SPARK

A teenager unlocks levels and secrets in a popular augmented-reality game in this debut YA near-future novel.

Will Kwan has been in the foster system since his parents died several years ago. But when he thinks his latest foster family is sending him back to a group home, the 16-year-old boy flees Houston for California. He hopes his computer savvy will land him a job at Solar Prime Augmented Reality Park, where he and his parents had shared their last bit of happiness before the family fell apart. The Kwans’ gameplay back then earned free days at SPARK, so Will dons “Augmented Reality Glasses” and, as avatar “WonderBoy,” immerses himself in quests. His unprecedented skills quickly catch the eyes of the people running SPARK, including its CEO. Will not only levels up at a breathtaking rate, he also unearths easter eggs, not the least of which is one that no player has found in SPARK’s seven years of existence. It’s not long before he mingles with the Pod—runaway teens who live in the Underground City below the park. He stumbles on friendship and perhaps romance as well. ShaChri “Feral Daughter” Patel’s virtual combat prowess complements Will’s predilection for the mental side of gameplay, like puzzles. Meanwhile, there’s a planned strike against SPARK underway, courtesy of two united terrorist groups with separate agendas. WonderBoy’s and Feral’s abilities are without question, but their real-life counterparts may have to step up, along with fellow players and staff, when SPARK finds itself under siege.

The cast of Daily’s SF novel shines, especially its sympathetic hero. For example, Will’s Korean American dad fought and died in a near-future war involving the United States and the Koreas (though North Korea was the true antagonist). Will and other Koreans suffer bigoted Americans who, infuriated about the conflict, call them by the loathsome slur “Kimmy.” Other characters boast equally engrossing backstories, from ShaChri, who also lost her parents tragically, and SPARK employee Jeffrey “Hodge” Hodgins, who sees Will as the son he and his wife never had. Most of the narrative spotlights gamer Will fighting to complete seven Princess Quests, or “arcades” (for example, PreHistory and War on Mars). These fast-paced, entertaining scenes further showcase his teamwork, as he games with ShaChri or helps someone defeat a Princess. Although there’s not much at stake for Will in gameplay (even if the staff cheers him on), the terrorists’ sinister plot is unmistakably imminent. The story reveals certain nefarious types prepping for the attack and teases its approach with a countdown of days. There’s likewise some mystery beyond the eggs’ surprising locations. The final words from Will’s deceased mom (via letter) were “Find me. Save me.” Will strives to learn what they mean, as one of the game characters utters these same lines. The book’s climax doesn’t quite measure up to its prolonged buildup, but it’s still exciting, while the ending offers both a gratifying resolution and sequel possibilities.

An indelible young gamer scores big in this breezy SF tale.