After reading the initial pages it seemed promising but after reading the book in the mail it did not live up to promised expectations.

I read the sneak peak for this right before I received my book in the mail. The beginning was a little confusing but the second chapter because more promising. It’s not my favorite book so far but I’m very intrigued by how Isla’s interactions will go with Grim and the Sun King as the book continues.

I dare you to try and out-think this book! It was full of heart-breaking moments, twists and turns, and ULTIMATE plot twists. If you like fantasy and mystery I cannot suggest this book more fervently. Alex Aster paints a beautiful world, and her use of metaphors made the moments I spent inside it tactile. Even if I found my mind wandering during exposition I was immediately sucked back into the story by the intrigue of the plot. Yes, there's romance that's both steamy and comforting but Lightlark is so much more than that. The "more" comes from the amazing female characters and their relationships which - for me - makes this book not only good, but an important addition to the YA genre. I was lucky enough to meet Alex Aster in person at the Chicago/Sklying stop on her Lightlark tour. She is such a sweet person who is clearly honored to have the ability to share this story with the world. I can't for the next installment of this series.

The first five chapters offer a glimpse into the world of Lightlark. So far, some of the characters do appear a little like archetypes, but I am expecting and hopeful that the characters will diverge from these archetypes to be unique and complex individuals. I am keeping an eye on the ruler of Moonling. I hope she turns out to be more than a flat ice queen.

Received the first 5 chapters after preordering the book- the formatting was wonky but I understand things can get weird with downloads, however I’m excited to read the full book now that it’s out!

So far, the book is a little slow paced, but the writing is elegant and descriptive. I am really enjoying Alex Aster's writing style at the moment, and I like learning about the curses/magic in the world. I'm excited to continue reading the finished book and find out what happens at the end of Lightlark.

I had the awesome opportunity to review the first few pages before it’s release date as part of the preorder deal!

I remember seeing Aster’s original TikTok video pitching the idea of this book and I immediately knew that it was a book I wanted to read. Since then I have been following her on socials waiting anxiously to find out more about this book and if it was going to be published. I was ecstatic when I found out it was! I was so excited I actually ordered two of the special editions.

I think these first few chapters were a great start to the book and introduction of characters. I already have a feeling who my favorites will be and I have so many questions! I’m writing this review after having just received my physical copy. What I was able to read definitely left me hungry for more!

Started out a bit slow, but picked up the pace around the end of chapter 2! Definitely intrigued and am excited for the full copy to arrive in the mail.
In terms of characters, the women could stand to be a bit more complicated - so far Isla is the only one with any actual flaws apart from Cleo being the classic mean girl archetype - but I’m hoping they’ll be expanded upon later on.
The way that all the male characters speak to Isla feels a bit repetitive so far, (we don’t see much variety in dialogue, just a lot of flirty language with sinister undertones) but the world building has me obsessed.

This was a fun little excerpt of the first five chapters! I really enjoyed them though i will say chapter 5 was my favorite. I thought the character Grim was really intriguing and I thought that the prose could’ve been stronger, however I understood most of what went on and I think this is a story that will grow on people and the worldbuilding will need getting used to. Otherwise I’m hyped to read the full book and see if my predictions were all true. I only wish this excerpt was free and accessible to everyone, including Alex Aster’s international audience.

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. After reading the sample, I'm afraid that this book just isn't for me. The writing seems to be rather juvenile and it was a struggle to get through this small piece.

Not the best writing but plot is intriguing enough for the first 5 chapters to continue writing. I’m not sure from the first 5 chapters whether this can be compared to ACOTAR and Hunger Games since that is quite a stretch

I loved the first five chapters. It seems very interesting so far. I'm already liking the characters. I can't wait to read the rest.

This is definitely a promising start! I wish the format for the file wasn't so odd. But still can't wait to see what happens next =D

Hmm. I don't quite know how to rate this title, or even what I think. This sample was just enough to pique my curiosity, but not enough to really get a feel for anything. The first five chapters on their own are confusing, more than anything. I'm definitely intrigued; it reminds me of The Hunger Games meets the Selection, I guess? Will be interested to see more.

LOVE!! Now I can't wait to get my preorder!

I was excited as soon as I read the synopsis and watched Alex's TikTok's. Not only was it atmospheric and addicting, I'm now left hanging for the rest of the book (and already anticipating book two).

These first five chapters really pulled me in! I can't wait to read the rest of the book and find out what happens. The characters are already so intriguing. Such a richly already developed world.

Lightlark is one of my most anticipated releases and this sneak peek was such a great way to give readers a taste of what the book has to offer. Even though this one shows the first five chapters of the book, I'm already loving Isla's character. The writing style is easy to read and makes it easy to dive into the world. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book on release day and learning more about the characters!

I was able the get the first five chapters as an exclusive sneak peak for pre-ordering the book and OH MY GOD! I was screaming internally at every chapter! I am already in love with Grim, literally from his first line I was like "yep I'm in!" The story already feels so magical and epic, I truly believe this will be a comfort read for me when I get to read the whole thing. I am so ready for this adventure!!

These first 50 pages was everything I wanted. From what I've read so far the world building in this book is magnificent and the main lead is everything I want. She is strong, smart, brave, and loves chocolate:)
I cannot wait to finish this book. It has gotten me out of my long year reading slump.

I’m so excited to read this book! Those excerpt is absolutely amazing. I really like the details she’s added to the world building in the beginning and can only imagine what the entire book will be like.