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The Sapphic Orcs of Torden #2
The Orc and Her Spy
An orc queen. Her human bodyguard. Ten years of trust, tension, and yearning.
ASTRID KARRSDAUGHTER, orc queen of Torden, has dealt with threats from the west since before she was elected to her throne. When the southern kingdom sends an ambassador to Torden's royal court, Astrid needs the help of her beloved spymaster—even knowing she relies on her too heavily.
FREYA WEDD is the queen’s human bodyguard, spymaster, and handmaid all in one. When she receives divine prophecy that something bad will happen to her queen, she will do whatever she can to protect the woman to whom she's sworn her life.
Tension between the two has been simmering for years, and their feelings are about to boil over.
A masc human bodyguard protects her dutiful, emotionally distant orc queen in this sapphic fantasy romance. This novel is second in The Sapphic Orcs of Torden series but can be read as a standalone.
ASTRID KARRSDAUGHTER, orc queen of Torden, has dealt with threats from the west since before she was elected to her throne. When the southern kingdom sends an ambassador to Torden's royal court, Astrid needs the help of her beloved spymaster—even knowing she relies on her too heavily.
FREYA WEDD is the queen’s human bodyguard, spymaster, and handmaid all in one. When she receives divine prophecy that something bad will happen to her queen, she will do whatever she can to protect the woman to whom she's sworn her life.
Tension between the two has been simmering for years, and their feelings are about to boil over.
A masc human bodyguard protects her dutiful, emotionally distant orc queen in this sapphic fantasy romance. This novel is second in The Sapphic Orcs of Torden series but can be read as a standalone.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Lila Gwynn
14 books142 followersLila Gwynn is a lesbian author (and avid reader) of sapphic fantasy fiction. In her free time, she can be found binge-reading indie books, casually playing video games, or occasionally writing. She lives with her wonderful butch girlfriend and their many cats.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 20, 2026
The second book of the Sapphic Orcs of Torden was another great read! Can be read as a standalone but having read the first book a few years ago, it was lovely to revisit the world as well as see some old faces ;). Ruga was such a sweet character and her sister Astrid is so different on the outside but a big softie inside as well.
Astrid and Freya have been dancing around one another for a decade. The author has a prequel to get to know Freya a bit better, I love reading those bonuses from authors! With Ruga across the channel, things heat up for Astrid as loneliness and intrigue emerge causing not only possible danger but also the confrontation of feelings and desires and differences that are just maybe worth more indulging than living without.
I recommend both books!!
Astrid and Freya have been dancing around one another for a decade. The author has a prequel to get to know Freya a bit better, I love reading those bonuses from authors! With Ruga across the channel, things heat up for Astrid as loneliness and intrigue emerge causing not only possible danger but also the confrontation of feelings and desires and differences that are just maybe worth more indulging than living without.
I recommend both books!!
March 23, 2026
The orc queen Astrid is secretly smitten with her spymaster Freya. Freya is also very smitten with Astrid so cue lots of longing looks and inappropriate thoughts. Then one night a kiss on a balcony… Cue scratching of a record on the record player…. for this is where the cute stuff comes to a dramatic halt and an assassin takes over.
The two main characters are fantastic. Both have strengths when they are together and others they find when they are apart.
There is lots of tension and peril as they work together to track down the assassin. We do get to see a little of Ruga and Elketh from book 1 as well and there’s a possible hint at the end of this book about who book 3 might feature or at the very least who might find love during it.
Another great book in the series. Looking forward to the rest very much.
The two main characters are fantastic. Both have strengths when they are together and others they find when they are apart.
There is lots of tension and peril as they work together to track down the assassin. We do get to see a little of Ruga and Elketh from book 1 as well and there’s a possible hint at the end of this book about who book 3 might feature or at the very least who might find love during it.
Another great book in the series. Looking forward to the rest very much.
May 22, 2026
It's a typical royal court romance with a fantasy-orc-cosmetic overlay. If you're okay with that, you'll have fun with this.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed the journey this book took me on. The setting, the intrigue, the forbidden love and the longing all worked together beautifully and pulled me right into the story.
Freya and her jaded little heart absolutely bowled me over. I adored her, even when she was being a little… unhinged. Her devotion to her Queen and the pride she takes in doing her duty well says so much about who she is as a character. There’s something really compelling about someone who has built their whole identity around loyalty and service.
And then there’s Astrid, the reluctant Queen. I really felt for her. She’s leading in a time where every decision carries weight, where war is a very real possibility, and where she has to keep people at arm’s length because the needs of the kingdom come first. That kind of responsibility would isolate anyone, and you can feel that loneliness in her.
I loved how the relationship between Freya and Astrid developed. The connection and trust between them felt especially meaningful because both of them struggle to let anyone in. Watching that wall slowly come down was one of my favourite parts of the story. The intimate scenes were also written in a way that really suited their relationship and added to the emotional connection between them.
I do think there were a few moments where I would have loved a little more emotion on the page, but overall this was a fantastic read and I really enjoyed the journey these characters took me on.
Freya and her jaded little heart absolutely bowled me over. I adored her, even when she was being a little… unhinged. Her devotion to her Queen and the pride she takes in doing her duty well says so much about who she is as a character. There’s something really compelling about someone who has built their whole identity around loyalty and service.
And then there’s Astrid, the reluctant Queen. I really felt for her. She’s leading in a time where every decision carries weight, where war is a very real possibility, and where she has to keep people at arm’s length because the needs of the kingdom come first. That kind of responsibility would isolate anyone, and you can feel that loneliness in her.
I loved how the relationship between Freya and Astrid developed. The connection and trust between them felt especially meaningful because both of them struggle to let anyone in. Watching that wall slowly come down was one of my favourite parts of the story. The intimate scenes were also written in a way that really suited their relationship and added to the emotional connection between them.
I do think there were a few moments where I would have loved a little more emotion on the page, but overall this was a fantastic read and I really enjoyed the journey these characters took me on.
April 2, 2026
A gorgeous second installment of an already gorgeous series!!
This volume brings the reader back into the world of Torden like a warm blanket and cup of tea, while delivering a vibe and tale unique from the previous love story - AND, since we've met these lovely leading ladies already, provides very satisfying reasoning as to why they weren't yet romantically enmeshed when we met them in book 1, as well as the beautiful resolution of them overcoming those challenges in order to be together, now. The looming, expected tragedy of their lifespan difference adds deliciously painful depth to their connection and the protestations from one side as to why they therefore shouldn't be together, only to be resolved as well, in the most beautiful of ways in my opinion (have to admit a bias, a favorite trope of mine was ABSOLUTELY hit, bullseye) just makes this romance so absolutely lovely!! Plus, the conflict for the more regal of the two, over what it means to love someone so much you might/do place them above the welfare of your whole people was also *chef's kiss,* and the return of other beloved characters - such as Ruga and Elketh - was SO good, and so perfectly placed, AND the setup for the next book and couple was also delicious (and a delicious surprise, tbh).
Absolutely still packing my bags to Torden, as we speak. Thank you so much for another incredible story, Lila!!
This volume brings the reader back into the world of Torden like a warm blanket and cup of tea, while delivering a vibe and tale unique from the previous love story - AND, since we've met these lovely leading ladies already, provides very satisfying reasoning as to why they weren't yet romantically enmeshed when we met them in book 1, as well as the beautiful resolution of them overcoming those challenges in order to be together, now. The looming, expected tragedy of their lifespan difference adds deliciously painful depth to their connection and the protestations from one side as to why they therefore shouldn't be together, only to be resolved as well, in the most beautiful of ways in my opinion (have to admit a bias, a favorite trope of mine was ABSOLUTELY hit, bullseye) just makes this romance so absolutely lovely!! Plus, the conflict for the more regal of the two, over what it means to love someone so much you might/do place them above the welfare of your whole people was also *chef's kiss,* and the return of other beloved characters - such as Ruga and Elketh - was SO good, and so perfectly placed, AND the setup for the next book and couple was also delicious (and a delicious surprise, tbh).
Absolutely still packing my bags to Torden, as we speak. Thank you so much for another incredible story, Lila!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my! I didn’t know what to expect from “The Orc and Her Spy” by Lila Gwynn. It’s Book Two in Gwynn’s The Sapphic Orcs of Torden series. I have Book One, “The Orc and Her Bride,” but haven’t read it, so I was a little worried that I wouldn’t know what was going on, but “The Orc and Her Spy” is billed as a standalone so I went for it. I’m glad I started reading, and I was quite pleased with the result. This is a fantasy/romance/mystery with orc and human characters. Queen Astrid of Torden is the Orc, and Freya is the Spy. They have a complicated relationship but it’s apparent from the beginning that they care for each.other. Overall, it’s an interesting story and easy to follow; there’s mystery and a few red herrings. The real story, of course, is the connection between Astrid and Freya. Who knew orcs and humans were a thing, and a sexy thing at that? I enjoyed the book and will be reading Book One soon. I’m already wondering about a possible Book Three.
May 17, 2026
Intrigue and romance in a fantasy court
I liked this book. The world building is really good. As with most fantasies, I had a bit of a hard time getting into it, but it wasn't bad at all. It's a compelling story, fun and intense and not without depth. The writing is good. I only caught 4 errors (one missing word, "relished in," "not apprehending an attack," and "and I" instead of "and me."). The story is told in the third person and that works well. We get to see inside both characters' thoughts. I especially liked seeing Astrid enjoy herself. She's a queen, but in spite of her advantages, she doesn't have much freedom. The mystery kept me guessing. I also liked the magical and mystical aspects. I haven't read the first book, but I don't think I really missed anything reading this book without the earlier one.
I liked this book. The world building is really good. As with most fantasies, I had a bit of a hard time getting into it, but it wasn't bad at all. It's a compelling story, fun and intense and not without depth. The writing is good. I only caught 4 errors (one missing word, "relished in," "not apprehending an attack," and "and I" instead of "and me."). The story is told in the third person and that works well. We get to see inside both characters' thoughts. I especially liked seeing Astrid enjoy herself. She's a queen, but in spite of her advantages, she doesn't have much freedom. The mystery kept me guessing. I also liked the magical and mystical aspects. I haven't read the first book, but I don't think I really missed anything reading this book without the earlier one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this book within hours. I would recommend you read the 1st book in the series before you read this one but it's not necessary for you to enjoy this one.
This book was so good and I highly recommend reading this. I will say it had a HEA but yet it left you hoping that the Goddess would bless and bestow the Orc lifespan to the MC. I also ask and hope we have a 3rd with Hedda and a redemption of possibly Alvor?
This book was so good and I highly recommend reading this. I will say it had a HEA but yet it left you hoping that the Goddess would bless and bestow the Orc lifespan to the MC. I also ask and hope we have a 3rd with Hedda and a redemption of possibly Alvor?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2026
Love for an eternity
This is a spectacular second book in the Orc series. Astrid and Freya have been pinning for each other for ten years. This story has a few twists that I wasn't expecting. I love the tenderness between the two main characters through out the story. I did shed a few tears as well with this one. The story is a slow burn, but when it catches fire look out lol. I am really looking forward to another book in this series.
This is a spectacular second book in the Orc series. Astrid and Freya have been pinning for each other for ten years. This story has a few twists that I wasn't expecting. I love the tenderness between the two main characters through out the story. I did shed a few tears as well with this one. The story is a slow burn, but when it catches fire look out lol. I am really looking forward to another book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that the queen and her shadow finally admitted their love for each other. The storyline kept me wanting to know what happened next. There was a decent amount of spice and I loved that the spice was two sided. The ending of the story set up for a 3rd book nicely.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Wow what an incredible story I loved the main characters their connection was embedded beautifully throughout the story the events in their journey was horrendous and brutal but written with so much depth making it hard to put down definitely must read congratulations
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lila Gwynn has created another amazing story! The Orc and Her Spy is the second book in the Sapphic Orcs of Torden series. If you like a story about unspoken love between an orc queen and her devoted human spymaster that has some yearning, fixated devotion, and a little mystery thrown in, this is the book to read. The dynamic between Queen Astrid and Freya is one of long term devotion that at some point turns to more and their slow burn romance builds naturally. I liked that the journey of their relationship was very natural and believable. There are some adorable and hilarious moments in this book I chuckled and wanted to shout kiss already, but the evolution of their relationship was perfectly written. The story kept my attention throughout as they explored their relationship while facing expected and unexpected challenges that came their way. I enjoyed reading this book and learning more about these two characters that were introduced in the first book. I hope there is another book in this series and look forward to reading it if there is.
March 19, 2026
The Orc and her spy is a sapphic fantasy romance. I thought it was a beautifully written story, Orc queen and her human bodyguard that fall in love, Very interesting, a page turner and a beautiful romance
March 23, 2026
I love this series. The characters are both likeable and annoying, the action is on point and, frankly, I love a good orc book especially with large, strong warriors. Big fan, please keep them coming.
April 11, 2026
I enjoyed that it was a "monster" sapphic novel!!! I loved the s$x scenes, especially the one at the end. The emotions of the MCs were good.It seemed to drone on and on when the characters were in their head. But other than that I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading the first one!
May 4, 2026
Truly spectacular
Lila Gwynn's writing is the essence of everything I love about sapphic fiction. The way she depicts how magical and beautiful sapphic relationships can be makes me so happy.
Lila Gwynn's writing is the essence of everything I love about sapphic fiction. The way she depicts how magical and beautiful sapphic relationships can be makes me so happy.
March 22, 2026
Dang it, I adore this series.
May 29, 2026
Cute but nowhere near as good as book one, idk why but it was just missing some zest that book one had - perhaps because the enemies to lovers in that book really elevated it?
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews