Spark Hunter Written by Sonya Wilson. Reviewed by Radhika, Age 11

Will she be able to find her way back home and save the Sparks?

Spark Hunter is a beautiful book, highlighting the importance of conserving nature. This book took me on a journey full of excitement and adventure through the undulating expanse of Fiordland, as I used an intricately carved slingshot to gather Rimu and Totara berries for the Sparks.

Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I looked over my shoulder, hoping that a predator would not come up behind me. I admired the beauty of the green with awe, and enjoyed pots of warm tea, as comfort bubbled in my chest looking around at all the Sparks.

I loved all the characters, but especially Agnes Westwind – the kind-hearted spark who takes Nissa in. I love her old-fashioned language and gentle temper. I didn’t exactly like Nissa as she was very naïve. She couldn’t even figure out why the Sparks were being antagonistic to her even though her species was destroying their population.

I loved that there were snippets of what was happening while Nissa’s family searched for her after she disappeared during the school trip. These scenes gave me a glimpse of the urgency and chaos outside the realm of the Sparks.

While her family was desperately trying to rescue her, Nissa was happily spending her time in comfort, unaware of the pain and worry she was causing. This contrast was one of my favourite parts about the book.

Magical, wise, brilliant, this book is a true masterpiece and a feat of literary genius – the way it combines trust, nature and adventure into one is beautiful.