D BOHICA's Blog
November 11, 2025
SWIFT-RIVER: The Copper Dragon Who Survived Hell
Breach of Balance
Yesterday I introduced Zirien and the three brothers who forged Beculum. Today, meet the druid who paid the highest price.
Swift-River. Half-elf druid. Copper dragon blood. Analytical mind.
And three years as Ruby's mind-controlled slave.
What Ruby Did to Her
Ruby didn't just capture Swift-River. He enslaved her mind. Forced her to betray other druids. To help capture innocents. To watch as he transformed them into vessels for his experiments.
She remembers every face. Every betrayal she couldn't stop. Every moment of being a weapon against her own people.
One memory haunts her: Thorn-Oak, a young druid from the Eastern Circle. She approached him under the guise of knowledge exchange. Led him straight to Ruby's trap. Watched Ruby transform him into a vessel. The experiment failed. Thorn-Oak didn't survive.
She never got to tell him she wasn't acting of her own will.
The Cost of Freedom
Now free, Swift-River risks everything to warn the clans. She infiltrates Ruby's citadel. She breaks druidic law to help forge Beculum. She pays in blood for every scrying spell—literally. Her nose bleeds. Her copper scales flicker with strain. Her body breaks down from the magic.
But she does it anyway. Because she knows what Ruby is capable of. Because she carries the guilt of what he forced her to do.
Why This Matters
Swift-River represents survivors who become warriors. People who've been broken but refuse to stay broken. Who turn their trauma into fuel for resistance.
The book doesn't romanticize her pain. It shows the cost. The bleeding. The trembling hands. The memories that won't let go.
But it also shows her choosing to fight despite all of it.
Tomorrow: The conflict between Zirien and Adamar—when good people disagree about how to fight evil.
Reader question: What's your favorite "survivor becomes warrior" character arc in fantasy?
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Trauma & Recovery | Dark Fantasy
Yesterday I introduced Zirien and the three brothers who forged Beculum. Today, meet the druid who paid the highest price.
Swift-River. Half-elf druid. Copper dragon blood. Analytical mind.
And three years as Ruby's mind-controlled slave.
What Ruby Did to Her
Ruby didn't just capture Swift-River. He enslaved her mind. Forced her to betray other druids. To help capture innocents. To watch as he transformed them into vessels for his experiments.
She remembers every face. Every betrayal she couldn't stop. Every moment of being a weapon against her own people.
One memory haunts her: Thorn-Oak, a young druid from the Eastern Circle. She approached him under the guise of knowledge exchange. Led him straight to Ruby's trap. Watched Ruby transform him into a vessel. The experiment failed. Thorn-Oak didn't survive.
She never got to tell him she wasn't acting of her own will.
The Cost of Freedom
Now free, Swift-River risks everything to warn the clans. She infiltrates Ruby's citadel. She breaks druidic law to help forge Beculum. She pays in blood for every scrying spell—literally. Her nose bleeds. Her copper scales flicker with strain. Her body breaks down from the magic.
But she does it anyway. Because she knows what Ruby is capable of. Because she carries the guilt of what he forced her to do.
Why This Matters
Swift-River represents survivors who become warriors. People who've been broken but refuse to stay broken. Who turn their trauma into fuel for resistance.
The book doesn't romanticize her pain. It shows the cost. The bleeding. The trembling hands. The memories that won't let go.
But it also shows her choosing to fight despite all of it.
Tomorrow: The conflict between Zirien and Adamar—when good people disagree about how to fight evil.
Reader question: What's your favorite "survivor becomes warrior" character arc in fantasy?
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Trauma & Recovery | Dark Fantasy
November 10, 2025
THE DRUIDS: When Observers Become Warriors
The druids in Breach of Balance aren't background characters. They're the ones who break everything open.
Meet the people who decide that watching genocide isn't neutral. It's complicity.
Zirien - The Former Grand Druid Who Chose Action
Charismatic, warm, theatrical. Zirien is the kind of leader people follow into fire. Literally.
He was Grand Druid once. Leader of the druidic order. Then his term ended and Adamar took over with a different philosophy: observe, document, wait for the Balance Doctrine's 20% threshold before acting.
Zirien watched dragons systematically exterminate orc clans. Watched villages burn. Watched children die.
And he said: No. Not on my watch.
He forges Beculum (the dragon-slaying sword) with his brothers using forbidden magic. He risks everything—his reputation, his standing, his relationships—to give Roar'Z a weapon that can fight back.
The Three Brothers
Zirien doesn't act alone:
Iandel - Tactical, cynical, deadly with a bow. "Wolves!" is his favorite curse. Sees through political bullshit.
Streed - Theatrical sorcerer with silver magic. Gives everyone ridiculous titles ("Emperor of Impossible Situations"). Comic relief who's also terrifyingly competent.
Together they break every druidic rule to forge a weapon from dragon remains. They know the cost. They do it anyway.
The Balance Doctrine - The Rule They Break
Druids observe until a species hits 20% population remaining before intervening.
Orcs are at 17%. Still above threshold.
Zirien's response: "These aren't numbers on a slate. They're people."
The Question
When does principle become cowardice? When does observation become complicity?
Zirien chooses action. And that choice cascades through everything that follows.
Reader question: What's your favorite "rebel within the system" character in fantasy?
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Political Fantasy
Meet the people who decide that watching genocide isn't neutral. It's complicity.
Zirien - The Former Grand Druid Who Chose Action
Charismatic, warm, theatrical. Zirien is the kind of leader people follow into fire. Literally.
He was Grand Druid once. Leader of the druidic order. Then his term ended and Adamar took over with a different philosophy: observe, document, wait for the Balance Doctrine's 20% threshold before acting.
Zirien watched dragons systematically exterminate orc clans. Watched villages burn. Watched children die.
And he said: No. Not on my watch.
He forges Beculum (the dragon-slaying sword) with his brothers using forbidden magic. He risks everything—his reputation, his standing, his relationships—to give Roar'Z a weapon that can fight back.
The Three Brothers
Zirien doesn't act alone:
Iandel - Tactical, cynical, deadly with a bow. "Wolves!" is his favorite curse. Sees through political bullshit.
Streed - Theatrical sorcerer with silver magic. Gives everyone ridiculous titles ("Emperor of Impossible Situations"). Comic relief who's also terrifyingly competent.
Together they break every druidic rule to forge a weapon from dragon remains. They know the cost. They do it anyway.
The Balance Doctrine - The Rule They Break
Druids observe until a species hits 20% population remaining before intervening.
Orcs are at 17%. Still above threshold.
Zirien's response: "These aren't numbers on a slate. They're people."
The Question
When does principle become cowardice? When does observation become complicity?
Zirien chooses action. And that choice cascades through everything that follows.
Reader question: What's your favorite "rebel within the system" character in fantasy?
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Political Fantasy
November 9, 2025
SERIES OR STANDALONE? What You're Committing To
The question everyone asks: Is this standalone or do I need to commit to a series?
Breach of Balance is Book 1 of The Rendara Chronicles trilogy. Here's what that means for you.
Does Book 1 end well?
Yes. Ruby is defeated. The clans are united. The romance between Roar'Z and KyKlaw fully resolves. You won't throw your Kindle.
But a bigger threat is revealed. Ruby was a puppet. Someone worse pulled his strings the entire time.
So it's a cliffhanger?
No. It's a complete story with series hooks.
The immediate problem (defeat Ruby, unite clans) is solved. The larger mystery (who's the Puppet Master?) continues into Book 2.
You'll feel satisfied. You'll also want Book 2 immediately.
Does the romance resolve?
YES. Fully in Book 1.
Roar'Z and KyKlaw get together, consummate their bond, publicly acknowledge their relationship, and resolve the blood debt obstacle. This isn't a romance trilogy where they spend three books getting together.
They're fully bonded by the end of Book 1. Books 2-3 are about them facing bigger threats together as partners.
What continues into Book 2?
The Puppet Master (real villain)
Roar'Z's sister Sinder (he discovers she exists and is imprisoned)
Three traitors among the clans
The larger threat to orc civilization
Release schedule:
Book 1: Breach of Balance (Nov 28, 2025)
Book 2: (Feb 14, 2026 - Valentine's Day)
Book 3: TBD
Less than 3 months between Books 1 and 2. I'm not making you wait a year.
Bottom line:
Each book tells a complete story. The trilogy tells the full epic. You can stop after Book 1 and feel satisfied. You won't want to.
Breach of Balance is Book 1 of The Rendara Chronicles trilogy. Here's what that means for you.
Does Book 1 end well?
Yes. Ruby is defeated. The clans are united. The romance between Roar'Z and KyKlaw fully resolves. You won't throw your Kindle.
But a bigger threat is revealed. Ruby was a puppet. Someone worse pulled his strings the entire time.
So it's a cliffhanger?
No. It's a complete story with series hooks.
The immediate problem (defeat Ruby, unite clans) is solved. The larger mystery (who's the Puppet Master?) continues into Book 2.
You'll feel satisfied. You'll also want Book 2 immediately.
Does the romance resolve?
YES. Fully in Book 1.
Roar'Z and KyKlaw get together, consummate their bond, publicly acknowledge their relationship, and resolve the blood debt obstacle. This isn't a romance trilogy where they spend three books getting together.
They're fully bonded by the end of Book 1. Books 2-3 are about them facing bigger threats together as partners.
What continues into Book 2?
The Puppet Master (real villain)
Roar'Z's sister Sinder (he discovers she exists and is imprisoned)
Three traitors among the clans
The larger threat to orc civilization
Release schedule:
Book 1: Breach of Balance (Nov 28, 2025)
Book 2: (Feb 14, 2026 - Valentine's Day)
Book 3: TBD
Less than 3 months between Books 1 and 2. I'm not making you wait a year.
Bottom line:
Each book tells a complete story. The trilogy tells the full epic. You can stop after Book 1 and feel satisfied. You won't want to.
November 7, 2025
THE BLOOD DEBT & MORAL COMPLEXITY
How do you love someone who caused your father's death?
During a combat challenge, Roar'Z wounds Chief Grico and offers him a choice: submit or die. Grico chooses death. "No orc chief serves the one who defeats him. Death before dishonor." He lets himself fall into shark-infested waters.
Roar'Z didn't kill him. Grico killed himself.
But by orc custom, there's still a blood debt. Roar'Z created the circumstances that forced that choice.
The impossible position:
KyKlaw has the right to demand blood payment. But the clans need Roar'Z alive to survive the dragon war.
She chooses to hold all three truths: "My father died by choice. But blood debt remains. Clan safety comes first."
Not forgiveness. Postponement. The debt exists, complicated by growing feelings neither asked for.
The moral question:
Did Roar'Z kill Grico, or did Grico kill himself? Is choosing death over submission honorable or selfish? Who bears responsibility when someone chooses death over dishonor?
The book refuses simple answers. And that's what makes it compelling.
Reader question: If someone creates circumstances that lead to another person choosing death, is that murder? Where do you stand?
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Dark Fantasy | Morally Complex Romance
During a combat challenge, Roar'Z wounds Chief Grico and offers him a choice: submit or die. Grico chooses death. "No orc chief serves the one who defeats him. Death before dishonor." He lets himself fall into shark-infested waters.
Roar'Z didn't kill him. Grico killed himself.
But by orc custom, there's still a blood debt. Roar'Z created the circumstances that forced that choice.
The impossible position:
KyKlaw has the right to demand blood payment. But the clans need Roar'Z alive to survive the dragon war.
She chooses to hold all three truths: "My father died by choice. But blood debt remains. Clan safety comes first."
Not forgiveness. Postponement. The debt exists, complicated by growing feelings neither asked for.
The moral question:
Did Roar'Z kill Grico, or did Grico kill himself? Is choosing death over submission honorable or selfish? Who bears responsibility when someone chooses death over dishonor?
The book refuses simple answers. And that's what makes it compelling.
Reader question: If someone creates circumstances that lead to another person choosing death, is that murder? Where do you stand?
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Dark Fantasy | Morally Complex Romance
November 1, 2025
WHY THIS ISN'T COZY FANTASY (And That's the Point)
Let's be clear: Breach of Balance is NOT cozy fantasy.
I'm seeing a lot of romantasy marketed as "cozy" right now. Magical bakeries. Low-stakes adventures. Soft magic and softer consequences. That's great. But it's not this book.
If you're looking for comfort reads, this isn't it. And I need you to know that before you start.
What cozy fantasy gives you:
Found family without loss
Magic without cost
Conflict without real danger
Romance without trauma
Adventure with guaranteed happy vibes
Enemies who become friends over tea
What Breach of Balance gives you:
Found family forged through survival and loss
Magic that burns you from the inside
War with civilian casualties.
Romance built on mutual trauma and hard-won trust Adventure where people die
Enemies who stay enemies (or become something more complicated)
The violence is real:
This book opens in a gladiatorial arena. Roar'Z is an enslaved fighter forced to kill for entertainment. The combat is graphic. People die. There's blood, broken bones, and psychological trauma.
When dragons attack orc settlements, civilians burn. Children die. Entire clans are wiped out. The genocide is systematic and brutal.
This isn't violence as set dressing. It shapes who the characters become. It leaves scars that don't heal with a love interest's smile.
The magic has consequences:
Roar'Z's fire magic burns him from the inside. Black tears form when he channels too much. His skin cracks under the strain. Using his power means destroying himself incrementally.
KyKlaw's sound magic damages her vocal cords. By the final battle, she can barely speak. The cost is permanent.
The druids who intervene lose their positions. Swift-River risks everything to help, and she pays for it.
Magic in this world isn't whimsical. It's dangerous. Even to the user.
The trauma doesn't disappear:
Roar'Z spent his entire life enslaved. That conditioning doesn't vanish because he falls in love. He still:
Defaults to violence when cornered
Struggles with trust Questions whether he deserves good things Hypervigilant and controlling
KyKlaw carries the weight of her father's death and her clan's near-extinction. She's not magically healed by romance. She's learning to carry those burdens differently.
The book doesn't offer easy fixes. It offers hard-won growth.
The stakes are extinction:
This isn't "will they save the bakery?" This is "will entire civilizations survive?"
Ruby and his dragon horde are systematically destroying orc clans. The threat is genocide. The battles are desperate. People make impossible choices with no good options.
Why I wrote it this way:
I love cozy fantasy. I read it when I need comfort. But that's not the story I wanted to tell.
I wanted to write about:
People who've been broken and are learning to fight anyway
Magic that costs something real
Found family that's chosen despite pain, not because of its absence
Romance between equals who've both survived hell
Victory that's earned, not given
This book is dark. But it's not grimdark.
There's hope here. There's love. There's found family and loyalty and moments of genuine joy.
But those things matter MORE because they're hard-won. Because the characters chose connection despite trauma. Because they're building something good in a world that tried to destroy them.
Who this book is for:
You want Joe Abercrombie's violence with Sarah J. Maas's romance. You like your fantasy dark but hopeful. You want battle couples who fight as equals. You're okay with graphic content if it serves the story. You want earned happy endings, not easy ones.
Who this book is NOT for:
You need cozy vibes. You want low-stakes adventures. You avoid graphic violence or trauma. You need your magic systems soft and consequence-free. You want instant healing through love.
The honesty matters:
I'd rather lose readers upfront than disappoint them halfway through. If you pick this up expecting cozy fantasy, you'll hate it. If you pick it up knowing it's dark epic fantasy with romantic elements, you might love it.
Cozy fantasy is valid. Dark fantasy is valid. They're just different experiences. Know which one you're signing up for.
Reader question: Do you prefer cozy fantasy or dark fantasy? What makes you choose one over the other? And have you ever been surprised (good or bad) by a book's darkness level?
Genre: Dark Fantasy | Epic Romantasy | NOT Cozy Fantasy
I'm seeing a lot of romantasy marketed as "cozy" right now. Magical bakeries. Low-stakes adventures. Soft magic and softer consequences. That's great. But it's not this book.
If you're looking for comfort reads, this isn't it. And I need you to know that before you start.
What cozy fantasy gives you:
Found family without loss
Magic without cost
Conflict without real danger
Romance without trauma
Adventure with guaranteed happy vibes
Enemies who become friends over tea
What Breach of Balance gives you:
Found family forged through survival and loss
Magic that burns you from the inside
War with civilian casualties.
Romance built on mutual trauma and hard-won trust Adventure where people die
Enemies who stay enemies (or become something more complicated)
The violence is real:
This book opens in a gladiatorial arena. Roar'Z is an enslaved fighter forced to kill for entertainment. The combat is graphic. People die. There's blood, broken bones, and psychological trauma.
When dragons attack orc settlements, civilians burn. Children die. Entire clans are wiped out. The genocide is systematic and brutal.
This isn't violence as set dressing. It shapes who the characters become. It leaves scars that don't heal with a love interest's smile.
The magic has consequences:
Roar'Z's fire magic burns him from the inside. Black tears form when he channels too much. His skin cracks under the strain. Using his power means destroying himself incrementally.
KyKlaw's sound magic damages her vocal cords. By the final battle, she can barely speak. The cost is permanent.
The druids who intervene lose their positions. Swift-River risks everything to help, and she pays for it.
Magic in this world isn't whimsical. It's dangerous. Even to the user.
The trauma doesn't disappear:
Roar'Z spent his entire life enslaved. That conditioning doesn't vanish because he falls in love. He still:
Defaults to violence when cornered
Struggles with trust Questions whether he deserves good things Hypervigilant and controlling
KyKlaw carries the weight of her father's death and her clan's near-extinction. She's not magically healed by romance. She's learning to carry those burdens differently.
The book doesn't offer easy fixes. It offers hard-won growth.
The stakes are extinction:
This isn't "will they save the bakery?" This is "will entire civilizations survive?"
Ruby and his dragon horde are systematically destroying orc clans. The threat is genocide. The battles are desperate. People make impossible choices with no good options.
Why I wrote it this way:
I love cozy fantasy. I read it when I need comfort. But that's not the story I wanted to tell.
I wanted to write about:
People who've been broken and are learning to fight anyway
Magic that costs something real
Found family that's chosen despite pain, not because of its absence
Romance between equals who've both survived hell
Victory that's earned, not given
This book is dark. But it's not grimdark.
There's hope here. There's love. There's found family and loyalty and moments of genuine joy.
But those things matter MORE because they're hard-won. Because the characters chose connection despite trauma. Because they're building something good in a world that tried to destroy them.
Who this book is for:
You want Joe Abercrombie's violence with Sarah J. Maas's romance. You like your fantasy dark but hopeful. You want battle couples who fight as equals. You're okay with graphic content if it serves the story. You want earned happy endings, not easy ones.
Who this book is NOT for:
You need cozy vibes. You want low-stakes adventures. You avoid graphic violence or trauma. You need your magic systems soft and consequence-free. You want instant healing through love.
The honesty matters:
I'd rather lose readers upfront than disappoint them halfway through. If you pick this up expecting cozy fantasy, you'll hate it. If you pick it up knowing it's dark epic fantasy with romantic elements, you might love it.
Cozy fantasy is valid. Dark fantasy is valid. They're just different experiences. Know which one you're signing up for.
Reader question: Do you prefer cozy fantasy or dark fantasy? What makes you choose one over the other? And have you ever been surprised (good or bad) by a book's darkness level?
Genre: Dark Fantasy | Epic Romantasy | NOT Cozy Fantasy
October 27, 2025
SCUZNAILS: The Loyal Companion Everyone Loves
Let's talk about the character everyone falls in love with. ScuzNails wasn't supposed to be a major character. He started as a throwaway line. A mangy dog-orc gladiator in the background of the arena. Then he opened his mouth and completely stole the book.
Who is ScuzNails?
He's a dog-orc. Part canine, part orc. Speaks in third person. Obsessed with "shinies" (shiny objects he collects). Loyal to a fault. Comic relief with a heart of gold.
But here's what makes him special: ScuzNails chooses loyalty when he could choose survival.
The defining moment:
During the escape from White Rocks arena, guards are closing in. Roar'Z and ScuzNails are running through tunnels. They're almost free.
ScuzNails could save himself. He's fast. He knows the tunnels. He could disappear and survive.
Instead, he leads the guards away. Gives Roar'Z time to escape. Puts himself in danger because "ScuzNails fast. ScuzNails knows tunnels now. Will find way out later."
He survives (because ScuzNails always survives). And he shows up exactly when Roar'Z needs him most.
Why readers love him:
Comic relief: He interrupts Roar'Z and KyKlaw's intimate moment with perfect terrible timing, wagging his tail and presenting a "shiny." The tension breaks. Readers laugh. Then they love him even more.
Genuine heart: His loyalty isn't blind obedience. It's choice. He calls Roar'Z "mighty one" not because he has to, but because he wants to.
Third-person speech: "ScuzNails found the thing!" "ScuzNails will guard door now!" It's endearing and makes every line he speaks memorable.
The found family element:
ScuzNails represents what Roar'Z never had in the arena: someone who stays because they want to, not because they're forced.
In the pits, everyone was competition. Trust meant weakness. Attachment got you killed.
ScuzNails breaks that conditioning. He's loyal without agenda. He helps without expecting payment. He's just there, tail wagging, offering shinies and unconditional support.
That's the found family heart of this book. Not just the romance. Not just the dragon battles. But broken people choosing each other and building something stronger than blood.
The interruption scene:
When ScuzNails bursts into the healing chamber and interrupts Roar'Z and KyKlaw's almost-kiss, it's comedy gold. But it's also perfectly in character.
He's excited. He found a shiny. He wants to share it with "mighty one." He doesn't read the room until it's too late. Then he's mortified.
"Did ScuzNails interrupt? Oh. Oh no. ScuzNails always interrupts the important things."
Readers want to be annoyed. But they can't. Because he's just so genuinely ScuzNails.
Reader reactions I love:
"ScuzNails is my favorite character"
"Protect ScuzNails at all costs"
"If anything happens to him, I riot"
"The shiny scene made me laugh out loud"
"He's the emotional support character we all need"
Why he matters to the story:
ScuzNails shows that loyalty isn't weakness. That choosing to help others doesn't make you a victim. That found family is built through moments of showing up, even when it's dangerous.
He's the heart of the book wrapped in fur and third-person dialogue.
Who's your favorite loyal companion character in fantasy? The ones who choose to stay, who show up when it matters, who make you laugh and cry? Drop your favorites in the comments!
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Found Family | Orc Fantasy
Who is ScuzNails?
He's a dog-orc. Part canine, part orc. Speaks in third person. Obsessed with "shinies" (shiny objects he collects). Loyal to a fault. Comic relief with a heart of gold.
But here's what makes him special: ScuzNails chooses loyalty when he could choose survival.
The defining moment:
During the escape from White Rocks arena, guards are closing in. Roar'Z and ScuzNails are running through tunnels. They're almost free.
ScuzNails could save himself. He's fast. He knows the tunnels. He could disappear and survive.
Instead, he leads the guards away. Gives Roar'Z time to escape. Puts himself in danger because "ScuzNails fast. ScuzNails knows tunnels now. Will find way out later."
He survives (because ScuzNails always survives). And he shows up exactly when Roar'Z needs him most.
Why readers love him:
Comic relief: He interrupts Roar'Z and KyKlaw's intimate moment with perfect terrible timing, wagging his tail and presenting a "shiny." The tension breaks. Readers laugh. Then they love him even more.
Genuine heart: His loyalty isn't blind obedience. It's choice. He calls Roar'Z "mighty one" not because he has to, but because he wants to.
Third-person speech: "ScuzNails found the thing!" "ScuzNails will guard door now!" It's endearing and makes every line he speaks memorable.
The found family element:
ScuzNails represents what Roar'Z never had in the arena: someone who stays because they want to, not because they're forced.
In the pits, everyone was competition. Trust meant weakness. Attachment got you killed.
ScuzNails breaks that conditioning. He's loyal without agenda. He helps without expecting payment. He's just there, tail wagging, offering shinies and unconditional support.
That's the found family heart of this book. Not just the romance. Not just the dragon battles. But broken people choosing each other and building something stronger than blood.
The interruption scene:
When ScuzNails bursts into the healing chamber and interrupts Roar'Z and KyKlaw's almost-kiss, it's comedy gold. But it's also perfectly in character.
He's excited. He found a shiny. He wants to share it with "mighty one." He doesn't read the room until it's too late. Then he's mortified.
"Did ScuzNails interrupt? Oh. Oh no. ScuzNails always interrupts the important things."
Readers want to be annoyed. But they can't. Because he's just so genuinely ScuzNails.
Reader reactions I love:
"ScuzNails is my favorite character"
"Protect ScuzNails at all costs"
"If anything happens to him, I riot"
"The shiny scene made me laugh out loud"
"He's the emotional support character we all need"
Why he matters to the story:
ScuzNails shows that loyalty isn't weakness. That choosing to help others doesn't make you a victim. That found family is built through moments of showing up, even when it's dangerous.
He's the heart of the book wrapped in fur and third-person dialogue.
Who's your favorite loyal companion character in fantasy? The ones who choose to stay, who show up when it matters, who make you laugh and cry? Drop your favorites in the comments!
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Found Family | Orc Fantasy
October 26, 2025
BEHIND THE SCENES: Writing the Intimate Scene
Let's talk about THAT scene.
By the time Roar'Z and KyKlaw finally get their uninterrupted moment in his quarters, readers have waited over 200 pages. The tension is unbearable. They've fought dragons together, saved each other's lives, and pretended they don't feel the pull between them.
But they're also dealing with massive complications: KyKlaw's blood debt for her father's death, Roar'Z's arena conditioning that taught him attachment equals weakness, the ongoing war where survival comes first, and their own stubborn pride.
The interruption that made it better:
Earlier that same day, they almost kissed in the healing chamber. Then ScuzNails burst in with a "shiny" and completely killed the moment.
That interruption made the payoff sweeter. When they finally return to his quarters after the council meeting, after hours of pretending they weren't thinking about each other, there's this beautiful desperation. They bar the door. The world gets shut out. This moment is theirs.
Why it matters:
This isn't just spice for spice's sake. When they finally come together - Their bond magic activates (they can feel each other's emotions)
A claiming mark appears (physical proof visible to others) - Their powers resonate (fire and tide combining)
The magic doesn't create their feelings. It reflects what's already there. The bond recognizes what they've been denying for 200+ pages.
The aftermath:
The intimacy doesn't solve their problems. It complicates them beautifully. They still have to face the blood debt, deal with clan politics, and fight dragons. But now they're bonded in a way that can't be undone. The claiming marks are visible. The clans will know.
After this, they're not just allies. They're claimed. And that changes everything for the rest of the book.
What makes an intimate scene really work for you? The 200-page buildup? The interruption that makes you scream at the book? The magical consequences? I'm curious what hits hardest!
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Orc Romance | Spicy Fantasy
By the time Roar'Z and KyKlaw finally get their uninterrupted moment in his quarters, readers have waited over 200 pages. The tension is unbearable. They've fought dragons together, saved each other's lives, and pretended they don't feel the pull between them.
But they're also dealing with massive complications: KyKlaw's blood debt for her father's death, Roar'Z's arena conditioning that taught him attachment equals weakness, the ongoing war where survival comes first, and their own stubborn pride.
The interruption that made it better:
Earlier that same day, they almost kissed in the healing chamber. Then ScuzNails burst in with a "shiny" and completely killed the moment.
That interruption made the payoff sweeter. When they finally return to his quarters after the council meeting, after hours of pretending they weren't thinking about each other, there's this beautiful desperation. They bar the door. The world gets shut out. This moment is theirs.
Why it matters:
This isn't just spice for spice's sake. When they finally come together - Their bond magic activates (they can feel each other's emotions)
A claiming mark appears (physical proof visible to others) - Their powers resonate (fire and tide combining)
The magic doesn't create their feelings. It reflects what's already there. The bond recognizes what they've been denying for 200+ pages.
The aftermath:
The intimacy doesn't solve their problems. It complicates them beautifully. They still have to face the blood debt, deal with clan politics, and fight dragons. But now they're bonded in a way that can't be undone. The claiming marks are visible. The clans will know.
After this, they're not just allies. They're claimed. And that changes everything for the rest of the book.
What makes an intimate scene really work for you? The 200-page buildup? The interruption that makes you scream at the book? The magical consequences? I'm curious what hits hardest!
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Orc Romance | Spicy Fantasy
October 25, 2025
SPICE LEVEL & CONTENT WARNINGS: What You're Getting Into
Let's talk about what's actually in this book.
I believe in transparency. You deserve to know what you're signing up for before you invest time and money. So here's the honest breakdown of Breach of Balance.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3.5 out of 5)
This is NOT a fade-to-black romance. When Roar'Z and KyKlaw finally get together, it's explicit. But it's not the focus of the book.
What you'll get:
Two detailed intimate scenes (hot spring and claiming scene)
Sexual tension that builds over 100+ pages
Size difference elements (7'2" MMC, 6'4" FMC)
Mutual desire and consent
One earlier transactional scene (not with the main couple, emotionally complicated)
What you WON'T get:
Multiple sex scenes per chapter
Graphic descriptions every few pages
Romance as the primary plot driver
Reverse harem or love triangles
If you're here for constant spice, this isn't it. The romance is earned and meaningful, but the book is primarily epic fantasy with romantic elements.
Violence Level: HIGH
This is dark fantasy. The violence is graphic and has consequences.
Expect:
Arena combat (gladiatorial fights to the death)
War scenes with casualties
Dragon attacks (including acid breath, fire, civilian deaths)
Torture (not gratuitous, but present)
Body horror (magical corruption, physical transformation)
Character death (including named characters)
The violence serves the story. It's not torture porn. But if you need cozy fantasy, this will be too much.
Content Warnings (Serious Triggers):
⚠️ Slavery & Trafficking
Roar'Z is an enslaved gladiator
Children sold into combat training
NOT romanticized (it's presented as traumatic and wrong)
⚠️ Mind Control
Dragons enslaved through magical binding
Loss of agency and forced actions
Awareness while controlled (psychological horror)
⚠️ Trauma & PTSD
Arena conditioning affects Roar'Z's behavior
Hypervigilance, trust issues, violence as first response
NOT magically healed by love
⚠️ Genocide
Dragons systematically destroying orc settlements
Civilian casualties including children
War crimes and extinction-level threats
⚠️ Domestic Violence (Minor Character)
Brief scene with a noblewoman who has visible bruises
NOT involving main characters
Handled with gravity, not glamorized
⚠️ Reproductive Coercion (Background)
Mentioned in context of gladiator breeding programs
NOT detailed or glorified
Adds to world's darkness
What This Book Is NOT:
❌ Cozy fantasy with low stakes
❌ Erotica or smut-focused
❌ Torture porn or grimdark without hope
❌ Problematic "dark romance" with toxic dynamics
❌ Light, fluffy escapism
What This Book IS:
✅ Epic fantasy with romantic subplot
✅ Dark themes with hopeful ending
✅ Survival story with found family
✅ Battle couple who fight as equals
✅ Magic with real costs and consequences
✅ Morally complex with no easy answers
The Romance Dynamic:
Roar'Z and KyKlaw's relationship is built on:
Mutual respect (even when they're enemies)
Earned trust (not instant attraction)
Healthy communication (they argue, but productively)
Consent (always explicit, never coerced)
Partnership (neither dominates the other)
His protectiveness comes from trauma, not control. Her independence never wavers. They make each other stronger, not weaker.
Age Rating: This is adult fantasy. I'd recommend 18+ due to violence and sexual content. Mature 16-17 year olds who read adult fantasy might be fine, but parents should preview.
Bottom Line: If you want Fourth Wing's battle couple energy with Joe Abercrombie's violence level and Sarah J. Maas's spice (but less frequent), this might work for you.
If you need cozy vibes, frequent sex scenes, or zero trauma, skip this one.
Reader question: What content warnings do YOU need to know before starting a book? I'm here for honest conversations about what helps readers make informed choices!
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Dark Fantasy | Orc Romance
I believe in transparency. You deserve to know what you're signing up for before you invest time and money. So here's the honest breakdown of Breach of Balance.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3.5 out of 5)
This is NOT a fade-to-black romance. When Roar'Z and KyKlaw finally get together, it's explicit. But it's not the focus of the book.
What you'll get:
Two detailed intimate scenes (hot spring and claiming scene)
Sexual tension that builds over 100+ pages
Size difference elements (7'2" MMC, 6'4" FMC)
Mutual desire and consent
One earlier transactional scene (not with the main couple, emotionally complicated)
What you WON'T get:
Multiple sex scenes per chapter
Graphic descriptions every few pages
Romance as the primary plot driver
Reverse harem or love triangles
If you're here for constant spice, this isn't it. The romance is earned and meaningful, but the book is primarily epic fantasy with romantic elements.
Violence Level: HIGH
This is dark fantasy. The violence is graphic and has consequences.
Expect:
Arena combat (gladiatorial fights to the death)
War scenes with casualties
Dragon attacks (including acid breath, fire, civilian deaths)
Torture (not gratuitous, but present)
Body horror (magical corruption, physical transformation)
Character death (including named characters)
The violence serves the story. It's not torture porn. But if you need cozy fantasy, this will be too much.
Content Warnings (Serious Triggers):
⚠️ Slavery & Trafficking
Roar'Z is an enslaved gladiator
Children sold into combat training
NOT romanticized (it's presented as traumatic and wrong)
⚠️ Mind Control
Dragons enslaved through magical binding
Loss of agency and forced actions
Awareness while controlled (psychological horror)
⚠️ Trauma & PTSD
Arena conditioning affects Roar'Z's behavior
Hypervigilance, trust issues, violence as first response
NOT magically healed by love
⚠️ Genocide
Dragons systematically destroying orc settlements
Civilian casualties including children
War crimes and extinction-level threats
⚠️ Domestic Violence (Minor Character)
Brief scene with a noblewoman who has visible bruises
NOT involving main characters
Handled with gravity, not glamorized
⚠️ Reproductive Coercion (Background)
Mentioned in context of gladiator breeding programs
NOT detailed or glorified
Adds to world's darkness
What This Book Is NOT:
❌ Cozy fantasy with low stakes
❌ Erotica or smut-focused
❌ Torture porn or grimdark without hope
❌ Problematic "dark romance" with toxic dynamics
❌ Light, fluffy escapism
What This Book IS:
✅ Epic fantasy with romantic subplot
✅ Dark themes with hopeful ending
✅ Survival story with found family
✅ Battle couple who fight as equals
✅ Magic with real costs and consequences
✅ Morally complex with no easy answers
The Romance Dynamic:
Roar'Z and KyKlaw's relationship is built on:
Mutual respect (even when they're enemies)
Earned trust (not instant attraction)
Healthy communication (they argue, but productively)
Consent (always explicit, never coerced)
Partnership (neither dominates the other)
His protectiveness comes from trauma, not control. Her independence never wavers. They make each other stronger, not weaker.
Age Rating: This is adult fantasy. I'd recommend 18+ due to violence and sexual content. Mature 16-17 year olds who read adult fantasy might be fine, but parents should preview.
Bottom Line: If you want Fourth Wing's battle couple energy with Joe Abercrombie's violence level and Sarah J. Maas's spice (but less frequent), this might work for you.
If you need cozy vibes, frequent sex scenes, or zero trauma, skip this one.
Reader question: What content warnings do YOU need to know before starting a book? I'm here for honest conversations about what helps readers make informed choices!
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Dark Fantasy | Orc Romance
October 24, 2025
IF YOU LIKED... TRY BREACH OF BALANCE
Trying to figure out if this book is for you?
Here's how Breach of Balance compares to popular fantasy and romantasy titles:
Fourth Wing meets From Blood and Ash
Enemies-to-lovers with serious tension
War academy/arena training vibes (brutal combat scenes)
Powerful FMC who doesn't need saving
Slow-burn that explodes into obsession
Dragons (but way darker)
Differs: My protagonists are orcs, not humans. The romance is one element, not the entire plot. And the magic system will hurt you.
If you liked Joe Abercrombie's First Law series
Morally gray characters
Violence has consequences
No clear heroes or villains
Gritty worldbuilding
Found family forged in blood
Differs: There's actual romance (and it's central to the plot). Less cynicism, more hope. The ending doesn't crush your soul.
For fans of Spartacus (the TV series)
Gladiator rising from slavery
Arena combat that's tactical, not just brutal
Political maneuvering and revenge
Found family among fighters
Graphic violence and mature themes
Differs: Fantasy setting with magic and dragons. The romance is healthy mutual respect, not toxic drama.
If you enjoyed The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
War and genocide as central themes
Magic with devastating costs
Protagonist shaped by trauma
Morally complex choices
No easy answers
Differs: Less grimdark, more hope. The romance provides emotional balance. Chosen family offers support rather than everyone betraying everyone.
Sarah J. Maas fans looking for something different
Fated mates energy (but earned, not instant)
Powerful magic users
Court/clan politics
Found family
Spicy scenes
Differs: Orc protagonists. Magic has real costs. Less fae court drama, more survival against extinction. The battles are WAY more brutal.
What makes Breach of Balance unique:
✅ Orc romance (both MCs are orcs)
✅ Magic system where power always costs something
✅ Enslaved dragons as tragic villains
✅ Size difference romance (7'2" MMC, 6'4" FMC)
✅ Gladiator-to-warlord character arc
✅ Battle couple who fight as equals
✅ Found family forged in dragonfire
Content warnings:
Graphic arena violence
War/genocide themes
Slavery and trauma (not romanticized)
Mind control
Explicit sexual content
Character death
Who this book is NOT for:
Readers wanting cozy fantasy
Those avoiding graphic violence
People who need clear good vs evil
Readers uncomfortable with orc protagonists
Anyone seeking light, fluffy romance
Who will love this:
Romantasy fans wanting darker themes
Readers tired of human-only fantasy
People who love tactical combat
Magic system nerds
Found family enthusiasts
Battle couple lovers
Reader question: What comp titles help YOU decide if a book is worth reading? Drop your favorite "if you liked X, read Y" recs!
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Orc Romance | Dark Fantasy | Dragon Fantasy
Here's how Breach of Balance compares to popular fantasy and romantasy titles:
Fourth Wing meets From Blood and Ash
Enemies-to-lovers with serious tension
War academy/arena training vibes (brutal combat scenes)
Powerful FMC who doesn't need saving
Slow-burn that explodes into obsession
Dragons (but way darker)
Differs: My protagonists are orcs, not humans. The romance is one element, not the entire plot. And the magic system will hurt you.
If you liked Joe Abercrombie's First Law series
Morally gray characters
Violence has consequences
No clear heroes or villains
Gritty worldbuilding
Found family forged in blood
Differs: There's actual romance (and it's central to the plot). Less cynicism, more hope. The ending doesn't crush your soul.
For fans of Spartacus (the TV series)
Gladiator rising from slavery
Arena combat that's tactical, not just brutal
Political maneuvering and revenge
Found family among fighters
Graphic violence and mature themes
Differs: Fantasy setting with magic and dragons. The romance is healthy mutual respect, not toxic drama.
If you enjoyed The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
War and genocide as central themes
Magic with devastating costs
Protagonist shaped by trauma
Morally complex choices
No easy answers
Differs: Less grimdark, more hope. The romance provides emotional balance. Chosen family offers support rather than everyone betraying everyone.
Sarah J. Maas fans looking for something different
Fated mates energy (but earned, not instant)
Powerful magic users
Court/clan politics
Found family
Spicy scenes
Differs: Orc protagonists. Magic has real costs. Less fae court drama, more survival against extinction. The battles are WAY more brutal.
What makes Breach of Balance unique:
✅ Orc romance (both MCs are orcs)
✅ Magic system where power always costs something
✅ Enslaved dragons as tragic villains
✅ Size difference romance (7'2" MMC, 6'4" FMC)
✅ Gladiator-to-warlord character arc
✅ Battle couple who fight as equals
✅ Found family forged in dragonfire
Content warnings:
Graphic arena violence
War/genocide themes
Slavery and trauma (not romanticized)
Mind control
Explicit sexual content
Character death
Who this book is NOT for:
Readers wanting cozy fantasy
Those avoiding graphic violence
People who need clear good vs evil
Readers uncomfortable with orc protagonists
Anyone seeking light, fluffy romance
Who will love this:
Romantasy fans wanting darker themes
Readers tired of human-only fantasy
People who love tactical combat
Magic system nerds
Found family enthusiasts
Battle couple lovers
Reader question: What comp titles help YOU decide if a book is worth reading? Drop your favorite "if you liked X, read Y" recs!
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Orc Romance | Dark Fantasy | Dragon Fantasy
October 23, 2025
BECULUM: The Sword That Chooses Its Wielder
Let's talk about the sword.
Beculum isn't just a weapon. It's a character. And like every other relationship in this book, it's built on mutual choice, not dominance.
How Beculum was forged:
Three brothers (Zirien, Iandel, and Streed) spend an entire night at a sacred convergence pool, working dragon materials into a blade that can kill what shouldn't be killable.
Emerald dragon scales form the edges
Dragon teeth create the spine
A crystal eye blinks with awareness
The northern lights bear witness to its creation
This isn't some legendary artifact waiting in a stone. This is a weapon crafted specifically to fight Crimson Ruby and his enslaved horde.
The bond:
When Roar'Z first grips Beculum, the sword doesn't just respond to him. It recognizes him. Fire calls to fire.
The blade awakens gradually throughout the story:
First, it's just sharp and well-balanced
Then it starts absorbing dragon energy during fights
By the climax, it's responding to Roar'Z's thoughts before he moves
The crystal eye tracks threats independently
"Less a weapon now, more a partner," Roar'Z realizes.
Why this matters:
Roar'Z spent his entire life being used as a weapon by others. Beculum is the first thing that chooses him back. The sword doesn't serve him because it's enchanted to obey. It fights beside him because they're aligned in purpose.
That's the difference between a slave and a warrior.
The tactical advantage:
When Roar'Z channels his internal fire through Beculum, the combination creates something new. His essence mixed with absorbed dragon power. Blue-gold flames that can cut through scales that should resist any blade.
But it costs him. Every channeling burns him from the inside. The sword amplifies his power, but it can't protect him from the price.
KyKlaw's perspective:
She watches the bond form with professional interest and maybe a hint of jealousy. Her conch horn is a tool. Powerful, but still just an instrument.
Beculum is alive. And it's chosen her war-companion over her.
Later, when their magics combine (his fire through the sword, her disruption through the horn), they discover something unexpected: partnership creates harmony. The weapons complement each other because their wielders do.
Reader question: What's your favorite sentient/magical weapon in fantasy? I love stories where the blade has personality!
Weapon tropes in this book:
⚔️ Sentient Sword
🔥 Fire-Bonded Weapon
🐉 Dragon-Slayer Blade
👁️ Aware/Watching
✨ Crafted by Magic (not found)
💪 Chooses Its Wielder
Beculum isn't just a weapon. It's a character. And like every other relationship in this book, it's built on mutual choice, not dominance.
How Beculum was forged:
Three brothers (Zirien, Iandel, and Streed) spend an entire night at a sacred convergence pool, working dragon materials into a blade that can kill what shouldn't be killable.
Emerald dragon scales form the edges
Dragon teeth create the spine
A crystal eye blinks with awareness
The northern lights bear witness to its creation
This isn't some legendary artifact waiting in a stone. This is a weapon crafted specifically to fight Crimson Ruby and his enslaved horde.
The bond:
When Roar'Z first grips Beculum, the sword doesn't just respond to him. It recognizes him. Fire calls to fire.
The blade awakens gradually throughout the story:
First, it's just sharp and well-balanced
Then it starts absorbing dragon energy during fights
By the climax, it's responding to Roar'Z's thoughts before he moves
The crystal eye tracks threats independently
"Less a weapon now, more a partner," Roar'Z realizes.
Why this matters:
Roar'Z spent his entire life being used as a weapon by others. Beculum is the first thing that chooses him back. The sword doesn't serve him because it's enchanted to obey. It fights beside him because they're aligned in purpose.
That's the difference between a slave and a warrior.
The tactical advantage:
When Roar'Z channels his internal fire through Beculum, the combination creates something new. His essence mixed with absorbed dragon power. Blue-gold flames that can cut through scales that should resist any blade.
But it costs him. Every channeling burns him from the inside. The sword amplifies his power, but it can't protect him from the price.
KyKlaw's perspective:
She watches the bond form with professional interest and maybe a hint of jealousy. Her conch horn is a tool. Powerful, but still just an instrument.
Beculum is alive. And it's chosen her war-companion over her.
Later, when their magics combine (his fire through the sword, her disruption through the horn), they discover something unexpected: partnership creates harmony. The weapons complement each other because their wielders do.
Reader question: What's your favorite sentient/magical weapon in fantasy? I love stories where the blade has personality!
Weapon tropes in this book:
⚔️ Sentient Sword
🔥 Fire-Bonded Weapon
🐉 Dragon-Slayer Blade
👁️ Aware/Watching
✨ Crafted by Magic (not found)
💪 Chooses Its Wielder
