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Adenashire #5
A Fellowship of Academics & Arts
What if sharing a cookie with your enemy made your dreams come true?
Verdreth and Ervash, both orcs, are about to embark on the most “terrifying” adventure in their lives together… becoming grandpas.
Their adopted human daughter, Arleta, is ready to give birth in mere hours. Of course Verdreth is thrilled to take on this new role with his long-time partner since he never imagined they’d experience such an honor… particularly with the rocky start to their relationship.
To pass the time, one of their friends asks Verdreth to tell the tale of how he and Ervash met. He’s reluctant, since they were very different orcs when they met over thirty years prior. But with Ervash’s permission, (and to help him calm his nerves) he starts at the beginning…
Since, in fact, it’s always a good place to start.
Escape to Adenashire’s past for a touching cozy fantasy story about family beginnings, new experiences and finding the people who bring out the best in you.
Verdreth and Ervash, both orcs, are about to embark on the most “terrifying” adventure in their lives together… becoming grandpas.
Their adopted human daughter, Arleta, is ready to give birth in mere hours. Of course Verdreth is thrilled to take on this new role with his long-time partner since he never imagined they’d experience such an honor… particularly with the rocky start to their relationship.
To pass the time, one of their friends asks Verdreth to tell the tale of how he and Ervash met. He’s reluctant, since they were very different orcs when they met over thirty years prior. But with Ervash’s permission, (and to help him calm his nerves) he starts at the beginning…
Since, in fact, it’s always a good place to start.
Escape to Adenashire’s past for a touching cozy fantasy story about family beginnings, new experiences and finding the people who bring out the best in you.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 18, 2026
I really wanted to like this one, I loved the other three in this series. I found Verdreth to be really whiny and over complicated everything. I wish we would have got both orcs POV instead of just one. verdreth overthought every little thing that happened, it got really annoying and made me lose interest, felt like a 16 year old girl talking.
Also felt like him going home only to leave agin right away was unnecessary.
Also felt like him going home only to leave agin right away was unnecessary.
April 3, 2026
Another sweet adenashire story. Liked getting to hear a bit of a prequel while still getting to peek at where the rest of characters are up to. Fun and lighthearted.
April 1, 2026
I’m disappointed in this one, this was really mundane. They could have focused on any other aspect of their relationship besides one calling the other a himbo and then deciding they’re mates.
March 24, 2026
this was a really cute one. can't wait until book 6!
March 9, 2026
The fifth and final installment in the Adenashire series is just as wonderful as the books that came before it. While I’m sad to see this series come to an end, I’m so glad our beloved dad orcs finally got their own love story.
One of the most impressive things about this series is how consistently it delivers the cozy, found family magic that made the first book so special. Each installment builds on that warmth without ever feeling repetitive or losing its sense of heart. The characters continue to grow, their relationships deepen, and the sense of community at the center of the story remains as comforting as ever.
This final book feels like a perfect send off by celebrating everything that made the series so special while giving these characters the love and happiness they deserve. The Adenashire series truly stole my heart, and it’s one I know I’ll return to again and again. It’s rare to find a cozy fantasy series that maintains its charm and emotional core all the way through, but this one absolutely does. A series I’ll cherish forever.
One of the most impressive things about this series is how consistently it delivers the cozy, found family magic that made the first book so special. Each installment builds on that warmth without ever feeling repetitive or losing its sense of heart. The characters continue to grow, their relationships deepen, and the sense of community at the center of the story remains as comforting as ever.
This final book feels like a perfect send off by celebrating everything that made the series so special while giving these characters the love and happiness they deserve. The Adenashire series truly stole my heart, and it’s one I know I’ll return to again and again. It’s rare to find a cozy fantasy series that maintains its charm and emotional core all the way through, but this one absolutely does. A series I’ll cherish forever.
March 20, 2026
Not the best in the series. Felt more like a “this was required to be written because all the other characters have books” rather than us getting a meaningful story. Perhaps it’s because we know Verdreth and Ervash have been together for decades so it was just a slow paced story with no tension because you know there are absolutely no stakes involved. You know the ending for their story from the very first book in the series so this just didn’t really feel impactful. I would have rather the book be spent on Arleta and Theo going through labor and bringing a child into the world than this. Or perhaps V and E’s experience at being thrust into parenthood when Arleta’s parents died. Instead we have a book that is redundant throughout and over 200+ pages to ultimately tell us what we already knew: V and E become a couple.
March 1, 2026
The fifth book in the Tales of Adenashire series. We revisit our charming town, right as Arleta has gone into labor. The whole found family bustles her to the midwife and then settle in the bakery to await news. Since they are all there, they ask Verdreth and Ervash, Arleta’s adopted erstwhile orc fathers about how they met. The story they tell is charming, and sweet, and very much not a smooth path.
I loved this installment. The characters are charming, and sweet, and I don't know if this was a series end, but it definitely concluded the current arc! I just really adore these characters and the world that is built around them.
The only thing I didn't like is that the book was too short! I was not ready for it to be over!!
I loved this installment. The characters are charming, and sweet, and I don't know if this was a series end, but it definitely concluded the current arc! I just really adore these characters and the world that is built around them.
The only thing I didn't like is that the book was too short! I was not ready for it to be over!!
April 2, 2026
J. Penner is uncannily talented at weaving a compelling story from really whiny and unlikeable folks. Verdreth is disagreeable, only thinking of his own reactions to literally everything, and overthinks every social interaction to an extraordinary degree. Despite not liking him in the least, I was drawn in and kept in the story, so four stars it is. The background event interested me, of course. This world is a good one to immerse oneself in, but I was abruptly pulled out of it (in all five volumes) when the author used the anachronistic (here I mean the wrong time period and place) "sh*t" as an expletive. It felt like we were yanked into modern day "real" world. Overall, the series was a pleasure to read. The author is a strong storyteller.
April 23, 2026
You know those classic TV shows where something big is happening like you’re stuck with the lights out or a baby is coming, and everyone just has to wait - so there are a bunch of flashbacks?
Yeah, that pretty much sums up this book.
We have a bunch of established and beloved characters, and in this story while we are awaiting a new arrival, we get to dive back in time to explore how the two orc dads got together. It is cozy because we know it all works out - and really not a lot happens but that is OK.
It was slow starting for me and I wasn’t sure I was going to like it … but around 25% in things really started to engage me more and I just loved it the rest of the way! Another great story in this lovely universe!
Yeah, that pretty much sums up this book.
We have a bunch of established and beloved characters, and in this story while we are awaiting a new arrival, we get to dive back in time to explore how the two orc dads got together. It is cozy because we know it all works out - and really not a lot happens but that is OK.
It was slow starting for me and I wasn’t sure I was going to like it … but around 25% in things really started to engage me more and I just loved it the rest of the way! Another great story in this lovely universe!
March 15, 2026
The Orcs backstory at last
The backstory of how the orcs met and became a couple is filled with sweet, sad and downright heartbreaking moments.
I loved learning more about these two, who've been such a grounding presence and Dad figures to all the other couples in these book. Their dynamic is so sweet and they bring out the best in each other. Even though I knew they'd been together for over 30 years the backstory was so well crafted I found myself forgetting that and became swept up in what appeared to be a story of unrequited love and heartache. This one definitely pulls on the heartstrings!
As usual, yummy recipes at the end!
The backstory of how the orcs met and became a couple is filled with sweet, sad and downright heartbreaking moments.
I loved learning more about these two, who've been such a grounding presence and Dad figures to all the other couples in these book. Their dynamic is so sweet and they bring out the best in each other. Even though I knew they'd been together for over 30 years the backstory was so well crafted I found myself forgetting that and became swept up in what appeared to be a story of unrequited love and heartache. This one definitely pulls on the heartstrings!
As usual, yummy recipes at the end!
April 28, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
It’s a lovely story about the two orcs that are main characters in all the books meeting and falling for each other, filling in gaps that were not noticeable or missing but still nice to know, leaving enough expectations for another installment in the series. I’m certainly going to read that as well.
It’s a lovely story about the two orcs that are main characters in all the books meeting and falling for each other, filling in gaps that were not noticeable or missing but still nice to know, leaving enough expectations for another installment in the series. I’m certainly going to read that as well.
February 6, 2026
A cozy hug of a book; one that makes you feel all the hope and love in the world. I love love love this world so much and I'm so glad J. Penner continued this series to give us the story behind these two characters and their relationship; it felt like the final piece to the puzzle of this series. :)
February 19, 2026
Loveee
I love the way you wrote this one! Like a story, within a story! Cats, a baby, a love story including art. I absolutely loved Verdreth and Ervashs' story. This series never ceases to entertain me as I'm reading.
I love the way you wrote this one! Like a story, within a story! Cats, a baby, a love story including art. I absolutely loved Verdreth and Ervashs' story. This series never ceases to entertain me as I'm reading.
March 1, 2026
Sweet
Another sweet tale to add to the shelves. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The back-to-the-past was well handled and the shifts back to the present were fun. Looking forward to the next one.
Another sweet tale to add to the shelves. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The back-to-the-past was well handled and the shifts back to the present were fun. Looking forward to the next one.
April 16, 2026
a romance novel with a hint of Fantasy
This is the first one in the series that was just a romance novel - I’m not complaining thought I loved getting to know the history behind Verdreth and Ervash
This is the first one in the series that was just a romance novel - I’m not complaining thought I loved getting to know the history behind Verdreth and Ervash
February 9, 2026
3.5 stars
February 16, 2026
A love story with a cozy feel
Sweet story full of heart and charm. Very cozy, clean, and delightful. The story focuses on the orcs, Verdreth and Ervash, and their love story.
Sweet story full of heart and charm. Very cozy, clean, and delightful. The story focuses on the orcs, Verdreth and Ervash, and their love story.
March 3, 2026
I really liked the other books in the series, but this one was soooo slow! 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
March 10, 2026
adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 26, 2026
I think this one is my favorite from this series, but maybe I say that every time! So there you have it, they're all great. Please read them all. Everyone needs a little adventure in their life.
March 30, 2026
Sweet, short and heart warming story. Loved it as much as the other books of the series.
April 1, 2026
Love this series! That was such a cute book!
April 8, 2026
By far my absolute favorite of the set. Loved this cozy low stakes fantasy romance between the beloved fathers 🍀🐻📚
Review of advance copy
super cute and romantic back stories!
April 19, 2026
Always a sweet read.
April 20, 2026
Love this whole series!
April 23, 2026
3.5 stars.
April 27, 2026
Cozy and cute.
Finally the orcs story.
Never thought one of them was such a skirt chaser....
Finally the orcs story.
Never thought one of them was such a skirt chaser....
May 1, 2026
This was ok, it lost something for me. Gotta read the one before this, may have missed something!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews