Bound to the Orc Warlord - Krista Luna

 

 

Big, strong, green and tusky are all words that will immediately catch my attention, so this book was a bit of a no brainer for me to read. Set in the fantasy-esque fae world of Alarria, we’re treated to all sorts of mystical and mythical creatures, but make no mistake, the focus is firmly on Orcs. 

We start with our leading lady, Ashley, being in danger, and then rescued by a glowing orb (which just so happens to be the Moon Goddess), who simultaneously is alerting the gruff orc, Drakarr,  to the fact that his “Moon Bound Bride” is on her way, and he better go find her before anyone else can. It’s all very isekai, as Ashley finds her footing in this completely different world as well as learning and accepting that she is a witch and can fly. Oh, and that gorgeous orc? She’s already married to him and doesn’t know it yet. Matters aren’t helped by the fact that Ogres and frankly terrifying creatures called the “Slough” are after her for her magic. 

Dravarr is your typical grumpy, stoic tough guy, but with the grumpy/sunshine theming of this book, Ashley soon melts his heart and the cinnamon-roll behaviour starts to peek through the cracks in his armour. He falls fast, he falls hard and despite the quickness of his “touch her or die” possessiveness he has had since he first laid eyes on her, you really feel it. 

The story really just focuses in on the two navigating their feelings for each other. There’s character growth a plenty with both main characters, with Ashley struggling with feeling wanted and previous hurts, while Dravarr learns to let go of his perfectionist tendencies and let loose, enjoying moments instead of worrying that they weren’t good enough. Two side characters, a unicorn and a teenage dragon lend extra ears to their issues, helping them explore feelings and knocking some sense into them. Like many romance stories though, it would be a lot shorter if our couple would just bloody talk to each other. 

For what I assumed was going to be a nice little romance story, the amount of world building was frankly impressive. The magic system is delightful as well as useful, the history intriguing and the different types of fae are a lot of fun. I would have loved to spend more time in Drakarr’s village, Luna’s way of writing really brings it to life in glorious technicolour, and I honestly may petition her to write a whole novel where the main characters don’t leave the village, just some slice of life hominess, with maybe a brawl or two at the pub, because dammit it’s hot when orcs fight. 

Spice is plentiful in “Bound to the Orc Warlord”, no one shall lack for spice, but I will admit this is where the book falls flat for me. Personal opinion and all but it was a bit cringey and felt very different from the rest of the book. The casual cheerfulness and modernity of the non smutty scenes contrasts harshly with what I would describe as “if Hallmark produced 18+ content”. Despite the very intriguing attributes of orc cocks (jacobs ladder piercings, aphrodisiac cum and the ability to morph into whatever turns the partner on most) it just seemed very old fashioned. And don’t get me started on calling clits “pearls”. Stop it. It’s just not good. Ew. 

Despite the spice being less than great for me, this book is incredibly enjoyable, especially for fantasy fans who just need a break from heavier reads. It’s well thought out, well paced and there is plenty of it (several sequels) if you fancy a binge. I enjoyed it so much I have read further in the series and while Luna definitely sticks to a strict formula for these books (very predictable) it’s still a quick and fun read. I will admit to sort of “fast forwarding” through the smut, which is a shame when that’s what I’m really after, but the characters and world building keep me coming back for more. 

Would bother.