WHY ORCS? (And Why They're Not What You Expect)

Let's talk about the orc question.
Every time I mention that Breach of Balance features orc protagonists, I get the same reaction: "Wait, like... green monsters?"
No. Well, yes. But also no.
Here's what my orcs are NOT:

Mindless brutes
Cannon fodder for human heroes
One-dimensional savage races
Comic relief

Here's what they ARE:

Organized into clans with distinct cultures (Kelp-Kicker are seafarers, Stone-Breaker are desert warriors, Silver Ear are master smiths)
Politically complex (clan alliances, trade agreements, territorial disputes)
Capable of sophisticated military tactics
Individuals with personalities, trauma, dreams, and agency

Why I chose orcs as protagonists:
Because fantasy keeps using them wrong. Orcs get treated like obstacles instead of people. I wanted to flip that completely.
Roar'Z isn't dangerous because he's an orc. He's dangerous because humans enslaved him and trained him to be a weapon. That's a choice the "civilized" races made, not nature.
The cultural elements:
Each clan has distinct traditions:

Kelp-Kicker uses conch horn magic and practices tide-reading
Stone-Breaker brews berserker elixirs from blue-fruit
Silver Ear bonds with metal through ear piercings that enhance hearing

These aren't savage tribes. They're nations with their own magic systems, military structures, and diplomatic protocols.
The romance angle:
Yes, this is orc romance. Roar'Z and KyKlaw are both orcs. They're 7'2" and 6'4" respectively. They have tusks. They're built like tanks.
And their chemistry is ELECTRIC.
Size difference? Check. Mutual protection? Check. Battle couple who can't keep their hands off each other? Double check.
Reader question: What's your favorite fantasy race that deserves more protagonist representation? I'm here for unconventional heroes!
Tropes in this book:
🗡️ Orc Protagonists
🌊 Distinct Clan Cultures
⚔️ Organized Warfare (not mindless hordes)
💪 Orc Romance
🔥 Subverted Fantasy Tropes
Genre: Epic Romantasy | Orc Romance | Dragon Fantasy