Ean

Bladebound Orcs #1

by Becca Saylor

Fiona is a highlander, born and raised. Just like any decent highlander, she loathes orcs. Ean is the chief of the Mornal orc clan - a clan that is doomed to diminish because of winter battles with monsters in the underland. When Fiona challenges Ean with his own blade during an autumn raid, she is proposing in the most orcish way possible. He leaps at the chance for a bladebound mate, the first blessed by the Goddess Diana in centuries. The problem? Fiona meant to kill him, not mate him. With his anxious clan and a vengeful orc ex aware of his every move, Ean has to figure out a solution. What he comes up with?“Pretend to be my bladebound mate, Fiona. Just until Gyda doesn’t want to disembowel me.”How far will Fiona go with their fated farce? Her way home and the return of her village’s food is on the line. The keen senses of orcs means she has to give her act her all. What happens when Fiona’s pretending stops feeling like a lie? This is an M/F orc romance. There is a HEA. Be aware of CW's within.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Monster Romance, Paranormal, Enemies To Lovers, Monsters, Fantasy Romance

496 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2023

Reviews

[Gabija Suchockaitė · Rating 1 out of 5]

Short summary:
*I need to save my village! *
*Fucks*
*I need to save my village! *
*Fucks some more*
*I'm so angry about this, I need to save my village! *
*Fucks*

[Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 ⭐️

There were some unique and interesting elements to this book, but ultimately there was just too much that annoyed me. We were reminded FAR TOO often that Fiona shouldn't be with/trust/desire orcs. There was absolutely no need for it - WE GET IT! It added to my irritation with Fiona and in the end, I just didn't really care about what happened to her and the highlanders.

[jennifer | offmyredcarpet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 // This is a great read. Orcs raid human villages before winter for food. As a result the humans die of starvation over winter which is why humans detest orcs. During a raid our FMC turns orc’s blade on him and draws blood inadvertently proposing to him in the old way. I like the “mistaken proposal” beginning to their relationship but I LOVE the paradox presented with regards to the human-orc dynamic. We learn why they raid, they learn the consequences of the raids, and we see the conundrum our FMC is determined to solve.

The attention to detail is fantastic. The world building and cultural elements really allow you to immerse yourself. It is very sex positive. Unmated orcs are promiscuous, polyamorous, exhibitionists, and voyeuristic. There’s an intimate moment between Ean and Fiona told from his pov when he teaches her how to self pleasure for her first O because it is hers alone to experience for the first time.

I would have preferred descriptions of clothing and interiors edited down as they are a bit verbose for my personal taste but it’s such a great, unique story that I was able to overlook it. It’s definitely worth the read and I’m definitely interested in the next installment.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found certain descriptions of characters and settings very skimmable but the plot and characters were well developed and entertaining. I would continue to read books in this series. Loved the length compared to many other orc romances

[Malia Blocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTSTANDING

I fucking loved this book I need more asap, I was so interlocked with this book ugh but I am a slut for Orc romance and maybe some Orc cum lol I need a series asap like Alfie finding her human mate most likely a woman I get strong masc female vibes, damn I might be her mate ahah I really enjoyed reading this book and hopefully get to read more like it from you 😍❤️❤️

[Saucypotatosalad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like ice planet barbarians but orcs and ya know what? I enjoyed the hell out of it

[Niah (novelniah)]

DNF @ 40%

I was uncomfortable with the way the MC constantly disrespected the orcs & their culture lmao this is silly because it’s made up but like…..

[My Metal Monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop what you’re doing and read this book!! Omg! I have read well over 20+ Orc series in my day and this, this is my favorite. The characters are so fleshed out and well-rounded, the plot is amazing, the history and lore are always fascinating, never boring, and THE SPICE!!!! So. Much. Orc. “Arrival”? Nothing was forced, everything flowed like an orchestra “coming together” (pun intended!). I am so invested in this world of characters, I can’t wait to see what happens with the other members of the clans. Bravo! 10 out of 10.

Tropes:
Fated Mates
One bed
Fake Dating
Classic Misunderstanding
Exhibitionism/ Group Play
HEA

What’s it like in a nutshell?
Imagine Brave, Outlander, and the best Orc series you’ve ever read came together in one universe! Highland Orcs? Yes please!!!

[Michael K · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like orc romance. READ THIS ONE. This one, right here. This is the one you need to read. This book, pick it up if you like orc romance. This is the shindig, the whole party's right here. Do this one. PICK IT.

I don't even want to ruin it for you. But the characteristic humor alone is enough for me to say--it's a feel-good romance. Read the thing. Do it.

I will say sometimes the passages of thought get away from the author a little bit, it feels like physical action is taking place, when it's more emotional than other. BUT, overall that's such a tiny thing, and I literally think this book is gold.

...for various reasons.

HAPPY READING.

[Kay H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, but TRULY did not need to be this long. Very spicy, very many descriptions of large amounts of fluids, very large orc and very tiny human. Take the content warnings seriously.

[AnnieIsReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't catch me in the beginning like I would've hoped but once it got going I WAS HOOKED I fell in love with the characters and THE UNDERLAND oh my goshhhh I want to be there!!

[Raygun ∆ Gothic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eventually I had to give up on this one. I was pretty far into it, too. The plot just seemed to absolutely screech to a halt. Winter was coming, but it was hard to care when everything was about getting tattooed and making lady orcs jealous with the power of dance?!?!

[kal · Rating 3 out of 5]

“there had to be communication” applies to everyone but fiona apparently

[Coral · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was gross.

Badly written, inconsistent word choice, and the smut was disgusting. Parts were pretty repetitive. It gets an extra star because Ean is gosh darn adorable and I love him.

[Morgan Le Fay ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was feeling a smidge of struggle to find a new downloaded book on my Kindle app to start. I’d definitely gone a bit feral on Stuff Your Kindle days and had just an overload of books. I’d start, get a few pages in, and decide it wasn’t the time for me to read that book.

This book immediately broke that. I started it while in bed, then stayed up far later than my permanently sleepy self does anymore. I then spent the new work day sneaking a page or two at a time because I was so absorbed.

Fiona is a fantastic and still reasonably flawed lead. She did occasionally not connect the dotes I really was nearly yelling at her to connect (but it be a much shorter book if she did). However, I do like how fierce she was and determined to save her villagers. Plus, then the literal Goddess Diana actually yelled at her for that same reason as I wanted to so it didn’t feel like an example of a bad writing choice but instead another stubborn choice by a character that has proven throughout to be exactly. Plus, I caught a (purposeful??) Adventure Time reference when she is referred to as Fiona the Human.


I also really liked the world building and history set up in. It’s easy to follow being Highlander based history but then gives you that additional fantasy element woven in.

I will say, I start catching the timeline of the story get a bit wonky. Specifically Fiona mentions it being only days she’s been there, then says weeks, and the next page goes back to 8 days. Could be just an exaggeration at times from an unreliable narrator (who to be fair *is* living in a cave).

[Kaitlin Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly amazing

As someone who has never read an Orc romance, I'm so glad this was my first. The most amazing world building, brilliant character development, SPICE that was out of this world, an excellent plot that left nothing to be missed, the absolute sweetest HEA. I want to read this a million times. I've already read it twice! Im just absolutely in love with everything Becca Saylor writes but she really just knocked it out of the ballpark on this one. I cant wait to read the next installment!!

[Adrianell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The smuttiest book I've read this month ;)
I enjoyed the main characters, their miscomunnications were annoying, but very believable. The orcs as a whole were interesting and the two clans were great. I liked almost all of the background characters :)
I usually don't like when female characters get pregnant in a week or two of sleeping with her lovers but I guess it was fine in these circumstances.
The story was engaging, I've read it in one sitting. It was long enough to get immersed in the world and meet quite a lot of its inhabitants.

[Kaitlyn 🌙 🦇 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️

Ean by Becca Saylor was a fun and spicy read. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if the transition from “I hate orcs” to “orc enthusiast” hadn’t happened quite so fast. It made Fiona’s change of heart feel a little rushed and hard to believe, especially given how strongly her hatred is emphasized at the start. That said, the characters were still really lovable, and there was plenty of heat to keep things entertaining. Definitely a wild ride with a lot of action in more ways than one.

[Anacostia Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read with plenty of spice and world-building. It comes to a satisfying conclusion. Ean's POV was interesting and Fiona was a spitfire in every sense of the word. Though with everything on the line, it felt a bit too comfy for my liking, but that's a personal preference. All in all, this author created an exciting plot with memorable side characters.

[Rach Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different twist on orcs

I actually quite liked the concept of bladebound orc mates. There was lots of similar concepts to other orc stories I’ve read, which I enjoyed, but it had its own unique elements.

I liked Fiona’s personal fiery character and the variety of secondary characters and their diverse relationships the most. I even liked Gyda in the end!

[FatCat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unexpectedly, I actually really enjoyed this book. Both the FMC and MMC aren’t stupid and I love their cute romance. Quite spicy and I still have some questions about magical orc cum but okay. Also if you don’t like the idea of pregnancy or a pregnancy trope, don’t read this.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! My only complaint is that Fiona never seemingly apologises to Ean or the orcs for her constant bigotry, especially when she was particularly vile towards Ean at the end. He's better than me because I couldn't have bounced back from that so easily 😅

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. It hit the spice and plot well. Spice came about 30% in and 50% in with all the steam.

[Kelspar]

DNF at 32%

Just didn't grab me. Liked the MMC, wasn't feeling the FMC. Couldn't see myself reading almost 500 pages

[Raenoceros · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delight.

[LeeAnne Traylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn popped my Orc cherry with this masterpiece. Are all Orc books this good?!

Reminded me of Ice Planet Barbarian but with more plot and a whole hella lot more swooning

[Miracle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not entirely to my taste, earning a 2-star rating from me, may appeal to fans of A Soul to Keep. Its most commendable features are its rich world-building and a well-crafted magic system, which are a delight for fantasy enthusiasts. The book creates an immersive universe, full of diverse cultures and intricate landscapes. The magic system is unique and thoughtfully integrated into the plot. However, the story's pacing and some character arcs felt lacking, making the overall experience less engaging. Despite its shortcomings in narrative and character development, it holds potential for readers who cherish detailed fantasy worlds.

[hailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

dnf @ 50%

i have a couple gripes with this book:

- a lot of parts where the author was describing architecture, rooms etc were sooo convoluted that it was really hard to picture it in my head, and i ended up skimming through a lot of it
- Fiona and Ean would speak with what i assume was a scottish accent, and then suddenly it would go away and the dialogue was weirdly formal in some parts
- Fiona is sexually inexperienced but she was sucking dick like a pro? lmao
- the smut got sort of boring after a while, and i think this is a personal preference thing but some of the dirty talk on Ean’s part made me laugh/gave me the ick


tldr the story wasn’t bad at all, i just had some pet peeves that I couldn’t get over and lost interest after a while

[LunaLibro · Rating 1 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 1.5/5

Didn’t enjoy this orc romance as much as I thought I would. I fully expected this book to be short and lighthearted. Was completely shocked it was THIS long. Didn’t really connect with the main characters at all. I personally felt there was no chemistry aside from sexual. There was a lot miscommunication throughout this book which irritated me to no end. Especially when Ean chose to withhold vital information from Fiona. I will say the sex scenes were pretty steamy. The whole magical cum solving compatibility problems was a bit much. I really tried to like this.

[Becca Saylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orc Romance with Stellar Plot and Spice

The smut is messy and the plot is emotional - a well rounded monster romance that covers all the bases! These orcs are *monsters* and the highlanders are awesome! I laughed, cried, and want MORE!