Orlun and Rurig have been married for a long time. Things may have gotten a little less exciting after having three children together, but it’s their life, and they wouldn’t trade it for anything else. So when a civil war threatens to tear apart their home and has them both working with the city’s militia, they’re not exactly happy about it.
Jarek is a new recruit. Young and maybe a little naïve, he’s a lover, not a fighter—but he’ll do what he has to if it means protecting the people he cares about. Which might include Orlun and Rurig. There’s something brewing between the three of them, but is it strong enough to survive when tragedy strikes?
This is a story about romance, awkward dates, and questionable parenting decisions. Set over twenty years before the events of Steel & Thunder, this prequel tells the tale of how these three men found each other and formed a family in the face of danger and uncertainty. This novella is for readers who like gay/male-on-male polyamorous romances with a heaping helping of orcs.
Dominic N. Ashen is an award-winning author and avid reader, with a focus on gay, BDSM-themed erotica. After spending his youth in search of books with characters who were more like himself - queer ones, specifically - he decided to start creating some of his own. His first book, Steel & Thunder, was published in 2021, and was named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2021 NYC Big Book Awards. His stories star queer protagonists, most often gay and bisexual men, and feature themes of dominance, submission, and all sorts of kinks. Dominic loves the fantasy, sci-fi, and horror genres and has a penchant for writing longer stories where he is able to weave in the sex and kink right alongside the plot.
I totally chose to read this book because of the cover. And I was absolutely right.
The story is short, so it doesn't go into much detail about world-building or how magic or politics works, but enough detail is given so that the reader understands at least the surface of how it all works.
The protagonists, Orlun and Rurig, are a couple with children, who occasionally invite third parties to their beds and this seems to be a normal thing in their society, as well as same-sex marriages. So it's no surprise that they start dating Jarek, a new recruit in the militia, where Orlun and Rurig already work.
Apart from the story between the characters there is the political situation in which they live. There is a rebel group that wants to take control of the city by force and the leaders must repel the attacks. And while that happens our characters are faced with difficult decisions to make to cope with the situation while they raise and educate their children.
An important point is the fact that Rurig and Orlun each have two jobs, one of them being their assignments in the militia. And because of this their children are left alone at night and this fact is questioned by Jarek and causes a temporary break in their relationship. The children are very young, only 8 and 1 year old, so they are not old enough to be alone at night and there is only one neighbor to check them from time to time and taking into account the precarious socio-political situation... It's very irresponsible of them.
If they weren't under attack, I think it wouldn't be such a bad idea for the children to be alone and have someone watch them, but they are, indeed, under attack. Luckily nothing bad happens, at least not to the children.
Things that I would have liked to have had an explanation: they use certain words that, I suppose, are from their language, like "Orda" or "Ruda", for the context in which it's used it is clear that they are the terms for Father or Dad, but it is not specified. There also isn't an explanation on how same-sex couples have children. There is no mention that it is an omegaverse or that the story is Mpreg or that they have used a surrogate mother... Nothing.
Maybe it's explained in the next books in the series and that's why I'm going to read them all. 🤭
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read several of Dominic's other books in this series and loved them very much. I was a little disappointed in the parenting of Orlun and Rurig's three children ages 8 and 3 or 4. Their town is under attack from a group of villagers who want to take over power. While both men are serving their militia their 3 kids are alone and the oldest son is taking responsibility for the other two. AT 8!! A little older I could understand leaving them for a few hours but not all day.
While Orlun and Rurig are doing their military jobs they notice Jarek, who notices them back. So they all get together and it is hot. But not once do the dads mention, oh hey, we have three children who we leave alone while we are off to your house to have sex. Jarek, although younger, seems to be the most responsible adult of the three. Plus the oldest 8 year old son, Khazak. All in all it was alright, not my favorite and could probably been added to the first book to get the background then started the rest of the series. Just my thoughts. Worth the read since it does let you know how Orlun, Rurig and Jarek meet and become a trio.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I want more! This is such a great story and I loved finding out how the three dads met!! 🩷 I’m looking forward to more adventure stories about the fun and funny bunch from V’rok’sh Tah’lj. May the shenanigans continue. 🎉🙏🏻.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first experience with this author and series, and it was a fun introduction to this world, and the characters in it. I suspect this prequel may be better enjoyed after reading the main series, as I felt there was a bit of an expectation for the reader to already have some familiarity with the world and characters. That being said, I still fully enjoyed this novella and look forward to learning more about the world and characters in subsequent books. It piqued my interest, and made me want to read the other books in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style, the world, and the characters. For such a short story Ashen managed to give us enough of a feel for the characters to become invested in what happens to them. The romance between Orlun, Rurig, and Jarek is really the star here, but the glimpses into their relationships with the children were very endearing.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dominic N. Ashen is back, this time with a Steel and Thunder prequel exploring how the Ironstorm family came together. Khazak and his twin sister Ayla are eight, with a 3-year old little brother Yogik. Their dads, Orlun and Rurig, met in the militia and have been married for over a decade.
There's a rebellion going on, sparked after a councilman tried to use violence to cling to power (a theme that vaguely resonates for some reason). Many took up the call to arms by joining the militia to defend the city. Orlun and Rurig spend much of their time helping the militia, to the extent that they leave their children home alone at night in service to the cause.
In the course of training recruits they meet Jarek: young, handsome, studious, and unsure of himself. The three discover their remarkably good chemistry, and some steamy encounters ensue. Jarek assumes things are just casual, until a surprise request nudges him to reconsider what he wants for the future.
The book is a quick read, so that's all the synopsis you get. The short length meant skipping over some things that I wish had been explored more in depth. There are a number of themes in this story that deserve it. I hope Dominic gives us more in future books. I might've been reeled in by the sexy orcs, but here I am in love with these characters and the world they inhabit.
Grab a copy. If you've got previous experience with an Ashen book, you know you're in for a good time.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. As a fan, I have purchased a copy of the book to support the author.
Note: I have not read the rest of the series and I have a feeling I would have liked this a lot more if I had read it AFTER reading the book that already is out with their main story. I felt like this had the potential for much more, but was just not enough.
I liked the characters, all of them were nicely developed, and had personalities of their own. The story was clear and understandable and was well laid out. The spicy scenes were appropriately steamy. I like the book overall.
However, children in stories are always a risk/choice; while I don't mind it, there is definitely a lot to consider. I feel like a much larger undercurrent here was swept away, leaving me feeling like those poor children would have lasting issues. This is probably my own internalized childhood issues, so I still gave it 4 stars. :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm giving this novella 4 stars instead of 3 because there's actively nothing wrong with it, BUT there's also nothing really going for it either. The story is like a rice cracker with butter on it - no substance, but some good smut. The book covers a story already mentioned in the full length books, and rather than expound upon it, it just retells it. You don't really get any more information than you already had with the exception of maybe a little insight into Jarek's thought process. I wanted a little more from this than I got. A little more build up, a little more tension, but there was barely fluff. I understand it's a novella, but it's a bit of a let down to claim it's a prequel story and have it be mostly smut with no real substance. His other novella ("My 3 Orc Dads") didn't even pretend to be story, and it was less of a disappointment because of that. It bothered me a little, but the writing was as good as any of Ashen's other books and the quality was just as fine as well.
Orlun and Rurig are married and have three children together. Since the children have come along their lives have been less exciting. Until a civil war breaks out and both are working for the militia. Along comes Jarek, a young recruit. The three men are instantly attracted to each other, and a relationship begins.
I enjoy Ashen’s writing style and the story flowed seamlessly from beginning to end. The relationship with the children is endearing and the love that is present makes this a positive gay story. The diversity present is incredible - we have a threesome, two older men with a much younger lover, an amputee with a prosthetic foot and love between men. I look forward to reading other books in the series.
I do wish the story was more in depth and it could have done without the questionable parenting.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
'“There’s going to be a next time?” Jarek asks the both of us hopefully. “I certainly hope so,” I answer with a grin. I really, really do.'
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, but a mmm orc romance was a must read for me. The world setting was interesting and I loved the characters. Orlun and Rurig were already married, but their chemistry with Jarek was sizzling. I haven't read the main series that this book is a prequel of. I'm undecided, but might have liked it even better if I read the main series first. Leaving the young kids alone like that when things aren't really safe felt reckless even in a romance where the relationship is the star of the story. I would read more. 4 stars.
I wish you could give half stars on any of these platforms, cause I'd give this a 3.5, so I rounded up to 4 due to the care and attention Ashen has clearly given to world building.
This was the first Steel & Thunder book I've read and I enjoyed the style overall.
It's a prequel to existing books, so many readers might already know the world. I found the first chapter and the world set up to be a bit dense with info... but once we got into the plot and romance proper it was very sweet. The MMM balanced well (both emotionally and in the spice).
Ashen's writing style is immersive and emotional.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Orlun, Ruig, and Jarek have tons of chemistry and it’s an interesting adventure to get to see how their relationship takes shape, with spice and humor and a backdrop of peril and some intriguing insights into the world and culture the characters inhabit along the way. It’s a particularly enjoyable interlude in the context of other stories set in this world— while I think this could work as a standalone, there’s plenty of added depth and nuance to be found if you’re familiar with the books this one is a prequel to, and well worth a read in its own right. 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Orlun and Rurig have been married for ten years and have the children. They've taken a long to a young recruit named Jarek. Orlun is a Captain, Rurig is a good cook and Jarek is a new recruit. He has caught the eyes of the Captain and the cook. But there is a war going on and it can be a dangerous time. Will the three of them be able to be together? What will Jarek think when he learns his two new love interests are parents? Can a third be added to make it an even better and happier home? A beautiful love story with a bit of action and some tears that will draw the three into the reader's heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Before the Storm is a touching and heartfelt novella that beautifully explores the dynamics of love and family. Orlun and Rurig’s established relationship provides a comforting foundation, while the addition of Jarek brings a refreshing sense of possibility and newness. The story masterfully balances moments of romance, humour, and tension as the trio navigates civil war and their evolving bond. The polyamorous relationship is portrayed with care and depth, making it easy to root for their happiness. A delightful read for fans of MM romances with a touch of action and plenty of heart.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This charming prequel is a heartfelt blend of romance, humor, and action set during a civil war. Orlun, Rurig, and Jarek’s journey toward becoming a family is tender, awkward, and deeply genuine, with their polyamorous dynamic adding a refreshing twist to the fantasy genre.
While brief, the story captures love, resilience, and the challenges of forging bonds in chaos. Perfect for fans of MM polyamorous romance and orc fantasy, Before the Storm is an engaging and emotional start to the Steel & Thunder series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Set over twenty years before the events of Steel & Thunder, this prequel tells the tale of how these three men found each other and formed a family in the face of danger and uncertainty.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read some of the stories in the Steel and Thunder series and I appreciated this prequel that gives us a look at the way that Khazak, who is a part of the main couple in the series, was brought up. It is a nice window into the community and parents who shaped him and it seems that randy impulses are something he gets from his parents. I enjoyed this peek at his background.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved Before the Storm: A Steel & Thunder Prequel by Dominic N. Ashen. It's the first book in the Before the Storm series. I loved seeing how Jarek, Orlun, and Rurig began their relationship and how Karen bonded with Orlun and Rurig's children. There were lots of sexy scenes and a great plot also—another great Orc story by the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just love this series. Kinda wish this book was longer, though. In this novella, we get to hear how Khazak three fathers got together and got some insight into his childhood. I liked the story. It wasn't heavy even though it occurred during a war. The sexy parts were vanilla (which is unusual for the series) but great non the less.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a basic introduction to the world and characters. I had to remind myself it was a fictional world, as I disagreed with some things (like leaving young children unattended for hours). I enjoyed watching Orlun and Rurig meet and add Jarek to their already established relationship. I'm planning to read further books, and hope they fill in questions I still have about how the world works.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this quick, fresh and fun introduction to life before Khazak and David! We get to see how Orlun and Rurig met Jarek and pulled him into their love. These were three fun and sexy Orcs! There is actually quite a bit of world building, suspense and danger packed in here too. It all balanced out with humor and love between these three Orcs and their growing family. Hope we get an audible!
I thought I was content with the other books but this prequel provided insight on several things never thought about. We learned more of Khazak and his siblings. Orlun, Durig and Jarek were a delight to see how their chemistry developed.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
This prequel was more fleshed out than I expected. A lot happens and it is well written with balanced amounts of dialogue, action, sexy times and emotions. There is also disability representation. The developing relationship between the three main characters was good. I enjoyed seeing older children interacting with other characters in this mpreg story.
I did like this book but it goes from 0 to 60 really fast! If you like your books with alot of heat, then here you go. More depth to the characters is later provided and made this a decent book to read. I am curious as to what the actual series will be like but I am absolutely willing to give it a go. It was a fun, easy, extremely hot book! I hope you enjoy it.
This story is about Khazak's Dads Orlun and Rugrig, and how they met and fell in love with their third man Jarek. Khazak and his siblings are still children, and if you've read Storm and Thunder, you'll remember a lot of the events. I loved this novella. One of my favorite mmm romances, for sure. The story and plot are good, and you need something cold to drink after all the heat.
This is my first book by this author, and I can’t wait to read more. For a short story, the author created such a wonderful world, with a rich story, interesting characters, great chemistry, and a satisfying conclusion. It’s a fantastic start, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
this series has just been so good. I love seeing how the dads get together and their stories. Not only is it fun but it's sexy. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am happy I found this before I found the series. I was a great read and helped when I started reading about the start of all the characters. Great writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.