Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Second volume is still dark but marred by weak plotting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
NIGHTBANE picks up right after the events of Lightlark. Now that the curses on the six realms have been broken, Isla, 25, now finds herself the reluctant ruler of two of the realms. A dark vision of the future in which she sees her own death compels her to search her slowly returning memories for ways to prevent her vision from coming true. And as she remembers more and more of her time with Grimshaw, she realizes that she loves him and Oro equally. Choosing one over the other might save the world, but it will also tear her apart.
Is It Any Good?
This second installation in a dark fantasy series isn't nearly as compelling as the first. Nightbane does have some of the elements that made Lightlark a real page-turner, but a weak, repetitive plot get in the way of building tension and suspense, and of understanding some important characters and their motives. The abrupt ending leaves plenty of room to follow Isla's continuing story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Nightbane. 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?
Did you read Lightlark first? If you did, how does this book compare? If you didn't, would you like to now?
How does Isla act courageously in this book? Where does she find her courage? What does her courage help her accomplish?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Amulet Books
- Publication date : November 7, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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