Lightlark - A Fun Read
⭐️Overall rating: 5/5
I liked the imagery used for the descriptions. I personally found the characters compelling, where I wasn’t always sure of their motives and goals. While some of the characters were more simple, some were complex. It was fun to figure out who was going to be a more important key player.
The first half of the book was a bit slower, but it felt important to make the second part make sense and have meaning. It showed curses in action and how it impacted the peoples lives. This really made the second part of the book have more gravity to me.
I’ve seen some discussion on the romance not making sense, and to some degree, I can agree. There was a lot of build up and then it falls flat, but I’ll put more thoughts into the spoilers below.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I finished it in two days during a workweek because I couldn’t put it down. Few books have done that to me recently. I enjoyed the magical realism, the touch of spice, the story. The writing wasn’t the strongest I’ve ever seen, but it hit a vibe that I was very happy with.
Favorite characters
Isla
Ella (I just wanted to keep her safe, not really sure why)
Least favorite characters:
Cleo
Something I wish that was different:
Doing a prolog of Isla on her island training with Poppy and Terra. The random flashbacks weren’t my favorite and it seemed like they were a little more frequent than flashbacks should’ve been.
Spoilers:
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The big reason why I wasn’t surprised that Isla didn’t choose Grim was because of his betrayal, his warnings to not trust him, and the agreement with her guardians excluding her from a plan that she needed to be an active role in. It was straight up disrespectful. His hot and cold routine wasn’t cutting it for me, and he seemed a tad obsessive. Even when Isla thought about some of her past conversations with Grim, she was starting to think that some of his boasts may have been threats. It just isn’t healthy.
Oro wasn’t perfect either. His public betrayal left my head spinning, because while he was cold, he was honest. However, his reasoning was explained and so far he’s upheld his promise to not betray Isla again. Oro was always honest, or he wouldn’t respond. Even when she lied to him or had multiple plans going on behind his back. He was consistent.
This leads me to the bigger thought that both Oro and Grim were centuries old, and Isla is in her twenties, and that entire thing in itself feels weird.
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After diving deep into Lightlark, I keep thinking about some of the characters that really stuck with me, for better or worse. You know how some characters just make an impact, even if they aren't always the main focus? First off, let's talk about Cleo. In my initial review, I mentioned she was a least favorite, and honestly, that feeling just solidified the more I reflected on the book's intricate plot and the many betrayals. While the book is filled with characters with complex motives, Cleo's actions often felt... well, disingenuous and self-serving. Her role, especially concerning the other rulers and the challenges presented during the Centennial, often seemed to serve as a catalyst for conflict that didn't always feel earned or necessary. I found myself questioning her true allegiance and whether her contributions truly advanced the plot in a meaningful way, or if she was simply there to stir the pot and add unnecessary drama. It's interesting how a character can evoke such a strong reaction, almost like a mirror reflecting the darker, more manipulative aspects of the world Alex Aster built. Her presence definitely added a layer of intrigue, but also a fair bit of frustration for me as a reader trying to root for our Strong FMC, Isla. Understanding her backstory more might have softened my view, but as it stands, she contributed to a lot of the less straightforward aspects of the narrative. Then there are Poppy and Terra. Oh, how I wished for more of them! My original thoughts about wanting a prologue featuring Isla training with them on her island truly underscore their importance. These two, though often relegated to brief, somewhat disjointed flashbacks, are absolutely pivotal in shaping Isla into the resourceful and capable person she becomes. Imagine a dedicated section – perhaps that prologue I dreamed of – showing their guidance, teaching Isla the foundational magic she relies on, not just for survival but for understanding her own powers and heritage. The fleeting glimpses we get of their wisdom and the unique challenges of Isla's home island, Wildling, make you yearn for a deeper dive. They aren't just background characters; they are the architects of Isla's early strength and resilience, providing her with the tools and mindset to navigate the treacherous world of Lightlark and its many riddles. Thinking about their training, it would have been fascinating to see the dynamics between them and a young Isla. How did they instill in her the necessary skills to combat the curses and survive the Centennial? This foundation is crucial for understanding why Isla makes certain choices later on, especially when dealing with the complicated romance and difficult decisions about Grim and Oro. Their influence is subtly woven through Isla's character, making her journey feel more grounded despite all the fantastical elements. It's these foundational relationships, even those seen only through a hazy past, that give depth to the main protagonist and make her struggles, and eventual triumphs, resonate more deeply. For a book that earned a 5-star rating from me, exploring these connections further would have truly elevated the narrative, especially for those of us who love diving into the rich backstories of our favorite characters and understanding every nuance of their development.
