The False Shaman

Claimed by the Red Hand #2

by Jordan Castillo Price

Being sold into slavery by the brothels was bad enough. Then I was handed over to an orc pretending to be a shaman.

One minute I'm fighting for my life in the hot springs while the old shaman works his magic, the next I'm property of his replacement. But something's off about Droko—he has the muscles of a warrior, the confidence of a noble, and no idea how to perform even a single ritual.

I should be planning my escape. Instead, I'm teaching this hulking green fraud how to fake his way through ceremonies before we both end up dead. There's just one the more time we spend hiding in shadowy caves and whispering secrets, the harder it gets to ignore the heat between us.

As ancient prophecies, power struggles, and one very angry honor guard threaten to tear us apart, we'll need more than clever tricks to survive.

When humans from the civilized lands find themselves claimed by orcs of the fearsome Red Hand clan, passion ignites. These stories weave together clan politics, ancient prophecies, and dangerous adversaries with slow-burn romance. The series follows unlikely heroes as they navigate treachery, cultural clashes, and unexpected attraction in a richly detailed world where survival depends on finding common ground.

- Slow burn
- Medium heat
- Lush worldbuilding
- Forced proximity
- Opposites attract

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Gay, Romance, LGBT, Monsters

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2025

About the author

Author and artist Jordan Castillo Price writes paranormal sci-fi thrillers colored by her time in the Midwest, from inner city Chicago, to various cities across southern Wisconsin. She’s settled in a 1910 Cape Cod near Lake Michigan with tons of character and a plethora of bizarre spiders. Any disembodied noises, she’s decided, will be blamed on the ice maker.

Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.

Reviews

[Cleo · Rating 1 out of 5]

So this m/m monster romance between an orc and his human slave was pretty bad. I’ve been a fan of the PsyCop series for years but nothing else this author has written has really worked for me.

Beyond the clueless main characters, silly plot and complete lack of character development or chemistry between characters, I really had trouble buying the romance. I’m clearly not the right audience because I couldn’t get past the lack of consent in the situation.

Also, Archie, the human MC, was pretty unsympathetic at the beginning and did one distasteful thing that was kind of brushed over. And the prejudice against goblins bothered me.

[Kassu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐

Initially I felt this was maybe slightly worse than the first book, but I read them back to back. When I thought about it a few days later, I can separate them better and can't let the sequel run on the fumes of the first book, so the 'barely 3.5' turns into 3.

Some things in this book were certainly more interesting than in the first. But everything still happens too fast and it's quite hard to understand the incredibly quick infatuation to these orc masters, even though the escape option wouldn't exactly be a joyride either. It's not so much that these couples wouldn't be all good and sweet together, but we readers get into Drako's head while Archie doesn't. There aren't that many heart-to-hearts to make me understand the quick trust and love he feels. So a slower build up once again would have made much more sense, especially in this book.

Still giving the 3 stars for the guys being very lovely in the end, the potential of the scattered plot, the quite good supporting characters, and the teaser for next book. I'll no doubt still continue the series.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

The False Shaman is the second book in the Claimed by the Red Hand series by Jordan Castillo Price. This book picks up shortly following the end of the first, The Outcast Orc, and while much of this story stands alone, I think readers would get the most enjoyment out of reading them in order. Price sets up a lot of the world building about the orcs, the larger world where they all live, and the fight between the two clans in the first story. Also, that is where Archie is initially bought by the clan and we see him recuperating and interacting with the shaman in that book. So I think that additional background will add a lot of richness to your experience here.

I am continuing to enjoy this series and Price has created such an interesting world. As with the last book, we get the final chapter from another character’s POV, setting up the next story. I am once again finding myself really intrigued to know more, and I am looking forward to the next book.

Read Jay's review in its entirety here.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful characters, as always, and the plot was really interesting. Very fast read that keeps you invested until the end. I loved the premise of a guy pretending to be a shaman because it seems pretty easy, just say some cryptic things and act weird, but it turns out there's more to it. Both Crespash and Archie helping and their journey throughout the book was great. For me, the romance felt rushed, almost instalove so I wish the book had been longer to let the relationship develop more.

[Harrison Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining entry in Price's new orc series, "False Shaman" is the story of Droko and Archie.
Archie is a human slave in the Red Hand orc encampment and finds himself endangered by the death of the clan's shaman. Droko, a young warrior in a competing clan, finds himself assigned to the Red Hand as a shaman in a bit of subterfuge and must convince the clan that he is a shaman lest he end up with his head on a pike.

Once again, Price has done an excellent job of world building with the orcs here in the story, with their social structure and interactions with other orc clans and races, including goblins and humans. Immersed in the ways of the orc clan, Archie finds himself helping Droko carry off his well meaning deception and finding himself attracted to Droko at the same time. Droko, in the meantime, finds himself enamored of his new human slave, Archie, and must figure out how to balance out his feelings with his duties to his new clan.

I did feel that there could have been a bit more time spent on the relationship between Archie and Droko. As it was, their mutual realization of attraction seemed a bit rushed for a slave/master relationship- I would have preferred to see a few more steps taken between the two.

Still, this is quite an enjoyable story and one of the most pleasant surprises of the year so far. I never anticipated being hooked on a romantasy series featuring orc/human pairings, but here I am, anxiously awaiting the next entry.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The False Shaman (Claimed by the Red Hand 2) by Jordan Castillo Price is an even more exciting book than the first volume in the series. It details the exploits of Archie, he of the red hair and temporary red handprint on his cheek. The other main character is the new shaman, whose backstory is spelled out in the story. While there is less world-building than in the first book, the cave of the shaman is vividly portrayed, with at least one twist, which is not easy to do for something made of stone. There is another twist that I did not see coming, which is something JCP does well, regardless of the series it involves. While Archie realizes it is in his best interests to make sure the new shaman is welcomed into the Red Hand tribe, he does not understand politics from the orcish perspective. Even the new shaman, coming from a different tribe, doesn’t always interpret local politics correctly. I’m impressed that the author can create such an engrossing tale set in basically one location. And lest the reader thinks The False Shaman is the last book in the series (potential spoiler), it’s not. I received a free copy of the book from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Droko in particular, since I was expecting to love Archie, this was a pleasant surprise. It's definitely slow burn because the romance is kind of secondary to the rest of the story, but they are great together in the end. I really like that the orcs are like orcs are in fantasy books and games, they aren't made to be a pretty version of orcs, but are actual orcs, it's interesting to see how she works with that. I like the World JCP has created here, this book, unlike the first shows how like humans orcs can be, and not in a good way. The politics in this book are a bigger part of the story, probably because this takes place entirely in the clan's home. I found it interesting that Droko was sent to be a shaman even though he had no background or training in it, although that also works out in the end. I loved how willing he was to do the right thing for his clan and eventually for the Red Hand clan and basically always for Archie. The cave system was really interesting as well, it was almost like a puzzle within the story. I am having a lot of fun with this series and am looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd been waiting for Archie's story! he was already making his cheeky presence felt in book #1. This book gave us more insight into the fascinating orc world, and how orcs and humans co-exist. Archie's a charming, anusing character, he never thought he'd amount to much and was always alert to ways of making the best of his common life, but when he met Droko his life was changed drastically. Droko had honour and integrity and intelligance, but was dealt a bad hand that sent him to the rival Red Hand Clan - and, eventually, to Archie - but he also is determined to make the best of it. The story has a lovely blend of suspense, romantic tension, magic, and wit. I was gripped throughout.

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series and was really looking forward to Archie's story.
What made this second story so enjoyable is that rather than Archie as a human being the outsider and therefore at risk, Droko the orc is not only ceded to a new clan but is also an imposter, the false shaman of the title.
This really upped the emotional stakes, as the pair circled warily around each other, while trying to survive outside threats. I really loved the descriptions of the shaman's mysterious labyrinthine cave system which really added to the atmosphere. A terrific read in what's becoming a must-read series!

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 rounded up

I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first. The attraction here felt a little too insta/intense, and I didn't totally buy the way they built into real feelings for either character. Perhaps with a bit more fleshing out it would have worked for me, but while I enjoyed the characters well enough on their own, I just wasn't sold on the romance. Looks like there will be another book, and I'm honestly not super interested based on the snippet we got at the end, but I'll probably give it a go if/when it comes out.

[Abner Dwight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Structure and Story Telling.

I preordered this, so I'm very biased.

The novel was a full armory of Chekhov's Gun that went off at satisfying times. Though, I'd would've liked to expect a longer pace and a drawn out plot, but this length being in a series is satisfying enough.

The prose and dialogue was good, and the world building is rich enough, to leave you wanting more from it.

[Mtsnow13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one. A bit of a slow start for me. Even though Archie carried over from the previous story, this one could be read as a standalone. There was barely any carry over from the first book, in my opinion. Archie's character seemed to have a bit more potential in book 1, but the ending was satisfying. I'm still getting used to imagining Orcs as romantic partners, but enjoyed the premise, and the teaser at the end. Looking forward to the next one.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan is a must-read author for me. This second book of the Red Hand series introduces us to Droko. The poor guy loses his bride to his older brother and is sent off as a fake shaman. The constant fear of losing his head, literally, is only tempered by having Archie at his side. After escaping death, Archie is just trying stay alive. He tries to find favor with Droko, through seduction and then usefulness, he falls for the Shaman. Together they find their place in the Red Hand clan.

[MariF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually liked this book better than the first one. Hats off to the author who managed to enter into a new genre for them with a bang.
Very imaginative plot, with a really good worldbuilding for both stories and without woe is me for the MCs, especially ones who went through the slavery.
I enjoyed the book and looking forward to the next in series.
Additional thanks to the author for selling these books wide.

[Annie]

I enjoyed this more than the first book in the series. I agree with the blurb regarding the "lush world building" in it.

Note: leaving this unrated because I feel like following GoodReads rating system* like I do would unfairly drag down the rating because I liked it, but not more than the books I've rated at 4 or 5 stars.

*some nonsense along the lines of: 1- didn't like it, 2- not for me, 3-liked it, 4- loved it, 5- best book ever

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this sequel, but not as much as I liked the previous book. I think all the deception on both Archie and Droko's end made it harder for me to enjoy any romantic feelings. I enjoyed their interactions way more when the truth had been shared. That being said I still very much enjoyed the continued world building and learning more about orcs and their customs. I am intrigued by the little tidbit the author provided in the final chapter and am excited for the next installment in the series.

[Tracey Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating series; entertaining, suspenseful, dramatic, and romantic (sort of). Droko & Archie's story kept me on my toes & the edge of my seat, waiting with bated breath to see what happens next! Love all these varied, interesting, unusually unique characters and the varying levels of deception throughout. It turns out well for most, so that's a good thing. Definitely intrigued about the next story coming in the series. I'm hooked, definitely a fan.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. I dunno. The entire novel is set over the course of only four days, in which Archie and Droko meet for the first time, don't have a while lot of meaningful interactions for the first three days, and then declare their love for each other on the fourth. The plot was weak as well, there was not a whole lot happening, the story kind of meandered along and even at the very end, I was still wondering what the point of this book was.
Don't think I'll continue this series.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

I struggled a bit connecting with Droko and Archie through most of the story. That said, the premise was interesting. Lying about being a shaman is not a good idea. And, Seriously, you won’t find me going into caves. Just no.

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one and the instalust was okay paired with the slow burn but the feelings really popped out of nowhere since they actually didn't spend that much time together as the blurb suggested but the ending was good and, even with some things I wanted more info of, I liked it.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Not much relationship development in this one, and not much of a relationship at all, really. Still a moderately pleasant read with some humor.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this addition to the series although IMO it dragged a bit and then it was insta love. I did find the discovery in the cave to be very interesting, however, and Archie was adorable.

[ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25*

[Trefoil · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf at 40% just lost interest

[將薇 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than the first book in this series, because at least it had a plot. Both of the characters were interesting and their romance actually felt real, if a little cliche.

[Scooby2]

DNF

[Tinnean · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't bad, but the first was better.

[Susinok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series!

Jordan Castillo Price has proven her skill and imagination once again. I am so invested in this Orc clan. Love it.