Lightlark (The Lightlark Saga Book 1)

Alex Aster

Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5(1 Ratings)
Left wheat earsBarnes & Noble BestsellersRight wheat ears
3 Months Free TrialArrow right
Clock143 Min Reading Time
MicrophoneAudio Version Available
cover backgroundLightlark (The Lightlark Saga Book 1)

About this book

Welcome to Lightlark, the mesmerizing island that emerges once a century to host the Centennial—a deadly game where the rulers of six cursed realms fight for their survival. For centuries, their realms have been plagued by unique and wicked curses, and the Centennial is their last chance to break free. But the price of freedom is steep: one ruler must die.

Isla Crown, the young and cunning ruler of Wildling, carries the weight of her realm's curse—her people, temptresses doomed to kill those they love. Feared and despised, they look to Isla to end their suffering by succeeding in the Centennial. To survive, Isla must master the art of deception, betrayal, and strategic alliances. But as she navigates the treacherous games, she discovers hidden secrets and forbidden desires that threaten to shatter everything she thought she knew. In a world where love is a deadly weapon, Isla must decide if she's willing to sacrifice her heart to save her people, or risk dooming them all.

Dive into a world of dark secrets, pulse-pounding romance, and deadly twists in this #BookTok sensation from Alex Aster, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Marie Lu.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • The Deadly Centennial Competition

    The Centennial is a deadly competition that takes place every 100 years on the island of Lightlark. It involves the rulers of six different realms, each with their own unique curses and powers. The purpose of the Centennial is to break the curses that plague these realms, but the games are fraught with danger and deception. This competition serves as the central conflict and driving force of the narrative, pushing Isla to her limits as she navigates alliances, betrayals, and deadly challenges.

  • Isla's Deadly Curse and Sacrifice

    Isla Crown, the ruler of the Wilding realm, carries the curse of needing to kill anyone she falls in love with or face death herself. This curse profoundly shapes her character and motivations, forcing her to prioritize her realm's survival over her personal desires. Her struggle with this curse adds a layer of complexity to her relationships and decisions throughout the novel, making her a compelling and conflicted protagonist. She enters the Centennial with a determination to break the Wildling's curse at all costs.

  • Deception and Hidden Agendas

    Lightlark explores themes of deception, hidden agendas, and the untrustworthiness of appearances. The rulers participating in the Centennial often conceal their true intentions, leading to shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals. Isla must learn to discern truth from lies as she navigates the treacherous political landscape of the games. This element of intrigue keeps the reader guessing and adds depth to the relationships between the characters, as no one is quite who they seem.

  • The Complexities of Love and Loyalty

    Love and loyalty are tested throughout the novel as Isla forms connections with other rulers, particularly Grim and Oro. Her relationships are complicated by her curse and the knowledge that trusting the wrong person could have devastating consequences for herself and her realm. The novel explores the different facets of love – romantic, platonic, and familial – and how these bonds can both strengthen and endanger the characters.

  • The Unique Realms and Their Curses

    Each of the six realms – Wilding, Starling, Moonling, Nightling, Skyling and Sunling – possesses unique magical properties and curses that affect their rulers and inhabitants. The curses are often tied to the realms' histories and the rulers' past actions, creating a sense of interconnectedness and consequence. The rulers try to overcome the curses to save their realms and people. The vivid world-building brings each realm to life, immersing the reader in a rich and imaginative setting.

  • The Burden of Leadership and Sacrifice

    Authority’s Duty to the Land is another key theme explored in Lightlark. Each ruler bears the responsibility of protecting their realm and ensuring the well-being of their people. This duty often requires making difficult choices and sacrifices, testing the rulers' moral compass and leadership abilities. Isla, in particular, grapples with the weight of her responsibility, striving to find a way to save her realm without compromising her values.

Chapter Recap

Chapter 1Isla Crown often finds herself unexpectedly portaling to distant places. Despite having done it for five years, it still causes her bones to ache. She clutches her starstick tightly, her breath held like precious perfumes, as her glass room spins and colors fracture, until gravity grounds her. Safel
Read MoreArrow right

About The Author

Alex Aster

Main Quotes

"“You might be dying, but you're not dead yet, you miserable wretch, now get up and do something before you allow your brother's sacrifice.”"

"“I want to be the only name you speak in your sleep. I want to be the only person who knows how to make you writhe against a wall.”"

"“Isla could feel Grim getting closer. When she opened her eyes, he was right in front of her. “Heart,” he said steadily. The spikes on his shoulders made him ...”"

""You are a warrior. Let them fear you. Let them see what it means to be wild.""

"“I’m your prophet and I predict session.”"

"“The only person who can save you is you.”"

"“How easily a body could betray you.”"

"“She was not made of nightmares. She was the remedy for them.”"

"“There was something poetic about her tears, that she only allowed herself to cry in a place where no one could see.”"

"“Isla waited, and waited, and as the seconds ticked by, she realized something that made her heart drop. She didn't want to leave.”"

Who Should Read This Book

Young adults interested in fantasy romance

Readers of YA fantasy with strong romantic elements

Fans of books with competition or tournament themes

Individuals who enjoy stories with curses and mysteries

Readers aged 14-19

Fans of "Hunger Games" looking for similar themes

Book Summaries Like

Lightlark (The Lightlark Saga Book 1)
cover backgroundCemetery Boys

Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas

In Aiden Thomas's groundbreaking paranormal YA debut, Cemetery Boys, Yadriel, a trans boy determined to prove himself a brujo to his traditional Latinx family, accidentally summons the wrong ghost. Instead of his murdered cousin, he finds himself face-to-face with Julian Diaz, the school's resident bad boy, who refuses to cross over.

Julian is determined to uncover the truth behind his death, and Yadriel, bound by his magic, agrees to help. But as they delve deeper into the mysteries of Julian's past, Yadriel finds himself falling for the infuriating ghost. Torn between his desire to be accepted by his family and his growing feelings for Julian, Yadriel must decide what truly matters most in this vibrant, heartfelt, and unforgettable story about identity, love, and what it means to truly belong.

cover backgroundFrom the World of Percy Jackson: The Sun and the Star

From the World of Percy Jackson: The Sun and the Star

Rick Riordan, Mark Oshiro

Nico di Angelo, son of Hades, knows darkness. He's lost loved ones, faced prejudice, and battled his own inner demons. But he's found a ray of sunshine in Will Solace, son of Apollo. Together, they've faced every challenge. Until now.

A voice, desperate and familiar, calls to Nico from the depths of Tartarus. It's Bob, the reformed Titan, and Nico knows he needs help. An ominous prophecy confirms his fears: Nico must descend into the Underworld's abyss to save him.

Against the advice of Chiron and Mr. D, Nico prepares for a perilous journey. Will insists on joining him, but can a child of light survive in the ultimate darkness? And what price will Nico have to pay, when the prophecy demands he leave behind something of equal value?

In this standalone adventure from Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, Nico and Will's love will be tested as they face external horrors and internal struggles. Can their bond withstand the terrors of Tartarus, or will the darkness consume them both?

cover backgroundThe Wicked King

The Wicked King

Holly Black, LAIPENG

Imprisoned by duty. Bound by love. Risking everything.

Jude Duarte has tricked Cardan into reluctantly claiming the throne, binding him to her for a year and a day. Now, as the mortal High Queen of Faerie, Jude wields unprecedented power—but navigating the treacherous world of Elfhame is a deadly game.

To retain her power, Jude must master the dark arts of political manipulation and keep one step ahead of her many enemies, including the cruel and captivating King Cardan. As their uneasy alliance deepens, Jude finds herself increasingly drawn to the very king she is sworn to control.

But Faerie holds its secrets close, and a devastating revelation threatens to shatter everything. Jude must choose between her ambition and her heart, as a single wrong move could plunge the land—and everyone she loves—into chaos. Prepare for a whirlwind of betrayals, forbidden desires, and deadly consequences in this intoxicating sequel to The Cruel Prince.

FAQ