I had the absolute pleasure of reading the first 100 pages of Island of Shadow and Light and I am already deeply invested in the world and its characters. The author has done an incredible job of creating a vivid and immersive experience, where every character feels tangible and alive.  From their conversations to their traits. Even the side characters and families are so well crafted that you can truly envision them and feel their presence on the page.

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The main character, Skiila, is instantly relatable and compelling. Despite her powers not having surfaced yet, something that everyone around her seems to have already been given, she remains optimistic and grounded. Her joy is infectious, especially in the scene where her closest cousin, Loe, shares the exciting new about her powers. You can feel Skiila’s happiness leap off the page, while still juggling her own feelings of not having her own internally- a testament to the author’s ability to convey emotion so effectively. 

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Then there is Alekai, or Kai, a character who immediately intrigues you with his rough edges and complex backstory. His strained relationships with his family, his brother, and even his own people make him a deeply layered and conflicted character. When something drastic happens that forces him to face the needs of his people, his motivations are further complicated by his want for revenge. It’s impossible not to be drawn into his struggle, even as he seems to be the complete opposition of Skiila in terms of personality and likability. 

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The chemistry between Skiila and Kai is undeniable, even if they only met once. She was in the middle of enjoying a dance while he was on the verge of revenge. There’s a magnetic pull between them, leaving me eager to see how their connection will grow and evolve. The tension, the intrigue, and the emotional depths of their individual journeys kept me on the edge of my seat, hungry for more. 

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I can’t wait to dive deeper into the dynamic between Kai’s friend, Matosi, who seems like a character with incredible potential for depth and impact on Skiila’s story. Finally, I have to commend the author on the stunningly beautiful and thoughtful names of the characters, places, and islands. They feel unique and authentic, adding an extra layer of richness to this already fascinating world. This story is off to an incredible start, and I am beyond excited to continue Skiila and Kai’s journey. The combination of heartfelt relationships, high stakes, and masterful world building, makes this a book I can’t wait to read more of.