Orc’s Little Human

by Celeste King

She was supposed to die in the desert.
I dragged her out instead.

Half-starved. Branded. Human.
My warriors wanted to sell her, break her, use her.
I made her mine.

She glares at me with those soft gray eyes like I didn’t save her life.
Like I didn’t kill for her.
Like I wouldn’t do it again.

But when I touch her, my magic burns hotter.
The mountain answers louder.
She’s not just mine to protect—she’s the key to power I was never meant to wield.

The clan calls her cursed.
I call her necessary.

And when they come to take her back…
to use her, breed her, burn her…

I’ll tear down the mountain to keep her.

She makes my blood stronger.
And I will make her untouchable.

Read on for savage orcs, branded girls, blood-magic bonds, and a war chief who gives up his crown just to keep his little human. HEA Guaranteed!

Genres: Fantasy

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

About the author

Celeste King is the author behind the Worlds of Protheka, a collection of interconnected series that promise dark fantasy, intense romance, and washboard abs. When it comes to her stories, there are sure to brooding alphas, sassy humans, and plenty of spice to look forward to.

With the ever growing fantasy worlds, the 'what ifs' are endless, and that is what excites her the most. Even she doesn't know just how far these characters will go, but she's gladly along for the ride.

You can always find her fearlessly diving into an adventure (in this world or another), typically with her husband, and partner in crime, at her side.

She helps keep the excitement alive for the rest us with each of her Prothekan works, where there are no heroes coming to save you and being kidnapped...isn't so bad when your captor is this hot.

Reviews

[Mary Ellen Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Orc's Little Human

This was pure imagination. You were dealing with Orc's and evil humans. It showed love and family love. They became a family through love.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to those yummy green Orc's. In this we have Selene and Korrath. Found in the desert, branded and magic, are elements within this tale. Korrath is a War Chief, who shouldn't keep her, but he does. Selene connects with him through their magic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelley G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this unique and fascinating book. Korrath is an orc chieftain who has an unusual reaction to a human prisoner when she’s dragged into his camp. He claims her fit himself but has no idea why or what to do with her. Selene is a human young woman who has escaped from a death camp where she was experimented on and branded with a symbol she doesn’t under. She thinks she’s gotten away from her captors when she’s grabbed by orcs and once again a prisoner. Korrath doesn’t understand why he can’t harm or kill Selene and as she spends time with his little sister his fascination and intrigue grow as do the feelings between them. Korrath has unusual abilities as part of his bloodline and somehow something about Selene is changing those abilities. Things blow up when his clan mates drag her out in middle of camp planning to kill her. Korrath must choose what to do and the consequences of his choice will be far reaching and life changing. Richly detailed characters, amazing world building, great attention to story detail. Story grabs u and doesn’t let go.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'She should be cowering. Should be begging.
Instead, she meets Varok's predatory stare like she's the one holding the blade.
Something twists in my chest— recognition, maybe. Or respect for prey that refuses to break even when the wolves circle. Either way, it makes me act before thought can catch up.'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. The story was fast-paced and exciting from the start and Selene ran for her life- escaping one prison only to find herself in another. I loved her strength and bravery. If death lay before her, she'd face it chin up rather than cower. Korrath instinctually recognized her warrior's spirit and was drawn to her from the start. He barely recognizes his own actions as he claims her from his clan and has them questioning if he's going weak. Orc politics add tension and I was eager to see how their relationship would develop amid his leadership duties and those who would see his position usurped. 5 stars

[Mishka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

First time reading Celeste King, and I have to say—she writes smooth. The story caught me quick and kept me flipping pages straight through. Read it in just a couple hours, no struggle, no urge to DNF.

The setup had good tension and a nice balance of grit and heart. Then it eased up a little faster than I expected—once he decided he was all in, things got a bit too sweet for the pace it started with. Not bad, just softer than I thought it would stay. Toward the end it cooled off some, a little plain in the wrap-up, but it still held together fine.

Well-written, easy to follow, and the orc-human dynamic actually worked. I wouldn’t call it mind-blowing, but it was solid, clean, and enjoyable start to finish. For a short, fast fantasy romance, it does the job—and does it well.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enjoyable story is about Selene a captive who escaped from her previous captors the Worgs is caught by Ors and presented in their village where Korrath the War Chief claims her. Vorak challenges Korrth decision as he drags the defiant Selene to his longhouse. Selene meets Thalira, Korrath's sister who brings her food and wonders who would use a child. What ensues afterward was an enjoyable Protheka story with likable characters as Korrath fights to keep Selene against the wishes of his tribe where being strong is their motive. I'd volunteer to read and review this copy I'd received.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selene has escaped from one group who has kept her in chains. As she runs she is captured by orcs.
Korrath goes to see what his men had been into and finds a human female. He is impressed with her courage. He know she is afraid but she hides it! He takes her to his place and locks her in a room. His sister, Thalia, betrayed him the next day for his manners.
Now begins the battle between what Korrath wants and what he thinks is his for his clan. The biggest problem is one orc who is ambitious and wants to take over Korrath's position.
Will he be able to claim what he wants which is Selene and keep his leadership it will he now to pressure.
A fascinating look into orc society.

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

[Amanda B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book might work for others but it had too many inconsistencies for me. It's seen as weak for the MMC to keep the FMC for himself, but not to give her to his rival. The FMC impresses the MMC with her survival instincts and how she notices everything, but somehow she stays overnight in a room with a door to a bathroom and never notices let alone tries the door? There is just one thing after another in this book that doesn't add up for me.

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Magical Pair

He took her in when she was captured. Neither one knew what the other had. He had blood magic and she amplified it. Together they fought for his freedom and then hers by changing landscapes using their connection. Protecting each other and his sister, they got their HEA.

[Miki · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[alina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the plot and storyline but just wish there was more smut 🥲🥹 oh well guess I’ll just have to read Demon Daddy’s Little Girl next ☺️😼

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

Well written good storyline and interesting characters. I've been reading numerous books by this author and I have enjoyed them. I'm looking forward to my next one.