The worldbuilding is creative, the characters are varied, and the concept of six realms all being cursed was intriguing. The biggest flaw of this book is the execution. I don’t think I would have lasted long if I were reading the ebook, but Suzy Jackson’s reading kept me hooked into the story. First and foremost, the narrator is excellent. All I knew was that it had blown up on TikTok and was being made into a movie. I knew very little about this book’s origins before I started reading it. To survive, Isla must lie, cheat, and betray.even as love complicates everything.įilled with secrets, deception, romance, and twists worthy of the darkest thrillers, Lightlark is a must-hear for fans of legendary fantasy writers Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, and Leigh Bardugo. They are feared and despised, and are counting on Isla to end their suffering by succeeding at the Centennial. Isla Crown is the young ruler of Wildling-a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die.

The Centennial offers the six rulers one final chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. The invitation is a summons-a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood. (Aug.#BookTok phenomenon and award-winning author Alex Aster delivers listeners a masterfully written, utterly gripping YA fantasy novel.Įvery 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.

Agent: Katelyn Detweiler, Jill Grinberg Literary Mgmt. The story hits many well-loved and familiar beats, and sumptuously detailed feints, twists, and betrayal lend vibrancy and intrigue. Though the novel’s mythology is murky and its supporting cast lacks depth, Isla’s courage, determination, and compassion invest readers in her plight, imparting tension and drive. While relying on her wits and training to survive, Isla must hide her secret lest she become an obvious target. The situation terrifies teenage Wildling realm ruler Isla Crown, who, unlike her predecessors, was born without the Wildlings’ innate ability to control or wield nature, making her vulnerable to the other participants’ powers. In 500 years, none of the immensely powerful participants has ever volunteered their life, nor has anyone been bested, but now that the curses have rendered their lands irreparable, this Centennial is sure to end in bloodshed. To break the curse, one ruler must die during the contest, thus also destroying their realm. Every century, the island of Lightlark emerges from the tempest cloaking it to host the Centennial, a 100-day competition between the rulers of six cursed realms, in this beguiling series opener from Aster (the Emblem Island series).

Lightlark by alex aster