Lightlark — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
An instant #1 national bestseller--soon to be a major motion picture. #BookTok phenomenon and award-winning author Alex Aster delivers readers a masterfully written, utterly gripping YA fantasy novel
Welcome to the Centennial.
Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. The invitation is a summons--a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood. The Centennial offers the six rulers one final chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. Each ruler has something to hide. Each realm's curse is uniquely wicked. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die.
Isla Crown is the young ruler of Wildling--a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with. They are feared and despised, and are counting on Isla to end their suffering by succeeding at the Centennial.
To survive, Isla must lie, cheat, and betray...even as love complicates everything.
Filled with secrets, deception, romance, and twists worthy of the darkest thrillers, Lightlark is a must-read for fans of legendary fantasy writers Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, and Leigh Bardugo.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lightlark appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains fantasy violence, including the use of magical powers and real-world weapons like swords and knives. Blood and death are mentioned, though not described in graphic detail. Some reviews also mention themes of child abuse and body horror. While the book contains dark fantasy elements, it does not feature genuinely frightening content that would cause fear or distress. The violence is more aligned with fantasy tropes than horror.
Does Lightlark have violence?
The book contains fantasy violence, including the use of magical powers and real-world weapons like swords and knives. Blood and death are mentioned, though not described in graphic detail. Some reviews also mention themes of child abuse and body horror.
Does Lightlark have scary content?
While the book contains dark fantasy elements, it does not feature genuinely frightening content that would cause fear or distress. The violence is more aligned with fantasy tropes than horror.
Does Lightlark have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The narrative focuses on fantasy elements and a curse rather than any specific religious practices or beliefs.
Does Lightlark have racial/cultural content?
The book features characters of various races, but race is not a central theme or plot point. The narrative does not engage with issues of racism or racial identity in a significant way.
Does Lightlark have profanity?
No profanity is explicitly mentioned in the book. The content focuses more on fantasy themes and character interactions rather than crude language.
Does Lightlark have climate change?
No climate themes or environmental issues are addressed in the book. The story focuses on fantasy elements rather than real-world climate concerns.
Does Lightlark have sexual identity?
The book includes moderate sexual content, with scenes that involve kissing and intimate touches. Some reviews mention erotic descriptions of sexual activity, though they do not explicitly name sensitive body parts. The narrative also explores themes of toxic relationships.
Does Lightlark have gender roles?
The book includes themes related to gender roles, particularly through the character of Isla, who is portrayed as a morally pure woman expected to seduce a king. Some reviews suggest the narrative contains anti-woman sentiments and reinforces stereotypes about women in power.
Does Lightlark have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features multiple LGBTQ+ characters, including Azul, a gay man, Cleo, a bisexual woman, and Enya, a lesbian. Their sexual orientations are acknowledged in the narrative, but they do not engage in romantic relationships, which has raised concerns among readers about representation.
