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