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

THREE MILLION SERIES COPIES SOLD!

An instant #1 national bestseller--soon to be a major motion picture. #BookTok phenomenon and award-winning author Alex Aster delivers readers a masterfully written, utterly gripping YA fantasy novel

Welcome to the Centennial.

Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. The invitation is a summons--a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood.

The Centennial offers the six rulers one final chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. Each ruler has something to hide. Each realm's curse is uniquely wicked. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die.

Isla Crown is the young ruler of Wildling--a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with. They are feared and despised, and are counting on Isla to end their suffering by succeeding at the Centennial.

To survive, Isla must lie, cheat, and betray...even as love complicates everything.

Filled with secrets, deception, romance, and twists worthy of the darkest thrillers, The Lightlark Saga is a must-read for fans of legendary fantasy writers Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, and Leigh Bardugo.

Includes Select Exclusive Excerpts from Nightbane, the Second Book in the Lightlark Saga

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Published Sep 26, 2023

448 pages

Average rating: 7.2

446 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

CurvyAndNerdy
Jul 20, 2025
7/10 stars
This wasn’t a book I immediately took to. At one point I was even debating whether I wanted to finish it or not. I started it on audio. The beginning was a bit slow to get going and it took me a bit to understand the setup of the storyline. I didn’t hate it but nothing really stood out to me so I just kind of set it down for a while and read other books. Then my book club selected it as our monthly read. I figured I’d already started, may as well finish. I’m glad I did. Especially because I had already bought the pretty collector’s edition 😅 When I resumed the book I decided to change the format and went with the ebook. I found myself more engaged and invested in this format because it minimized outside distractions. I was able to better appreciate where the story was going and absorb more details. Something I hadn’t realized I’d been missing when doing the audio. Isla finds herself an inexperienced ruler of an entire realm and along with that comes a curse that could mean the end of her people. She has a big secret, which exposed could make her vulnerable around the other realm leaders. The setting takes place in a Centennial where the leaders have an opportunity to break the curse if they can fulfill the terms of a prophecy. You can fill a lot of page space with the things Isla doesn’t know so the plot is largely a journey of discovery we get to follow along in with her. I found the other realm leaders interesting but felt more could have been done to showcase their depth, motivations, etc. There are subtle hints at romantic interest that mostly line up with the young adult style. Though I will say that there’s a bit of a twist that seemingly comes out of nowhere towards the end. I am interested in seeing where this goes next though to be honest after hearing it went from a trilogy to a five book series I struggle to think of enough content strictly based on book one that would warrant that change. Perhaps the next few books fill in some of what I feel was missing in the introductory novel? 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m willing to give it a shot.
Gail_71
May 30, 2025
5/10 stars
I have mixed feelings about “Lightlark,” but overall, I enjoyed it. The premise of a high-stakes competition on a magical island is intriguing, and the fast pacing kept me engaged. While there are some plot holes and inconsistencies, the story is entertaining if you don’t take it too seriously. The quick pace is filled with tension and twists, though some moments feel rushed. Despite its flaws, I became invested in the characters. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun fantasy read. If you want a fast-paced, drama-filled escape, “Lightlark” might be worth a try.
Alycat11
Sep 02, 2025
10/10 stars
Absolutely loved this book
Hoeforau
Jul 26, 2025
6/10 stars
Missed the mark on deadly, exciting and magical. Bad bitch she is not
kayla.jacobson01
Jul 11, 2025
7/10 stars
team grim 1000%

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