Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Solid fantasy series opener is dark and compelling.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say that this book is engaging with a compelling plot, but there are concerns regarding its appropriateness for younger readers, particularly due to a couple of explicit scenes. While many enjoyed the character development and twists in the storyline, several reviewers recommend that it be reserved for more mature audiences, ideally 14 years and older, due to the content.
- engaging plot
- inappropriate content
- mature audience
- character development
- plot twists
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- 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, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate