Enter a world like no other in this young adult science fiction fantasy novel by Sara Baysinger titled, THE VANISHING SPARK OF DUSK. Baysinger's writing is flawless with characters that are well planned and developed with secrets that are better left untold. The story reminds me a little of the Hunger Games series because the Lark is much like Katniss through her determination to survive and one day see her family again. She also has the strength that is the fuel for her to want to change the world that she currently lives in. I hope that Baysinger decides to turn this into a series by continuing this world and characters she has created with another novel.
While there is some romance in this novel, it is not over the top insta-love, but a love that grows over the course of several months. Things seem to happen at a slow but steady place that is perfect to grab a hold of your attention and keep it until the very end. Baysinger introduces you to different species and characters a few at a time, making it easier to visualize them. Some are more memorable then others due to the genuine feel they seem to have while others only play a small part to the overall story.
Now, it is obvious I really enjoyed reading THE VANISHING SPARK OF DUSK. I feel because of some of the content, this book should probably be for more mature readers because of the slavery. There is nothing that is too graphic but the subject of slavery still plays a big overall part of the story. Otherwise, I highly recommend reading this remarkable story that has a beautiful cover and an unexpected ending.
When Lark is stolen from Earth to
be
a slave on the planet Tavdora, sheβs determined to find her
way back home to her family, no matter the cost. Placed in
the household of a notorious slave trader, Lark quickly
learns her best assets are her eyes and ears. And if sheβs
brave enough, her voice.
Be heard.
Kalen is the Tavdorian son of a slave
trader and in line to inherit his fatherβs business. But
his
growing feelings for Lark, the new house slave who dares to
speak of freedom, compel him to reveal his new plan for the
slave ships returning to Earthβescape. Together, they just
might spark a change that flares across the universe.
Fight back.
EXCERPT
Kalen sighs and drags a hand through his hair. "Don't speak
of these pirates again, Lark. I don't want you to even
mention rebels at all, much less suggest I work with those
thieves. You think Tavdorians who own slaves are bad? You
haven't experienced the black heart of the empire yet. The
Renegade is what keeps that black heart beating."
He steps closer, takes my chin between his thumb and his
forefinger, and tilts it up until our eyes meet.
"Am I understood?"
I can see his features clearly now. His violet eyes, filled
with that aristocratic sternness. This isn't a discussion
between two equals, but an order from a master to his slave.
He said not to mention them, but he said nothing
about meeting with them. That I can agree to.
"I understand," I whisper. "I won't speak of them again."
He lowers his hand. "I only want you safe, Lark. If I'm to
take you to Earth on my next trip, I want to have a whole,
healthy daughter returned to her mother. Not a scarred one.
Definitely not a dead one."
He's not smiling at all, but somehow a chuckle slips out of
me at the dramatic statement.
"You think it's out of the question?" he asks, taken aback
by my humor. "This is a dangerous world for Humans.
Especially for a young, vibrant woman, like yourself."
"Vibrant?" The word comes out in a short laugh. All she
does is read her books,I remember Ariana saying.
"Why do you chuckle now, Lark?" He steps closer, and I back
against the wall. In the faint light coming from the
bioluminescent plants, I can make out his small smile. "You
think I'm joking?"
"Of course not." My lips twitch. "You're dead serious."
He takes another step until his breath tickles my nose. "How
do you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Stir these strange feelings. I shouldn't touch you, but the
humor dripping from your lips demands a lick."
Holy shit.
The hungry look in his eyes creates a whirlwind of foreign
emotions inside of me, and it takes me a moment to realize
that I want him. I don't know when or how it happened, but I
want him. Here. Now.
"Lark," he says in a hoarse whisper. His breathing is heavy
now, and he says my name again, but before I can respond,
his lips are on mine.
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