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Lightlark
Oro
A new romantasy novella written from the perspective of Oro, from #1 New York Times–bestselling author and #BookTok sensation Alex Aster
True love knows no bounds.
The novella is narrated by Oro and offers a window into his complex that of a king torn between desire for justice and passion for the woman he loves more than anything. It includes key moments from the ruler’s love story with Isla, told in his own voice.
Oro is certain to thrill listeners and test allegiances, leaving new and longtime fans second-guessing who they’re rooting for in the breathtaking battle for Isla’s heart.
True love knows no bounds.
The novella is narrated by Oro and offers a window into his complex that of a king torn between desire for justice and passion for the woman he loves more than anything. It includes key moments from the ruler’s love story with Isla, told in his own voice.
Oro is certain to thrill listeners and test allegiances, leaving new and longtime fans second-guessing who they’re rooting for in the breathtaking battle for Isla’s heart.
10 pages, Audible Audio
Published September 30, 2025
179 people are currently reading
4507 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
December 6, 2025
I’m always gonna be team oro for a number of reasons, one mainly because he’s hotter than Grimm imo. Grimm is just.. lowkey lil basic. I’m sick of the shadow daddies, they’re so overplayed. Gimme a brooding, sun king any day. ☀️
and yes, I’m going to completely spoil crowntide for myself the second it comes out because I NEED to know who she chooses 😭🙏🏻
UPDATE: ITS NOT THE END. SHE DOESN’T CHOOSE EITHER. KILL ME.
I want oro and Grimm to fu-
and yes, I’m going to completely spoil crowntide for myself the second it comes out because I NEED to know who she chooses 😭🙏🏻
UPDATE: ITS NOT THE END. SHE DOESN’T CHOOSE EITHER. KILL ME.
I want oro and Grimm to fu-
October 10, 2025
Glad I read this because it solidified that I will NEVER be Team Oro :) forever Team Grim. This just made me dislike Oro even more and rooting for his end 🫣
October 2, 2025
Im not a fan of Oro, hence why I started with his perspective, to me, while hes good intentioned and honourable, he's a bit...plain. hes not passionate, not particularly interesting. It was nice to see more of his character though, and his backstory.
October 3, 2025
#TeamGrim
October 21, 2025
ORO TALKS ABT ISLA THE SAME WAY ANDREW GARFIELD TALKS ABT EMMA STONE I CAN’T BE NORMAL ABT THIS
October 19, 2025
He’s a good book bf, but he’s not Grim.
I’ve never been team Oro, like he’s a typical book boyfriend. He cares for Isla and claims he’ll “burn the world down for her” but has he ever made her hot chocolate because he knows how much she loves it? I THINK NOT!
I swear I don’t understand team Oro, he’s too “righteous” and “Just” and “Merciful” to be Isla’s forever.
If Isla had just killed like 100 random people, Oro would say, “now why don’t we calm down and think about this for a second.” But Grim would be right by her side saying, “alright who’s next?”
I felt bad for this man for like .2 seconds when he and Grim became buddies, AND THEN HE STARTED YELLING AT HIM!?
LEAVE MY POOR BOY ALONE YOU BURNT BISCUIT!!
I’m sorry but the only thing I ever felt for Oro was pity, and let’s be honest, Oro has way too many problems to actually focus on loving Isla.
At this point she’s just his hot therapist.
Great story, but this hardly persuaded me to root for Oro.
#TeamGrim4Life
I’ve never been team Oro, like he’s a typical book boyfriend. He cares for Isla and claims he’ll “burn the world down for her” but has he ever made her hot chocolate because he knows how much she loves it? I THINK NOT!
I swear I don’t understand team Oro, he’s too “righteous” and “Just” and “Merciful” to be Isla’s forever.
If Isla had just killed like 100 random people, Oro would say, “now why don’t we calm down and think about this for a second.” But Grim would be right by her side saying, “alright who’s next?”
I felt bad for this man for like .2 seconds when he and Grim became buddies, AND THEN HE STARTED YELLING AT HIM!?
LEAVE MY POOR BOY ALONE YOU BURNT BISCUIT!!
I’m sorry but the only thing I ever felt for Oro was pity, and let’s be honest, Oro has way too many problems to actually focus on loving Isla.
At this point she’s just his hot therapist.
Great story, but this hardly persuaded me to root for Oro.
#TeamGrim4Life
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2025
I’m still #TeamGrim. I read Oro’s POV first as that’s what Alex said we should. This novella served two purposes for me: a great refresher into the Lightlark world and secondly, interesting background into Oro and Grim’s connections and their fathers. So that was really enjoyable.
October 20, 2025
I usually don't like books that give a different POV of a story already once told... but Alex did this one justice. This actually gave more depth to Oro than what was portrayed in the original story in such a personable way. Oh, and sneaking in my fave narrator almost got me to team Oro.... almost ;)
October 6, 2025
Alex wasn't talking to us Oro girlies when she said we would be switching sides.
November 3, 2025
even though I am team grim, no one can make me hate oro. I enjoyed reading about his past then his pov from lightlark.
October 16, 2025
I didn't hate the book, but I do hate Oro.
prior to reading this book, I was #TeamGrim, I had no feeling for Oro positive or negative.
after reading, I am still #TeamGrim. and Oro is kind of annoying, selfish, and hypocritical now in my eyes.
I originally was not going to read Oro; I was just going to Grims. But then Alex said to read Oros first and that Grim does show up in Oros book. So, I took a chance, and it was a fine read, I just did not need any of this information LMFAO
prior to reading this book, I was #TeamGrim, I had no feeling for Oro positive or negative.
after reading, I am still #TeamGrim. and Oro is kind of annoying, selfish, and hypocritical now in my eyes.
I originally was not going to read Oro; I was just going to Grims. But then Alex said to read Oros first and that Grim does show up in Oros book. So, I took a chance, and it was a fine read, I just did not need any of this information LMFAO
November 28, 2025
My little Oro 💛 I love him so much. This just confirmed that I am in fact team Oro hehe
December 30, 2025
This actually made me like oro less? What😅
November 6, 2025
[audiobook] GASP. I cannot WAITTTTTTTT for grims pov. BRB while i go reread the last two books. (Audible decided to lock the first one. Rude.
March 11, 2026
Not even Chase Brown’s most beautiful voice could save oro as a character. He is manipulative, a liar, and a huge hypocrite. Throughout this whole book, it just made it more evident that he truly does not put Ila above anything else. He says he has to save his people and his land but his one true love is right there and he keeps betraying her after she gives him her trust again and again and again. I know for one grim would watch his whole world burn for Ila. And that’s why you choose the shadow Daddy!!!
January 2, 2026
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oro
Author: Alex Aster
This book had me in a chokehold, y’all, and it was a novella! I’ve read all of the Lightlark books except the latest release (Crowntide), and while I’ve enjoyed the series overall, it hasn’t always stuck with me… until this one. I was not ready for it. Oro focuses on one of the main characters in the series, the ruler of Lightlark himself, and is told entirely from his perspective. We get to dive deep into his past: his family, his early relationships, his dynamic with Grim, and the choices that shaped him into the leader we know. His story was so compelling and emotionally layered, I was hooked on every single word. Honestly? I’m now contemplating a full Lightlark reread just because of this novella. 🫣
Oro
Author: Alex Aster
This book had me in a chokehold, y’all, and it was a novella! I’ve read all of the Lightlark books except the latest release (Crowntide), and while I’ve enjoyed the series overall, it hasn’t always stuck with me… until this one. I was not ready for it. Oro focuses on one of the main characters in the series, the ruler of Lightlark himself, and is told entirely from his perspective. We get to dive deep into his past: his family, his early relationships, his dynamic with Grim, and the choices that shaped him into the leader we know. His story was so compelling and emotionally layered, I was hooked on every single word. Honestly? I’m now contemplating a full Lightlark reread just because of this novella. 🫣
December 1, 2025
𝖔𝖗𝖔 💛 ☀️ 👑 🌖
🎧 + 📖 જ⁀➴ 3⭐️
this was fine. i don’t hate oro but i just don’t like him for isla so im just meh about him you know??
ily chase brown though💓
🎧 + 📖 જ⁀➴ 3⭐️
this was fine. i don’t hate oro but i just don’t like him for isla so im just meh about him you know??
ily chase brown though💓
December 12, 2025
full plot recap coming to a bookmas near you but also nothing really happens in this lol
December 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ the first half was a little confusing only because it took place 500 years prior to ‘Lightlark’ and I didn’t realise 🤣 however the second half when we finally got to ‘Lightlark’ was exactly what I expected
January 22, 2026
6 Stars if I could. oh my heart ❤️
December 5, 2025
He’s my vote but I know he’s not winning boooo
February 12, 2026
I was a grim girl. I didn’t really like Oro much at all and found him an inconvenience. I read grim first and was still a grim girl. Then I read this and halfway through I was like “why choose”? By the end it was Oro all the way. I can’t wait for Crowntide and the final book to see how this all plays out.
December 10, 2025
The way that Oro LOVES Isla and is completely devoted to her… say less. Loved this just as much as the Grim novella. ❤️❤️
November 10, 2025
I wasn’t expecting to fall this hard for Oro… but I am obsessed. Seeing everything from his perspective completely changed how I see him as a character. He’s so layered, so controlled, but you can feel the emotion underneath all that restraint, the loyalty, the love, the guilt. It’s everything I wanted from his point of view and more.
I haven’t even read Grim’s side yet and I’ve already switched teams. Oro has my whole heart now. The way he sees Isla, the quiet devotion, the internal conflict… it’s beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
Alex Aster wrote his voice perfectly. It’s regal and precise, but full of emotion simmering just below the surface. This novella made me fall even deeper into the Lightlark world. It was so refreshing to read into this world in a first-person POV. I’d read a full-length novel from Oro’s POV in a heartbeat.
I haven’t even read Grim’s side yet and I’ve already switched teams. Oro has my whole heart now. The way he sees Isla, the quiet devotion, the internal conflict… it’s beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
Alex Aster wrote his voice perfectly. It’s regal and precise, but full of emotion simmering just below the surface. This novella made me fall even deeper into the Lightlark world. It was so refreshing to read into this world in a first-person POV. I’d read a full-length novel from Oro’s POV in a heartbeat.
January 20, 2026
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up
oro is still a snickerdoodle with not enough personality. i found the writing of this book kinda weird too - it was very flowery, but in a way that made it sound like alex aster was trying too hard to make it flowery. every sentence was describing islas eyes in a different way. like we get it… oro is ridiculously in love. and don’t get me started on the insane amount of self pity. i could barely take it. i will never be team oro. looking forward to grim
oro is still a snickerdoodle with not enough personality. i found the writing of this book kinda weird too - it was very flowery, but in a way that made it sound like alex aster was trying too hard to make it flowery. every sentence was describing islas eyes in a different way. like we get it… oro is ridiculously in love. and don’t get me started on the insane amount of self pity. i could barely take it. i will never be team oro. looking forward to grim
October 1, 2025
Alex said this would make us switch teams but 1000% she was talking to team oro… sorry #Grim for life😮💨
The wedding scene will forever be burned to my memory like the wedding from Crazy rich asians 🥹
The wedding scene will forever be burned to my memory like the wedding from Crazy rich asians 🥹
October 3, 2025
Am I team Oro now? Still need to read Grim’s side so final decision tbd
December 5, 2025
This POV has furthered my decision that I am not and will not be team Oro🫣
February 25, 2026
At this point, I honestly believe Oro and Grim should just elope together. They’re so, so similar. This story, rather than differentiate them, only made them seem more similar—daddy issues, fear of love, duty to their people, a minute group of people they trust, the honesty, and even half their love scenes with Isla (Like seriously, why was a bathtub a theme in both their stories?) They’re basically the same person! None of the scenes really felt needed because of that. I just don’t think this novella did a good enough job differentiating Oro as a his own, likable individual.
As for Oro’s love, it seems kind of out of nowhere. Unlike Grim, it was fascination at first sight… and entirely inexplicable fascination at that. He just seemed obsessed from the get-go, and what was more frustrating was that there was a complete disconnect between his actions and thoughts. I mean, with Grim, there was a period of genuine hatred, and then the logical progression to positive thoughts, affection, and love shown both in his thoughts and words/actions. With Oro, it felt like he always cared for her, albeit begrudgingly, which makes his behavior truly baffling. I don’t care if secretly he loved her the whole time because he treated her terribly. (I will give him props on understanding Isla’s autonomy, though.) While it did somewhat help to see his interest during the truth game and genuine remorse after his betrayal, I can’t say this book made me any more sympathetic to him as a lover/choice for Isla.
As for Oro’s love, it seems kind of out of nowhere. Unlike Grim, it was fascination at first sight… and entirely inexplicable fascination at that. He just seemed obsessed from the get-go, and what was more frustrating was that there was a complete disconnect between his actions and thoughts. I mean, with Grim, there was a period of genuine hatred, and then the logical progression to positive thoughts, affection, and love shown both in his thoughts and words/actions. With Oro, it felt like he always cared for her, albeit begrudgingly, which makes his behavior truly baffling. I don’t care if secretly he loved her the whole time because he treated her terribly. (I will give him props on understanding Isla’s autonomy, though.) While it did somewhat help to see his interest during the truth game and genuine remorse after his betrayal, I can’t say this book made me any more sympathetic to him as a lover/choice for Isla.
December 4, 2025
Important note- I would read this after Lightlark. It takes place before and during that book.
"I dont remember what sunlight feels like on my skin but when you look at me, it feels close. Centuries of darkness, and here you ste, a reminder that this cursed world still have beauty in it yet."
The pining, obsession and absolute denial around his feelings for Isla in this is perfection. His favorite color, place and seeing his literal dreams is so cute!
"Find your fire"
I loved seeing Oro and his mother in all the little glimpses. The desire to be better than his family yet how much he misses them held a lot of confusing internal emotions. He loved his brother but is determined to be different from him and not make the same "mistakes" by falling in love. Seeing his relationships with his friends and his brother were huge parts of him that we dont get to see much in the rest of the series.
His history with Grim mostly made me sad for both of them. They have so much in common and the dreams they have for their realms aligned well.
"Ive waited hundreds of years for her. Ill wait hundreds more." ❤️🔥
"I dont remember what sunlight feels like on my skin but when you look at me, it feels close. Centuries of darkness, and here you ste, a reminder that this cursed world still have beauty in it yet."
The pining, obsession and absolute denial around his feelings for Isla in this is perfection. His favorite color, place and seeing his literal dreams is so cute!
"Find your fire"
I loved seeing Oro and his mother in all the little glimpses. The desire to be better than his family yet how much he misses them held a lot of confusing internal emotions. He loved his brother but is determined to be different from him and not make the same "mistakes" by falling in love. Seeing his relationships with his friends and his brother were huge parts of him that we dont get to see much in the rest of the series.
His history with Grim mostly made me sad for both of them. They have so much in common and the dreams they have for their realms aligned well.
"Ive waited hundreds of years for her. Ill wait hundreds more." ❤️🔥
Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews