Lightlark (The Lightlark Saga Book 1)
-
-
4.4 • 33 Ratings
-
-
- £3.49
-
- £3.49
Publisher Description
A gripping, propulsive YA fantasy novel from award-winning author and social media superstar Alex Aster, “Lightlark is an ebullient, fast-paced fantasy with a beautifully rendered world that seethes with intrigue, romance and tension. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough” (#1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir)
An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller
Welcome to the Centennial.
Every hundred years, the island of Lightlark appears for only 100 days to host a deadly game, where the rulers of six realms fight to break their curses and win unparalleled power. Each ruler has something to hide. Each curse is uniquely wicked. To break them—and save themselves and their realms—one ruler must die.
To survive, Isla Crown must lie, cheat, and betray. Even as love complicates everything . . .
Includes Select Exclusive Excerpts from Nightbane, the Second Book in the Lightlark Saga
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
With shades of the Hunger Games series, Alex Aster’s action-packed fantasy combines breathtaking magic with heart-stopping danger. Lightlark is an island that appears once every 100 years for 100 days. During that time, the rulers from the six surrounding realms descend on the island to compete in a grand championship for a treasured prize: a chance to break the curse that’s been tormenting the people of all six realms for centuries. Aster has serious world-building chops. We were particularly bewitched by Isla Crown, the ruler of the realm of Wilding, whose subjects have been cursed to kill those they fall in love with. Romance, danger, and captivating fantasy live side by side in this unforgettable story, the first book in the Lightlark series.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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). To break the curse, one ruler must die during the contest, thus also destroying their realm. 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. 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. While relying on her wits and training to survive, Isla must hide her secret lest she become an obvious target. 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. The story hits many well-loved and familiar beats, and sumptuously detailed feints, twists, and betrayal lend vibrancy and intrigue. Characters have varying skin tones. Ages 13–up.
