Lightlark

It’s like you think you know what’s happening and then you don’t. I absolutely loved how unpredictable it was. I’m very good at figuring out a plot but the way that she just absolutely 180s, I’m in love with this author and the series.

⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️

While reading, I noticed that the writing style was something that I had to adjust to with it being a bit dense, but that wasn’t a bad thing. I loved how unique it was and helped me want to read more of the book the further it progressed. I would consider the pacing to be on the slower side, but there was plenty of attention between Grimm and Oro with Isla which was one of the other reasons why it kept me hooked. I HAD to know if she would pick Grimm or Oro (low-key I was rooting for Grimm considering Isla’s background). Isla was very relatable in the aspect that she was doing everything she could to save her people and loved ones, but you also get to see her grow during the Centennial. This is especially prominent when you keep in mind all of the events that occur in the book. The world was set in a way that made it familiar but unique at the same time. It kinda reminded me of Narnia with each realm being connected but as far as similarities, that’s where it ends. I think the themes of grief, love, and identity were explored well, specifically later in the book when we learn more about Isla. Toward the end was when identity was starting to be explored the most, which I did enjoy because it did leave on this bit of a cliffhanger that has me wanting to read the next book in the series immediately. I dual-read the book, where I mostly listened to the audiobook and read the rest via Kindle. I thought the narration was done very well and you could feel each emotion Isla was feeling. This book made me think about how Isla only knew that she was trying to survive and with her being sheltered, it brought naivety to her character. That even though she was essentially “caged”, she was still very cautious on who she let close to her but realizing that not everyone is who they seem. But at the same time, the people who she thinks is her enemy, may not be her enemy at all and I think that is a valuable lesson that can be learned from reading this book.

Great book, a real page turner. The end was a huge surprise that I never saw coming and just pulled me in that much more. I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen.

Never really been able to get Into a audio book
This is the first I have ever finished! And paid attention to!!!

Lots of twist and turns. I really enjoyed it! Looking forward to book 2.

Loved this story. Absolutely did not expect the ending. If you like hunger games you'll love this!

I wish there was more but the ending was different

This is more like 4.5 stars for me because the plot was absolutely amazing! However, the slow burn with no real spice was a tad frustrating. But I would 100% recommend this book. ? and I am excited to read Nightbane next!

Fantasy done right, a well developed world where power is pitted against power. I found Lightlark whimsical but filled with heart wrenching deceit. I absolutely adore it!

Hunger games meets fantasy world with magic, a great read for anyone to enjoy!

La historia me parece original llena de sorpresas y vueltas. Me gusta que la protagonista sea REALMENTE fuerte, estratega y aunque tiene sus toques románticos (y muy necesarios para mantenerme curiosa) el enfoque es sobre el poder de Isla y su propia lucha. Me lleve sorpresas, angustias. Volvería a leerlo para notar esas cosas que no capte en su momento.

I wasn't loving this. I would say the first 25ish chapters are confusing and a bit boring but then it got good and I was hooked.

buenardo MAL. Mi primer audiolibro y me voy directo al segundo YA

Read it in just a few days! Couldn’t put it down! Never saw the plot twists coming! Alex is an awesome writer that writes what readers want to read. 5/5

I Loved it! The ending… definitely didn’t see that one coming.

I tried to give it a try but security ( stick ) that’s the best you could come up with … stick

absolute rubbish written with the skill, prowess, and effort of a 12 year old

This book had such a huge following and such great reviews that I decided to try it out. I just listened for a second time hoping I would enjoy it better than the first go around. Sadly, no. Dialogue was lacking. Character development and their connections felt cheap. I get that it was young adult but it felt like it was written by a high school student. Good for her for getting a publishing deal though.

Lightlark introduces a high-stakes fantasy where every hundred years, six cursed rulers gather on a hidden island to compete in the deadly Centennial. The prize? A chance to break their realms' cruel curses—if one of them dies.
The story centers around Isla Crown, ruler of the Wildling realm, whose people are cursed to kill anyone they love. She enters the Centennial with a heavy burden and must navigate lies, betrayal, and two complicated romantic entanglements.
While the concept is rich with potential, the execution feels uneven. The pacing drags, with abrupt time jumps that break immersion, and the world-building—while intriguing—is too briefly explored to feel grounded. Most characters lack depth beyond Isla, making their relationships and motivations fall flat. The romantic subplot feels underdeveloped, and the betrayal twist is unfortunately predictable.
Still, Alex Aster’s writing has a flair for drama and tension, and the premise is strong enough to keep readers engaged. Lightlark is a flawed but entertaining fantasy with room for growth in its sequels.

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed Lightlark! I wasn't sure about it initially, but after the first 100 pages or so I was invested in the characters and the story. Isla and Oro do wander around quite a bit looking for something, and that does eat up quite a bit of the book, but I think it was necessary for their relationship to develop naturally, and for us to understand more about the island.

Isla is kept in the dark for most of the book, and I really liked discovering truths and new information when she did. She's one of the youngest rulers and doesn't have the centuries of experience and knowledge that everyone else has. Her guardians kept her locked away most of her life until the Centennial, and were largely what shaped her as a young adult. However, none of that could have really prepared her for what Lightlark would be like once she was there. I also didn't like the expectations they placed on her, despite her role as their ruler. She should have been able to have books, if she wanted them, or the ability to leave her room whenever she wished.

I wasn't overly shocked by the ending, although I did enjoy seeing how everything played out. There were some surprises with a love interest I definitely didn't see coming, and I hope we get more of that story in the next book. I agree with Isla that he did a bad thing, but I can also see it from his side where he thought he was doing it for the right reasons. He should have trusted her with the truth and allowed her to make her own choices, and removing someone's ability to choose is never the right path, especially when love and trust are involved.

The romance was also something I wasn't on board with at the beginning, especially since both potential love interests are significantly older, but that's easily overlooked when you think about how long the Centennial is and when you're given new information at the end. Isla's relationships and friendships had time to develop organically and I appreciated that. Someone seeming to insta-like her is explained later on as well.

I'm really hoping we get more of the character's backstory in the second book, because I think they've all been through a lot and have interesting tales to tell. I also want to know more about Lightlark itself and how it works. The audiobook for this one is amazing, and I think Suzy Jackson did a phenomenal job. I'm definitely going to pick up Nightbane soon! (★★★⋆☆)

Star stick?? I really wish I didn't start this book. It was ok, but... to hard to follow. It was like it was written by a teenager . This book had so much potential but fell short.

I enjoyed the book, it was very entertaining. (Translated from Spanish)

Her name is Isla (eye-Luh) can’t listen to someone butcher her name. My daughters name is Isla and it’s like nails on a chalkboard

I'm so happy I decided to listen to this book it was well written. I loved Isla and her growth throughout the book and the ending had me sitting completely still woth my eyes closed while consuming the last 5 chapters

it feels like reading a draft of a book, the plot is kinda of good, but the way it is told is not

Every century the rulers of Lightlark’s six realms come together to play a deadly game for the chance to break the curses each realm – and their inhabitants – have endured for 500 years. Each ruler has secrets and motives to hide, including Isla, one of the youngest of the rulers. The game is deadly by nature, but Isla’s secrets could get her killed faster than any competition. Who can she trust among the other rulers, especially when she knows she can’t trust anyone with her heart.

Another Hunger Games-like romantasy with a love triangle and some fun twists. Formulaic, sure, but a hoot nonetheless. It ends on a cliffhanger, so I’ll definitely be continuing with the series.

I loved everything about this book. It kept me on my toes! On to book 2 asap

If I had to put this book into one word, I think it would be 'cute'. I enjoyed reading it and had fun. It was not a struggle to continue to read it, but I also wouldn't say that it was overly original or gripping.

My first complaint about the book started early. There is a 100-day competition of sorts that the book is based around, and it starts on chapter two. I felt as though I did not know the main character enough to be going through this trial with her. The start felt very rushed...

As the story went on, I began to understand our main character more and appreciate who she was in the story. The subtle hints throughout the book about the ending were well done, and looking back on them, I can appreciate how the author weaved the web.

By the end of the book, I was hooked. The lies came out, the liars were revealed, and it was fantastic! Then the love interest triangle became clearer. That part just confused me really. I can understand one; from the background and the information received during the 100 days, I could see it. Didn't feel it as much as I wanted to, it was more of a 'meh', but I understood it. The other one though... that threw me. I see where it was tied into the story, but more than the first, I did not feel it.

I did enjoy the book though! I had a fun time reading it and will be reading the next one to see where the story line progresses.

Lightlark (Lightlark, #1) by Alex Aster

The Island of Lightlark appers every onehundred years for the Centenial. The rulers of the six realms must fight to break the Curse and save their realms.

Each Curse is different, dangerous and created from all things evil. One ruler must die in order to save all of thier worlds.

Isla is one of the youngest rulers of all the realms and one of the most hated. She will fight with all of her might, lie and cheat if she must. Not knowing who is friend or foe makes this a challenge, as secrets are kept and loyalties tested.

The story moves at a steady pace with well developed (unique) characters. Attention to details, pulls you in deep. Suspesne, action, thrills, a splash of romance and didn't-see-that-coming moments. I was hooked from the first page.

Overall I found Lightlark enjoyable. I highly recommend to those who enjoy a great fantasy. I look forward to the next book in the series Nightbane.

I wanted to like this book, but I think it was written by an AI given the instructions to use every YA dystopian trope available to it. Also, I couldn’t get past her naming the races of people “moonlings” and “sunliings”. Only made it about 20% of the way through.