Orc Chained: A Post Apoc Fantasy Monster Romance Novella

by Emma Alisyn, Alisyn Fae

She fled her childhood bully, but among Orcs marriage is until death do you part, and her warrior is ready to spring his final trap. He let her flee once, but this time there’s no escape.

KYONA
I fled my home after the clan leader’s son, my childhood bully, forced me into a secret, unsanctioned marriage. He swore it was to protect me.

I know it was because he wanted to own my pain.

In the years I’ve been away I’ve grown stronger—well, I’m still a half Human runt, but I’ve stood up to worse things than a spoiled, hot-tempered Orc warrior.

When I finally come home, I’ll prove that though I may not have tusks, I’ve grown fangs.

RATTHUR

A warrior attacks, but a hunter is patient.

To prove my love, I let my pretty, delicate wife leave. For two decades I’ve waited for her return and now I’ll bind her to me with a bride contract at the Immortal Sorting.

She thinks she can use another male to protect her, but I’m not the boy she left behind. I was vicious before, but she hasn’t seen the hardened warrior I’ve become.

An Orc submits to his wife, but I will be her master.

Orc Chained is a post apocalyptic steamy Orc monster fantasy for readers who like found family, fish out of water, bully romance, second chance, bride auction, tribal matriarchal cultures, possessive protective warrior males and low angst morally grey worlds. This is a standalone HEA novella in the Immortal Sorting series meant to be enjoyed in approximately two hours.

Genres: Monster Romance

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

About the author

Emma is a Black/white Muslim American mom of five, ages 6-22, in her mid-forties just trying to live her best life…which usually includes coffee, wine, and an unfortunate habit of one-clicking any pretty special edition that winds up in her feed. (If you DM it, she will come.)

She likes K-pop (#army, #moa) cultivation dramas (Till the End of the Moon,) precioussss silence, and collects more makeup than she uses.

She bends knee to Michelle Sagara West, Anne Bishop, N.K. Jemisin, Grace Draven, J.D. Robb, and Nalini Singh—a nod to Sanderson, Goodkind, Eddings, McCaffrey, and McKinley.

If you are looking for romantic epic fantasy set in complex, diverse, sex positive worlds with morally gray societies, powerful anti-heroes with THAD energy, multi-racial heroines at least 35—if not 350—coming into power, and a central theme of family, both dysfunctional and supportive, then you will binge her stories..

Reviews

[jennifer | offmyredcarpet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 // I liked the premise very much, especially that it’s second chance which is rare in not human romance. I do think it needed to be longer. I like that they see the error of their ways but once they feel remorse for their past behavior it’s over too quickly and the FMC folds too soon. Especially considering the time frame from her return to the clan and her relenting.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great novella this was and I loved every page I turned and I do love female that finally stands up for herself against the ones that bullied her and made Kyona leave and the worse was the Orc Clan Leader’s Son Ratthur and when he forced her into secretly marrying him but he told her he only done it to protect her and that’s when she left the clan. Ratthur knew he pushed to hard on Kyona but he wanted to protect her by getting her to strong and fight back because she is only half Orc and half Human and so he let his mate leave. Kyona left 20yrs ago vowing not to come back and is a midwife now but she is back after her father died but she is not the same person she was when she left she is stronger and wont let anybody treat her badly again and she has with her is her Apprentice Maezii and now that the funeral is over she goes to leave but Ratthur friends wont let her go until he returns. Ratthur let his wife leave to prove he loved her and has waited for her to come back home and now he knows what he must do to keep his wife he must bind her to him at the Immortal Sorting so she will be his forever. Get this book to find out how it all turns out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyona left her home twenty years ago to escape the abuse she suffered at the hands of some of the other youths in their clan. When Rathur forces her into marriage Kyona has had enough and runs. Yet she had to return, and she knows even though she knows that she has grown from a weak girl to a fierce woman willing and able to defend herself, she questions her decision to return. Unfortunately, Rathur her orc "husband" isn't willing to listen to reason and release her from the marriage, so she runs again, this time to offer herself in the Immortal Sorting. Rathur refuses to accept her choice and will do anything necessary to convince her to become his wife in truth not just by a secret and unsanctioned marriage.
As always, this author his written a cast of characters that are all unique. Each one of them was given a convincing and absolutely fascinating personality which keeps a reader engaged. Plenty of action and even some suspense with bloody battles and surprising twists in the plot make this a must-read book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one felt way too short. Half-Orc Kyona has come back to her village after twenty years to settle her father's affairs. She has spent her time in the Outlands learning and acting as a midwife. She now has her own apprentice and doesn't plan to remain in this place long. Her memories of her time here are mostly painful ones. She was never accepted into the clan and was debased and abused by her peers, though they claimed it was for her own good. Her biggest tormentor was Rathhur, whose mother was Matriarch of the Women's Circle. Idunna had hated her because of her human blood, a dislike that had nothing to do with Kyona and everything to do with her own past. It had taken an act of violence, expected in the Orc culture, to escape Rathhur. Now, she hoped he and his cronies had mated and would leave her be while she was there. No such luck.

I won't tell you more since it is a novella. Kyona tries to stay away from Hathhur, but it isn't really what she wants. She does, however, want to be seen for what she has made of herself, not as the weak half-Orc who fled her home.  Can Ruthhur give that to her? Will he finally stand up for her? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

Orcs Unbound - Kindle Edition - 14 books :
1.Delivered by the Orc by Alana Khan - July 9, 2024;
2.Saved by the Orc by Ivy Tempest - July 16, 2024;
3.Claimed by the Orc by Leslie Chase - July 23, 2024;
4.Embraced by the Orc by Harper Rosling - August 6, 2024;
5.Collected by the Orc by Sabrina Silvers - August 13, 2024;
6.Trained by the Orc by Luna Hunter - August 20, 2024;
7.Selected by the Orc by Synna Star - August 27, 2024;
8.Disciplined by the Orc by Eden Ember - (September 3, 2024;
9.Healed by the Orc: A Steamy Alien Monster Romance by Robin O'Connor - September 10, 2024;
10.Captured by the Orc by J.S. Wilder - September 17, 2024;
11.Schmoozed by the Orc by Veronika Kane - (September 24, 2024;
12.Chained by the Orc by Emma Alisyn (Author) , Alisyn Fae (Author) - September 30, 2024;
13.Tempted by the Orc by Annee Jones - October 15, 2024;
14.Charmed by the Orc by Tina Moss - October 29, 2024;

[Lynn61 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Actions break bones, but words scar souls.” I fling the words at him.”

Heartbreaking yet meaningful short story of Kyona who is half human and Rathhur who is the Orc clan leader’s son. Just know there are possible triggers. Growing up, Rath’s parents take their frustrations out on Kyona and Rath and his friends took over the attacks on her to spare her from his parents’ full wrath. She finally frees herself from the clan and has been working as a midwife. She and her apprentice want to find a protector when Rath and his friends see them. Rath has never given up on finding her. Can they find a way to mend each other and find happiness? Can Kyona let herself forgive? It helped that Kyona deep inside still loves Rath and they reach a HFN. An epilogue would have gone a long way to make this a 5 star for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gwendolyn Thaggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyona is half human and half orc.
She was not accepted by her father's clan.
She was not considered a member of the clan.
The clan leaders didn't like humans.
Her mother was human.
Kyona was bullied by her peer group.
No one came to her rescue.
No one defended her.
Kyona ran away 20 years ago and started her own life.
She returns home after her father passed away.
Kyona finds herself relieving the past hurts as she is confronted by her peer group.
They excuse their abuse as trying to help her.
Soon a male pops up saying he and Kyona are married.
Rathhur.
He also talks about mistreating Kyona to spare her, how he's missed her, and how he's changed for her.
This is where we need more information.
So many questions..
But it was a good quick read.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly entertaining. Like the scenarios going on in this one; protective and fierce orc, second chance at love, a bit of the forbidden, a bit of bully, fun stuff! When Kyona was younger, she was treated horribly by her orc clan because she’s only half orc. When one of her bullies, Rath, forces a marriage, she’s had it and gets the heck out of there. Now back to settle some things of her father’s, she’s hoping to get out of there before her tormentors know. She’s grown and in a better place, so she doesn’t want anything to upset that. Rath is not into her skipping town again, so he sets out to keep her with him. These two definitely have some things to work through. Rath may have had what he thought were good reasons for his actions, but he doesn’t exactly go about things the right way. Appreciate Kyona’s strength! Overall, I enjoyed this novella!

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyona is half orc, and she ran away because the Matriarch of the clan and her mate hated humans. Now that her father is dead, she has returned with her apprentice Maezii to finish things. However, her plan immediately goes awry, as those who used to bully her when she was young, prevent her from leaving (Hatthar, and Fiuthen, Lathhan ) because she made oath with their friend, Rath and he isn’t home yet. Technically, they did this and it isn’t legal and she ran away for 20 years. She has been a midwife in the Outlands. Things go crazy and it gets a bit convoluted. OMG, orc women are freaking crazy and scary. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orc Chained is the fourth book in the author’s Immortal Sorting series, and a well written, imaginative adventure that brings MFC Kyona an Orc/Human halfling back to her clan, after a twenty year absence, to settle her deceased father’s affairs.
Bullied as a child for her differences and despised by the clans matriarch her life amongst the Uthilsen had been hell, so when old enough she’d run.
MMC Rathhur who had mated Kyona before she fled doesn’t plan on EVER letting her escape him again. Their excellent story though short is an exciting one and an Orcishly delicious read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orc Chained by Alison Fae is a quick and brutal telling of a half human/half Orc midwife who returns to her home after her dad’s death and after having escaped the brutal life there twenty years before. Her tormentors and she are now grown, but the brutal matriarchal leader still rules. Now she has to figure out if Rath, the Orc she loved/hated, can be trusted to keep her safe. Really good story line and an HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ky’a is a stubborn, intelligent, half human half orc woman that had to return home after yearscaway from her village. She left because of bulling. When she returns, her husband, Rath’a, comes to meet her. Rath’a and Ky'a vowed by their custom as husband and wife before Ky'a left. Now with her return, Rath’a will do what's necessary to prove he's worthy to be her husband to stay for.
Well written with wonderful characters, prejudices confronted, dangers, adventure, action, romance, and HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the concept, this novella was only c100 pages long and that was to its detriment. Given the male protagonist and his friends spent years torturing the female protagonist, she forgave him far too easily. I felt like he needed to work harder to earn her forgiveness. I really liked Maezii and Yatonar so hopefully they'll get their own novel(la).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a bully, second chance romance novella and it did not disappoint.

The things Ky'a went through when she was younger with everything and how she was treated especially by the one who claimed to have loved her.

She came back and he was there. But he was different. Changed. Grown. This was about forgiveness and growth. It wasn't just a second chance with her husband but also a second chance with her friends/family.

I loved this and this world never disappoints!

This is an ARC review and is my honest opinion.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novella, the story of Ratthur and Kyona was very steamy and delicious. The story is captivating and heart-warming. Ratthus waiting for Kyona for two decades and wanting to bind her to him in a bridal contract is moving. Ratthur is possessive and protective of Kyona. He is swoonworthy warrior and Kyona is both tough and sweet. The world building is striking and exciting. I loved the romance and the sweet moments between them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this but it needed to be longer and more fleshed out. The book literally starts with a load of exposition and talking and you have no idea who's who to the heroine or what is even going on, it's just a bunch of names and references to the past. We're constantly told what's happening but there's no connection there and we don't get why the heroine ran in the first place. There's no spark and they barely even get along / it didn't feel much like a romance.

I really tried to get into it but it was just too confusing and the smut was not as good / long as it needed to be.

[Lex Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep in mind that this is a novella...

It feels like it needs to be a full novel because you are left wanting more.
The characters are very likeable and are easily conceptualised within the painted world described to you. The plot is easy to follow and includes flashbacks to give the background needed. There is underlying sexual tension in the build-up to the inevitable. I had many moments of eye rolling and laughter

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Orc Romance Novella!!

Kyona is a halfling, half human and half orc. Not accepted in her town, she leaves for 20 years. Upon her return she is in for a big surprise. All was not as she remembered, and someone has been waiting for her. This might be a good thing, if she can survive those who are not happy at her return.

Clever negotiations, an ankle-biter, and a much-needed champion.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Jeanne Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ky'a and Rath'a's story is intense with extremes being the norm and not everything is as it seems at first glance.
Survival of the heart competes with wanting to have a life without constantly looking over your shoulder for someone who wants to end or kidnap you.
Love and hate walk hand in hand while past and present wounds slowly start to heal.
The secondary characters are very entertaining and hoping to read more about them in this world.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this one down. It was a quick read but a full story. Rath and Ky'a were interesting characters with a lot of history. Despite the outside forces trying to tear them apart, Rath and Ky'a stood firm and gave each other a challenge. I enjoyed the world created by the author and all of the characters in this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this and need more as soon as possible. You immediately get thrown into the mix and it never stops. There is intrigue and love throughout this book. I would love to see if some of the side characters get their own stories eventually. You can feel for the hero and how he waited 20 years for his love but you understand why she left.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyona and Ratthur were an interesting pair. He was a bit of a jerk (personally not a huge fan of bullying), but once past that, fans of this series will not be disappointed! You don't necessarily have to read the first 3 books, but it might help you understand their world better....plus I'm mildly OCD and hate reading out of order. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Batten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ratthur and Kyona are great characters that grew up in the same clan even though she's only half Orc. Their story starts as children with Ratthur as a horrible bully for her own good. It took a little while to understand what was going on since this is book 4, but they can be read as standalones. It wasn't hard to catch up and watch Kyona accept Ratthur. I felt this was a great book, and I'm looking forward to reading the others in this series.

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! For a novella this one sure packs a punch! Ratthur's been waiting 20 years for her to return, because he knows it's inevitable due their bond. What I found amazing was that I invested in the characters within the first few pages. It's short fast and full of danger and adventure, with a second chance at love thrown in. Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angel Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great bully-turned-love read. I enjoy the books by this author.

The characters, once we somewhat understand their reasoning, are much more likable. I do wish the story was lengthened a bit, to get a better picture of Rath's behavior when they were younger.

Will definitely be reading the other books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Smith McHardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kyona returns home after twenty years the last Orc she wants to meet is Rutther. He was her childhood bully and first love. She won't be his toy again. This is a great read with strong characters and a good plot. I look forward to reading more books by Emma Alisyn Fae..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the typical bully story. Although a but dark due to the past, what happens now was a hoot to me. Was happy to meet Kyona and watch her come to terms with her past in a typical orcish way. Funny and a surprise or two as Kyona really did not get the homecoming she thought was going to happen. So in the end a dark yet funny entertaining quick read. This is a novella.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The orc's courtship rituals and weddings in the story left me astonished. Their customs were a stark contrast to those of humans, reflecting a completely different world. I found the MMC's cunning and unwavering loyalty to his wife particularly admirable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crowne Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the wildest mating scenes I’ve ever read. Very pleasant and engaging read despite the dark content. Was too brief to have a lasting impact like the main novels in the series hence the lower star rating. That and the years of trauma were resolved rather cheesy between the friends. Revenge in other aspects was satisfying.

[ajscenic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read and had all of the elements to make a good story.
I thought that the romance was good and the reconnecting between the leads. I thought that the ending was a bit abrupt and needed rounding off. I was still a very good read.