Storms & Sacrifice

Steel & Thunder #2

by Dominic N. Ashen

Will love be enough to save them from the coming storm?

After a rocky start, David is settling into his new life with Khazak, the orc who is his... Owner? Friend? Lover? He's still figuring that out, and with his friends in jail for the next two months, he's got time. Or at least he will when he's not working with Khazak and the other rangers to keep the city of V'rok'sh Tah'lj safe. It would also be nice if the weird dreams he's been having would stop. He's done a lot of growing (and not just emotionally), but he can't say this is where he saw himself winding up after leaving the knight academy. At least it's only temporary, right?

For his part, Khazak has been all too happy to have David around. It's not that his life was boring, he was just used to his routine before the troublesome human entered his life and shook things up. Now he has someone to talk to, share his meals with; they're even working together. Plus, he finally has someone to take to the upcoming Uzu'gor festival like he's always wanted. Unfortunately, what starts with a simple robbery leads to the uncovering of a plot far more sinister, one that threatens not just the limited time he has left with David, but the entire city.

A story full of humor, romance, mystery, and kinky outdoor orc festivals! Readers new and old will love this chapter in the continuing tale of David & Khazak and their developing relationship. If you love gay/male-on-male romances that features kink, BDSM, and Dom/sub elements, all set in an anachronistic fantasy world, this book is for you!

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

383 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 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
Newsletter (18+): http://eepurl.com/he5x-X
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DomNAshen
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dom.n.ashen/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/dom.n.ashen/
Website: https://dominicashen.com/

Reviews

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this follow up to the first book in this series! It's such a great blend of high fantasy, a world that feels a bit like Wow or DnD, but with modern day slang and talk, and a big ol' kinky daddy orc. Honestly, I love it all.

You definitely need to have read the first book - this is a continuing series for David and Khazak, and picks up where book 1 ends. I love their growing feels for each other, I love their friendships and the fun time they have, and then the danger and plot continues to grow and build in this one. too.

Definitely jumping into the third book right away!

[Brandon Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author created a vivid world, unique, well-developed, characters, and successfully incorporated a well thought out plot with sexy scenes to break up the heaviness of the story. I am so excited to see what happens on the rest of David and Khazak’s journey in the next book! I am also looking forward to reading more of Dom’s work in the near future!

[lauraღ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Another fun instalment, though it did suffer a bit from second book blues. We're continuing David's journey with his new orc boyfriend/master, getting some more cultural insight, as well as a robbery plot that evolves into something a lot more dangerous. There's more kink in this, a lot of poly shenanigans, and just a lot of fun? It didn't really draw me in like the first book did though. The 'getting to know each other' stage is often my favourite part of a relationship, and this honeymoon phase stuff was nice, but just didn't grip me as much. I liked getting to know the other characters more, like Ny And Ragnar, and there was some payoff for a few things hinted at in book one. The ending got pretty wild, and it definitely has me intrigued for what's to come next for David.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Ken B. Erotic, which was... fine. Definitely don't love it, but I can't say it was awful. But I might just read the ebook, whenever I do decide to continue and finish the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

David and Khazak are the best!

Bombs, wild animals and poison! This book does not fuck around.

Questions have been answered but now I have more questions!

Khazaks family is so great and as are all their interactions!

Nylan and Ragnar are a great couple and I loved learning more about them.

I can't wait until I can get the next one!

[J.P. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I owe the author a huge apology. Full Review to come! Except it never came. It was like an edging session gone on for far too long.

After being kindly reminded of my promise of a review...here it finally is, almost a year after I read the story. But guess what? That story is still fresh enough in my mind that I can write this without having to go back to the book.

What does that tell you?

It should tell you everything about Dominic Ashen's ability to write. Ashen has a way of weaving his stories that paint vivid pictures and leave lasting impressions. To say I was invested in David (the human) and Khazek's (the orc) relationship is an understatement.

So, to be honest, when I picked up the first installment of this series, Steel & Thunder, I really didn't know what I was getting into. Kinky Dungeons and Dragons? I mean, sure, why not? Right? Take me on a ride. Little did I know...

What Ashen managed to do was take me gently by the hand and lead me down a Dom/Sub, BDSM, Monster Romance path that made me BEGGING for more. Confession time: I love a good sexy story like anyone else, but I absolutely demand a solid story to go with it. Am I really that kinky? Nah, not really. Am I into BDSM? Nah, not really. Am I into big hairy green-skinned orcs with tusks? Well, okay maybe a little.

Ashen created a world where all of these things come together. The story, kink, Dom/Sub, all of it. And it is DELICIOUS.

In this tale, Ashen introduces polyamory, orgies, and public sexual demonstrations, but all the good stuff that was there in Steel & Thunder is here in Storms & Sacrifice too.

There's drama. David's party companions (yup, think D&D) are in an Orc prison - being treated rather well, but put to hard work. David is counting down the days to the end of his forced submission to Khazek and his friends' release. But as we get closer to the day, does he really want to say goodbye?

Khazek, the big burly orc shows his soft emotional side (Which we got to see in book one), but now it gets ramped up. His David is about to leave...can he let him go?

All in the midst of this relationship stuff, David and Khazek, who also happen to work together on the orcish police force, discover a cultish plot to return the orcish life back to the 'good old ways'. Elements of this plot thread all the way back to the very beginning of the first book.

This is cleverly crafted. The emotions are raw and honest. The sex is hot and kinky...and you can bet that Secrets & Spires is burning on my To Be Read Next list.

As I said before, if you're not reading Dominic Ashen, Why The Hell Not? I promise you won't be disappointed.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SO EFFING FUN! GAH! I loved every second of it! It's adventurous, sexy, action packed and filled to the brim with emotion and high stakes! Thank you Dominic N. Ashen for a wonderful continuation of "Steel and Thunder". This world and its inhabitants are lovable and speak directly to my heart. I hated finishing it because the next one doesnt come out until end of May 😭 My poor heart! 💔 I cant wait that long!

I just gotta say kudos to chapters 6 and 10! I freaking loved them! The three days of festival were my all time favorite! They are the sexiest (and I mean *sexiest*) scenes I've ever read! So hawt! 🔥🔥🔥 Then the intimate scene in the forest tent on patrol was absolute *chef's kiss* 🤌🤌🤌 GOOD SOUP!

Khazak and David go through a rollercoaster of fuster clucks and I love how they navigate their life together. They are relatable and loveable and my gosh SO FREAKING HOT! I need "Secrets and Spires" effective immediately! Literally counting down the days. I don't know how long I can go without this Orc Captain and his pup in my everyday life. I'm obsessed in the *best* way! Five stars, hands down. (And a lightning bolt 💚)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️

I will say to any interested readers, (spoilers I guess) there is sharing of partners and some minor social drug use during the festival scene in chapter 6. If this is not your thing, then this book might not be for you HOWEVER it is an incredible steamy read and I highly (lemme repeat that) HIGHLY recommend this book. One of the best fantasy romance books I've read ❤️🔥❤️🔥

[Nori S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sci fi and hot sex

This review will cover book 1, Steel & Thunder, and book 2, Storms & Sacrifice. I really love science fiction so I am delighted to find these books take place in a world inhabited by orca, elves, mages, and humans as well.
Steamy MM sex was the icing on the cake!

[Monica Vidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ops. Dominic N’ Ashen did it again!

I didn’t think I could lie book 2 more than book 2, but here we are. I freaking loved it!

It’s been so hard for me lately to really get into an m/m book but these two books brought me back to life. It’s entertaining and refreshing and seriously hot.

I am completely in love with with Khasak and David. And I can’t wait for book 3.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific gay orc/human love story set in a fun and interesting fantasy world. I cannot wait for the next book! I really love this series. A cut above most gay erotica. It's a great adventure story spiced here and there with hot sex scenes.

[Cesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with these characters in the first book, and here i am falling even more in love with the world building and David and Khazak all over again.
The world building is so intricate and calls to my inner DND/Fantasy. I love the trials these characters overcome and how they manage to make each other stronger throughout the story.
I can't wait to read the next one and experience their journey together!

I fiend for the spice in this series, its too good.

[Ronie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Khazak lied! Talk about not sharing. Was so peeved DNF 6 hours in, cause these kink plots always has a chunk of the book, where they have a play scene. I usually just gloss through them.

The show David participated in, a show of RnD devices. Started of standard boy gets tied up. Toys are ingaged. Spanking ensues. Then tag teamed?! Cause he looked like he's into it. I know consent is sexy!. Now to ensure your desired vessel's body language needs meets your planned result. There reactions have to be observed. I forget the term. That way you know they are cool with it.

You are the judge. Not the other person. Like that imprinting bull used now a days. I first saw it in the Twilight series. Finding out the author was raised Mormon, answered a lot of questions. That whole series is her way of processing the things she saw and experienced. Others telling you, that they are your intended soul mate. Other's in control over your bodily autonomy.

So now it ain't fun if the homies can't have some! When in Rome? Bull! I spent money on this.

Then after cussing out the book. Side eyeing the author! Two seconds from doing research into background. The book starts unraveling the reason for the robberies. Sus'ing out the turncoats in the Rangers. Finding the mage...wizard.. magic user!

Ah! Okay I'll let it slide, "THIS TIME!" I'm keeping my eye on you.😋👍

[Elin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book really stepped up the game when it came to the erotica theme, where the first book only had a bit, this one got wild. It's filled with kink.
I always have a love/hate relationship with sharing because I'm possessive of my chars but it's plenty hot when David is used.

It did drag a bit when we had the investigation part of the story along with what surrounds the work, we get to know the characters more but it makes the book a bit slower to digest.

I loved the ending though, fast paced, gathering loose ends from the first book, emotional. Very well done. Wish it had stretched a bit further back in the book but it was very good.

[Jay Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow Even Better Than The First

I am amazed by just how much more I loved this from the first one which I already believed sweet and charming.

This book is so sweet and I love it so much. I spent plenty of time throughout loving the characters and their relationships build and grow. Learning more about where this story was going to take us.
I also spent a good half of the book slowly becoming more and more despondent. (Not saying why cause spoilers).

I’m so glad that book 3 is right around the corner because I don’t know what I would do if I had to wait.

[Cally · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 30%

I really enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to this one so much, but the sharing was just...no thanks. I managed to get through the first on stage but when the four main characters basically have an orgy I gave up.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. I won't speak much about the plot...there is a mystery, some danger, settling down into a somewhat domestic life, and plenty of steamy sex. The characters are really what makes the stories for me, especially the orcs. I am so used to seeing orcs portrayed as stupid, vicious, unfeeling brutes, so it is nice to see them shown here as intelligent, thinking, emotional, caring, and fun-loving. I'm not really into BDSM, but I like the way sex is treated openly here and how uninhibited the orcs are. Human David has much to learn, and he does...from multiple partners. There is no cheating, it's just part of the society. The story is fun, funny, and totally engaging. I can't wait for more in the series.

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

[Sol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic second installment in the series Steel & Thunder. I am usually a little hesitant to read series that follow the same couple because I get bored but that is not the case with these books and I am eager to start the next book right away! This second book continues to explore David and Khazak relationship while they try to solve a mystery that might endanger their lives. As usual, they continue to have their kinky relationship which just get hotter and I love that they start communicating more.

[Jessie H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars

I enjoyed this but not as much as the first one. The plot/mystery really picked up in this one. The first one was pretty spicy but this one took the spice to a whole new level.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic sequel & just as enjoyable as the first. I went into these books with a healthy dose of skepticism never having read an erotic romance novel but the fantasy aspect of it drew me in. Love Dave & Khazak relationship — it’s very sweet. I’ve really enjoyed seeing their growth as individuals & a couple across two books. As someone who reads a lot of serious books it’s nice to be able to read a fun & light book.

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice of this book for giving me all the glorious steam only to punch me with feelings afterwards!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Storms & Sacrifice by Dominic N. Ashen. It's the second book in the Steel & Thunder series. Some parts were a little slow, but it picked up at the halfway point, and just like the first book, the author took my emotions on a roller coaster ride. I loved David's twenty-second birthday party. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

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

[Mason Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first!

This story just keeps getting better! I can’t stop reading it! It’s written so well, I feel like I’m there experiencing it myself. I seriously don’t want this story to ever end.

[Captain Comic Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just as fun as the first! It still isn't earth shattering literature, but it has a lot less of the miscommunication trope I hate. It's fun, easy to read, and you get to look closer at the relationship built between Khazak and David. You also get a lot more information about side characters like Nylan and Ragnar, which helps flesh out the world. The book is incredibly sexual, but it doesn't try to hide that fact - over half the point of the book is the smut and I knew what I was getting into. I also admire that, for a smut book, the plot rolls very smoothly from the first into the second, and I didn't pick up any major inconsistencies. It all just folded from one story to the next without apparent hiccups. My biggest complaints were the pacing and the conclusion. The book sort of meanders, and even though problems are going on in the background, it's written in a way that feels like none of the characters are too troubled by it. It may be an attempt at subtle tension building, but it doesn't really come across that way. As for the ending, without spoilers, the author hinted at a sudden plot shift with David from the first book, but for some reason it's still very jarring and feels a little out of left field. Perhaps it'll all come together after the third book? I'll have to read and find out. Have I mentioned it's a little odd/funny to have Olympian gods used in an obvious not-earth-as-we-know-it fantasy book? I'm still getting used to that!

[Bunni ❤️‘S monkey&woo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The KhaVid saga continues with way more action (not that kind😜- ok there is 😋)and more public displays of sex-a-fection!

Oh Dom… (sigh 🥰)
I have placed you in my top 5…. authors that is. 😁
I love your smutty, comic prose!😉

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storms and Sacrifice and the Steel and Thunder series is so, so good! It's actually perfect and I don't use this word lightly. It has the riveting plot and captivating narrative arc, the wonderful, interesting and multi-dimensional characters. It has humor, wit all balanced perfectly with the dark storyline and the Romance between David and Khazak. Their romance, by the way, is like relationship goals material!

This is one of the best fantasy series I've ever read! It's definitely on my reread list!.

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

[Ireyon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well that... could've gone better.

I did continue with this series because the first entry was solid but... whoa, the second one has all the problems of the first book on a grander scale. On the plus side I haven't written a detailed critique in quite some time so here we go!

The pacing is even worse and the main characters suddenly turned into morons. First, let's discuss the plot problems:

Some brimstone is stolen. Our protagonists have previously arrested someone working at a weapons factory. See, when this was presented to me I immediately concluded that someone (his co-conspirators to be precise) is building explosives. Then I grew frustrated with the main characters who needed about 150 more pages and another robbery to reach this incredibly obvious conclusion.

The protagonists now know someone is building bombs and can apparently enter and leave the city without being caught. Do they secure the most important buildings in the city against infiltration and sabotage? Nope, they go out and patrol the fucking forest. Because those people who can enter the city at will without being detected will obviously waste their times blowing up a bunch of trees. Of course the city was attacked, many buildings exploded and important plot McGuffins were stolen while out protagonists were out in the forest being useless.

Now for the world building problems:

Magic is used as plot insulation. It's there to be awesome and resolve plot points if there is no other way to make a scene work and then disappears with no thought put into how it might affect wider society. Magic can: Generate big fireballs, heal injuries, function as a sex aid, control the weather to make it rain, turn people into animals, the list goes on. Yet when we are presented with an issue blatantly shoved in inspired by reality all that goes out the window.

Let's look at a concrete example. In a game I once played there was a minor trangender character. This character immediately told you they were trans (because it wasn't physically obvious due to the sci-fi setting having perfect medicine, so they passed perfectly) and deadnamed themselves in the very first conversation. It was very, very obvious that this character was only there to be a token and get diversity cred.

This book does something similar. Our protagonist takes part in a gang-bang (this ties into another problem, more on that later) and notices that one of the guys has a fake wooden cock and surgery scars on his chest.

So the setting has magic that can trivially turn someone into an animal and heal deadly flesh wounds without even leaving a scar but a sex change is still done with a scalpel. Yeah, no. That moment pretty much crushed what was left of my immersion. See, this is the central problem with transgender representation in sci-fi and fantasy settings: Changing your gender and passing for your new gender would be trivial either through magic or technology, but if that is the case it wouldn't be obvious that the person you're talking to is transgender. So authors (and scrip writers, game developers, directors...) break their own world's rules to make it really, really obvious that the person you're talking to had a sex change. Not for the character you're experiencing the story through (since for them it would be mundane) but for you, the reader or player. It's cheap, clumsy writing.

Last but certainly not least: The relationship between Khazak and David felt artifical, which is a fatal flaw since it was the only truly good aspect of the first book.

David is really, really quick to adjust to the kinky free-love society he's been shoved into. By the end of the story you'll need both hands to count all the guys he's slept with and it really cheapens the act. Everyone is so casual about it that it's increasingly difficult to tell how people actually feel about each other. I don't mind casual or poly relationships in books but they need more work put in for precisely this reason. Also, the sexy writing became repetitive, probably as a side effect of over-exposure.

Additionally Kahazk made his brother apologize for propositioning David. Which would have more weight if Khazak hadn't shared David with five or more guys at that point, which again makes me wonder why he's upset now. Just to be a dick to his brother? Figure out if you have an open relationship with casual sex or if you are posessive of David already!

[Mark Menard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Exciting
David and Khazan are trying to figure out their relationship. David still had two months until his friends are released from prison so he starts working with Khazan and the rangers. And trouble begins with a robbery of supplies
for the city militia. This develops into a dangerous plot to damage the city.
I am really getting entwined with David and Khazan’s relationship. They just fit together so well. It has all the nuances of a true relationship and it makes both of them extremely relatable. The supporting characters are also great and so much to the story. I especially love Nylan and Ayla.
The plot involving the robberies that develops into much, much more really drew me in. There was plenty of intrigue and surprises. I like where this series is going and the ending of this book definitely caught me off guard.
I highly recommend this book.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Clover · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Amazing Sequel and Final to the arc that the first book begins! Its amazing to read How David and Khazak grow through the events of this book and the previous and just how they have to work together to solve the intriguing and threatening conspiracy that is unfolding through the pages.

The Sex (which is something I know alot of people will be interested in with this series) reaches some insane heights in this book compared to its previous entry, something that I can see alot of readers being very happy with (myself included).

The last 5 chapters of this book had me at the edge of my seat unable to put it down. The twists and turns those last chapters take are something I wont spoil as if you have any interest in the series I heavily reccomend you do yourself a service and pick this book (and its predecessor) up and give it a try!

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

David is still finding his way as he works on continuing to acclimate to his life with Khazak. So many things are changing for him including the fact that he has never been with a male before things got up close and personal with Khazak and he is also acclimating to a very different social situation that is not without its challenges, dangers and surprises - including some magic and advances that he was not expecting. He is also getting used to the nature of his relationship/state of possession with Khazak and the way he has taken to it when it was different from his prior experience. This was such a good follow-up to their initial story and I am looking forward to reading on.

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

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storms & Sacrifice swept me up in the whirlwind of David and Khazak's deepening relationship. I loved seeing David grow into his unexpected role alongside Khazak, balancing the humor and tenderness of their connection with the danger surrounding V'rok'sh Tah'lj. The blend of mystery and romance kept the pages turning, and the Uzu'gor festival? A unique mix of culture and kink that I didn’t know I needed. Khazak’s steady presence paired with David’s uncertainties made their dynamic all the more compelling.

If you're into heartfelt M/M romances with a spicy edge and a fantasy backdrop, this sequel won’t disappoint. Can’t wait for the next chapter!.

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

[Danielle Mund · Rating 5 out of 5]

David and Khazak have settled into their relationship after the first book and are now partners for real. David is no longer trying to run away or scared of his sexuality but instead embracing his new life with open arms.

On the kink side of that life is sharing, group play, orgies, and public play. All steamy hot. What are friends for if not to bang?

On the ranger side of life, the mystery deepens leading our main characters and their crew into a conspiracy. Much is revealed by the end but questions remain.

The world building is top notch, the story telling well done, the spice blazing. All woven together masterfully. I don't usually love single POV but Dominic makes all the characters feel so real that it doesn't matter. Highly recommend

*This is an ARC review*