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A review by doodlebeanz
Lightlark by Alex Aster
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was so happy when I saw the library had this on its shelf just waiting for me when I last visited. This book has been on my TBR for a while, but I always put off reading fantasy books bc they’re so thick and time consuming and usually ruin my life emotionally (shoutout to SJM & acotar, love ya). But since it’s autumn and spooky season, I decided that it was the best time to finally start this one.
Right off the bat, I was intimidated. Fantasy books always leave me feeling intimidated due to the world building and having to get myself into the mindset of reading a fantasy instead of normal fiction. But Aster’s writing quickly drew me in and the world building and the intimidation that came along with it quickly faded and I ended up just thoroughly enjoying myself and getting lost in the world of Lightlark and the 6 realms.
I usually don’t love the lead FMC in fantasy books, even Feyre annoyed me in almost every single book, but isla worked her way into my heart. She made stupid choices, but over all, I thought she was very strong and resilient and badassand I don’t blame Oro and Grim for falling in love with her.
I loved all the characters, they were all so fleshed out and interesting and so fun to read. I didn’t know what to expect from any of them, knowing one of them was bound to fall in love with Isla or vice versa, but I didn’t know who. Immediately. isla and Grim have that connection, but it just seemed too easy.It was insta love which is pretty common in fantasies, but it just didn’t feel right entirely. Like it just felt too easy, like there was something missing, and I initially thought that the writing was just immature because it was YA and was gong to chalk it up to that. But once Oro and Isla started spending time together and got paired up, I was like… oh I see what you did there Aster. I see you. 👀
Right off the bat, I was intimidated. Fantasy books always leave me feeling intimidated due to the world building and having to get myself into the mindset of reading a fantasy instead of normal fiction. But Aster’s writing quickly drew me in and the world building and the intimidation that came along with it quickly faded and I ended up just thoroughly enjoying myself and getting lost in the world of Lightlark and the 6 realms.
I usually don’t love the lead FMC in fantasy books, even Feyre annoyed me in almost every single book, but isla worked her way into my heart. She made stupid choices, but over all, I thought she was very strong and resilient and badass
I loved all the characters, they were all so fleshed out and interesting and so fun to read. I didn’t know what to expect from any of them, knowing one of them was bound to fall in love with Isla or vice versa, but I didn’t know who. Immediately. isla and Grim have that connection, but it just seemed too easy.