Review: Shield (Spark #3) by Rachael Craw

Thursday 29 September 2016

25857262Shield by Rachael Craw
Released:1st September 2016
Published by: Walker Books Australia
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Pages: 429
My Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Evie is out of options. She must comply with the Affinity Project – obey their rules, play their deadly games, give up Jamie. And her losses keep growing. When she decides to help a small group of Shields trying to affect change, Evie finds herself in the firing line.

Counsellor Knox is intent on revealing her secrets and shackling her to the Affinity Project for life. To protect her family, Evie must betray those closest to her.

The odds of success – let alone survival – are slim. The final thrilling conclusion to the Spark series.
Thank you to Walker Books Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 


Rachael Craw sure knows how to end a series with a bang! There's a bittersweet feeling which came with turning the final pages of this book, but I was left as impressed as I have been since the trilogy began.


In this high-octane page-turner, Evie is once again up against the Affinity Project, and in closer proximity than ever before. With the introduction of some new faces, and the duplicitous nature of some characters becoming known, a twist is never too far away. She once again demonstrates a strength and ability to seriously kick-butt, but a sensitivity to the delicate, and seemingly futile situation of her fate. There are moral dilemmas to face, more lives at stake, and of course - opportunities to blow things up. Action, emotions and family loyalty are all on the line, executed on a knife-edge with the skill one has come to expect from Rachael Craw.


When it comes to Evie's issues with Affinity, Jamie isn't too far behind. The pair in this installment have more tension between them than ever before. Their bond is clearly electric, modeled into their DNA. Yet of course, nothing is that easy to attain in this world where your destiny is instilled in your blood, with the constant threat of exploitation. If you want to see more of Jamie, it definitely helped to read the novella 'Scar Tissue' before reading this book. Family ties are also tested, with an even greater intensity. How far would you go to save the people you love? What is the ultimate sacrifice? Craw explores these themes in ways which make your heart race, always in anticipation for the next bombshell to hit. Top tip: Have tissues ready.


FINAL THOUGHTS


What a journey it's been! I still remember first receiving SPARK in the mail 2 years ago, and though it definitely had the potential to be a great read just from looking at the blurb, little did I know how much I would come to love the series and want to support it so much. 

As an author, Rachael Craw is a class act; creating storylines with immense suspense, action-packed scenes and sentences which evoke every human emotion. Her characters have so much depth, and you can't help but be drawn into their complex web of dilemmas, following their paths with bated breath. It's the end of an era for the #SparkArmy, but I can't wait to read what she has in store for us next!



4 comments :

  1. I wanted more Jamie in this book! I loved Evie's character development in this one, she's definitely gotten so much stronger than where she started. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this one Genie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can see where you're coming from Jeann - you can never have too much Jamie right?!

      Delete
  2. It's definitely been one hell of a ride. I remember being dubious about reviewing the first book - so glad I did because I loved it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! It's always fantastic to find another series to love/

      Delete

Feel free to leave a comment below - I love reading them!