers into a realm filled with wonder and magic. The author's descriptive prose breathes life into the story, making it easy to imagine every location, creature, and spell. Furthermore, the themes explored in this book are both thought-provoking and timely. It delves into the power of self-belief, the strength of friendship, and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness. The underlying messages resonate long after the final page, reminding readers of the profound impact they can have on their own lives and the world around them. Krysta Maravilla Spark is a true page-turner, filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. The pacing is flawless, with each chapter leaving me hungry for more. The author's ability to keep the suspense high while unraveling the intricacies of the plot is commendable. In conclusion, Krysta Maravilla Spark is an extraordinary debut novel that deserves widespread recognition. It showcases the author's talent for storytelling, creating a world that readers will eagerly immerse themselves in. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure filled with magic, self-discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit.
over 1 year ago
Tec BeeI want to read the book but don't know how?
0 likes Reply
about 2 years ago
Krysta Maravilla@tecbee hey Tec I’m sorry your having trouble getting it. There’s a buy now link next to the upvote. That should take you to Amazon :) it’s also available on Apple and Kobo too, but you’d have to search for them directly using the the full title & the series title. I’m super excited your interested and, if you buy it, I hope you fall in love with the story too
0 likes Reply
about 2 years ago
Kristy HarveyI'd love to give this a go, but it looks like it's only available in paperback in Australia. Will there be a kindle version coming for us?
0 likes Reply
almost 2 years ago
Krysta Maravilla@kristyharvey Hello Kristy :) I’d love for you to give it a go too. I’ve been preparing for a Kickstarter campaign and had decided to add a chapter and a bonus epilogue, which then lead to some minor tweaks throughout the novel... there were enough changes I decided to pull the current edition off the market (it had only been on a super short time) and move to relaunch its release with the Kickstarter. At the same time I’m relaunching Spark, I’m also releasing a novella too. If you’d like to join my newsletter, it’ll have updates on the launch. If so, here’s a link; https://krystamaravilla.com/newsletter/ Super sorry for the inconvenience.
almost 2 years ago
About the author

When Krysta Maravilla isn’t squirrelled away writing, reading, and eating Nutella, she can be found plotting her next adventure. With a passion for hiking and a desire to experience different cultures, she has lived in various places throughout the US and the world. Check out her website for more. view profile

Published on October 22, 2022

Published by

120000 words

Worked with a Reedsy professional 🏆

Genre:Epic Fantasy

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