Lightlark (The Lightlark Saga Book 1): Volume 1
#1 in Lightlark Series
on Goodreads (243,780)
What’s inside...
In the fantastical world of Lightlark, every 100 years, the six ruling monarchs come together to participate in the Centennial, a deadly game that determines who will gain control of the island's powerful magic. Isla Crown, the young queen of the Summer Court, must navigate the treacherous politics, unexpected alliances, and dark secrets of the island to survive and protect her court from the curse that plagues it. The Centennial is not just a contest, but a summons—a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood. Each ruler has something to hide and each realm's curse is uniquely wicked. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die. Isla Crown, ruler of Wildling—a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with, is both feared and despised. She must lie, cheat, and betray, even as love complicates everything, in her quest to end their suffering and succeed at the Centennial.
Character compass
Isla Crown
Celeste
Azul
Dahlia
Grim
Oro
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to participate in the Centennial competition at Lightlark?
How do you feel about the alliances formed between the characters? Do you think trust is important in their situation?
If you were in the protagonist’s place, how would you handle the challenges presented in the game?
What are some lessons about friendship and bravery that you can take away from the story?
How do the settings in Lightlark add to the story's atmosphere? Which location in the book would you like to visit?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book's plot and characters. Use open-ended questions to help them delve deeper into the narrative and connect with the characters' experiences. Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists to enhance understanding of complex themes. Relate the fantasy elements to real-world situations to help your child draw parallels. Celebrate creative thinking by asking your child how they might rewrite certain parts of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of collaboration
Explanation: In 'Lightlark,' characters must work together to solve the island's century-old curse, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by collaborating with peers in school projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist shows bravery when confronting daunting challenges, inspiring readers to face their fears.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle difficult tasks at school or in social settings, reinforcing that courage can lead to personal growth.
Example Lesson: The value of critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must use problem-solving skills to navigate complex situations, highlighting the importance of critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to analyze situations and make informed decisions in their daily interactions and academic endeavors.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one’s actions
Explanation: Characters in 'Lightlark' experience the consequences of their decisions, teaching readers about accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their choices have impacts and encourages them to act responsibly in their community and family.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the protagonist perseveres, which illustrates resilience.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to remain resilient in their studies and personal challenges, reinforcing that perseverance can overcome obstacles.