I highly recommend Spark. 
 ..define awesome? Amy Kathleen Ryan. 
 Spark is sinister. From the plot to the main characters Kieran, Waverly and Seth, it was just so nerve-wracking sinister. And I looove it! 
 Kieran is still giving me the creeps. His sermons and utter belief that God is talking to him? It made him crazy dangerous. But I cannot hate him 100% because he really believes that he is a special one - the chosen among the hundred kids living in the Empyrean to deliver them from evil called Seth and Ann Mather. haha! so brilliant. 
 Waverly was the surprise. Whatever happened to her in the New Horizon, it changed her drastically. She's aloof, suspicious and already considered a recluse. The terrible emotional damage that Anne Mather did to her was very apparent in one of the brig scenes. Her excitement to conducting violence is so disturbing.. but it excited me, too! Surely, Waverly is not in for a fairy tale. But she's not going down without a fight. I regard her character with respect, blatant flows and all. 
 Seth... I'm still on his team. *beams* For a guy who realized his mistakes in the past, redemption seemed futile. And yet, he risked his life time and again to save whatever life is possible inside the Empyrean. He's so smart! Angry, hurting and brash, but still smart. :) Finally, finally something good happened to him. Woohoo! Can't wait to see you again in Flame. =P 
 I don't know what nebula Amy Kathleen Ryan got her diabolical ideas for her series, but I am so into it. Many readers might find this series malignant (with the dak theme), but I rejoice in it! 
 Spark is not your typical YA sci-fi, dystopian book. So you better pack up lots of sunshine with you if you intend to board the Empyrean or New Horizon.