Lightlark (June 2024) Group Read Discussion

[mina, Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

This is the group thread for Lightlark!

Content Warnings: murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, imprisonment.

This thread is open for discussion beginning June 1st! Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed (mark as a spoiler) in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days of the month can be used to catch up if needed! Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads.

The Group Read Discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 06/01
June 01: Chapters 1-2 or 15 pages
June 02: Chapters 3-4 or 15 pages

Week of 06/03
June 03: Chapters 5-6 or 15 pages
June 04: Chapters 7-8 or 15 pages
June 05: Chapters 9-10 or 15 pages
June 06: Chapters 11-12 or 15 pages
June 07: Chapters 13-14 or 15 pages
June 08: Chapters 15-16 or 15 pages
June 09: Chapters 17-18 or 15 pages

Week of 06/10
June 10: Chapters 19-20 or 15 pages
June 11: Chapters 21-22 or 15 pages
June 12: Chapters 23-24 or 15 pages
June 13: Chapters 25-26 or 15 pages
June 14: Chapters 27-28 or 15 pages
June 15: Chapters 29-30 or 15 pages
June 16: Chapters 31-32 or 15 pages

Week of 06/17
June 17: Chapters 33-34 or 15 pages
June 18: Chapters 35-36 or 15 pages
June 19: Chapters 37-38 or 15 pages
June 20: Chapters 39-40 or 15 pages
June 21: Chapters 41-42 or 15 pages
June 22: Chapters 43-44 or 15 pages
June 23: Chapters 45-46 or 15 pages

Week of 06/24
June 24: Chapters 47-48 or 15 pages
June 25: Chapters 49-50 or 15 pages
June 26: Chapters 51-52 or 15 pages
June 27: Chapters 53-54 or 15 pages
June 28: Chapters 55-56 or 15 pages

You can read the group book at any time during the month and at your own pace. This is the pace the group will be using, but if you read ahead or will be giving spoilers, please mark them (click the "some html is ok button"). If you have any questions a mod or another member can help you.
or 15 pages

[Nic]

Up to chapter 3
(view spoiler)[ Solid world building so far. I wonder who cast the curse and why? The Nightshades seem like an obvious answer but I'm sure it's not that simple. Why was Isla not allowed to leave her chambers? What was the original plan? What are Celeste and Isla planning? It's a smart idea to make an alliance with another ruler but they should probably be more careful, even in private. I'm sure someone will be watching them. (hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Nic wrote: "Up to chapter 3
[spoilers removed]"

Chapters 1-2
(view spoiler)[ I'm liking the world too so far, and I'm also curious about the origins of the curse. I think that the Nightshades would be too obvious. I like how each realm's curse seems to be tailored to them.

I have the same questions about what Poppy and Terra's original plan was and what the new plan is (and how the starstick can be used). I'm also wondering why Isla was isolated and the only reason I could think of is to make sure that no one fell in love with her so she could survive.

I really liked the introduction to the characters and I can't wait to see more of them. Also, what is the actual 'game'? Is it a competition or are they just trying to survive? I'm not sure if I missed something, but I don't really know what the characters are supposed to do.

I like that Isla and Celeste are working together, but I'm thinking the same thing. Is it possible that the Lightlark king is watching/spying on everyone through the fires? He ordered that the fires are always burning and they produce light so maybe he can somehow listen in?
(hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapters 3-4
(view spoiler)[ Isla doesn’t have the curse! So, I’m assuming she has no nature powers either which I’m a bit disappointed about. I wonder how she’s going to be able to hide it from everyone.

I can’t wait to see what the trials are.
(hide spoiler)]

[Edith, Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

@Ela, @Nic, I agree with both of you! there's just too many questions to be answered in the beginning. Especially (view spoiler)[ about why Isla was kept isolated throughout her life, though I suppose we found out in the last few chapters. @Ela, don't worry I'm also disappointed with the fact that she doesn't have any powers either lol. Was looking forward to seeing if she could communicate with animals like Terra or something along those lines as well. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 5-6: (view spoiler)[ I like the relationship she has with Grim so far even though I know I should be wary about it, especially if he's as terrible as everyone claims Nightshades to be. But he also warned her about the upcoming duel, so how bad can he possibly be? Also, the bondbreaker plan makes me nervous. it seems like too little time to search all the isles just to find this one magical thing. (hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Edith wrote: "@Ela, @Nic, I agree with both of you! there's just too many questions to be answered in the beginning. Especially [spoilers removed]

Chapters 5-6: [spoilers removed]"

Chapters 5-6
(view spoiler)[ It would have been so cool if she could talk to animals!

I liked Grim from the beginning and I was thinking that it might be a Rhysand kind of situation, since he is kind of helping her. On the other hand, Isla has no power and Oro has an abundance of power, and he saved her from the sea, so maybe that's where the romance will be.

Since the bondbreaker plan does seem to be a bit vague and it all depends on finding it, maybe Isla will end up getting Oro's powers to break the curse of her realm. But that doesn't help with the curses of the other realms.
(hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapters 7-8
(view spoiler)[ Isla and Celeste’s plans seem very dependent on luck and everything going their way.

Maybe it’s just because they have to pretend not to know each other in front of the other rulers, but I’m not seeing the friendship/sisterly bond between Isla and Celeste. Instead it feels like Celeste might betray Isla in the future. It could just be that they have a plan together and yet it seems like Celeste is in charge with her berating Isla. Also, it didn’t seem like Isla was trying to stick to the plan at all until the very end when the charade was basically over.
(hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapters 9-10: (view spoiler)[ I was just wondering if one of the trials would include the rulers using their powers. Is it possible that Azul somehow knew Isla doesn’t have powers? Otherwise it doesn’t seem like much of a trial. I liked Grim’s demonstration and his exchange with Isla.

What is Isla’s trial going to be and how is the order of the trials chosen?

I’m pretty sure the king is going to win the most trials and pick Isla as his partner.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 11-12: (view spoiler)[ I’m curious about the other rulers’ fears and what they saw in the mirror. Also, if they were such big fears, is it really possible for them to be done in minutes?

It doesn’t feel like Isla and Celeste’s plans are thought out at all and I still think that Celeste might turn on Isla.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 13-14: (view spoiler)[ I wish there was a map.

Why haven’t the other rulers used the bondbreaker?

I really like Grim so I’m really hoping that this isn’t going to be a love triangle.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 15-16: (view spoiler)[ I’m going to be honest, the trials are a bit of a disappointment and are over too quickly.

Even though I like Grim, the constant mentions of Oro and Isla asking him for things and him doing them makes me think that Grim and Isla isn’t going to happen.
(hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapters 17-18: (view spoiler)[ So, Cleo seems to be preparing to kill... a realm? All of the other realms? Does this have anything to do with her not going to one of the Centennials? What was Oro looking for in the forest? Is he working on a different plan to get rid of the curses? What happens if Isla is caught in someone else's castle? I don't think they're allowed to kill anyone yet.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 19-20: (view spoiler)[ Could Cleo be behind the curses?

I was just starting to wonder who was left and what Oro's demonstration would be. I so want to know what was written in their cups!! How can Oro be dying? Poison? Age?

That was such a good reveal, I need to continue reading.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 21-22: (view spoiler)[ Now that Celeste is paired with Cleo, I think that she'll tell Cleo Isla's secret and Cleo will use her however she needs to to further her plan. I'm really hoping that if that happens, Isla doesn't tell Celeste any crucial information about whatever she's going to be working on with Oro.
(hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapters 23-24: (view spoiler)[ Nothing’s really happened. They’re searching the valley.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 25-26: (view spoiler)[ I’m really curious about these creatures.

I get that Isla is young compared to the other rulers but it seems like she doesn’t know anything and even Celeste seems to know more than her.

I want more scenes with the other rulers.
(hide spoiler)]

[Jen K]

Just started and read chapters 1-2. I agree with the comments above in that is an interesting and creative world building.

(view spoiler)[ I think Isla was isolated to keep her and/or others safe from the curse? I appreciate that the two young girls have formed alliance. I can't wait to hear more about the games and the star stick. How were the games failed in the past centuries?

Love Ela's theory on the fires. Makes complete sense to me! (hide spoiler)]

[Jen K]

Ch 3-4 @Ela, (view spoiler)[ I kind of like that she doesn't have power. It will make it more interesting to see how she has to adapt to that weakness. (hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Jen K wrote: “Ch 3-4 @Ela, [spoilers removed]”

That does make it interesting, I just haven’t read enough books with nature powers.

[Jen K]

Ela (Mouse333) wrote: "Jen K wrote: “Ch 3-4 @Ela, [spoilers removed]”

That does make it interesting, I just haven’t read enough books with nature powers."

True, it is a super fun one and would be interesting to see how it works! Like the blood turning into flowers? I like that concept.

[Jen K]

I keep reading/ listening without remembering to update here. I am totally sucked in. I'm sad that it isn't stand alone to be able to get all the answers by the end.

I agree with and keep thinking similarly to Ela (view spoiler)[ Also getting a terrible vibe that Celeste will turn on Isla. She seems so much savvier to the game, has much more resources and has much more to lose with death coming at age 25. Fingers crossed that she stays true.

Equally Isla does seem overly naive which does annoy me a bit. I also really hope that the Grim, Isla, Oro thing does not turn into a love triangle. That might push me over the edge. (hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapters 27-28: (view spoiler)[ What’s behind the door? Would the bondbreaker be too easy?

Could Celeste have helped organise the Moonling’s attack?
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 29-30: (view spoiler)[ I like Grim, but the situation with Oro feels like it’s being drawn out. I want something to finally happen. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 31-32: (view spoiler)[ Isla hasn’t searched the Palace of Mirrors properly, and it feels like she’s forgotten about it. (hide spoiler)]

[Dia]

Ch 5
I'm still confused about the Centennial. It's been 500 years, so they've had at least 4 and none of them broke the curse? Cause they're all still around and no nation has been wiped out yet? So not one person has won? I'm confused at this point. and the fact that the older rulers still do not have an heir? after hundreds of years?

[Dia]

Ch 20
I feel like Celeste is leading Isla on? My take is that for the bondbreaker to work you need 2 rulers, but one of them will be sacrificed and Celeste will sacrifice Isla. Because why is Celeste letting Isla do all the heavy lifting of checking the other libraries - the risk to Isla is higher, she can be caught.

@Ela I also get Rhysand vibes from Grim hahha I wonder what he means by he didn't join to win.

[Dia]

@Ela I have a feeling it is hidden in the palace of mirrors too! would her starstick be the answer?

@Jen I agree with Isla's naivety. being trained by her guardians, I'd have thought they'd have drilled the importance of their survival into her

up to 48
(view spoiler)[ I knew we've heard too little from Azul. So he and Cleo probably think Celeste's people are the best sacrifice.

it's so difficult to trust anyone. Oro? Grim? I don't know if amy of them can be trusted either but with Oro dying, it's in his best interest to break the curse I guess. (hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapters 33-34: (view spoiler)[ I feel like there’s a disconnect between the events happening. Also, who were the creatures? They appeared, weren’t introduced properly and then it was over. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 35-36: (view spoiler)[ I liked the scene with the questions, but I’d rather it had been with Grim. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 37-38: (view spoiler)[ I’m shocked that Oro told everyone Isla’s secret so quickly. I feel like he’s probably going to give a reason/excuse for it later. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 39-40: (view spoiler)[ While I like Grim, his speech felt kind of dramatic. Also, what are all the rulers actually doing right now? (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 41-42: (view spoiler)[ It feels like nothing is happening and even Isla following Cleo seemed like a stupid decision. Is it too easy that Cleo’s the one that cursed them all? What was her reason? (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 43-44: (view spoiler)[ I thought it would be Oro that saved her but his insistence that he was watching over her this whole time seems over the top. Who was taking her before Oro appeared? Was it the winged creatures? (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 45-46: (view spoiler)[ This love triangle is annoying because neither relationship is developed and it’s annoying to read about.

Grim always seems to appear to do a favour for Isla and then he disappears again. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 47-48: (view spoiler)[ Isla’s ignorance of everything is annoying and like most things in this book, seems to be caused by a lack of development.

I feel like I’m missing something - when Isla thought that the heart had Nightshade and Sunling magic, she was sure that it was Cleo who cursed them all, but now that it’s revealed that Wildling magic is also in the heart suddenly it’s impossible for anyone else to have created the curse. Why? (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 49-50: (view spoiler)[ These sudden realisations by Isla when there hasn’t been much information are annoying. It feels like they’re just there to make the readers think that Isla isn’t as stupid as she’s been acting for most of the book. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 51-52: (view spoiler)[ I don’t like anything that’s happening and to be honest I don’t really know what to expect from the plot as I don’t understand it. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 53-54: (view spoiler)[ I knew Celeste was going to betray her! Such a dramatic speech. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 55-56: (view spoiler)[ I want to know what’s behind the door, but there were too many things that I didn’t like about this book so I’m probably just going to find it in a spoiler review somewhere. I don’t care to continue the series. (hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Dia wrote: "Ch 5
I'm still confused about the Centennial. It's been 500 years, so they've had at least 4 and none of them broke the curse? Cause they're all still around and no nation has been wiped out yet? S..."

I was thinking the same. Given the prophecy and the curses, I expected there to be realms that are already extinct. How has it been so many years and yet all the original realms still exist?

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Dia wrote: "Ch 20
I feel like Celeste is leading Isla on? My take is that for the bondbreaker to work you need 2 rulers, but one of them will be sacrificed and Celeste will sacrifice Isla. Because why is Celes..."

That's a good theory, and I definitely agree about Celeste. In some scenes it felt like Celeste got overly angry when Isla didn't follow their plan to a tee.

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Dia wrote: "@Ela I have a feeling it is hidden in the palace of mirrors too! would her starstick be the answer?..."

I didn't think of that!

"@Jen I agree with Isla's naivety. being trained by her guardians, I'd have thought they'd have drilled the importance of their survival into her"

I found that annoying too. Isla's been preparing for this her whole life and yet she seems to know nothing.

"up to 48"

Yeah, in these kinds of situations it feels like it would make sense for the main character to not trust anyone or be very cautious and yet it seems like every time they decide to just trust everyone and tell everyone all the critical details.

[Jen K]

I think we all caught on to how it would end even if not the exact twist. I agree with Ela that Isla was annoying and there were certainly gaps in reality. It really bothered me when she was attacked by the barbed plant that Oro didn't notice that there were no flowers coming out of her blood. I guess he thought she was masking it but the blood thing was such a big deal earlier.

Wondering if others would continue to the series. I might but not anytime soon. I didn't quite dislike it as much as Ela. It was entertaining enough that I kind of binged it but not necessarily in a good way.

[Dia]

@Ela about the next book, I agree, I don't think I'll be reading it

@Jen i agree, after a while, the "helpless" Isla was starting to get really annoying

There were too many holes and inconsistencies. like when we got to the twist, I was like aha, knew it! but not in the way I expected but for example, Oro is meant to be a powerful ruler and he didn't detect this? and how did another 500 year old ruler (Grim) "listen" to a less than 25 year old girl's (dare I say stupid) plan?? like I would have questioned the heck out of that plan. what he did was such a big red flag and he didn't even get consent!! what a violation.

[Jen K]

Agreed, (view spoiler)[ the erasing her memory and hiding the previous relationship was utterly ridiculous. Surely he at least knew better? (hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Jen K wrote: "I think we all caught on to how it would end even if not the exact twist. I agree with Ela that Isla was annoying and there were certainly gaps in reality. It really bothered me when she was attack..."

(view spoiler)[ Yeah, Celeste was obvious, but I could hardly remember who Aurora was. Her reason and her speech were too dramatic for me.

I was thinking about how plants weren't supposed to act that way because she's a Wildling, but the blood thing definitely should have made Oro question Isla's powers. Also, it says at the end that Oro's flair is that he knows when someone is lying so he knew that almost nothing Isla said was true. Why did he choose to tell her such sensitive information then?

I'm not going to continue the series, which I didn't even realise isn't finished yet, because I hate love triangles and Isla was annoying. I am curious what she finds when she opens the door in the Palace of Mirrors though.
(hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Dia wrote: "@Ela about the next book, I agree, I don't think I'll be reading it

@Jen i agree, after a while, the "helpless" Isla was starting to get really annoying

There were too many holes and inconsistenc..."

(view spoiler)[ I agree and I expected more from Oro who is all powerful and has lived for so long. Also, I didn't really buy the sudden "love" between Isla and him.

I don't understand Grim's reasoning for taking Isla's memory either, or the fact that he took them so that she could make someone fall in love with her. I don't see how that's going to be explained in a way that'll make it fine. The way Aurora manipulated everyone just made them all seem really stupid.
(hide spoiler)]