#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.
The Century Trilogy Series
This epic saga delves deep into the past, following the destinies of several generations across different historical epochs. Each book offers a completely new world, set in a different century, where readers experience tumultuous events and personal dramas. The series masterfully intertwines historical accuracy with compelling narratives about human relationships and fateful turns. It's an invitation to an unforgettable journey through time, exploring how the past shapes the present and future.
Recommended Reading Order
Nightbane
- 432 pages
- 16 hours of reading
Amidst the aftermath of betrayal, Isla Crown grapples with her newfound responsibilities as the leader of two realms while seeking solace in the alluring distractions of Lightlark. Despite her triumph in breaking long-standing curses and winning the affection of two formidable rulers, the true source of her powers remains a mystery. As she navigates the complexities of her position and the allure of escapism, Isla must confront her past and the weight of her choices.
Skyshade
- 400 pages
- 14 hours of reading
The pulse-pounding third novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series The Lightlark Saga, by acclaimed author and #BookTok sensation Alex Aster Love kills kingdoms... Back in Grim's castle on Nightshade, Isla is reeling in the wake of a brutal battle and the devastating truths it exposed. Her future--and the fate of the world--now hinge on a heart split in two. Past Isla, who fell in love with the ruler of Nightshade, fights to resist feelings she considers treasonous. The Isla of the present, who has seen the ruin her powers can cause, will do anything to save Lightlark and its king. As the line between enemy and friend is tested, Isla is more desperate than ever to understand the oracle's final prophecy and change her heartrending fate. But a storm is coming. And with it, a long-buried evil greater than anything the realms have faced before. With the clock ticking on her destiny and the survival of two warring kingdoms hinging on her own shattered heart, Isla Crown will either save the world--or destroy it.