Okay wow. I need to recover from this book. I was not prepared...

Lor was perfection. At first, I felt like it was a little slow and taking a while to get going. It was so different from the others, too. But by the middle, I realized that was all necessary. We needed that slow burn and it so paid off.

Lor is my favorite monster from the series. He is so sweet, kind, selfless, timid, and thoughtful. He gets flustered and embarrassed easily, but he's also determined to do the right thing and rule fairly. Jugs is such a sweet, thoughtful, fun himbo and I love him. When Jugs accidentally discovers another world, he's brave enough to keep going back to learn more. Watching Lor and Jugs' relationship grow is so fun. It's such a great slow burn.

Then comes the sobbing. The way I cried at this book. I mean ugly cried. Sobbed into my pillow. Cried at the drop of a hat when thinking about this story. It really wasn't fair.

Spoiler

Lor lost so much. He spent years and years so sad and lonely. And also, he didn't really lose his loved ones. It was worse! He was in limbo. FOR THIRTY YEARS. And once Lyric disappeared? I couldn't handle it. And the time jumps??? Devastation. Oh and Lor piercing his lip???? I can't handle it.

In the end, this book was devastating, emotionally traumatizing, and wonderfully sweet. I loved seeing a glimpse of Wyn and Danny and the ending was amazing. I am dying for Lyri's story now, please. 3/5 spice levels.

Notes: slow burn, time jumps, monster/human, pre and post apocalyptic world, actual sobbing for too large a part of the book, language barrier, piercings, ruler/human, hurt/no comfort lol