A review by barbiedreamlibrary
Lightlark by Alex Aster

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I actually enjoyed the book, keep in mind its geared towards YA/new adult. It does have a cookie cutter character trope, but I did enjoy the romance/love triangle aspect. Upon reflection with this story, there are plot holes and the story would certainly benefit from a better editor. I liked the overall concept of the book and the plot twist at the end. The book was easy to read and she did a good job at world building, but I do wish she could flesh out the supporting characters a bit more. (Justice for poor Azul!) However, It was a quick enough read that I could overlook these opportunities that the author and publisher have with this series and I will definitely read the sequel. 

The story is about a young royal from the Wilding court named Isla who is sent to participate in essentially a 100 day fantasy version of The Hunger Games. This event is named the Centennial and it  involves 6 different realms that attempt over the 100 day period to break a curse that was put upon them 500 (?) years ago with the premise that one of them is supposed to die in order to save the other realms. Each realm has a different curse that affects their abilities in different ways and thus how they participate in the Centennial. However, to add a wrench to the Wildling's strategy: Isla has no powers. There's different trials that each realm ruler puts on that are supposed to help assess who they think should be sacrificed at the end of the 100 days. Throughout the book Isla makes friends and enemies with the different rulers, in addition to taking part in different side missions that ends up in a crazy plot twist. 
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