Thank you to Netgalley and RB Media, Recorded Books for the opportunity to listen to this advanced reader copy. This honest review was based off my experience listening to this ARC, which in no way biased me. All opinions are my own.

Immediate thoughts upon finishing it: I’m DONE? It’s over? Thank fuck.

I like everyone and their parent have heard about this book, and how it got popular, how its gotten a movie deal even BEFORE the book itself has been released. Naturally I had high hopes, OH AND HOW THE MIGHTY FALL. Within the first 10% of this book I knew basically everything that I needed to know. The characters felt underdeveloped and one dimensional. The plot (or multiple plot points) were did not make a lick of sense (and the bar is already on the floor for believability because its a fantasy book, yet it still managed to dig its way UNDER said bar), and was literally all over the place.

Also for the general bookish population hating love triangles and hyping this book up, BOLD. And also I’ve got a rude awakening for you. SPOILER ALERT: THERE IS A LOVE TRIANGLE AND MAY I SAY IT MIGHT BE ONE OF THE WORST I’VE EVER SEEN.

At first I thought the main characters in this book were just classic straight out of the box character archetypes, but then things started making more sense. This book is literally an amalgamation with key scenes/plot points/items/etc inspired by (or almost a carbon copy) of other popular YA/Adult fantasy books. My friend and I kept a running list. These were the ones we noticed, we are sure there’s more.
-FBAA
-ACOTAR
-TOG
-His Dark Materials
-Divergent
-Harry Potter
-The Hunger Games
-The Selection
-Twilight
-The Plated Prisoner
-Ninth House

I was walking into this thinking it was an interesting concept and I was excited to read it. Unfortunately as I read, the predictability, unoriginal characters/plot lines, and how reading this felt like someone just throwing an open paint can on a canvas and saying its done.

I would say the most interesting part was the last 10%. But the fact that the reveal, after reveal, after reveal, after reveal, felt a bit like kicking a dead horse. Over, and over and over again. The shock value wore off pretty soon and then it was just one big mess. There was not one piece that was shocking or surprising.

Shall I get to the repetition? Jeez, there was literally no need to remind us EVERY. SINGLE. CHAPTER. How Isla is powerless, and if she only had power what she would do, and how she is so DIFFERENT, and she just WANTS ULTIMATE POWER TO BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. OH I’m not supposed to show anyone up at the demonstrations, and the proceeds to show off. This book is one of the most contradicting, inconsistent, unbelievable books I’ve ever read and that’s not a good thing.

Oh we love going back in time don’t we. I thought we were over the slut shaming/sex negative/sex shamey 2010’s bullshit but it seems its all aboard that train again. Isla comes from the Wildling people. A people who are known not for love, but being ‘seductresses’ and ‘enchantress’ and ‘sirens’ ‘people who bewitch people into caring for them’, OH BUT NOT OUR FMC. She was “trained” for these things but she is PURE and INNOCENT. She is not like them. When confronted with stereotypes of how “wildling women see lots of naked men, often” and “how many people has she slept with” meanwhile a man can say he’s slept with lots of women and its absolutely fine. “Oh its fine because he’s like 500+ years old”. Yikes… Please this is something that should have been left in 2010.

I’m sure I could go on, but after pushing through for a week to get through this, I AM TIRED. Plus other reviews have gone much more in depth. Here are a few.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4883581653

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4870581000

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4875129342

Overall I did not have a good time (Lightlark was lightlacking if you will) and it sadly a disappointing anticipated release of this year.

f i finish a book, i almost always give it at least two stars. if i got all the way through it, there must be something redeeming about it, right? well. i could not name a single part of this book that i liked. i’m giving this two stars here, though, because having alternated between a physical arc and this audio arc, i can confidently say the narrator made this insufferable book much more palatable.

i could write a whole long review tearing apart this book for how unoriginal and inconsistant this book is, but luckily someone’s already done that for me: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4883581653

one major problem i do want to address here is the attitudes towards sex and modesty. YA fantasy really struggled with being sex negative/slut shamey around the early 2010s. thankfully, this is something mostly left in the past—but lightlark tries to bring it back. there’s so much emphasis on how isla comes from a land of femme fatale women, but she isn’t like them! she’s pure and modest and innocent! i don’t know if this was the author’s intent, but in trying to show how isla was so different from other wildlings and should be found more palatable by the other nobles, she tends to rely on outdated and harmful views of sex and female sexuality. reading over and over again how isla’s innocence and modesty made her better than her people (even if, in other ways, she wanted to be like her people) just made me very uncomfortable.

and, for fun, here’s a running list of books that lightlark all but copied scenes or key details from (and these are just the ones i noticed):
- from blood and ash
- acotar
- throne of glass
- his dark materials
- divergent
- harry potter
- hunger games
- the selection
- twilight
- plated prisoner

the rumours are true: this book is very good.

i loved the characters, especially the main character Isla. it had a really interesting story and the world-building was incredible. with fantasy books, i usually struggle to keep up because authors either use a lot of info dumping or expect us to just understand a complex system at once. with lightlark, we gradually learn the information and we also find out a lot along with Isla. so i thought that was really well done!

i listed to the audiobook, which is not something i usually do so it took some time getting used to, but i think the narrator did a fantastic job. it was a very soothing and clear voice, with the exception being that i didn’t like Grim’s voice. oh well, i suppose you can’t have everything. i’ll definitely (re)read this book myself after publication, because i feel like i’ll be able to connect to the characters even more, but that’s just a personal preference.

i think alex aster is gonna go a long way. i’m so happy this is a series and i can’t wait to read the next one.

i received the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Amulet Books and Alex Aster for early access to this audiobook in exchange for my review.

Okay, I'm going to be honest. I didn't finish this audiobook, but not because I didn't love what I listened to. But because I've been waiting a really long time to read this story and I want my first read through to be my physical copy. I want to be able to highlight and gasp and throw my book if I need to. Haha I am so excited for this book, and the author has an amazing pre order incentive going on right now! Go pre order your copy before Aug 23!

The narrator sounded great. I will definitely listen to more of her narrations in the future.

Lightlark is a lighthearted and fun fantasy that follows Isla, the ruler of Wilding. Every 100 years, a competition occurs between six realms to attempt to break each of their curses. Every curse is unique and destructive. The rulers will form alliances and uncover each other's secrets. At the end of the competition, a ruler must sacrifice themselves. And Isla is hiding a secret that would be devastating if it came out…

My favorite part about Lightlark was the twisty writing. Every time I felt sure I knew what would come, there was a twist! I enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook, the narrator did a nice job of embodying all the characters. There is clearly a lot of thought behind the different curses and the world-building was interesting to read about. That ending definitely made me curious about the next book!

Lightlark would be great for fans of These Hollow Vows. When a book has as much early hype as Lightlark, I think it’s important to hang onto expectations. It’s a joyful and almost nostalgic competition fantasy that younger YA readers especially will love. Enjoy the ride- I couldn’t put it down!

Thank you so much to Alex Aster, Recorded Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, Wordpress blog, and Barnes & Noble etc

I am conflicted. I am hurt. It was so good! I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t believe it! The angst, the BETRAYAL!! My book best friend finished it before I did and her words exactly “ I finished it …. And WTF!!!” , “ Gutted ..”, “Wow what an epic ride.“, described the journey perfectly!

I’m speechless. Gutted. What an epic adventure. Not sure my heart can survive this book. Amazing world building, plot, twists, and characters.

Currently two weeks away from release and I am so grateful to have to opportunity to listen to this book. I cannot wait for my physical copy and to reread this! That ending will have me ruined for a year. This story was astounding and that plot twist was gut wrenching. Well done Alex Well done

Big thanks to NetGalley and Amulet Books for the ARC of this book!

I LOVED this book. My biggest struggle with Fantasy novels is the world building. I often find myself bored and wishing we could just GET ON WITH IT. Lightlark was fast paced and had everything I love in a fantasy: fierce female main character, plot twists, sarcastic love interest, and a monarchy with hidden secrets. I absolutely loved Lightlark and cannot wait for book two.

After listening to this audiobook, I automatically ran to Barnes and Noble to preorder a physical copy.

I kept seeing this book everywhere and was so thrilled to be able to listen to the audiobook of it. I was captivated and engaged the whole time I was listening. The narrator had a great voice for this audiobook and I didn't lose interested once.

The characters and setting were so well done. The plot twists were so unexpected for me and that is usually not the easiest to do.

My only downside is that the amount of characters was hard to keep up with at first in the audiobook. I usually read physical fantasy books instead of audiobooks, so since I am not used to it that is probably why. I'm sure having the physical book, I wouldn't have gotten confused.

I wanted to love this book SO MUCH! And granted... I didn't HATE it either. But god, Isla is one of the most annoying protagonists of all time because SHE DOESN'T LISTEN (I know this plays into the plot for later on, but as someone who would follow a plan in order to save my own life, it was so frustrating to see her just constantly cast her original plans aside and do stupid things). However, I did root for her and Sunling King (I'm so sorry that I will never remember his name even though I 100% shipped them from their first meeting and hated her and Grim becoming an insta love type of couple). The amount of times the word "heart" was used made me want to vom, but I got over it eventually. The final 10% of the book made up for the initial 90%, so I do sort of want to see where it goes from here, but I would be okay if I didn't ever hear about it again. Very average, but worth your time if you like annoying heroines and a Hunger Games-esque fight mixed with magic.

I had such a good time with this book. This a perfect fantasy novel in my opinion and I'm not usually a big fan of fantasy

Thank you to RB Media/Amulet books and NetGalley for this Audiobook ARC for review!

5000/5 stars! OMG y'all.

This book was pure Octane, start to finish. I haven't been this invested in a first installment in a LONG time! The world building was complex, easy to grasp, yet full of so much magic and intrigue, and just enough "court" politics without it being bogged down. The magic system and the curses was such a cool twist on a typical magic system! I loved the way each realm had it's own colors, magic, specific curse, and motivations for breaking their curses. Watching the island slowly deteriorate and crumble as the Centennial progressed added increasing tension to the plot as it developed, and the constant changing relationship dynamics between the competitors really sent it over the edge.

I also haven't enjoyed a love "triangle" in a VERY long time, but this was such a great take on the trope and really brought it outside of the standard use! I didn't see ANY of the twists coming, and the amount of twists that happened after we THOUGHT everything had truly been revealed, honestly almost made my braid hurt because I was so shocked and hadn't picked up any clues whatsoever. I really loved the MC, Isla, and her fierce determination to break her realm's curse, despite having to compete as the only powerless ruler all the while keeping her powerlessness a secret from the other competitors. I will 110% be re-"reading" this again when it releases, and I'm even more excited for the sequels and subsequent movie announcement! Bring it on!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This book was incredible! The mystery and intrigue in the story was multi-layered and amazing! The world that Alex Aster has created is vibrant and made me want more. I loved this book and it has been one of my favorite reads this year. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Lightlark paints a beautiful, painful new world filled with magic and royalty. I received the audiobook ARC. I loved the narrator for this audiobook. The first half of the book was slower world building and learning about the characters, but still intriguing enough to keep reading. The last half of the book turned me into a complete mess - shock, surprise, love, anger, and real tears shed. I was left speechless by the last parts of the book and need the next one as soon as possible.

I sort of wanted to not like this book, because the author's tiktok is really annoying. I get it, she needs to promote her book. It always pops up on my for you page though and they come off as smug and superior. This isn't a review of the author's tiktok though, so I'll get on with it.

I've rated this book 4.5, but I rounded it up to 5 stars anyways. The reason for deducting half a star was because the beginning of the story was a tad annoying. The "ling" and "isle" use in the beginning sort of grated on my nerves. It also took a bit longer to pick up then I was expecting.

I thought the plot was really great. I had a feeling where the twist was coming, and I could tell that feelings were starting to bloom between two particular characters. The plot is the strongest asset of the book. The author did a really great job of essentially having a plot within a plot. You have the centennial that is being played by all the rulers, and then the quest that Arrow and Isla are on to find the heart of Lightlark. All the while, you have villains plotting against them all. The world was unique, and although I had thought that it would be like other fantasy books with "games" but it really wasn't. It would've been a great book even without the subplot of finding the heart. It could've been all about the games, with more details, and still a great book.

The characters were not as interesting as the plot. Isla is great. She is torn between what she was raised to be and what/who she wants to be. Trust comes easier to her than you would expect, and she loves others more than she should. I think we are supposed to be drawn to Grim, but I wasn't. Perhaps because I listened to it on audiobook, but calling her Heart was a tad annoying. Arrow could have been sooooo great, but we didn't get near enough of him I think. It was like everytime they went on an outing I'd be so close to cheering him on and then it would end. I knew Celeste was trash from the get go, and I think we needed more Azul for some reason.

I would absolutely read this book again, and it is a book that I'd look forward to seeing on the big screen so hopefully it gets green lit. I'll be buying my own copy and can't wait until the next one comes out.

Thank you so much NetGalley for allowing me an EARC of the audiobook for Lightlark! I enjoyed this book so much! I understand all the hype that is surrounding it! It deserves it all! There is such great world building and character development! There are so many twists that are so unexpected ! Isla is becoming one of my favorite heroines ! She is so strong! I cannot wait until the sequel!! I need to know what happens next!

Lightlark had such an interesting premise- 6 kingdoms cursed, all with their magic diminished, and a chance to break the curse every 100 years. I enjoyed the descriptions of the different islands, each with its own culture and magic. Unfortunately, because the curse diminished the magic of each kingdom, the full potential of the unique magic systems was significantly stifled. What could have been the biggest strength of this story was inadvertently forced to become lackluster, only referencing all of the magic that could have been rather than being able to harness it. As a reader, it was disappointing to be faced with this stifled magic system when the full potential of it was constantly dangled in front of me, just out of reach.

While parts of this world were really interesting and beautiful, I have no idea what the whole should look like, or even where and how the Island of Lightlark fits into the world of new kingdoms as a whole. I don’t have any grasp on the size and structure of the world, since the story only really focused on very specific areas of Lightlark. Why and how are these kingdoms separated during the 100 years between each gathering? I’m not sure, and that seems like a problem.

I wasn’t a fan of Isla, or any of the rulers for that matter. All of them, especially Isla, felt immature and undeveloped. They all felt like caricatures of different stereotypical fantasy characters rather than important individuals I should care about. Pair that with good but not great writing, and a strong urge to DNF due to the dragging pace, and this once was a flop for me.

I really enjoyed this story. It was a bit of an info dump to start but I was hooked from the off. Such an interesting storyline and I loved the constant guessing the whole way through. Brilliant ending that actually surprised me. Great audio narration. The narrator had a very easy to listen to voice and her narration of the story held my interest. Just finished it and already cant wait for more!

4.5/5 Stars!

I have been following Alex on tiktok and Instagram for a while now, and I am so excited to finally have my hands on this book. Lightlark was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022 and it did not disappoint. Full of magic, political intrigue and secrets, Lightlark is definitely a book that should be on your TBR

The Plot:
Lightlark has a fun, unique plot that is easy to follow. I can honestly say that I have never read anything like it. I've heard it compared to Hunger Games but I am honestly not sure if I agree. I would say Hunger Games is the *closest* thing I've ever read, but it is not so similar as to feel like a copy by any means. While there is a competition amongst individuals from different regions, that's where the similarities end.

The Worldbuilding:
The world was intricate and complex without being hard to follow or understand. There were many layers to this world, but I never felt like I was struggling to keep up or understand the world. Alex did a great job weaving together the introduction of the rulers and the worldbuilding.

The Romance:
I'm pretty sure this romance was written for Booktok. It was a fun subplot with a morally grey, brooding love interest with dangerous powers.

The Characters:
Each character is well-developed and definitely has their own personality/motives. You go through the entire book never really knowing who you can trust because no one is off-limits when it comes to betrayals on Lightlark. I loved watching the rulers interact, but I definitely would have liked an opportunity to get to know Cleo and Azul a little better. I am incredibly intrigued by Cleo.

The Tropes:
Honestly, this wasn't *as* reliant on tropes as many books, but there are still a few in here, such as a morally grey, tall dark and handsome love interest who hates everyone but you. Additionally, you can expect a fair bit of training as well as some trials.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ALC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.