Spark (2014) by Rachael Craw is the first book in a young adult science fiction series set in a near-future world where a covert organization, the Affinity Project, manipulates DNA to create genetically enhanced super soldiers. The story follows Evangeline "Evie" Everton, a 17-year-old who moves in with her aunt after her mother’s death. Evie starts experiencing strange physical changes and becomes obsessed with protecting her childhood friend, Kitty. As Evie’s dormant "Optimal" gene is activated by Kitty, she transforms into a Shield—a protector of Kitty, who unknowingly triggers the activation of her Stray, a dangerous mutant sent to kill Evie. As Evie learns more about her true identity and the deadly world she is now part of, she discovers her twin brother, Aidan, is the Stray hunting Kitty. The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the cost of genetic manipulation, leading to a shocking twist that changes everything Evie thought she knew about herself. The story continues in two sequels.
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