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The Orc Prince Trilogy #2
Blood of the Orc Prince
War draws ever closer, and no one can be trusted. Taegan and Zorvut have each other, but will that be enough?
It's been several weeks since the warlord Hrul Bonebreaker violated the peace treaty that first brought the elven prince Taegan and his half-orc husband Zorvut together, and orc armies march upon the elves once more. Zorvut has discovered his latent magical ability, but none of the warlocks in Aefraya have succeeded in teaching him anything beyond his first spark of power. So with the elven king's blessing, they flee the elven capital in the night and travel toward human lands, following a rumor in hopes of finding the man who is really Zorvut's father: Tomlin Whitmore, a retired bard.
Will the human be able to help train Zorvut at all? And if he can, would he even want to? Taegan has his own doubts about Zorvut's optimistic plan, but the thought of being apart is unbearable, so they make the journey through wilderness and rural villages to the beachside town where the bard was last spotted. To his surprise, when they find him, Tom is shocked but eager to help, and it seems like their luck has finally changed for the better.
But even though they're further from the war front, danger proves difficult to outrun, and discerning friend from foe is far less simple while surrounded by unfamiliar people in unfamiliar lands. After all, wars aren't ended so easily, and betrayal can lurk unseen until it's too late.
Blood of the Orc Prince is book two of the Orc Prince Trilogy. Book one, Claimed by the Orc Prince, introduces the story of Taegan and Zorvut, and is meant to be read prior to Blood of the Orc Prince.
This steamy MM fantasy romance contains light omegaverse and A/B/O elements, featuring 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 fantasy violence.
It's been several weeks since the warlord Hrul Bonebreaker violated the peace treaty that first brought the elven prince Taegan and his half-orc husband Zorvut together, and orc armies march upon the elves once more. Zorvut has discovered his latent magical ability, but none of the warlocks in Aefraya have succeeded in teaching him anything beyond his first spark of power. So with the elven king's blessing, they flee the elven capital in the night and travel toward human lands, following a rumor in hopes of finding the man who is really Zorvut's father: Tomlin Whitmore, a retired bard.
Will the human be able to help train Zorvut at all? And if he can, would he even want to? Taegan has his own doubts about Zorvut's optimistic plan, but the thought of being apart is unbearable, so they make the journey through wilderness and rural villages to the beachside town where the bard was last spotted. To his surprise, when they find him, Tom is shocked but eager to help, and it seems like their luck has finally changed for the better.
But even though they're further from the war front, danger proves difficult to outrun, and discerning friend from foe is far less simple while surrounded by unfamiliar people in unfamiliar lands. After all, wars aren't ended so easily, and betrayal can lurk unseen until it's too late.
Blood of the Orc Prince is book two of the Orc Prince Trilogy. Book one, Claimed by the Orc Prince, introduces the story of Taegan and Zorvut, and is meant to be read prior to Blood of the Orc Prince.
This steamy MM fantasy romance contains light omegaverse and A/B/O elements, featuring 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 fantasy violence.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2021
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649 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
October 18, 2022
3.5 Stars.
Esperava mais tiro, porrada e bomba nesse segundo livro 😅 Nações em guerra e só teve ação perto do final. Espero mais briga no terceiro livro!
Esperava mais tiro, porrada e bomba nesse segundo livro 😅 Nações em guerra e só teve ação perto do final. Espero mais briga no terceiro livro!
September 7, 2022
This was so bad. I enjoyed the first book a lot but this is honestly just 20% story then 60% Taegan bitching and being a total dumbass. The last 20% of the book is good and sets up the end of the trilogy. I like to read short stories sometimes since it’s fast paced but please don’t waste my time with 90 pages of the privileged MC complaining and being a dick to their partner. Zorvut is like the sweetest and most amazing person and Taegan just treats him so badly most of the time. I like their relationship but Taegan is just trash and I hope I don’t have to read much of his perspective in the third book.
October 19, 2023
Estoy decepcionada. La portada promete, la premisa también y el final de la primera parte. Pensé que sería una mera introducción y en el segundo ya tendríamos acción, sin embargo, no ha sido así.
¿Qué me he encontrado? Una historia que, a pesar de estar bien escrita, trascurre lenta, no hay dramas mayores, casi nada de acción. Lo que te esperarías sobre todo por la portada y los pocos problemas siento que se resuelven fácilmente.
En general, se trata de una historia que le falta profundidad en todos sus aspectos. En vez de parecerme una segunda parte de una trilogía, me parece mas bien una parte pequeña de novela.
Voy a terminar la trilogía porque solo me queda un libro.
¿Qué me he encontrado? Una historia que, a pesar de estar bien escrita, trascurre lenta, no hay dramas mayores, casi nada de acción. Lo que te esperarías sobre todo por la portada y los pocos problemas siento que se resuelven fácilmente.
En general, se trata de una historia que le falta profundidad en todos sus aspectos. En vez de parecerme una segunda parte de una trilogía, me parece mas bien una parte pequeña de novela.
Voy a terminar la trilogía porque solo me queda un libro.
August 14, 2022
Ehhh... what actually progressed in this installment?
3 stars
2 on the spice scale.
3 stars
2 on the spice scale.
June 9, 2021
I'm rating this book 3 stars and not lower because I still like the MCs and the setting of the story, but the plot was almost non-existent and the important things happened all in the last few pages. The pacing was slow and flat, the characters didn't grow during their journey and some scenes were just ridiculous. I'll read book 3 because I want to know how the story ends, but many things are predictable.
Read
July 22, 2023DNF @ 12%
Idk. The writing is still good, but I’m just not invested in the story anymore.
Idk. The writing is still good, but I’m just not invested in the story anymore.
June 6, 2024
I’m really enjoying the continuation of this series! Taegan has to come to terms with his rather spoiled upbringing and has to be the partner giving things up for a time. The changing balance exposed his other weaknesses and brought some conflict that wasn’t resolved well initially, but both had reactions that were true to their ages. I’m eager to see how the story wraps up!
Spice: 3/5
SPOILERS IN TRIGGER WARNINGS
Triggers: violence, gore, kidnapping, imprisonment, mention of neglect, mention of infidelity (not involving MCs), mention of parent death
Spice: 3/5
SPOILERS IN TRIGGER WARNINGS
Triggers: violence, gore, kidnapping, imprisonment, mention of neglect, mention of infidelity (not involving MCs), mention of parent death
March 12, 2025
I’m unwell after finishing! Fair warning- this ends on a cliffhanger 😭
I need to read book 3 asap!
I need to read book 3 asap!
July 25, 2022
This was a bit boring...
They went from A to B, fought a bit, fucked a bit more, went back from B to A and then we did something to make the plot interesting.
Hmmm....
They went from A to B, fought a bit, fucked a bit more, went back from B to A and then we did something to make the plot interesting.
Hmmm....
August 5, 2025
The overarching story unravels a little with this book, but the last 20-25% hooks you with the set up for the final book.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- elf prince + cinnamon roll orc
- arranged/political marriage
- enemies to lovers
- size difference
- omegaverse adjacent
(male elves self lubricate, can get pregnant, have heats)
CW: Violence, gore, kidnapping, imprisonment, mention of neglect, mention of infidelity (not involving MCs), mention of parent death
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- elf prince + cinnamon roll orc
- arranged/political marriage
- enemies to lovers
- size difference
- omegaverse adjacent
(male elves self lubricate, can get pregnant, have heats)
CW: Violence, gore, kidnapping, imprisonment, mention of neglect, mention of infidelity (not involving MCs), mention of parent death
August 6, 2023
3.5 stars. Much of this book was quite boring, I wish we got to see more of Zorvut’s training. Still adore this couple though. The cliffhanger at the end excited me and I’m eager to read the final book.
December 26, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ 🧝♂️
October 20, 2022
Okay, but needs editing!
The series so far is interesting enough for me to read book 3, but so far this was the weakest. I really wish it had been from Zorvut's point of view so we could see his magic training. Instead, the book was mostly Taegan whining that he was bored and wanted to go home. He only asked Zorvut how training was going in the last 1/4 of the book.
My main issue was the need for editing. There were a few times where a sentence ended in the middle; almost like the author backspaced to write something else, but didn't delete the previous bit. The biggest issue was all the epithets! So, so much "the elf" or "the orc" when the characters knew each other's names because they're *married*! Once a character knows another character's name, there's no reason to *not* use their name. It started to become quite annoying because there are just *so many* epithets.
I'll read the last book in the series, but I think I'll pass on any future books by this author.
The series so far is interesting enough for me to read book 3, but so far this was the weakest. I really wish it had been from Zorvut's point of view so we could see his magic training. Instead, the book was mostly Taegan whining that he was bored and wanted to go home. He only asked Zorvut how training was going in the last 1/4 of the book.
My main issue was the need for editing. There were a few times where a sentence ended in the middle; almost like the author backspaced to write something else, but didn't delete the previous bit. The biggest issue was all the epithets! So, so much "the elf" or "the orc" when the characters knew each other's names because they're *married*! Once a character knows another character's name, there's no reason to *not* use their name. It started to become quite annoying because there are just *so many* epithets.
I'll read the last book in the series, but I think I'll pass on any future books by this author.
January 7, 2025
Everything bad from the first book, but make it worse. This was such a dull book full of Taegan whining, nothing happening for 90% of the book, and then OH SUPRISE some plot sprinkled back in at the end. I would KILL for Zorvut's POV. He was the one actually going through shit. Taegan was just there to be *checks notes* "emotional support" in the least emotionally supportive way possible. When they actually sit down and talk to each other, it's great. Unfortunately they only do that after long stretches of Taegan kicking rocks.
There was one really good smut scene, though. So I will give them that.
There was one really good smut scene, though. So I will give them that.
February 15, 2021
This is the second book in the trilogy and is not a standalone. I would strongly recommend reading the books.
This book was slow paced and dry at times. There wasn’t much going on as Zorvot underwent his training and Teagan pretty much did the same thing everyday.
The most gripping and interesting part of the story was the ending.
I’m curious to see how things go in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was slow paced and dry at times. There wasn’t much going on as Zorvot underwent his training and Teagan pretty much did the same thing everyday.
The most gripping and interesting part of the story was the ending.
I’m curious to see how things go in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2023
i felt like literally nothing happened in this book
February 15, 2025
So, the cover is slightly misleading, because it's not necessarily action-packed (though there were definitely a few tense scenes and had a cliffhanger of an ending). Despite that, though, the stakes still felt higher than in the first book, and it had a bit more plot to balance the romance.
That said, the romance was the strongest part about this. Specifically, I appreciated the surprisingly realistic miscommunication and relationship hurdles. Miscommunication is a maligned trope in romance these days, and I can't blame anyone who hates it. But I feel like Blood of the Orc Prince had a really strong example of a miscommunication trope -- Zorvut and Taegan ultimately manage to work through it and come out as a stronger couple, but before then, they both work with a lot of pent-up frustration that they have as a result of the circumstances they're in. They felt like a healthy couple without being a magically perfect couple that nails communication right on the first try. They have to learn and grow and get through some bad shit together, and that's what made me root for them.
So, honestly, I really liked this second book! It's a good entry in an underrated gay romantasy series.
That said, the romance was the strongest part about this. Specifically, I appreciated the surprisingly realistic miscommunication and relationship hurdles. Miscommunication is a maligned trope in romance these days, and I can't blame anyone who hates it. But I feel like Blood of the Orc Prince had a really strong example of a miscommunication trope -- Zorvut and Taegan ultimately manage to work through it and come out as a stronger couple, but before then, they both work with a lot of pent-up frustration that they have as a result of the circumstances they're in. They felt like a healthy couple without being a magically perfect couple that nails communication right on the first try. They have to learn and grow and get through some bad shit together, and that's what made me root for them.
So, honestly, I really liked this second book! It's a good entry in an underrated gay romantasy series.
April 25, 2021
I am SO GLAD I didn't find this series until all 3 books are out, because the cliffhanger at the end of this book is a doozy!
Really loved this second story, with Taegan and Zorvut growing closer but also having some miscommunication haps (hey, it happens) and having to work through that as a couple. But I love how committed they are to each other.
It's hard to review this without spoiling the first book, but if you start this series and get hooked, you'll definitely want to continue.
Now, Onward to the third book! (also, very selfishly of me, I really want a big ol heat scene between the two lol, maybe in the third book!)
Really loved this second story, with Taegan and Zorvut growing closer but also having some miscommunication haps (hey, it happens) and having to work through that as a couple. But I love how committed they are to each other.
It's hard to review this without spoiling the first book, but if you start this series and get hooked, you'll definitely want to continue.
Now, Onward to the third book! (also, very selfishly of me, I really want a big ol heat scene between the two lol, maybe in the third book!)
March 14, 2025
I found this book to be a better read than the first. We see some more of the world and another town which I loved reading about.
Taegan has to compromise, which he struggles with, and Zorvut learns how to prepare for battle. I loved the side characters in this book, I hope we get to see them again!
The cliffhanger was not cool, though. I have to immediately start book 3!
Taegan has to compromise, which he struggles with, and Zorvut learns how to prepare for battle. I loved the side characters in this book, I hope we get to see them again!
The cliffhanger was not cool, though. I have to immediately start book 3!
July 23, 2022
Sadly a let down for me after being so surprised by book one. The plot was not interesting to me whatsoever, from beginning to end, and I found the characters much less intriguing as well. I loved the setting though, I’m a sucker for little seaside villages in fantasy worlds
January 28, 2023
I can't believe I'm saying this, but hear me out.
Is the craftsmanship of this piece still dry and factual? Yes. Is the antagonistic presence of this story still cardboard cutouts, propped up for the convenience of the author? Yes. Is the pacing of each event and transition still langurously slow? Even moreso than the last book!
Still, I just can't bring myself to one-star this sequel.
To be perfectly honest, the author nearly lost me about halfway through. I'm sure you've seen other reviewers say that it was a mistake to make Taegan the POV character rather than Zorvut, that the plot slows to a crawl once our pair reach their destination, that listening to Taegan's constant whining grates at the reader's inner ear. I can't dispute these claims As soon as the conflict between our lovers comes into play, however- oh boy, it actually reads kinda like a decent story.
The author is, as it turns out, capable of writing conflict. I understand that this book belongs to the "cozy high fantasy" genre, and therefore must avoid genuine turmoil like the plague, but honestly? Once the author stops handing his characters resolution and actually makes them fight for it, he finally gives us something worth turning to the next page for- without tarnishing that sense of "coziness" he's so clearly aspiring towards.
Ultimately, the book did not reach my hopes for it. At the same time, the improvement between the first book and its sequel was a pleasant surprise. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who was unsatisfied with the primary entry in the series, but if you enjoyed Taken and find yourself intimidated by the sagging midsection, I would entreat you to keep pushing forward.
Moral of the Story: to the wise eroticist, the word "tension" is more than just a follow-up to "sexual."
Is the craftsmanship of this piece still dry and factual? Yes. Is the antagonistic presence of this story still cardboard cutouts, propped up for the convenience of the author? Yes. Is the pacing of each event and transition still langurously slow? Even moreso than the last book!
Still, I just can't bring myself to one-star this sequel.
To be perfectly honest, the author nearly lost me about halfway through. I'm sure you've seen other reviewers say that it was a mistake to make Taegan the POV character rather than Zorvut, that the plot slows to a crawl once our pair reach their destination, that listening to Taegan's constant whining grates at the reader's inner ear. I can't dispute these claims As soon as the conflict between our lovers comes into play, however- oh boy, it actually reads kinda like a decent story.
The author is, as it turns out, capable of writing conflict. I understand that this book belongs to the "cozy high fantasy" genre, and therefore must avoid genuine turmoil like the plague, but honestly? Once the author stops handing his characters resolution and actually makes them fight for it, he finally gives us something worth turning to the next page for- without tarnishing that sense of "coziness" he's so clearly aspiring towards.
Ultimately, the book did not reach my hopes for it. At the same time, the improvement between the first book and its sequel was a pleasant surprise. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who was unsatisfied with the primary entry in the series, but if you enjoyed Taken and find yourself intimidated by the sagging midsection, I would entreat you to keep pushing forward.
Moral of the Story: to the wise eroticist, the word "tension" is more than just a follow-up to "sexual."
January 19, 2024
me gusto menos que el primero pero ni siquiera sé de qué quejarme porque NO PASÓ NADA EN TODO EL LIBRO
parecía que en este empezaba la acción pero eran ellos sin saber comunicarse AGAIN
lo único positivo es que sigue siendo igual de fácil y rápido de leer que el primero
parecía que en este empezaba la acción pero eran ellos sin saber comunicarse AGAIN
lo único positivo es que sigue siendo igual de fácil y rápido de leer que el primero
April 24, 2024
Soooo,
I was so happy to see that this series is a trilogy. The Orc was kind of selfish in this book & the elf and his fights were kind of nonexistent until the end of the book. Wish I could get my hands on the 3rd book
I was so happy to see that this series is a trilogy. The Orc was kind of selfish in this book & the elf and his fights were kind of nonexistent until the end of the book. Wish I could get my hands on the 3rd book
December 9, 2023
I would have liked to seen more of training to break up some of the whiney vibes needing to happen. But this was okay as an addition to the trilogy.
April 3, 2024
And i thought i was here for the smut :')
April 24, 2024
Worth reading but…
I feel like this could’ve been split between two books - this one was a bit filler-y, but with a good ending which means of course I need to read the next one!
I feel like this could’ve been split between two books - this one was a bit filler-y, but with a good ending which means of course I need to read the next one!
September 20, 2024
This series is amazing. Anyone who rates it less than 5 stars is wrong :)
November 26, 2023
It had a good start and ending, but the middle was a little flat for me other than a relationship miscommunication/lack-of-communicating conflict. Low stakes for this one other than the end.
How Much I liked it? 3 Stars
Ideas – World Building: 4 Stars
Ideas – Plot: 4 Stars
Character Depth: 5 Stars
Character Interactions: Above Average
Emotional Journey: Medium
Animal Characterisation: Some animal behaviour
Non-human Body Language: Standard- humanised
Content Warning: Explicit Sex scenes. Mild violence.
Execution: 4.7 Stars (one grammar issue and two missing words)
How Much I liked it? 3 Stars
Ideas – World Building: 4 Stars
Ideas – Plot: 4 Stars
Character Depth: 5 Stars
Character Interactions: Above Average
Emotional Journey: Medium
Animal Characterisation: Some animal behaviour
Non-human Body Language: Standard- humanised
Content Warning: Explicit Sex scenes. Mild violence.
Execution: 4.7 Stars (one grammar issue and two missing words)
January 18, 2024
I am very glad that this book did not suffer from second book syndrome, in the sense that this book really carried itself to lead into the finale of the story. I super suck at reviews, so this is not a review in the sense of the word, I’m just here to say that this book was absolutely phenomenal. I loved every moment of it. I love these characters, I love this world.
I dare say, if this book had been 200 pages more, I would have really enjoyed more of a lore drop about the cultures and the world itself. However, I will say, that, for this being the size of a novella, this story was perfect.
I dare say, if this book had been 200 pages more, I would have really enjoyed more of a lore drop about the cultures and the world itself. However, I will say, that, for this being the size of a novella, this story was perfect.
March 31, 2025
So this series is definitely on the "cozy fantasy" end of things, so take any criticism with a grain of salt.
I find the pacing of these books a little strange. The entire book is rather slow and empty. I would say that for a solid 75% of the book....nothing happens. Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. I, often, especially in my cozy fantasy reads, enjoy when the plot isn't exactly plot heavy. But what I mean is there is a lot of just nothing like... There is a lot of Taegan just sort of boardly wandering around and very little interaction between our romantic couple. More miscommunication, like the first book for no reason other than Taegan has a spoiled temper tantrum for most of the story. That and being in his pov is like listening to an overthinker's stream of consciousness even as he makes the most confusing decisions and can't seem to pick up on a single social cue.
There is also the element of Taegan being very bad at laying low, which would have been interesting if.....literally anything was going on.
Then, in the last 10%, the action ramps up to 100.
I wish that the main characters had more....interaction, that we got to see more of Zorvut's training. This story could have possibly benefited from dual pov. Then we would have gotton some variety and not just been seeing Taegan's end of things and his bratty monologs.
I think, in general, my issue with the pacing of these books, having not read the third one yet, I think these could have all been one book. Then, a lot of the chapters of nothing probably would have been cut.
I find the pacing of these books a little strange. The entire book is rather slow and empty. I would say that for a solid 75% of the book....nothing happens. Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. I, often, especially in my cozy fantasy reads, enjoy when the plot isn't exactly plot heavy. But what I mean is there is a lot of just nothing like... There is a lot of Taegan just sort of boardly wandering around and very little interaction between our romantic couple. More miscommunication, like the first book for no reason other than Taegan has a spoiled temper tantrum for most of the story. That and being in his pov is like listening to an overthinker's stream of consciousness even as he makes the most confusing decisions and can't seem to pick up on a single social cue.
There is also the element of Taegan being very bad at laying low, which would have been interesting if.....literally anything was going on.
Then, in the last 10%, the action ramps up to 100.
I wish that the main characters had more....interaction, that we got to see more of Zorvut's training. This story could have possibly benefited from dual pov. Then we would have gotton some variety and not just been seeing Taegan's end of things and his bratty monologs.
I think, in general, my issue with the pacing of these books, having not read the third one yet, I think these could have all been one book. Then, a lot of the chapters of nothing probably would have been cut.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews