Författarbild

Helena Echlin

Författare till Sparked

2 verk 41 medlemmar 5 recensioner

Verk av Helena Echlin

Sparked (2017) 32 exemplar
Auf und davon (2002) 9 exemplar

Taggad

Allmänna fakta

Det finns inga Allmänna fakta än om den här författaren. Du kan lägga till några.

Medlemmar

Recensioner

I’ve read a few books that have multiple authors and I either end up loving them or hating them. To get two (or more) people who can write a piece together and make it flow naturally is kind of special. I love when I find these books because it makes me want to write with my bestie… but that aside, Helena Echlin and Malena Watrous pulled it off (again) and created something special. Sparked was every bit interesting as it had a unique and it’s own kind of natural rhythm. No lies, it was such a good read that I ate it up in nearly one sitting!

Sparked wastes no time in getting started. The pace of the book moves quickly and evenly, enveloping you into a mystery with supernatural powers, prophesies and who-dunnits. As I followed along in Laurel’s journey of trying to learn what happened to her vanished sister and the strange visions dreams that haunted her after, I found myself writing and re-writing all the possible endings in my head.

Sparked explores the world of fantasy and supernatural without losing the reader or the characters. Laurel, Jasper, and the rest of the characters are so well developed that they can make you angry one moment and love them the next. Mean girls, besties, moms and all – each character has their place in Sparked. And for the record, my taste for fantasy type books is extremely limited, yet I still found Sparked to be an enjoyable read.

I will say that parts of the story between Laurel and Jasper were somewhat familiar but they are not cliche. Of course, he’s handsome. Yes, he has a secret and some special powers. Sure, he is there for Laurel when no one else takes her seriously. But wait… there is so much more to Jasper’s story. This was my favorite part of the whole book – Jasper. His story and his past is what ties everything together so perfectly. I would love to see his character explored even more in any future books.

Twisty, dark, thrilling romantic and exciting – you will be glad for more…
… (mer)
 
Flaggad
nicholesbooknook | 3 andra recensioner | May 24, 2022 |
This was so freaking good! I had to force myself to stop reading it each night so that I could actually get some sleep, but I didn't want to put it down! So Laurel wakes up one morning and discovers that her sister Ivy has vanished. Her mom and everyone else seems to believe that Ivy took off after having a fight with her mom especially after they find a note written in Ivy's handwriting saying exactly that, but Laurel knows that something isn't right. She knows that her sister wouldn't just leave without saying anything to her and especially right before Laurel's birthday. Laurel begins having nightmare's that she is Ivy and trapped in a dungeon. Laurel, the cute new boy Jasper, and Laurel's worst enemies, mean girls Peyton and Mei, have to team up to find Ivy, because if they don't it could mean the end of the world as we know it. This book gave me Buffy meets Heroes and I couldn't get enough! I seriously hope that there is a sequel to this book because I need more of this!… (mer)
 
Flaggad
Completely_Melanie | 3 andra recensioner | Sep 10, 2021 |
I WAS PROVIDED AN E-COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

If you love YA Fantasy, a touch of sci-fi, and some paranormal pinches, this book is for you. I was not expecting the beginning of this book, and I was pleasantly shocked by what I read after it.

Laurel Goodwin was a character that I was surprised to find. Normally, in books with fantasy aspects, you will find a badass girl ready to take charge at a moment's time. That was not the case with her. In the beginning, she was almost like a goody-two-shoes. I say 'almost' because of the fact that she chose to hide her sister's disappearances from her mom, even though said woman already knew.

On top of that, you have the mom who was a teen parent, as well as a runaway. She has no concern for her eldest daughter, Ivy's disappearances. Even after Laurel tells her mother everything, she still doesn't have a care in the world. On top of that, it seems as if she is not the motherly type, for she tells Laurel-- who is a nervous driver like me (I refuse to drive at all at this point)--to take the car and drive it to school. Now, be it as it may, I related to much of what Laurel worried over for her sister. I have two little brothers, and every time something happens to them, my sister mode kicks in.

This book was relatable, fun, and more than I could have expected. However, I did have a hard time understanding or getting through a few points in the book due to the fact that it was either too slow or going way too fast. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed this book. For that, I give it 3.5/5 stars.
… (mer)
 
Flaggad
booking_belle | 3 andra recensioner | Nov 8, 2019 |
Teenagers who have super powers, a missing sister, and a Twilight-esque setting perfect for that mystery/fantasy combo. The good thing about what they did with this book is that instead of an eye-rolling romp through yet another of the same old clichés the writing actually created something inventive and discussion worthy. It’s start off with a slow build and I had some severe reservations about why seemingly caring people would not care a loved one went missing but it all gets explained in a decent way.

There is something humorous and adventurous about how they guide you through their story to discover what happened to Laurel’s sister and what is going on with her peers. Despite the fantasy quality there is still something realistic and down to earth about the plotline that is detailed so the settings and people pop off the pages.

That slow build I mentioned definitely goes into overdrive and climaxes with well outlined action and emotional consequences I didn’t see coming to form the perfect conclusion. I really loved how many scenes could have just been more clichés trotted out to appeal to the masses but were written so much better with depth and care to woo the reader. There are characters you will bond with, love, hate or wonder how they manage to tie their shoes just because they irritate you meaning you have a great recipe for character development the way it’s supposed to be.

The twists interspersed are dripped in just enough to keep you engaged and the various issues presented are perfect feeder for book clubs and discussions with your teen who might just open up if you shared a book and a meal.

It should be interesting to see if this is just the first in a new series or a standalone because although most of the book is wrapped up quite tidy there is a little wiggle room left to carry on a bit of the story that was left in cliffhanger mode.
… (mer)
 
Flaggad
ttsheehan | 3 andra recensioner | Sep 20, 2017 |

Statistik

Verk
2
Medlemmar
41
Popularitet
#363,652
Betyg
½ 3.3
Recensioner
5
ISBN
6
Språk
1