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queenrose914 's review for:
Lightlark
by Alex Aster
If you're tired of the same old YA fantasy tropes, Lightlark offers a refreshingly unique take on familiar elements. Set on a mysterious island that appears only once every hundred years, this story follows Isla, the young ruler of the Wildling realm, as she competes in the deadly Centennial game alongside five other rulers. Each ruler enters with the desperate hope of breaking their realm's curse, but only one can succeed - and someone must die.
While the premise might sound familiar - a competition, curses to break, and yes, a love triangle - Aster's execution sets this book apart. The romance develops with surprising authenticity, avoiding the typical back-and-forth indecision that plagues many YA novels. The relationships feel grounded and realistic, despite the fantastical setting.
The writing strikes a perfect balance between rich detail and pacing, never getting bogged down while still painting a vivid picture of this complex world. Each realm's unique attributes and curses add layers of intrigue to both the plot and character motivations, creating a rich tapestry of political maneuvering and personal stakes.
This book proves that with strong character development, well-crafted world-building, and authentic relationships, even familiar fantasy elements can feel fresh and exciting.
While the premise might sound familiar - a competition, curses to break, and yes, a love triangle - Aster's execution sets this book apart. The romance develops with surprising authenticity, avoiding the typical back-and-forth indecision that plagues many YA novels. The relationships feel grounded and realistic, despite the fantastical setting.
The writing strikes a perfect balance between rich detail and pacing, never getting bogged down while still painting a vivid picture of this complex world. Each realm's unique attributes and curses add layers of intrigue to both the plot and character motivations, creating a rich tapestry of political maneuvering and personal stakes.
This book proves that with strong character development, well-crafted world-building, and authentic relationships, even familiar fantasy elements can feel fresh and exciting.