This book was recommended by a friend at work. I am glad she did. Once I start, I can't put it down. It is a fantasy book about six realms that were cursed and a land "Lightlark" that appears every 100 years to welcome the rulers to a game and the winner get to free the realms and its people from the curse. A game where they outsmart each other to survive, strategize their demonstrations to see who is the weakest and who to team up with and who to sacrifice.
Isla is a ruler who grew up thinking she does not have any powers but is trained as a warrior, the other rulers all have powers. She was also trained to seduce the King of Lightlark so he will give her his powers. The book include curses, prophecies, oracles, betrayal, magic, lies, loyalty and love.
It was a page turner. I can't put it down right when Isla portalled into her room to get ready to leave for the "Centennial" games.
If you like the Hunger Games, you will like this. Lightlark have realms instead of districts. Killing and surviving started right away in Panem, but is not allowed until the 50th day in Lightlark. The writing style is not as Suzanne Collins but it was still an entertaining read you can't put down even though you already know who betrays, who loves and who lies almost right when they all met. Alex Aster did put in a few twists to the story so I did not mind the obvious. It was a fun book to read and I can't wait to read "Nightbane" the second book in this series.
Reviewers are scattered all over the spectrum on this. However, I enjoyed it, I am giving it a 4 out of 5. Alex for sure is not lacking in the imagination and she is a good story writer. There is a hint of some intimacy in a dream. So I will say, this can be young reader appropriate. Unless your kid is totally sheltered from kissing and touching scenes, then refrain for a while.
Enjoy!
