Lightlark (The Lightlark Saga Book 1) (Volume 1) (The Lightlark Saga, 1)

Lightlark was a surprisingly beautiful journey into a world where every detail felt meticulously crafted. Alex Aster's world-building immersed me in a landscape that felt both fantastical and real, with every corner of this universe bursting with mystery.

The characters were vivid and engaging. Their development throughout the story is stellar, as they grow and change in ways that feel authentic and deeply satisfying. The relationships between them, particularly the subtle romance that underpins much of the narrative, are handled with a delicate touch, adding depth and emotion without ever overshadowing the action.

And action there is—plenty of it. It achieved a perfect balance between heart-pounding sequences and moments of introspection, making for a story that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. The narrative flows seamlessly, keeping you engaged from start to finish, as it weaves together storytelling with bursts of adrenaline.

It's a book that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page, leaving you eager for more.

I don’t remember when or why I bought this book, bu I really enjoyed it and will definitely pick up the next one in the series. I kept waiting for a major betrayal and was shocked when it happened. I’m glad Isla found her purpose and what she was truly made of. Book #31 in 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lightlark was an addictive, high-stakes fantasy with a world that pulled me in immediately. The concept of the Centennial and the deadly competition between rulers made for a gripping setup, and the pacing kept everything moving quickly. The betrayals, hidden agendas, and shifting power dynamics made every chapter feel like a new game, and the twists? Completely unpredictable. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story flipped, keeping me constantly on edge. Isla was an interesting protagonist—caught between power, duty, and survival in a world where nothing was as it seemed. Her relationships with the other rulers, especially Oro and Grimm, added so much tension, constantly shifting between trust and deception. The romance, the alliances, and the political maneuvering kept things exciting, and the unpredictability of who was actually on her side made the stakes feel The ending left plenty of room for more, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next. Lightlark was an entertaining, twisty fantasy ride that kept me hooked from start to finish.

moriya: 2.25 jenna: 4 cameron: 5

Let me start by saying that everyone has their own opinion on books, and it's important to respect that. I received some negative feedback for giving this book four stars, which reminded me of how subjective ratings can be.

When it comes to comparing books, it's important to keep in mind that each author has their own unique style and strengths. Therefore, comparing this book to others, such as the Hunger Games, may not be the best approach. Similarly, when people compared Zade and Aero, it was comparing two different things.

This book is aimed at young adults, and as such, it needs to be written in a way that middle schoolers can understand. While the world-building could be further developed, it's worth remembering that this is just the first book in the series. There's often more to come in later books, leaving readers wanting more. (Think ACOTAR - the first book may be slow, but the series as a whole is worth reading.)

I found the growth of the main character Isla to be relatable and well-written. The action, betrayal, and plot twists kept me engaged from 45% to the end. Overall, there are some areas where the book could be improved, but it's still an enjoyable read for young adults and anyone who enjoys the genre.


So, Lightlark:

I appreciate the guide that states the curses in the beginning and the mentions of the curses in the book as a reminder.

The plot twists at the end were back to back to back and while one seems like it could have been predictable the rest I did not see coming!

GRIM. WTF, WHY :'(