Skylark by Meagan Spooner: Review

Publication Date: October 1, 2012


Sixteen year-old Lark Ainsley has never seen the sky.

Her world ends at the edge of the vast domed barrier of energy enclosing all that’s left of humanity. For two hundred years the city has sustained this barrier by harvesting its children's innate magical energy when they reach adolescence. When it’s Lark’s turn to be harvested, she finds herself trapped in a nightmarish web of experiments and learns she is something out of legend itself: a Renewable, able to regenerate her own power after it’s been stripped.

Forced to flee the only home she knows to avoid life as a human battery, Lark must fight her way through the terrible wilderness beyond the edge of the world. With the city’s clockwork creations close on her heels and a strange wild boy stalking her in the countryside, she must move quickly if she is to have any hope of survival. She’s heard the stories that somewhere to the west are others like her, hidden in secret – but can she stay alive long enough to find them? (from Goodreads)



Skylark, Meagan Spooner's debut novel is a chilling dystopian story set in a war ravaged world where magic is a very important commodity to possess. 16-year-old Lark is considered an anomaly in her society; not yet harvested and made useful. She keeps to herself and ignores the taunts as children years younger than her are brought to the Institute where their Resource is taken to help keep their city running.


The story is told from the point of view of our main character, Lark. Her narrative is exquisitely detailed and helps bring the story to life for you. You can see the magic 'pockets' and the shadow people as she flees the only home she's ever known.  Terrifying, heartbreaking and sometimes hopeful, this story is utterly original and rife with conflict. The plot speeds on at a breakneck pace and there is literally peril lurking around every corner Lark turns. 


Lark is a very dynamic character and I loved watching her grow as the story progressed. You see her turn from a lonely, quiet girl afraid of the world she is a part of to a strong, independent and loyal person who's willing to fight for those she loves. One of the things I admire most about Lark is her compassion. Despite the horrors she has endured, she still believes that killing living creatures is wrong, even those who would kill her. She is noble where others would be bitter and bent on revenge. 


Skylark is one of those books you just HAVE to keep reading, but at the same time, you NEVER want it to be over.  This was a really fast, refreshing read; I never saw the twists coming and the end really leaves you wanting more. I can't wait for the next installment!


My Rating: