Stray (Spark, #2) in The Spark Army

Jun 30, 2015 Jeann (Happy Indulgence) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, sci-fi, pan-macmillan-australia

What a fast paced and exciting adventure!! I just love Evie and Kitty's supportive friendship and the snarky lines and humour! AND JAMIE WHAT A HOTTIE. This one is filled with twists and turns and pure awesomeness and I can't wait to let you guys know how much I loved it in my full review!

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If you鈥檙e looking for a YA sci-fi read with a unique concept and lots of action, then the Spark series is perfect! The first book intro What a fast paced and exciting adventure!! I just love Evie and Kitty's supportive friendship and the snarky lines and humour! AND JAMIE WHAT A HOTTIE. This one is filled with twists and turns and pure awesomeness and I can't wait to let you guys know how much I loved it in my full review!

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This review appears on Check it out for more reviews.

If you鈥檙e looking for a YA sci-fi read with a unique concept and lots of action, then the Spark series is perfect! The first book introduced us to the concept of Sparks, Strays and Shields who are genetically engineered to activate, protect and hunt each other down with enhanced abilities. Stray really hits the ground running by amping everything up 鈥� from the nonstop action, to the fast paced plot, twists and fun banter and relationships between Evie, her family and friends.

Stray is filled with competing scientific agendas at the hands of the Affinity Project 鈥� those who have genetically modified Evie and her friends, and it鈥檚 terrifying how she鈥檚 at the Mercy of them. Evie is poked, prodded, and even neutered here which serves for a horrifying experience. She鈥檚 told what she can and can鈥檛 do, who she has to stay away from and how she can鈥檛 even have sex with the guy she loves. Despite all of this, Evie鈥檚 focused on the things that are important to her- proving her brother Aiden鈥檚 innocence, and protecting her best friend Kitty. Evie is kick ass, impulsive, loyal and fiercely protective of her friends and family and I just loved that about her.

While the sci-fi elements were info dumpy in the first book, they are weaved elegantly into the plot of Stray. Although a refresher on the concepts in Spark definitely helped, I loved how the chemical reactions, DNA manipulation and abilities were explained and integrated as part of the story. I did find I had to re-read a few passages to really understand what was going on, but managed to pick things up as the story went on.

But at the heart of Stray, are it鈥檚 close knit relationships with friends, family and lovers. I loved the relationship Evie had with her family 鈥� Aiden and Miriam, as complicated as their circumstances were. You could sense that the overwhelming feeling between them all was love, and they wanted the best for each other and to protect one another. Evie鈥檚 friendship with Kitty was built upon love and support, and I loved their witty banter, their trust for one another and how they would do anything to help each other.

And Jamie was completely HOT. You could just feel the pure chemistry between him and Evie and I just wanted them to truly be together. I loved their banter and how Jamie is such a complete gentlemen with her. Their romance is a forbidden one which is a bit cliche however, but there was so much more happening here for this to be a sore point.

My only criticism with Stray, is that there seems to be so much happening in the novel that leads to a lot of loose threads. I wanted to know more about Proxy and how she came to be, about why there wasn鈥檛 really a focus on Miriam and Tesla鈥檚 circumstances, more about Strikers, and of course, more development with Jamie. Some of these may be answered in the next book, however. Some of the characters being introduced didn鈥檛 really get developed for me, such as Felicity or Benjamin.

With it鈥檚 fast pace filled with twists, non-stop action and danger, Stray was an excellent follow up to the sci-fi world of genetically mutated teens. The plot is exciting, intense and constantly moving, with excellent character relationships and a kick ass heroine at its center. I loved all of the scientific twists and can鈥檛 wait for the next book!

I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Dec 17, 2014 Kelly (Diva Booknerd) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: walker-books, bookgasm, loveozya, lovenzya

Harder, faster and far more intense than Spark. I fell in love, then I fell apart. Emotional, fierce and I loved every moment.

Stray was explosive! Superhero teens with strength, speed and skill beyond the realm of human DNA. They walk among us, belonging to a ruthless organisation simply known as The Infinity Project, abiding by their rules in order to survive. Evie is a Spark, an engineered protector who only recently learnt that her life has been a lie. ...more

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May 27, 2015 Abbey rated it it was amazing

Oh my... Rachael Craw, you wonderful author you, have done it again. Wait until you read this one!!!

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Dec 17, 2014 Emily Mead rated it it was amazing

Shelves: five-stars, sci-fi

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. My poor heart.

GAH, I'll save some of my thoughts for the actual review, but guys, you're going to LOVE this. It's so much darker and more intense and there's the PROXY who is such a cool character and Kitty (LOVE KITTY) is sassy as ever and I just aslkjdlkdsldkf.

I loved it so much <3 ...more

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Aug 27, 2015 Elly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science-fiction, kick-arse-women, psychokinetica

A little disappointed in myself for not giving Spark four stars so that I could top that with five for Stray because let me tell you; Stray tops that. Review below also appears at .

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Sequels are tricky. They are tricky because you're not just trying to impress a new audience, you're trying to keep the one you already have. Intentions have changed because the reader knows the characters, they know the setting, and consequently there is more room for plot.

Person A little disappointed in myself for not giving Spark four stars so that I could top that with five for Stray because let me tell you; Stray tops that. Review below also appears at .

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Sequels are tricky. They are tricky because you're not just trying to impress a new audience, you're trying to keep the one you already have. Intentions have changed because the reader knows the characters, they know the setting, and consequently there is more room for plot.

Personally, I love sequels, or at the very least I love the idea of them. There are a lot of series where the second book just didn't grab me in any way (for example the Scorch Trials caused me to lose interest in the entire series and the Chamber of Secrets is still by far my least favourite Harry Potter book) but then you look at series that just get better and better with each book (Throne of Glass series anyone?)...

This is one of those series. My immediate thought upon finishing Stray was actually to wonder if it would be terrible to go back and change my review of Spark to four stars just so that I could highlight how much better Stray is (Rachael has forbidden me to do this and we all know authors are delicate and prone to hysterics* so I'd better not distress her). My follow up thoughts were all on the theme of emotional devastation because RACHAEL CRAW IS A SADIST.

Spark introduced us to the newly superpowered Evie who just wants to behave like a teenager and not be responsible for things all the time, it introduced us to Kitty aka the cutest person on the planet and it introduced us to Jamie 'Hot Stuff' Gallagher who is nice to look at but occasionally says or does stupid things because he is A Boy鈩�. In Stray we get to know them all so much better and I was particularly thrilled by the amount of time spent with Kitty! Besties are important you guys, and as previously mentioned... Kitty is the cutest.

This is an intense book, and I mean that in the sense that the action just keeps coming. Emotionally devastating action at that and honestly if you escape this book without even being just a little bit devastated emotionally I don't think we can be friends. (It's probable that a friend of mine has asked if it's possible to sue an author for such emotional devastation.)

Unfortunately... because this is a sequel and I really don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't read Spark or hasn't made it to Stray yet I can't get too much into detail without my sentences looking like mail from 1941 as I agonise over the part where [redacted] was in the room with [redacted] and as a consequence [redacted] [redacted] and I wanted to scream. So I will say this; Stray might just be a perfect sequel. It finds new ways for us to love the series and the characters and as a story it's just so much stronger than its predecessor.

If you're new to the series now is the perfect time to pick it up, you can yell at me later.

*What do you mean that's just me? ...more

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Jan 09, 2015 Cassie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2015, owned

Time taken: 8 hours. (with some interruptions)

Full review coming soon...with many gifs

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Mar 02, 2015 Renee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Okay. LET ME JUST CALM MY HEART BECAUSE I LITERALLY JUST HAD THE MOST INTENSE ROLLER COASTER OF A READ!!!

First of all, this took me a long time to read because unfortunately sometimes when you're in your final year of school and it's the most intense time of year with all the homework ever *sigh* you have to put some things before books. (Which makes me sad!) BUT! Regardless of how long it took me to read it, I STILL LOVED STRAY SOOOOO MUCH!!!

Stray is the second novel in the Spark Trilogy by Rac ...more

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Sep 11, 2015 Veronica rated it it was amazing

I can't even!
I absolutely love this series. Rachael Craw is a fantastic, original and creative writer; and it shows in her writing. In both Stray and Spark, I've felt a real connection to the characters -not the genetically modified parts of course!
You get such a vivid image of the characters' personalities and inner thoughts, you feel like you really know them because there is so much character and relationship development. It's subtle but you can see the changes in the characters over time. Ev I can't even!
I absolutely love this series. Rachael Craw is a fantastic, original and creative writer; and it shows in her writing. In both Stray and Spark, I've felt a real connection to the characters -not the genetically modified parts of course!
You get such a vivid image of the characters' personalities and inner thoughts, you feel like you really know them because there is so much character and relationship development. It's subtle but you can see the changes in the characters over time. Evie started as a girl in Spark who felt like a freak. She has grown into herself much more, and her strength and determination really shines through in Stray.
Apart from being in love with the characters, I love the whole idea of the Affinity Project. Reading about the organisation and all the terms and rules that we have to learn along with Evie, its a mystery how all of it was created. The whole project is so detailed and explained well in the books, I can only wonder how long it took to think it all up, and the immense amount of talent it takes to create a whole world never seen before, and prevent plot holes.

(view spoiler)

I find it so amazing how the words written by an author can provoke such strong emotions in a reader. I feel such a hatred towards the Executives of Affinity, and a great sense of injustice about the treatment of the 'Assets'.
I really disliked Davis, but with one paragraph Rachael had me loving him and wishing for more of his story.
When it comes to Spark and Stray, in the space of an hour I can feel awed, happy, overloaded with the cuteness of Jamie and Evie, defensive, angry, hateful,vengeful and destroyed.
Like I said, it takes great talent for an author to create characters that make an impact on your life. And the talent shows in the original world of the series, the amazing characters who somehow manage to be relatable but at the same time seem completely superhuman; and in the intense emotions in readers.
The writing is so believable and you get so caught up in the story that without realising it you're laughing out loud or smiling like a weirdo, or sobbing your eyes out in need of a tissue!

I would seriously recommend this book to any teen who loves well written books and something a little out of the ordinary. But I would also caution at some of the dark themes and scenes in the book; if you can't handle that or intense sadness, then make sure you have some tissues in hand and some sunshine BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO READ IT ANYWAY!! ...more

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Jul 05, 2015 Audrey rated it it was amazing

Shelves: finished

It's so amazing and it's perfection!!! It made me so speechless, the sweetness the bitterness the suspense and oh my god! Hands down the best book I've read so far this year (and most likely my book of the year) absolutely worth saying up for!! My love for this series just grew <3 <3 ...more

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Aug 12, 2015 Sass rated it it was amazing

So I loved Spark. Stray is so much better than Spark. And worse, in a distinctly "is it possible to sue authors for emotional distress at the hands of a paperback?" kind of way. I need Shield NOW, the wait is going to kill me. ...more

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Jun 30, 2015 Kate rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, favourites, series, adventure, series-i-love, action

After anticipating the release of Stray for so long I was anxious to see if it would meet my rather high expectations.

Truth is it doesn鈥檛 meet them 鈥� it exceeds them in every way possible.

Spark ended with Evie starting a relationship with Jamie, neutralizing the threat against Kitty and generally being a bit of a bad-arse. So where does a story with such a strong beginning go from here?

To a fancy dress party of course!

Craw does a fantastic job

After anticipating the release of Stray for so long I was anxious to see if it would meet my rather high expectations.

Truth is it doesn鈥檛 meet them 鈥� it exceeds them in every way possible.

Spark ended with Evie starting a relationship with Jamie, neutralizing the threat against Kitty and generally being a bit of a bad-arse. So where does a story with such a strong beginning go from here?

To a fancy dress party of course!

Craw does a fantastic job at combining the futuristic DNA altered superhuman storyline with the real life Evie tries to maintain. For all her specialness, she is still a teenage girl with many of the same pressures and issues teens face. There鈥檚 family drama (although Evie鈥檚 family is anything but traditional), boyfriend problems and balancing her new life as a super protector with being a good friend.

And there鈥檚 the fast paced action and adventure I loved from the first novel. Stray will keep you guessing just what will happen right up until the end.

One of the things I like most about Stray (and this series in general) is the action and reactions. Evie is not someone who will just sit around when someone she cares about is in trouble. She will do what she thinks is necessary even if it鈥檚 dangerous and will land her in trouble. And what鈥檚 what I like 鈥� there are consequences. Some books you read and it seems that as long as the hero/heroine saves the day then all is forgotten. Not the case for Evie. Her actions all have a cost. After the events in Spark, Affinity are on the scene and Evie is forced to face up to her actions. I loved reading about the somewhat shady Affinity and how their organization works.

Evie鈥檚 relationships evolve in Stray. She鈥檚 still coming to terms with the secret about her mother and how to deal with her identity. Other members of her family cause Evie much emotional turmoil and it is interesting to see just how Evie deals with it all. I love her interactions with Kitty. Despite everything that has changed in Evie鈥檚 life I like that Kitty remains strong as her BFF and encourages Evie to maintain a somewhat typical teenage existence.

And then there鈥檚 Jamie. Okay, so I still have issues with his name but I have to admit I adore the boy. He鈥檚 a great match for Evie and not just because of their connection on a purely genetic level. Their relationship was a pleasure to read and not just because of the romance. There is romance but there鈥檚 also so much more. Their relationship hasn鈥檛 changed them as people nor has it fixed all which is wrong with their world. The fact that everything isn鈥檛 just sunshine and rainbows because they kissed adds to the realism in this book.

I liked Spark but I absolutely LOVED Stray. This is a series which keeps getting better with each instalment. The characters evolve and the plot gets more exciting with each chapter. After reading this book I can say I鈥檓 definitely a lifelong Rachael Craw fan and I can鈥檛 wait for the release of Shield (Spark #3).

Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy. ...more

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Jul 04, 2015 Ella rated it it was amazing

THAT. ENDING. RUINED. MEEEEEE. MY HEART OMG MA HEARRRRRRT. RACH HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO ME???!!!

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Dec 19, 2014 Eugenia (Genie In A Book) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015-release, sci-fi

*This review also appears on my blog *

Thank you to Walker Books Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Spark totally reinvigorated my interest in the YA sci-fi genre, and in this second installment of the trilogy, Rachael Craw has once again blown me away with her awesome storytelling skills and creating a plot which is action-packed and dynamic from the word go. Not only is Stray building on the foundations of its predecessor in

*This review also appears on my blog *

Thank you to Walker Books Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Spark totally reinvigorated my interest in the YA sci-fi genre, and in this second installment of the trilogy, Rachael Craw has once again blown me away with her awesome storytelling skills and creating a plot which is action-packed and dynamic from the word go. Not only is Stray building on the foundations of its predecessor in terms of the worldbuilding, but the characters have been through so much and now have even more difficult decisions to make. In all, what you get is a book which you can't put down because it will grab you with the kick-ass scenes, make you swoon with the romance, and shock with the inevitable twists to come. Brace yourselves folks!

Don't say I didn't warn you

In Spark there were some detailed references to Affinity and how all the sciency-stuff worked between Synergists and Harvesting etc. - but Stray really ups the ante and this is where the organisation gets really involved. This is where worldbuilding and the creation of a concept can shine, where us readers can grasp the ins and outs of what is happening to the characters and the multiple dilemmas they face. Evie is placed in an even more difficult situation than ever, especially having to deal with the responsibility of harnessing the abilities she has and using them for good. With some new characters on the scene and tensions running high, there's certainly never a dull moment in this book and even with all the information the pacing never slows.聽

To break this up though is where the writing style makes this an easy read. I LOVE some good humour and witty dialogue which makes this a fun read above all. Rachael Craw's interjections of normalcy, like a Halloween party at the beginning with some cheeky references, or Kitty's little quirks make the whole novel that much more relatable. This isn't hardcore sci-fi, but then again it isn't meant to be. This is has become a series that seamlessly melds normal life with a big dose of something special to create the perfect balance.

Of course, there's also the relationships to consider. This is a time where the romance doesn't take centre stage, but also has its special role to play. Evie and Jamie are really good for each other (despite the fainting), and though they face challenges along the way I think it's important to see that their bond is realistic and is different from many others considering the Synergist side. He's not someone who would ever take advantage of her, and she is a strong character on her own who continuously seeks to do what is best for her family and friends; both commendable qualities.

But wait - it's not JUST the romantic kinds of relationships in this case either. Stray goes deeper than that and looks at the special dynamics between best friends, parents and children, and colleagues as well.

I love this insight from Miriam on pg. 60

It's all about trust and inconceivable decisions to have to make, trying to stay alive and protect those they love. It's this multitude of character developments and links which makes the story so compelling. Although, with great love can also come great sorrow - and all I'm going to say is once again - be prepared for ALL THE FEELS.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Stray met and exceeded my high expectations, leaving me reeling and seriously NEEDING Shield - the finale in the trilogy coming in 2016. Rachael Craw has done a fantastic job crafting this series into the masterpiece it has become so far, and I can't wait to see where it goes next.

...more

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Feb 02, 2015 Alex M rated it it was amazing

LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!! COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. Also I loved the surprises along the way, the tension was fantastic. The cringey embarrassing scenes were done to a T. There was time when (and I know I have just contradicted my second sentence) I had to close the book for a few minutes before I could face them. Oh lordy, I'm not very good with secondhand embarrassment - especially those in books because you can't just fast-forward and see what happens you have to read every single agonising word. ...more

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Apr 30, 2015 Hannah Smit rated it it was amazing

It just jumped into the action. It was amazing to find out more of the effects of her body, weakness and strengths, why she is so strong and the alternative life she could have had if Affinity knew.
It was also great finding out more about Affinity and how they are towards the assets
Rachael's writing steps away from clich茅s and brings a whole new meaning to YA writing
Again Rachael gave us a twist you can not predict.
She gave us new characters with powerful relationships, and one particularly cre ...more

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Aug 30, 2015 Kristy (Book Nerd Reviews) rated it really liked it

Intense, desperate, exhilarating, intriguing, dark, action-packed and complex, Stray will rattle your nerves and will certainly cause sparks!

After the events of Spark, Evie鈥檚 life has been turned upside down. She found out she was a Shield, genetically modified to be the ultimate protector of Sparks 鈥� the innocent people who have a murderous Stray after them. But as well as this life-changing discovery, she found out that the mother she loved and lost was hiding a very big secret, and her truste Intense, desperate, exhilarating, intriguing, dark, action-packed and complex, Stray will rattle your nerves and will certainly cause sparks!

After the events of Spark, Evie鈥檚 life has been turned upside down. She found out she was a Shield, genetically modified to be the ultimate protector of Sparks 鈥� the innocent people who have a murderous Stray after them. But as well as this life-changing discovery, she found out that the mother she loved and lost was hiding a very big secret, and her trusted Aunty is more than she ever imagined, and that she has a twin brother, a Stray 鈥� the same boy who tried to kill her best friend.

But she saved both her friend and brother, and she is with the boy she loves, what could possibly go wrong?

Well, the Affinity Project. The people who once find out about her will try to control her, kill her recently-found and newly-cured brother, and of course, tear her away from her true love Jamie. The Affinity Project is exactly what could go wrong.

Stray takes us on a journey of desperation. As much as Evie fears that the Affinity Project will take control of her life, she is more fearful they will find out about her twin-brother Aidan. Although Evie truly believes that Aidan has been deactivated and no longer a threat, she has to prove it before the Affinity Project discover his existence and kill him for being something he never asked to be. But also at risk is Evie鈥檚 relationship with Jamie. Not only is this relationship forbidden by the Affinity Project, but there is the added stress of her wanting to save the one person who Jamie is not only trained to want to see dead, but also the one who committed an unforgiveable act against him. Will Jamie be able to come to terms with the fact that Evie wants to save the very person who tried to kill his sister?

Evie is determined to protect her brother from the Affinity Project and to prove that he has been deactivated. But to save her brother she must make some very hard decisions; she must betray those she loves the most, she must endanger those she cherishes and she must risk more than her own life. I truly admire Evie鈥檚 drive and determination. Sure, there were moments when I thought 鈥渞eally????鈥� about some silly decision that she made on the spur of the moment, or secrets she withheld, but all of those can certainly be overlooked. Evie is still a character I love, she is loyal, sassy and kick ass. She is a great super-hero. She is strong, loyal and willing to risk everything to do what she believes is right.

Stray is the ultimate sequel to Spark. We get so much more about this world. Firstly, we get to learn a lot more about the Affinity Project, and some of the amazingly disturbing things they do to not only protect themselves but to control their subjects. And WOW! Some things we learn about this organisation, and the people within it, are mind-blowing! Scary, wonderful, deceitful, hopeful and disturbing.

When it comes to the characters, Stray jumps from strength to strength. I love all the secondary characters within this story, and every character has a purpose and their own complexities. We get to meet some wonderful (and disturbing) new characters, as well as expanding on some of our favourites from Spark. There are three things I will say about certain characters: Jamie is so distractingly divine that even some things he says can be forgiven. The Proxy 鈥� OMG! (I can鈥檛 say much more due to spoilers). And Ethan. Ethan is the one that makes me realise that I am way too old to swoon over Jamie 鈥� so I am now on a mission to get an Ethan shirtless scene so I can book-perv in an age-appropriate way.

I am ridiculously impressed with this sequel. I loved the complexities within this story: the DNA, the Affinity Project, the relationships鈥� It just keeps getting better and better. The story is fast-paced with loads of action, snarky banter in all the right places, and just the right amount of swoon. The desperation is palpable, emotions are running strong and your heart may just be broken a little 鈥� all this and more in this roller-coaster of a story! There are twists and turns that you won鈥檛 see coming, some will make you want to laugh, others will make you cry, maybe even both.

Now the ending. Well, I am not going to say too much about it (*eyes Rachael Craw sideways*) but there is certainly enough to keep you itching for Shield! There are just enough unanswered questions to keep you captivated without totally frustrating you :). You will however want the next book now!

This is a must read series!!! Run. Get it. Devour it. Then come join the #SPARKARMY!

...more

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Apr 24, 2015 Amanda rated it it was amazing

The standard for Stray had been set high by Spark and oh boy did it blow that standard out of the park!

I鈥檇 been really excited to finally be able to read Stray, then of course life decided to get in the way and it took me far longer to read than what it should have. I鈥檓 going to try and keep this as spoiler free as possible, let鈥檚 see how I go.

The plot twists, end of chapter cliff hangers and all the feels had me wanting to keep reading and not put the book down. Following on from the world that ...more

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Apr 12, 2015 Rachel Sanders rated it it was amazing

Part Sci-fi, part rom-com, part thriller. The story continues from Spark, but the adrenaline is pumping reaching higher levels. I absolutely loved where the story went getting a glimpse at the inner workings of Affinity and Oh the plot twists! *Swoons* This book has taken the Spark trilogy to the next level and I can't wait to see where Shield is going to go.

I would hands-down recommend this to anyone that is willing to give it a go, it will take you by surprise and keep you wanting more. ...more

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Dec 14, 2014 Rou Min rated it it was amazing

Shelves: i-owe-it, contemporary, romance, dystopian-utopia, aussie-reads, sci-fi

Full Review on

4.5 Stars!!!

One of my most anticipated books of 2015 and this lived up to it!

The Plot/ Writing

Stray follows Evie months after the event of Spark as she juggles life of trying to be a normal teen while balancing the fact and consequences of her being a genetic engineered super human. We get to know more of the Affinity Project, the organization that was set up and created the modified DNA where they train the Shields, protect the Sparks and kill the Strays.

I love Spark a ...more

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