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Orc Saga #2
Blood of the Queen
Less Beauty and the Beast and more Tolkien
, this second Orc Saga adventure will force Arianna and Bolthorn to overcome their greatest fears, with the life of their unborn child and the safety of their world hanging in the balance.
Princess Arianna never wanted to return to her human kingdom of Gautar. Not after she helped murder her abusive father to escape. Not since the orc Bolthorn defied death and tradition to make her his wife. And though the coldest days of winter are behind them, Arianna is still recovering the strength she needs to bring their half-orc child safely into the world.
The Ancestors, however, have other plans. Bolthorn's kin disappeared through the mountain passage to Gautar months ago and Arianna won’t abandon any orc to the cruel mercy of her father’s people. Just as worrisome, Arianna’s sister is trapped within the castle, a pawn and plaything of the new king.
But there is power at work in Gautar that even the Ancestors fear. Power and magic that a princess and an orc cannot hope to conquer alone. Hiding their expedition from human eyes would be difficult enough, but the growing dangers they face across the mountain threaten to destroy not just the human kingdoms, but the safety and freedom of the orcs, as well.
Princess Arianna never wanted to return to her human kingdom of Gautar. Not after she helped murder her abusive father to escape. Not since the orc Bolthorn defied death and tradition to make her his wife. And though the coldest days of winter are behind them, Arianna is still recovering the strength she needs to bring their half-orc child safely into the world.
The Ancestors, however, have other plans. Bolthorn's kin disappeared through the mountain passage to Gautar months ago and Arianna won’t abandon any orc to the cruel mercy of her father’s people. Just as worrisome, Arianna’s sister is trapped within the castle, a pawn and plaything of the new king.
But there is power at work in Gautar that even the Ancestors fear. Power and magic that a princess and an orc cannot hope to conquer alone. Hiding their expedition from human eyes would be difficult enough, but the growing dangers they face across the mountain threaten to destroy not just the human kingdoms, but the safety and freedom of the orcs, as well.
- GenresFantasyRomanceParanormal
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2015
49 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Amalia Dillin
30 books287 followersAmalia Dillin began as a Biology major before taking Latin and falling in love with old heroes and older gods. After that, she couldn't stop writing about them, with the occasional break for more contemporary subjects. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, and dreams of the day when she will own goats--to pull her chariot through the sky, of course.
Amalia is the author of the Fate of the Gods trilogy, and the Orc Saga, beginning with HONOR AMONG ORCS. She also writes historical fiction under the name Amalia Carosella.
You can find links to all her work online at http://blog.amaliadillin.com/p/public...
Amalia is the author of the Fate of the Gods trilogy, and the Orc Saga, beginning with HONOR AMONG ORCS. She also writes historical fiction under the name Amalia Carosella.
You can find links to all her work online at http://blog.amaliadillin.com/p/public...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 1, 2018
Amalia Dillin’s second entry to the Orc Saga is the beginning of an odyssey. In the manner of an odyssey, Arianna’s and Bolthorn’s journey is at turns plagued and enriched by altering fortunes. Dillin weaves the tale of a young woman’s perilous trek where the early dangers she confronts have her cowering in fear, yet she ultimately embraces her power and primacy. Arianna’s pillar of strength is her husband, and the romance of this book centers around their everlasting and expanding bond. They teach each other what sacrificing love and freedom can mean.
The newly married human/orc couple is determined to leave the relative safety of the cold Hrimthursar clan’s mountain abode to rescue Bolvarr and Hrimnir, Bolthorn’s brother and cousin, who are presumed captured by humans. This requires Arianna to travel home to Gautar, a place she associates with fear, abuse and manipulation. Now that she has the tattoos of an orc bride on her face, she can add likely persecution to that list of horrors.
Arianna and Bolthorn will need to be at their strongest and rely on each other and their friends to overcome the many travails of the expedition. In the manner of Tolkien’s ring fellows or the dwarfs as they sought to reclaim their home, the quest is filled with hideous creatures, injuries, betrayals, and scarcity of food and shelter. Then, as Arianna and Bolthorn reach what they thought was their destination on the edge of the Gautar lands, they find they must move on to even more dangerous territory. Supposed allies carry hidden depths, influences and shifting loyalties, making this a story where it is impossible to know friend from foe. However, as Arianna and Bolthorn immerse themselves in ever more hazardous situations, Arianna begins to grow into her elven blood heritage. Her blossoming magic is a wonder to witness.
Not only are Arianna and Bolthorn on a journey through Gautar, but Arianna is on a journey of self-discovery. Her metamorphosis from the beginning to the end of this book is on a majestic scale. She starts as a scared, pregnant woman who lacks greatly in personal confidence and mastery of her magic. Again and again she rises to the challenge, on her way to becoming the queen that is assuredly in her destiny. Dillin details this rite of passage through suffering and understanding, and ultimately two different showdowns where Arianna throws off the shackles of her own insecurity and places them firmly on those who hinder her ideal of justice and honor. And trust me, one of these confrontations will leave you reeling.
The beginning third of this book is the weakest, reflecting the ever-present worry and constant need for reassurances that plague both Arianna and Bolthorn. For his part, Bolthorn feels guilty over requiring the assistance of his pregnant and vulnerable wife as they journey to her homeland.
“He had promised her freedom and delivered nothing but one imprisonment after another. Even the child she carried chained her.”
There were also instances of repetitious conversations between Bolthorn and Arianna as if to reassure the reader that Arianna is good and worthy and humble. However, in these conversations she reveals the enslavement the orcs have borne for generations. Bolthorn recognizes it takes his “outsider” wife to reveal the hidden truths about the twisted relationship between elves and orcs.
“Why should you be punished for all time for the actions of the few, centuries past?”
In some ways these somewhat circular conversations foreshadow and explain the desperate choices that Arianna will be forced to make later in the book. Do I think Arianna will become the instrument of sedition between orcs and elves? Yes, but I think that will be a tale for a future installment of the Orc Saga.
It should be noted that this book is the continuation of a saga and it is absolutely necessary to undertake a prior reading of Honor Among Orcs. In the manner of a good movie saga, though, both stories wrap up immediate loose ends effectively so that you aren’t sitting on a cliffhanger for months. It is the shadow of rebellion on the horizon and family disloyalties that will bring you back for the next book.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, but all opinions are my own.
The newly married human/orc couple is determined to leave the relative safety of the cold Hrimthursar clan’s mountain abode to rescue Bolvarr and Hrimnir, Bolthorn’s brother and cousin, who are presumed captured by humans. This requires Arianna to travel home to Gautar, a place she associates with fear, abuse and manipulation. Now that she has the tattoos of an orc bride on her face, she can add likely persecution to that list of horrors.
Arianna and Bolthorn will need to be at their strongest and rely on each other and their friends to overcome the many travails of the expedition. In the manner of Tolkien’s ring fellows or the dwarfs as they sought to reclaim their home, the quest is filled with hideous creatures, injuries, betrayals, and scarcity of food and shelter. Then, as Arianna and Bolthorn reach what they thought was their destination on the edge of the Gautar lands, they find they must move on to even more dangerous territory. Supposed allies carry hidden depths, influences and shifting loyalties, making this a story where it is impossible to know friend from foe. However, as Arianna and Bolthorn immerse themselves in ever more hazardous situations, Arianna begins to grow into her elven blood heritage. Her blossoming magic is a wonder to witness.
Not only are Arianna and Bolthorn on a journey through Gautar, but Arianna is on a journey of self-discovery. Her metamorphosis from the beginning to the end of this book is on a majestic scale. She starts as a scared, pregnant woman who lacks greatly in personal confidence and mastery of her magic. Again and again she rises to the challenge, on her way to becoming the queen that is assuredly in her destiny. Dillin details this rite of passage through suffering and understanding, and ultimately two different showdowns where Arianna throws off the shackles of her own insecurity and places them firmly on those who hinder her ideal of justice and honor. And trust me, one of these confrontations will leave you reeling.
The beginning third of this book is the weakest, reflecting the ever-present worry and constant need for reassurances that plague both Arianna and Bolthorn. For his part, Bolthorn feels guilty over requiring the assistance of his pregnant and vulnerable wife as they journey to her homeland.
“He had promised her freedom and delivered nothing but one imprisonment after another. Even the child she carried chained her.”
There were also instances of repetitious conversations between Bolthorn and Arianna as if to reassure the reader that Arianna is good and worthy and humble. However, in these conversations she reveals the enslavement the orcs have borne for generations. Bolthorn recognizes it takes his “outsider” wife to reveal the hidden truths about the twisted relationship between elves and orcs.
“Why should you be punished for all time for the actions of the few, centuries past?”
In some ways these somewhat circular conversations foreshadow and explain the desperate choices that Arianna will be forced to make later in the book. Do I think Arianna will become the instrument of sedition between orcs and elves? Yes, but I think that will be a tale for a future installment of the Orc Saga.
It should be noted that this book is the continuation of a saga and it is absolutely necessary to undertake a prior reading of Honor Among Orcs. In the manner of a good movie saga, though, both stories wrap up immediate loose ends effectively so that you aren’t sitting on a cliffhanger for months. It is the shadow of rebellion on the horizon and family disloyalties that will bring you back for the next book.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, but all opinions are my own.
October 13, 2021
The beginning of this book was so incredibly slow but the 2nd half was amazing!!!
Arianna became such a bad ass and also those truth bombs (we learn who exactly the queen cheated on the king with and which kids they had together), I was not expecting it!!!
And Bolthorn my Orc husband, he was so dependable ugh I love him.
Arianna became such a bad ass and also those truth bombs (we learn who exactly the queen cheated on the king with and which kids they had together), I was not expecting it!!!
And Bolthorn my Orc husband, he was so dependable ugh I love him.
October 21, 2015
I reviewed "Honor Among Orcs" the first book in the Orc Saga, last year, so being able to be an early reader for "Blood of the Queen" was equally exciting. I will strive to make my review as spoiler free as possible from both books, but understand that a few details from book one are likely to slip into the review.
The second part of Arianna & Boltthorn's tale begins not terribly long after the first ended. We find our intrepid duo recovering from the harrowing ending of "Honor" & trying to start finding their places in Hrimthusar society. Arianna is (understandably) jumpy, while Boltthorn is rearing to get back into the role of Hrim-Gothi (at last so long as the other orcs agree, and if not, then into whatever the Ancestors have in store for him next).
We get small glimpses into Hrimthusar life, & I'll admit to wanting a bit more of this. I understand why we are hastened into the story, & from a narrative perspective, it makes sense; however, I was left with a bit of longing for just a little more of orc daily life before diving into the tale.
In the early parts of Arianna & Boltthorn's journey, they are accompanied by Grimnir & his wife as well as the persnickety brook horse, Isolfur. We saw some of the tension between Boltthorn & Isolfur in the first book, & that tension certainly plays a dynamic role in this one as Isolfur makes it quite clear he is there for Arianna & suffers Boltthorn because of her. Dillin nicely sets up tension between the brook horse & the three orcs in the early part of the novel which makes for great drama later. (For me, it's simply another masterful bit of artistry on the author's part that I love: a small ripple here can make huge waves later.)
When the group makes it to the pass to Gautar, Isolfur leaves them because horses & long caves don't mix, no matter how magical a being might be. The separation from Isolfur allows for some great glimpses into just how unsure of herself Arianna is. There are so many things she does not know how to do with regards to being Boltthorn's wife that she often lets herself become overwhelmed. I know those struggles, & Arianna really spoke to me as they journey back to the land she fled. She is grimly determined to make that journey, though, in an effort to find Bolvarr & Hrimnir & to perhaps prove herself worthy of her husband. The fact that harsh voices from her past (namely her father & Vanadis) only work to increase the depth of Arianna's character because we all have those critical voices inside us.
On the journey to Gautar & the journey into Gautar, Dillin does a masterful job at weaving genuine emotional feelings from all the journey party, but especially Arianna & Boltthorn. Yes, they are linked by love so thoroughly their thoughts laugh together; however, that does not mean that they magically have a perfect relationship. Each has their own fears that need soothing, & it quickly becomes clear that love is a great building block, but real relationships need work.
Trouble finds them from the time they pass into Gautar, & spends the rest of the book dogging their footsteps. In that regard, "Blood of the Queen" becomes much more than a simple adventure. Arianna & Boltthorn must work with each other & trust each other for the tasks they've been set, & as everyone knows, trust is not always easy, no matter how in love a pair might be.
Going into much more detail will start running into spoilers for "Blood of the Queen", & I really want to avoid that, particularly on Release Day. That said, I do have a few small criticisms to note. As much as I love the very real interpersonal conflict between Arianna & Boltthorn, I wish that Dillin had spent more time on the second half of the tale than the first. In this case, I think I understand why there needed to be so much time spent building things between our heroes, but I feel that some of that building came at the cost of the second half of the story. While I suspect that some of the answers I seek will be made clear in the next book in the Orc Saga, I'm not the most patient person, & so, I'd have liked a few more answers now. The second half is great, adding in multiple unsuspected twists & I LOVE that; I just would have liked more.
That relatively minor gripe aside, I highly recommend "Blood of the Queen". The second part of the Orc Saga will leave you wanting more (as all good multi-story series tales should). For me, this one is a bit closer to 4.5 stars than 5 unlike "Honor" which was solidly 5 stars for me, but it's still another great story in Dillin's favor, so you should definitely read it. (Also, if you're more of an adventure lover than a character development lover, I promise, you'll have that in spades. This is first and foremost an adventure story, & you won't be disappointed!)
(For full disclosure, I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
Now, what are you waiting for? The adventure awaits!
The second part of Arianna & Boltthorn's tale begins not terribly long after the first ended. We find our intrepid duo recovering from the harrowing ending of "Honor" & trying to start finding their places in Hrimthusar society. Arianna is (understandably) jumpy, while Boltthorn is rearing to get back into the role of Hrim-Gothi (at last so long as the other orcs agree, and if not, then into whatever the Ancestors have in store for him next).
We get small glimpses into Hrimthusar life, & I'll admit to wanting a bit more of this. I understand why we are hastened into the story, & from a narrative perspective, it makes sense; however, I was left with a bit of longing for just a little more of orc daily life before diving into the tale.
In the early parts of Arianna & Boltthorn's journey, they are accompanied by Grimnir & his wife as well as the persnickety brook horse, Isolfur. We saw some of the tension between Boltthorn & Isolfur in the first book, & that tension certainly plays a dynamic role in this one as Isolfur makes it quite clear he is there for Arianna & suffers Boltthorn because of her. Dillin nicely sets up tension between the brook horse & the three orcs in the early part of the novel which makes for great drama later. (For me, it's simply another masterful bit of artistry on the author's part that I love: a small ripple here can make huge waves later.)
When the group makes it to the pass to Gautar, Isolfur leaves them because horses & long caves don't mix, no matter how magical a being might be. The separation from Isolfur allows for some great glimpses into just how unsure of herself Arianna is. There are so many things she does not know how to do with regards to being Boltthorn's wife that she often lets herself become overwhelmed. I know those struggles, & Arianna really spoke to me as they journey back to the land she fled. She is grimly determined to make that journey, though, in an effort to find Bolvarr & Hrimnir & to perhaps prove herself worthy of her husband. The fact that harsh voices from her past (namely her father & Vanadis) only work to increase the depth of Arianna's character because we all have those critical voices inside us.
On the journey to Gautar & the journey into Gautar, Dillin does a masterful job at weaving genuine emotional feelings from all the journey party, but especially Arianna & Boltthorn. Yes, they are linked by love so thoroughly their thoughts laugh together; however, that does not mean that they magically have a perfect relationship. Each has their own fears that need soothing, & it quickly becomes clear that love is a great building block, but real relationships need work.
Trouble finds them from the time they pass into Gautar, & spends the rest of the book dogging their footsteps. In that regard, "Blood of the Queen" becomes much more than a simple adventure. Arianna & Boltthorn must work with each other & trust each other for the tasks they've been set, & as everyone knows, trust is not always easy, no matter how in love a pair might be.
Going into much more detail will start running into spoilers for "Blood of the Queen", & I really want to avoid that, particularly on Release Day. That said, I do have a few small criticisms to note. As much as I love the very real interpersonal conflict between Arianna & Boltthorn, I wish that Dillin had spent more time on the second half of the tale than the first. In this case, I think I understand why there needed to be so much time spent building things between our heroes, but I feel that some of that building came at the cost of the second half of the story. While I suspect that some of the answers I seek will be made clear in the next book in the Orc Saga, I'm not the most patient person, & so, I'd have liked a few more answers now. The second half is great, adding in multiple unsuspected twists & I LOVE that; I just would have liked more.
That relatively minor gripe aside, I highly recommend "Blood of the Queen". The second part of the Orc Saga will leave you wanting more (as all good multi-story series tales should). For me, this one is a bit closer to 4.5 stars than 5 unlike "Honor" which was solidly 5 stars for me, but it's still another great story in Dillin's favor, so you should definitely read it. (Also, if you're more of an adventure lover than a character development lover, I promise, you'll have that in spades. This is first and foremost an adventure story, & you won't be disappointed!)
(For full disclosure, I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
Now, what are you waiting for? The adventure awaits!
May 27, 2017
I loved this one just as much, if not better than the first one. Seriously, though, if you like fantasy, a touch of romance, political intrigue, magic, any of the above combined with engaging writing and complex, interesting, and likable characters in a well-developed world you must read this series. I'm so glad I had a chance to read this advance copy. A more complete review will be coming on our Booksellers Without Borders NY blog soon, but do yourself a favor and read Honor Among Orcs if you haven't so you're ready to dive right into Blood of the Queen when it's released.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 28, 2015
This sequel had a bit of a slow start but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down!! Bolthorn remains the awesomest and Arianna finally BECOMES awesome... which was nice because I kinda wanted to slap her a few times. But where is the next one? I need it now please. K thanks.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. But I also bought it anyway.
... More Bolthorn? <3
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. But I also bought it anyway.
... More Bolthorn? <3
January 25, 2016
Eh, I liked it! There was this part where the two leads' thinking was in such perfect parallel that it was adorable!! XD The characters were interesting, the world-building was pretty good, the plot flowed, I'm definitely going to read the next book!
March 9, 2018
In this second book of the Orc Saga, Arianna and Bolthorn return to Gautar looking for Bolthorn’s brother Bolvarr and his cousin Hrimnir who had gone there seeking information and failed to return.
Much is made of their connection with the brook horse, Isolfur, on whom they depend to accomplish their goals quickly. The brook horse appears to be similar to the water horse whose story is told in Outlander, except that the brook horse assumes the shape of an actual horse on land and can turn into a man in his underwater home. He can also travel through water, including underground streams, at a high rate of speed while keeping his rider dry (if he wants to), and this is the ability Arianna and Bolthorn are counting on. But Isolfur keeps failing to show up when he is needed, and when Arianna, at last, agrees to go with him to his underwater home so she can talk to him, she finds out that he has a completely different agenda than what they had thought.
They also discover that Sinmarra has come to Gautar, leaving horrible wolf-things to roam over the land. She has also taken over the castle, where Arianna’s brothers now rule the country in her father’s place. They infiltrate the castle and free Rodric and Isabella only to flee across the countryside. It is not until Arianna has her talk with Isolfur that they have any hope of getting on to the next place they need to visit – the kingdom of Hunaland – to find out from her grandfather, if they can, what is the source of the mysterious power in Arianna’s family and how they might use it to defeat Sinmarra.
Overall it continues a good story. But it was frustrating how much came up to block Bolthorn and Arianna from their goal. And sad that there is likely still more pain and suffering before they can (hopefully) defeat Sinmarra and restore everything to its natural order.
Much is made of their connection with the brook horse, Isolfur, on whom they depend to accomplish their goals quickly. The brook horse appears to be similar to the water horse whose story is told in Outlander, except that the brook horse assumes the shape of an actual horse on land and can turn into a man in his underwater home. He can also travel through water, including underground streams, at a high rate of speed while keeping his rider dry (if he wants to), and this is the ability Arianna and Bolthorn are counting on. But Isolfur keeps failing to show up when he is needed, and when Arianna, at last, agrees to go with him to his underwater home so she can talk to him, she finds out that he has a completely different agenda than what they had thought.
They also discover that Sinmarra has come to Gautar, leaving horrible wolf-things to roam over the land. She has also taken over the castle, where Arianna’s brothers now rule the country in her father’s place. They infiltrate the castle and free Rodric and Isabella only to flee across the countryside. It is not until Arianna has her talk with Isolfur that they have any hope of getting on to the next place they need to visit – the kingdom of Hunaland – to find out from her grandfather, if they can, what is the source of the mysterious power in Arianna’s family and how they might use it to defeat Sinmarra.
Overall it continues a good story. But it was frustrating how much came up to block Bolthorn and Arianna from their goal. And sad that there is likely still more pain and suffering before they can (hopefully) defeat Sinmarra and restore everything to its natural order.
October 19, 2015
So, you're looking for an adventure? Why not add romance, and intrigue? Throw in a bit of magic, and clashing of steel and you'll soon be invested in the world Dillin creates. I was pleasantly surprised to find that BLOOD OF THE QUEEN began right where HONOR AMONG ORCS left off.
Following the discord that was left in Vanadis's wake, Arianna is left feeling that she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Make no mistake, she is no wilting flower. I liked the character progression of Arianna, and how her fears were always swatted away by Bolthorn. I was also very excited to learn a bit more about Isofur. It is clear that this is no happily ever after kind of book, and there is still more hardship to come for these two that lingers on the horizon.
Dillin has done a fantastic job creating a world that is both unique, and believable. The interaction between Arianna & Bolthorn felt real, and I felt that I could relate to the characters very well. They are certainly in my mind long after I have finished reading. I would highly recommend this series, and for those of you who are not yet familiar with this series to please not hesitate picking up HONOR AMONG ORCS. You will not regret it! Fans of Amalia Dillin will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to see where Dillin takes us next.
**I received an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Following the discord that was left in Vanadis's wake, Arianna is left feeling that she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Make no mistake, she is no wilting flower. I liked the character progression of Arianna, and how her fears were always swatted away by Bolthorn. I was also very excited to learn a bit more about Isofur. It is clear that this is no happily ever after kind of book, and there is still more hardship to come for these two that lingers on the horizon.
Dillin has done a fantastic job creating a world that is both unique, and believable. The interaction between Arianna & Bolthorn felt real, and I felt that I could relate to the characters very well. They are certainly in my mind long after I have finished reading. I would highly recommend this series, and for those of you who are not yet familiar with this series to please not hesitate picking up HONOR AMONG ORCS. You will not regret it! Fans of Amalia Dillin will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to see where Dillin takes us next.
**I received an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2016
Amalia Dillin continues to impress with her romantic fantasy.
The human Arianna, as a character, truly comes into her own during this second book in the Orc Saga. She is a well-developed main character who is passionate but often ineffectual at doing what is best or what is right. She questions her every step, every decision, until she learns to stop worrying and start acting in her best interests.
She and Bolthorn (her orc husband and clan chief to his people) must ride into danger to save not only the orcs but also the humans, elves, and everything else. They never know quite who they can trust nor what they can hope to accomplish when they arrive. It makes for a daring adventure with tense moments of action and suspense. Together they must challenge the powers that be and there is no guarantee they'll both come out the other side.
There's a brief lull in the middle where the characters' frustrations at being unable to act or make decisions crosses over into actual frustration on my part, but it is thankfully very brief and then the story gets moving again.
The third book in the Orc Saga is going to be intense and I can't wait to see how it all ends.
The human Arianna, as a character, truly comes into her own during this second book in the Orc Saga. She is a well-developed main character who is passionate but often ineffectual at doing what is best or what is right. She questions her every step, every decision, until she learns to stop worrying and start acting in her best interests.
She and Bolthorn (her orc husband and clan chief to his people) must ride into danger to save not only the orcs but also the humans, elves, and everything else. They never know quite who they can trust nor what they can hope to accomplish when they arrive. It makes for a daring adventure with tense moments of action and suspense. Together they must challenge the powers that be and there is no guarantee they'll both come out the other side.
There's a brief lull in the middle where the characters' frustrations at being unable to act or make decisions crosses over into actual frustration on my part, but it is thankfully very brief and then the story gets moving again.
The third book in the Orc Saga is going to be intense and I can't wait to see how it all ends.
October 20, 2015
A gorgeous sequel to Honor Among Orcs. Fans of the series will already be familiar with the Amalia Dillin's fresh take on Orc lore, and they won't be disappointed in continuing Arianna and Bolthorn's journey. A fantasy with romantic elements, this established couple face threats and danger together, and make difficult choices (without spoiling too much) with implications across both of their nations. My favorite part is that we learn a lot more about the incredible brook horse, Isolfur, who still leaves me enthralled (I would love a novella about him, btw!!). With her flowing writing style and vivid, extremely memorable stories, Blood of the Queen is another winner by Amalia Dillin!
November 29, 2017
Finally finished Blood of the Queen. The sequel retains its mystery that even surpasses the first one. The revelations unfold is a surprise I didn't saw coming and surely give the third book a wide area to explore. I can't wait to find out what will become of Arianna and Bolthorn. I hope they will come victorious and have their love, peace, and happiness.
Amalia Dillin's Orc Saga continues to intrigue and immerse me with her wit and deep writing. The creativity shown in every chapter will make you turn every page to know what will be uncovered in each of them. A great and satisfying read for all.
Amalia Dillin's Orc Saga continues to intrigue and immerse me with her wit and deep writing. The creativity shown in every chapter will make you turn every page to know what will be uncovered in each of them. A great and satisfying read for all.
November 1, 2015
Getting to dive back into the Orc World with Arianna and Bolthorn was so wonderful! This book kept me hooked and guessing from beginning to end (and on the edge of my seat in some parts!) It was a great second book to Honor Among Orcs full of adventure and romance. I would love to know more about Arianna's horse, Isolfur and the backstory to that. Overall, a wonderful sequel and great story in general!
June 21, 2016
Loving this series!
Just finished this second book and it is just wonderful! The story of Arianna and Bolthorn continues and is truly epic. The rest of the characters in this story are magical and I can't wait to see the next book!
Just finished this second book and it is just wonderful! The story of Arianna and Bolthorn continues and is truly epic. The rest of the characters in this story are magical and I can't wait to see the next book!
March 2, 2016
Great part two and I am not clamoring for part 3! Wonderful Indie author worth a read.
April 26, 2016
Read this all day
Another great installment of the Orc saga. I am very curious to know where the plot will take us next.
Another great installment of the Orc saga. I am very curious to know where the plot will take us next.
December 28, 2023
1.5 Stars
It breaks my heart to rate Blood of the Queen so low, but the meandering plot killed this book for me. Honor Among Orcs was a favorite from March and I wish the sequel stuck to its romance roots because I love Bolthorn and Arianna's relationship. It just wasn't enough to keep me satisfied with the story. I'm not sure I want to continue the series at all. However, I never say never and may feel differently once the third book is released. At least, I hope so.
The book is around 275 pages and it took me two months to read it! I know I put it down at least twice. I don't always mind meandering plots. You can do a lot of world-building while your characters are traveling and figuring out what to do next. We have a clear goal that was set up in the first book, find Bolvarr! That seems simple enough yet he seemed like an afterthought for most of the book. We spent pages rehashing Arianna's self-doubt and anxieties and taking plot detours loosely connected to Bolvarr's disappearance, which mostly ended up irrelevant to the overall story or went completely unsolved, put off for the next book. I caught myself thinking "Poor Bolvarr" several times while reading, wondering if they would ever find him. Without spoilers, the ending is wrapped up so quickly that it's not satisfying in the slightest.
I would have landed on a two-star rating but there were some moments that I disliked, plot-wise. This is less of a critique and more of a personal gripe that I will hide because of major spoilers. It would be dishonest not to include some of my personal feelings on certain character arcs because it directly contributed to my overall rating. And again, without spoilers, Isolfur is the WORST and that's all I'm going to say about it.
It breaks my heart to rate Blood of the Queen so low, but the meandering plot killed this book for me. Honor Among Orcs was a favorite from March and I wish the sequel stuck to its romance roots because I love Bolthorn and Arianna's relationship. It just wasn't enough to keep me satisfied with the story. I'm not sure I want to continue the series at all. However, I never say never and may feel differently once the third book is released. At least, I hope so.
The book is around 275 pages and it took me two months to read it! I know I put it down at least twice. I don't always mind meandering plots. You can do a lot of world-building while your characters are traveling and figuring out what to do next. We have a clear goal that was set up in the first book, find Bolvarr! That seems simple enough yet he seemed like an afterthought for most of the book. We spent pages rehashing Arianna's self-doubt and anxieties and taking plot detours loosely connected to Bolvarr's disappearance, which mostly ended up irrelevant to the overall story or went completely unsolved, put off for the next book. I caught myself thinking "Poor Bolvarr" several times while reading, wondering if they would ever find him. Without spoilers, the ending is wrapped up so quickly that it's not satisfying in the slightest.
I would have landed on a two-star rating but there were some moments that I disliked, plot-wise. This is less of a critique and more of a personal gripe that I will hide because of major spoilers. It would be dishonest not to include some of my personal feelings on certain character arcs because it directly contributed to my overall rating. And again, without spoilers, Isolfur is the WORST and that's all I'm going to say about it.
December 23, 2022
What a perfect book to complete my 2022 reading challenge! Ordered the novella the second I shut the back cover. The plot twist in this book rattled me, leaving me beyond excited for the third installment of the trilogy (which I dearly hope is released soon!).
Arianna’s character development was executed extremely well — seeing her step into her power and stand up to several of her abusers had me audibly yelling “Yes!” throughout the entire second half of this book. Of course, she still buckles under the weight of her trauma, which is to be expected, astounding me with how REAL she feels. Thank you, Amalia Dillin, for reminding me that powerful women are still allowed to cry and grieve. Chef’s kiss.
And, of course, Bolthorn is phenomenal. The way he supports Arianna emotionally without constantly holding her hand is, again, executed well. Talk about writing a perfect match!
Overall, “Blood” met all my expectations and more, and I’m willing to wait as long as it takes for the third novel in the series. Until then, I’ll devour the novella and dream of an Honor Among Orcs film adaptation — featuring Cate Blanchett as Sinmarra, of course.
Arianna’s character development was executed extremely well — seeing her step into her power and stand up to several of her abusers had me audibly yelling “Yes!” throughout the entire second half of this book. Of course, she still buckles under the weight of her trauma, which is to be expected, astounding me with how REAL she feels. Thank you, Amalia Dillin, for reminding me that powerful women are still allowed to cry and grieve. Chef’s kiss.
And, of course, Bolthorn is phenomenal. The way he supports Arianna emotionally without constantly holding her hand is, again, executed well. Talk about writing a perfect match!
Overall, “Blood” met all my expectations and more, and I’m willing to wait as long as it takes for the third novel in the series. Until then, I’ll devour the novella and dream of an Honor Among Orcs film adaptation — featuring Cate Blanchett as Sinmarra, of course.
April 11, 2025
The drama continues. Not everyone in the Orc village will accept Arianna as Bolthorn's wife. And some villagers do not accept Bolthorn as their leader anymore. After the events in the last book, Bolthorn recovers from an almost deadly wound. Arianna's heart is beating for him. Once they can travel again, they will journey back to Arianna's father's kingdom to rescue their Orc family.
This book had the same elements as the last book, excluding a budding romance. They were still a cute couple, but Arianna's depression and self-depreciation wore on my nerves. She comes into her own, but there is no conclusion. It leaves it open to another book. I do not think I will be continuing with the series.
This book had the same elements as the last book, excluding a budding romance. They were still a cute couple, but Arianna's depression and self-depreciation wore on my nerves. She comes into her own, but there is no conclusion. It leaves it open to another book. I do not think I will be continuing with the series.
January 7, 2023
The second book to the Orc saga series, sould be read in order. This book picks off when Bolthorn's brother is trapped in human lands. Arianna decides to travel back to her homeland to rescue him with her husband and a few warriors. I enjoyed the unexpected and expected twists to this book, I'll be excited for the next installment to be released.
orc-saga
June 26, 2022The Hardcover of BLOOD OF THE QUEEN is now live on Amazon!!
October 26, 2015
the first book was utterly amazing and this one was very good as well, but I do have one complaint: there is absolutely no resolution atvthe end of this book like there was in book 1 instead it just stops like she wrote a super long bok and then cut it in half and gave us the first portion.
October 24, 2015
this suffered the middle trilogy syndrome for me. Still good, just didn't move the story forward enough and spent too much time re-hashing the same feelings of guilt, insecurity, etc.
hopefully the third book will bring it back to its original intensity and creativity.
hopefully the third book will bring it back to its original intensity and creativity.
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