Sparkers

By: Eleanor Glewwe

Narrated by: Phoebe Strole

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

In the city of Ashara, magicians rule all.

Marah Levi is a promising violinist who excels at school and can read more languages than most librarians. Even so, she has little hope of a bright future: she is a sparker, a member of the oppressed lower class in a society run by magicians.

Then a mysterious disease hits the city of Ashara, turning its victims' eyes dark before ultimately killing them. As Marah watches those whom she loves most fall ill, she finds an unlikely friend in Azariah, a wealthy magician boy. Together they pursue a cure in secret, but more people are dying every day, and time is running out. Then Marah and Azariah make a shocking discovery that turns inside-out everything they thought they knew about magic and about Ashara, their home.

Set in an imaginative world rich with language, lore, and music, this gripping adventure plunges the listener into the heart of a magical government where sparks of dissent may be even more deadly than the dark eyes.

©2014 Eleanor Glewwe (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Social injustice is a rare theme in middle-grade fantasy, but Glewwe conveys the insidious poison of prejudice by grounding the narrative in evocative details... A compelling story on a difficult topic, addressed with maturity and grace." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

"This book holds all that fantasy readers could desire: magic, intrigue, mysterious characters, ancient curses, and a dark evil that must be defeated. Not everything is wrapped up neatly, and the various characters are multilayerd, neither all good nor all bad. A worthy and worthwhile stand-alone book in a genre so often serialized." (School Library Journal)

"Strong, believable characters and an important message... Middle-school novels rarely address social injustice so clearly, and this first novel does so in a way that empowers young people to think of ways to make a difference." (Booklist)

Poignant for our troubled times

In light of the various anti-discrimination protests of recent years, this is an excellent YA introduction to a very serious matter. I see a great connection to the Holocaust of the past and the current mistrust between minority citizens and the police force in many communities due to suspected discrimination. It will make a great addition to my school library!