Owned By The Orc Warlord

by Anne Hale, Celeste King

She stumbled into my territory bloodied, hunted, and half-feral.
So I claimed her.

Zahra was supposed to be a human offering—nothing more than a half-dead slave limping away from dark elf blades.

But she stood her ground.
Spoke with fire.
Met my gaze like she wanted a war.

So I gave her one.

The clan hates that she eats at my fire.
Our enemies want her dragged back in chains.
And Zahra? She trains with my warriors like she’s already earned my crest.

She doesn’t beg. She doesn’t break.

But I know what will finally crack her.
What will melt the steel in her spine.
What will turn her knees to jelly
and wipe the last of that fury from her eyes.
Not blood. Not blades.

Something older.
Something stronger.

My ring.

Read on for brutal devotion, knife-sharp heat, battle-forged romance, and an orc warlord who never learned how to share. HEA Guaranteed.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

About the author

Anne Hale writes paranormal romance about dragons. All of her stories include smoldering, hot, dragons that claim their fated mates and protect them from a world that doesn’t understand shifters. Anne’s alpha male heroes protect their mates and provide for them during the day, and at night wrap their arms around them and make them forget the world. She lives in a world of magic and also writes urban fantasy. Anything to escape from her day to day life!

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zahra a human rescued from near death, joined the Stormfang Orcs, lives were irritably changed
Zahra escaped the Dark Elves as she was about to be sacrificed, badly wounded she had escaped through sheer will and had jumped into a river that had swept her injured body into Orc territory where she had been discovered.
Rogar the Chieftan of the Orcs had discovered her badly injured, he had made the risky choice of allowing her to return with them to their village where she would be expected to live and train to fight as an Orc.
Over time it became apparent to Rogar and his fellow Orcs that Zahra was a valued asset to him and his people as she had acquired a wealth of knowledge that could be used against her jailers, she knew their tactics and was able to advise the best way to fight them one on one.
Then Rogar and Zahra had been paired and mated which had been accepted by the Stormfang Elves, they had fought bravely alongside her new family and her mate. Together they had been able to show the other Orc factions that if they all joined and fought together along with other factions in hiding, they would have a greater chance of subduing the Dark Fae.
I guarantee that other readers will be totally captivated by this simply wonderful read and I can not express how much I look forward to future books by this author regarding the Orcs. It has been a simply fantastic reading experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What's your name, sacrifice?" I ask, taking another step closer. She doesn't retreat, though every instinct must be screaming at her to run.
"Zahra." The name falls from her lips like a challenge. "And I'm nobody's sacrifice."
"No," I agree, studying the thin scar along her jawline, the way she holds herself despite her injuries. "I don't believe you are."

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Zahra and Rogar. She was such a strong, willful, and determined heroine. On the alter about to be sacrificed by a dark elf king, jumping off a bridge to be swept through a ravine, and facing down an eight-foot orc chieftain, she never shows fear and faces each challenge head-on even against certain death. She intrigued Rogar- her fire, quick tongue, and steady gaze- unflinching where other humans would cower.

"You were fighting," I say finally. "Even when defeat was certain, you chose to fight rather than submit. That deserves respect, regardless of species."

I loved the way their relationship developed. They made such a perfect match. She fought and trained hard and earned the respect of the orcs. I was completely hooked to their story. I really loved this one! 5 stars.

[Cristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am amazed at how much I loved this story. From page one I was lured in and captivated by the main characters. The world building on this unforgiving world is brutal, but Celeste and Anne brought about hope, a possible future worth living.

Rogar and Zahra are an unlikely duo, but the transition that they both evolve from is breathtaking. Their improbable predications prove they are both worthy. A strong alliance with a beautiful HEA 🔥💜

There were a few political parts that kinda lulled me, but seeing the bigger picture brought a new awareness to the read.

Definitely a page turner and worth the read again and again 💜.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Owned by the Orc Warlord” by Anne Hale & Celeste King

-A gritty, emotional fantasy romance with unexpected depth and fierce hope. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Zahra, a human escapee from Elven cruelty, finds strength and purpose with the Stormfang Orcs. Rogar, their fierce chieftain, sees her value not just in battle, but in heart.

Together, they forge unity, love, and resistance against the dark Fae threat. A rough read with constant struggles and fights but worth the effort.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Protheka story that's about Zahra a chosen sacrificial slave to be given to the dark elves Serpent god and Rogar our warlord Orc who claims her. As the blade lowers toward Zahra heart on the altar the temple gets attacked and she flees. Being chased she jumps into the river, and it takes her to Orclands. Leaving the river a group of Orcs approach which makes Zahra hide. Rogar tells her to come out. Rogar then takes Zahra back to his clan, the Stormfang. What occurs was an engaging romance story with likable characters in this copy I'd received and volunteer to read and review.

[ledora · Rating 4 out of 5]

The possibility of union

I enjoy this book and all the parts of life that you want stealing your own children is the possibility that intrigue me? Is the strength I’m not knowing, but the termination of what the hell. It’s going against the odds not knowing, but praying is in your favor.. Rely on your strength mental, and the physical to carry you through. The unknown that carries into the future a possibility.. that’s is everyone’s fight. Coming together as a union no matter what difference that you have is the great good especially for survival..

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read from this pair of authors. :D And another Orc. In this story it is Rogar and his human is Zahra. She'a a slave and not doimg so well after the Elves pass her on as an offering. Under Rogar's protection, she grows and stronger in spirit. Eventually to be claimed by him. They do have the Elves to deal with and do get their, deserved coming together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gerri Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different Orc book

They both is different from some of the other ones you read. The MFC escapes from the dark elves and she stumbles into Orc territory. In ways it reminds me of the Vikings and other primitive societies. She has approved her worth in her standing in the tribe/clan. The chief admires her bravery and she is protected. There is a lot of action and intrigue, and little spice. A great read.

[Mary Roya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owned by the Orc Warlord

This is an amazing story. It is full of action, betrayal, compassion, and love. Our hero and heroine make everything seem to work. Its about changing for the betterment of all. Really good read!

[Jorja Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

war

This tale of Protheka is heavily influenced by war and d politely maneuvers. Very little attention is given to the actual relationship but it works.