The Orc and Her Bride

Sapphic Orcs of Torden, Book 1

De: Lila Gwynn

Narrado por: Krystal Hammond

Sapphic fantasy romance with a monstrous twist . . .

RUGA KARRSDAUGHTER, dutiful orc princess with a heart of gold, has spent the years since her sister was elected queen serving the orc country of Torden. Her duties now include marrying an elf princess for a much-needed alliance against an outside threat.

ELKETH CERIDWEN, rakish elf princess with a penchant for chaos, has never lifted a finger in her life. Now that an engagement is sprung upon her by the stern elvish king, she has to fulfill a fifty-day betrothal period in Torden surrounded by strangers . . . unless she can wreak enough havoc to get sent back home.

These poor orcs don't know what they're in for.

©2023 Lila Gwynn (P)2024 Tantor

Enjoyed

Really liked this when I read last year. Was so excited when I saw it was released on audio as well. Narrator was decent.

Fantastic writing that makes you love a character you thoroughly hated

I enjoyed this book very much I have read and listened to many books but few have made me go from hating a character to loving the character by the end it’s a testament to the excellent storytelling and pacing on display in this book I’m not one for “spice” but even that was written in a mature and meaningful way

I need a part 2!

This is an amazingly well written book. I hated Elketh for most of the book but buy the end I understood her better. Ruga was amazing and a likable MC. It was a really good book and worth the credit and time.

Meh

Stories about doormats is not my thing. This story, with how the narrator read, is a downer. I felt I need a therapist or a priest after listening to it.

Seriously unpleasant MC

The elf is a serious jerk. "Bratty" doesn't even begin to cover it. It's infuriating. Ruga deserves better. Skip it.

unlikeable character overshadows romance. NOT in a good way

I wanted to give this 2.5 stars, but i can't. So I guess 2 will do

To call Elketh unlikeable or a brat is an understatement. She spends most of the book being a terrible self-centered person, going so far as to destroy a sacred item to the Orcs of Torden just so she could potentially be exiled back home. And she doesnt even face any real consequences for her actions. Sure, she eventually gets exiled back home, the marriage proposal is called off, and she loses her position as heir, but only for like a week. Maybe if the book was longer and didnt take place in the span of around 2 months I could find this acceptable and believeable. And don't get me wrong, 'unlikeable' characters can end up being great characters. Elketh is not one of those to me.

Ruga isnt perfect either. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOOVE strong orc ladies, but not just physically strong. I get that she's supposed to be soft and gentle-hearted, but she's kind of a doormat at times. And far too forgiving with Elketh. She doesnt speak up for herself, and is far too gentle when calling Elketh out for her terrible behaviors. She's too quick to forgive and forget on the off chance that Elketh MIGHT want to marry her.

I was excited to listen to this at first but with having an extremely unlikeable character and the narrator's weirdly sad soft voice, I'm disappointed and unsatisfied with the ending. I dont feel like Elketh deserved a happy ending so quickly, and Ruga deserved someone far better.

Tl;Dr, spoiled princess is sent away for marriage, breaks fiancee's family heirloom, and is grounded for a week. Still gets a happy ending. The End.

Meh.

Both the MC and main love interest are not particularly likable. The mc is a kind loving person but is she has no spine or opinions. Love interest is a selfish snot. I was enjoying the character development and relationship building, but then the ending was super rushed. It felt like the author was told they have a deadline and needed to wrap everything up in a nice bow.

Performance was good. I think the author had some good ideas and could put out some good books. As long as they don’t rush it and force the story to end in a traditional way, if thats clearly not where its headed.

I would not have recommend this to anyone. Overall it’s a “meh” for me, something to put in my earbuds as background noise.