29 Epic Fantasy Books About Orcs
In the mystical realm where ink meets imagination, Orcs stand ready to invade your bookshelf, armed with axes, a touch of mischief, and a penchant for peculiarities.
These literary juggernauts are not just green-skinned brutes; they’re the unsung heroes of epic tales and the misunderstood poets of fantastical sagas.
The fantasy books on this list are more than mere narratives; they’re epic sagas that swing between the realms of whimsy and warcraft. As you embark on this adventure, you’ll find yourself enchanted by characters who prove that orcs aren’t just brawn – they’ve got brains, too!
Grunts by Mary Gentle
The fantasy world gets a makeover as orcs take center stage in a tale of chaos and comedic mayhem.
Typical fantasy tropes are turned on their heads as these unconventional heroes stumble upon a treasure trove of enchanted military gear.
What ensues is a riotous and plot-twisting adventure as the orcs, armed with newfound magic and unexpected intellect, challenge the established norms of the genre.
With twists, turns, and a hearty dose of humor, Grunts invites readers into a fantasy world where orcs prove that there’s more to their story than meets the eye.
The Weight of Blood by David Dalglish
In The Weight of Blood, we follow half-blood brothers Harruq and Qurrah Tun, initially seeking escape from their grim origins. Pledged to the death prophet Velixar, they morph into his most formidable disciples, tasked with leading an army of the undead.
However, as war erupts, alliances shift, and the brothers find themselves on divergent paths.
Harruq, once a street-savvy oaf, trains with the elf Aurelia, altering their friendship’s course when Velixar commands them to fight alongside humans.
The narrative weaves through dark humor, intense battles, and the brothers’ descent into evil acts, making The Weight of Blood a gripping, morally complex fantasy that challenges conventional heroism.
Honor Among Orcs by Amalia Dillin
Princess Arianna’s life is a tapestry of torment, trapped in a world of political intrigue and an abusive father. Desperate for an escape from her cruel fate, she stumbles upon a magical mirror imprisoning Bolthorn, a handsome orc and her unlikely ally.
Bolthorn, tortured by a human king, finds unexpected kindness in Arianna. As they join forces to break free from their confines, their journey leads them through a perilous mountain pass, unveiling not only the icy dangers of the winter but the intricacies of a budding romance.
The story of Arianna and Bolthorn continues in the rest of the Orc Saga in Blood of The Queen and The Queen and her Brook Horse.
The Lady and the Orc by Finley Fenn
Lady Norr’s life of genteel poverty takes a drastic turn when her home falls prey to marauding orcs led by the fearsome Grimarr.
Condemned to a childless, cruel marriage, she becomes the captive of the infamous orc captain. Grimarr, with a wicked plan to end the war, sees Lady Norr as the perfect snare for her husband.
As they journey toward Orc Mountain, Lady Norr is ensnared not just by chains but also by the forbidden desires awakened by Grimarr.
In a perilous game of alliances and desires, she must decide if surrendering everything to this deadly orc is the key to salvation.
Her Orc King by Zoe Ashwood
In Her Orc King, a captive of slavers finds herself in the clutches of brutal orcs.
The lowest point in her turbulent journey unfolds when Gorvor, a massive and scarred orc king, claims her as his mate, refusing to release her from his cave.
Despite the orcish customs she despises, Gorvor insists on caring for her both physically and emotionally. Within the secretive orc kingdom, as trouble brews and hidden truths emerge, she becomes entwined in the complexities of orc society.
Struggling with her decision to return to the human world, the narrative weaves a fantasy romance between a scarred hero, King Gorvor, and a resolute human heroine, exploring themes of captivity, size differences, and passionate connections.
The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French
Set off on a wild ride through the gritty and dangerous world of the Half-Orcs, known as the Grey Bastards.
Led by Jackal, a cunning and fierce leader, this brotherhood of half-human, half-orc warriors guards the borderlands against various threats.
As they ride their war hogs across the desolate landscape, they uncover a dark conspiracy that challenges their loyalty and forces them to question their place in a world that has never fully accepted them.
Packed with action, humor, and a unique blend of fantasy elements, French crafts a compelling and unapologetically gritty narrative that explores camaraderie, loyalty, and the pursuit of freedom in a harsh and unforgiving land.
Orcs First Blood Trilogy by Stan Nicholls
In Stan Nicholls’ Orcs First Blood Trilogy, beginning with Bodyguard of Lightning, readers are thrust into a raucous and thrilling tale centered around a warband of orcs led by Stryke.
Serving the formidable Sorceress Queen Jennesta, who is half-human and half-Nayad, the orcs, including the dwarf Jup and the rival orc Hazeem, embark on a quest driven by visions from the lost orc scholar, Mobbs.
References to ancient magical relics known as instrumentalities, or Stars, set the stage for a break from Jennesta’s army. This daring move unfolds a captivating narrative filled with battles, diverse fantasy races, and intriguing portrayals of humans as dangerous and magical essence-draining beings.
The trilogy, with Legion of Thunder and Warriors of the Tempest, challenges classical fantasy tropes, turning orcs into protagonists and exploring themes of racism and environmental issues.
Halfling by S.E. Wendel
Orek, a half-orc, half-human, fights for acceptance in a clan that wants to reject him.
Born to a deposed orc chief and a human captive, he strives doubly to prove his worth. His solitary existence takes an unforeseen turn when he rescues Sorcha, a human woman captured by the clan.
Choosing to protect her jeopardizes the fragile standing he’s earned. Sorcha, seeking adventure, finds herself in orc captivity.
Contrary to her beliefs, Orek emerges as a gentle savior. As they flee through the perilous forest, pursued by trackers, Sorcha battles trust issues while Orek gradually reveals his true self.
Halfling explores acceptance, trust, and the unexpected bonds formed amid adversity.
Lord of the Clans by Christie Golden
Lord of the Clans delves into the turbulent world of Azeroth, following the captivating tale of Thrall, a young orc destined for greatness.
Captured and enslaved by humans, Thrall endures the harshness of captivity until he escapes, discovering his true identity and destiny as a shaman.
Guided by visions and a profound connection to the elements, Thrall seeks to unite the orcish clans, facing internal strife and external threats.
Golden weaves a rich narrative, exploring themes of identity, honor, and the complex relationships between the Horde and Alliance factions. This is a compelling addition to the World of Warcraft universe, offering a deeper understanding of one of its most iconic characters.
The Banner of the Broken Orc by Aiden L. Turner
Uncover a tale of dark allure as the malevolent Dark Lord extends his call, tempting with wealth and power.
Jacob, the Prince of men, known for his benevolence and strength, undergoes a transformation fueled by an animal rage, emerging as a warrior reborn with god-given powers.
Surrounded by loyal, scarred warriors, Jacob’s commitment to vengeance intensifies when his true love is captured by his sadistic uncle. Wading through blood and battling orcs, goblins, and monstrous foes, Jacob faces a pivotal choice: resist the Darkness or succumb to its grasp.
As the Dark Lord’s influence spreads, only Jacob, champion of light, stands against the encroaching malevolence, armed with unparalleled skill and divine strength.
A Gathering of Ravens by Scott Oden
Readers are transported to a dark and immersive world steeped in Norse mythology. The tale unfolds with Grimnir, a monstrous and vengeful being known as an orc, seeking retribution for the destruction of his kind.
As the last of his kind, Grimnir is driven by a deep-rooted hatred for those who exterminated his race. His quest for vengeance becomes entwined with a larger struggle involving gods, men, and mythical creatures.
Grimnir’s journey is a brutal and captivating exploration of honor, revenge, and the clash between mortal and immortal forces in a world where the boundaries between myth and reality blur.
Claimed by the Orc Prince by Lionel Hart
Prince Taegan Glynzeiros, an elven warrior, is destined to lead armies against orc invaders. However, a twist of fate alters his path when a peace treaty mandates that he marry Zorvut the Relentless, the third son of the orc leader.
Forced into an arranged marriage, Taegan discovers Zorvut to be surprisingly intelligent and thoughtful, defying orc stereotypes.
Though hesitant to fall in love, their union proves deeper than expected, bound by ancient elven magic.
As they navigate the challenges of their political marriage, a dark secret threatens their newfound peace.
Arrndgros by Pyotr Andreyev
In the realm of orcs, often perceived as savage and mindless monsters, a deeper truth emerges in Arrndgros. Beyond the ferocious battlefront, orcish tribes reveal a complex tapestry of culture, spirituality, and tradition.
Whether dwelling in highlands, dense forests, or sailing the seas for resources, each tribe contributes to the diverse orcish way of life. Common threads unite them, emphasizing warrior cultures that prize strength, bravery, and combat skill.
In the cyclical rhythm of orcish existence, the annual surge of Arrndgros, an indefinable emotion resonating among warriors, heralds rites of manhood, territorial reclamation, tribal gatherings, and the inevitable ebb and flow of wars – for glory, death, or both.
A Demon in the Desert by Ashe Armstrong
In the harsh desert landscape, disgraced orc paladin Grimluk battles not only the scorching sands but also the supernatural.
When a demonic force threatens the desert tribes, Grimluk is reluctantly drawn into a quest to save them.
Grimluk’s journey is a tapestry of action, magic, and dark forces. Armstrong crafts a compelling narrative, blending elements of traditional fantasy with a unique spin on orcs and demons.
As the desert becomes a battleground for good and evil, A Demon in the Desert promises a gripping adventure filled with intrigue and supernatural encounters.
Fixer by James Jakins
Jack Bloodfist embodies the unconventional role of a mediator for the orc and goblin communities in Summervale, Virginia.
Acting as a fixer, Jack navigates the challenges of tribal tensions, ensuring the goblins’ well-being and persuading the local police to turn a blind eye to certain matters.
His responsibilities extend to the intricate dynamics of his family, a unique blend of orc and goblin heritage, who were relocated to Earth by a wizard seeking to protect them from vengeful paladins.
As Jack juggles family affairs, including welcoming new arrivals and handling the fallout of a murderous paladin seeking revenge, his life takes unexpected turns.
Agnarr’s Teacher by Jenifer Wood
Piper’s ordinary day takes a bizarre turn when she’s unexpectedly abducted and transported to the distant planet of Niflheim.
Stranded in a forested realm among the Orkin, a well-meaning but unfamiliar alien species, Piper grapples with her anxiety. Here, she embarks on a perilous journey through the wild forest, trailed by Agnarr, a skilled warrior orc who can’t shake the image of the small, lovely human from his mind.
As Piper and Agnarr navigate the challenges of their unique connection, the narrative unfolds with a blend of humor, romance, and fantasy.
Piper’s feisty yet anxious nature clashes with Agnarr’s protective and caring demeanor, creating a dynamic relationship.
The Orc King by R.A. Salvatore
As the orc tribes gather under a new and powerful leader, Obould Many-Arrows, the uneasy peace between orcs, dwarves, and humans is threatened.
Drizzt Do’Urden, the dark elf, finds himself in the midst of this escalating conflict. Wulfgar, a former companion of Drizzt, also plays a crucial role as he faces the challenges of leadership among the dwarves.
With political intrigue, epic battles, and the enduring themes of friendship and redemption, The Orc King explores the consequences of shifting alliances and the impact of leadership on the fate of the Forgotten Realms.
The Orc King is part of the Transitions series within the larger Forgotten Realms universe.
Harvest of War by Charles Allen Gramlich
In a turbulent war involving Orcs, Humans, and menacing Reapers, victory appears elusive, especially for the vulnerable ensnared in the conflict.
Khales, a lone Orc survivor, finds an unexpected connection with Ehma, a compassionate red-haired girl, challenging the enmity between their races. As humans seek Orc annihilation, Ehma disrupts the norm by befriending Khales and unraveling preconceived notions.
Amid the chaos, the common enemy of Reapers heightens the stakes. Khales and Ehma forge an unlikely alliance, challenging the course of their destinies.
This emotionally charged short story delves into the complexities of war, compassion, and transformative choices, offering a poignant exploration of disrupted prejudices and unforeseen alliances in a vividly depicted fantasy world.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Done with the drudgery of battle, orc Viv decides to trade in her sword for a different kind of adventure – opening the first coffee shop in Thune.
However, her dreams of a peaceful life aren’t easily realized as old rivals and the city’s shadowy underbelly conspire against her.
The story centers on Viv and weaves a tale of reinvention, friendship, and the unexpected connections formed on the uncharted path.
As Viv strives to build her coffee shop amidst challenges, the narrative unfolds to reveal themes of found family, love, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.
The Orc Wife by S.J. Sanders
Stranded in the mountains during a snowstorm after her cheating boyfriend abandons her, Sammi faces a life-threatening situation.
Alone and vulnerable, she experiences an accident that leads to unconsciousness. When she awakens, she’s in a warm cabin, greeted by Orgath – an orc, a creature of fantasy.
Orgath, an exile and the son of a defeated chieftain, rescues Sammi and brings her home as a companion. As they spend time together, they discover that there’s more to humans and orcs than they once believed.
When passion ignites between them, their relationship takes an unexpected turn, opening up new possibilities they hadn’t imagined.
Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy by Honey Phillips
Elara, seeking refuge from corporate life, opens a coffee shop in Fairhaven Falls. Little does she expect that her neighbor, Grondar, a gruff orc who owns the bakery next door, would ignite sparks beyond just business rivalry.
Grondar, wary of human relationships, resists Elara’s charm and suspects her of sabotaging his bakery.
Despite their initial clashes, Elara can’t help but be drawn to the massive orc. When he unexpectedly comes to her rescue, a new dynamic emerges.
Will they overcome their differences and the ongoing rivalry to build a future together?
Candy for My Orc Boss by Ava Ross
Chastity, seeking a fresh start after a painful breakup, takes a job in a small town, hoping for a new beginning. A chance encounter with Maxon, a charming and protective orc, leads to a passionate one-night stand.
Little does Chastity know, Maxon is not just a fling – he’s her new boss. According to orc tradition, their encounter means they’re married.
As they navigate this unexpected twist, Chastity and Maxon discover a deep connection and undeniable chemistry. Despite Chastity’s initial reservations, Maxon’s caring and patient nature breaks down her walls.
Together, they explore the complexities of their relationship, proving that love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
Cookies for My Orc Neighbor by Michelle Mills
On Valentine’s Day, curiosity gets the better of a woman living next door to a mysterious, massive Orc.
The gruff neighbor, often shunned by the community, works from home and rarely ventures outside. Despite his intimidating appearance, she senses an underlying sadness. Determined to brighten his day, she bakes a plate of her famous sugar cookies and decides to brave the encounter.
Rumors circulate about Orcs claiming brides during the dark winter, warning her against disturbing him. Undeterred, she approaches, offering a sweet gesture of kindness.
Little does she know that this act of compassion might unravel the mysteries surrounding her big, green neighbor and lead to an unexpected connection on this Valentine’s Day.
The Orc from the Office by Kate Prior
In the midst of corporate chaos, Janice, a no-nonsense HR professional, accidentally breaks Khent’s glasses, unleashing a whirlwind of consequences.
Khent, a socially awkward orc from the IT Department, is thrust into an unexpected mate-bond with Janice. With their stereotypical roles, they attempt to resist the allure of their connection. Fate, however, has a different plan.
As they navigate orc porn mishaps, remedial phishing training, and a relentless bond, Janice and Khent find themselves drawn together despite their best efforts.
With a company laptop requiring Khent’s IT expertise and a bond that refuses to be ignored, staying apart becomes a humorous challenge.
Property of the Green Bastards by Flora Quincy
Axe, the monstrous ruler of the Badlands and President of the Green Bastards MC, faces a perilous threat to his territory.
Determined to eliminate any danger, he encounters Dinah, a human woman whose presence triggers primal instincts. However, when her secret is unveiled, Axe must navigate the thin line between club loyalty and protecting the one person he can’t live without.
Dinah, surviving in the human world by concealing her past and altering her appearance, seizes a dream job in the orc-controlled Badlands for a fresh start.
Yet, the revelation of her family’s betrayal to the Green Bastards endangers her life. In a tumultuous clash with Axe, she confronts her deepest desires and fears.
The Orc’s Bride by Layla Fae
In a world ruled by orcs, Una seeks revenge for her family’s death. Orc general Urgan offers her passage to the Orc capital, but his ulterior motive surfaces – he desires her to be his mate.
Forced into a perilous orc courtship, Una must feign attraction while harboring her own agenda. As the journey progresses, Una unravels the complexities of Urgan’s character, challenging her deep-seated prejudices.
Struggling with hatred for orcs and unexpected emotions, Una faces the dilemma of falling for her deadliest enemy.
This dystopian monster romance, with its unique world, explores revenge, prejudice, and the intricacies of love, ending with a happy for now and lingering unresolved plot issues.
This is the first book in The Silver Fury series, including The Orc’s Wife and The Orc’s Empress.
Promised to the Orc by Sue Mercury
Promised to the Orc Guardian, our protagonist faces an impending union with the fearsome Gregor the Slayer.
Bound to leave the human realm, the prospect of marrying a notoriously cruel Orc Guardian looms. Fearing the consequences for her village, escape seems futile.
Yet, in the midst of dread, Gregor reveals an unexpected gentleness and sweetness reserved for her alone.
As protective and possessive tendencies surface, the contrasting worlds they inhabit threaten to strain their connection.
Will she navigate the challenges of marrying the big, growly orc, or will the stark differences between their realms prove insurmountable?
Orc-Ward Encounters by Sam Hall
In the realm of love, Laila, a plus-sized woman, finds herself facing an unusual challenge. After stumbling through a portal to another dimension, she lands in the arms of Vargan, Kren, and Ghain – three massive orc warriors who speak of courting her.
In their world, women are rare and seen as gifts from goddesses, and these orcs are determined to unwrap Laila, not just for a fleeting encounter but for a love that spans a lifetime.
Torn between two worlds, Laila grapples with the choice of staying with her family and friends or embracing a newfound love that tugs at her heart.
Orc-Ward Encounters is a delightful blend of romance and self-discovery, where curvy Laila navigates through insecurities and finds love in the most unexpected realm.
The Half-Orc’s Maiden Bride by Ruby Dixon
Lady Iolanthe of Rockmourn Keep, a tall and impoverished woman of thirty, despairs of finding a husband. Her father, however, claims to have arranged a marriage with a wealthy and impressively tall bridegroom.
To Iolanthe’s delight, she discovers that her betrothed is kind, encourages her reading, and provides pleasure in unexpected ways.
However, Iolanthe is taken aback when she realizes her future husband is a Half-Orc.
Despite her initial horror, she discovers Agakor to be a noble warrior, more than she ever dared to hope for.
Overall, The Half-Orc’s Maiden Bride offers a lighter and humorous take on romance with unexpected twists and delightful moments.
