#LoveNZYA (#5) Spark by Rachael Clark

Throwback Thursday #LoveNZYA edition is our way of spreading the love of backlist Kiwi books that you might have missed. We'll hopefully be posting a new book every second week, and we'd love you to join us!

Tash's pick

Title:Spark (Spark)
Author: Rachael Craw
Released: July 1st 2014
Publisher: Walker Book Australia
Add it to Goodreads 

Evie doesn’t have a choice.

One day she’s an ordinary seventeen year old, grieving for her mother. The next, she’s a Shield, the result of a decades-old experiment gone wrong, bound by DNA to defend her best friend from an unknown killer.

The threat could come at home, at school, anywhere. All Evie knows is that it will be a fight to the death.

And then there’s Jamie. irresistible. off-limits.

why i chose it

This a favourite amongst the mods on the team and there is a good reason why.  Spark is the book that made Craw known in the Australian and New Zealand community. Craw's debut hit the market at the right time, appealing to sci- fi fans just a little over five years ago  It's cleverly written with a plot twist that you won't see coming. It's addicting and honestly still one of the best sci-fi books I've read from a local author. It stood the test of time so far and holds its place in a genre that can be lacking locally.

The concept of the story may capture readers attention, but there is much more to this book. Craw pay attentions to the readers' wishes and wants when it comes to  reading YA and makes sure to address one of the biggest wants of them all.

One of the big highlights of this book and the series overall is the family dynamics. It's refreshing to see parents in the picture and actively involved in the story. It flows naturally and isn't forced, which helps with the plot and the heavy world building in this book.
There is much thrown at readers, but Evie and her interest in Jamie drives this book home and makes you want to find out what happens next. 

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What's your pick for this week? Share on your blog, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, or in the comments below! Make sure you tag your posts with #AusYABloggers so we can share the love.