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Grog is a brute (half Human, half Ukar) slave raised from birth to fight in the pits for the entertainment of the crowds. He is content with his role in the city, proud of his barracks, and in awe of his owner, the sour Master Horne. Life, by Grog’s reckoning, is good.Then an enigmatic churchwoman enters his life, and Grog finds himself swept from the city which has been his entire world, to travel and learn amid as strange a group as he has ever seen. He knows nothing of the group’s mission, just that his skills are necessary and the quest is ‘a good thing’. But slowly, on this strange journey of both distance and spirit, Grog learns of the goal his new employer pursues, and its role in a troubled world. More importantly, he learns the value, and price, of freedom, and neither aspect is anything like what he imagined.A fast-paced fantasy novel by the author of the popular Dream series (and eighteen other novels), Grog takes the reader on a journey through an embattled Empire and a world in which things are seldom as simple as one expects.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2020
207 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
R.W. Krpoun
21 books49 followersBorn and raised in the icy wastelands of North Dakota, RW Krpoun joined the US Army, serving two enlistments before being honorably discharged at Fort Hood, Texas. Delighted to discover a land where snow was a novelty, he settled in Texas and took up a career in law enforcement, serving thirty years before retiring. His service included a Sheriff's Office and two Municipal police agencies, as well as two enlistments in the Texas National Guard as a Criminal Investigator.
RW lives on lakeside acreage with his lovely and amazingly tolerant wife Ann, and a band of ill-mannered animals who are all highly photogenic. His hobbies include reading, history, various forms of shooting, collecting battle-ready examples of medieval weaponry, and learning to use such weapons.
RW lives on lakeside acreage with his lovely and amazingly tolerant wife Ann, and a band of ill-mannered animals who are all highly photogenic. His hobbies include reading, history, various forms of shooting, collecting battle-ready examples of medieval weaponry, and learning to use such weapons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
February 23, 2022
Don’t let the simple title mislead you like it did me for so long. I skipped over this book for months and finally decided to give it a chance after reading the reviews. Grog is half human-half Urak as well as his buddy Burk. The world building isn’t anything special and could be better and I’d like more background on the other characters. Especially Hunter and Torl. Recommend this for all fantasy readers.
August 12, 2020
A gem
A gem of a book. As a fantasy reader you sift through a lot of trash books in the hope of finding one like this. An adventure tale, tightly plotted, with explosive action scenes, and great character development. Author left room for a sequel, but the book stands on its own. This is a true five star review, and if you’re reading this review stop and read the book.
A gem of a book. As a fantasy reader you sift through a lot of trash books in the hope of finding one like this. An adventure tale, tightly plotted, with explosive action scenes, and great character development. Author left room for a sequel, but the book stands on its own. This is a true five star review, and if you’re reading this review stop and read the book.
July 18, 2020
Very good work...
The cover art and title are misleading. I am so happy I took a chance on this book. This is one of the best fantasy books I have read in some time. It is written from a unique perspective and has outstanding character development. I would highly recommend this book.
The cover art and title are misleading. I am so happy I took a chance on this book. This is one of the best fantasy books I have read in some time. It is written from a unique perspective and has outstanding character development. I would highly recommend this book.
December 4, 2021
Creative, inspiring, new writer, intriguing subject matter and characters.
Well written, wholly unexpected, a great life lesson, I can only wish more would actually learn from this book…anyway. A promising new author, Previously unknown to me anyway, has taken a subject as old as time, and thoughtfully, with detail has written an exciting book one in a promising series, with interesting, credible characters, I absolutely want to know more about. Great work RW Krpoun, I look forward to reading more asap, well done.
Well written, wholly unexpected, a great life lesson, I can only wish more would actually learn from this book…anyway. A promising new author, Previously unknown to me anyway, has taken a subject as old as time, and thoughtfully, with detail has written an exciting book one in a promising series, with interesting, credible characters, I absolutely want to know more about. Great work RW Krpoun, I look forward to reading more asap, well done.
March 5, 2024
Despite the title being the name of the main character, Grog (as a series) is quite an enjoyable group-focused adventure tale full of constant exploration, gory fights and endearing characters, sprinkled with some fish-out-of-water humor here and there. I've read the first three books now in 2021, and I'd say it's my favourite book series of the year.
The book(s) focus on the titular Grog, a Half-Ulkar(Half-Orc) slave raised for both gladiator and bodyguard service. Grog and his fellow gladiatorial slave, Burk, get hired by a group of adventurers on an important quest, and he quickly grows into his role as muscle and bodyguard while both learning from his new companions and maintaining his pride in his status as an elite fighter.
In the first book, we learn about Grog and Burk, high rate gladiators of the Ebon Blades, a proper barrack of the old school. After being hired as bodyguards by a priestess and her adventuring party in their home city, their trainer and master sells them to the priestess. They quickly become a vital part of the party, and the priestesses' lofty goals to improve society. Even though it will lead them into tombs crawling with undead and followed by the enemies of their new mistress, Grog and Burk will find the life on the roads suitable for their skillset, but the world outside of their barrack often weird and nonsensical.
What I love about the series are four things, really:
a) The whole story is meaningful, but also a bit down to earth. The group starts with an important quest, but it is not to save the world, just to make their home, the empire, gradually a bit better. Quests later added are informed by the morals of the group, and are again about doing the right thing in the face of adversity. It is not about defeating the Dark Lord (TM) that threatens All Of The World (TM), although their exploits can affect the empire sometimes quite significantly.
b) The characters have distinct personalities, different goals, and different skills, but find a way to work together. The books have a first person protagonist (Grog), but the perspective is used mostly for humor and to contrast his musings to the rest of the group, which allows the other characters to gain a lot of definition from that comparison.
c) All characters of the group are special, but only because they put hard work into becoming that special. Noone is gifted beyond what they put blood and sweat into developing, and in fact one of the recurring themes is that nothing will change about either you or society unless you put a lot of work and discipline into it. I probably would love the books for that message alone.
d) The group rarely stays at one place for a long time (at least within the pages). As a result, there is a somewhat-consistent balance between travel and exploration, group banter, visceral action, scheming, humor and philosophical talk. Which is a nice distribution, in my book.
The book(s) focus on the titular Grog, a Half-Ulkar(Half-Orc) slave raised for both gladiator and bodyguard service. Grog and his fellow gladiatorial slave, Burk, get hired by a group of adventurers on an important quest, and he quickly grows into his role as muscle and bodyguard while both learning from his new companions and maintaining his pride in his status as an elite fighter.
In the first book, we learn about Grog and Burk, high rate gladiators of the Ebon Blades, a proper barrack of the old school. After being hired as bodyguards by a priestess and her adventuring party in their home city, their trainer and master sells them to the priestess. They quickly become a vital part of the party, and the priestesses' lofty goals to improve society. Even though it will lead them into tombs crawling with undead and followed by the enemies of their new mistress, Grog and Burk will find the life on the roads suitable for their skillset, but the world outside of their barrack often weird and nonsensical.
What I love about the series are four things, really:
a) The whole story is meaningful, but also a bit down to earth. The group starts with an important quest, but it is not to save the world, just to make their home, the empire, gradually a bit better. Quests later added are informed by the morals of the group, and are again about doing the right thing in the face of adversity. It is not about defeating the Dark Lord (TM) that threatens All Of The World (TM), although their exploits can affect the empire sometimes quite significantly.
b) The characters have distinct personalities, different goals, and different skills, but find a way to work together. The books have a first person protagonist (Grog), but the perspective is used mostly for humor and to contrast his musings to the rest of the group, which allows the other characters to gain a lot of definition from that comparison.
c) All characters of the group are special, but only because they put hard work into becoming that special. Noone is gifted beyond what they put blood and sweat into developing, and in fact one of the recurring themes is that nothing will change about either you or society unless you put a lot of work and discipline into it. I probably would love the books for that message alone.
d) The group rarely stays at one place for a long time (at least within the pages). As a result, there is a somewhat-consistent balance between travel and exploration, group banter, visceral action, scheming, humor and philosophical talk. Which is a nice distribution, in my book.
May 20, 2020
Love this book and the character Grog! Very fun book and interesting view from Grog and what it's like being a Slave pit fighter and gaining his freedom and having to think and do things on his own and with a group he is with. All of the characters are written pretty well and the story has a good flow to it. I am hoping we get further adventures of Grog and his companions!
April 28, 2020
Why aren’t most stories this good?
When I think of all the books I’ve seen published in print and all those I’ve struggled through.... honestly I would trade a hundred of them for a sequel to this one. Read and enjoy.
When I think of all the books I’ve seen published in print and all those I’ve struggled through.... honestly I would trade a hundred of them for a sequel to this one. Read and enjoy.
September 13, 2020
Story was a bit slow until about half way though. After that is was rather an interesting listen. Characters could have been more defined.
February 26, 2023
Quite an enjoyable tale! Grog is a part-Ukar (read: half-orc) gladiator/slave, who along with his fellow barracks mate Burk, are purchased by a traveling band to guard them while they fulfill an urgent mission. When the mission is complete, Grog and Burk will acquire their freedom, but he doesn't concern himself with that prospect at all. He may be a "slave" but he's a High Rank gladiator, from the Ebon Blades barracks, "a proper barracks of the old school, and when you engage the Ebon Blades, you get quality work. That is the rule." He recites this to himself with pride, many times throughout the book, and it's very entertaining and frankly fascinating to follow his progress, as an uneducated but not stupid fighter, figuring out his surroundings outside the fighting pit, and how he will survive once he has gained his freedom. I'll definitely continue this series!
September 8, 2021
As anyone who has seen my reviews knows, I am a huge fan of indie and small press fantasy. I discovered this thriving community of authors writing some of the most amazing stories over a decade a go, and have read and listened to over a thousand indie books in that time. I am always on the lookout for new worlds and characters to get lost on adventures with. And that’s where Grog comes in. I’ll tell you this up front, if this book had been published this year, it would be tied with Dragon Mage and Paladin Unbound as my choice for fantasy book of the year.
The characters in this book are absolutely fantastic. Grog, the main protagonist, is one of the best characters I’ve ever read. He is such a ball of contradictions, and its so much fun watching him slowly unravel them. Enslaved as a baby, and being a Brute, he is held in no regard, other than what he can earn for his master as a high rate pit fighter, bodyguard and enforcer. Being told he’s stupid his whole life, he has bought into it, but remains in awe of his master, who he see’s as the only one who cares for him. As the story moves along, and he realizes there’s more to the world than just pit fighting, he still reverts to his training, where honoring a contract and giving quality service are just ingrained into him. He has such an interesting arc, as his interactions with the other characters on a personal level really start to open up new avenues for him, keeping him from continuing as a tragic character.
The secondary characters are an interesting bunch, and they are so well fleshed out. Definitely not cardboard cutouts, they have their own arcs, and they just draw you in themselves. There is Burk, Grog’s fellow pit fighter slave, who is more rebellious, but discovers things aren’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Provine Sael is an Dellien, an elf like race, who’s self appointed mission to help save the empire and free the slaves of the empire is an uphill battle. Hatcher is a Nisker, a slender halfling like race, who is an expert on traps and “acquiring” things of unknown provenance. She is such a fun foil for Grog, because she is always trying to get him to think beyond the current moment, and aspire to more, something he has no interest in. Torl is a ranger type who actually prowls the frontier on the lookout for Uraks who need killing, and Hunter is a wizard interested in getting the best paycheck possible. All these characters go through some changes and growth as they discover a greater threat to not only themselves, but to the empire itself.
The world building is also a strength. This world looks like it may have had some inspiration from the later Roman period, where slavery is a massive part of the empire’s economy, and there has been a succession crisis with the emperor, who has just finally ascended from a regency upon reaching his majority. There is also an external threat that is supposed to be impossible, and yet seems to be occurring while the empire is at it’s least prepared in centuries. This is the world Grog and Burk must protect Provine Sael and her companions through, as they searching for something that can help strengthen the emperor. There is magic and muscle, and wealth and squalor throughout, and it is just so well written as to seem real, and draw the reader in.
The narration for the audiobook was performed by A.T. Chandler. I was unfamiliar with his work before this book, but he has been fairly prolific. He does an excellent job bringing the characters to life, and you are never in doubt which character is speaking. His voice for Grog is especially good, but it’s obvious he was invested in making each character as unique as possible. His narrative pacing is excellent, and doesn’t suffer from any monotone or unusual pauses. I’d recommend checking this version out, or adding it as a whispersync to a kindle purchase.
I was surprised that a book with such an unassuming title could be this good. It’s not any kind of satire or play on tropes, but an epic fantasy that draws the reader in and doesn’t let go. You find yourself invested in these characters within the first chapter, and it will hold your attention throughout. If you are a fan of fantasy, this book should appeal to you. Check it out today!
The characters in this book are absolutely fantastic. Grog, the main protagonist, is one of the best characters I’ve ever read. He is such a ball of contradictions, and its so much fun watching him slowly unravel them. Enslaved as a baby, and being a Brute, he is held in no regard, other than what he can earn for his master as a high rate pit fighter, bodyguard and enforcer. Being told he’s stupid his whole life, he has bought into it, but remains in awe of his master, who he see’s as the only one who cares for him. As the story moves along, and he realizes there’s more to the world than just pit fighting, he still reverts to his training, where honoring a contract and giving quality service are just ingrained into him. He has such an interesting arc, as his interactions with the other characters on a personal level really start to open up new avenues for him, keeping him from continuing as a tragic character.
The secondary characters are an interesting bunch, and they are so well fleshed out. Definitely not cardboard cutouts, they have their own arcs, and they just draw you in themselves. There is Burk, Grog’s fellow pit fighter slave, who is more rebellious, but discovers things aren’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Provine Sael is an Dellien, an elf like race, who’s self appointed mission to help save the empire and free the slaves of the empire is an uphill battle. Hatcher is a Nisker, a slender halfling like race, who is an expert on traps and “acquiring” things of unknown provenance. She is such a fun foil for Grog, because she is always trying to get him to think beyond the current moment, and aspire to more, something he has no interest in. Torl is a ranger type who actually prowls the frontier on the lookout for Uraks who need killing, and Hunter is a wizard interested in getting the best paycheck possible. All these characters go through some changes and growth as they discover a greater threat to not only themselves, but to the empire itself.
The world building is also a strength. This world looks like it may have had some inspiration from the later Roman period, where slavery is a massive part of the empire’s economy, and there has been a succession crisis with the emperor, who has just finally ascended from a regency upon reaching his majority. There is also an external threat that is supposed to be impossible, and yet seems to be occurring while the empire is at it’s least prepared in centuries. This is the world Grog and Burk must protect Provine Sael and her companions through, as they searching for something that can help strengthen the emperor. There is magic and muscle, and wealth and squalor throughout, and it is just so well written as to seem real, and draw the reader in.
The narration for the audiobook was performed by A.T. Chandler. I was unfamiliar with his work before this book, but he has been fairly prolific. He does an excellent job bringing the characters to life, and you are never in doubt which character is speaking. His voice for Grog is especially good, but it’s obvious he was invested in making each character as unique as possible. His narrative pacing is excellent, and doesn’t suffer from any monotone or unusual pauses. I’d recommend checking this version out, or adding it as a whispersync to a kindle purchase.
I was surprised that a book with such an unassuming title could be this good. It’s not any kind of satire or play on tropes, but an epic fantasy that draws the reader in and doesn’t let go. You find yourself invested in these characters within the first chapter, and it will hold your attention throughout. If you are a fan of fantasy, this book should appeal to you. Check it out today!
August 21, 2022
I found this one because of a deal on Kindle unlimited which in turn allowed me to find a new author to look out for...
My simple review
Great character work, world building and story. Give it a go!
My simple review
Great character work, world building and story. Give it a go!
March 14, 2022
Wow just wow Grog
I picked up the book as the author was enthused that he had received so many 5 star reviews in amazon. He announced it in a LitRPG Facebook group. After reading it I can understand why he has so many 5 star reviews. Grog of the Ebon blades is who you want as a dear friend or man at arms or as a sure bet in the fighting pits. The is action, and a lot of thought provoking internal dialog from Grog. And not the whiny cringe inducing of oh out a a 1000 men one person died and I must take 20 pages of I'm so unworthy of a leader until one person comes and says one sentence and makes everything right for the main character.
There is humor with Grog. Mainly because of him misunderstanding and discussing it. Grog does not like the forest. Because the trees are not orderly!
Grog is person who sets out to do a job and does it without complaining, expecting to die every time. I do hope there are more Grog books, I have not looked for that as I did this review. I only review book that are great. This book is in the top 1 percent of books I have reviewed.
I picked up the book as the author was enthused that he had received so many 5 star reviews in amazon. He announced it in a LitRPG Facebook group. After reading it I can understand why he has so many 5 star reviews. Grog of the Ebon blades is who you want as a dear friend or man at arms or as a sure bet in the fighting pits. The is action, and a lot of thought provoking internal dialog from Grog. And not the whiny cringe inducing of oh out a a 1000 men one person died and I must take 20 pages of I'm so unworthy of a leader until one person comes and says one sentence and makes everything right for the main character.
There is humor with Grog. Mainly because of him misunderstanding and discussing it. Grog does not like the forest. Because the trees are not orderly!
Grog is person who sets out to do a job and does it without complaining, expecting to die every time. I do hope there are more Grog books, I have not looked for that as I did this review. I only review book that are great. This book is in the top 1 percent of books I have reviewed.
December 9, 2021
Do you remember what Fantasy used to be, before doctrine, dogma and a doggishly devotion to separate us into warring groups in all things(Antonio Gramsci must laugh in Hell). This is a well-written, non-Nihilistic, and pure joyous Escapism book that I so miss nowadays.
Plot, character development, explosive action are all there and I got a "pre-2012 feeling" when I finished it, no preaching or obvious social engineering tainted this unexpected Home-run of a book.
Mr. Krpoun has got a new fan in me and more will follow.
Plot, character development, explosive action are all there and I got a "pre-2012 feeling" when I finished it, no preaching or obvious social engineering tainted this unexpected Home-run of a book.
Mr. Krpoun has got a new fan in me and more will follow.
August 30, 2020
One Fighters Point of View
The life of a pit fighter is not like most but Grog was different. He was Ebony Blade. And now his job was to protect his new mistress and keep her safe. While bring honor to the Ebony Blades.
I truly enjoyed this authers style of writing and how he put together the characters in it. By his way of telling the story you are drawing into it so that you are one of the characters.
The life of a pit fighter is not like most but Grog was different. He was Ebony Blade. And now his job was to protect his new mistress and keep her safe. While bring honor to the Ebony Blades.
I truly enjoyed this authers style of writing and how he put together the characters in it. By his way of telling the story you are drawing into it so that you are one of the characters.
October 16, 2020
I picked this up for the name: Grog. And the character is exactly like that. Simple, straightforward and brutal. The reader sees the whole world through Grog's eyes, clear and simplistic. The writing is good, the battle descriptions excellent. Very entertaining.
some quotes:
"being stupid was proving to be more and more of an impediment with each passing day."
"that sounded stupid, but the, I am stupid, so it might just be me."
some quotes:
"being stupid was proving to be more and more of an impediment with each passing day."
"that sounded stupid, but the, I am stupid, so it might just be me."
June 17, 2021
Nice read
Great pacing. The story is long but it stays light on its feet, not getting bogged down. Lots to like here. Edited well with few typos, engaging plot, well written characters with consistent motivations. Also has plenty of well-written fights with a matter of fact, visceral style that fits with the narrator’s tone, but the carnage isn’t excessive. Looking forward to the next one. This is worth a read.
Great pacing. The story is long but it stays light on its feet, not getting bogged down. Lots to like here. Edited well with few typos, engaging plot, well written characters with consistent motivations. Also has plenty of well-written fights with a matter of fact, visceral style that fits with the narrator’s tone, but the carnage isn’t excessive. Looking forward to the next one. This is worth a read.
March 20, 2020
Another great story from Mr Krpoun
Having read a few stories by this author I jumped at the chance to read this, his latest. He really builds his characters and develops their backgrounds which makes interesting reading as the story is told. I really liked the characters in this adventure and I feel we could be seeing more of them in the future at least I hope we do.
Having read a few stories by this author I jumped at the chance to read this, his latest. He really builds his characters and develops their backgrounds which makes interesting reading as the story is told. I really liked the characters in this adventure and I feel we could be seeing more of them in the future at least I hope we do.
May 30, 2020
Really Good Book
I enjoyed this book very much. The storyline was good and I really liked the characters. I especially liked the motto Grog & Burke repeated all thru the book; 'We are of the Ebon Blades, a proper barracks of the old school. When you engage the Ebon Blades you get quality work, that is the rule'. I hope the author will write a sequel to this book.
I enjoyed this book very much. The storyline was good and I really liked the characters. I especially liked the motto Grog & Burke repeated all thru the book; 'We are of the Ebon Blades, a proper barracks of the old school. When you engage the Ebon Blades you get quality work, that is the rule'. I hope the author will write a sequel to this book.
July 13, 2020
Contemplations of a pit fighter
I really liked Grog's philosophising. He grew up to fight in death matches. Dealing with the free world is a bit challenging. He and blockmate have some great conversations. The fantasy adventure was enjoyable. Grog made the story fun and interesting. Definitely worth a read. Reminds me a bit of Ironjaw a bit.
I really liked Grog's philosophising. He grew up to fight in death matches. Dealing with the free world is a bit challenging. He and blockmate have some great conversations. The fantasy adventure was enjoyable. Grog made the story fun and interesting. Definitely worth a read. Reminds me a bit of Ironjaw a bit.
November 2, 2020
Well written and good lessons!
If you were ever a martial artist, you may have learned many of Grog's lessons on fighting and training. If you study politics and economics, you learned what he observes after he leaves the pits. If you've ever worked for a living, you learned the rest.
If you were ever a martial artist, you may have learned many of Grog's lessons on fighting and training. If you study politics and economics, you learned what he observes after he leaves the pits. If you've ever worked for a living, you learned the rest.
January 12, 2021
Extremely good barbarian novel.
Wow. I devoured this book. The writer knows his melee weapons, and writes intelligently about how they can be used. I learned so much. The story itself is very good and is from the the POV of the brute. Excellent stuff. This was my first book by this writer, it won’t be my last.
Wow. I devoured this book. The writer knows his melee weapons, and writes intelligently about how they can be used. I learned so much. The story itself is very good and is from the the POV of the brute. Excellent stuff. This was my first book by this writer, it won’t be my last.
July 4, 2021
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT
Thought provoking, i found a strange sense of grief for deadly pit fighting slave half orc. The fascinating thought processes of a slave facing freedom & how frightening it is as chains of heart & mind loosen. Some great sword & sorcery tropes. The characters are good but Grog himself is brilliantly conceived & delivered. Loved it
Thought provoking, i found a strange sense of grief for deadly pit fighting slave half orc. The fascinating thought processes of a slave facing freedom & how frightening it is as chains of heart & mind loosen. Some great sword & sorcery tropes. The characters are good but Grog himself is brilliantly conceived & delivered. Loved it
January 14, 2022
Enjoyable read
At first I wasn't sure of the books relatively simple prose but it's told from the point of view of a slightly learned slave put fighter, Grog. I enjoyed his journey of learning what it's like to be free, and the adventure he took part in and the friends he now has.
At first I wasn't sure of the books relatively simple prose but it's told from the point of view of a slightly learned slave put fighter, Grog. I enjoyed his journey of learning what it's like to be free, and the adventure he took part in and the friends he now has.
February 23, 2020
Grog rocks!
Once again, sir, you have produced a tour de force! This book was finished in one sitting, depriving me of much needed sleep. It was definitely worth it and I look forward to more works from your inspired pen.
Once again, sir, you have produced a tour de force! This book was finished in one sitting, depriving me of much needed sleep. It was definitely worth it and I look forward to more works from your inspired pen.
February 27, 2020
He may not shout Spartacus but Grogs the man
Interesting fast paced, I enjoyed the novel and hope to read more of Burk and Grogs adventures set in this interesting world. Over all A pretty standard fantasy adventure with an interesting twist and great characters.
Interesting fast paced, I enjoyed the novel and hope to read more of Burk and Grogs adventures set in this interesting world. Over all A pretty standard fantasy adventure with an interesting twist and great characters.
March 15, 2020
Brutal and Moving
Grog is a simple man. He is also deep, and a very engaging protagonist. His world is stratified, violent, magical, and vast. I look forward to more journeys in it.
Recommended for everyone.
Grog is a simple man. He is also deep, and a very engaging protagonist. His world is stratified, violent, magical, and vast. I look forward to more journeys in it.
Recommended for everyone.
April 28, 2024
My first foray into R.W. Krpouns worlds, and it was a fantastic fun Sword and Sorcery adventure with this sword wielding giant brute half human, half Ukar, and slave Grog. Can't wait to see where Grogs next and adventure brings us.
Grog is the first book in The Ebon Blades series. If you're a fan of old style fantasy and authors like Raymond E Feist, R A Salvatore, and Janny Wurts, then I can thoroughly recommend RW Krpoun's Ebon Blades books.
This book had me hooked from the first page and kept me glued to the very end. Extremely well written. It has a fantastic plot, deeply enriched characters with excellent dialogue between giving you some comical moments throughout. A great ensemble cast with characters who you will love and grow to care about.
If you love one on one combat scenes, this book is riddled with blood curdling action-packed goodness and will satisfy your thirst in this slicer and dicer romper.
Good world building, a likeable point of view protagonist with a strong moral compass.
Grog is a brute half human, half Ukar (orc) has been a slave from birth. Grog is the champion of the fighting pits and makes his master Horne a lot of money. Grog is content with his role in the city, proud of the barracks he grew up in, and his Ebon Blades status, but that is all about change forever when he sold to enigmatic churchwoman and her group of mercenaries.
First time leaving his home, Grog, excepts his masters decision, a mission that will take him on a journey across an embattled empire full of wild Ukar, monsters, and hateful humans that would see him chained and enslaved again. Can Grog earn his freedom and live up to his new role as he learns that freedom might not be what he expected it to be in this big dark world.
It's a fun roller coaster of a read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended...🗡🪓🔥
Grog is the first book in The Ebon Blades series. If you're a fan of old style fantasy and authors like Raymond E Feist, R A Salvatore, and Janny Wurts, then I can thoroughly recommend RW Krpoun's Ebon Blades books.
This book had me hooked from the first page and kept me glued to the very end. Extremely well written. It has a fantastic plot, deeply enriched characters with excellent dialogue between giving you some comical moments throughout. A great ensemble cast with characters who you will love and grow to care about.
If you love one on one combat scenes, this book is riddled with blood curdling action-packed goodness and will satisfy your thirst in this slicer and dicer romper.
Good world building, a likeable point of view protagonist with a strong moral compass.
Grog is a brute half human, half Ukar (orc) has been a slave from birth. Grog is the champion of the fighting pits and makes his master Horne a lot of money. Grog is content with his role in the city, proud of the barracks he grew up in, and his Ebon Blades status, but that is all about change forever when he sold to enigmatic churchwoman and her group of mercenaries.
First time leaving his home, Grog, excepts his masters decision, a mission that will take him on a journey across an embattled empire full of wild Ukar, monsters, and hateful humans that would see him chained and enslaved again. Can Grog earn his freedom and live up to his new role as he learns that freedom might not be what he expected it to be in this big dark world.
It's a fun roller coaster of a read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended...🗡🪓🔥
November 2, 2021
Solid fantasy quest novel with an entertaining main character in the form of the titular "Grog", a half-Ukar (half orc) slave raised and trained to be an expert gladiator. Grog's contract is reluctantly purchased by a woman who loathes slavery, but who needs his kind of skills for her quest to finally bring about the institution's end. Talk about caught on the horns of a moral dilemma!
Grog is a fun narrator, and I generally liked the way that his journeys opened his eyes both to the challenges of life for slaves, and the challenges of being free. It's interesting to see him slowly mark out a set of beliefs in what is right and wrong, and what he is willing to fight for. I liked the rest of the cast, too.
The author resolves the main plot here neatly enough - if perhaps slightly abruptly - but there are enough dangling plot points that Grog will clearly be going on further adventures. I suspect I will come along for the journey!
Grog is a fun narrator, and I generally liked the way that his journeys opened his eyes both to the challenges of life for slaves, and the challenges of being free. It's interesting to see him slowly mark out a set of beliefs in what is right and wrong, and what he is willing to fight for. I liked the rest of the cast, too.
The author resolves the main plot here neatly enough - if perhaps slightly abruptly - but there are enough dangling plot points that Grog will clearly be going on further adventures. I suspect I will come along for the journey!
July 22, 2023
Specialist experiences the world and learns
This book does a great job of addressing a lot of life skills that are needed but, too often taken for granted in most stories. The MC is a highly skilled pit fighter of undesirable racial background. He is very skilled and focused on training to maintain those skills and leads a very ordered life as an armed escort and pit fighter. Then, one day, he is sold and becomes part of a party on a mission. As the mission progresses he has to deal with more and more lessons about surviving different situations and what to learn from them. If you like stories where the MC actually develops personally from a life skills perspective as well as philosophically, while at the same time being an interesting adventure, I highly recommend this story.
This book does a great job of addressing a lot of life skills that are needed but, too often taken for granted in most stories. The MC is a highly skilled pit fighter of undesirable racial background. He is very skilled and focused on training to maintain those skills and leads a very ordered life as an armed escort and pit fighter. Then, one day, he is sold and becomes part of a party on a mission. As the mission progresses he has to deal with more and more lessons about surviving different situations and what to learn from them. If you like stories where the MC actually develops personally from a life skills perspective as well as philosophically, while at the same time being an interesting adventure, I highly recommend this story.
February 7, 2025
This is an absolute masterpiece. If it had been any other book, I would have felt compelled to deduct a star due to the punctuation. Instead, I've convinced myself that it's an issue with the kindle version; that the paperback will be properly edited, making the point moot.
I haven't engaged with characters like this since Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. All the characters of the hundreds of books I've read over the past few years have seamlessly blended into one. I already know that won't be an issue with Grog and company. It's like the way some fighting men never get past thinking with the sword's edge and ignore the fact you can thrust too. That's what I like about this author.
Now I'm just hanging out for one or more of my friends and family to start reading the series, because it's lonely quoting Grog in everyday life when nobody gets the significance.
I haven't engaged with characters like this since Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. All the characters of the hundreds of books I've read over the past few years have seamlessly blended into one. I already know that won't be an issue with Grog and company. It's like the way some fighting men never get past thinking with the sword's edge and ignore the fact you can thrust too. That's what I like about this author.
Now I'm just hanging out for one or more of my friends and family to start reading the series, because it's lonely quoting Grog in everyday life when nobody gets the significance.
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