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Mr. Gorzug #3
Mr. Gorzug and the English Summer
The school year is over.
This should, by all reasonable standards, mean rest.
Unfortunately, Mr. Gorzug has learned that England does not operate by reasonable standards.
When Halcyon Comprehensive sends Mr. Gorzug and Miss Khan to a South Coast Teaching and Learning Partnership Summer Professional Exchange, the plan is attend the conference, endure the coffee, survive the keynote speeches, and return home with the required quantity of professional development.
Then the trains fail.
This leads to the seaside, a suspicious gull, a bed and breakfast, several observations about tiny kettles, a village bus route apparently designed by weather, and an unexpected visit to Miss Khan’s family — where hospitality is tactical, questions are indirect, and everyone seems far too interested in whether they are “just work friends.”
As Mr. Gorzug’s private notes on English life begin to circulate online, the former warlord finds himself studying a stranger queues, football, family, rain, and the dangerous possibility that belonging may not only mean defending a place.
It may mean letting yourself be known there.
Mr. Gorzug and the English Summer is a warm, funny, quietly romantic fantasy comedy about bad planning, strong tea, English weather, village football, and the unsettling discovery that some journeys take you exactly where you were already trying not to go.
Perfect for readers who enjoy British school satire, gentle romance, and large orcs attempting to understand small cultural rituals with military seriousness.
This should, by all reasonable standards, mean rest.
Unfortunately, Mr. Gorzug has learned that England does not operate by reasonable standards.
When Halcyon Comprehensive sends Mr. Gorzug and Miss Khan to a South Coast Teaching and Learning Partnership Summer Professional Exchange, the plan is attend the conference, endure the coffee, survive the keynote speeches, and return home with the required quantity of professional development.
Then the trains fail.
This leads to the seaside, a suspicious gull, a bed and breakfast, several observations about tiny kettles, a village bus route apparently designed by weather, and an unexpected visit to Miss Khan’s family — where hospitality is tactical, questions are indirect, and everyone seems far too interested in whether they are “just work friends.”
As Mr. Gorzug’s private notes on English life begin to circulate online, the former warlord finds himself studying a stranger queues, football, family, rain, and the dangerous possibility that belonging may not only mean defending a place.
It may mean letting yourself be known there.
Mr. Gorzug and the English Summer is a warm, funny, quietly romantic fantasy comedy about bad planning, strong tea, English weather, village football, and the unsettling discovery that some journeys take you exactly where you were already trying not to go.
Perfect for readers who enjoy British school satire, gentle romance, and large orcs attempting to understand small cultural rituals with military seriousness.
- GenresFantasy
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 4, 2026
I enjoyed book 1 & 2 tremendously. Book 3 was exceptional. When I finished book three I said “That was such a good book”. I haven’t said that about a book in a very long time. I know I’m going to read it again. The author’s way of writing puts you in an altered state.
September 7, 2026
YES!
Having started "the thing" you better close the circle sooner rather than later. Despite the obvious impediments. It is not weather.
Having started "the thing" you better close the circle sooner rather than later. Despite the obvious impediments. It is not weather.
September 7, 2026
You have to try this series
This book is funny, touching, and incredibly true when it comes to teenagers and education. I love the series and I'm looking for the next one.
This book is funny, touching, and incredibly true when it comes to teenagers and education. I love the series and I'm looking for the next one.
August 28, 2026
Slight Changes
This book differs from the previous two books in that it is written as a single story rather than a group of vignettes. It continues to provide a view of England, this time focusing more on living and traveling in it, not its school system exclusively. As a lifelong American (sorry) it is interesting to see the many differences in our travel system and roadways. It continues to provide humorous insights into daily life from my favorite orc.
This book differs from the previous two books in that it is written as a single story rather than a group of vignettes. It continues to provide a view of England, this time focusing more on living and traveling in it, not its school system exclusively. As a lifelong American (sorry) it is interesting to see the many differences in our travel system and roadways. It continues to provide humorous insights into daily life from my favorite orc.
August 31, 2026
A lovely exploration of the nuances of connection and finding your people. Really excellent.
August 25, 2026
An accurate and whimsical description of England’s “truths”
For those of you of British backgrounds, you probably nodded your heads in an affirmative action and muttered “yes, exactly“ many times throughout this book. For those of us who have visited this beautiful country, the book reaffirms the suspicions we’ve developed during our travels. LOL. Mr Moody’s writing is as gifted and insightful as ever; and I’m looking forward to Mr Gorzug’s return to the school experience.
For those of you of British backgrounds, you probably nodded your heads in an affirmative action and muttered “yes, exactly“ many times throughout this book. For those of us who have visited this beautiful country, the book reaffirms the suspicions we’ve developed during our travels. LOL. Mr Moody’s writing is as gifted and insightful as ever; and I’m looking forward to Mr Gorzug’s return to the school experience.
August 25, 2026
England meets Mr Gorzug in person & via blog
Teachers’ strange path through conferences, roads, seaside towns, awkward conversations, historical ruins, service stations, and the deeply suspicious national relationship with warm beer.
Teachers’ strange path through conferences, roads, seaside towns, awkward conversations, historical ruins, service stations, and the deeply suspicious national relationship with warm beer.
August 19, 2026
Conspiritorial in regards teacher conferences
This is now such a readable experience that if I don't slow down I'm likely to crash into the last page of the last book without a safety net-work with which to return to reality, although reality is now slightly changed in the reflection of these books.
This is now such a readable experience that if I don't slow down I'm likely to crash into the last page of the last book without a safety net-work with which to return to reality, although reality is now slightly changed in the reflection of these books.
July 9, 2026
I liked it
Generally simpler in style and content than I usually
enjoy but the truths according to Mr. Gorzug created a read I could not put down. Brilliant in a most English way. I will mourn the loss when I have completed the series.
Generally simpler in style and content than I usually
enjoy but the truths according to Mr. Gorzug created a read I could not put down. Brilliant in a most English way. I will mourn the loss when I have completed the series.
July 1, 2026
I can’t say enough good things about this book
No really, I can’t. I don’t have enough time and you don’t want to read that much of my writing, LOL!
Really, you should just read this book.
It is funny, for sure! Laugh out loud at times. Also heartwarming. I want to know the people in this book.
Mr Gorzug is completely someone you want to know. He sees what is in front of him and understands it. He is kind without being sentimental. He is efficient and effective. He actually pays attention. This is not common in life, and often not in fiction, either.
And how he deals with the children (see the first book in the series) is just amazing. Identifying what underlies a behavioral issue, not just punishing it.
Reading this book is like living somewhere you actually want to be, with people you want to be with, while enjoying gentle fun being poked at things that need poking.
Some books really make one want to know the author and all his family and friends, and this is one of those books.
Just read it. You’ll be happy that you did.
To the author, thanks for a delightful world with delightful characters and giving a feeling of place to the readers.
No really, I can’t. I don’t have enough time and you don’t want to read that much of my writing, LOL!
Really, you should just read this book.
It is funny, for sure! Laugh out loud at times. Also heartwarming. I want to know the people in this book.
Mr Gorzug is completely someone you want to know. He sees what is in front of him and understands it. He is kind without being sentimental. He is efficient and effective. He actually pays attention. This is not common in life, and often not in fiction, either.
And how he deals with the children (see the first book in the series) is just amazing. Identifying what underlies a behavioral issue, not just punishing it.
Reading this book is like living somewhere you actually want to be, with people you want to be with, while enjoying gentle fun being poked at things that need poking.
Some books really make one want to know the author and all his family and friends, and this is one of those books.
Just read it. You’ll be happy that you did.
To the author, thanks for a delightful world with delightful characters and giving a feeling of place to the readers.
October 10, 2026
still making me laugh
When a series still has me laughing in the third installment, it’s a good series. There are strong characters. Fun characters. Mysterious teachers (please give us more Talbot info!). And new characters to love. Watching two grown adults become something more than friends from their perspectives is wonderful. It’s just a great book. Keep reading!
When a series still has me laughing in the third installment, it’s a good series. There are strong characters. Fun characters. Mysterious teachers (please give us more Talbot info!). And new characters to love. Watching two grown adults become something more than friends from their perspectives is wonderful. It’s just a great book. Keep reading!
September 10, 2026
a thoughtful series
The third book in the series continues the development of Mr. Gorzug, an orc chieftain magically transported to a modern English school. The fish out of water approach allows him to remark on many of the things we take for granted and drill down to what we have sometimes forgotten is important in modern life.
The third book in the series continues the development of Mr. Gorzug, an orc chieftain magically transported to a modern English school. The fish out of water approach allows him to remark on many of the things we take for granted and drill down to what we have sometimes forgotten is important in modern life.
October 3, 2026
A genre comedy of society (with an Orc)
As a Canadian, I am less familiar with the intricacies of British society but the interval humour that the author has previously aimed at education here goes beyond. I'm just terrified (in a good way) that Gorzug will eventually go international.
As a Canadian, I am less familiar with the intricacies of British society but the interval humour that the author has previously aimed at education here goes beyond. I'm just terrified (in a good way) that Gorzug will eventually go international.
September 25, 2026
Better than the second book, but still very repetitive and too full of similes. I did like the parts at the coastal town and wished for more of that. The football game went on far too long.
September 29, 2026
Retired teacher in Kansas City, Kansas.
Mr. Moody understands and writes beautifully about the inner workings of the World of Education. The setting is a school in England but the verbosity of the terminology is at home in the USA also. Moody's characters are well drawn and I would so like to meet them or even teach in Halcyon for awhile.
I love the orc.
Mr. Moody understands and writes beautifully about the inner workings of the World of Education. The setting is a school in England but the verbosity of the terminology is at home in the USA also. Moody's characters are well drawn and I would so like to meet them or even teach in Halcyon for awhile.
I love the orc.
October 12, 2026
Mr. Gorzug continues to charm!
Mr. Gorzug and the English Summer was a such an enjoyable read. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book ( after you've enjoyed the previous two book). You will not regret the time spent with these characters.
Mr. Gorzug and the English Summer was a such an enjoyable read. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book ( after you've enjoyed the previous two book). You will not regret the time spent with these characters.
September 23, 2026
I was only...
Going to read the first book in the series. I read book two, finished book three today. Started book four. I'm hooked. I've laughed. Nodded at the absurdity.
Going to read the first book in the series. I read book two, finished book three today. Started book four. I'm hooked. I've laughed. Nodded at the absurdity.
September 30, 2026
very engaging story.
Another thoroughly enjoyable book. I will definitely continue the series, and I am inclined to check out other books from this author.
Another thoroughly enjoyable book. I will definitely continue the series, and I am inclined to check out other books from this author.
September 21, 2026
I enjoyed the first two. This one is even better.
September 27, 2026
The English Summer, book three of the Mr Gorzug series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Meh, not my favorite of the series, mainly because I enjoy the classroom and staff interactions the most. More books to read! The fun continues...
October 6, 2026
England, as seen by a teacher outside the school
Teachers have to attend teaching seminars during school break, whether in Britain or America. This is a truth that most people outside of academia are generally ignorant of and are happier not knowing. Some teachers manage to have lives beyond the school, but they tend to be heavily colored by their school experience.
Teachers have to attend teaching seminars during school break, whether in Britain or America. This is a truth that most people outside of academia are generally ignorant of and are happier not knowing. Some teachers manage to have lives beyond the school, but they tend to be heavily colored by their school experience.
September 20, 2026
I like this series. It continues to expand and create new and interesting clashes of expectations between human and orc. Between bureaucracy and people who are actually teaching. Between natives of England and a genuine outsider.
September 18, 2026
Mr Gorzug and the English Summer
Another good read, and Mr Gorzug's opinion of English sum mers, and football, I concure. Looking forward to finding out his opinion on other English idioms.
Another good read, and Mr Gorzug's opinion of English sum mers, and football, I concure. Looking forward to finding out his opinion on other English idioms.
September 25, 2026
Chapter 10 "The Blog Becomes Public" is absolutely brilliant, (The rest of the book is merely excellent.) I laughed out loud several times reading it, at one point I nearly cried laughing.
I am loving this series and am greatly fearing finishing it.
I am loving this series and am greatly fearing finishing it.
September 14, 2026
A very accurate observation of Dear Old Blighty
Another enlightening and funny read. Mr Gorzug's comments on aspects of the more common irritations of life are uncannily true. I look forward to more.
Another enlightening and funny read. Mr Gorzug's comments on aspects of the more common irritations of life are uncannily true. I look forward to more.
September 14, 2026
RECOMMENDED
October 16, 2026
A very good read
A strangely compelling series of observations of systems and England from a no nonsense teacher who just happens to be an Orc.
Great characters amusing and a page turner.
A strangely compelling series of observations of systems and England from a no nonsense teacher who just happens to be an Orc.
Great characters amusing and a page turner.
October 18, 2026
Orcs are cuddly
Clearly they're working towards an English style romance without any too much emotion and way too much under the ground. I guess this is probably why submarines always capture English folks attention so well.
Clearly they're working towards an English style romance without any too much emotion and way too much under the ground. I guess this is probably why submarines always capture English folks attention so well.
September 23, 2026
Can't trust a book with an AI cover. Is Stone Henge morphing into apartment buildings?
Nole, you should be embarrassed.
Nole, you should be embarrassed.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews