Chayse H., South River High School
The island of Lightlark contains rulers of six realms: Wildling, Nightshade, Sunling, Moonling, Starling, and Skyling. Every 100 years, the rulers of the realms come together to solve the curses of Lightlark in a competition known as the Centennial. However, this year, one ruler must die in order to save Lightlark.
Isla Crown is a young ruler of Wilding. She has been raised by two mentors, Terra and Poppy, who have trained her for her whole life because she has no specific power, unlike the rest of her kind. At the beginning, she meets a mysterious ruler from Nightshade, who charms her with his dark-and-brooding personality. However, she is also fast to make enemies.Isla is never sure of whom she can trust, but when she allies with a Starling, she learns of a tool that could break the curses.
Embarking upon the journey to find the bond breaker, Isla learns of the betrayal, lies, and cheating amongst the rulers, including herself. I could not put this book down once I picked it up. I felt as though I was a part of Isla’s world. The imagery and the character development was well done. I felt that the characters each had their own unique personalities and attributes to their realm that helped create the basis for the story. However, I feel that the plot twists were slightly predictable, although still entertaining. I would recommend this book to young adults or teen readers who enjoy fantasy novels.