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OrcFire #1

Embers Origin

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A Fated Mate, Forbidden Love Orc Romance

The arrival of five thousand Others onto the blazing sands of the Mojave Desert could signal the end of life on Earth as we know it.

Clair
When I agreed to consult with the military on a top-secret project, I never dreamed my job would take me out of the lecture hall and into a world filled with orcs, nagas, and minotaurs.

Ashok, the mysterious orc warrior blessed with the power to unravel languages at a touch, is the key to discovering why they’re here and if they plan to harm us.

Though shocking, the liberties he takes with my body aren’t too high a price to pay to protect the lives of everyone on Earth. Except how can I pretend this is a sacrifice when I can’t wait for his next “download”?

Ashok
The power of my magic is rivaled only by the intensity of Clair’s gentle touch. I’m drawn to her in a way I’ve never felt before, but my excursions into her mind hint that she might be hiding plans to destroy my people.

Although we may be enemies by day, by night she warms my bed and makes me forget everything but her.

Prepare to be captivated by this spellbinding tale of forbidden love, high-stakes magic, and the delicate balancing act between desire and destiny.

Written by USA TODAY Bestselling authors Alana Khan and Aria Vale, "Embers Origin" has sweeping romance, explicit spice, and a happy ever after.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2023

299 people are currently reading
197 people want to read

About the author

Alana Khan

175 books619 followers
Sexy Alien Heroes, Sassy Human Heroines, Stories That Satisfy

Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.

In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?

With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.

Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.

Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/

Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...

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5 stars
231 (43%)
4 stars
152 (28%)
3 stars
90 (16%)
2 stars
43 (8%)
1 star
19 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie.
743 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2024
Embers Origin

I've never written a review for a book I couldn't stand to finish. But why not write about why I decided to stop?

Even though the relationship of the two main characters starts out well, it quickly turns into lies. And the whole thing feels stupid and contrived. He can learn her language because he has that magical talent, but for her to learn his, she has to swallow his seman. Not kidding. And even though she is smart in some ways, she doesn't even blink at how stupid that is. Then she helps him get out of being tortured but he thinks she's lying and instead of calling her on it, he plays along and they get into a spicy scene that just feels gross.

One of the things that makes it creepy is the lack of verbal consent. Lines like, “Since she says nothing else, I take it as a sign to continue” and “He lifts one eyebrow, a clear request for me to continue”, are weak. People are silent and lift eyebrows for a hundred different reasons none of which are clear consent for a physical interaction.

I, as the reader, should not have to work so hard to come up with excuses for why certain things are happening in a story. And for why the writing seems ignorant and lacking any understanding of how healthy relationships operate. But maybe my assumption that the author is trying to write about something healthy is wrong.
777 reviews11 followers
November 19, 2023
I can’t say enough about this series! The characters are amazing! This is the first book in the OrcFire series by Alana Khan. Khan’s smooth prose make this book a compelling read that you can’t put down.
Beware, there is some violence and abuse but it’s necessary for the story in its evolution. Clair is a strong female who must intervene and help the Others (Orcs, Nagas, etc) who are displaced from their home world An’Wa thru a freak disaster that opens up a worm hole to Earth. It’s a great read by a great author. Download and enjoy❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
November 20, 2023
The first book in the OrcFire series, a great start to the series. I will be reading the next book. Human Clair and Other Ashok an Orc warrior's story is well written with a very good storyline that flowed smoothly across the pages. the story is well worth reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
568 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2024
What a fantastic start to an exciting series!

Embers Origin is book 1 in the OrcFire series and what a page-turner. I loved the description of how the “Others” came to be on Earth. Clair and Ashok are an interesting pair and makes us crave their intense attraction, connection and strength even under extreme duress.

Embers Origin is filled with the Other’s loss of family, friends and loved ones and even in the face of adversity these aliens who were mostly strangers pull together to fight their antagonists. There is action, drama, despair and love and a huge helping of spice and desire.

If you are looking for a pure fun, creative and entertaining read filled with Orcs, nagas, minotaurs and other mythical creatures, Embers Origin is for you!

Don’t miss the bonus epilogue by clicking the link at the end of the e-book, it should not be missed. I am immediately jumping right in to the next book in the series, Embers Ignite, I can’t wait to read about Brokka who caught my attention in Embers Origin. Yeah, more Orcs!
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,264 reviews1,531 followers
November 10, 2025
Pretty good 👍🏼

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: fated mates
Angst: 😱😱😱1\2
Smexy: 🔥🔥

I ended up really enjoying this. I was in the mood for something more than a golden retriever fated mate read and this delivered with some well placed angst and conflict. It definitely got better as it went along and I'll certainly consider reading this author again.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,318 reviews11 followers
December 15, 2023
The strength of Clair and Ashok

This is a good story of trying to help others also pointing out fear from the unknown. This is one of those books with duo storylines where the first one you like and the second one is less appealing about the government’s bad treatment of aliens. I still do not understand why the Orcs were picked up and transported to Earth. Once the visitors arrived they were treated with care but soon the visitors are considered the enemy, yet without any reason. Clair (lead human female) and Ashok (a visitor and lead male) are the only two to share languages through Ashok’s special talents. These two work hard to save the visitors. Read On!
Profile Image for Danielle.
508 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2024
Here’s the problem I have with this book, the main character has 2 PhDs but for some reason has the critical thinking skills of a turnip. If a random orc that popped out of the sky told me that I needed to drink his jizz to learn how to speak orcish there is NOW WAY IN HELL I would believe him, even if I was desperate anthropologist/linguist. And on top of that, when she asks how the orc knows it will work, is answer is “I’ve never done it before, but my dad told me it works”….. WHAT?!?? Hahahaa this plot line just didn’t work for me which is why I rated it 2 stars.
Profile Image for Shamsa.
17 reviews
August 25, 2024
This started out promising, with the two main characters slowly building a sense of trust. But then things took a nosedive. The moment the Orc started mistrusting the female protagonist, after she saves him btw, the story fell apart for me. It was still ok though because I understood why this was. What really pushed me over the edge was the scene where, despite this mistrust, he still allowed her to pertorm oral. That made me feel disgusted, and I just couldn't continue. DNF at 40%.
557 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2024
Embers Origin

I’ll admit the sex portion of this book was too much. I’m not a prude but after knowing the Orc for one day the educated Professor performed oral sex on him. 🤦🏻‍♀️

The story itself had a good premise and I stuck till the end.
322 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2024
This book is ridiculous. I can read ridiculous books and enjoy them, but not this one
Profile Image for Fifi la belle.
3 reviews
July 22, 2024
I love ork-romance...but this book is just too stupid. Now i'm in a bad mood...
Profile Image for Racheal.
659 reviews11 followers
January 26, 2024
What I loved about this book:

-How well written it was.
-I loved that I could picture what the author painted with her words.
-While the romance was a little bit of an insta-love, Ashok and Clair still had a beautiful and heartwarming connection. I especially loved their first encounter together in the tent, for how sweet it was.
-The Worldbuilding with the different aliens was so well done.
- The author did such an incredible job with the whole military aspect as well as cultural and language barriers in this book. I love how Clair was able to pick apart different things like body language, inflictions in tones... It really brought her character to life in what she did for a job. I don't know why I loved this so much, but just felt like it made her so relatable and humanized.
-I also loved how much of a Teddy bear Ashok was at heart.

***
What I personally didn't like as much:

-Not that I have that I have any issues with a girl giving a guy favors in spicy scenes, but it just felt imbalanced in this book to the point where I felt like Clair was treated how she should be. I mean, everyone has their preferences that way in different kinks and things, but I just felt like there should have been a little bit more mutual respect and playing field between Ashok and Clair. That said, someone else could read it and think that there's nothing wrong with it. It's just my personal opinion.

Overall, I did enjoy this and would give it a solid 4 stars in rating.

***SPOILERS***
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Favorite thought from Clair and Ashok's first meeting in the tent when Ashok was looking into Clair's mind:

"Deeper, I encounter a well of loneliness. It’s an ache that clings to her very being. My heart swells with a newfound appreciation for who this female is, how strong her convictions are. It is this loneliness, this yearning to understand and connect, that drives her to undertake this profound journey with me even though she has no clue what I’ll do to her. It’s an extraordinary act of faith."
Profile Image for TigiOma.
74 reviews
November 11, 2023
The answer to “Are we alone in the universe?” is a resounding NO !

Dr Clair Thompson earned her doctorate in Linguistic Anthropology. Suddenly, several members of the US Military burst into her classroom, insisting she accompany them immediately, on a matter of “national security.” To her shock and surprise, she’s informed that approximately 5,000 beings, previously believed to be “mythical” – Orcs, Minotaurs, Naga and others – not only exist but have suddenly appeared in the Mojave Desert. Her job is to try to communicate with them and find out how and why they came to be here.

Ashok was enjoying his time at The Gathering, and during what appeared to be a sudden storm, he and scores of others are sucked into a black vortex by strings of energy and plunged to an unknown (to them) sandy, hot desert on an unknown planet. Luckily, he is a “kezja,” and he has the ability to instantly learn any language, even English, as he soon meets Clair as the military's go-between.

Once she can speak directly to Orcs, Naga and Minotaurs she gets the same story: They were pulled through a vortex and are now here. The US Military however does not believe their stories. Despite the “Others” including infants to elderly beings, the Military suspects they are an invading force and plan to…eliminate them in one horrifying act so no one will ever know they were here.

Clair plans a daring escape to get word out to all of Earth, all Human Beings to stop the slaughter of refugees from An'Wa. Will she succeed and be able to stay with Ashok or will 5,000 innocents perish along with her to keep the Military’s secrets?
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,215 reviews71 followers
November 27, 2023
This was a fantastic and engaging series opener that brings around 5000 others (orcs, nagas, minotaurs and others) to Earth through a worm hole. They're completely displaced, in shock and not prepared for humans and their technology. Clair is a linguist who's been brought in to see if she can find a way to start communicating with these others. She's beyond fascinated and finds an orc, Ashok, seeming to be able to do something to suddenly be able to communicate with another of the other species. She approaches him for the same treatment and that magic works for her, too. Clair was quite a strong gal and her attraction to Ashok was pretty instantaneous. It's helpful that he feels the same connection to her ;P Of course, with the military and government involved, nothing is simple and everyone has to pull together to try and find a better future for the newly arrived population. There's a lot going on in this well written and well paced story and I can't wait to dive into the next book to see how things continue to unfold for them :D
81 reviews
January 25, 2024
4 stars.
I was very surprised by this book.
The storyline was very good, the character development was adequate and believable. The FMC was strong and true to an anthropologist and I love that. The MMC was still an orc in the typical orc kind of way but he was slightly more refined. Again, another tick in my book. I liked the concept of the book. I am unsure if I'll read the next books immediately but I will definitely pick it up if i need a filler.

I'm most definitely in an Orc phase soooo let's see where this takes me.

Oh, my favorite part of this book is Ashok actually being in pain and beaten up. Not because I'm into torture, it was just refreshing to see an orc being able to feel pain etc. Also, loved that the FMC was boss as in a very scientific professor nerd way. I'm into this for sure.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stefany.
40 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2023
The story of aliens landing in the Mojave is everyone's nightmare or fervent wish. This is the story in 4 installments of several of those who landed or came from those who landed. It is NOT the "aliens landing" story you expect. The characters are well written and you will easily be drawn into the plight of the Others. Sad commentary on what would likely be the case if beings from another planet, galaxy, plane of existence actually did end up on Earth. However, this author excels at ensuring that your investment in the characters is rewarded, giving them (and you) the HEA we all want. This is backstory of those who were able to save all the Others with their effort to communicate. This series is very much a lesson in understanding before judging.
696 reviews7 followers
November 20, 2023
The Others mysteriously arrive on Earth. The paranoid military take Clair to the hastily set up camp in the desert to translate. She meets Ashok and is very attracted to him. He can
perform Linoch on Clair, which will give Ashok the English language. Clair thought she would be able to understand all the others and was so disappointed. The procedure for her to learn the Others languages is a lot more fun.
But it's not long before some nasty decisions are made and the military's plans are unacceptable.
Alana tells an amazing story that you will enjoy and hate, laugh, cry, feel angst, thankfulness and peace. The steam is fan your face read at home steam. A great introduction to this series.
3,069 reviews17 followers
November 28, 2023
Interesting take on “Aliens” on earth!!

Ashok is at The Gathering with other orcs, nagas and minotaurs. He is their linguist as he can learn any language. A strange force rips them away to the Mojave desert on Earth. The military assumes hostility and takes a strong stand.

Dr. Clair Thompson specializes in languages also. She is brought in to assess the “Others”. She quickly notes that Ashok can speak everyone’s language, and works with him to share language. There are multiple levels of sharing, some quite “personal”.

A prophecy fulfilled, brutal response to the unknown, a fragile connection and an entertaining story.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Profile Image for Vedece Barnes.
652 reviews8 followers
November 8, 2023
Trigger Warning! Violence and cruelty torture!
Maybe there's something to legends after all.
Two beings thrown together, each with special abilities, are undeniably drawn together despite the unjust and terrifying things going on around them.
Fighting against mistrust, those who fear the unknown and maybe a coming war. Even the evil that men do while calling others "brute and animal" their passions not only bloom, they ignite! And oh the things she does in the name of a better understanding!😉
Their love consumes them as they make a stand against both of their kind, some his and some hers, to fight for the good of ALL!
OOH WEE, I'm loving this series!!!
Profile Image for Andi Downs.
1,459 reviews14 followers
November 19, 2023
I was so excited to see this new series from Alana Khan and even more, being on her ARC team! Just love these green guys and this new set of books are fantastic.
We start this series with Clair, a consultant on a project that takes her into a world of different beings. She meets our 1st Orc - Ashok. A linguistic genius, amongst other attributes. 😉 They work together despite the issues they have to deal with. Including their respective feelings towards each other. A coming together, around a new world, changed by the rift. They are strong and work well together. Just loved them and will start on the next book, shortly. :D
87 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2023
Five thousand Others (Nagas, Orcs and Wolven) find themselves painfully ripped from their home world, forced through a rift and dumped in the Mojave desert. Unable to communicate, unaware of American customs and unprepared for the world in which they find themselves definitely leaves the Others in a precarious situation. In a country with a history of less than stellar response to the unknown and to differences, will anyone be brave enough to champion the "Others"? Misunderstandings, secrets, betrayals and the spark of an unending love combine to make this gripping story a great read.
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,195 reviews
November 12, 2023
This is the story of how the Others came to be on Earth. It felt like I was watching this from my mind as I read it. I can feel the apprehension of the Others, the wary atmosphere in the barracks, the curiosity of our FMC, the mistrust, the faith, the love, and the urgency of saving another.

Their happily ever is not as ideal or perfect as we want it to be, but it is what the story calls for. What is important is they live and get to live for another day with the person they love.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
269 reviews6 followers
November 13, 2023
This book is unbelievable. This author really touched me with this book. How Others were treated after coming here accidentally through a rift in space and time. Losing loved ones, family, and friends is then treated so coldly by humans. The love of Claire and Ashok really touched my heart. No matter the differences, they found a love that transcends everything but each other, and in the process, they saved everyone. Amazing book with an amazing storyline. I can't wait for the rest of the series.
475 reviews5 followers
November 20, 2023
Taken suddenly and transported to another planet. Fairy tale legends suddenly become real. What would you do?How will humanity except the situation. Read this book and find out how the characters in this book handle such a situation. Ohh lala so much heat and naughtiness. Two linguistic experts, one Orc and one human find love and save the day but to do that she must become intimately acquainted with his male anatomy so they can communicate. Would you make such a sacrifice? I highly recommend you check this book and the other books in the series out.
967 reviews9 followers
November 24, 2023
Exciting New Series!

First book in a new series by Alana Khan. 5000 Others are pulled through a black hole and find themselves stranded in the Mojave Desert. The US Government has them corralled, and brings in a linguist, Dr. Clair Thompson, to try and find a way to communicate with them. She learns to communicate with them but finally realizes the government plans to destroy them once they have finished interrogating them. She manages to sneak out of the compound, but can she get anyone to believe her before it’s too late?
788 reviews6 followers
November 13, 2023
Alana has done it again! What happens when 5000 Others arrive through a black hole into the desert in the USA? The military interns them and conspires to make them disappear as the powers that be don’t know how to handle the stuff of fairytale. Unfortunately for the military, a linguist has met with the orc with the power to translate all their languages and finds out when the extermination is to start so a rebellion can occur beforehand! Riveting story! Lots of spice!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melanie M..
231 reviews
January 7, 2025
No me gustó y no creo seguir esta saga. En si es bastante realista y eso es lo que me molesta ver lo mierda que la humanidad puede ser y saber que realmente lo harían así si pasara de verdad. Pagarles solo un 30% del salario mínimo, aislarlos en una zona, tratarlos sin los derechos básicos sin la ayuda básica… si algo que sin duda aria la humanidad, exigiendo exigiendo y sin dar nada a cambio, me repugna lo realista que es.
416 reviews10 followers
December 12, 2025
DNF at 31%.

It became clear that the human males were simply going to be rapey, abusive, racist, misogynist animals who behave like vicious, heartless creatures with no intelligence or logic. The human females were posited as gorgeous, sensual beings in thrall to any alien dude. And all the alien dudes are smokin hot, super honorable guys with otherworldly bedroom skills. I think that's a really lazy way of writing. Getting any farther seemed like a frustrating exercise.
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