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The Orc Prince Trilogy #1-3
The Orc Prince Trilogy Omnibus Edition
An elven prince. The son of an orc warlord. Read their complete adventure, now available as a single volume.
Prince Taegan Glynzeiros has prepared since childhood to fight and lead armies against invading orc forces, the enemies of elves for hundreds of years. But after a successful peace treaty, the elven prince will not be fighting orcs, but marrying one.
As his relationship with Zorvut blossoms, though, the peace treaty falls apart around them. Against all odds, they must bring peace to their nations once again. They know they’ll have each other—but with so many who want to see them apart, will love be enough?
Follow Taegan and Zorvut’s complete story in The Orc Prince Trilogy Omnibus Edition.
This steamy MM fantasy romance contains light omegaverse and A/B/O elements, featuring an arranged marriage some delicious size differences. Mpreg is discussed as an in-world possibility, but does not occur on the page. This 18+ novel contains explicit scenes, as well as some violence.
⚠Content warnings: discussions of parental death, infidelity (not between the main characters), hunting, animal death, some fantasy gore/violence, imprisonment, starvation, torture.
Prince Taegan Glynzeiros has prepared since childhood to fight and lead armies against invading orc forces, the enemies of elves for hundreds of years. But after a successful peace treaty, the elven prince will not be fighting orcs, but marrying one.
As his relationship with Zorvut blossoms, though, the peace treaty falls apart around them. Against all odds, they must bring peace to their nations once again. They know they’ll have each other—but with so many who want to see them apart, will love be enough?
Follow Taegan and Zorvut’s complete story in The Orc Prince Trilogy Omnibus Edition.
This steamy MM fantasy romance contains light omegaverse and A/B/O elements, featuring an arranged marriage some delicious size differences. Mpreg is discussed as an in-world possibility, but does not occur on the page. This 18+ novel contains explicit scenes, as well as some violence.
⚠Content warnings: discussions of parental death, infidelity (not between the main characters), hunting, animal death, some fantasy gore/violence, imprisonment, starvation, torture.
486 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2022
157 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 11, 2023
Using this listing to review the post-canon novella Winter's Heat. I loved this fluffy/smutty novella and wish there was more of this in the main series! I really liked the authors take on the omegaverse aspects of elves in this universe. 4 stars.
Overall series rating: 3.5 stars.
Overall series rating: 3.5 stars.
February 7, 2023
I wanted to love this book and yet sadly it fell flat for me, while there's some great ideas & interesting characters overall it was just rather messy. The pacing is all over the place, a lot of telling and not much showing - other then steamy scenes. Also how the books are separated didn't really work either, could've just stayed as one book or developed each further.
Taegan and Zorvut are sweet together, although much of their relationship seemed to revolve around lust for each other. Still they do have some great moments in their adventures, along with the hunt and towards start as first begin to fall in love.
I did enjoy the set up with the arranged marriage, the world itself is fascinating and I liked the travel aspects - along with the action scenes & magic. Also how the pov switched to show Zorvut'z in places later was great too, loved getting some insight into his perspective.
The villain's were rather interesting too, they had set goals and I kind of loved how those were handled throughout. I liked that they were not just easily defeated, actually shown impact and result of actions. Zorvut and Taegan both went through struggle, pain and failure before finally reaching their goal.
Overall it was an enjoyable, easy enough read but I found myself skimming at points and wasn't gripped - if I had read the books separately, I'm not sure I would have continued to the end. Still it was lovely to see Zorvut and Taegan get their happy ending x
Taegan and Zorvut are sweet together, although much of their relationship seemed to revolve around lust for each other. Still they do have some great moments in their adventures, along with the hunt and towards start as first begin to fall in love.
I did enjoy the set up with the arranged marriage, the world itself is fascinating and I liked the travel aspects - along with the action scenes & magic. Also how the pov switched to show Zorvut'z in places later was great too, loved getting some insight into his perspective.
The villain's were rather interesting too, they had set goals and I kind of loved how those were handled throughout. I liked that they were not just easily defeated, actually shown impact and result of actions. Zorvut and Taegan both went through struggle, pain and failure before finally reaching their goal.
Overall it was an enjoyable, easy enough read but I found myself skimming at points and wasn't gripped - if I had read the books separately, I'm not sure I would have continued to the end. Still it was lovely to see Zorvut and Taegan get their happy ending x
June 13, 2022
Uhhhhh. Hm. Idk. 3 star? 3.5? On the one hand, I finished the whole thing which is saying a lot, since I feel like I've DNF'd more books than I've read lately. But on the other hand, it fucking dragggggeeeddd - especially the "middle" book - and I skimmed a lot, too. And on yet ANOTHER hand, omfg... were these even adults? Ok, so Zorvut was only 19 and I *really* would have enjoyed more of his POV, but - and here I digress on yet another tangent - don't write an orc romance if you're going to make the orc completely UNorclike! Like, just write... another romance. Did I sort of love him as a character? Yes. Did I love him as the orc lover-slash-prince-slash-warlord? Newp. That one was a stretch. And back to the "were these even adults" part of my rant, Taegan was a whiny baby - and not in that hot/adorable needy way I like under other circumstances - but removing the bond? Pissing around the seaside town complaining of being bored instead of actually doing something useful and/or supporting his man the way he was supposed to? Lounging around reading in his rent-then-tower-room after Zuloft became warlord AND WAS HURT, cowering from the orc masses? Like, forget basic adulting because fine, some people just never get there. But he was also supposedly a prince??? Raised and trained to rule-lead-be-princely? idk... I mean, for all my ranting, I didn't hate it and kudos to the author for dreaming up a fantasy world and writing a whole book about it. That's a lot. I acknowledge that. But I also spent more than half the book skimming and scoffing and being irritated with everything on the page, so suffice it to say I probably won't seek out this author again. (I *am* always a fan of massive-cock-omg-how-will-it-fit sex, though!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Though it was far from perfect, a fairly basic plot and a few jarring errors that should have been pointed out by a proof reader definitely working as distractions it was enjoyable, which is really all that matters.
You can't go into a story that has a heavy focus on eroticism expecting it to be the next Lord of the Rings and it was far from that but it was fun and the story, though not magnificent, was compelling enough to keep my interest.
The pacing felt a little off, some parts feeling a little slow and others feeling a little too quick and certain story arcs ended with fairly unsatisfying endings.
Regardless of all that the characters are very likeable, though I feel Hart could improve somewhat in separating character voices and personality, there is still a good cast. My main complaint in terms of characters is that my favourite character, King Ruven, could have had a stronger part to play.
The world building was simplistic but it worked well, Hart does well with what he knows and I respect that. I was also rather worried when a certain factor about elf physiology was mentioned, something common in yaoi and fanfiction circles often played out as a fetish. Hart surprised me by introducing this concept as merely a form of adjusting the fantasy race to his own story and it worked well.
Though this isn't exactly what I was hoping for when seeking out high fantasy m/m romance I'm still happy to have found it as I found it heavily entertaining. The action and drama didn't have me at the edge of my seat but it definitely had me concerned.
You can't go into a story that has a heavy focus on eroticism expecting it to be the next Lord of the Rings and it was far from that but it was fun and the story, though not magnificent, was compelling enough to keep my interest.
The pacing felt a little off, some parts feeling a little slow and others feeling a little too quick and certain story arcs ended with fairly unsatisfying endings.
Regardless of all that the characters are very likeable, though I feel Hart could improve somewhat in separating character voices and personality, there is still a good cast. My main complaint in terms of characters is that my favourite character, King Ruven, could have had a stronger part to play.
The world building was simplistic but it worked well, Hart does well with what he knows and I respect that. I was also rather worried when a certain factor about elf physiology was mentioned, something common in yaoi and fanfiction circles often played out as a fetish. Hart surprised me by introducing this concept as merely a form of adjusting the fantasy race to his own story and it worked well.
Though this isn't exactly what I was hoping for when seeking out high fantasy m/m romance I'm still happy to have found it as I found it heavily entertaining. The action and drama didn't have me at the edge of my seat but it definitely had me concerned.
April 15, 2023
**Re-read 4/15/23**
Even better than I remember. Changed it up to a 5 star. Such fun characters and lots of adventure without too much angst or stress.
9/12/22
This is one of the most comforting books I've ever read. Seriously. I went in for a fantasy and ended up with a purring heart. There was plenty of angst, but none of it lasted for very long. At first, I didn't appreciate it because I had been anticipating lots of angst and fighting, but I loved the MCs so much I kept reading. Soon it became downright soothing. Books with zero angst tend to bore me, but this was the perfect line of angst, but no real stress- for when you just want a comfortable read.
These MCs.. oh my heart do I love them and do they love each other! Just so damn sweet! Also, believable because they did fight, and it wasn't all roses and hearts between them 24/7.
Which brings me to another line the book walked well, heat. Sweet.. sweet..sweet.. oh sh*t a dick the size of a forearm is going in there?? Then back to sweet again.
My only issue with the book was the storyline sometimes felt a little frayed- a scene would bring up new information and then that information was never mentioned again. Small small thing, but just a heads up.
Other heads up - this is male impreg, BUT there is no pregnancy during the main part of the book.
Honestly, do yourself a favor and follow up some high angst, high emotion book with this. It's the perfect rallying book. I look forward to rereading it soon.
Even better than I remember. Changed it up to a 5 star. Such fun characters and lots of adventure without too much angst or stress.
9/12/22
This is one of the most comforting books I've ever read. Seriously. I went in for a fantasy and ended up with a purring heart. There was plenty of angst, but none of it lasted for very long. At first, I didn't appreciate it because I had been anticipating lots of angst and fighting, but I loved the MCs so much I kept reading. Soon it became downright soothing. Books with zero angst tend to bore me, but this was the perfect line of angst, but no real stress- for when you just want a comfortable read.
These MCs.. oh my heart do I love them and do they love each other! Just so damn sweet! Also, believable because they did fight, and it wasn't all roses and hearts between them 24/7.
Which brings me to another line the book walked well, heat. Sweet.. sweet..sweet.. oh sh*t a dick the size of a forearm is going in there?? Then back to sweet again.
My only issue with the book was the storyline sometimes felt a little frayed- a scene would bring up new information and then that information was never mentioned again. Small small thing, but just a heads up.
Other heads up - this is male impreg, BUT there is no pregnancy during the main part of the book.
Honestly, do yourself a favor and follow up some high angst, high emotion book with this. It's the perfect rallying book. I look forward to rereading it soon.
October 21, 2022
Okay ?
It wasn’t anything amazing.
The writing style was hard to get into, I found myself bored at times and there were a few grammatical/structural errors in the books.
The ending for each of them was off, rushed and also the first book was just a mess.
What I mean by the first book being a mess is that if I had not bought the omnibus edition I would’ve not continued reading the series, it was all over the place and it felt like the author ran out of ideas/ didn’t know how to connect the ideas they did have.
The first novel was messy and the ending makes me believe the author did not think this would become a trilogy, frankly a lot could’ve been cut out and it could’ve just been one bigger book instead of three.
While some scenes are not badly connected to one another, a lot of them are too rushed, too slow or lack something that would make you interested to learn more about what is happening.
The third half of the third book (what a mouthful) was also weird, things were happening too fast when the rest of the books had been so slow. There was never a moment in this series when the pacing was just perfect.
Overall not a great series, to my biggest disappointment I did not like it…
Standing between a 1.5-2/5 stars for me.
It wasn’t anything amazing.
The writing style was hard to get into, I found myself bored at times and there were a few grammatical/structural errors in the books.
The ending for each of them was off, rushed and also the first book was just a mess.
What I mean by the first book being a mess is that if I had not bought the omnibus edition I would’ve not continued reading the series, it was all over the place and it felt like the author ran out of ideas/ didn’t know how to connect the ideas they did have.
The first novel was messy and the ending makes me believe the author did not think this would become a trilogy, frankly a lot could’ve been cut out and it could’ve just been one bigger book instead of three.
While some scenes are not badly connected to one another, a lot of them are too rushed, too slow or lack something that would make you interested to learn more about what is happening.
The third half of the third book (what a mouthful) was also weird, things were happening too fast when the rest of the books had been so slow. There was never a moment in this series when the pacing was just perfect.
Overall not a great series, to my biggest disappointment I did not like it…
Standing between a 1.5-2/5 stars for me.
June 6, 2022
This was way sappyer and syrupy than I thought it would be. The orc was pretty mellow and not savage at all. The elf turned into a ball of h0rny after the first time he got some orc D.
It was a cute read but nothing really engaging since the plot was slow and the characters were pretty bland. They didn't feel like diferent races or cultures so I don't know why the had to be since it didn't make much of a difference. The ending is sorta open but I wouldn't read more of this. So yeah, maybe it was just not my cup of tea or perhaps I was expecting something too different and was disappointed.
It was a cute read but nothing really engaging since the plot was slow and the characters were pretty bland. They didn't feel like diferent races or cultures so I don't know why the had to be since it didn't make much of a difference. The ending is sorta open but I wouldn't read more of this. So yeah, maybe it was just not my cup of tea or perhaps I was expecting something too different and was disappointed.
November 23, 2022
I DNF'd it at 100 pages. I don't think...I guess it just wasn't to my taste? It started out as semi-enemies to lovers but transitioned to sex SO FAST. Like‚ you don't know anything about each other and yet you have sex repeatedly because of your marriage bond? The writing style left some be desired and relationships even moreso. I feel like for the first 100 pages it could have been more fleshed out, in my own opinion. I didn't feel anything for the characters but maybe I'll pick it back up one day and give it another go.
December 30, 2022
I had mixed feeling about this trilogy. I did enjoy the creative storyline and choice of characters. I also enjoyed the amount of drama/ conflict within all three books. Though there were moments when I didn't quite understand the supposed 'chemistry' between the two leads and felt that there were a few awkward scenes. Overall, it was a cute read.
October 18, 2022
Not going to lie by book three I was struggling by 70% I was begging for this to finish, by 80% I was skimming, by 90% I could no longer see the finish line. I was so thankful when this finished. It started out cool but just became kind of boring.
April 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this story! It was the perfect mix of romance, action, and magic. I do kind of wish there was more but it doesn’t need it. I just liked it and didn’t want it to end.
December 15, 2023
Bought the omnibus because I didn't think I'd want to track down each of the individual three and yep, I was correct. Quite glad I can just keep rolling, not least because each book ends on a fairly significant moment of "next week on Orc Prince." That said, I'll review each book on its own since they are, actually, separate books.
Claimed by the Orc Prince: 2.5 stars. The title makes it sound like the orc prince (Zorvut) does an awful lot of the relational heavy lifting, but that's not the case (beyond, y'know, monsterfucking). The book is in the POV of the elvish prince Taegan, and I suppose this is more D&D elves and orcs than LOTR because Taegan especially is just a British prat from the 80s with long ears. He's spoiled, entitled, not a little bit condescending, and somewhat vapid. I didn't hate him--there wasn't enough of a character to hate, really. I kept waiting for him to have some Big Character Realization that would deepen him, but when we got to the BCR he was...still vapid, entitled, and shallow. I'm aware that the point of this book is not Philosophical Discourse, but Taegan could be replaced with a cardboard cutout that had a pull string for phrases like "ooh, muscles" and I wouldn't notice the difference. Even his drama with Kelvhan feels more like Hart spun the wheel of Angst Plotlines and did a MadLibs for how that could move the plot along than it does any real connection between the elves.
Zorvut, on the other hand, is Shy Thoughtful Stud whom I'm also waiting to see as to whether he ever gets a scene of being proactive rather than reactive. There was a sliver of it in the battle (? generous term for that skirmish, really) toward the end of the book, so I'm hoping that gets developed in book two.
This is entertaining enough for a rainy afternoon and I am here for the arranged-marriage-enemies-to-lovers trope, I am, but I'm just wildly uninvested in everything about this world and its characters. I find myself wanting a spin-off of the thoughts of Aerik because that dude has a brain and is processing stuff, mark my words.
Blood of the Orc Prince: 3 stars. Ah, lovely, we're getting somewhere in terms of actual character development--not far, but somewhere. Now that Zorvut's true parentage has been discovered and the lovers reunited, they are off (because every second book in a trilogy is travel, natch) to find Zorvut's dad. Whom they just...find. Easily. And then hang out with for most of the book.
Look, there is an actual plot here and I know that, but I feel like every new scene is a missed step on a staircase because I kept expecting things to go horribly awry in some way and they did not do that. The angst factor is just laughably low, which is some folks' jam and that's fine but it's weird in novel-length form. I was about as bored as Taegan in the long interlude by the sea because there just wasn't anything actually happening. I wouldn't be surprised if a villain or two shows up in the third book (especially given that painfully absurd reach for a villain at the end of this), but in the moment there's just lots of Not Much.
Ascension of the Orc King: 2.5 stars. So we begin in medias res from the last book with Taegan having been captured and Zorvut following along behind and the entire book is really some form of untangling that and there's just...never a narrative climax, kinda? (There are a couple of character climaxes, because the monsterf*cking is still part of this, although book one still holds the most sex.) But in every moment of "oh, a rescue!" "oh, a battle!" "oh, a challenge!" I both saw the outline of it miles off and never thought there would be anything but a storybook ending. Don't get me wrong, I love a HEA, but one that's earned after putting both the characters and me as the reader through at least a bit of agony.
The trouble is, the agony was there in spirit: Hart wrote the scenes that are used for agony. But the characters couldn't hold them; Taegan, at the end of this trilogy, is Taegan from the beginning but Now With Orc Porn. Zorvut does grow and shift, but remains just as much an offering to Taegan as he was at the start. The mom? Thrown away plotline. The elf dad? Whatevs. The orc family? Not really a problem, hey look at this surprise ally who will fix everything. There's a line (p. 441 in my edition) where Zorvut says to Taegan, "I know how strong a fighter you are, how capable a leader you are." I buy the fighter part, but when on earth has he seen Taegan lead? At all? Anywhere? Taegan has been nothing but a plot point the whole trilogy when it comes to the elf kingdom.
I just never believed that the characters--aside from Zorvut, perhaps--would change, and since threats change people I never believed the threats.
There's also a SUPER weird moment of cheering a constitutional monarchy here (p. 434 in my edition) and it's presented as this sophisticated and civilized evolution of the brutish orc cultures and I would very much like to know what Hart wanted me to get from that because that sounds like Europe landing on India's shores and I am not here for it.
Overall, an entertaining series in the sense of "good beach read," but definitely not something I'm keeping. (Also, Zorvut deserved better. Hopefully Taegan grows up at some point.)
Claimed by the Orc Prince: 2.5 stars. The title makes it sound like the orc prince (Zorvut) does an awful lot of the relational heavy lifting, but that's not the case (beyond, y'know, monsterfucking). The book is in the POV of the elvish prince Taegan, and I suppose this is more D&D elves and orcs than LOTR because Taegan especially is just a British prat from the 80s with long ears. He's spoiled, entitled, not a little bit condescending, and somewhat vapid. I didn't hate him--there wasn't enough of a character to hate, really. I kept waiting for him to have some Big Character Realization that would deepen him, but when we got to the BCR he was...still vapid, entitled, and shallow. I'm aware that the point of this book is not Philosophical Discourse, but Taegan could be replaced with a cardboard cutout that had a pull string for phrases like "ooh, muscles" and I wouldn't notice the difference. Even his drama with Kelvhan feels more like Hart spun the wheel of Angst Plotlines and did a MadLibs for how that could move the plot along than it does any real connection between the elves.
Zorvut, on the other hand, is Shy Thoughtful Stud whom I'm also waiting to see as to whether he ever gets a scene of being proactive rather than reactive. There was a sliver of it in the battle (? generous term for that skirmish, really) toward the end of the book, so I'm hoping that gets developed in book two.
This is entertaining enough for a rainy afternoon and I am here for the arranged-marriage-enemies-to-lovers trope, I am, but I'm just wildly uninvested in everything about this world and its characters. I find myself wanting a spin-off of the thoughts of Aerik because that dude has a brain and is processing stuff, mark my words.
Blood of the Orc Prince: 3 stars. Ah, lovely, we're getting somewhere in terms of actual character development--not far, but somewhere. Now that Zorvut's true parentage has been discovered and the lovers reunited, they are off (because every second book in a trilogy is travel, natch) to find Zorvut's dad. Whom they just...find. Easily. And then hang out with for most of the book.
Look, there is an actual plot here and I know that, but I feel like every new scene is a missed step on a staircase because I kept expecting things to go horribly awry in some way and they did not do that. The angst factor is just laughably low, which is some folks' jam and that's fine but it's weird in novel-length form. I was about as bored as Taegan in the long interlude by the sea because there just wasn't anything actually happening. I wouldn't be surprised if a villain or two shows up in the third book (especially given that painfully absurd reach for a villain at the end of this), but in the moment there's just lots of Not Much.
Ascension of the Orc King: 2.5 stars. So we begin in medias res from the last book with Taegan having been captured and Zorvut following along behind and the entire book is really some form of untangling that and there's just...never a narrative climax, kinda? (There are a couple of character climaxes, because the monsterf*cking is still part of this, although book one still holds the most sex.) But in every moment of "oh, a rescue!" "oh, a battle!" "oh, a challenge!" I both saw the outline of it miles off and never thought there would be anything but a storybook ending. Don't get me wrong, I love a HEA, but one that's earned after putting both the characters and me as the reader through at least a bit of agony.
The trouble is, the agony was there in spirit: Hart wrote the scenes that are used for agony. But the characters couldn't hold them; Taegan, at the end of this trilogy, is Taegan from the beginning but Now With Orc Porn. Zorvut does grow and shift, but remains just as much an offering to Taegan as he was at the start. The mom? Thrown away plotline. The elf dad? Whatevs. The orc family? Not really a problem, hey look at this surprise ally who will fix everything. There's a line (p. 441 in my edition) where Zorvut says to Taegan, "I know how strong a fighter you are, how capable a leader you are." I buy the fighter part, but when on earth has he seen Taegan lead? At all? Anywhere? Taegan has been nothing but a plot point the whole trilogy when it comes to the elf kingdom.
I just never believed that the characters--aside from Zorvut, perhaps--would change, and since threats change people I never believed the threats.
There's also a SUPER weird moment of cheering a constitutional monarchy here (p. 434 in my edition) and it's presented as this sophisticated and civilized evolution of the brutish orc cultures and I would very much like to know what Hart wanted me to get from that because that sounds like Europe landing on India's shores and I am not here for it.
Overall, an entertaining series in the sense of "good beach read," but definitely not something I'm keeping. (Also, Zorvut deserved better. Hopefully Taegan grows up at some point.)
November 26, 2024
I debated between 4 or 5 stars for this. After finishing I found I had had a good enough time I’ve rounded up to 5 stars.
Overall a fun, short fantasy trilogy. It almost has cozy vibes at time (but is not technically cozy genre since it has on page killing of animals and sex and violence). I liked the characters and the world, and I always like a good arranged marriage. Also the cover art is gorgeous!
Zorvut is a cis gay orc man. His age is unspecified but he states 10 years ago he was too young to go to war and his first battle was at 14, So probably early-20s? (Update after reading book 2: he’s 19 and orcs are considered adult at 15). He tells Taegan he had always preferred other men. He’s small for an orc, but is around 7 feet tall, muscular, with black hair and green-gray skin. He’s thoughtful and quiet. He likes to read and speaks 4 languages. He’s trained in most weapons.
Taegan is a white cis gay(?) man and is the only child of King Ruven, ruler of the elves (I think?). His age is unspecified. (Update after reading book 2: he’s 26 and elves are considered adults at 25). His other father had already passed away at the start of the book. He only mentions past male lovers, but it’s not explicitly stated if he prefers women at all.
The world is a ye olde fantasy world. Elves are able to biologically reproduce with “any combination of the sexes,” which is cool. Male elves have a kind of twice yearly heat, during which time they can be impregnated. “I know with two elves, we’re similar enough genetically that any combination could produce either sex.” Elves live 200-300 years and orcs live to maybe 100 years. I liked that queerness was normalized. There’s plenty of other good drama without that being the main sticking point. However, there’s still an emphasis on being with someone you can biologically procreate with, even if you’re queer.
Overall there were a few typos and I felt some parts of the story dragged a little. I felt some other parts were too rushed or character choices were out of the blue.
However, I really enjoyed the characters. The MCs were both sweet guys who really grew to love one another. The books have excellent sex scenes, some cool action scenes, a couple cozy scenes in the first one, and a happy ending.
Content warnings and tropes:
—on page hunting, wounding, and killing of elk for sport
—arranged marriage
—big size difference
—mpreg universe (elves only). Actually elves can impregnate or be impregnated in a by gender combination
—no mpreg in the books
—heats are mentioned but not ever seen during the books
—MC who cries a lot (Taegan)
—MCs from warring factions
—fantasy racism (elves, orcs, etc.)
—kidnapping
—threat of beheading
—one incident of threat of being raped to death (Teagan)
Other:
—third person dual POV (although book one is only Teagan’s POV I believe, the second book is mostly Teagan, and the third book is both of them pretty evenly)
—breakup: yes, they split up and divorce for about a day then get back together, related to trying to keep each other safe
—romantic rival: sort of. Taegan’s ex goes to great lengths to break Zorvut and Taegan up, but Taegan doesn’t feel more than a brief nostalgia for him and is devoted to Zorvut
—kids: they have a daughter in the epilogue who is a month old
—sexual roles: Taegan bottoms and Zorvut tops, but it’s implied they’ll switch it up at some point
—HEA: yes
Overall a fun, short fantasy trilogy. It almost has cozy vibes at time (but is not technically cozy genre since it has on page killing of animals and sex and violence). I liked the characters and the world, and I always like a good arranged marriage. Also the cover art is gorgeous!
Zorvut is a cis gay orc man. His age is unspecified but he states 10 years ago he was too young to go to war and his first battle was at 14, So probably early-20s? (Update after reading book 2: he’s 19 and orcs are considered adult at 15). He tells Taegan he had always preferred other men. He’s small for an orc, but is around 7 feet tall, muscular, with black hair and green-gray skin. He’s thoughtful and quiet. He likes to read and speaks 4 languages. He’s trained in most weapons.
Taegan is a white cis gay(?) man and is the only child of King Ruven, ruler of the elves (I think?). His age is unspecified. (Update after reading book 2: he’s 26 and elves are considered adults at 25). His other father had already passed away at the start of the book. He only mentions past male lovers, but it’s not explicitly stated if he prefers women at all.
The world is a ye olde fantasy world. Elves are able to biologically reproduce with “any combination of the sexes,” which is cool. Male elves have a kind of twice yearly heat, during which time they can be impregnated. “I know with two elves, we’re similar enough genetically that any combination could produce either sex.” Elves live 200-300 years and orcs live to maybe 100 years. I liked that queerness was normalized. There’s plenty of other good drama without that being the main sticking point. However, there’s still an emphasis on being with someone you can biologically procreate with, even if you’re queer.
Overall there were a few typos and I felt some parts of the story dragged a little. I felt some other parts were too rushed or character choices were out of the blue.
However, I really enjoyed the characters. The MCs were both sweet guys who really grew to love one another. The books have excellent sex scenes, some cool action scenes, a couple cozy scenes in the first one, and a happy ending.
Content warnings and tropes:
—on page hunting, wounding, and killing of elk for sport
—arranged marriage
—big size difference
—mpreg universe (elves only). Actually elves can impregnate or be impregnated in a by gender combination
—no mpreg in the books
—heats are mentioned but not ever seen during the books
—MC who cries a lot (Taegan)
—MCs from warring factions
—fantasy racism (elves, orcs, etc.)
—kidnapping
—threat of beheading
—one incident of threat of being raped to death (Teagan)
Other:
—third person dual POV (although book one is only Teagan’s POV I believe, the second book is mostly Teagan, and the third book is both of them pretty evenly)
—breakup: yes, they split up and divorce for about a day then get back together, related to trying to keep each other safe
—romantic rival: sort of. Taegan’s ex goes to great lengths to break Zorvut and Taegan up, but Taegan doesn’t feel more than a brief nostalgia for him and is devoted to Zorvut
—kids: they have a daughter in the epilogue who is a month old
—sexual roles: Taegan bottoms and Zorvut tops, but it’s implied they’ll switch it up at some point
—HEA: yes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2024
2.5 stars, rounded up solely for major size difference sex. This is a whole series review (I read the omnibus version).
So, this world was pretty cool. There were a lot of neat ideas, and frankly, there aren't many MM orc books. Things started off decently well, but it morphed into something rather boring as the story went on. I skimmed a lot in the last 40% or so.
My biggest issue is probably the lack of relationship building. There's a lot of lust between the MCs, and they have hot sex. They also demonstrate love for each other. But we're not shown much realistic growth into that love, in my opinion. And the relationship conflicts that were written fell flat for me. I just didn't feel deeply connected to them as a couple. In other words, the relationship felt boring, especially after the first 30% or so.
My second issue, and it's very close to the top, is the lack of entertainment. Everything just felt... dull? There would be good setup to things (such as the impending war), but then the execution and conclusion of those things was simply mediocre. I felt like I was watching one of my filler TV shows. You know the ones you don't have a huge interest in, but you need something to fill the time and they're at least tolerable? Yeah this series was one of those for me.
Next issue... Zorvut doesn't really act very orc-like. He's like a big green elf, frankly. It would have been far more entertaining to see him act more like his orc brethren. Then, together with Teagan, they could learn to meet in the middle with Zorvut learning more about how to live in elven society and Teagan learning to live in orc society. But this could have been and elf/elf romance and not much would have changed about the story.
Also, Teagan is very annoying in certain parts. He acts very childish and unlike the character that was established in the beginning of the book. At certain points, it becomes hard to believe he was raised to be a king.
Last thing I'll mention... the lack of an in-heat sex scene was a big missed opportunity, in my opinion. It was talked about and I kept thinking we'd get there, but we never do. That just added to the "flatness" problem.
I could keep going on about issues (e.g. the train wreck of a character called Kelvhan), but it would be more of the same concept. There just wasn't enough relationship growth and entertainment to hold my interest. If the sex wasn't as hot as it is (though sadly infeequent), I probably would have DNF'd.
I don't necessarily regret reading it, but I'm also not sure it was worth it. 🤷♂️
So, this world was pretty cool. There were a lot of neat ideas, and frankly, there aren't many MM orc books. Things started off decently well, but it morphed into something rather boring as the story went on. I skimmed a lot in the last 40% or so.
My biggest issue is probably the lack of relationship building. There's a lot of lust between the MCs, and they have hot sex. They also demonstrate love for each other. But we're not shown much realistic growth into that love, in my opinion. And the relationship conflicts that were written fell flat for me. I just didn't feel deeply connected to them as a couple. In other words, the relationship felt boring, especially after the first 30% or so.
My second issue, and it's very close to the top, is the lack of entertainment. Everything just felt... dull? There would be good setup to things (such as the impending war), but then the execution and conclusion of those things was simply mediocre. I felt like I was watching one of my filler TV shows. You know the ones you don't have a huge interest in, but you need something to fill the time and they're at least tolerable? Yeah this series was one of those for me.
Next issue... Zorvut doesn't really act very orc-like. He's like a big green elf, frankly. It would have been far more entertaining to see him act more like his orc brethren. Then, together with Teagan, they could learn to meet in the middle with Zorvut learning more about how to live in elven society and Teagan learning to live in orc society. But this could have been and elf/elf romance and not much would have changed about the story.
Also, Teagan is very annoying in certain parts. He acts very childish and unlike the character that was established in the beginning of the book. At certain points, it becomes hard to believe he was raised to be a king.
Last thing I'll mention... the lack of an in-heat sex scene was a big missed opportunity, in my opinion. It was talked about and I kept thinking we'd get there, but we never do. That just added to the "flatness" problem.
I could keep going on about issues (e.g. the train wreck of a character called Kelvhan), but it would be more of the same concept. There just wasn't enough relationship growth and entertainment to hold my interest. If the sex wasn't as hot as it is (though sadly infeequent), I probably would have DNF'd.
I don't necessarily regret reading it, but I'm also not sure it was worth it. 🤷♂️
April 17, 2024
As Prince Taegan and Zorvut the Relentless are about to find out, a lot of things can happen when you think you're going to be stuck in a loveless political marriage. Sexy things, magical things, scary things, and everything in between.
Throw in a magical Elvish matrimonial bond and a lot of love, and you get this great, entertaining story.
A reviewer called this a lot of fucking held together with a bit of story. For me it was the other way round: The sex was kinda boring, and I skimmed or skipped most of it, but I enjoyed everything else.
Oh, and one last thing: The cover. Swoon. They're so in love, and for once the orc has an actual underbite to go with the tusks. A very pretty and kissable underbite, but all the same.
Throw in a magical Elvish matrimonial bond and a lot of love, and you get this great, entertaining story.
A reviewer called this a lot of fucking held together with a bit of story. For me it was the other way round: The sex was kinda boring, and I skimmed or skipped most of it, but I enjoyed everything else.
Oh, and one last thing: The cover. Swoon. They're so in love, and for once the orc has an actual underbite to go with the tusks. A very pretty and kissable underbite, but all the same.
January 7, 2023
Complete Trilogy to Enjoy
From start to finish, Hart’s The Orc Prince Trilogy is three very different stories in the growth of Teagan and Zorvut’s relationship as elven prince and the orc warlord’s youngest, oddest son navigate their political marriage, but both want to see something more than just peace in their warring kingdoms: they also want love.
This is my second read through, and the creation of the omnibus allows for even fast of a read in one source. If you’re looking for a MLM fantasy story with plenty of action and adventure, Hart does an amazing job writing out the battle and fights.
From start to finish, Hart’s The Orc Prince Trilogy is three very different stories in the growth of Teagan and Zorvut’s relationship as elven prince and the orc warlord’s youngest, oddest son navigate their political marriage, but both want to see something more than just peace in their warring kingdoms: they also want love.
This is my second read through, and the creation of the omnibus allows for even fast of a read in one source. If you’re looking for a MLM fantasy story with plenty of action and adventure, Hart does an amazing job writing out the battle and fights.
June 20, 2023
Book 1
An enjoyable read!
When a dark secret comes to light that threatens to nullify the very peace treaty that brought them together, he must decide if his feelings for him are worth fighting for...
It was a good, short and enjoyable read with some strong worldbuilding.
The miscommunication between the couple annoyed the hell out of me. It got on my nerves for a bit.
Aside from the miscommunication, it was a good debut book.
Full of orcs, elves, bonds, magic, peace, marriage, steam and attraction.
Perfect for readers of fantasy romances.
Book 2
A bloody read!
War draws ever closer, and no one can be trusted...
They have each other, but will that be enough?
A good and enjoyable sequel. I liked how the story progressed.
That ending - I'm so grateful I was reàsing from the box set so I had the final book already.
Full of orcs, elves, bonds, magic, war, steam and love.
Perfect for readers of fantasy romances.
Book 3
An enjoyable read!
With the Prince held captive by the merciless warlord, can he reach him before it's too late?
A good and thrilling conclusion to this series.
Enjoyed the ending.
Full of orcs, elves, bonds, magic, steam and love.
Perfect for readers of fantasy romances.
An enjoyable read!
When a dark secret comes to light that threatens to nullify the very peace treaty that brought them together, he must decide if his feelings for him are worth fighting for...
It was a good, short and enjoyable read with some strong worldbuilding.
The miscommunication between the couple annoyed the hell out of me. It got on my nerves for a bit.
Aside from the miscommunication, it was a good debut book.
Full of orcs, elves, bonds, magic, peace, marriage, steam and attraction.
Perfect for readers of fantasy romances.
Book 2
A bloody read!
War draws ever closer, and no one can be trusted...
They have each other, but will that be enough?
A good and enjoyable sequel. I liked how the story progressed.
That ending - I'm so grateful I was reàsing from the box set so I had the final book already.
Full of orcs, elves, bonds, magic, war, steam and love.
Perfect for readers of fantasy romances.
Book 3
An enjoyable read!
With the Prince held captive by the merciless warlord, can he reach him before it's too late?
A good and thrilling conclusion to this series.
Enjoyed the ending.
Full of orcs, elves, bonds, magic, steam and love.
Perfect for readers of fantasy romances.
November 2, 2024
Three stars overall, you can see my individual ratings for each on each book, this is just my overall one.
Uh, wish women played more of a role. Feel like we had a chance for that with Zorvut's mum. Weirdly I felt like the most influential female characters were stupid Taegan's horses. I feel like the mental bond was under utilised. Um, I hated Taegan, he just got more and more whiny and annoying. I also found the writing style of this book to be draining and unfufilling.
If you want to read this book, read the Flowered Blade instead. I am not going to be keeping my physical copy, that's all. Peace.
Uh, wish women played more of a role. Feel like we had a chance for that with Zorvut's mum. Weirdly I felt like the most influential female characters were stupid Taegan's horses. I feel like the mental bond was under utilised. Um, I hated Taegan, he just got more and more whiny and annoying. I also found the writing style of this book to be draining and unfufilling.
If you want to read this book, read the Flowered Blade instead. I am not going to be keeping my physical copy, that's all. Peace.
March 17, 2023
Overall this was pretty entertaining. I adore the couple and love that they are together pretty much from the start of the story and are firmly exclusive! I can really appreciate no major love triangle Otherwise great action/fight scenes and I really liked the characters. Glad it ended up being much more than I had originally thought it would have been!
September 22, 2023
I read the first book of this series through my small town library, but boy oh boy am I glad I was able to read the rest of it. The way that I was able to watch Taegan and Zorvut grow together as a married couple was something that belongs in a fairytale. Communication, compromising, and all around affection that they showed each other made me feel warm fuzzies but also longing. This series will forever hold a special place in my heart. The epilogue really was the cherry on top with this one. 💙
March 7, 2023
I couldn't stop reading
A several days long power outage left me bored out of my mind and desperate for something to do. Read all three books inside of 2 days and loved every second. The dialogue was a little too "modern" sounding at some parts but other than that, good fun and a wonderful distraction from the monotony.
A several days long power outage left me bored out of my mind and desperate for something to do. Read all three books inside of 2 days and loved every second. The dialogue was a little too "modern" sounding at some parts but other than that, good fun and a wonderful distraction from the monotony.
April 10, 2023
A Must Read
The writing is absolutely wonderful. I loved the build up of their relationship and the way they had to really work on it together. The plotline is absolutely fantastic too!!! I'm glad that all 3 books were done so I didn't have to wait to read. Perfect ending as well. Wonderful book and a must read for anyone who likes fantasy, magic, sassy elves and sweet orcs.
The writing is absolutely wonderful. I loved the build up of their relationship and the way they had to really work on it together. The plotline is absolutely fantastic too!!! I'm glad that all 3 books were done so I didn't have to wait to read. Perfect ending as well. Wonderful book and a must read for anyone who likes fantasy, magic, sassy elves and sweet orcs.
May 24, 2023
I'm probably giving it one more star than I should, but it wasn't bad. I enjoyed the story, the sex wasn't written for me, but it didn't make me not want to read. I like the characters, the story was nice. The first 2 books were kinda fantasy gay slice of life with monster sex sprinkled in. The 3rd was more build up and action with far less sex than the first 2. It ended well. Fun/easy read.
August 1, 2023
I left a review in the first book, and I’m marking this as read for the Winter Heat novella and bonus epilogue, which need their own Goodreads slots.
Series overall:
4 Stars
Very cute and spicy with the size difference and A/B/O elements.
Spice: 3 to 4/5, more if you include the short stories.
Angst: 3/5, with the final book much more intense than the first.
Series overall:
4 Stars
Very cute and spicy with the size difference and A/B/O elements.
Spice: 3 to 4/5, more if you include the short stories.
Angst: 3/5, with the final book much more intense than the first.
July 27, 2022
I loved the story and how the author made the characters his own. The sexy times were steamy and there was so much tenderness shown between Taegan and Zorvut my heart was melting.
My only complaint is the typos. They were a bit distracting and the only reason I'm not giving 5 stars.
My only complaint is the typos. They were a bit distracting and the only reason I'm not giving 5 stars.
January 5, 2023
a three in one book, I recommend getting this since it has all three books and is cheaper in the long run. Its a cute series about an orc and elf who marry for peace, fall in love and defeat an enemy. with twists, plenty of spice and a HEA.
March 28, 2023
A spicy, fun read! The characters felt achingly real and the plot kept moving at a nice pace. It did feel like it wrapped up a little too fast and I feel like more could've been explored with the tensions between races and the brewing war in the background.
May 5, 2023
What a great romance and action story!
The spicy bits are spicy! The romance and intimacy hit so well. Action scenes and progression is great. A true love story with all the fantasy and romance. Left me wanting more!
The spicy bits are spicy! The romance and intimacy hit so well. Action scenes and progression is great. A true love story with all the fantasy and romance. Left me wanting more!
June 25, 2022
No notes.
dnf
May 6, 2023Super boring and predictable.
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