Cover Art – 4/5

 This cover really conveys a lot of the emotions felt by Jessica during the story. Nothing that happens in her life seems very clear. It is all mildly obscured, and always revolves around Aubrey. This cover is just perfect. I didn’t give it full points because I don’t feel like Aubrey has tattoos, and because they recently changed the cover art. If you see something different when you look it up, that would be why.

Book – 4/5

I have a really hard time giving any book full points but if I were to go crazy and do that, it would probably be with this book.

Like I said, it has stood the test of time and grown with me from my preteen-teen-young adult years.

I think what really speaks to me is that Jessica is very confident in herself, even while being aware that there are so many aspects of herself that are a mystery. I’m pretty sure the message speaks to everyone; it is possible to be so self-confident even when you’re not completely sure who you are. You can like who you are through the process of growth and change.

The story itself has some surprises and tension that make the read thoroughly enjoyable. You would never believe that this came from a 16 year old’s head, which as I get older is part of the fun in reading this book.

Really I could ramble on forever with all the little reasons why I like this book, but instead I’ll just suggest you go and check it out for yourself! It’s well worth the read (plus it’s pretty short so it won’t take too long, treat yourself!). 

-Elizabeth

Cover art- 2/5 stars.
This doesn't appeal to me and I don't think that it really captures the feel of the book. I see why they did it, but I picture Evelyn much more pleasant looking, despite her vindictive tendencies.  Perhaps if the book wasn't so great, this cover would please me. But with a book as engaging as this one, I think it deserves a more engaging cover.  And yes, this is a little ridiculous, but there's no way Evelyn made THAT dress. 

Book- 4/5 Stars  
The Revenge Artist may leave some parents wary because of some of its content but let's get real: if your teenager, aka young adult reader, attends high school, they deal with all of this stuff in real life on a regular basis. TRA didn't sugar-coat high school. In fact, the reason I enjoyed it so much is that it managed to touch on all of the complexities that are being a teenager in today's society. School, friends, hormones, temptations, expectations from parents and teachers, wanting to be a good student but wanting to fit in and make friends. I found Evelyn to be a nice balance of irritating and sympathetic. Maybe that's because I saw myself in her.
 But best of all, Philip Hoy did not disappoint us with an ending. No magical solution. No cop-out. Just honest teenager doing her best, coming clean, and guess what...that's all we want. 
The Revenge Artist is an engaging read with some excellent morals particularly relevant to young adults today.
And it's also a modern-day The Crucible. But that's just a bonus. 
-Lara

This cover is nice.  I prefer covers where the faces are obscured so that I can imagine whatever I want to based on the authors descriptions. This cover captures the mood of the book and tells a little of the plot as a hook. 
5/5 stars



Story-
  Spark is a fun read because it captures much of the complexities of being a teenager (balancing sports, romance, family, friends) and adds in extra adventure with an extra-terrestrial.  It's unpredictable and while it's not constantly engaging, it makes you think. 

I found myself ping-ponging back and forth on who to trust in the book, and who to run away from. Gage does a nice job of drawing out suspense long enough for readers to form their own suspicions, but not so long that you stop caring.  Though there are scenes that were not particularly related to the main plot, they were well written so I didn't find myself skipping over them too much.  

Spark is well worth the visit as it is a new take on aliens and the ending will catch you off guard. 
4-5 stars.