I had the pleasure of listening to an advanced copy of Lightlark by Alex Aster. Thank you RB Media for my ALC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Six rulers/worlds are welcomed to play a deadly game on the island of Lightlark, an island that appears only once every hundred years. The game invites rulers to break their dreaded curse and bring victory back to their island. Each of the six rulers have something magical to show off. Once paired off, the games begin with one ruler needed to die in order to break the curse.

Isla is the young champion for Witchling- a world with a curse that makes those living kill anyone they fall in love with. Set off to end their dreaded curse, she must wash away all she knows and journey to the ends of Lightlark.

Filled with fascinating world building, enticing characters and an interesting plot, Lightlark is a hit. Listening to it brought the world even more to life and I would definitely recommend the narrator taking you on a journey. Fans of fantasy novels will enjoy this debut novel, coming out August 23rd.

Join Isla as she fights in the Centennial, a 100 day competition that happens every 100 years that gives all the rulers a chance to break the curses that bind their people.

Plot: 3/5
The essence of the plot is clear; competition, alliances, lust, etc.. But the lore made very little sense. I got really confused but the structure of the society and the whole concept of Lightlark.
To Aster’s credit, I couldn’t guess all the twists and I was engaged enough to binge it in ~3 days.

Characters: 2.5/5
Isla is a classic heroine and trained from essentially birth with all sorts of insane torturous tasks to make her stronger in every way. She simultaneously trusts no one but has to rely on basically everyone because of her limitation. She screams pick me most of the time and basically the only obvious she can get power is through the men.

The two potential love interests are classic blond sun boy and dark haired shadow boy. But the twist? Both are broody ass holes. I love banter and enemies to lovers as much as the next fantasy reader so I didn’t mind the broodiness. It led to lots of tense moments and snarky comments.

An extremely important side character, Celeste, has almost no depth. She’s even paired with one of Isla’s biggest enemies and we learn so little about this.

Also I thought we all agreed to stop having 500 year age gap romances?

Writing: 2.5/5
I’m not sure to consider this the fault of writing or plot but the naming system felt extremely unoriginal. 5/6 factions of people remain were called xxx-ling and the one super bad monstrous ones was called Nightshade (and the ruler’s name was Grim). All their places are something xxx-isle. And her portal device is called a star stick.

Keeping with repetition, I think I was going to go insane if I heard “Grim grinned” one more time.

Despite this, Aster’s writing is still engaging. She has a very descriptive style so it was very easy to picture what people wore and how they looked. She conveyed the grandeur of everything really well.

World building: 2/5
This goes along with the plot and writing sections because I don’t feel like there’s strong world building. The combo of the naming system and the confusing plot with lore that didn’t make sense and was hard to keep track of, made the world building fall really flat.

Representation: 2/5
One POC main character, mentions of other POC within the divisions of their world but that seemed to be exclusive to some rather than others.
As for LGBTQ+, one is also the POC character, his partner is dead, and the other is bi and an absolute bitch. Both of which rub me the wrong way.

Overall: 2.5/5
This book will fit into categories with From Blood and Ash or A Court of Thorns and Roses. Which unfortunately means it is not for me. The plots aren’t identical or anything but it gives me those vibes.
One of the main redeeming factors for me was that I love Suzy Jackson as a narrator. She always does a fantastic job.

Wow, where to start. First of all, I started this book very skeptical due to the high praise and fanfare before it was released and I was pleasantly surprised!

The book opens with Isla entering the Centennial event held ever 100 years to help break the curse on her people. In a world full of schemers and liars, Isla finds herself struggling with whom to trust. At the beginning it was very difficult to track who everyone was and where they belonged with a bit of info dumping, however, by the half way point I was clear on who and what was going on.

As time ticks down on the curse and Leaders are paired off, Isla starts to change her goals and is even more confused about what everyone’s motives are! There is a lot of redirection in this book and while some I had figured out before it was revealed, there will still twists and turns that had my mouth drop open.

My criticism is the 3rd person POV is difficult to follow and times and takes from my investment in the MC. I’m not sure if it was because I had the audio version but hearing “Isla did this, and Isla said” thousands of times became tedious. I will forewarn readers that it appears we have the dreaded love triangle to look forward to in this series, so if you love a solid love interest this may frustrate you! Overall, the ending brought this book together and really put a bow on what at first appeared to be a lot of loose ends and plot points that didn’t make sense. A very fun read I would highly recommend to fantasy lovers!

Audio: the narrator was great and really brought the book to life. I’m a picky audio listener and she doesn’t disappoint! The male/female voice transitions were great.

The rulers of the six realms have been called to Lightlark for the Centennial. It's a competition to see if they can break the curses that were cast on the realms centuries ago. If they can figure out how to break the curses, everyone will win, except for the realm that will cease to exist.

I don't read as much YA as I used to. They all seem pretty much the same. The blurb for this was so intriguing that I had to read it. I'm happy to say that this is fresh and unique. Each realm has a different curse and different powers. I loved the different magics. Isla and the king are my favorite characters.

I really enjoyed listening to this narrator. I highly recommend the audiobook.

I loved Lightlark, all the magic and secrecy. Isla is such an amazing character and I loved how descriptive the world building is, it really made me feel like I was in the book with the characters. It was one of my favorite reads for 2022.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amulet Books, Alex Aster, and Suzy Jackson (Narrator) for the eARC of this audiobook.

Absolutely incredible. The narrator did an incredible job presenting the story created by the wonderful Alex Aster. I am seriously obsessed with this story. I cannot wait for the book to come out (ALREADY PREORDERED) because this is definitely a book you can read over and over again. The writing immerses you into a beautifully crafted world and the story grips you from start to finish. It was a pleasure to be able to hear it read aloud.

Lightlark was a fun ride. I found it falling into some of the basic YA tropes over and over again, so at times it drags and feels somewhat predictable. But it's a winning formula for a reason. It provides a fun, sweeping, magical story, where you don't have to think too hard to follow the story.

The narrator of this audio book is a great story teller and a joy to listen to, but the voices were all pretty similar which got a little confusing to follow at times.

I assume (as is the great YA tradition) that this is the beginning of a series? If so, I'm excited to see where the story will go next.

Lightlark has encapsulated my heart in the way that only the best of books manage to do. I want to read this book over and over again, which I will.

The main character, Isla, is a near perfect protagonist to carry readers through the entangled world of Lightlark. As 6 rulers of diverse realms enter the centennial to save or doom them all, one must die. Relationships blur and hearts are tested as each ruler fights for the survival of not only themselves, but their peoples as well.

Filled with reveals and trickery of the most genius sort, the book had me gasping in shock by the end of it.

With this unique world, riveting magic system, and exuberant characters– I see readers loving this book for ages to come.

Also, I love Grim and will be dying to see him again in book 2!

Lightlark is a debut novel on a new fantasy series by Alex Aster. In this TikTok sensation six rulers compete against each other to break the curses that plague their lands. Isla is a Wildling - a feared species of temptresses. If Isla wants to save her world she'll have to cheat, lie and betray. The other rules hide behind masks and Isla will have to overcome challenges - and love - if she even wants to survive because one ruler must die.

I received an audio galley of this novel so my review may be more screwed towards that versus the text version.

To say I loved this novel is an understatement. I can say that TikTok wasn't wrong about this one! There's just something about high-stakes competitions that make for good stories and Lightlark did not disappoint. I immensely enjoyed my time listening to this book.

The world in this novel is rich and magical. I felt as if I was stepping into the world myself while listening to this. Sometimes, however, the world-buidling and magic system got a bit confusing but I think that was more due to the fact that I was listening to an audiobook and did not absorb the information as well than any fault of the writing.

I loved the characters in this novel straight away. Isla is a strong, independent main character and an easy ally to root for. You want to see her succeed and free her world from the curses. I loved the other characters as well (one in particular) and think the cast was well-rounded.

The book really picked up by near the end of the novel and I found myself nearly dying to keep listening. I could not put it down. And certain moments left me stating into space in shock while listening.

I think the narrator of this audiobook was exquisite. She provided a unique voice to Isla that I think really fit the character.

I'd recommend Lightlark to fans of high-stakes fantasy, deadly competitions and sparks of romance. Please can I have book 2 already?


Thank you to Netgalley and Recorded Books for an audio galley version of this novel. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Lightlark has everything I look for in a Young Adult Fantasy book. There is a strong female main character, romance, betrayal, adventure, and many plot twists. I can see why there is so much hype for this release. I am looking forward to the sequel.

If you're chronically online and the tiktok algorithm knows you have a liking for books (specifically in the fantasy/YA genre), there is a large chance you have heard of the tiktok viral book Lightlark. It is pitched as a fantasy hunger games and was picked up after the a tiktok about the book's plot went viral. This lead to the author having a 6 figure book deal as well as a movie adaptation in the works! Honestly, super impressive and good for her!

However, Lightlark missed the mark for me. The world-building felt lacking and I had a heard time really finding a reason to root and care for these characters. While I understand the stakes of breaking the curse and not dying while the so-called games were on, I really couldn't find a reason to think "the stakes are so high". Maybe if I had known the realms better, maybe I would have cared but everything felt extremely shallow and lacking.

Lightlark is heavily marketed as a fantasy hunger games with magic. I personally couldn't see the comparison. While the Hunger Games is gruesome and dark, Lightlark felt less dark, not to mention there were barely any killings (and even then, a rule prevented rulers to kill each other for the first 100 days).

Unfortunately, this book is not for me however I foresee a demographic of readers that will definitely eat this up! And, as I mentioned at the start of this review: good for miss Alex Aster on everything one viral tiktok brought to her!

"A few conversations with you and I was ready to make the most disadvantageous trade. All of me in exchange for any part of you you'd be willing to spare."

I've been sitting here wondering how I am going to write this review to do this debut novel justice. And I feel I just need to dive in...

First off thank you NetGalley and RB Media for honoring me with an Audiobook ARC. I am forever grateful.

Isla Crown (our FMC)- Strong, resilient, stubborn, beautiful, smart, cunning, loving, adventurous, witty, loyal, trusting, and a little naive sometimes.. ruler of Wildling. You are forever printed onto my heart. She is a female character that is a part of my soul now. I connected with her on so many levels. She will be a part of my personality FOREVER and I guarantee it will be the same for you when you read.

Oro (our first MMC)- insufferable, loyal, leader, strong, wise, powerful, non-trusting, distant, gorgeous, golden ruler of Lightlark and Sunling!!!! Let me tell you I'm such a SIMP for this man. He has me in a chokehold, respectfully, and I'm glad to be there. His character development was sheer perfection throughout the book.

Grimshaw aka Grim (our second MMC)- morally grey, dark haired, powerful, snarky, flirty, broody, strong, and cunning ruler of Nightshade! He is another character I am absolutely obsessed with. His character is so complex and I couldn't get enough of him.

The side characters were very much needed to the story. Even when they infuriated and upset me so much. They just made everything click into place.

Alex is a pure goddess with her writing in Lightlark. It is a dark YA Fantasy, and when I mean YA it's because Isla and a few other characters are younger.. the remainder of the characters are not. Lightlark is reminiscent of The Hunger Games; but again not really the only reason they are alike is because of the games and trials. But all of Alex's ideas are original. I've never read a novel like this. It is beautiful and poetic. There is no information dumping which is a huge plus. Because so many fantasy novels do this. Everything came out organically and what can I say Lightlark is a MASTERPIECE. I literally don't want to say anymore because I don't want to spoil anything. I want you to read and feel and discover everything I did. Please, just go read it and be lost to this world like I am.

Suzy Jackson narrated the boom. She was so soothing and calming. And the inflection her voice would go up at the right times. The guys voice I wish was a little deeper but it doesn't deter you from listening.

What To Expect:
•YA Dark Fantasy
•Adventure
•Forced Proximity
•Love
•Romantic Tension (the spice was very much what you would expect for YA and it was perfect to be honest)
•Betrayal
•Found Family
•Loss
•Who Did This To You!?! (Which is one of the GOAT tropes we all know it)
•Heartbreak
•Morally grey dark hair character

Again to reiterate this book is a masterpiece and it must be read by the world. This story deserved to be told and I am so thankful Alex told it. It has made my life richer!!!!

OMG I AM OBSESSED!

No wonder this book already has a movie deal! My fantasy lovers are going to go crazy for this one!

Think, magical Hunger Games plus political intrigue, a unique magic system, and kingdoms that literally may cease to exist.

The stakes are high, people!

Our heroine is Isla, a young wildling who is one of the youngest rulers and has to face her first Centennial. She knows the future of her people hang in the balance of what she’s able to do, but she has her own secrets that could ruin everything.

We have love interests, betrayal, twists and turns that blow your mind and the ENDING! I can’t wait to see where this series goes!

They have been pretty hush on spoilers for this one and I don’t want to give too much away as I want everyone to get the full experience of this book when they can!

I highly recommend to lovers of fantasy, Romantasy, and books that can be a little dark and twisty!

Five bigs stars from me!

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Lightlark follows Isla Crown, the ruler of the Wildling realm who was born with a dangerous secret, she is powerless and is now facing the Centennial, a dangerous game that takes place on an island that only appears every one hundred years.
During the one hundred days, the six rulers must race to unravel a mysterious prophecy all while a deadly competition unfolds in which one ruler has to die to end the curses and save their realms.
Overall, really fun read, pulls you in from page one. It’s all from Islas perspective, which I liked and the author gives some hints throughout it to the ending. There are some great tropes we love and definitely has the ACOTAR/Hunger Games vibes that it was hyped to have.
There are betrayals, friendship, and an interesting magic system. A couple scenes did seem like the dialogue wasn’t developed or a little rushed, but I would still love to find out what happens next!

Thank you NetGalley and RB media for an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An immersive, magical telling that comes together to leave you wanting more. While in the beginning I was initially a bit uncertain as to how this book was going to end up, it definitely left me shocked with how desperately I needed more come the end. While the story did well to keep you on your toes, it did feel a bit rushed at some points. Some of the characters lost a bit of the depths in part to this, but all-in-all, this was a solid writing debut from Alex Aster. I'll 100% be adding her to an instant buy list. (And throwing in a preorder for Lightlark)

PROS:
- Plot twist
- Love triangle
- Narrator was WONDERFUL
- Magic system

CONS:
- Rushed plot at some points, making you feel as if you missed something.
- The lack of some character's depth seemed like a missed opportunity.

I liked the premise of this book but I found the characters hard to keep track of on the audiobook. I also wish there had been some sort of prologue that gave more backstory to give context before jumping in.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for giving me access to this audiobook on exchange for an honest review.</i>

Not gonna lie, like many others I first learned about <i>Lightlark</i> via the clock app and I was intrigued to find out about the world and story the author had promised. I was lucky enough to be able to experience this as an audiobook before its release and I couldn’t be more grateful about it. <i>Lightlark</i> pulled me out of a reading slump with its beautiful world building, interesting characters and adventures galore. The narrator was amazing, with a soft voice that made it easy for me to concentrate and listen for hours on end.

There were some aspects I didn’t adore as much as others, but those were personal (like certain character traits, twists, descriptions or pacing) and shouldn’t be any reason at all not to give it a try. This book was refreshing to read and I can’t wait to see what the next book will bring. ✨

Oh. My. Word. Just finished!

I received the audiobook arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lightlark has had all kinds of buzz thanks to Tiktok, I didn't have super high expectations to be completely honest. You know how hype goes. I went in realistically.

The audiobook narration was VERY good. Some narrators are an instant turnoff for me. The speech was clear enough that I could listen at 1.5 speed.

Now onto the story itself...

It's high fantasy without being over the top like LOTR or some other stories that drone on with too much detail and world building. The realms described inside Lightlark are beautiful! The attention to detail describing each character and their clothing was beautiful to envision and hear described in the audiobook form. The character development was very well done. One chapter in and I already loved Isla and another character (no spoilers). The pacing was good. I enjoyed knowing the inner workings of our main character's brain, hearing her thoughts. The dialogue was very good and differentiated each character from the next.

4.5/5 stars recommend! Rounded up to 5 :)

If you love fantasy and are looking for a new universe to dive into, go for Lightlark!

Thanks to RB Media, Recorded Books and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy!

Isla is a young ruler who has been training and preparing for the Centennial her whole life. The Centennial is held every 100 years, where all 6 rulers of the realms come together to attempt to break the curses on their lands. The event is full of twists, turns, lies and betrayals.

This book will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. Fast paced and full of adventure. Looking forward to the next book!

I was given an Arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have been hearing about this book all over Tik Tok and I can say it is definitely worth the hype! I was told it was like Hunger Games but I felt like it was so much better!!

The story is about 6 rulers who are sent to an island (Lightlark) that appears only every 100 years to either break the curse on each of their realms or one of them has to die.

I was on the edge of my seat for the last half of the book and the twists in this story had me gasping out loud!

I will be pre ordering a physical copy for my shelf and recommending this to everyone!