Reviews

The Lights of Ystrac's Wood by Alexandra Rowland

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foolzerrand's review

If you're like me and you love
-examinations of fantasy gods
-fantasy friendships
-fantasy quests
You'll like this little fantasy book

likeapiper's review

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

So. I read Lights when it came out earlier this year, and it immediately became one of my favorite books of all time. It’s difficult to put to words (hence the long time between reading and writing this) but it hits me right in the nostalgia. It’s a story which takes the idea of friendship seriously, rather than putting it second to other things, which means a lot to me.

It’s also a book about a friendship between very different people who respect those differences and don’t turn them against one another. It’s such a cozy book in large part because of the way Aneth and Corentin build each other up.

It’s also a book with a very magical feel to it, from the description Rowland gives of the setting and from the liminal space it operates in. (It takes place on a hike through the mostly untouched woods on a path kept passable by the titular lights. The two main characters don’t know each other or have any particular reason to stay in contact afterwards.) Lights immerses you in this woods and this walk and you finish it feeling refreshed.