Orcs

By: Stan Nicholls

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 24 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

"LOOK AT ME. LOOK AT THE ORC."

"There is fear and hatred in your eyes. To you I am a monster, a skulker in the shadows, a fiend to scare your children with. A creature to be hunted down and slaughtered llike a beast in the fields.

"It is time you pay heed to the beast. And see the beast in yourself. I have your fear. But I have earned your respect.

"Hear my story. Feel the flow of blood and be thankful. Thankful that it was me, not you, who bore the sword. Thankful to the Orcs: born to fight, destined to win peace for all."

Combining the international best-selling trilogy Bodyguard of Lightning, Legion of Thunder, and Warriors of the Tempest - plus a new short story previously available only in a small-press anthology - Orcs presents the entire story of Stryke and his band of Orcs. A fast-moving, action-packed, tongue-in-cheek saga of Orc valor and human treachery.

©2008 Stan Nicholls (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Nicholls captures adventure fantasy at its very best.... This edition...will be a cult classic with quest fantasy fans on both sides of the Pond." ( Publishers Weekly)

Overlooked but enjoyable series

I would love to listen to this series again. In the scifi world some authors and books go unheard because they aren't part of a well known catalogue. This is one of those series. I was introduced to the Orcs a few years ago by a man the is very picky about his fiction. I took the time to read it and then to purchase it on audial book and I have never been disappointed.

The characters are well formed and well developed. Strike is an Orc leader that allows you to actually get behind and route for the Orc cause. Something very foreign to me (and most) because of how Orcs are portrayed in most mainstream fantasy. The writing is excellent. The narration is done very well, also. The reader adds the little bits that make the characters come to life in the way you would expect from reading the books.

Overall, this series will continue to be overlooked because of the fact that there is no Orc movie and the casual reader will be distracted by the fancy worlds that make it onto the big screen. This statement is a shame to me, because this, may not be a well known read, but it was one of the best trilogies I have read in while. Hopefully Orcs will enjoy more exposure in the future and more people will enjoy what is a wonderful experience.

Enjoyed Orcs

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was a nice surprise for me. The auhor and performance keep me engaged. There was a few times when the story slowed down too much but overall I enjoyed the story and performance.

Extremely underwhelming

Too much plot armor & convenience, 1 dimensional characters, chaotic mess, waste of yout time

Great story, really enjoyed some of the characters

Really great story, really likes trying to figure out the powers of the stars before they were revealed. take the time to listen to this one. or ever read it

perfect fantasy

loved iy a great fantasy tale with realistic views on combat and everday life. great

bodacious story

excellent story. good characters. bodacious listen. must read for any lovers of fantasy. buy this!

Waits too late..

Interesting read following small group of elite orcs who are part of a war band. Good development of an interesting villain. But, there is world building that is saved to the very end which was probably meant to act as a huge twist, but makes the reader feel it’s a bit of a cop out / deus ex machina.
I can’t help feeling that if the reveal had come earlier, it would have made for a more compelling world and given the reader a sense of urgency behind the action that feels lacking in certain parts.
The protagonist does make a good anti-hero.

Overall, It was a solid effort to turn traditional high fantasy on its ear by storytelling from the traditional ‘boss encounter’ point of view.

interesting take on a classic genre

a unique take on the classic fantasy setting I really enjoyed the story told here if for no other reason then it stands apart from the typical fantasy tale

A wonderful portrayal of often reviled beings

This story introduced to me, the humanity of a previously savage and brutal race. I was drawn into the bands characters and toils. Now, I can only come to the conclusion that this particular band excelled greatly at its profession from the overwhelming odds they overcame along their journey. The conclusion leaves me wanting more of the story. I can't wait to see what comes next.

Great story but not very Orcish

I loved the story in general. However, its clear to me the author is not familiar with Orcs. Leave no Orc behind, Caring for their own wounded, group comradiary, noble and honorable quest. Large worded vocabulary, military ranks and structures, organized addressing superiors as aa Sir! "Reporting as instructed Sir! Philosophical debates about existence... These are NOT ORC TRAITS!! They have all the behaviors of a proud, well honed, British naval troop!!!

If you take this into account.. forget it's supposed to be an Orc story... its a good listen though, GREAT performance, just not an Orc story by any stretch of the imagination.