Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
4th in dark fantasy series satisfies with action, sex, gore.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
CROWNTIDE picks up right where the events in Skyshade left off. Grim and Oro are grief-stricken by Isla's disappearance. But they have to believe that she's still alive somewhere in the universe and are even willing to work together to figure out where she is and get her back. Isla finds herself in a strange, desolate, unknown world in the company of her ancestor Lark, who wants Isla dead. But Isla needs Lark's power and magical ability if she's to have any hope of destroying the most powerful being in the universe. Saving Lightlark, or destroying it forever, is going to come down to Isla's choice between Grim and Oro. But she doesn't know what effect either choice will have. She should probably follow her heart, if she can figure out what her heart wants.
Is It Any Good?
This fourth in the dark romantasy Lightlark series improves on the previous book with better plotting, surprises, and exciting action. The violence in Crowntide can be pretty gory, and a few sex scenes are pretty edgy, but evolving characters and building suspense keep the pages turning. Some passages and events become repetitive or will seem to go on for too long for some readers' taste, but most of those weaknesses are balanced by the excitement of three young rulers facing down the greatest evil the universe has ever seen. Fans of the series will enjoy this installment, and as we've come to expect now, it ends on an absolute cliffhanger, creating suspense and anticipation for the next in the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Crowntide. Is it too much? Does reading about it affect you differently than seeing it in videos, games, movies, and other media? If yes, how so?
What about the sex? Is Isla's relationship with either Grim or Oro realistic and believable? Did reading about it change your own expectations about romantic relationships?
Why do Grim and Oro agree to work together? Are they a good team? How does that work out for them, and for Isla?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic , Monsters )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Amulet Books
- Publication date : December 2, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 448
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : January 15, 2026
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