A plot twist I never saw coming and a cliffhanger we didn't deserve

Everyone knows the hype surrounding Lightlark is unprecedented, and it’s no wonder or surprise that the book makes a massive statement in my FYP feed. While I was partly worried that the months of built-up anticipation might lead to disappointment, Lightlark managed to exceed my expectations!

Lightlark is a thrilling fantasy set in a vividly described world. The story follows Isla Crown, the young ruler of the Wildling realm, a society of temptresses and heart-eaters. Despite their malevolent image, the Wildling realm is crumbling. Isla has one chance to break the curse that has plagued her realm for centuries: the Centennial. This high-stakes event takes place on the magical island of Lightlark, where the rulers of each of the six realms convene for one hundred days to fulfill the prophecy and break the curses that torment their realms. Even after five centuries, the prophecy remains elusive, but one thing is certain: one ruler must die, taking their realm with them. As one of the youngest rulers, Isla certainly has a target on her back.

On Lightlark, Isla navigates cutthroat court politics, hidden pasts, potential allies, certain enemies, and dazzling yet deadly demonstrations of power from each ruler. If that’s not enough to entice you, consider this: there’s a love triangle with a massive freaking plot twist! I certainly did not see it coming. BUT love on Lightlark comes at a great cost, adding another layer of complexity to the story. Isla is one of my favourite YA heroines to date—strong yet relatable, beautiful yet fierce, naïve yet determined. In many ways, she reminds me of Katniss Everdeen if she had won the Hunger Games while wearing her 'Girl on Fire' dress for the entirety of the games.

Before wrapping up this review, I must add on the descriptions in this book as revolutionary. The celestial imagery and unique descriptions of each realm is remarkable. Recreating the world of Lightlark will undoubtedly be impossible. Aster’s ability to bring this magical world to life is nothing short of genius. It’s as if she found a way to portal herself to the real world of Lightlark, documented everything she saw, and returned to Earth to publish it as an extraordinary fantasy story. Lightlark is a thriller set in a magical world, brought to life in all its spine-tingling, dark-fairytale glory.

I hope I have convinced you to pick up Lightlark (especially since dark fairytales are perfect for the reading slump between Iron Flame and Onyx Storm)! Guess I am off to get another book...

Recommended for: Fans of fantasy, love triangles, strong heroines, magical world-building, suspense, thrillers, plot twists, grey characters, magic, and hidden pasts.