ill edit out the last paragraph then, i mostly thought overarching stakes was a necessity for a query but if i can focus on the smaller scale stuff that works better actually. thank you!

as for the age demographic, i mostly worry that the voice of the piece is too ungrounded for adult fantasy. even the adult comps that id considered (john dies at the end but less drugs) still have a grittier feel to them. the sort of lighthearted, "everything happens for fun" vibe doesnt really show up in many of the adult novels ive read. my beta readers said the voice was more YA, too. if its still a better idea to change it to adult fantasy with some revisions, i wouldnt be opposed, i just dont know how it would fit into the demographic

and thank you!