Night, Day, & Something from the Wild

Welcome Writing with Sprinkle Community!

BH Sprinkle again!

I seriously just

"...fell through puddles of stars and into faraway places." like Isla Crown with her Starstick.

If you don’t know what I'm talking about, here's your answer.

I'm reviewing Lightlark by Alex Aster in today's special book review post.

Yes, this will have Spoilers.

This book deserves congratulations to the author for nearly 50 (not exactly 50 but definitely 40 something) weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list. It's been published in a ton of languages, got a sequel coming in November, has a movie adaptation in the works, and an author with a creative signature.

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Start Off In Lightlark

Intricate details mark incredibly beautiful world building with the introduction to the Newlands, Lightlark, and the Rulers of the Realms was constructed in a way that easily flows into the story.

Isla's realm of the Wildlings was so descriptive and complex in it's design. The First Chapter grabbed my attention immediately.

Getting brought through Isla's Realm educated us through her eyes on it and of the Centennial she's going through.

Meeting the other leaders in a way that makes everything seem dangerous and regal before eventually cutting into something deeper going on. A stroke of brilliant thought.

The introduction was carefully executed. First chapter or two hooked me to read further as they rightfully should in any book.

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What Worked, What Didn't

Talking about those trials first!

Duel with the King Oro demonstrated Isla's fighting ability well. The fact that she lost as a strategic plan on purpose. Loved it. The warning that Grim provided ahead of time too.

The properties of the Starling mirror relic was unique and interesting. The fact that they had to face their fears in the mirror reminded me of the serum the Dauntless from the Divergent series. Except the mystery of the mirror wouldn't show the rulers fears so it was less public. It had a HP mirror or irased effect on their emotions as they walked away from it but in reverse. Instead of showing the greatest desire of their hearts it shows their greatest fears.

Isla's main fear not just being about saving her people but being trapped in that room and controlled was totally relatable. Especially to someone who is under similar circumstances. Who fears being trapped themselves.

Isla's demonstration trial was a great idea. See what each realm can contribute to Lightlark as a whole. Her own contribution/ shown idea was brilliant and had me in awe. It also projected her strength.

I think that Azul & Oro both had brilliant ideas. That certainly would be useful.

We learn from Grim through trials that he doesn't care to win. He has a point to make but at that point we don't understand yet.

Cleo is vengeful in her own demonstration trial in which she uses it to project her strength as a ruler through an environment in which she genuinely has an upper hand. Plus, Isla & Cleo appear enemies. Clearly, Cleo must've known that Wildlings have more tropical weather and wouldn't survive cold conditions. It was also a tactic to throw Isla off.

Pairings or team up situation was compelling too!

When the pairs came out I wasn't surprised that Isla wasn't matched up with her friend Celeste. I expected Oro. Maybe Grim or Cleo.

Oro ended up being her teammate which did wonders for the education of Isla as well as the audience but seeing her team up with Grim with their connection would have been good too. Teaming up with someone she doesn't get along with worse as Cleo would have been fascinating also. It certainly adds depth.

Added Twists & Turns!

Interest arose when Azul was overheard talking to Oro of his plan that would destroy an entire realm. We know it's not going to be Wildling at thatpoint so my guess was his own (Skylings) or Grim's (Nightshade) which is the most hated realm by Lightlark. Later I find out that

Love how new information is revealed in pieces. Everything from Oro's mouth is a lesson on Lightlark and the curses relayed in a spectacular way.

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Let's Get Sunshine Adjacent

Cared to mention that the fact that the Sunlings and Nightshades have opposite curses. I don't know It was to save time with creating individual curses for them but I took it as intentional and it makes so much sense to do it that way.

People who love the sun but can't feel it's warmth because they can only enjoy the night. People enjoyed the peace of darkness but can never see it now they must remain in light. It's difficult.

Another move on the writer's part is that the other curses negatively impact the different realms in cruel ways.

Moonlings cannot be out on a full moon or near the ocean even if they control water.

Sunlings die too soon before their time despite most stars living centuries.

Skylings never flying.

Wildlings eating like forest beats.

It's quite complicated, dynamic, and attracts the audience attention.

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Brief Warning

Though the majority of the story was clearly clean and readable in the way of nothing overly explicit despite a few comments that could slide under the radar undetected, I caution those who have the Barnes&Noble edition about the bonus chapter which may be more descriptive in areas of the nature of fornication. If you feel uncomfortable with such as I typically am. Skip it. You won't miss anything too vital to the story.

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What Comes Next

With all the twists, turns, mistrust, alliances, and beautiful or cold displays of power (metal too) I was thrown into a compelling world.

Undoubtedly looking forward to the movie adaptation and Nightbane (the next book that comes out in November but still isn't here yet so I can order. But let's face it, I get books late when I wish I could pre-order).

Congratulations on your book success Alex Aster. Happy to have come across your TikTok page (then Instagram page) months ago. If you canlive your writing dreams then so can we. You deliver hope and a wonderful story.

Rating: 5⭐️

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