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Orc Forged #2
The Fall of the Orc
The orc broke him in battle. Now he’s aiming for his heart…
In a world of warring orcs and men, Lieutenant Aulis Gerrard can’t afford to lose one more battle. But when he faces off against the biggest, most brutal berserker in the orcs’ war-band, he knows he’s met his doom…
Until the deadly orc drops his axe. Draws Gerrard close. And orders him… to run.
In the heat of the moment, caught in the orc’s inexplicable thrall, Gerrard obeys — but the fallout costs him his rank, his position, and his pride. With little left to lose, he decides to hunt down the brazen brute in the forest, and demand a rematch.
But the orc doesn’t want just a rematch.
He wants to court the pretty human lieutenant.
To convert him.
To conquer him…
But Gerrard would never yield to high treason with an orc… right? Even if the devious devil offers up gifts, sweaty sparring-matches, and sweet surrender in the dark. Because fraternizing with a fearsome, fallen enemy might destroy everything Gerrard has left… and leave his heart shattered, too.
_____________________
A dark, angsty, MM fantasy romance. Comes after The Sins of the Orc, but also reads as a total standalone.
In a world of warring orcs and men, Lieutenant Aulis Gerrard can’t afford to lose one more battle. But when he faces off against the biggest, most brutal berserker in the orcs’ war-band, he knows he’s met his doom…
Until the deadly orc drops his axe. Draws Gerrard close. And orders him… to run.
In the heat of the moment, caught in the orc’s inexplicable thrall, Gerrard obeys — but the fallout costs him his rank, his position, and his pride. With little left to lose, he decides to hunt down the brazen brute in the forest, and demand a rematch.
But the orc doesn’t want just a rematch.
He wants to court the pretty human lieutenant.
To convert him.
To conquer him…
But Gerrard would never yield to high treason with an orc… right? Even if the devious devil offers up gifts, sweaty sparring-matches, and sweet surrender in the dark. Because fraternizing with a fearsome, fallen enemy might destroy everything Gerrard has left… and leave his heart shattered, too.
_____________________
A dark, angsty, MM fantasy romance. Comes after The Sins of the Orc, but also reads as a total standalone.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2023
388 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
About the author
Finley Fenn
21 books1,381 followersFinley Fenn is “the queen of dark orc romance” (Virgo Reader), and her ongoing Orc Sworn series has been praised as “sexy, romantic, angsty, and captivating … utter brilliance” (Romantically Inclined Reviews).
When she’s not obsessing over her stories, Finley loves reading, drooling over delicious orc artwork, and spending time with her incredible readers on Patreon, Discord, and Facebook. She lives in Canada with her beloved family, including her very own grumpy, gorgeous orc mate.
News, free stories, and artwork: www.finleyfenn.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Finley-Fenn/e/...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/finleyfenn
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/finle...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorfinleyfenn
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/finleyfenn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/finleyfenn
THE ORC SWORN SERIES
1. The Lady and the Orc
1.5: Offered by the Orc: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Heiress and the Orc
3. The Librarian and the Orc
4. The Duchess and the Orc
5. The Midwife and the Orc
6. The Maid and the Orcs
6.5. Tryggred by the Orc
7. The Governess and the Orc
7.5. Yuled by the Orcs
8. The Beauty and the Orcs
9. The Widow and the Orcs
10. The Artist and the Orc
THE ORC FORGED SERIES
1. The Sins of the Orc
2. The Fall of the Orc
THE MAGES SERIES
0.5: The Mage's Maid
1. The Mage's Match
1.5: The Mage's Groom: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Mage's Master
When she’s not obsessing over her stories, Finley loves reading, drooling over delicious orc artwork, and spending time with her incredible readers on Patreon, Discord, and Facebook. She lives in Canada with her beloved family, including her very own grumpy, gorgeous orc mate.
News, free stories, and artwork: www.finleyfenn.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Finley-Fenn/e/...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/finleyfenn
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/finle...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorfinleyfenn
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/finleyfenn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/finleyfenn
THE ORC SWORN SERIES
1. The Lady and the Orc
1.5: Offered by the Orc: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Heiress and the Orc
3. The Librarian and the Orc
4. The Duchess and the Orc
5. The Midwife and the Orc
6. The Maid and the Orcs
6.5. Tryggred by the Orc
7. The Governess and the Orc
7.5. Yuled by the Orcs
8. The Beauty and the Orcs
9. The Widow and the Orcs
10. The Artist and the Orc
THE ORC FORGED SERIES
1. The Sins of the Orc
2. The Fall of the Orc
THE MAGES SERIES
0.5: The Mage's Maid
1. The Mage's Match
1.5: The Mage's Groom: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Mage's Master
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
November 13, 2023
The only thing Fenn writes better than MF...is MM. Stunning work.
Edit: She dedicated this book to me and I'm sobbing
Edit: She dedicated this book to me and I'm sobbing
December 28, 2023
Oh, yeah.
This is exactly what I'm talking about, completely up my alley, a wonderful monster orc romance and dare I say - the storytelling so much better than in the 1st installment and comparing it to the #Orc Sworn series, this is another level indeed.
So many Orcs that are interesting and inviting, but they're getting their women later on, so sadly almost none of these hot hunks are left over for us over here, unless the author decides to invent some additional amazing characters, then by all means, I'm all for it and I'll read it - gladly.
🟣 Monster romance - Orcs
🟢 Good to read at least 1 book in #Orc Sworn series to get the idea
🟡 Orc / human
🔵 Size difference
🟠 Mates
🌶️ Amazing sex; both vers
🟢 Praise kink
🟣 Well developed plot and story, good writing
🟡 A wonderful HEA, epilogue and bonus epilogue
What can I even say that's not already been said so far?
This book was damn amazing. For all of us who are very much at home at the monster realm, this is exactly the book to read.
Really good characters, storytelling is much better than the previous installment - not so much of that typical dialect, more smut, more of everything and if we're comparing it to the m/f books in this Orc world, there's absolutely no submissive characters, no pathetic doormats, both MMCs are equal in everything and their love story is simply amazing.
Aulis is a Lieutenant in the Preia's army. He's a young gay man who's good looking, but he's also a very smart and capable fighter. Since the humans are still at war with the Orcs, in one of these battles Aulis is fighting Olarr, a mighty warrior from the Bautul clan, who doesn't kill Aulis in a fight, but lets him escape.
Aulis tracks Olarr down and fights him again and again and again, not willing to let the Orc have his last say or treat him as an inferior, so in time Aulis is sneaking out of the army camp constantly, meeting up with Olarr and fighting him, wrestling with him and fucking him until they both get too entangled, letting their feelings develop and then having to fight off the Bautul clan's chief, when he finds out Olarr has been seeing a human male and having sex with him.
There are some twists and turns in the story that I honestly didn't expect, but these are Orcs, so of course they're cunning and sneaky, but even so, the love story between Olarr and Aulis is beautiful, it's promising, stands the test of time and ends up with both of them simply not only mated, but married, living outiside of the Orc Mountain.
The smut was amazing. A lot of it, descriptive and kinky, as one would expect. Orcs are big exhibitionists as far as sex goes, so that scene where the MMCs have sex and the rest of the clan licks Aulis' cum from his body was hot as hell, not to mention the public sex at the end of the book.
"You shall be a good, sweet little hole for your Bautul captain. You shall open wide for me, and seek with all your strength to milk me. And then" - his breath hitched - "you shall drink all my good orc-seed deep within you. Swallow up every last drop, and make yourself fat upon me. Make yourself reek of me."
The thing I really liked was when Aulis was later in the book topping Olarr, which is apparently unprecedented? Orcs are usually tops, aren't they? Well besides Kesst, but he doesn't care about topping, so - Olarr has a praise kink and he's never experienced anything like the sex he has with Aulis. It was hot, that praising was ugh - everything was hot, I loved it. Their sessions were long and thorough, in time they became also quite emotional, but always very passionate.
This story had everything I could want in a monster romance and hopefully the author continues with more and more couples, make it as long as the other series is - it's only fair! 😄
I'll admit I didn't like these Orcs as much in the #Orc Sworn series, maybe because women hold such a terrible position there (always in danger or very submissive - and not in a hot way), but here these guys are equals in everything and Olarr and Aulis even have kids, so that was really good to read about, they're just made for the family life they're living in the end.
I loved the bonus epilogue!
This is exactly what I'm talking about, completely up my alley, a wonderful monster orc romance and dare I say - the storytelling so much better than in the 1st installment and comparing it to the #Orc Sworn series, this is another level indeed.
So many Orcs that are interesting and inviting, but they're getting their women later on, so sadly almost none of these hot hunks are left over for us over here, unless the author decides to invent some additional amazing characters, then by all means, I'm all for it and I'll read it - gladly.
🟣 Monster romance - Orcs
🟢 Good to read at least 1 book in #Orc Sworn series to get the idea
🟡 Orc / human
🔵 Size difference
🟠 Mates
🌶️ Amazing sex; both vers
🟢 Praise kink
🟣 Well developed plot and story, good writing
🟡 A wonderful HEA, epilogue and bonus epilogue
What can I even say that's not already been said so far?
This book was damn amazing. For all of us who are very much at home at the monster realm, this is exactly the book to read.
Really good characters, storytelling is much better than the previous installment - not so much of that typical dialect, more smut, more of everything and if we're comparing it to the m/f books in this Orc world, there's absolutely no submissive characters, no pathetic doormats, both MMCs are equal in everything and their love story is simply amazing.
Aulis is a Lieutenant in the Preia's army. He's a young gay man who's good looking, but he's also a very smart and capable fighter. Since the humans are still at war with the Orcs, in one of these battles Aulis is fighting Olarr, a mighty warrior from the Bautul clan, who doesn't kill Aulis in a fight, but lets him escape.
Aulis tracks Olarr down and fights him again and again and again, not willing to let the Orc have his last say or treat him as an inferior, so in time Aulis is sneaking out of the army camp constantly, meeting up with Olarr and fighting him, wrestling with him and fucking him until they both get too entangled, letting their feelings develop and then having to fight off the Bautul clan's chief, when he finds out Olarr has been seeing a human male and having sex with him.
There are some twists and turns in the story that I honestly didn't expect, but these are Orcs, so of course they're cunning and sneaky, but even so, the love story between Olarr and Aulis is beautiful, it's promising, stands the test of time and ends up with both of them simply not only mated, but married, living outiside of the Orc Mountain.
The smut was amazing. A lot of it, descriptive and kinky, as one would expect. Orcs are big exhibitionists as far as sex goes, so that scene where the MMCs have sex and the rest of the clan licks Aulis' cum from his body was hot as hell, not to mention the public sex at the end of the book.
"You shall be a good, sweet little hole for your Bautul captain. You shall open wide for me, and seek with all your strength to milk me. And then" - his breath hitched - "you shall drink all my good orc-seed deep within you. Swallow up every last drop, and make yourself fat upon me. Make yourself reek of me."
The thing I really liked was when Aulis was later in the book topping Olarr, which is apparently unprecedented? Orcs are usually tops, aren't they? Well besides Kesst, but he doesn't care about topping, so - Olarr has a praise kink and he's never experienced anything like the sex he has with Aulis. It was hot, that praising was ugh - everything was hot, I loved it. Their sessions were long and thorough, in time they became also quite emotional, but always very passionate.
This story had everything I could want in a monster romance and hopefully the author continues with more and more couples, make it as long as the other series is - it's only fair! 😄
I'll admit I didn't like these Orcs as much in the #Orc Sworn series, maybe because women hold such a terrible position there (always in danger or very submissive - and not in a hot way), but here these guys are equals in everything and Olarr and Aulis even have kids, so that was really good to read about, they're just made for the family life they're living in the end.
I loved the bonus epilogue!
October 30, 2023
3.5 stars!
Aulis finds himself on the battlefield in a pointless war fighting his Orc enemy. Beat down, Aulis decides to let fate rule and forfeit his life. But the Orc he’s fighting decides otherwise.
Olarr is intrigued and mesmerized by the fierce warrior and wants him as more than a foe. These two find themselves sparring in a much more sensual way with a connection deepening to the point of no return.
Human and Orc? There’s no way these two can be together. Or can they? With many things stacked against them, it will be up to them to weather the storm ahead.
This story was hot! It was angsty! It was passionate and loving. I really enjoyed Aulis because he may have seemed to be submissive but he really held the power.
Olarr was a big teddy bear and while some of his actions were questionable, I still loved him.
Overall, a fun and sexy MM romance between an Orc and a human. The only thing that would have made me enjoy this story more was having Olarr’s POV.
Aulis finds himself on the battlefield in a pointless war fighting his Orc enemy. Beat down, Aulis decides to let fate rule and forfeit his life. But the Orc he’s fighting decides otherwise.
Olarr is intrigued and mesmerized by the fierce warrior and wants him as more than a foe. These two find themselves sparring in a much more sensual way with a connection deepening to the point of no return.
“The point, warrior,” the orc whispered, “is that you have already won. I have already fallen, and you have taken… all.”
Human and Orc? There’s no way these two can be together. Or can they? With many things stacked against them, it will be up to them to weather the storm ahead.
“But none have ever… called to me, as you have. None have ever gained my… my trust, in this. My fealty.”
This story was hot! It was angsty! It was passionate and loving. I really enjoyed Aulis because he may have seemed to be submissive but he really held the power.
“You take your human however the hell you want. You rut me, bind me, mark me. Ruin me, for anyone but you.”
Olarr was a big teddy bear and while some of his actions were questionable, I still loved him.
Overall, a fun and sexy MM romance between an Orc and a human. The only thing that would have made me enjoy this story more was having Olarr’s POV.
October 17, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Fall of The Orc is book 2 in the Orc Forged series by Finley Fenn.
The only reason I wasn't able to devour this book in one sitting is because life happened. Because LET ME TELL YOU, right here, right now, how much I LOVED this book.
I'm going to keep it short, to the point, I cried so much. Because Olarr and Gerrard are sooooo good together. It's like faith. Two strong personalities that are just meant to meet and fall in love. Their story was the perfect mix of independence, desire, roughness and sweetness. And don't even get me started on the dirty talk. Phew.
I loved that this wasn't just a love story. Olarr and Gerrard have very separate lives yet they always make time for the other. Always end up in each other's arms. The plot was great and just complex enough to keep me wanting more.
I smiled, I swooned, I gasped and I bawled my eyes out.
I can't wait to read more!!!
The Fall of The Orc is book 2 in the Orc Forged series by Finley Fenn.
The only reason I wasn't able to devour this book in one sitting is because life happened. Because LET ME TELL YOU, right here, right now, how much I LOVED this book.
I'm going to keep it short, to the point, I cried so much. Because Olarr and Gerrard are sooooo good together. It's like faith. Two strong personalities that are just meant to meet and fall in love. Their story was the perfect mix of independence, desire, roughness and sweetness. And don't even get me started on the dirty talk. Phew.
I loved that this wasn't just a love story. Olarr and Gerrard have very separate lives yet they always make time for the other. Always end up in each other's arms. The plot was great and just complex enough to keep me wanting more.
I smiled, I swooned, I gasped and I bawled my eyes out.
I can't wait to read more!!!
October 30, 2023
I can’t take any more of this writing with all its dashes and hyphens and repetition and phrases, not sentences, phrases!
And the endless orc sex. DNF 41%
Compared to
the writing is nowhere near as compelling. I feel like it’s a pale imitation.
And the endless orc sex. DNF 41%
Compared to
the writing is nowhere near as compelling. I feel like it’s a pale imitation.
April 9, 2024
Orc smut, magical cum and all.
It was actually very cute at times, Olarr was adorable and melted at praise 🥺
Did I skim over most things that didn’t include Olarr and Aulis on page together ? Yes. Did I even skim some of the sex scenes ? Also yes but I still enjoyed the relationship, just something about the orc being so smitten and caring made me feel all gooey.
During the third act I was heartbroken and afraid for their HEA but I’m glad they pulled through, the epilogue was more of a HFN with strong implications of their HEA but the bonus epilogue is 7 years into the future where they are nicely settled. 🥰
This is told strictly from Aulis’s POV except for the bonus epilogue which you need to sign up for the author’s newsletter to get, is told from Olarr’s POV.
Caution:
LOTS of cum.
Cum with magical abilities.
Neither are with others.
Olarr has a dead mate who died many summers ago.
!Exhibition: Olarr takes Aulis at an alter in front of his clan, Aulis offers up his cum to them from his hand and each member of the clan licks his hand clean until he’s out of cum and the clan members start to lick, kiss and caress his body while Olarr is still inside him and has his hand protectively wrapped around Aulis’s dick. He’s allowing them to share in his seed but gets growly and gets them away if they get too close to trying to take extra liberties.
During the epilogue Aulis walks in on a side character getting head from an orc, Olarr and Aulis have sex in front of the other pair.
It was actually very cute at times, Olarr was adorable and melted at praise 🥺
Did I skim over most things that didn’t include Olarr and Aulis on page together ? Yes. Did I even skim some of the sex scenes ? Also yes but I still enjoyed the relationship, just something about the orc being so smitten and caring made me feel all gooey.
During the third act I was heartbroken and afraid for their HEA but I’m glad they pulled through, the epilogue was more of a HFN with strong implications of their HEA but the bonus epilogue is 7 years into the future where they are nicely settled. 🥰
This is told strictly from Aulis’s POV except for the bonus epilogue which you need to sign up for the author’s newsletter to get, is told from Olarr’s POV.
Caution:
LOTS of cum.
Cum with magical abilities.
Neither are with others.
Olarr has a dead mate who died many summers ago.
!Exhibition: Olarr takes Aulis at an alter in front of his clan, Aulis offers up his cum to them from his hand and each member of the clan licks his hand clean until he’s out of cum and the clan members start to lick, kiss and caress his body while Olarr is still inside him and has his hand protectively wrapped around Aulis’s dick. He’s allowing them to share in his seed but gets growly and gets them away if they get too close to trying to take extra liberties.
During the epilogue Aulis walks in on a side character getting head from an orc, Olarr and Aulis have sex in front of the other pair.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
This was fine. I'm disappointed, because I was hoping to like it more than the first book in the series, but instead, I liked it less. I do have a little self-imposed rule, where I have to finish all the books I buy, unless it's absolutely horrendous, and this... wasn't absolutely horrendous. So I didn't DNF it. IDK, as always, reviews are subjective, and especially with a book like this, where I'm docking a half star just because some of the kinks really weren't for me. I'm sure this will land better with other readers.
It's an enemies to lovers orc/human m/m romance. Lieutenant Gerrard's company has been clashing with a particular band of orcs for some time now. They're being mismanaged by an incompetent general, and Gerrard, in a moment of despair on the battlefield, just stops fighting. He expects the orc captain that he's fighting with to kill him, but instead, the orc allows him to retreat. The encounter shakes Gerrard, gives him the impetus to try to fight back against his general (in the ways he can, at least) and maybe get his men out of fighting these pointless battles. He also ends up seeking the orc out again, to retrieve the sword he left behind. And that's how Olarr and Gerrard start meeting up clandestinely, having sparring bouts and rematches, getting to know each other. I thought I would be really into the plot of this one, but it was honestly kind of dull. Gerrard's way of dealing with his inept general turns out to be... really boring and passive. And then on the relationship front, things between Olarr and Gerrard moved SO quickly, even though they're combatants on opposing sides of a war. I kind of expected it would move quickly when it came to the sexual relationship, since this is a step away from erotica, but there was so much devotion, so quickly, in a way that didn't seem credible to me. And because it didn't seem credible, it just didn't affect me emotionally. There were some surprising moments, for sure, but it wasn't enough to keep me hooked on the story. And at one point, I got really frustrated with Olarr, because Gerrard ends up doing SO MUCH for him, and what Olarr does in return doesn't really compare. At least IMO.
Since this is an erotic romance, your enjoyment might hinge on whether or not you find this sexy, and alas, I did not.
Pretty sure there were other things I didn't like, but mostly, I just feel apathetic about this book. Listened to the audiobook as read by James Joseph, and that was great, at least. I'm not really in love with the author's writing or her style, and even though this world is kinda interesting, I'm pretty sure this will be the last I read of this series. I'm kinda annoyed with myself for buying this, but oh well. Live, learn, etc.
It's an enemies to lovers orc/human m/m romance. Lieutenant Gerrard's company has been clashing with a particular band of orcs for some time now. They're being mismanaged by an incompetent general, and Gerrard, in a moment of despair on the battlefield, just stops fighting. He expects the orc captain that he's fighting with to kill him, but instead, the orc allows him to retreat. The encounter shakes Gerrard, gives him the impetus to try to fight back against his general (in the ways he can, at least) and maybe get his men out of fighting these pointless battles. He also ends up seeking the orc out again, to retrieve the sword he left behind. And that's how Olarr and Gerrard start meeting up clandestinely, having sparring bouts and rematches, getting to know each other. I thought I would be really into the plot of this one, but it was honestly kind of dull. Gerrard's way of dealing with his inept general turns out to be... really boring and passive. And then on the relationship front, things between Olarr and Gerrard moved SO quickly, even though they're combatants on opposing sides of a war. I kind of expected it would move quickly when it came to the sexual relationship, since this is a step away from erotica, but there was so much devotion, so quickly, in a way that didn't seem credible to me. And because it didn't seem credible, it just didn't affect me emotionally. There were some surprising moments, for sure, but it wasn't enough to keep me hooked on the story. And at one point, I got really frustrated with Olarr, because Gerrard ends up doing SO MUCH for him, and what Olarr does in return doesn't really compare. At least IMO.
Since this is an erotic romance, your enjoyment might hinge on whether or not you find this sexy, and alas, I did not.
Pretty sure there were other things I didn't like, but mostly, I just feel apathetic about this book. Listened to the audiobook as read by James Joseph, and that was great, at least. I'm not really in love with the author's writing or her style, and even though this world is kinda interesting, I'm pretty sure this will be the last I read of this series. I'm kinda annoyed with myself for buying this, but oh well. Live, learn, etc.
October 31, 2023
i’m obsessed…..first of all, the way olarr has cared for gerrard since the beginning is beautiful…..even something as seemingly minor at the time as telling gerrard to be prudent, comes full circle learning he lost loved ones bc they acted rash bc they weren’t prudent…….like i’m actually obsessed bc he didn’t want to lose anyone special (ahem gerrard) again!!!!! olarr is literally a sweetheart, a pure cupcake, i wanna squeeze his cheeks and give him anything he wants!!!! like he’s so good to gerrard and so fucking cute!!!! like that picnic fucking basket😩😩😩😩😩🥺🥺🥺 do not even get me started, how adorable was that!!! but the dirty talk was a little 😬 at times and what’s with the no prep ever with a massive orc cock??? i didn’t like how MF that felt at all…😕
but the plotttttt tho😍 i was kept on my toes from start to finish, the twists and turns were so delicious, i ate em up like crazy and not a single moment was dull for me……the most excited plot i’ve read in while, i think…..every new revelation had me clutching my neck and gasping…..i was tuned in 100%…..and the official mating ritual scene???🤩🥵 crazy…….but the best part is, for all olarr’s talk of prudence, was how they wielded their recklessness and imprudence for the best of their victories. 4.5 prudent and cunning stars⭐️
but the plotttttt tho😍 i was kept on my toes from start to finish, the twists and turns were so delicious, i ate em up like crazy and not a single moment was dull for me……the most excited plot i’ve read in while, i think…..every new revelation had me clutching my neck and gasping…..i was tuned in 100%…..and the official mating ritual scene???🤩🥵 crazy…….but the best part is, for all olarr’s talk of prudence, was how they wielded their recklessness and imprudence for the best of their victories. 4.5 prudent and cunning stars⭐️
July 12, 2024
✨ARC Review! I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.✨
…
“…You make me fall all the harder at your feet. Until there shall be none commanding me but you.”
…
ACH! Finley has blessed us again with another addition to her epic orc saga. The Fall of the Orc is book 2 in the Orc Forged Series. I was honored to be chosen as an ARC reader and y’all… this book went so deep with lore and emotions. This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
Lieutenant Aulis Gerrard is a brilliantly skilled solider of the army. He’s led dozens of victories, but today might be his last. As he stares up into the war axe of the mighty orc Olarr of Clan Bautul, he knows it’s the end. There’s no way he can defeat this orc. Instead of death, Olarr tells him to run.
Confused and irritated, Aulis seeks out Olarr and asks for a rematch. That rematch sparks a relationship that muddles the line of being enemies and puts them both at risk of losing their lives if found. Olarr falls hard and fast for his little human and eagerly awaits their “rematches.” Aulis takes a bit longer to come to terms what they are, but knows that they have something there.
Together they strategize ways to save their peoples and end the war. And while Aulis thought they were in agreement of what they each needed to do on their opposing sides, Olarr had something else in mind. A secret plot… a betrayal that threatens the trust and love he built up with his human mate…. (No spoilers here! 🤐)
BELLY 👏🏻 BULGE 👏🏻 BELLY 👏🏻 BULGE!!!
Can we tell it’s my favorite orc trope?!
Olarr and Aulis have the most unconventional relationship. I loved the way they naturally grew together over their meetings. At how they slowly unburdened themselves of their duties when together and just took what they wanted and needed for themselves. Olarr was such a SAP! This big ol’ brute of an orc was head over heels for his human. I adored seeing him be such a softie and so sweet with his words. He also gave Aulis time to come around to being his mate, rather than just force it on him. Plus the altar scene?! 🥵
Olarr’s betrayal hurt… a lot. I might have sobbed quite a bit. But it wouldn’t be a Finley orc novel without a little hurt right?! 😂. That betrayal brought back the fact that they’re still in a war. Of course there’s secret motives and plots going on. War doesn’t magically go away when two people fall in love.
Lastly… the lore that happened in the background and the name dropping was amazing! It settles this book perfectly into the timeline of what’s happening at Orc Mountain. This book can be read as a stand alone, however, it’s best read right after Sins of the Orc (these kind of happen concurrently). After this book, you can jump right into The Lady and The Orc which is book 1 of the Orc Sworn Series!
…
“…You make me fall all the harder at your feet. Until there shall be none commanding me but you.”
…
ACH! Finley has blessed us again with another addition to her epic orc saga. The Fall of the Orc is book 2 in the Orc Forged Series. I was honored to be chosen as an ARC reader and y’all… this book went so deep with lore and emotions. This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
Lieutenant Aulis Gerrard is a brilliantly skilled solider of the army. He’s led dozens of victories, but today might be his last. As he stares up into the war axe of the mighty orc Olarr of Clan Bautul, he knows it’s the end. There’s no way he can defeat this orc. Instead of death, Olarr tells him to run.
Confused and irritated, Aulis seeks out Olarr and asks for a rematch. That rematch sparks a relationship that muddles the line of being enemies and puts them both at risk of losing their lives if found. Olarr falls hard and fast for his little human and eagerly awaits their “rematches.” Aulis takes a bit longer to come to terms what they are, but knows that they have something there.
Together they strategize ways to save their peoples and end the war. And while Aulis thought they were in agreement of what they each needed to do on their opposing sides, Olarr had something else in mind. A secret plot… a betrayal that threatens the trust and love he built up with his human mate…. (No spoilers here! 🤐)
BELLY 👏🏻 BULGE 👏🏻 BELLY 👏🏻 BULGE!!!
Can we tell it’s my favorite orc trope?!
Olarr and Aulis have the most unconventional relationship. I loved the way they naturally grew together over their meetings. At how they slowly unburdened themselves of their duties when together and just took what they wanted and needed for themselves. Olarr was such a SAP! This big ol’ brute of an orc was head over heels for his human. I adored seeing him be such a softie and so sweet with his words. He also gave Aulis time to come around to being his mate, rather than just force it on him. Plus the altar scene?! 🥵
Olarr’s betrayal hurt… a lot. I might have sobbed quite a bit. But it wouldn’t be a Finley orc novel without a little hurt right?! 😂. That betrayal brought back the fact that they’re still in a war. Of course there’s secret motives and plots going on. War doesn’t magically go away when two people fall in love.
Lastly… the lore that happened in the background and the name dropping was amazing! It settles this book perfectly into the timeline of what’s happening at Orc Mountain. This book can be read as a stand alone, however, it’s best read right after Sins of the Orc (these kind of happen concurrently). After this book, you can jump right into The Lady and The Orc which is book 1 of the Orc Sworn Series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2023
This is book two in the Orc's Forged series a prequel series connected to the main one Orc Sworn. It's a M/M Fantasy romance and can easily be read before the main series and as a standalone. This had an enemy-to-lovers theme and focused on Aulis Gerrard and Olarr of clan Bautul. The former is a lieutenant in the army and Olarr is an Orc on the opposing force.
When Olarr spares Gerrard it sets in motion a series of encounters between these two enemies but instead of animosity and continued violent skirmishes their battles evolve into something else, each encounter further solidifying a deeper and long-lasting trust and two totally different individuals slowly start to realise they have more in common than they could have ever imagined.
This had the usual filthy vibe I've come to expect and anticipate from this series with plenty of passion and over-the-top hook-ups but it also had a sweeter vibe that i adored and it's obvious these two fell head over heels despite them being so at odds initially
There was also the origins of the main series sprinkled in here and an underlying story arc involving some danger that also needed to be resolved. As usual, this was entertaining and well-written and I definitely enjoyed it a lot. Another great addition to this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Fall of the Orc.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 31, 2024
There were parts of this I absolutely LOVED and other parts I didn’t like anywhere near as much. Firstly, Olarr is my new favourite from this series and he needs to be protected at all costs. The relationship between him and Gerrard was lovely to see develop. However the writing in this was all over the place. The hyphens, the dashes, the half-sentences.. it was frustrating. I rated it at a 4, but it’s somewhere between 3 and 4 I think.
October 22, 2023
I'll be honest, Aulis Gerrard & Olarr of Clan Bautul were not characters that I was DYING to read about. Despite the fact that they were a MM, orc/human pairing and had appeared in small roles throughout other Orc Sworn books, they just didn't grab me and have me sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation for their book like I had with other characters.
But I trust Finnley implicitly in this world they have created - and they did not disappoint! A true enemies to lovers story which starts with a real BANG - literally & figuratively - the spice in this book starts early and I did not hate it one bit! Throughout the book we learn some intriguing facts about the effects of "good human seed" on orcs and now that I think about it, Finnley actually manages to successfully use sp3rm as a plot device in a whole new way, lol! S3x aside, these two characters were so sweet with each other & supportive of the difficult circumstances they faced individually and as a couple, and I will admit I cried several times while reading this book!
Now for the (kinda-not-really-if-you've-read-other-Orc-Sworn) spoilers! As well versed Orc Sworn readers will know, the orcs almost always have some sort of scheme on the go. Well. Let me tell you. I did not see Olarr's scheme coming from a mile away! I was COMPLETELY BLINDSIDED by this betrayal. There was some truly fantastic grovelling that followed though, and honestly, one of my only criticisms of the book was that initially it seemed like Aulis let Olarr off too easy, but reading the epilogues and some post-reading reflection left me very satisfied with this ending <3
Said epilogues occur 18 months and then 7 years after the book and are both wonderfully satisfying insights in the characters futures. The only other part of their story that I would have LOVED to have seen was when Grimarr finally defeated his father. We know what a huge impact this had on all our Orc Sworn characters and I think considering the dynamic of Aulis & Olarr's relationship, it would make for a super interesting read (maybe a bonus short story please Finnley? Aulis' first time to Orc Mountain? First visit to the Bautul Boom Boom Room?!?!)
I don't mean to go on & on about the epilogues but they also gave some tempting glimpses into future Orc Sworn stories - some which have already been written and some which haven't! Not to give too much away but there were hints of another orc/human female triad which left me intrigued, and as always, dying for more Orc Sworn xoxo
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
But I trust Finnley implicitly in this world they have created - and they did not disappoint! A true enemies to lovers story which starts with a real BANG - literally & figuratively - the spice in this book starts early and I did not hate it one bit! Throughout the book we learn some intriguing facts about the effects of "good human seed" on orcs and now that I think about it, Finnley actually manages to successfully use sp3rm as a plot device in a whole new way, lol! S3x aside, these two characters were so sweet with each other & supportive of the difficult circumstances they faced individually and as a couple, and I will admit I cried several times while reading this book!
Now for the (kinda-not-really-if-you've-read-other-Orc-Sworn) spoilers! As well versed Orc Sworn readers will know, the orcs almost always have some sort of scheme on the go. Well. Let me tell you. I did not see Olarr's scheme coming from a mile away! I was COMPLETELY BLINDSIDED by this betrayal. There was some truly fantastic grovelling that followed though, and honestly, one of my only criticisms of the book was that initially it seemed like Aulis let Olarr off too easy, but reading the epilogues and some post-reading reflection left me very satisfied with this ending <3
Said epilogues occur 18 months and then 7 years after the book and are both wonderfully satisfying insights in the characters futures. The only other part of their story that I would have LOVED to have seen was when Grimarr finally defeated his father. We know what a huge impact this had on all our Orc Sworn characters and I think considering the dynamic of Aulis & Olarr's relationship, it would make for a super interesting read (maybe a bonus short story please Finnley? Aulis' first time to Orc Mountain? First visit to the Bautul Boom Boom Room?!?!)
I don't mean to go on & on about the epilogues but they also gave some tempting glimpses into future Orc Sworn stories - some which have already been written and some which haven't! Not to give too much away but there were hints of another orc/human female triad which left me intrigued, and as always, dying for more Orc Sworn xoxo
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2023
Love Thy Enemy
This story falls in the timeline before Lady and the Orc and along side The Sins of the Orc. So some of the plot overlaps or gives insight into what will happen later in the story. The main characters of this books are Aulis Gerrard and Olarr of Clan Brautul. The start of the story begins with Lieutenant Gerrard sure he is about to meet his death at the hands of the Orc he is fighting. He is not at his best because of the conditions with which he and his men are fighting under because of his less than stellar Captain. He is underfed, exhausted and knows they are fighting a losing battle. This puts him is a dark mindset at the beginning, but doesn't stop him from taking on the best Orc fighter to protect his men.
Aulis is given the gift of being saved by the orc he is fighting... but that leads to more fall out because he was told not to retreat from battle. And sets him on the course to finding the orc again and challenging him to a rematch.
And from there the story truly begins.
What instantly drew me in was Gerrard. His conflict with what was happening to the men he was fighting with, his frustration with his command, his desire to end an endless war, his lack of being able to do it and ultimately, his attraction to his enemy combined to make him such a compelling character. When we meet him, he is in such a dark and desperate place and I felt for him.
On the other side there is his orc enemy Olarr of Clan Bautul. He is one of the deadliest fighters from one of the best fighting clans. As we don't get his point of view it's a little harder to find a connection with him... but we do know what is happening from reading The Sins of The Orc. He and his fellow orcs are also being led by a thoughtless and cruel leader. Olarr hints at his own desperation to help his clan get out from under the tyrannical rule of his Bautul captains (as well as the orc that leads all five clans with vicious intent) and that builds a bond between Olarr and Gerrard. They both understand the others worries for the future- for both orcs and humans.
Gerrard starts to confide in Olarr as their relationship morphs from enemies that are lovers to friends that are lovers to a man falling for an orc completely while knowing that their love was destined to be the end of them. It might actually be the most heart wrenching love story yet by this author because it truly is a forbidden romance in every way. From the fact that they are different (a human and an orc) to the fact that men engaging in sexually activities with other men was against the law (and that's when its two humans- not adding the orc factor in) to the fact they are on two sides of a deadly war. It's sad and seems hopeless and yet... there is hope. In how they talk to each other, and strengthen each other. It was the saying "iron sharpens iron".
It's about them building each other to be stronger... and that's beautiful.
This story is just so good. And this couple is making a play for my favorite of the series (both Orc Sworn and Orc Forged) Though Maria and Simon are still holding onto the top spot, because I adore Maria and Simon is brilliant. If you haven't read these books, please give them a chance. The emotions are so raw and the stories always pull you in.
This story falls in the timeline before Lady and the Orc and along side The Sins of the Orc. So some of the plot overlaps or gives insight into what will happen later in the story. The main characters of this books are Aulis Gerrard and Olarr of Clan Brautul. The start of the story begins with Lieutenant Gerrard sure he is about to meet his death at the hands of the Orc he is fighting. He is not at his best because of the conditions with which he and his men are fighting under because of his less than stellar Captain. He is underfed, exhausted and knows they are fighting a losing battle. This puts him is a dark mindset at the beginning, but doesn't stop him from taking on the best Orc fighter to protect his men.
Aulis is given the gift of being saved by the orc he is fighting... but that leads to more fall out because he was told not to retreat from battle. And sets him on the course to finding the orc again and challenging him to a rematch.
And from there the story truly begins.
What instantly drew me in was Gerrard. His conflict with what was happening to the men he was fighting with, his frustration with his command, his desire to end an endless war, his lack of being able to do it and ultimately, his attraction to his enemy combined to make him such a compelling character. When we meet him, he is in such a dark and desperate place and I felt for him.
On the other side there is his orc enemy Olarr of Clan Bautul. He is one of the deadliest fighters from one of the best fighting clans. As we don't get his point of view it's a little harder to find a connection with him... but we do know what is happening from reading The Sins of The Orc. He and his fellow orcs are also being led by a thoughtless and cruel leader. Olarr hints at his own desperation to help his clan get out from under the tyrannical rule of his Bautul captains (as well as the orc that leads all five clans with vicious intent) and that builds a bond between Olarr and Gerrard. They both understand the others worries for the future- for both orcs and humans.
Gerrard starts to confide in Olarr as their relationship morphs from enemies that are lovers to friends that are lovers to a man falling for an orc completely while knowing that their love was destined to be the end of them. It might actually be the most heart wrenching love story yet by this author because it truly is a forbidden romance in every way. From the fact that they are different (a human and an orc) to the fact that men engaging in sexually activities with other men was against the law (and that's when its two humans- not adding the orc factor in) to the fact they are on two sides of a deadly war. It's sad and seems hopeless and yet... there is hope. In how they talk to each other, and strengthen each other. It was the saying "iron sharpens iron".
It's about them building each other to be stronger... and that's beautiful.
This story is just so good. And this couple is making a play for my favorite of the series (both Orc Sworn and Orc Forged) Though Maria and Simon are still holding onto the top spot, because I adore Maria and Simon is brilliant. If you haven't read these books, please give them a chance. The emotions are so raw and the stories always pull you in.
October 17, 2023
Read The Fall of the Orc and expect to see..
🌙 M/M Orc x Human Romance
🌙 Enemies to Lovers
🌙 Secret Rendezvous
🌙 Winner “Takes All”
🌙 Power Dynamics and Dirty Talk
🌙 Tummy Bulge (from cum) 😚
~ I was given an ARC of The Fall of the Orc in exchange for my honest review and opinions! ~
💘Romance: 5/5
🌶Spice: 5/5
🏃♀️Pacing: 4/5
🎭Plot: 4/5
🗺Worldbuilding: 5/5
👀Perspective: (3rd) / Singular POV
I read this book so fast! Like it was so hard to put down. I kept telling myself to go to bed at the end of a chapter but then there would be a twist that would keep me up for another hour or two. Ugh, I loved every second. 😍
This book is definitely a good start and/or standalone if you want to dip your toes into the world of Orc Mountain.⛰️
Despite this book being centered around war and battle, I found it to be lighter than I anticipated. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of potential triggers (always check triggers before reading) but it had a feeling of lightness and warmth that I can’t quite describe.
I found the plot to be very well-paced, consistent, and fulfilling. There was only one part that was a bit confusing for me, but that could just be me lmao.
The world-building is superb. Every story I read in this universe makes me want to come back for more and this book is no exception. I need to catch up on this series so I can piece all the cameo appearances of characters and their timelines together! Ugh I love an expansive world with lore galore!! 😌
Okay onto the spice!! 🌶️🌶️ Personally, I ate up the dirty talk and power dynamics. And I know it may not be for everyone, but tummy bulging holds a special place in my heart… then again that may feed into the whole breeding kink thing… Oop I digress. 👀 🥴
The spice and romance in this book really resonated with me. I love Olarr and Aulis so much and I can’t wait to see more of them sprinkled into other stories. ❤️
With that said, I adore this book and know I will be reading it again soon!! 😏 As always, happy reading! ⚔️🪓
🌙 M/M Orc x Human Romance
🌙 Enemies to Lovers
🌙 Secret Rendezvous
🌙 Winner “Takes All”
🌙 Power Dynamics and Dirty Talk
🌙 Tummy Bulge (from cum) 😚
~ I was given an ARC of The Fall of the Orc in exchange for my honest review and opinions! ~
“Then take your defeat, human,” the orc hissed, all hot, deadly, wonderful promise. “And welcome your enemy’s prick up your rump.”
💘Romance: 5/5
🌶Spice: 5/5
🏃♀️Pacing: 4/5
🎭Plot: 4/5
🗺Worldbuilding: 5/5
👀Perspective: (3rd) / Singular POV
I read this book so fast! Like it was so hard to put down. I kept telling myself to go to bed at the end of a chapter but then there would be a twist that would keep me up for another hour or two. Ugh, I loved every second. 😍
This book is definitely a good start and/or standalone if you want to dip your toes into the world of Orc Mountain.⛰️
Despite this book being centered around war and battle, I found it to be lighter than I anticipated. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of potential triggers (always check triggers before reading) but it had a feeling of lightness and warmth that I can’t quite describe.
I found the plot to be very well-paced, consistent, and fulfilling. There was only one part that was a bit confusing for me, but that could just be me lmao.
The world-building is superb. Every story I read in this universe makes me want to come back for more and this book is no exception. I need to catch up on this series so I can piece all the cameo appearances of characters and their timelines together! Ugh I love an expansive world with lore galore!! 😌
Okay onto the spice!! 🌶️🌶️ Personally, I ate up the dirty talk and power dynamics. And I know it may not be for everyone, but tummy bulging holds a special place in my heart… then again that may feed into the whole breeding kink thing… Oop I digress. 👀 🥴
The spice and romance in this book really resonated with me. I love Olarr and Aulis so much and I can’t wait to see more of them sprinkled into other stories. ❤️
With that said, I adore this book and know I will be reading it again soon!! 😏 As always, happy reading! ⚔️🪓
October 21, 2023
I wish I could say I was surprised that this book, which I had been looking forward to for a while, didn’t work for me. I really enjoyed books 1-6 in this series, but everything after that point I’ve liked less and less. I think it’s mostly that Fenn’s recycling (of old plots, characters, dialogue) is becoming more egregious as the series goes on.
Character-wise, Gerrard and Olarr felt very similar to Kesst and Efterar, even down to the jarringly out-of-place modern dialogue Kesst and Gerrard both speak in. Plot-wise, Fenn recycles the same basic conflicts so often (“He was just using me the whole time,” “He doesn’t really want me,” “He lied to me but I’ve also been lying to him,”) that when they happen in new books, I can predict with, like, 75% accuracy what a character is going to say next. So, I think what it ultimately boils down to is this: each new installment is the same book I’ve read n+1 times, but with characters that I like less.
It’s really unfortunate, but I think I’m approaching the limit of how many times I can read the same book, but worse.
I said about another recent installment in this series that maybe a change of scenery would improve things, but this book indicates that is not going to fix this problem. Since these books are very light on plot, the relationship between the characters is most of what you have to look at and think about, and the relationships/characters are where the problems lie.
Character-wise, Gerrard and Olarr felt very similar to Kesst and Efterar, even down to the jarringly out-of-place modern dialogue Kesst and Gerrard both speak in. Plot-wise, Fenn recycles the same basic conflicts so often (“He was just using me the whole time,” “He doesn’t really want me,” “He lied to me but I’ve also been lying to him,”) that when they happen in new books, I can predict with, like, 75% accuracy what a character is going to say next. So, I think what it ultimately boils down to is this: each new installment is the same book I’ve read n+1 times, but with characters that I like less.
It’s really unfortunate, but I think I’m approaching the limit of how many times I can read the same book, but worse.
I said about another recent installment in this series that maybe a change of scenery would improve things, but this book indicates that is not going to fix this problem. Since these books are very light on plot, the relationship between the characters is most of what you have to look at and think about, and the relationships/characters are where the problems lie.
November 11, 2023
Sword-Crossed Lovers ⚔️💚
~*~*~*~
Two warring clans, both alike in violent tendency,
In the forests of Preia, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where leaders’ blood makes soldiers’ hands unclean.
~*~*~*~
Aulis and Olarr are the Romeo and Juliet couple of the Orc Sworn world! From the moment they meet their fates are intertwined, and through battles and betrayals they still fight to be together. Espionage becomes their love language as they work together to scheme and plot their way out of a senseless war.
I love how both leads had vulnerable moments - this is an evenly matched couple who likes to switch up the power dynamics in the ring and wherever else they like to spar ;) And it wouldn’t be a Finley Fenn novel without a twist that will rip your heart out (temporarily, of course). I did NOT see this one coming, the best orc scheme yet! Each book also gives us a little bit more orc magic which I love. The world building gets me every time!
If you’ve read Finley’s Orc Mountain series then you will know there’s a bittersweet ending to this story, with happier times to come for these heroes after the war has ended. It will be fun to reread the first book in the series, knowing the devious O
orc scheming that was happening in the background the whole time…
5 ⭐️ Orcs are always bae
5 💚 Star-crossed lovers angst
4 🌶️ DIRTY MOUTHS AND BOOM BOOM LOCATIONS
3 ⚔️ Wartime discussions and scenes
~*~*~*~
Two warring clans, both alike in violent tendency,
In the forests of Preia, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where leaders’ blood makes soldiers’ hands unclean.
~*~*~*~
Aulis and Olarr are the Romeo and Juliet couple of the Orc Sworn world! From the moment they meet their fates are intertwined, and through battles and betrayals they still fight to be together. Espionage becomes their love language as they work together to scheme and plot their way out of a senseless war.
I love how both leads had vulnerable moments - this is an evenly matched couple who likes to switch up the power dynamics in the ring and wherever else they like to spar ;) And it wouldn’t be a Finley Fenn novel without a twist that will rip your heart out (temporarily, of course). I did NOT see this one coming, the best orc scheme yet! Each book also gives us a little bit more orc magic which I love. The world building gets me every time!
If you’ve read Finley’s Orc Mountain series then you will know there’s a bittersweet ending to this story, with happier times to come for these heroes after the war has ended. It will be fun to reread the first book in the series, knowing the devious O
orc scheming that was happening in the background the whole time…
5 ⭐️ Orcs are always bae
5 💚 Star-crossed lovers angst
4 🌶️ DIRTY MOUTHS AND BOOM BOOM LOCATIONS
3 ⚔️ Wartime discussions and scenes
May 26, 2025
Two weary warriors finding their way home
Taking place before events in Finley Fenn’s Orc Sworn series, Fall of the Orc tells the story of a disillusioned human lieutenant, Aulis Gerrard, and an equally frustrated orc, Olarr of Clan Bautul.
Witnessing the journey of these two strong men, these warriors & enemies, as they learn how to be vulnerable with one another was a treat. They’re enemies, fighting on opposite sides of a war, yet are they really so different?
It wouldn’t be an Orc Mountain relationship without hidden truths and secret plans, but I must admit I was surprised at the magnitude of Olarr’s unspoken agenda (even if he had changed his mind, it still left me feeling gutted & reeling). The way this was handled and the choices Aulis & Olarr make were so difficult! Yet true to both their characters. I was so happy to know, however, that they still were able to find their way ‘home’ with each other. Finley always delivers a HEA, we just have to have a little patience.
As I stated in my review of this book’s predecessor (Sins of the Orc), I don’t read a lot of M-M romance but this was -chef’s kiss- a delight. It felt true, like two people who had found their other half, and it was beautiful. The epilogue chapter (and the bonus epilogue from Finley’s mailing list) were just the icing & a cherry on top of an already luscious cake.
Taking place before events in Finley Fenn’s Orc Sworn series, Fall of the Orc tells the story of a disillusioned human lieutenant, Aulis Gerrard, and an equally frustrated orc, Olarr of Clan Bautul.
Witnessing the journey of these two strong men, these warriors & enemies, as they learn how to be vulnerable with one another was a treat. They’re enemies, fighting on opposite sides of a war, yet are they really so different?
It wouldn’t be an Orc Mountain relationship without hidden truths and secret plans, but I must admit I was surprised at the magnitude of Olarr’s unspoken agenda (even if he had changed his mind, it still left me feeling gutted & reeling). The way this was handled and the choices Aulis & Olarr make were so difficult! Yet true to both their characters. I was so happy to know, however, that they still were able to find their way ‘home’ with each other. Finley always delivers a HEA, we just have to have a little patience.
As I stated in my review of this book’s predecessor (Sins of the Orc), I don’t read a lot of M-M romance but this was -chef’s kiss- a delight. It felt true, like two people who had found their other half, and it was beautiful. The epilogue chapter (and the bonus epilogue from Finley’s mailing list) were just the icing & a cherry on top of an already luscious cake.
January 8, 2024
He was still trapped here in hell, trapped serving the realm’s worst general, staring down the truth of all his own dreams shattered at his feet.
After really enjoying Kesst and Eft's story in The Sins of the Orc, we were delighted to see another Orc Forged book was released! I really liked Aulis Gerrard's character - I love that we saw him at
If only the skilled warrior Orc he was fighting would let him....
He would track the orcs. Stay very quiet, keep a careful distance. And then he’d watch, and wait until the orc was alone, and attack.
I was pleasantly surprised with the path this book took. When Aulis I assumed that would be the last we saw of the human warriors for awhile. I love when I assume wrong! I really like way Aulis began to The stick thing was cute and of course, every rematch was delicious!
I liked when Olarr struggled with his His instincts occasionally warred with his actions and I love a good internal struggle. I thought that maybe his Clan's beliefs in the moon goddess would drag the read down a bit but it actually fit the story well, and really, we almost got a out of it, so who am I to complain!
“I wished,” came the orc’s deep voice, “for a rematch.”
I also love that all along, Aulis between him and Olarr! I was expecting a lot more angsty push-pull to get to anything spicy but this book was satisfyingly spicy the whole way through!
“So now, my cunning captain,” Gerrard said, his voice damnably husky, as he tossed the second sword over toward Olarr. “Will you come fight me? Show me just what you came here for?
Now. Hear me out. This was a 5 star read for me, but I don't think I was entirely sold on I thought he was presenting his whole character at surface level and while I'm pleasantly surprised anytime I'm wrong, I'm just not sure if Olarr pulled it off 100%. However, I do like the general politics and how it all fell into place after Aulis figured things out.
The cameos from orcs we'd met in Sins were nice too, and overall it gave me some great 'Orc Mountain' vibes as I head into my 2024 Orc Sworn read-through!
March 25, 2026
I swear, Finley Fenn could hand me a grocery list written by an orc and I’d still be seated. This one is technically adjacent to the Orc Sworn series, but it fills in so much background that I kept having little “ohhh, that’s why…” moments. It adds depth without ever feeling like homework.
The vibe is classic Fenn: sharp edges, soft hearts, messy choices, and that slow, dangerous trust that sneaks up on you. And the MM romance? Loved it. Tender and brutal in all the right ways, with that emotional grit I come to these books for.
Even as a standalone, it still gave me the full orcish experience — the spice, the scheming, the betrayals, the apologies, the falling‑in‑love‑when-you-weren’t-planning-to of it all. It took me a minute to finish, but only because I wanted to savor it. This world just has a hold on me.
Honestly, I could read about Fenn’s orcs forever and never get tired. If you’re already an Orc Sworn fan, this one feels like slipping into a hidden chapter you didn’t know you needed.
The vibe is classic Fenn: sharp edges, soft hearts, messy choices, and that slow, dangerous trust that sneaks up on you. And the MM romance? Loved it. Tender and brutal in all the right ways, with that emotional grit I come to these books for.
Even as a standalone, it still gave me the full orcish experience — the spice, the scheming, the betrayals, the apologies, the falling‑in‑love‑when-you-weren’t-planning-to of it all. It took me a minute to finish, but only because I wanted to savor it. This world just has a hold on me.
Honestly, I could read about Fenn’s orcs forever and never get tired. If you’re already an Orc Sworn fan, this one feels like slipping into a hidden chapter you didn’t know you needed.
October 24, 2023
this might be the best orc yet!
I adore Finley and the world she has created for her orcs.
It’s unlikely I’m not going to fall in love with one of her characters or books (except John…we can’t be friends but even his book is amazing and I love his friends) so when I found out Gerrard and Olarr were getting their own story, (the orc and human soldier we meet in Lady and the Orc and other stories) I was excited.
I was NOT expecting to feel like I was betraying my love for Kesst and Rathgarr, and their corresponding romances! Because Olarr is possibly the sweetest little romantic marshmallow behind his intimidating appearance. Actually I’ve decided that the Bautul clan is just the sweetest across the board now.
And Gerrard 🥺🥺🥺 just always knowing exactly what positive affirmations his Orc needs to hear 😘👌
✅ praise kink
✅ enemies to lovers (opposing sides in war)
✅ power balance
✅ everything you’ve come to love and expect from Finley’s Orcs
I adore Finley and the world she has created for her orcs.
It’s unlikely I’m not going to fall in love with one of her characters or books (except John…we can’t be friends but even his book is amazing and I love his friends) so when I found out Gerrard and Olarr were getting their own story, (the orc and human soldier we meet in Lady and the Orc and other stories) I was excited.
I was NOT expecting to feel like I was betraying my love for Kesst and Rathgarr, and their corresponding romances! Because Olarr is possibly the sweetest little romantic marshmallow behind his intimidating appearance. Actually I’ve decided that the Bautul clan is just the sweetest across the board now.
And Gerrard 🥺🥺🥺 just always knowing exactly what positive affirmations his Orc needs to hear 😘👌
✅ praise kink
✅ enemies to lovers (opposing sides in war)
✅ power balance
✅ everything you’ve come to love and expect from Finley’s Orcs
October 24, 2023
4.5 Stars
War books are like sports books: the best ones are queer. There’s sexually-charged fight scenes and conflicts solved with kissing. There’s angst, hostile enmity, and anger. And there’s stick handling.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
I wish the whole series was like this, because I LOVE romances where both people are fighters. Why have damsel in distress stories when you could be holding each other at knife point? What’s more romantic than that??
Anyways, I love both of these characters. They’re prudent, cunning, and horny. Excellent depth to them. Really cool supporting characters too.
Definitely recommend this book, and downloading the bonus epilogue for more closure.
Spice: 5/5
Angst: 4/5
War books are like sports books: the best ones are queer. There’s sexually-charged fight scenes and conflicts solved with kissing. There’s angst, hostile enmity, and anger. And there’s stick handling.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
I wish the whole series was like this, because I LOVE romances where both people are fighters. Why have damsel in distress stories when you could be holding each other at knife point? What’s more romantic than that??
Anyways, I love both of these characters. They’re prudent, cunning, and horny. Excellent depth to them. Really cool supporting characters too.
Definitely recommend this book, and downloading the bonus epilogue for more closure.
Spice: 5/5
Angst: 4/5
October 22, 2023
4.75 stars 🌟
ngl i was a bit hesitant to start this book bc i’ve been traumatized by finley fenn once with the lady and the orc that i just couldn’t put myself through that again 😂 this barely had any angst in it and the issues were solved quickly? and quite well? ofc there was still bound to be some deception but olarr has been whipped from the start so the conflict didn’t even feel that much of a conflict to me. i’d say this was a cozy read, just in time for halloween (but let’s be honest orcs are good for any day of the year 😌)
ngl i was a bit hesitant to start this book bc i’ve been traumatized by finley fenn once with the lady and the orc that i just couldn’t put myself through that again 😂 this barely had any angst in it and the issues were solved quickly? and quite well? ofc there was still bound to be some deception but olarr has been whipped from the start so the conflict didn’t even feel that much of a conflict to me. i’d say this was a cozy read, just in time for halloween (but let’s be honest orcs are good for any day of the year 😌)
October 17, 2023
Another sweet and steamy addition, and this one comes with some extra sword swinging angst and a change of scenery from our usual romps around Orc Mountain. Gerrard and Olarr’s romance takes us into the thick of the war and the army ranks of men, and we see a should-be-enemies dynamic swiftly turn into more. There is is also some political intrigue, hints to other books and characters, mushroom tripping fun, and Bautul taste testing. Sharing is caring, after all.
October 15, 2023
Every time I think “this is the best one yet,” and then Finley drops a new book.
I love everything about this story.
I love everything about this story.
October 21, 2023
So. Much. Cum.
I'm not even sorry.
MM monster romance FTW.
I'm not even sorry.
MM monster romance FTW.
Want to read
October 24, 2023I think, I gotta give this series a chance 👀.
October 29, 2023
I've tried this author a few times because I love Orcs, but I just can get into her writing. Very dull.
Read
November 10, 2023DNF. I'm finally giving up on Finley Fenn. She's just not for me.
April 15, 2024
I love Finley Fenn's writing! Her cunning, ruthless orc heroes who also become completely obsessed with their mates... The twist in this one shattered Gerrard and also ME! Freaking Olarr (but also I love him). The plot and smut were wild in this one. Definitely check content warnings.
Read
August 7, 2025Dnfed 23% - not for me
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