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A Tangle of Tusks
All that glitters is not gold.
Faerhan, motherland of the Seelie.
Fayra, a paper-pusher at the New Orc police precinct, can no longer hide her feelings for Special Ops Tyke.
She tried, though.
And failed miserably.
Fay knows she shouldn't be talking to him, shouldn't be seeing him. And she knows she certainly shouldn't be sleeping with him.
Tyke. An orc… the wretch of society.
And yet, how could she not? He's everything her heart longs for, the perfect key to lock out her grief—her most insidious secret.
Nevertheless, her mind is ruthless, its monster of sorrow raging from every crevice.
As she attempts to hide it under a blanket woven with social specism and mental struggles, shadows of war encroach over New Orc.
Despite the violence and secrecy, Fay and the rest of monsterkind continue to live their lives, fending ignorance, mostly in denial of a brutal past.
Unfortunately, one can only delay the inevitable, and the table is soon set with life-changing choices: accept or resist the fate that entangles them.
And so the gamble is on. While navigating through a society rife with prejudice, Fayra and Tyke have no idea about a more dangerous force lurking in the dark—a blood-lusting threat, not only winged but hatched by claws and fangs.
It won't back down from its prey… especially when it is not only cute, loving, and sensitive, but far more than meets the eye.
Faerhan, motherland of the Seelie.
Fayra, a paper-pusher at the New Orc police precinct, can no longer hide her feelings for Special Ops Tyke.
She tried, though.
And failed miserably.
Fay knows she shouldn't be talking to him, shouldn't be seeing him. And she knows she certainly shouldn't be sleeping with him.
Tyke. An orc… the wretch of society.
And yet, how could she not? He's everything her heart longs for, the perfect key to lock out her grief—her most insidious secret.
Nevertheless, her mind is ruthless, its monster of sorrow raging from every crevice.
As she attempts to hide it under a blanket woven with social specism and mental struggles, shadows of war encroach over New Orc.
Despite the violence and secrecy, Fay and the rest of monsterkind continue to live their lives, fending ignorance, mostly in denial of a brutal past.
Unfortunately, one can only delay the inevitable, and the table is soon set with life-changing choices: accept or resist the fate that entangles them.
And so the gamble is on. While navigating through a society rife with prejudice, Fayra and Tyke have no idea about a more dangerous force lurking in the dark—a blood-lusting threat, not only winged but hatched by claws and fangs.
It won't back down from its prey… especially when it is not only cute, loving, and sensitive, but far more than meets the eye.
688 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2024
8 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Sasha Onyx
3 books9 followersFantasy author of sexy, funny, yet gritty dystopian stories. Sasha hides in her den and writes about monsters in love, blending dark themes with a touch of reality. No fluffy, cozy monster romance here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 3, 2024
Can I have some more please 🥹🙏🏻
This book has absolutely everything from wild adventure and fantastic fantasy, to angsty drama with hot smut, a defiant rebellion against a whack government, amazing banter, and great characters. I loved it!
The monsters are fighting against a very corrupt and colonizing fae regime and include everything from orcs to minotaurs and even chimeras.
It has a very comic book-ish impression with a mix of futuristic and gaslamp fantasy. At some points I pictured Carnival Rowe while others had a distinct Gotham vibe. Needless to say I love it, and Ima need to get a shelf trophy of it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 💙💙💙💙💙
Dark Urban Fantasy | Monster Romance
💔 Forbidden Romance
🎭 Secret Identities
🧚🏻♀️ Orc & Fae Romance
⛅️ Grumpy/Sunshine
💫 Star-Crossed Lovers
🔥 Burn the world for her
⚠️ Attempted SA, Attempted self 🔪, 🤜🏻🗡️🩸 - including against children, 💊
This book has absolutely everything from wild adventure and fantastic fantasy, to angsty drama with hot smut, a defiant rebellion against a whack government, amazing banter, and great characters. I loved it!
The monsters are fighting against a very corrupt and colonizing fae regime and include everything from orcs to minotaurs and even chimeras.
It has a very comic book-ish impression with a mix of futuristic and gaslamp fantasy. At some points I pictured Carnival Rowe while others had a distinct Gotham vibe. Needless to say I love it, and Ima need to get a shelf trophy of it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 💙💙💙💙💙
Dark Urban Fantasy | Monster Romance
💔 Forbidden Romance
🎭 Secret Identities
🧚🏻♀️ Orc & Fae Romance
⛅️ Grumpy/Sunshine
💫 Star-Crossed Lovers
🔥 Burn the world for her
⚠️ Attempted SA, Attempted self 🔪, 🤜🏻🗡️🩸 - including against children, 💊
July 14, 2024
Fayra works at the New Orc police precinct and she has a forbidden relationship with an orc (the societal outcasts of their world) Spec-Ops Officer Tyke. I especially like Tyke, who is a sensitive and loving partner and challenges the societal norms that seek to define him. This has a richly detailed setting and world-building. This world feels both familiar and fantastical. The dynamics between different species and the palpable tension within the society reflect real-world issues, making the fantasy elements feel relevant.
The unique aspect lies in its ability to tackle contemporary problems through the lens of fantasy. The issues of prejudice, mental health, and societal expectations are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes. The puns scattered throughout add a layer of charm and levity, balancing the darker themes with humor.
However, the length may pose a challenge for some readers. Additionally, while this is an urban fantasy, the fantasy elements often feel secondary to the contemporary storyline. This blend might throw off some fantasy readers expecting a more traditional approach. Check your TWs!
Thanks to BOMM and the author for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
The unique aspect lies in its ability to tackle contemporary problems through the lens of fantasy. The issues of prejudice, mental health, and societal expectations are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes. The puns scattered throughout add a layer of charm and levity, balancing the darker themes with humor.
However, the length may pose a challenge for some readers. Additionally, while this is an urban fantasy, the fantasy elements often feel secondary to the contemporary storyline. This blend might throw off some fantasy readers expecting a more traditional approach. Check your TWs!
Thanks to BOMM and the author for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
July 2, 2024
This was a wild ride. A long one ( 800+ pages ) but a good one.
I definitely enjoyed this story and it was easy to follow along !
I absolutely adored Tyke he has my heart for sure.
Looking forward to reading more from this author
4.5 stars
Multi POV
Fae politics
Crime/Mystery
Forbidden romance
Dark elements
Likeable characters
I definitely enjoyed this story and it was easy to follow along !
I absolutely adored Tyke he has my heart for sure.
Looking forward to reading more from this author
4.5 stars
Multi POV
Fae politics
Crime/Mystery
Forbidden romance
Dark elements
Likeable characters
July 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This would be perfect for anyone who wants to read monsters romance but who also loves a great story.
The world is very dark and gritty, often violent (especially that ending!). One of the dominant theme are social inequity, corruption and of course mental health.
The mental health aspect is mostly brought by Fay, one of the main characters who suffer with, I assume, depression and anxiety.
The chapters are in the first person, from the POV of 5 mains characters. The writing truly make it feels like we are in their head, which can sometime be a bit confusing, since as we all know, thought can be chaotic. But this also help give each characters a very distinct voice
This would be perfect for anyone who wants to read monsters romance but who also loves a great story.
The world is very dark and gritty, often violent (especially that ending!). One of the dominant theme are social inequity, corruption and of course mental health.
The mental health aspect is mostly brought by Fay, one of the main characters who suffer with, I assume, depression and anxiety.
The chapters are in the first person, from the POV of 5 mains characters. The writing truly make it feels like we are in their head, which can sometime be a bit confusing, since as we all know, thought can be chaotic. But this also help give each characters a very distinct voice
July 10, 2024
EDIT 7/10/24- This story was living rent free in my head so I decided to re-read it and my below mention of the language being a bit odd was not accurate. The verbiage makes a lot of sense now that I understand the world more. I also loved it even more this time around. I’m rarely drawn back to a book for a reread right after reading it (other than the Maasverse which I’m constantly reading) so with that said, it’s 5 stars for me. This is absolutely a 5 star read.
————————-
An original, action-packed foundation building first book of a new series!
Thank you to Luna Bloom PA for the ARC!
This story had a lot of world-building and complex character dynamics. To some, the dynamics and complexities may feel quite excessive but I do get the feeling that the author is planning to tie in a lot more as the series goes on that will bring everything together. This felt like a foundation building book and I’m curious to see how it builds from here.
This book is for those who appreciate characters and situations that are not black or white - they fall into the gray zone and make you think! Sasha’s ability to create such complicated scenarios was truly refreshing.
I like my characters complex and flawed and this book delivered on that. I don’t want perfection, I want messy personalities and situations leading to growth! I also feel that the characters were left with more to grow as the series continues which I can appreciate.
My only call-out is that the language was a bit odd at some points, like some of the phrases used were strange to me but I can imagine it was worded this way because they’re in their own unique world, not OUR world, and I’m still learning it. So even this “call-out” is stemming from something I can appreciate. I found this to be an entertaining read and look forward and to following along with the characters moving forward.
Tyke is just *chefs kiss* I adore him! I love a strong “manly” male character that is also a softy and I enjoyed seeing his sweeter side. If you’ve read Crescent City he’s almost like a Hunt Athalar-Ruhn Danaan hybrid in the best of ways (while still being his own unique character!)
I also love the character art for this book and it truly helped me envision the characters of the story (especially Deon! He’s so freaking cute and flirty looking physically and I loved that.
This was a solid four for me, which for a debut in a series is excellent. I have a feeling the rest of the books will be 5 star for me and will definitely be reading future books in the series.
————————-
An original, action-packed foundation building first book of a new series!
Thank you to Luna Bloom PA for the ARC!
This story had a lot of world-building and complex character dynamics. To some, the dynamics and complexities may feel quite excessive but I do get the feeling that the author is planning to tie in a lot more as the series goes on that will bring everything together. This felt like a foundation building book and I’m curious to see how it builds from here.
This book is for those who appreciate characters and situations that are not black or white - they fall into the gray zone and make you think! Sasha’s ability to create such complicated scenarios was truly refreshing.
I like my characters complex and flawed and this book delivered on that. I don’t want perfection, I want messy personalities and situations leading to growth! I also feel that the characters were left with more to grow as the series continues which I can appreciate.
My only call-out is that the language was a bit odd at some points, like some of the phrases used were strange to me but I can imagine it was worded this way because they’re in their own unique world, not OUR world, and I’m still learning it. So even this “call-out” is stemming from something I can appreciate. I found this to be an entertaining read and look forward and to following along with the characters moving forward.
Tyke is just *chefs kiss* I adore him! I love a strong “manly” male character that is also a softy and I enjoyed seeing his sweeter side. If you’ve read Crescent City he’s almost like a Hunt Athalar-Ruhn Danaan hybrid in the best of ways (while still being his own unique character!)
I also love the character art for this book and it truly helped me envision the characters of the story (especially Deon! He’s so freaking cute and flirty looking physically and I loved that.
This was a solid four for me, which for a debut in a series is excellent. I have a feeling the rest of the books will be 5 star for me and will definitely be reading future books in the series.
July 29, 2024
I received this as an arc to read and I’m very grateful! But that does not affect my review.
Phew, long book! At first when I saw how long my kindle predicted to would take me to read, I thought there was a mistake, but no this is definitely a long book.
This is a spicy monster story, with a futuristic sci-fi vibe.
I love our MMC, who says stuff like “it only takes a hug from her to disperse the black in my mind, the gentle breeze from her lips to lift my barb-wired heart, and her warm skin on mine to restore breath into me.”
We love a man that lives for the FMC, don’t we? The grumpy / sunshine vibe of course. The love between Tyke and Fay is INTENSE their chemistry is palpable but there’s so much in their way- luckily they fight for it!
I do like that the while the characters in this book are orcs and fae and they’re fighting in a fantasy world, a lot of the issues they face and the things they’re fighting against translate into real issues we see in our own world. It makes the story relatable and inspiring.
I will say that with the length and because of the story, some parts and elements of the book got a little lost and drug just a tad. But, given that this is a debut book I don’t hold it against the story ◡̈
I’m definitely interested to see where Sasha is going to take this!
Phew, long book! At first when I saw how long my kindle predicted to would take me to read, I thought there was a mistake, but no this is definitely a long book.
This is a spicy monster story, with a futuristic sci-fi vibe.
I love our MMC, who says stuff like “it only takes a hug from her to disperse the black in my mind, the gentle breeze from her lips to lift my barb-wired heart, and her warm skin on mine to restore breath into me.”
We love a man that lives for the FMC, don’t we? The grumpy / sunshine vibe of course. The love between Tyke and Fay is INTENSE their chemistry is palpable but there’s so much in their way- luckily they fight for it!
I do like that the while the characters in this book are orcs and fae and they’re fighting in a fantasy world, a lot of the issues they face and the things they’re fighting against translate into real issues we see in our own world. It makes the story relatable and inspiring.
I will say that with the length and because of the story, some parts and elements of the book got a little lost and drug just a tad. But, given that this is a debut book I don’t hold it against the story ◡̈
I’m definitely interested to see where Sasha is going to take this!
July 11, 2024
Fantastic debut by Sasha Onyx!
I love monster romance but A Tangle of Tusks had a little bit of everything.
I really enjoyed the banter and the amount of dept that went into the characters. This author is now one I will keep my eye out for!
I love monster romance but A Tangle of Tusks had a little bit of everything.
I really enjoyed the banter and the amount of dept that went into the characters. This author is now one I will keep my eye out for!
June 29, 2024
I haven't read a ton of monster romance, but this was a fun one! I love the orc play on New York (New Orc)! Made me giggle! An urban fantasy, Grumpy/sunshine monster romantasy full of secrets and spicy scenes.
September 5, 2024
This book was a beast in more ways than one. I know that there are certain things we come to expect from a particular trope, however I really love it when authors put an original spin on something that we’ve read time and time again.
Sasha Onyx did exactly that. There is so much depth, and nuance to each character. The story mirrors our human society with our prejudices, vices, and opportunistic behaviors of governments and those in power.
If you’re into spicy spice, well rounded, fleshed out characters, a fae heroine who thinks that she is too broken to exist, and the orc who will do anything to make her believe in herself then this book is for you.
What a fantastic debut!
Sasha Onyx did exactly that. There is so much depth, and nuance to each character. The story mirrors our human society with our prejudices, vices, and opportunistic behaviors of governments and those in power.
If you’re into spicy spice, well rounded, fleshed out characters, a fae heroine who thinks that she is too broken to exist, and the orc who will do anything to make her believe in herself then this book is for you.
What a fantastic debut!
July 1, 2024
" Fay before you stepped into my life my... my heart was heavy. Ever since I gave it to you, I felt lighter, free from a weight I was unaware of. How will it beat for you if you're not here to hold it?"
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.0⭐️ | Romance lvl: 3.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.0🌶️ | Smut frequency: 2.5⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
✨ Fairy x Orc
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🦋 Urban Fantasy
🔍 Big political intrigue
🔏 Secret identity
👉 Complex story with multiple POVs
TW: violence, gore, torture, depression, drug, assault, racism (specism more specifically).
----------------------—
~ STORY & PLOT 📝 ~
I can't remember the last time I read a book that thick and complex. I can't remember either the last time I read a book where the MCs were so "real" that I had moments I hated them, and others I loved them with my all heart.
The world-building is so well done that, even if yes it's fantasy, you can see how this could be the real world. The story is amazing but it'll probably wreck you more times than it'll bring you comfort...😂
👉 Fay's a hot mess and the proof that having the best intentions is not enough sometimes.
👉 Tyke's so loyal even tho he has all the reasons to hate the Fae; he can't help but love Fay and wants to give her everything.
👉 Deon's keeps smiling and joking even tho he's not less scarred by life. He's willing to do anything for the people he loves.
👉 Donna's the best friend ever, always keeping an impeccable facade to take care of Fay and not add to her plate with her struggles. Even if it's also the reason she hates her sometimes.
Each one of them is multidimensional and flawed but also very relatable. Each POV reflects their personality perfectly because the tones and writing styles are slightly different to match their thought patterns. And that's one of the things I like the most about this book.
I read a few months back now, like in March as a beta reader, and the story never really left my mind ever since. And I'm reading like 200 books a year, so honestly? Me remembering a book properly is already a win. So thinking about it often? Yh it's special 😂
I can't wait to see how the next book will make them grow, what path they'll take going forward, and how it'll impact the world around them.
---------------------—
This is a beta review. Thanks to Luna Bloom & the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
---------------------—
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.0⭐️ | Romance lvl: 3.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.0🌶️ | Smut frequency: 2.5⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
✨ Fairy x Orc
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🦋 Urban Fantasy
🔍 Big political intrigue
🔏 Secret identity
👉 Complex story with multiple POVs
TW: violence, gore, torture, depression, drug, assault, racism (specism more specifically).
----------------------—
~ STORY & PLOT 📝 ~
I can't remember the last time I read a book that thick and complex. I can't remember either the last time I read a book where the MCs were so "real" that I had moments I hated them, and others I loved them with my all heart.
The world-building is so well done that, even if yes it's fantasy, you can see how this could be the real world. The story is amazing but it'll probably wreck you more times than it'll bring you comfort...😂
👉 Fay's a hot mess and the proof that having the best intentions is not enough sometimes.
👉 Tyke's so loyal even tho he has all the reasons to hate the Fae; he can't help but love Fay and wants to give her everything.
👉 Deon's keeps smiling and joking even tho he's not less scarred by life. He's willing to do anything for the people he loves.
👉 Donna's the best friend ever, always keeping an impeccable facade to take care of Fay and not add to her plate with her struggles. Even if it's also the reason she hates her sometimes.
Each one of them is multidimensional and flawed but also very relatable. Each POV reflects their personality perfectly because the tones and writing styles are slightly different to match their thought patterns. And that's one of the things I like the most about this book.
I read a few months back now, like in March as a beta reader, and the story never really left my mind ever since. And I'm reading like 200 books a year, so honestly? Me remembering a book properly is already a win. So thinking about it often? Yh it's special 😂
I can't wait to see how the next book will make them grow, what path they'll take going forward, and how it'll impact the world around them.
---------------------—
This is a beta review. Thanks to Luna Bloom & the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
---------------------—
July 2, 2024
➳༻❀🌆✨🌆❀༺➳
➳༻❀☕️🅱︎🅾︎🅾︎🅺•🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆☕️❀༺➳
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
📚📝✨🌆𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞•𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦🌆✨📝📚
🗽𝙰 𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙶𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝚃𝚄𝚂𝙺𝚂 𝙱𝚈 𝚂𝙰𝚂𝙷𝙰 𝙾𝙽𝚈𝚇
✨𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟷 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙼𝙾𝙽𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝙽𝙴𝚆 𝙾𝚁𝙲 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
🗽𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚄𝚁𝙱𝙰𝙽 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 𝚆𝙸𝚃𝙷 𝙼𝙾𝙽𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂, 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴, 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙰𝙽 𝙴𝙿𝙸𝙲 𝙵𝙴𝙴𝙻
✨𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙹𝚄𝙻𝚈 𝟷𝚂𝚃 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺
🗽𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥: 𝙰𝙳𝚅𝙴𝙽𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙾𝚄𝚂; 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙴; 𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻; 𝙸𝙽𝚂𝙿𝙸𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙶; 𝙷𝙾𝙿𝙴𝙵𝚄𝙻
✨𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟾𝟾𝟿 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
🗽𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘: 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙱𝙸𝙳𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴; 𝙶𝚁𝚄𝙼𝙿𝚈/𝚂𝚄𝙽𝚂𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙴; 𝙱𝚄𝚁𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙻𝙳 𝙵𝙾𝚁 𝙷𝙴𝚁; 𝙾𝚁𝙲/𝙵𝙰𝙴 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴; 𝚂𝙴𝙲𝚁𝙴𝚃 𝙸𝙳𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸𝚃𝙸𝙴𝚂
✨𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻
🗽🚨𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
✨✨𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠✨✨
Thank you so much to 𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐎𝐧𝐲𝐱 & 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 for my Advanced Reader Copy of 𝐀 𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐔𝐒𝐊𝐒! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
I really enjoyed this read! Now, this book is quite the behemoth but it’s worth every wonderful second! A modern, monstrous take on the Big Apple!? I was definitely hooked from the very beginning because of this alone. New Orc is a really interesting and unique take on a big city in a fantasy series. This one hit the mark with all the different types of creatures we have in the same place! The world building was SO detailed and I loved that. Tyke and Fayra were everything to me! Tyke is the epitome of being that broody MMC but also such a cinnamon roll for his FMC - I just loved them so much! He was so patient with her and I really enjoyed their journey in this book!
Not only do we get Tyke and Fayra’s POVs, but there were 3 other POVs we got in this book, which I always love. There was a lot going on, but I thought Sasha did a really good job of weaving everything together to make it easily digestible for the reader. One of my favorite things was how fleshed out our characters are. There is a ton of character development on top of the world building and that was just absolute perfection to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and thought it was well written with wonderful characters! It’s perfect if you’re looking for a modern, monster paranormal romance!
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
➳༻❀☕️🅱︎🅾︎🅾︎🅺•🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆☕️❀༺➳
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
📚📝✨🌆𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞•𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦🌆✨📝📚
🗽𝙰 𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙶𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝚃𝚄𝚂𝙺𝚂 𝙱𝚈 𝚂𝙰𝚂𝙷𝙰 𝙾𝙽𝚈𝚇
✨𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟷 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙼𝙾𝙽𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝙽𝙴𝚆 𝙾𝚁𝙲 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
🗽𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚄𝚁𝙱𝙰𝙽 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 𝚆𝙸𝚃𝙷 𝙼𝙾𝙽𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂, 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴, 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙰𝙽 𝙴𝙿𝙸𝙲 𝙵𝙴𝙴𝙻
✨𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙹𝚄𝙻𝚈 𝟷𝚂𝚃 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺
🗽𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥: 𝙰𝙳𝚅𝙴𝙽𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙾𝚄𝚂; 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙴; 𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻; 𝙸𝙽𝚂𝙿𝙸𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙶; 𝙷𝙾𝙿𝙴𝙵𝚄𝙻
✨𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟾𝟾𝟿 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
🗽𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘: 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙱𝙸𝙳𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴; 𝙶𝚁𝚄𝙼𝙿𝚈/𝚂𝚄𝙽𝚂𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙴; 𝙱𝚄𝚁𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙻𝙳 𝙵𝙾𝚁 𝙷𝙴𝚁; 𝙾𝚁𝙲/𝙵𝙰𝙴 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴; 𝚂𝙴𝙲𝚁𝙴𝚃 𝙸𝙳𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸𝚃𝙸𝙴𝚂
✨𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻
🗽🚨𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
✨✨𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠✨✨
Thank you so much to 𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐎𝐧𝐲𝐱 & 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 for my Advanced Reader Copy of 𝐀 𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐔𝐒𝐊𝐒! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
I really enjoyed this read! Now, this book is quite the behemoth but it’s worth every wonderful second! A modern, monstrous take on the Big Apple!? I was definitely hooked from the very beginning because of this alone. New Orc is a really interesting and unique take on a big city in a fantasy series. This one hit the mark with all the different types of creatures we have in the same place! The world building was SO detailed and I loved that. Tyke and Fayra were everything to me! Tyke is the epitome of being that broody MMC but also such a cinnamon roll for his FMC - I just loved them so much! He was so patient with her and I really enjoyed their journey in this book!
Not only do we get Tyke and Fayra’s POVs, but there were 3 other POVs we got in this book, which I always love. There was a lot going on, but I thought Sasha did a really good job of weaving everything together to make it easily digestible for the reader. One of my favorite things was how fleshed out our characters are. There is a ton of character development on top of the world building and that was just absolute perfection to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and thought it was well written with wonderful characters! It’s perfect if you’re looking for a modern, monster paranormal romance!
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
July 7, 2024
“Your fate is woven in mine. My fate is woven in yours. They bind us together like a cloth that will never break. But turn your back on yours, you turn your back on mine.”
A Tangle of Tusks is the start of an urban fantasy with a backdrop of a monster-centric world, this book contains romance, civil unrest, and self-discovery.
Overall, I liked this one! I do recommend checking out the trigger warnings though, as this book is on the darker side. I’ll attach the TW/CW at the end, after the main review
First, I love ensemble casts and AToT had 5 POVs!
🪓Tyke, an orc police officer who’s fallen hard for Fay despite the no-strings situationship.
✨Fay, a faerie police officer who only does casual flings and may be trying to fight her growing feelings for a certain orc.
🌕Donna, a no-nonsense werewolf workaholic.
😈Deon, a flirtatious gargoyle.
🩸Vym, a vampire heir.
While the main focus is around Fay & Tyke, all 5 characters have great story arcs. I love how each character connects to the others! I tried to be more vague with the last 3 POVs because this nearly 900 page novel has a lot of twists and turns 👀.
With that said, here are some highlights:
✨5 distinct POVs - each character has a distinct voice
✨the character arcs!
✨how mate bonds are handled - I love twists on the fated mate trope! Also there’s tons of bond variation here
✨interesting world with tons of world building sprinkled throughout
✨the political backdrop
✨complicated characters & even more complicated dynamics - lots of grey
✨Tyke - he may just be my favorite of the main 5
All in all, I currently need book 2 and am definitely on board for more of this world! Many thanks to Luna Blooms PA, BOMM, & the author for the eARC!
TW/CW: Explicit sexual content, including on page spice, attempted sexual assault*, CNC/role play, attempted Suicide (not explicit), Violence/Gore - including violence against children, Drug use
*
A Tangle of Tusks is the start of an urban fantasy with a backdrop of a monster-centric world, this book contains romance, civil unrest, and self-discovery.
Overall, I liked this one! I do recommend checking out the trigger warnings though, as this book is on the darker side. I’ll attach the TW/CW at the end, after the main review
First, I love ensemble casts and AToT had 5 POVs!
🪓Tyke, an orc police officer who’s fallen hard for Fay despite the no-strings situationship.
✨Fay, a faerie police officer who only does casual flings and may be trying to fight her growing feelings for a certain orc.
🌕Donna, a no-nonsense werewolf workaholic.
😈Deon, a flirtatious gargoyle.
🩸Vym, a vampire heir.
While the main focus is around Fay & Tyke, all 5 characters have great story arcs. I love how each character connects to the others! I tried to be more vague with the last 3 POVs because this nearly 900 page novel has a lot of twists and turns 👀.
With that said, here are some highlights:
✨5 distinct POVs - each character has a distinct voice
✨the character arcs!
✨how mate bonds are handled - I love twists on the fated mate trope! Also there’s tons of bond variation here
✨interesting world with tons of world building sprinkled throughout
✨the political backdrop
✨complicated characters & even more complicated dynamics - lots of grey
✨Tyke - he may just be my favorite of the main 5
All in all, I currently need book 2 and am definitely on board for more of this world! Many thanks to Luna Blooms PA, BOMM, & the author for the eARC!
TW/CW: Explicit sexual content, including on page spice, attempted sexual assault*, CNC/role play, attempted Suicide (not explicit), Violence/Gore - including violence against children, Drug use
*
July 1, 2024
All that glitters is not gold.
A Tangle of Tusks is an urban fantasy monster romance. This is a spicy book and it is very very long. Since it is on the longer end, there is plenty of time for world building and complex character development. The story takes place in New Orc, which is like a paranormal version of New York City. There is a ton going on in this story. There are 5 different points of view that we get to read about, and we not only get to see the different characters' relationships and connections but we also have some dark themes woven in and a big political plotline throughout the story. I enjoyed everything that was going on in the book, but it is a lot so I found myself putting this one down, taking a breather and then picking it back up again. I loved that it was long and detailed, but it was perhaps a bit too long for me.
Because there are lots of POVs, there are some characters that I enjoyed more than others. Their storylines at times felt like completely separate stories and at other times they did intersect and overlap. It was a very interesting way to read a story. I would have preferred their storylines to have intersected more so they flowed and felt more like one cohesive story, but I did enjoy how different the format of this book felt. It was unique.
Lots of new information to learn, so I appreciated that the author included a glossary at the start of the story. It was much needed and very helpful. I will admit when I first picked up the book, the glossary was a little intimidating because there are sooo many terms, but it was nice to be able to refer back to it.
Overall, this book felt unique and was an interesting read. Pick it up if you like a spicy monster romance and love longggg books.
This book is perfect for fans of:
Forbidden romance
secret identities
orc & fae romance
grumpy/sunshine
star-crossed lovers
burn the world for her
A Tangle of Tusks is an urban fantasy monster romance. This is a spicy book and it is very very long. Since it is on the longer end, there is plenty of time for world building and complex character development. The story takes place in New Orc, which is like a paranormal version of New York City. There is a ton going on in this story. There are 5 different points of view that we get to read about, and we not only get to see the different characters' relationships and connections but we also have some dark themes woven in and a big political plotline throughout the story. I enjoyed everything that was going on in the book, but it is a lot so I found myself putting this one down, taking a breather and then picking it back up again. I loved that it was long and detailed, but it was perhaps a bit too long for me.
Because there are lots of POVs, there are some characters that I enjoyed more than others. Their storylines at times felt like completely separate stories and at other times they did intersect and overlap. It was a very interesting way to read a story. I would have preferred their storylines to have intersected more so they flowed and felt more like one cohesive story, but I did enjoy how different the format of this book felt. It was unique.
Lots of new information to learn, so I appreciated that the author included a glossary at the start of the story. It was much needed and very helpful. I will admit when I first picked up the book, the glossary was a little intimidating because there are sooo many terms, but it was nice to be able to refer back to it.
Overall, this book felt unique and was an interesting read. Pick it up if you like a spicy monster romance and love longggg books.
This book is perfect for fans of:
Forbidden romance
secret identities
orc & fae romance
grumpy/sunshine
star-crossed lovers
burn the world for her
July 26, 2024
A Tangle of Tusks is a spicy, gritty and addictive dark fantasy romance that juxtaposes real world problems against a fantasy background. It’s utterly unique, witty and well observed and I loved the concept of New Orc and it’s mix of supernatural inhabitants. The world building is fantastic and I appreciated the glossary at the start which I referred to regularly to keep me right. I loved the attention to detail and the nuances in street names/pop culture to fantasise things in our world.
The story is told from the points of view of multiple characters (a fairy, an orc, a gargoyle, a vampire and a werewolf), most of whom are complex, morally grey and flawed. Although supernatural beings, the characters felt ‘real’ and relatable, facing the same struggles, prejudices and politics as our human society. The characters individual stories are interwoven against a backdrop of a society that is fast crumbling into chaos due to a rising dictatorship by their president and the propaganda machine that’s helping to enable it. I found this storyline fascinating and it added real depth to the book alongside the romance.
The main characters (and my favourite) were the star crossed grumpy x sunshine combination of fairy Fayra (whose wings scatter glitter when she’s excited!) and her forbidden boyfriend orc Tyke, a stoic and grumpy orc with a heart of gold who would do anything for her. In a world where orcs were seen as ‘lesser’, their love burned bright and Tyke worshipped Fayra, giving her the confidence to overcome her insecurities. I never thought I’d find a man with tusks so appealing! There is a lot of excellent quality spice in this book, so if monster love is your thing, then you’re in for a real treat!
A Tangle of Tusks is a hot, intriguing, wild ride of a book and I can’t wait for book two!
The story is told from the points of view of multiple characters (a fairy, an orc, a gargoyle, a vampire and a werewolf), most of whom are complex, morally grey and flawed. Although supernatural beings, the characters felt ‘real’ and relatable, facing the same struggles, prejudices and politics as our human society. The characters individual stories are interwoven against a backdrop of a society that is fast crumbling into chaos due to a rising dictatorship by their president and the propaganda machine that’s helping to enable it. I found this storyline fascinating and it added real depth to the book alongside the romance.
The main characters (and my favourite) were the star crossed grumpy x sunshine combination of fairy Fayra (whose wings scatter glitter when she’s excited!) and her forbidden boyfriend orc Tyke, a stoic and grumpy orc with a heart of gold who would do anything for her. In a world where orcs were seen as ‘lesser’, their love burned bright and Tyke worshipped Fayra, giving her the confidence to overcome her insecurities. I never thought I’d find a man with tusks so appealing! There is a lot of excellent quality spice in this book, so if monster love is your thing, then you’re in for a real treat!
A Tangle of Tusks is a hot, intriguing, wild ride of a book and I can’t wait for book two!
June 29, 2024
Thank you Luna Blooms for the ARC! I would say this was closer to a 3.5 for me! The glossary at the beginning really stressed me out. It was a few pages and seemed like I needed to learn a whole new language to read the book 😅
The book is well written and does grab your attention! If you like orcs, fae, monsters, adventure and romance then this is the book for you!
The book is well written and does grab your attention! If you like orcs, fae, monsters, adventure and romance then this is the book for you!
June 20, 2024
3/5 ⭐️ First I’d like to thank Luna Blooms for sending me an ARC of this book.
This book has a very interesting take on the sci-fi romance genre. I haven’t read a book so unique in characters and in the story. I mean have you ever heard of a book with New York but all fantasy creatures??? 😲😲
The plot was certainly intriguing.
I would say that I couldn’t exactly connect with Fayra as a character so it took me some time to enjoy her personality in the beginning. But overtime I came to see how the author truly made the characters personality so akin to people that we might meet in our daily lives.
As we got further into the story I didn’t see the normal love and devotion that I see in regular books of this genre. But I actually kind of liked that? This book didn’t stick to theme of orcs being overcome with obsession for their love. It seems to me in this book that it took a different approach of showing the main characters overcoming their differences and choosing to love one another.
Overall it was a decent read with a new take on romance. Kudos to the author for their originality. 🤌🏻🤌🏻
This book has a very interesting take on the sci-fi romance genre. I haven’t read a book so unique in characters and in the story. I mean have you ever heard of a book with New York but all fantasy creatures??? 😲😲
The plot was certainly intriguing.
I would say that I couldn’t exactly connect with Fayra as a character so it took me some time to enjoy her personality in the beginning. But overtime I came to see how the author truly made the characters personality so akin to people that we might meet in our daily lives.
As we got further into the story I didn’t see the normal love and devotion that I see in regular books of this genre. But I actually kind of liked that? This book didn’t stick to theme of orcs being overcome with obsession for their love. It seems to me in this book that it took a different approach of showing the main characters overcoming their differences and choosing to love one another.
Overall it was a decent read with a new take on romance. Kudos to the author for their originality. 🤌🏻🤌🏻
July 1, 2024
I will always and forever love monster smut. It just makes my heart happy! A Tangle of Tusks was such a fun and spicy read. I loved the world and the characters all had their own flair.
If you love grumpy/shine vibes this is for you!!
Thank you to Luna Bloom PA for the ARC!! Had a blast reading this one. I’ll be thinking of it for weeks to come. 😍
If you love grumpy/shine vibes this is for you!!
Thank you to Luna Bloom PA for the ARC!! Had a blast reading this one. I’ll be thinking of it for weeks to come. 😍
July 3, 2024
The dark fantasy romance is massive!!!! The size of the book, the depth of the characters, and the quality of the world building blew mw away. The story is told from multiple POV to draw you into each of the characters. Tyke's loyalty and love for Feyra is 🥰.
June 28, 2024
This world isn't for the faint of heart, and it took me a while to get into this book. There are parts that really pull you in, and then there are parts that are blah. It's a long, drawn-out love story that could have been so much more.
July 5, 2024
This is book 1 of The Monsters of New Orc Series. This book does have some pretty heavy scenes so please check those trigger warnings, you mental health is always more important than a book!
This book was intense lmao you jump right in and I loved that. I am all about realistic characters and this book delivered, they are all wounded and surviving physically or emotionally. I loved the grit and determinations of these characters as well. Oh and well that spice is top notch too!
Can’t wait to see what happens next in this book!
This book was intense lmao you jump right in and I loved that. I am all about realistic characters and this book delivered, they are all wounded and surviving physically or emotionally. I loved the grit and determinations of these characters as well. Oh and well that spice is top notch too!
Can’t wait to see what happens next in this book!
July 6, 2024
This was a wild adventure. From all the angst that comes with a forbidden romance, politics that makes you hate everyone, the beginning of a rebellion against a government that’s crushing everyone, this was an action packed page turner I could not put down.
The way the author incorporated all the real issues people deal with in this fantasy setting was genius. The emotions were so raw and I needed to take a breather at times to deal with them all. The backstories and the sufferings they faced were heart wrenching.
Tyke was my favorite. I loved how steadfast he was and how much he poured himself into loving Fay after everything he’s been through. I loved how vital they were to each other and how they saved each other countless times.
Fay was tough to love, tbh. She kept denying what was happening to her and around her for so long that it got a bit irritating. Thinking so many issues could have been solved earlier if she had listened to anyone….
The author has taken the time to develop this rich world. It already felt familiar from the beginning, it was easy to get sucked in. But since this was a heavily character driven story, there were so many pages of the characters dealing with the same emotions over and over again. It felt a little repetitive.
I’m excited to see what the future holds for them. Thank you so much to the author and BOMM for sending me an ARC to review!
The way the author incorporated all the real issues people deal with in this fantasy setting was genius. The emotions were so raw and I needed to take a breather at times to deal with them all. The backstories and the sufferings they faced were heart wrenching.
Tyke was my favorite. I loved how steadfast he was and how much he poured himself into loving Fay after everything he’s been through. I loved how vital they were to each other and how they saved each other countless times.
Fay was tough to love, tbh. She kept denying what was happening to her and around her for so long that it got a bit irritating. Thinking so many issues could have been solved earlier if she had listened to anyone….
The author has taken the time to develop this rich world. It already felt familiar from the beginning, it was easy to get sucked in. But since this was a heavily character driven story, there were so many pages of the characters dealing with the same emotions over and over again. It felt a little repetitive.
I’m excited to see what the future holds for them. Thank you so much to the author and BOMM for sending me an ARC to review!
July 3, 2024
EDIT: You know, it's been a few days since I read this and I'm still thinking about it. I still have my issues with it as I stated below and a few things could've made it better but, I really did like the over all book and I know Sasha mentioned that this one was so long and drawn out because it was to really set things and the characters up for the next book - so I'm still super excited for the next book.
Firstly, thanks so much to Sasha and Luna Bloom PA for letting me ARC this baby. ♥
I have very mixed feelings on this book. It was EXTREMELY long, way longer than I ever expected and the fact it wasn't even a stand alone was rough. There was just a LOT going on and often times I felt lost. Having multiple character POVS with their own storylines (and while they do connect together mostly) it just overwhelmed me. Quite a bit of things would happen that didn't make much sense to me and I also felt like a lot could've been cut. Fayra...was a frustrating character. I adored her but, she also was so stupidly naïve to the point of cringing. The girl would refuse to listen to anyone, she knew the history of the last war and what Fidr has done, how their world was in fractions and at times it seemed like she was like "yeah I understand, she's not a good person" then when she realized just how deranged she was she broke down and was all "no! she wouldn't". Like girl are you serious right now? All of your friends are monsters, you watch how they are treated - all at HER behest and you think she's still a good person? But then it wasn't even totally her fault because everyone around her lies to her, treats her like a kid and babies her then lash out when she keeps acting that way. The fact every single person in her life kept REALLY VALUABLE INFO FROM HER AT ALL TIMES was astounding and frustrating so like - can't even be that mad at her. I adored how she wanted to see the best in people and how she wasn't prejudice against other species like the rest of the fae but, she was really hard to like sometimes.
I still don't understand half of what is going on with Donna or her deal nor do I really know how I feel about her. Most of the time I liked her character but,
Deon.. And while I do understand Deon and like his character - I'm always a sucker for the jokester playboy who is actually capable of being serious, smarter than he looks and falls head over heels for a woman he wasn't expecting. I'm still left confused about his backstory. I'm sure we'll probably get more later on but..
I feel like maybe having *A* POV of the other characters would've been nice but, having multiples with their own bigger backstories and plotlines made the story so long and confusing.
Vym..not even sure about his character. He's meant to be a "bad guy" but, with ulterior motives and seems like he might be redeemable but, who knows. Again, not sure why we needed so many POVs and storyline for him. I'm curious about him though and to see what his true plans are and if he's really a bad guy or just morally grey. He's probably the most interesting aside from Tyke.
Tyke is probably my favorite character but, Aside from that, I loved his character. He had so much depth and was more than what people perceive Orcs to be: loyal, had extreme self control and restraint (most of the time), would burn the world down for those he loves, grumpy but with a heart of gold, an amazing friend and while Orcs are generally not monogamous - he fell hard for Fayra and wouldn't even think of anyone else.
I did like Tyke and Fayra as a couple, they were cute and he was a good fit for her. I hated that she drug him along for 2 years before she finally got her shit together. He deserved so much better but, he also knew what he signed up for. He was incredibly patient and understanding with her, he never berated her for her faults or looked at her any differently. At first I was a bit sad their relationship was already some what started when we dive in but, then we got more backstory on how they met and got to see them go from friends with benefits to more and I really enjoyed that.
As I said, a lot happened in this book. And I truly did enjoy the world building, loved the whole it being our world but with a monster twist to it. New Orc being New York and all the subtle differences in location names. It was a nice touch. There is a lot of depth and things that happened. A lot is thrown at you and I will read the next book to see how things proceed. I just truly felt like things could've maybe been condense more and if we were gonna focus so much on side characters have their POVs and stories be side novellas, maybe? Idk. It was just a lot for a non standalone introduction book. The last two-ish hours of the book REALLY picked up and had me on the edge of my seat. I definitely didn't see some plot twists coming.
I really hope the next book will have Fayra growing as a character because we got a LITTLE TINY growth in her in this one but, mostly when it came to her relationship with Tyke. I feel like she has so much potential but, she needs room to grow and she needs the people around her to stop lying to her, keeping things from her, and treating her like she's some delicate little flower. I hope she finds her inner power and strength, stops being so naïve and color blind to everything and everyone around her.
Also just want to mention - the character art is absolutely incredible as is the kickstarter special edition.
My final review score:
✨️: 3.5/5
🌶: 3.5/5
Again, I always try to rate up (unless I really hate a book) and I really did have such mixed feelings on this book. I enjoyed it in many parts but, other times it felt like it dragged on. I will definitely read the next book/s. But it's not quite a full 4 stars for me.
Firstly, thanks so much to Sasha and Luna Bloom PA for letting me ARC this baby. ♥
I have very mixed feelings on this book. It was EXTREMELY long, way longer than I ever expected and the fact it wasn't even a stand alone was rough. There was just a LOT going on and often times I felt lost. Having multiple character POVS with their own storylines (and while they do connect together mostly) it just overwhelmed me. Quite a bit of things would happen that didn't make much sense to me and I also felt like a lot could've been cut. Fayra...was a frustrating character. I adored her but, she also was so stupidly naïve to the point of cringing. The girl would refuse to listen to anyone, she knew the history of the last war and what Fidr has done, how their world was in fractions and at times it seemed like she was like "yeah I understand, she's not a good person" then when she realized just how deranged she was she broke down and was all "no! she wouldn't". Like girl are you serious right now? All of your friends are monsters, you watch how they are treated - all at HER behest and you think she's still a good person? But then it wasn't even totally her fault because everyone around her lies to her, treats her like a kid and babies her then lash out when she keeps acting that way. The fact every single person in her life kept REALLY VALUABLE INFO FROM HER AT ALL TIMES was astounding and frustrating so like - can't even be that mad at her. I adored how she wanted to see the best in people and how she wasn't prejudice against other species like the rest of the fae but, she was really hard to like sometimes.
I still don't understand half of what is going on with Donna or her deal nor do I really know how I feel about her. Most of the time I liked her character but,
Deon.. And while I do understand Deon and like his character - I'm always a sucker for the jokester playboy who is actually capable of being serious, smarter than he looks and falls head over heels for a woman he wasn't expecting. I'm still left confused about his backstory. I'm sure we'll probably get more later on but..
I feel like maybe having *A* POV of the other characters would've been nice but, having multiples with their own bigger backstories and plotlines made the story so long and confusing.
Vym..not even sure about his character. He's meant to be a "bad guy" but, with ulterior motives and seems like he might be redeemable but, who knows. Again, not sure why we needed so many POVs and storyline for him. I'm curious about him though and to see what his true plans are and if he's really a bad guy or just morally grey. He's probably the most interesting aside from Tyke.
Tyke is probably my favorite character but, Aside from that, I loved his character. He had so much depth and was more than what people perceive Orcs to be: loyal, had extreme self control and restraint (most of the time), would burn the world down for those he loves, grumpy but with a heart of gold, an amazing friend and while Orcs are generally not monogamous - he fell hard for Fayra and wouldn't even think of anyone else.
I did like Tyke and Fayra as a couple, they were cute and he was a good fit for her. I hated that she drug him along for 2 years before she finally got her shit together. He deserved so much better but, he also knew what he signed up for. He was incredibly patient and understanding with her, he never berated her for her faults or looked at her any differently. At first I was a bit sad their relationship was already some what started when we dive in but, then we got more backstory on how they met and got to see them go from friends with benefits to more and I really enjoyed that.
As I said, a lot happened in this book. And I truly did enjoy the world building, loved the whole it being our world but with a monster twist to it. New Orc being New York and all the subtle differences in location names. It was a nice touch. There is a lot of depth and things that happened. A lot is thrown at you and I will read the next book to see how things proceed. I just truly felt like things could've maybe been condense more and if we were gonna focus so much on side characters have their POVs and stories be side novellas, maybe? Idk. It was just a lot for a non standalone introduction book. The last two-ish hours of the book REALLY picked up and had me on the edge of my seat. I definitely didn't see some plot twists coming.
I really hope the next book will have Fayra growing as a character because we got a LITTLE TINY growth in her in this one but, mostly when it came to her relationship with Tyke. I feel like she has so much potential but, she needs room to grow and she needs the people around her to stop lying to her, keeping things from her, and treating her like she's some delicate little flower. I hope she finds her inner power and strength, stops being so naïve and color blind to everything and everyone around her.
Also just want to mention - the character art is absolutely incredible as is the kickstarter special edition.
My final review score:
✨️: 3.5/5
🌶: 3.5/5
Again, I always try to rate up (unless I really hate a book) and I really did have such mixed feelings on this book. I enjoyed it in many parts but, other times it felt like it dragged on. I will definitely read the next book/s. But it's not quite a full 4 stars for me.
July 3, 2024
3.5 stars
I went into A Tangle of Tusks knowing nothing other than that it was a monster romance. I assumed it'd be a fun spicy read, and it ended up being so much more than that. It wasn't a light, easy going read in the slightest. It's one you should check the trigger warnings for if you're someone who likes to do so (I'll share them down below).
This world the author has created was quite interesting. The play on New York, turning it into New Orc twisted the familiar real world into a fantasy one.
There were so many different types of characters - orcs, fairies, gargoyles, werewolves, vampires, and elves were some of the more prominent ones. There were multiple points of view given, and I enjoyed this. Each character was very different and it was easy to differentiate them from one another. My favorite character out of the bunch was our orc Tyke.
Like my fav character Tyke, A Tangle of Tusks is a bigg boy. It's 600+ pages! I enjoyed the inclusion of the forbidden romance and grumpy/sunshine tropes.
This was definitely an interesting read. I'm curious to find out what happens next.
I went into A Tangle of Tusks knowing nothing other than that it was a monster romance. I assumed it'd be a fun spicy read, and it ended up being so much more than that. It wasn't a light, easy going read in the slightest. It's one you should check the trigger warnings for if you're someone who likes to do so (I'll share them down below).
This world the author has created was quite interesting. The play on New York, turning it into New Orc twisted the familiar real world into a fantasy one.
There were so many different types of characters - orcs, fairies, gargoyles, werewolves, vampires, and elves were some of the more prominent ones. There were multiple points of view given, and I enjoyed this. Each character was very different and it was easy to differentiate them from one another. My favorite character out of the bunch was our orc Tyke.
Like my fav character Tyke, A Tangle of Tusks is a bigg boy. It's 600+ pages! I enjoyed the inclusion of the forbidden romance and grumpy/sunshine tropes.
This was definitely an interesting read. I'm curious to find out what happens next.
August 7, 2024
This book lives rent-free in my mind✨
By its title and cover, I expected it to be a comfort read in the style of a monster romance. Wrong. If you're looking for a cozy monster romance, don't bother. It is dark and intense.
There is so much to unpack. ��� Imagine The Notebook set in dystopian New York sprinkled with gothic vibes.
There is an uncontrollable sexual drive that is combined with a powerful romantic bond between the couple, having me reconsider orcs over men, lol.
I really enjoyed the immersive aspect of the book. Each character pov has a unique style of writing, and I was pulled in right away by the worldbuilding and the hidden messages.
Specific themes can be heavy and thought-provoking. Check the TWs.
I had to sit on my review. It was a thicc book, and I needed time to process what I had just read.
Thank you Sasha, for granting me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
By its title and cover, I expected it to be a comfort read in the style of a monster romance. Wrong. If you're looking for a cozy monster romance, don't bother. It is dark and intense.
There is so much to unpack. ��� Imagine The Notebook set in dystopian New York sprinkled with gothic vibes.
There is an uncontrollable sexual drive that is combined with a powerful romantic bond between the couple, having me reconsider orcs over men, lol.
I really enjoyed the immersive aspect of the book. Each character pov has a unique style of writing, and I was pulled in right away by the worldbuilding and the hidden messages.
Specific themes can be heavy and thought-provoking. Check the TWs.
I had to sit on my review. It was a thicc book, and I needed time to process what I had just read.
Thank you Sasha, for granting me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 2, 2024
Sasha Onyx’s "A Tangle of Tusks" is an impressive debut that weaves together an intricate tapestry of world-building, character depth, and emotional resonance. At its core, this urban fantasy explores the lives of five diverse monsters in the cleverly mirrored city of New Orc, reflecting the complexities of our own society.
From the first page, I was captivated by the dark, gritty atmosphere and the rich details that brought the world to life. The setting, reminiscent of a fantastical New York, is both familiar and wonderfully strange, making it easy to immerse oneself in the story. The politics and social dynamics are as much a character in the book as the protagonists, adding layers of intrigue and realism.
The characters themselves are brilliantly fleshed out, each with their own distinct voice and backstory. Fayra, the fae heroine, is a fascinating blend of strength and vulnerability. Her struggle with her past and her growth throughout the book are compelling, even if she can be frustratingly naive at times. Tyke, the loyal and endearing orc, provides a perfect foil to Fayra, with his unwavering support and complex emotions. Their on-and-off relationship is filled with intense, spicy moments that keep the reader engaged.
The supporting cast, including Donna, Deon, and Vym, adds further depth to the narrative. Donna’s role as Fayra’s steadfast friend, despite her own hidden struggles, is both touching and realistic. Deon’s playful exterior hides a wealth of emotional scars, making him a multi-dimensional character who is easy to root for. Vym, with his morally grey nature, keeps the reader guessing about his true intentions, adding an extra layer of suspense.
While the book’s length and multitude of POVs can feel overwhelming at times, they ultimately contribute to a richly layered story that promises more to come. The intricacies of the plot and the detailed world-building suggest that this is just the beginning of a much larger saga. Some plot points felt convoluted, and certain character decisions were perplexing, but these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging read.
For fans of urban fantasy and those who appreciate well-rounded, imperfect characters, "A Tangle of Tusks" is a must-read. Sasha Onyx has set a high bar with this debut, and I am eagerly anticipating where she takes this story next. This book is a solid four-star read, and I can’t wait to see how the series evolves.
From the first page, I was captivated by the dark, gritty atmosphere and the rich details that brought the world to life. The setting, reminiscent of a fantastical New York, is both familiar and wonderfully strange, making it easy to immerse oneself in the story. The politics and social dynamics are as much a character in the book as the protagonists, adding layers of intrigue and realism.
The characters themselves are brilliantly fleshed out, each with their own distinct voice and backstory. Fayra, the fae heroine, is a fascinating blend of strength and vulnerability. Her struggle with her past and her growth throughout the book are compelling, even if she can be frustratingly naive at times. Tyke, the loyal and endearing orc, provides a perfect foil to Fayra, with his unwavering support and complex emotions. Their on-and-off relationship is filled with intense, spicy moments that keep the reader engaged.
The supporting cast, including Donna, Deon, and Vym, adds further depth to the narrative. Donna’s role as Fayra’s steadfast friend, despite her own hidden struggles, is both touching and realistic. Deon’s playful exterior hides a wealth of emotional scars, making him a multi-dimensional character who is easy to root for. Vym, with his morally grey nature, keeps the reader guessing about his true intentions, adding an extra layer of suspense.
While the book’s length and multitude of POVs can feel overwhelming at times, they ultimately contribute to a richly layered story that promises more to come. The intricacies of the plot and the detailed world-building suggest that this is just the beginning of a much larger saga. Some plot points felt convoluted, and certain character decisions were perplexing, but these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging read.
For fans of urban fantasy and those who appreciate well-rounded, imperfect characters, "A Tangle of Tusks" is a must-read. Sasha Onyx has set a high bar with this debut, and I am eagerly anticipating where she takes this story next. This book is a solid four-star read, and I can’t wait to see how the series evolves.
July 1, 2024
This is not a book but a tome. It is massive. Yet, it never felt like a chore to read. Instantly, I was immersed into the world and characters that Sasha created. The story was giving me urban fantasy vibes. Which in my mind is dark and gritty.
Right away the story jumped into Fay and Tyke. Um, yes! These two are hot and heavy but they also have an on and off again relationship. Yet, the makeup s@x is Spicy! If you have not read an Orc romance, you are missing out. They are well endowed. When Tyke used his claws to rip Fay's clothing off.
While, this may be about Fay and Tyke, all of the other cast of characters are great as well. For example, Fay's roommate, Donna. She had Fay's back and the fact that she walked in on Fay and Tyke numerous times and did not bat an eyelash was funny. Can't wait to read book two.
Right away the story jumped into Fay and Tyke. Um, yes! These two are hot and heavy but they also have an on and off again relationship. Yet, the makeup s@x is Spicy! If you have not read an Orc romance, you are missing out. They are well endowed. When Tyke used his claws to rip Fay's clothing off.
While, this may be about Fay and Tyke, all of the other cast of characters are great as well. For example, Fay's roommate, Donna. She had Fay's back and the fact that she walked in on Fay and Tyke numerous times and did not bat an eyelash was funny. Can't wait to read book two.
July 7, 2024
Prepare yourself for a long adventure, like +800 pages, but a really good one! You will never get bored and at the end of it you will yearn for more! If you are a fan of futuristic monster romance then A tangle of tusks by Sasha Onyx should be on your list.
This is not an easy book, it's not a summer light romantasy. It's really complex! There are interesting characters, forbidden love, spicy moments, a lots of ups and downs, dark secrets, political intrigue. You need to take your time with this book, you want to accumulate every detail, you don't wanna miss anything.
I'm so happy that i could read A tangle of tusks. The characters are so easily to love. I love the combination of grumpy/sunshine. (Tyke is definitely a book boyfriend material). I love Sasha Onyx's writing style and her world. Thank you @bookofmatchesmedia @sashaandhermonsterz for my copy.
This is not an easy book, it's not a summer light romantasy. It's really complex! There are interesting characters, forbidden love, spicy moments, a lots of ups and downs, dark secrets, political intrigue. You need to take your time with this book, you want to accumulate every detail, you don't wanna miss anything.
I'm so happy that i could read A tangle of tusks. The characters are so easily to love. I love the combination of grumpy/sunshine. (Tyke is definitely a book boyfriend material). I love Sasha Onyx's writing style and her world. Thank you @bookofmatchesmedia @sashaandhermonsterz for my copy.
August 5, 2024
📖 - 889 pages
Format - ARC Ebook
Publication date - July 1, 2024
3.0 🌶️ on the spice scale.
Genre: Modern fantasy, Monster Romance
This was a long one! Tons of amazing world building as you follow the characters before they get together and I love the modern city setting. The fantasy takes a bit of a back seat for this book but it's definitely a fun ride. This is so original compared to the light fluffy monster romance or more gritty crime centric modern fantasies I'm used to, instead Sasha has perfectly blended the two into a very well done romantic book. Can't wait for more!
Thank you to Sasha and Luna Bloom for my ARC copy, for more reviews check my social media under ThisCryptidReads
Format - ARC Ebook
Publication date - July 1, 2024
3.0 🌶️ on the spice scale.
Genre: Modern fantasy, Monster Romance
This was a long one! Tons of amazing world building as you follow the characters before they get together and I love the modern city setting. The fantasy takes a bit of a back seat for this book but it's definitely a fun ride. This is so original compared to the light fluffy monster romance or more gritty crime centric modern fantasies I'm used to, instead Sasha has perfectly blended the two into a very well done romantic book. Can't wait for more!
Thank you to Sasha and Luna Bloom for my ARC copy, for more reviews check my social media under ThisCryptidReads
July 2, 2024
Received the book from the author via Kickstarter and what an amazing one !
The storyline is rich and taping into various topics, characters development and chapters are depicting fun and complex fantastical beings, who just like us humans, struggle with their internal demons while trying to fit in a harsh world.
Big fan of fantasy and I have to say this one is a MUST BUY !
Not to mention the beautiful cover, illustrations and goodies that are making my book shelf look colorful and bright !
10/10 !!!
Thank you again Sasha Onyx for the good reading time and looking forward to the next one <3
The storyline is rich and taping into various topics, characters development and chapters are depicting fun and complex fantastical beings, who just like us humans, struggle with their internal demons while trying to fit in a harsh world.
Big fan of fantasy and I have to say this one is a MUST BUY !
Not to mention the beautiful cover, illustrations and goodies that are making my book shelf look colorful and bright !
10/10 !!!
Thank you again Sasha Onyx for the good reading time and looking forward to the next one <3
July 31, 2024
When I saw this book I was like “yes I need this!” Then I downloaded it and went “THIS BABY IS THICC!” Except it never felt like it was a massive book and actually had me turning the last page wondering where the rest of the book is.
I’m a monster romance lover, so I’m always going to love an orc love interest. ‘A Tangle of Tusks’ is a fantastic urban fantasy story that focuses on character and world building. There are five POVs, but don’t let that you deter you. Each character is so unique and different that I could tell who it was by the chapter even if I didn’t see their name.
If you’re a monster romance or urban fantasy fan, pick up A Tangle of Tusks, out NOW!
I’m a monster romance lover, so I’m always going to love an orc love interest. ‘A Tangle of Tusks’ is a fantastic urban fantasy story that focuses on character and world building. There are five POVs, but don’t let that you deter you. Each character is so unique and different that I could tell who it was by the chapter even if I didn’t see their name.
If you’re a monster romance or urban fantasy fan, pick up A Tangle of Tusks, out NOW!
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