Planet of the Orcs

by Athena Storm, Tara Starr

The smell of ash and fire got me going,The blood of my foes dripping from my blade was my life,Until Lara’s smile stole my heart.From the moment I laid eyes on her,I knew she was my destiny.Beautiful, a rose growing in the rubble of human cities,She ignites an unquenchable flame in my heart.And now, I burn for her.Only she is meant to be tribute to the Chief.The most powerful Orc in the world.They say she is not meant for me…But she is mine.Nothing will stand in our way—not even my own tribe.And should anyone challenge my claim?Then their last conversation will be with my axe. Author's Standalone! Set in the Athenaverse with HEA and no cheating!

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2022

About the author

Athena Storm is the pen name for two authors who fell in love with writing science fiction romance as they fell in love with each other.

She's the Athena. And he's the Storm. Athena hopes that one day it won't be a boyfriend/girlfriend writing duo, but a husband/wife team. But she's not pressuring at all. Not one bit.

Science fiction is the biggest love for the writing duo, and they've been doing the writing for quite some time now, building a universe that readers can get lost and explore in. Filled with big bad alien warriors, sassy human women who give as well as they get, hilarious situations, and enough steam to melt stars!

The duo have created the Athenaverse, where all books in all series are tied together. You can start anywhere but once you do, you'll want to explore them all!

When they get married, they plan to continue writing science fiction romance forever. But again, no pressure on the marrying part. Not at all. (Not like writing Happily Ever After ALL Day won't give you any ideas on its own, right?)

Reviews

[Chrissy Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Planet of the Orcs? Yes, Please!

So, this was a fun ride! If you’ve ever wondered what Planet of the Apes would be like with orcs instead of apes (and honestly, who hasn't?), then you're in for a treat. The whole world-building and vibe had me feeling like I was on some wild adventure where orcs are calling the shots, and I’m here for it.

The two main characters? Loved them. Their banter, their chemistry, that slow-burn romance that made me want to yell, “Just kiss already!” was spot on. And the plot? Well-paced, with just enough action to keep me hooked without feeling like I was running a marathon with giant green warriors.

So why only three stars? Well, it was great but didn’t quite blow my mind. Maybe I was hoping for a bit more, or maybe it was because I spent half the book expecting someone to scream, “Get your hands off me, you dirty orc!” Either way, it's a solid, entertaining read, especially if you're into slow-burn romances with a side of epic fantasy.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant book and a page turner that’s about Lara and Kuyver who have to fight to survive if they want a future together. Kuyver is an orc from the Thundercrack tribe and the evil chieftain Redlance and his son Orcish who is just as cruel if not more so and now they are coming to Meriweather camp to claim 10 new tributes and Kuyver is angry that Lara has been chosen as a tribute and knows she will suffer greatly in there hands. Lara Shipley has lived in Meriweather all her life and has known that she will be a tribute one day and now that day has come but she decides to run away instead. Everywhere she goes she feels eyes on her and she knows it’s Kuyver one of the guardsmen and seem to be interested in her but has never really approached her or did anything and now he is following her out of camp and he decides to confront her about leaving and what will happen to her family if she does, and so she returns to camp and is dressed up for inspection along with the other girls and it isn’t long before she catches the eye of the Cheiftains son Orcish who wants his tribute now and wants to brand his property but she is saved by Kuyver who kill’s Orcish then escapes with Lara trust up in the saddle to look like she is being kidnapped. The chieftain wants revenge for his son death and gives chase. They are taken in by a human settlement called Churchill and there leader is Stephen Wells but it isn’t long before Redlance finds them and all hell breaks loose. I better stop now I’ve given away to much now but there is heaps more to this book that will keep you on the edge and the ending changes everyone’s lives.

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

[Elisa Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

J’eyal Shagyar

Planet of the Orcs is book one in the new series Mates For Intergalactic Monsters by authors Athena Storm & Tara Starr. Ok so I’m going to show my age right now- back n the day we had a series and movies, called the Planet of the Apes. Not the newer version the one with Roddy McDowall. Ok really showing my age now!! Anywho, there’s this moment in the movies when the show the Statue of Liberty and is almost destroyed- that’s when the know that they really never left home. That’s this story in a nutshell. It’s absolutely brilliant with its brutal truths. Also the steamy side is HOT!! I can’t wait for the next story in this captivating series.
Enjoy!!

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

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lara has decided to make her escape from the human settlement of Meriweather to avoid being handed over to the local Orc chieftain as a tribute. She is followed out of town by an Orc guard named Kuyver who convinces her that Chief Redlance will take retribution for her absence on her parents and the other humans of Meriweather. They return to town, but when the chieftain's cruel son claims her Kuyver kills him and flees with her as his apparent prisoner. The only question is: can they really stay out of Redlance's clutches?

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

[Michael K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean. The world has promise, it's just the order of its stitching that I'm not a huge fan of. I feel like bits and baubles of information aren't dispersed well within the plot. So instead of it being a mystery, it's just a somewhat patchy novel.

I dunno'. I really liked the couple, but it did feel like a try-hard plot outside of the romance and clan battle-ish.

Also. The cover does not match the dude in the story. I mean, usually that's the case--but they didn't even get the weapon right. So that's ugh.

I'll give it an extra star for effort, so four I suppose.
Betcha' the next one will be cooler, since they [the authors] have ironed out the world details.

[DENICE · Rating 5 out of 5]

LARA AND KUYVER

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Lara is a human destined as tribute (torture and then death) for the Orc chieftain or his son. Kuyver is an Orc guard who knows that Lara is going to try to escape the village and becoming tribute. Kuyver intervenes, saves Lara’s life and leads the reader into a fast-paced journey of war, chivalrous and righteous beliefs of a warrior. He believes in proper treatment of beings, Orc or human. I like the way the story rolls with the surprise ending. A story to be read.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this author’s alien sci-fi romance stories there’s always plenty of action, adventure, suspense, danger, drama, 🔥 sizzling passion with a sexy alien and a sassy, stubborn and strong human female who doesn’t always agree with the alien and that’s what I love about these stories and this new series is with orcs and this is Lara’s and Kuyver’s story. Sorry guys no spoilers but this is a fantastic story I loved the characters and their chemistry, an orc in love with a human female but she can never be his and I highly recommend this book it’s well worth the read.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lara (h) decides to run away from her village before she can be given as a tribute to a violent Orc chieftain and his friends. Kuyver (H) is an Orc guard who's been secretly watching and wanting Lara, but finds himself taking her back to her violence filled future. In a twist Kuyver ends up killing the chieftain son to prevent Lara from being assaulted and then the two must go on the run together to seek a different future for themselves. There's a lot of action and adventure throughout the story, including a growing romantic relationship between Lara and Kuyver.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sci fi story with Orcs and humans stranded on a planet trying vie for control made for an action packed plot. Lara and Kuyver are an interesting pair that quickly figures out how to work together. I enjoyed all of the alien creatures and technology as well as the very interesting revelation about the Ancient Ones eventually revealed. Entertaining right to the very end!.

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

[Susan Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a goner...

An Orc that falls in love with a human? This is a wonderful story about love that can conquer all. The adventure that Kuyver and Lara have lead to impossible discoveries as their love for each other blooms. Not all ORCS are honorable and loyal, but to save a tiny human from a cruel fate will he give up everything for her. I enjoyed reading this romance. I would recommend this book.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not I said the Fly. Escaping the settlement seems to be the great idea to avoid being past around as a trophy or a reward. Right? Well.... definitely. Problem? Yep Kuyver, the guard who is attracted to her eliminates the chieftain's son to prevent Lara from being assaulted yet again. Well, these two need to come up with a plan. strategy and staying together is the plan. will it work. The Axe knows all.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was a fast-paced adventure and I couldn't put it down. Great world building. I loved the characters. Lara and Kuyver are both capable and strong characters. Kuyver saves her from a horrible fate and now both are on the run and have to work together and rely on each other. A fun, action packed read. I really enjoyed this author's take on an orc story. Loved it. 5 stars.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors have given us a heart pounding story that pulls us into the lives of Lara and Kuyver and does not let go. The story keeps us turning the pages with determination, fear, danger, action and steam.

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

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Orc Mythology

An ancient crash landing, two societies at odds and a forbidden blossoming romance add up to and exciting adventure for Lara and Kuyver. I enjoyed this spin on orcs - still with their brutish ways, but with an Athenaverse spin on fated mates.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this overall. The characters felt a bit dull sometimes, or maybe I just wanted a bit more. But I liked the story and I thought there was good chemistry.

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

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was another awesome Orc story. Kuyver and Lara’s story was just as great as I expected it.

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

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Reading

A really fun read. It gave me Planet of The Apes vibes, but with Orcs. Loved the two main characters, the plot and pacing, along with the slow build romance.

I highly recommend for all who are loving the monster/Orc romance train.

[Katelynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first 2/3 of the book was fantastic, great storytelling, fight scenes and witty banter then the end kind of fell off. This book relies heavily on “the Planet of the Apes” and that’s evident by the last 1/3 of the book, and it kind of ruined the story for me.

[Brinlisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting storyline…

I really kind this “world” created… the very last ties it all together…DON’T peek!
Looking forward to continuing with all the new / old discoveries.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say? Shades of Planet of the Apes.....but still very interested concept and I want to know more so I will read this series.

Tricia

[Denise Doughten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story so much. The premise was kind of like planet of the Apes but the gave it her own twists and made it new. Loved reading every minute of it and the characters were wonderful. The romance was a slow build and exciting. Loved the book so much.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this story and these characters. What is different to me is that this book is 75% story then 10% sex, sex, sex, then they head out to start the next adventure. The sex is not interlaced throughout. You get it all in one chunk.
Luckily the story was interesting enough to keep me going and I will probably read book 2. Even though there was no telling if this orc was a virgin or not.