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The Real and the Virtual
SPARK follows a 16-year-old foster kid who runs away to a virtual reality theme park, where he meets another runaway and uncovers more than an escape from reality. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
We’ve known foster parents and foster kids. Everybody means well, but the system is so overloaded that kids fall through the cracks and are left in situations that are not good. These kids often have issues that the parents cannot handle and the environment turns adversarial. Will is an example of that. He is a great kid whose past sets him up to fail in the system.
As a child, I always wanted to spend the night in Disneyland – to look behind the scenes and explore. Will figures out a way to do just that in Spark.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the Solar Prime Augmented Reality Park come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
Solar Prime Augmented Reality Park was inspired by Pokémon Go. My daughters were both playing, so I gave it a try. The concept of a Pokémon being projected onto a real background captured my attention. One of the problems with virtual reality is that you lose all touch with your actual environment and can easily crash into walls, tables, and TVs while playing. It’s also easy to step on things, like pets. Augmented reality blends the best of the real and the virtual.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to look at the foster care system, education, artificial intelligence, and a post-war world.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The second book in the series, Fire, is now available! It follows Will and Feral as they fight their way through the aftermath of Spark’s events and the notoriety that they’ve gained. Some social media themes play out and they get caught between competing factions and find themselves counseling an AI that has learned that violence can be an effective tool.
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Spark
Pat Daily’s SPARK thrusts readers into a richly imagined virtual world where the stakes feel as real as life itself. At the heart of this gripping sci-fi tale is sixteen-year-old Will Kwan, a foster kid whose life has been shaped by uncertainty. His world changes when he clings to the last words from his birth mother: “Find me, save me.” Those same words appear in SPARK, the Solar Prime Augmented Reality Park, a dazzling digital universe that offers Will a sense of purpose and belonging. What begins as escapism soon turns into a high-stakes mission as Will dives deeper into the realm of SPARK and encounters Feral Daughter, a defiant runaway who has made the park her sanctuary. Together, they unravel secrets that could change everything.
This novel borrows familiar themes from classics like Ender’s Game and modern hits such as Ready Player One. Yet, SPARK stands out for its emotional depth and grounded protagonist. Will Kwan is an easy character to root for, a kid navigating the dual struggles of foster care and the existential questions that come with it. His journey feels genuine. He’s not just looking for a home but searching for identity, closure, and hope. His connection with Feral Daughter, another misfit seeking refuge in SPARK, is compelling and adds emotional weight to the story’s twists.
What’s refreshing is how the book avoids the well-tread sci-fi path of portraying technology as a lurking menace. Instead, it channels the spirit of Jules Verne, celebrating innovation and its ability to unite and empower. SPARK, as a virtual playground, is more than a backdrop; it’s a lifeline for Will and Feral Daughter, as well as countless others who feel alienated in the real world. Daily’s world-building is vibrant and imaginative, making SPARK a place readers will want to explore, even as its darker truths emerge. The stakes in the story rise steadily, intertwining Will’s personal quest with larger, often perilous, discoveries about SPARK itself. Every layer revealed about the virtual realm brings new surprises and challenges for Will.
The narrative’s pacing is taut, and the unfolding mysteries keep readers turning pages. Young adults will especially enjoy this fast-paced adventure, but older sci-fi fans will find themselves equally captivated by the dynamic characters and thoughtful exploration of technology’s role in human connection.
In SPARK, Pat Daily delivers a story that’s as heartfelt as it is thrilling. It’s a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the enduring power of hope. Whether you’re a teen seeking adventure or a seasoned sci-fi enthusiast, this book promises a virtual escape worth taking.
Pages: 458 | ASIN : B0BL193S4P
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