Steel & Thunder

Steel & Thunder #1

by Dominic N. Ashen

***Named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2021 NYC Big Book Awards!***

A fantastical spin on classic romance meets tabletop storytelling meets fantasy erotica!

When David went exploring with his friends, he figured they might come across some old ruins or maybe even fight a few monsters. He never expected that he'd wind up captured by an orc and turned into his pet; he expected even less that he'd actually like it. It all started when he was sitting in a jail cell, so desperate to escape that he agreed to trial by combat: The Ritual of Steel & Thunder. He opens the fight strong, but when his competitor manages to overpower him, things start to heat up and he realizes he may have signed on for more than he bargained for.

Captain Khazak Ironstorm is the orc ranger responsible for David's arrest--and after defeating him in combat, his new owner. Initially amused by his slave's antics, something deeper begins to grow between them--something dark that draws Khazak in as much as it troubles him. More confounding than that are the feats of agility and speed his new pet seems able to perform as if they were nothing. What he does know is that if there is anyone capable of taming this barbaric human's behavior, it's him.

A tale of romance mixed with some humor, adventure, and a heaping helping of kink. Read all about the journey of David and Khazak as they learn to understand each other and uncover the mysteries of the magical world around them. Readers who love kink, BDSM, Dom/sub, and other elements of male-on-male romance will love what this story has to offer.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, BDSM, Romance, LGBT, M M Fantasy, Magic

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2021

About the author

Dominic N. Ashen is an award-winning author and avid reader, with a focus on gay, BDSM-themed erotica. After spending his youth in search of books with characters who were more like himself - queer ones, specifically - he decided to start creating some of his own. His first book, Steel & Thunder, was published in 2021, and was named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2021 NYC Big Book Awards. His stories star queer protagonists, most often gay and bisexual men, and feature themes of dominance, submission, and all sorts of kinks. Dominic loves the fantasy, sci-fi, and horror genres and has a penchant for writing longer stories where he is able to weave in the sex and kink right alongside the plot.

Patreon: https://patreon.com/dominicashen
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Facebook: https://facebook.com/dom.n.ashen/
Website: https://dominicashen.com/

Reviews

[Rina Pride · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admito que eu tenho um fraco por livros BOMBA KAKAKAKAKA
ADORO ROMANCE DE CRIATURAS ESTRANHAS COM HUMANOS, MAS AINDA NÃO TINHA LIDO NENHUM COM ORC( NÃO SEI O MOTIVO ) (☞ ͡ ͡° ͜ ʖ ͡ ͡°)☞

STEEL AND THUNDER COMEÇOU NO ESTILO CHERNOBYL DA VIDA ,COM O PROTAGONISTA HUMANO PERDENDO O DESAFIO E SENDO HUMILHADO SEXUALMENTE PELO CAPITÃO ORC. DEPOIS DISSO ELE VIRA ESCRAVO DO ORC E VAI COMER O PÃO QUE O ORC AMASSOU 凸( •̀_•́ )凸

Parece que a história será só Chernobyl, mas não é. Na verdade, os orcs dessa história são interessantes, são criaturas cultas e evoluídas, muito mais que os seres humanos. David o protagonista humano vai aprender bastante sobre a cultura orc e suas vidas, e vai aprender sobre ele próprio no decorrer.

É um livro interessante, espero que a história não seja estragada no segundo livro, mas o primeiro gostei (*˘︶˘*)~｡.:*♡

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK! Why am I not seeing this book recommended more often?! If you're wanting an mm kinky fantasy romance, with a bossy dom orc and a headstrong, brash human, you've got to give this story a try.

This is an incredible blend of fantasy world building, a modern day lingo narrative that just totally works for me (LOL David once thinks of Khazak as his "sugar orc" and I about died), and the beginning of a very sexy and well-written BDSM relationship all swirled into one great book that I couldn't put down.

I absolutely loved the world that David stumbles into as he settles into his new life and role. The world building is so well done, with explaining how the town is set up and the areas they go, Khazak's home and work, the language, and all the people that David meets. I also like that David has to let go of his own preconceived notions and what he thinks of orcs as he gets to know them.

One reason it took me a while to get to this was that I was worried that the fantasy would overrule the romance, but that's definitely not the case here. Khazak and David were so great together. I really hope we get a POV from Khazak in the next book, because I feel like he's just already so head over heels in love with David. Although the start of their relationship has some dub-con undertones to it (neither are accurately told why the ritual is invoked and what it truly means) I love how things progress as they get to know each other. I appreciate that by the end of this book, the two are talking and communicating and being honest with each other.

I already have the next two books ordered and I can't wait to learn more about this world and get more of Khazak and David!

[Lars · Rating 1 out of 5]

Idc about anything or anyone in this book. Just happy it's over.

[Phoebe(FaFa) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a brilliant combination of fantasy at its best and erotica at its peak.
Entertaining and nicely executed, Thunder and Steel is the story of David, a young man on his adventures to travel the world and see new things and oh boy, he is in it for the biggest surprises of all!

When David and his friends get into trouble with orcs and their laws, poor decisions make their lives harder than it needs to be. David’s futile attempt to get his friends out of their predicament takes a turn for the worse when he realizes the consequences of losing the Steel and Thunder ritual is not death as he previously expected!

What follows is delicious, kinky and the great kick start of one of the best BDSM relationships ever!
Throughout the story, the complicated relationship between Khazak and David transforms from sizzlingly hot and satisfyingly kinky to a heartwarming mutual understanding.
Both characters are well developed and fit their roles very well in various parts of the book.
In the beginning, David’s side of the story, as a captive, contains some dub cons but Ashen never allows it to get out of proportion and ruin their future progress. And when the issue is addressed and there’s a falling out between the two, it’s at the ideal time with the perfect outcome which makes you appreciate the author’s talent in the art of storytelling.

I particularly enjoyed Khazak’s freedom in being a Dom, something he’s really good at, at the beginning of their relationship! I was worried the change in their dynamics might dampen their chemistry but I enjoyed their consensual relationship as much as when they were delving into the grey area!

Overall this book surpassed my expectations and I loved it! I recommend this book if you enjoy a bit of fantasy with your dose of BDSM, specifically if you get a kick out of strong bossy orcs who know how to discipline mischievous little humans!!

[Aeron · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fuck, where do I start. First off, this is primarily a review of this book, but also includes a few things about the series in general (I skimmed the others), because I wish I'd known this shit to start.

So the blurb clearly says this is BDSM and dom/sub. Okay fine. What the blurb does NOT say is this is:
(1) dubcon/noncon... it's straight up rape, though that word is not used to describe it
(2) dubcon/noncon that is magically retconned into the lazy ass "he was raped but secretly liked it and now craves his rapist"
(3) master/slave, owner/pet... hardcore ownership kink folks, not just your average "BDSM"
(4) fucktons of spanking and pain kink... SO MUCH SPANKING, and not the playful kind
(5) degradation and humiliation
(6) chasity (later in series), fuuuuuck do I hate chasity shit (though I would have overlooked if it weren't for the other issues)
(7) sexual involvement of various others... the romance is M/M, but lots of other sex partners in the series
(8) orgasm denial (for David)... I fucking hate that shit, David is basically a sex slave, it's not hot

It's just waaaaay too far into the kinks for me to enjoy it. I like D/s just fine, but the slave/pet level of it is just too much. David loves being a slave, okay fine, but that's not for me and I would have never read this had the blurb just said that.

Another thing I absofuckinglutely couldn't stand: David is simultaneously the stupidest fucker ever written (like too stupid to live, folks) AND the most annoying fucker to have ever lived. I just couldn't tolerate his constant whining while at the same time doing nothing intelligent to improve the situations he's whining about. FUCK.

The whole plot relies on his stupidity. It's weak as fuck, and gets very boring and tiresome.

That said, I'll give this book some credit for three things:
(1) it's well-written, even if the characters and plot choices leave much to be desired
(2) skull fucking... it's hot as fuck and described well
(3) anal orgasms... I RARELY ever see this included in M/M, but as a whore bottom myself, I can confirm anal orgasms (not to be confused with prostate orgasms) are very real and extremely fun (and often preferable over "normal" orgasms for me), as David finds out first hand

I debated whether I wanted to leave a rating considering it's a bit of a compatibility issue, but I decided that I should because honestly, the blurb doesn't do nearly enough to describe what to expect from this book. And on top of that, the author does not have any content warnings at the beginning to further expand either. Misrepresent the content, earn negative rating when DNF'd.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

David is going to discover a cave with his friends to maybe find some treasures but when there are suddenly orcs there and they try to fight them, they all end up in an orc prison. To safe himself and his friends David decides to challenge one of the orcs, though the fight turns out to be different then expected and in the end he became the slave of his opponent.

At first I thought this was a very interesting story but soon I got very frustrated with how the orc treats David. There is lots of forcing and while David does enjoy it, I wasn’t happy with that at all. Especially since the orcs are supposed to be so much more evolved then humans.

However there is a certain part after the first half that made all of it a little better. I am still not happy with how our orc was acting but from then on everything was MUCH better.

Actually I like that these two had a rough start because it kinde strengthen their relationship. Even thought they went through this, they still feel for each other.

Both mcs were annoying at times and in other I really loved them. They are absolutely not perfect but I liked that and it suited the story a lot.

I am looking forward to the next book.

[Asha Suriakumary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because of the book cover, I had set this book aside several times. But, eventually, I decided to take a chance, and it turned out to be a good one. The world-building in this novel is excellent, and the main characters, David and Khazak, as well as the supporting cast, are all beautifully written. There are a few loose ends, but the next book in the series may tie them up. I'm hoping to start reading the next one shortly.

[Lori¸¸¸.•*❀Ɍɛɑɗs̱LɪƙɛIʈs̱H̱ɛɍJɔɓ 유❤유 · Rating 4 out of 5]

After getting to about 75 -80% done with the book, it started to get good. Before that, though it was tedious. It was a LOT of explaining the Orcs' way of life and a lot of cultural misunderstandings. That being said, though there was still a great deal I liked about this book. There was a really great ideal of what the Orc civilization was and the way they interacted was pretty great. I think the author tried really hard to explain the misunderstandings and how the MCs started to be able to communicate effectively and how they both made mistakes but owned up to them. It was actually really endearing and I think I understand what the author was trying to do. It was kind of beautiful, but simplistic. I understand that this is supposed to be a series but I just thought it overexplained very small, mundane details and there could have been more story. I am more than willing to continue on with the series because I really appreciate that this author wants a better world with good people and it felt like that was what he was trying to convey.

I am still unsure how I feel about the narrator though. I thought that the Orc's character was very dry and monotone, but also droll and it certainly fits with the character. It's just that with all of the dialogue and minutae, it was a bit dull. I am not saying that I didn't like him, it just wasn't something I was used to normally.

I wanted to add one caveat to my review: I am barely able to keep my eyes open but I wanted to get my thoughts down so if this doesn't make much sense, it's because I am loopy. 😵

[Teamama · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-made bag of chips. CW: Consent is acquired retroactively after some groveling. Other warning: it's book one, & ends on a HFN with major plot points unresolved.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This riveting MM “fantasy/monster romance” has a good dose of humour that definitely caught my attention & kept it quite firmly until the end and to be quite honest, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I found the plot well-written & highly entertaining while having a very subtle emotional undertone, and there are there are some very detailed scene descriptions. The main characters (an orc ranger, Captain Khazak Ironstorm) & (a young human male, David Cerano) are well-developed unique individuals with realistic flaws & excellent chemistry. In particular, I was actually quite fascinated by their influences on each other as they continued to develop throughout the story-line. There is good support from the secondary characters.
There is: adventure, action, Orcs, humans, family issues, friendship, humour, drama, suspense, intrigue, mystery, rituals, violence, some deceit, conflict, humiliation, misunderstandings, defiance, escape attempts, discipline, spankings, kinky bondage, determination, complications, manipulations, regrets, confusion, frustration, disagreements, compromises, laughter, comradery, contentment, steamy scenes & a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to future books from this author with eager anticipation.

[Cesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn’t expecting an interesting plot

Based off of the cover and the synopsis I really wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into when I picked this up. I knew there was going to be an orc and human and that he was going to give very DND vibes. I was not expecting the dom/sub aspect of this to be handled the way it was (in a positive and consensual way) it’s really not my thing but it fit with the story and wasn’t too much. The world building here is really well done and I could easily imagine the setting and all of the places the characters ended up in. The characters are also very likeable and I just really loved their chemistry and dynamic. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I am totally a fan!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s over?

I had so much secondhand embarrassment from the beginning of the book I wasn't sure I was going to continue but I’m so happy I did. David and Khazak are going to have multiple books about where their relationship goes and how it develops, this has a HFN ending. There's not a permanent solution to any problem in the story, I feel like things are only going to get more intense from here on

I'm so excited I already have the next one and I'm ready to go

[Monica Vidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok…I loved this. I seriously did. Captain Khazak Ironstorm is adorable. I want a strong green orc to take care of me too. 😂😂

No, but seriously. I loved this book. It’s cute and hot without being predictable or pretentious.

Can’t wait to read book 2.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

Thank you for the gift, Grateful Elf!

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and entertaining MM fantasy tale from a new-to-me author. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I really enjoyed this tale of a human captured by an orc. After David (the human) loses a trial by combat, he ends up as the orc captain's (Khasak) slave. Over time, a connection and relationship develops between them, I loved the changes they fostered in each other. This was an unexpected, but truly engaging read with a definite enemies to lovers vibe, some tension and suspense, hot passion (both physical and emotional), and plenty of kink/BDSM and punishment. The writing is excellent. I don't know if a continuation or series is planned, but I would definitely be on board.

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

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

David and his fellow travelers were exploring and not sure what they would encounter. Unexpected circumstances end in him being the possession of an Orc. Khazak and David find themselves in close proximity and over time as they get used to one another more develops between them than either thought. There is humor and the author does a good job of setting the scene and circumstances within which this relationship develops. As is often the case, they have an impact on one another and they have chemistry. I was not sure what to expect, even as I began the story, but it did not disappoint.

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

[Moraa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Couldn’t stop turning the pages!

WHAT I LIKED:

1. Characterisation
Especially the dynamic between David and Ironstorm.

2. The writing style
It was exactly what I needed at the moment, light and smooth without being flippant or tediously comical.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

1. There were some instances when David called Ironstorm ‘sir’ in his head that kind of threw me off.

This was highly entertaining and I’m glad the second book is out because I finished this in a couple of hours and I need more.

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting the typical orc enslave human erotica story. But this book was a good surprise; it was so much more than just erotica, even if we still have kinky hot scenes. The author built an interesting fantasy world with well-written characters. Throughout the book, David learns about Khazak and the orc society, and he finds out that their relationship is not what he first believed.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Dominic Ashen is a new author to me. It was very entertaining. I will have to check them out.

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5
Okay this is not what I was expecting (I wasn't sure what to expect actually) and I loved it! It was so fun. Great world building, character development, and fun plot. I'm so excited for this series! My thanks to the author for a review copy; opinion is my honest one.

[S. Legend · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret, I’m a spanking maniac. When I heard there was discipline spanking in this book, I was all in. But I did NOT expect it to be so damn funny. Our friend David is a brat. The way this is written, and the things David gets up to in his mind—no matter who you are, you will laugh.

I was surprised at every turn in this book. The world building is top notch. You’re pulled into the land of Orcs with seamless prose and feel like you were there all along, which is some seriously advanced storytelling.

Captain Khazak Ironstorm—I admit it, I’m in love with an Orc. He’s sweet. He’s dominant. And he has a soft spot for his brat. All of my favorites. He’s handsome of course. And smart. And intelligent. I am just all about him. *heart eyes*

I loved that we got to meet Khazak’s family and truly, this plus David and Khazak’s budding relationship (even if it got off to a rough start) left me with a warmed heart and a soft smile, between all the hysterical laughing. I was laughing at David about every second page. I love his antics so much.

There are plenty of steamy scenes and yes my friends, the discipline spanking delivered. I CANNOT wait for the second book. I’m here waiting for it!

Some Fave Lines (ones that I hope won’t spoil):

“I guess I have a sugar orc now.” (When Khazak buys David some items. I died.)

“What has been your plan for any of your escape attempts?” (Khazak casually calling David out on his poor planning, LOL)

He narrows his eyes. “You need discipline.” (The best line in any book, IMO)

[Jay Garnet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-fleshed out characters and fast-paced funny writing make Steel and Thunder a sword cut and thrust above your average kinky fantasy novel. David and his adventuring party start off their quest fairly conventionally, but everything changes when a battle to the death with the sexy Orc Captain of the guard who arrested them turns out to be something way out of David's comfort zone. It's actually a surprisingly touching story, and Dominic Ashen handles the blossoming relationship between the unlikely pair really well. We get to see David slowly dropping his hang-ups and inadequacies guided by Khazak every step of the way, and Khazak learns a few lessons too. There's lots of really beautifully written kinky sex of course, but the love story is handled deftly and well which means it's a book you want to keep reading to find out where the plot is going next, and for all his use of typical fantasy tropes, Ashen manages to pepper the plot with a lot of original ideas and intriguing worldbuilding. Ashen knows how to tell a good yarn and depict a realistic DS relationship between a hot-headed warrior and a big green muscle daddy with tusks, which is quite a feat. I enjoyed this book a lot, and I'm looking forward to reading more of their adventures in the future.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book! And that includes the story as well as the characters and the writing style.
I also liked the humor, especially David's thoughts and comments. I had to smirk a lot reading them.
I found the character development of David and Khazak and the relationship between the two very successful and it was exciting to read how they learn from and about each other and slowly get involved with each other.
I think my favorite scene was the first time Khazak and David went to Brull's store for getting new underthings. Brull was also one of my favorite characters.
The author really created an amazing world!
The story was never boring or lengthy and I'm really excited to see how it goes on!

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

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Fantasy

This was a good MM fantasy. It was set way in the future, like 4021, but things have rolled backwards and there is now magic instead of modern inventions. Some cities still use out houses while the city the orcs live in have hot running water and toilets. David, who is human, ends up a slave to the Captain of the Rangers in the Orc city through a challenge. Things end up getting hot and heavy and there are some pretty steamy scenes. The book ends with a crime not being solved so I look forward to book 2, hopefully being out soon.

[Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing, riveting, fantasy romance novel that caught my attention. I relate very closely to David, the human in this story, and know someone very much like Khazak Ironstorm. Although I am not a fast reader, this book kept me wanting more. It keeps your attention, makes you think and makes you want more. Well written, and from experience, I know how true to life David's experiences are. I look forward to more of Captain Ironstorm and David's adventures.

[RutheyMa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m giving this book 3 stars and I’m not justifying why.

It’s a MM orc-human “romance.” I say that in quotes because the first 60% of this book was non-con. Just full on BDSM, prisoner, slave, 🍇. I should have DNF’d, like really really should have. But ~eventually~ human MC is set free, decides to stay with orc daddy, and live his best CNC-smexxy time having life because snuggles and buttstuff.

I should not have read this book.

[June Lemmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy! A fun fantasy romp that starts in Dungeons and Dragons and ends up in Sex in the (Orc) City lol Favorite scene HAS to be when Mr. Orc takes his new pet to buy some sexy underthings. Thankfully, NOTHING is left to the imagination! Can't wait for the next book.

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

[Steven Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your next MM fantasy series starts here!

Amazing MM fantasy! Ashen presents a look into a new and fantastic world setting, one that proves assumptions are not always correct and in which lust and love bloom in unexpected circumstances. David and Khazak make an excellent odd couple. Overall, an inticing blend of wonder, humor, and scorching erotic scenes.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite series of the year, in any genre.

Book one is amazing and book two is a even better. Book three is on the way and I'm sure it will be the best to come. Great story, terrific characters, funny humor, and escalating hot, marvelous sex scenes. This one transcends erotica. It's a great novel. With just the right amount of mouth-watering m/m sex.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and hot read

I had heard good things about this book and I wasn’t disappointed. We definitely don’t get a resolution to all of the issues brought up in this book, so expect this to be first in a continuing series.