Series: The Five Elements Series #1
Author: Nicole Wells
Received: Review Request
Warnings: Illness

UpSpark is the debut novel of Nicole Wells, and it is a novel that will hit you right in the feels. At least, it did for me. It’s a little bit young adult/coming of age, and a little bit romance, with many surprises sprinkled throughout.

Enya has always dreamed of doing something that would make the world a better place. Yet her whole life she has lived with this weight hanging over her shoulders. She’s been waiting to find out the truth hidden in her DNA. A truth that would decide whether she lives or dies.

With this news, Enya is about to go on a summer trip with her best friend, Jacob. And yet it is a trip that is about to change their lives.

“We can’t choose the cards we’re dealt. We can choose how we react though, what we make of it.”

Wow. If you’re looking for a book that will hit you right in the heart, pick up UpSpark. I can now see why it is favorably compared to The Fault In Our Stars, as it very much has that same sort of vibe.

Plus, have I mentioned how much I love this cover? It’s stunning! This is a book I would pick up and purchase had I found it while wandering the bookstore. I really do mean that.

Enya’s whole trip is designed to help her find meaning following her official diagnoses. One, she had to wait until she was 18 to legally receive. Ultimately, I feel like she ended up getting so much more than that, and I don’t think she’d argue with me there.

This is a profound story, one that goes beyond coming of age and transcends into something else. It’s emotional and evocative and perfectly portrays human mortality in a way that really rings true.
UpSpark was an endearing and lovely story. It broke my heart and then lifted it up. Personally, I really did enjoy everything this novel had to offer.