Love, Lies, and Power: A review of Lightlark by Alex Aster

Book Summary – Spoiler free

Lightlark is a high-stakes fantasy novel that follows a competition of deadly proportions. Set in a world where rulers of six realms must compete in a centennial battle to break their deadly curses, the story promises intrigue, deception, and romance.

The story takes place on the mysterious island of Lightlark, which only appears once every hundred years for the Centennial—a competition where six rulers must face dangerous trials to break the curses that have plagued their people. Isla Crown, the ruler of Wildling, enters the competition with a secret—one that could get her killed if discovered. As she navigates alliances, betrayals, and the island’s many secrets, Isla must determine who she can trust while battling for her people’s survival.

Analysis and Opinion

While Lightlark is marketed as a YA novel, I felt that many of its themes and relationships pushed it more into the new adult category. The romantic elements, along with the depth of political intrigue and manipulation, felt more mature than a typical YA book. The tension between characters—both romantic and political—had an intensity that would resonate more with an older audience rather than younger teens.

Only joined can the curse be undone
only after one of six has won, when the original offense has been committed again and a ruling line has come to an end only then can history amend.

Alex Aster

One of the biggest themes in Lightlark is power—who has it, how it is wielded, and the lengths people will go to maintain or seize it. Deception is woven throughout the story, forcing Isla to navigate a world where no one is who they seem to be. The book also explores destiny versus free will, as Isla struggles with the expectations placed upon her and whether she can truly forge her own path.

I really wanted more depth when it came to the side characters. Cleo had so much potential, but I never fully understood her motivations or what truly drove her actions. Similarly, Azul seemed intriguing, but we barely scratched the surface of who he was beyond his role in the plot. With a story centered around six rulers, I was hoping for a deeper dive into each of them, but at times, they felt like background figures rather than fully realized characters. Had the novel spent more time fleshing out their stories, the world of Lightlark would have felt even richer and more immersive especially considering the drawn out feel of the final climax.

One thing that really stuck with me was how isolated Isla felt throughout the novel. No matter where she turned, it seemed like she was constantly walking a tightrope, unsure of who she could truly trust. Even when alliances or friendships appeared to form, there was always an underlying tension, leaving her vulnerable at every turn. I couldn’t help but feel bad for her—how exhausting it must be to always be on guard, never knowing if the people around you are genuine or just playing their own game. That emotional weight added a layer of depth to her character that I really appreciated.

Isla’s Missed Opportunity

In Lightlark, Isla’s journey is one that could have been full of self-discovery and revelations, but instead, she seems to falter in the most crucial way—by failing to dig deeper into her own past. From the start, Isla is presented with so many tantalizing clues about her heritage, her powers, and her purpose, yet she doesn’t take the time to explore them fully. Instead of seeking out the truth, she seems content to follow the path laid out for her, never questioning or challenging the narrative she’s been given.

This complacency eventually catches up to her, and by the end of the book, Isla finds herself shocked by the secrets that are revealed. But her surprise feels a bit contrived. After all, as readers, we are given more than enough subtle hints that Isla should have picked up on. Her failure to actively search for answers about her past feels like a missed opportunity and, frankly, an oversight in her character development.

Her reliance on the revelations that are simply handed to her by others, instead of seeking out the truths for herself, makes Isla appear somewhat foolish in retrospect. It’s frustrating to watch a protagonist who has so much potential to take control of her fate, only to see her miss the chance to truly understand herself. Instead of embracing her destiny with open eyes, Isla’s passivity makes her appear unprepared and naïve when the final truths come to light, undermining what could have been a powerful and self-determined arc.

Who Will Isla Choose—Grim or Oro?

Love was a strange thing. She wanted him in so many ways. Had for awhile…More than anything, she trusted him. Was that the basis of love?

Alex Aster

One of the most compelling aspects of Lightlark is Isla’s romantic entanglements, particularly the tension between Grim and Oro. Both characters represent different sides of power and ambition—Grim, with his dark allure and mysterious motives, and Oro, the golden, commanding ruler with his own secrets.

Throughout the book, Isla’s relationships with both characters evolve in unexpected ways, leaving readers wondering where her heart truly lies. Moving forward, I hope to see more depth in these relationships, especially as Isla learns more about herself and the true nature of those around her. Will she choose passion and mystery with Grim, or power and duty with Oro? I can’t wait to see how this love triangle unfolds in the next installment. The ending makes the reader believe Isla has already chosen, but can it honestly be that simple considering Isla wasn’t even sure or aware that she loved either one.

What I Liked:

• The unique and intriguing premise
• The tension and high-stakes atmosphere of the Centennial
• The romantic tension and complicated relationships
• The world-building and history of Lightlark

What Could Have Been Better:

• More depth and development for the side characters (Cleo, Azul, and others)
• A slower pacing in key moments to allow for deeper emotional impact
• More intricate world-building details to make Lightlark feel even more immersive
• A stronger resolution that didn’t feel rushed

What I’d Love to See in the Next Novel:

In the next book, I’d love to see more backstory on the rulers, especially Cleo and Azul, since their motivations felt underdeveloped in Lightlark. I also hope to see deeper political intrigue, exploring the power dynamics between the realms now that certain secrets have been revealed. More exploration of Isla’s abilities and heritage would add depth to her character, and I’d love for the romance to feel even more organic and complex. Most importantly, I hope the sequel takes its time fleshing out relationships, alliances, and betrayals to create a richer, more layered story.

Final Thoughts

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy YA fantasy with strong romance elements, political intrigue, and competitions reminiscent of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or Caraval by Stephanie Garber. If you love fast-paced reads with a dramatic flair, Lightlark may be worth picking up. However, those looking for deeply developed characters and intricate world-building may find it lacking.