Lightlark by Alex Aster

Lightlark by Alex Aster (416 Pages)

Summary: 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.

Opinion: This is a teen fantasy book that I was hoping would give Throne of Glass vibes. And it kinda did, I liked it in the beginning, but I actually really disliked the book by the end. Specifically, I disliked turning the romance into a love triangle and I hated the way that the author choose to portray the other side female characters as mean girl villains. It's 2026 (2022 when it was published) and I just think both of those tropes are so old and outdated. I won't be continuing with the series.