Lightlark: The Lightlark Saga, Book 1
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Lightlark is the first of a planned dark fantasy series by popular author Alex Aster about a young woman trying to break a curse that will destroy the realm she rules. Fantasy violence uses both magical powers and real-world weapons like swords and knives. Blood and death are mentioned but not described in detail. Agonizing pain is described in detail. Large-scale destruction threatens entire realms. A couple rub genitals together through clothing, take off shirts, and kiss bare chests. Hand manipulation to orgasm is described with some details like fingers exploring deeper and maintaining close eye contact during orgasm. A goblet of wine has magical effects that make the drinker feel high. Adults have wine at celebrations. An adult drinks honey-colored liquid in a tavern. Mention of wine as addictive and dangerous.
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What's the Story?
Many centuries ago, the six realms of LIGHTLARK were cursed, each in a unique, dark, and devastating way. A prophecy was made about how to lift the curses and gain enormous power, so every hundred years the rulers of the six realms gather in a competition to decipher the prophecy, break the curses, and rule over all six realms. Isla is the youngest ruler competing in this centennial, but she's been well trained by her guardians to know what to expect and how to use all kinds of weapons. Because one part of the prophecy is very clear: In order to break the curses, one of the rulers must die. Shifting alliances and hidden motives make things complicated enough. So Isla really doesn't need the added mess of falling for a fellow competitor. But fall she does.
Is It Any Good?
This dark fantasy series kickoff is compelling and richly imagined. Lightlark is populated with intriguing and well-developed characters. Teens will especially relate to protagonist Isla, who not only wants to save her realm and the people she loves, but who also just wants to be free to live her life the way she wants to live it.
Some of the world building is a bit hard to follow at first, and some readers may not feel truly oriented in the world for some time. But the well-developed plot full of intrigue, action, magic, power, and romance keep the pages turning. And the ending will have fans eager for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Lightlark. Is it too much? Does fantasy violence have a different impact than real-world violence?
What about the sexy stuff? Is reading about it different from seeing it in movies, videos, or other visual media?
Why are fantasy series so popular? What do we love about them? Which are your favorites, and how does this one compare?
Book Details
- Author: Alex Aster
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Curiosity, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Amulet Books
- Publication date: August 23, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
- Number of pages: 416
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: October 17, 2022
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Shadow and Bone: The Grisha Trilogy, Book 1
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For kids who love fantasy
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