Sins of the Orc by Finley Fenn is a standalone novel that takes place before The Lady and the Orc of the Orc Sworn series. The orcs of this world are brutal, and one doesn’t dare wear their heart on their sleeve. Survival depends on being tough, playing your role, and saying whatever your enemies (or allies) want to hear.
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Sins of the Orc (Orc Forged Book 1)
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(you can find my rating and spice system here)
POV & Tense: Single POV, third limited, past tense
Genre: MM Fantasy Romance
Tropes/Themes: Enemies to Lovers, Orc Wars, Healer/Patient, Forbidden Romance, Magic, Scent, Mutiny, Hurt/Comfort, Healing, Unconditional Love, Magical Healing Cock
Synopsis:
From the moment they meet Kesst and Healer Efterar butt heads, trading barbs and saying things they can’t take back. But shortly after, a mortally wounded Kesst is at the healer’s mercy. He expects retaliation but finds kindness instead—kindness he doesn’t deserve. The healer’s magic is intoxicating, his bedside manner addictive, and despite the dangers, Kesst is falling for his enemy.
One always paid respects to Kaugir, before all else. One always simpered and smiled, never showing anger or weariness or disgust. One never risked speaking one’s true thoughts, because one might very quickly become an example, an entertainment, for the rest of the hungry mob.
My Review:
Kesst is his own worst enemy (but he comes by it honestly, given the environment he’s grown up in). While he plays the game well with the orcs in power, with healer Efterar (Eft), he has no filter. It goes two ways. Sometimes he opens his mouth and all the hatred he’s experienced over the years comes spilling out, attacking Eft’s character and appearance with vile words. But at other times, Kesst confesses his feelings, his darkest secrets, things he’d never willingly admit to (yet does so easily in Eft’s presence).
Eft is stoic, doesn’t care what other orcs think about him, and has no self-preservation. As a dedicated healer, he does what needs to be done. The way he cares for Kesst, despite their ugly history, is beautiful, and I loved it so much when his reasons for doing so are revealed.
Sensory Details
One of my favorite things about this story is the sensory details, specifically the sense of smell and the feel of magic. I love how sensitive the orcish sense of smell is, and how with one sniff they can smell every orc that’s ever touched Kesst. The dalliance between Kesst and Eft is extremely dangerous because the orc Kesst serves will smell the treachery instantly.
I also adored the magnificent ancient magic wielded by Eft and Kesst’s visceral reaction to it, how he feels it inside him and craves it. How they merge so completely it’s as though they’re inside each other.
Despite himself, Kesst twitched a step back toward the camp tunnel’s grimy wall behind him, while an odd curious chill flickered up his spine. Magic. This stuffy grump healer had the old Ash-Kai magic, of course he did—and of course Kesst would be able to taste it. Like knowing like, and all that rubbish.
Unconditional Love / Emotional Healing
This is a heavy tale, and the orcs in charge have damaged Kesst’s sense of self-worth. He doesn’t see himself as someone worthwhile; he’s only there to please. But to Eft he’s so much more, and it’s both glorious and painful for Kesst. The healing journey is fraught with pain and emotion, but so satisfying.
“You’re—sure,” Eft’s voice croaked, his breaths panting. “Sure you want it. No pretending. No exaggerating. No doing something because you think it’s want I want.”
Final Thoughts:
I loved Eft and Kesst together, as well as the intricacies of orcish society, and I’m curious now about the Orc Sworn series, which begins with Grimarr’s story (Kesst’s friend). I’m also really excited for Orc Forged book two, The Fall of the Orc, which is Olarr’s story.
Sins of the Orc by Finley Fenn (Orc Forged Book 1)
Author Stalking (but not in a creepy way):
Finley Fenn is the author of two orc romance series and a series about mages.
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~~If you like spicy books with orcs, check out my Orc Rec List ~~
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