Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan (Sky Chasers book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Glow, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the series for you.

“Once the embers are glowing, it only takes one small breath to ignite the spark …”

Things are far from normal since Waverly Marshall and the girls from the Empyrean barely escaped from Anne Mather and her congregation on the New Horizon. Having to leave their parent behind as prisoners, most of the children blame Waverly while a few see her as a hero. Her days are spent working on farm equipment where she is in relative solitude. Seth Ardvale spends his time in solitary confinement in the brig as punishment for his failed attempt to overthrow Kieran Alden, the Captain of the Empyrean. His only consolation is the hope that Waverly might visit him again, but he is not holding his breath. Waverly is well known to be Kieran’s girlfriend.

Kieran’s Sunday morning congregation has dwindled to about half of the ship’s crew. Everyone is waiting the day that the Empyrean will catch up to the New Horizon and rescue their parents. When a blast rocks the ship during Sunday morning services, everyone aboard is thrown into a panic. Kieran and his top officers discover that someone has tampered with the computer navigation software and the blasts where really thruster bursts. It is not long before Kieran discovers that Seth has escaped fr5om the brig. It is revealed that Waverly visited Seth in the brig a month earlier. Kieran asks her why she is undermining his authority. While talking, Kieran realizes that their relationship is fractured beyond repair. With 250 lives in his hands, Kieran realizes that there aren’t many people he can trust.

Hiding on the ship, Seth soon realizes that someone on board has tampered with the surveillance system. He goes to find his friend Max for some more information. Even thought he is drunk, Seth realizes that Max has been poisoned. He carries him to the elevator and sends it to the infirmary. Max is found unconscious and he dies the next morning. Seth begins to suspect that someone from the New Horizon is on board to sabotage their efforts. He investigates and finds conclusive evidence of someone on board. Seth is able to get a message to Kieran to alert him of the situation.

Chasing Seth down on one of the storage bays, Kieran has it out with him. Seth claims someone unlocked his cell. Kieran is doubtful and the two boys soon exchange words over Waverly. Kieran says that Seth will never be with her. Hurt, he leaves. The next thing everyone on the Empyrean hears is an announcement by Kieran. He informs them of a stowaway on board from the New Horizon and that Seth Ardvale is helping them. Waverly is stunned and Seth knows that he is in trouble.

Who is attempting to sabotage the Empyrean? Will they ever be able to catch up to the New Horizon and rescue their parents? Will Seth be able to prove his innocence? Can Kieran maintain control of the Empyrean? Will Waverly patch things up with Kieran or will she start a new relationship with Seth? And will either ship make it to New Earth?

The next installment in the Sky Chasers storyline will be available in the Summer of 2013.

Visit Amy Kathleen Ryan's website.