Lightlark (The Lightlark Saga Book 1)

I was excited going into this book, the concept seemed extremely interesting but 3 things bothered me a lot. 1) Either I’m just slow or the beginning was very confusing. The prologue itself was well written and entertaining but chapter 1…not so much. We were immediately put into this world with Isla Crown talking about portaling with her starstick. I had no idea what was going on! Since this is a fantasy story a lot of time and effort about world building needs to be put into the first chapters, otherwise readers will feel lost. This book showed me the exact opposite of this unfortunately causing me to already urging to finish it. 2) Ugh, the middle to maybe last 75 pages was really boring. Once I got myself settled I grew to enjoy the book more and more. Then once Isla and Oro hit the 75% mark of going on their quest I zoned out. Reading suddenly became a grueling job instead of the fun hobby I used to have. I honestly cannot recall anything that happened near page 300 which is a BIG red flag for readers. Stories are supposed to be entertaining throughout, and I know this is an extremely hard task but I felt more bored than usual here. *SPOILERS HERE!* 3) Ok, lastly, the whole romance thing…imo it doesn’t go well in my head. Originally Grim is the main love interest who is mysterious, making readers attracted to him and wonder who he really is. Then, in the end it is shown that he had been using Isla and was betraying her. This part was ok ig. But then it’s revealed that ORO loves Isla…now I’m pretty sure that this is a me thing but isn’t Oro….like reallly old? He’s lived through things many years before Isla was born. I wouldn’t be shocked if he was a hundred. And then Isla is what? 20? Yeah, no thank you. Now I just want to say, this book wasn’t completely horrible, in fact I really liked some parts of this. 1) The curses were absolutely amazing and played out well. I especially like the scene where Isla was saving Oro in the water, it felt very real. The curses added a bit more of tension and risk in this world. 2) Some of the trials were very interesting. And by some I meant the mirror one (i forget who that was) Loved that one. A LOT. Idek why tbh. 3) The plot twist was gold. Won’t give away too much but to say the least, my jaw dropped reading it. Anyways, if those 3 positive traits can balance out the negative ones then I guess this would be a great book but unfortunately for me, it was not. I just wasn’t as satisfied as I hoped I’d be. Still give this 3 stars though. Had its highs and lows.

Good concept, but not that well executed. If this were a standalone novel I think it would have resonated with me better. The main character is annoying, but most of the other characters are somewhat like able. The various curses and powers are interesting, but they can get confusing. A few plot holes are distracting, and the sexy encounters totally ruined the budding romance for me. 3/5 for me.

I absolutely loved this book! Twist and turn with betrayal. Great read can’t wait to read the second book.

This series is one of my all time favorites!

I read this book in two days. I simply could not stop reading!

Some parts in the beginning were confusing but overall I enjoyed the story… enough to read the second book.

WOWWWW! Oh my gosh! This book has revived me from my book funk. Truly, I have not been this immersed in a book in so long. The characters, storyline and plot were so addicting I couldn't put the book down. Every time I had to stop reading (to work lol) or whatnot this book was on my mind. 10/10 for me

One thing that made me doubt getting this book is Tik tok all mix fill you with doubt until you read it ! Beautiful world..perfect characters….perfect story! Give it a try and make up your own mind!

I began this book with open arms but it felt like a chore to get through right out of the gate. It bogs down the reader with way too many “factions” and then the opening lore of the rulers and the island was convoluted and it seems that there’s a lot of fantasy elements that aren’t tied well together. I gave up halfway and a good book shouldn’t feel like it drags you along, none of the characters are memorable and I didn’t feel what they felt. In Hunger Games, which Lightlark is compared to, I felt Katniss’s trauma and hopelessness and determination. With Isla, I felt nothing.

I love how Isla is fighting for her family and doesn't want to be selfish with the power