The Origin Story I Didn't Know I Needed
Alright my fellow spicy book dragons, we've finally reached the seventh book in the Monstrous series, and wow... this one completely surprised me.
Instead of continuing right where the previous books left off, Lily Mayne takes us back to the very beginning, long before the apocalypse, long before the military cities, and long before humans and monsters became enemies. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about such a big time jump. Turns out... I absolutely loved it.
Meet the Couple
Michael "Jugs" Pyne (MMC): A sweet, slightly awkward camp counselor who accidentally falls through a tiny tear into the monster world. Jugs is adventurous, kindhearted, and endlessly curious despite growing up with emotionally distant parents. His love of crop tops, shorts, music, snacks, and all things human adds so much charm and humor to the story.
Lor (Moric Lor) (MMC): A young ruler unexpectedly thrust into leadership after his mother's death. Lor is thoughtful, anxious, compassionate, and constantly worries whether he's worthy of leading his people. More than anything, he wants to do what's right, making him one of the gentlest rulers I've ever read about.
What I Loved
One of my favorite things about this book was finally getting to see the monster world before everything changed. Instead of exploring the Wastes, we get an entirely different perspective, learning how monsters lived before the great tear between the worlds ripped open. It adds so much depth to the series and answers questions I didn't even realize I still had.
Jugs accidentally stumbling into the monster world was the perfect way to start the story. The first meeting between him, Lor, and Lyri had me laughing. Between the language barrier, the confusion, and everyone startling each other, it was the perfect mix of awkward and hilarious.
Once they finally discover a way to understand one another, their friendship slowly blossoms into something much deeper. Their romance feels incredibly natural.
There are no rushed feelings or instant declarations of love. Instead, we get to watch two shy, awkward people slowly learn about each other's worlds, sharing food, music, traditions, and little pieces of themselves until friendship quietly turns into love. It was absolutely adorable.
A Love Story That Spans Decades
What makes Lor stand apart from every other book in the series is its scope. The story spans thirty years, yet somehow it never feels rushed. Instead, every major event feels meaningful, showing how one relationship quietly shaped the future we've been reading about since Soul Eater.
Without spoiling too much, there are moments in this book that completely changed how I looked at earlier books in the series. I loved finally seeing how certain events unfolded and understanding the sacrifices that had been made long before our previous couples ever met.
Lor and Lyri Completely Won Me Over
As much as I loved the romance, I have to talk about Lor and his twin brother, Lyri. Their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the entire book. They're complete opposites.
Lor constantly worries about everything, while Lyri is confident, fearless, and always ready to throw himself headfirst into danger. Despite their differences, it's obvious how deeply they love each other, and their bond made so many emotional moments even stronger. I honestly could have read another entire book just about the two of them.
The Ending Left Me Desperate for More
Without giving away the biggest twists... The ending absolutely destroyed my patience. The happily ever after between Lor and Jugs was beautiful and incredibly satisfying after everything they endured together.
Then Lily Mayne decided to end the book with one of the biggest cliffhangers in the entire series. The moment Lyri finally returned had me immediately looking up when the next book was releasing. I need Lyri.
Like... Yesterday.
The Verdict
Highly Recommended For: Fans of slow burn romances, fantasy world-building, friends-to-lovers, emotionally driven love stories, found family, and readers who enjoy seeing the origins behind an epic series.
Lor is easily one of the most unique books in the Monstrous series.
Rather than focusing on another dangerous adventure across the Wastes, Lily Mayne gives us an emotional love story that spans decades while expanding the world in ways I never expected. Lor and Jugs are incredibly sweet together, their relationship develops beautifully, and seeing the beginnings of everything we've experienced throughout the series made this book feel incredibly rewarding.
Between the romance, the humor, the world-building, and that absolutely cruel cliffhanger, I finished this book more excited than ever for Lyri. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Happy reading, and remember my fellow spicy book dragons, before starting a book please check the tropes, and always check for trigger warnings. Nobody likes an unfinished book because the tropes aren't your cup of tea or having a bad reading experience because of unexpected trigger warnings.
