585 books
—
1,843 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Honor Among Orcs (Orc Saga, #1)” as Want to Read:
Honor Among Orcs
(Orc Saga #1)
by
Tolkien meets Beauty and the Beast in this new fantasy by Amalia Dillin, author of the Fate of the Gods trilogy.
After nearly a decade as the king’s whipping-girl, Princess Arianna has no intention of going quietly into marriage to some treasonous noble, or serving obediently as the king’s spy until her death is more convenient. When she discovers a handsome orc, chained a ...more
After nearly a decade as the king’s whipping-girl, Princess Arianna has no intention of going quietly into marriage to some treasonous noble, or serving obediently as the king’s spy until her death is more convenient. When she discovers a handsome orc, chained a ...more
Get A Copy
Kindle Edition, 370 pages
Published
April 1st 2014
by Thorskona Books
(first published March 27th 2014)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Honor Among Orcs,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about Honor Among Orcs
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Honor Among Orcs (Orc Saga, #1)

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

Excuse me while I gush a little about an author new-to-me, Amalia Dillin, and her mythological mash-up of epic proportions, Honor Among Orcs. Having just finished The Brush of Black Wings, I was on a fantasy romance binge induced by Grace Draven. HAO popped up on the “customers also bought” feed, and with high overall ratings and as a Kindle Unlimited selection, I couldn’t pass it up. I’m glad I didn’t, and you shouldn’t either if you like fantasy tales with a strong romantic element or if you e
...more

In Honor Among Orcs, Amalia Dillin has crafted a juxtaposition of two colliding worlds that despite the turmoil and trials, blossoms into a beautiful portrait of a deep and abiding integrity, and dare I say...Love. Her characters are both charming yet flawed, and they promise to draw you into their stories and their plights one page at a time.
By the first page, I found myself so wildly struck by the immediate plunge into conflict, that I was gripped. Dillin then expertly envelopes you in her he ...more
By the first page, I found myself so wildly struck by the immediate plunge into conflict, that I was gripped. Dillin then expertly envelopes you in her he ...more

DNF
The writing is amateur. Very confusing and unclear. Not descriptive. There is no sense of logic.
I wanted to like it. But I just can't continue.
...more
The writing is amateur. Very confusing and unclear. Not descriptive. There is no sense of logic.
I wanted to like it. But I just can't continue.
...more

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Honor Among Orcs is a sweeping romantic fantasy featuring two characters as alike on the inside as they are different on the outside.
Arianna is a princess with no freedom and no hope for the future. She suffers her father's cruelty, which runs not only to beatings but giving her company to nobles for their entertainment. She is battered and bruised in body, but her spirit remains. Inspiring really-- she is one of those charact ...more
Honor Among Orcs is a sweeping romantic fantasy featuring two characters as alike on the inside as they are different on the outside.
Arianna is a princess with no freedom and no hope for the future. She suffers her father's cruelty, which runs not only to beatings but giving her company to nobles for their entertainment. She is battered and bruised in body, but her spirit remains. Inspiring really-- she is one of those charact ...more

I loved this book. Seriously. Clear your reading schedule for April 1st and snatch this one up as soon as you possibly can.
Arianna may be a princess, but she's grown up being viewed as purely a tool for the king's use. Mocked, belittled, and humiliated she seeks refuge in the forbidden rooms that used to be her mother's. When she finds Bolthorn, an orc trapped in a magic mirror, Arianna is struck by his strength and his sense of honor. And she begins to see a glimmer of hope that perhaps they co ...more
Arianna may be a princess, but she's grown up being viewed as purely a tool for the king's use. Mocked, belittled, and humiliated she seeks refuge in the forbidden rooms that used to be her mother's. When she finds Bolthorn, an orc trapped in a magic mirror, Arianna is struck by his strength and his sense of honor. And she begins to see a glimmer of hope that perhaps they co ...more

Deft Characterization and Turbulent Adventure a Fine Story Make
Having read "Forged By Fate" and other works by Amalia Dillin, I was excited to see her news about "Honor Among Orcs". It is in a very different world from the other series, which just means promise and potential for more fascinating storytelling on Dillin's part. That sense of promise paid off well as I dove into the story, each step of Arianna and Bolthorn’s journey leaving me eager to find out more about this new world and the inh ...more
Having read "Forged By Fate" and other works by Amalia Dillin, I was excited to see her news about "Honor Among Orcs". It is in a very different world from the other series, which just means promise and potential for more fascinating storytelling on Dillin's part. That sense of promise paid off well as I dove into the story, each step of Arianna and Bolthorn’s journey leaving me eager to find out more about this new world and the inh ...more

Jun 27, 2014
Deidre Padrona
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
13 +
Recommended to Deidre by:
Amalia Dillin
I've been a fan of high fantasy (Sword of Truth, Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time) from the time I was quite young and this book holds it's own in such esteemed company. I found the book through an author group page on Facebook called Book Tarts and Ms Dillin had posted her information, as well as the description as "Tolkien meets Beauty & The Beast". A draw-line like that had me wanting more so I picked up the Kindle free sample and bingeread the rest of the book in about 20 hours.
The storylin ...more
The storylin ...more

When I saw the author post about this book online, I immediately wanted to get my hands on a copy. I love orcs in a way that everyone I know thinks is odd. Hey, some girls like werewolves, elves, or vampires. For me it's the green skin and tusks. A story where an orc is a main character and it's a romance? Yes, please!
I can happily say that I wasn't disappointed. The two main characters, Arianna and Bolthorn, have depth to them that makes them people rather than flat characters. For me what make ...more
I can happily say that I wasn't disappointed. The two main characters, Arianna and Bolthorn, have depth to them that makes them people rather than flat characters. For me what make ...more

I just loved this book. It took me back to highschool when I just DEVOURED high fantasy and especially high fantasy with some killer romance! It is all about the hunky orc that gives you warm fuzzies with how sweet he is :3 I am working on a design for a Bolthorn plushy. It will happen. I just <3 him and want to snuggle him that much!
Ok enough of the girl gushing. There is plenty of ACTION in this for anyone else too!! I was on the edge of my seat multiple times! And when I thought I wouldn't ha ...more
Ok enough of the girl gushing. There is plenty of ACTION in this for anyone else too!! I was on the edge of my seat multiple times! And when I thought I wouldn't ha ...more

I typically do not like fantasy books and I also do not typically read them either. But this one I did enjoy because I really liked Amalia Dillin's writing. Her writing flows so nicely and I appreciate that. I personally am not familiar with the Orcs so I did some research to get myself familiar with them. I did appreciate the New-Adult feel to the book and the fact that it has a Beauty and the Beast aspect to it.
...more

This would have gotten a full 5 if not for some of the relationship stuff in the early-mid area of the book. Outside of that, it's fun, it's mushy, it's sexy, and I loved it. It was really cool to see an orc get a love story. Bolthorn and Arianna are great characters. You can't help but root for them deep down in the cockles of your heart. So, to recap, fun, sexy, mushy, and orcs.
...more

Amazing story and I'll be keeping my eye out for more from this series.
...more

4 Big Stars!
This book has it all! Fantasy, adventure, romance and good lore. I was bouncing between 4 and 4.5, but I decided 4 was adequate due to some things I will point out in this review.
This is a story about a princess trapped in a cruel world of political intrigue, an abusive father and royal duty.
Meet Arianna...

A woman who has little choices in life and can't escape her bleak present and awful future. An innocent kind soul, shunned and mistreated by her father. Abused and tortured by a ...more
This book has it all! Fantasy, adventure, romance and good lore. I was bouncing between 4 and 4.5, but I decided 4 was adequate due to some things I will point out in this review.
This is a story about a princess trapped in a cruel world of political intrigue, an abusive father and royal duty.
Meet Arianna...

A woman who has little choices in life and can't escape her bleak present and awful future. An innocent kind soul, shunned and mistreated by her father. Abused and tortured by a ...more

Very good
This book was well written and had equal parts of love,adventure,action! I didn't want it to end! This book made me go to another world ...more
This book was well written and had equal parts of love,adventure,action! I didn't want it to end! This book made me go to another world ...more

I've wanted to read this book since the author first began writing it and speaking of it on Twitter. Orc romance? Orc. Romance. If that doesn't intrigue you then you have no imagination.
It not only held up to my expectations but it had depths I hadn't anticipated. It had the world-building complexity of a Tolkien fantasy. The star-crossed aspect of a Shakespeare tragedy. All with the character and relationship development of a romance.
I like that the hero being an orc and her being a human was ...more
It not only held up to my expectations but it had depths I hadn't anticipated. It had the world-building complexity of a Tolkien fantasy. The star-crossed aspect of a Shakespeare tragedy. All with the character and relationship development of a romance.
I like that the hero being an orc and her being a human was ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

This new series by Amalia Dillin really has me hooked. I love it when a new supernatural creature is used in fantasy or paranormal romance. This is the second series of the author’s that I read and follow. She has definitely become an author that I keep a watch on for whatever she has coming out.
This book had me hooked right from the beginning. The magic in this story is fascinating as soon as I started reading this story I was not able to put it down. The descriptions and characters in the stor ...more
This book had me hooked right from the beginning. The magic in this story is fascinating as soon as I started reading this story I was not able to put it down. The descriptions and characters in the stor ...more

Once again, Dillin demonstrates her knack for crafting a story with compelling lead characters and striking the perfect balance between the challenges they face in the world around them and within themselves.
In my view, “Honor Among Orcs” has a Tolkien-meets-Twilight feel to it and should appeal to fans of supernatural romance and high fantasy alike.
A minor quibble: The male human nobles we encounter early in the tale come off a bit flat. I felt they would benefit greatly from some additional b ...more
In my view, “Honor Among Orcs” has a Tolkien-meets-Twilight feel to it and should appeal to fans of supernatural romance and high fantasy alike.
A minor quibble: The male human nobles we encounter early in the tale come off a bit flat. I felt they would benefit greatly from some additional b ...more

The first book in the Orc Saga series, this novel has a little bit of everything: action, adventure, a damsel in distress, and individuals of questionable character. And that's the just the prologue and the first chapter. Without giving too much away, our damsel, Princess Arianna, is in a difficult situation. She must be obedient to her father or face severe punishment, but that also means bending to the will of the sadistic Lord Alviss.
The only place to hide was the north tower, forbidden from ...more
The only place to hide was the north tower, forbidden from ...more

I was super lucky enough to be given a Advance Copy of this book, and it is FANTASTIC.
I won't give too much away in this review, because I read it with only the barest blurb, no idea where it would go or how it would end, and I think that's the best way to read such a wonderful, thrilling story. Once again, Amalia Dillin has created a magical world that jumps off the page, populated with characters that will make you happy, make you sad, and make your skin crawl.
You will laugh.
You will cry.
You w ...more
I won't give too much away in this review, because I read it with only the barest blurb, no idea where it would go or how it would end, and I think that's the best way to read such a wonderful, thrilling story. Once again, Amalia Dillin has created a magical world that jumps off the page, populated with characters that will make you happy, make you sad, and make your skin crawl.
You will laugh.
You will cry.
You w ...more

I had the absolute privilege of reading this book, before its official release. Not only was I excited about how quickly I was pulled into the story, but I was surprised at how much I have come to like, and have an appreciation for Orcs! It was one of the books that I couldn't wait to read at night. I won't throw in any spoilers. But, you should know that it is not only humorous at times, but also sexy! I found myself giggling to myself a lot. This is a great book for any (mature) fantasy reader
...more

What a compelling, unique and interesting story! Amalia Dillin brings you into yet another fascinating world where you learn about a multitude of characters including the two main characters Arianna and Bolthorn. What an intruiging story about these two individuals and how their lives become intertwined throughout the book. I was compelled by the story from beginning to end and it definitely kept on the edge of my seat in some part, its a very unique fantasy book with a little something for ever
...more

Honor Among Orcs is a fun read. I like that the author chose an orc as the romantic interest rather than the traditional werewolf or vampire which have both been done way too much. The author does a great job helping me visualize the characters and the land they’re traveling through. I loved learning more about the history of the orcs and the elves and really think that made the book much more interesting to me. If you enjoy fantasy romance, you’ll definitely want to read Honor Among Orcs by Ama
...more

This series does not only talks about the love story of the main characters but depicts the struggle of the Orcs- a race that was ridiculed from the day of their existence.
I will follow Bolthorn and Princess Arianna's journey 'til they find their happiness, and how they will give the Orcs the peace and acceptance that they truly deserve.
Nothing much to say because it is perfect the way it is- the story and the writing. Kudos, Amalia Dillin. I hope I can personally chat with you. ...more
I will follow Bolthorn and Princess Arianna's journey 'til they find their happiness, and how they will give the Orcs the peace and acceptance that they truly deserve.
Nothing much to say because it is perfect the way it is- the story and the writing. Kudos, Amalia Dillin. I hope I can personally chat with you. ...more

*sigh* Where do I start?
This book took hold of me from the very moment the ink met the page. Amalia has woven together a fantasy world with rich lore and a gentle nod to those who have traversed the lands of elves and orcs before her. Her prose so lovely I'm pretty sure I audibly swooned over and over again. A beautiful love story laced with magic. ...more
This book took hold of me from the very moment the ink met the page. Amalia has woven together a fantasy world with rich lore and a gentle nod to those who have traversed the lands of elves and orcs before her. Her prose so lovely I'm pretty sure I audibly swooned over and over again. A beautiful love story laced with magic. ...more

Bravo! A good fast read! now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.

Spoilers in this review
The characters weren’t complex enough for my reading taste and fell pretty flat. I found Arianna was annoying at times with how she acted. I didn’t really feel like she had time to find herself because she always had someone to take care/order her around whether it was the King, her sister and Rodric, Bolthorne, etc. she didn’t have enough time to become a character you want to root for in my mind. Yes, i understand the tribulations she went through in the King’s and Lord ...more
The characters weren’t complex enough for my reading taste and fell pretty flat. I found Arianna was annoying at times with how she acted. I didn’t really feel like she had time to find herself because she always had someone to take care/order her around whether it was the King, her sister and Rodric, Bolthorne, etc. she didn’t have enough time to become a character you want to root for in my mind. Yes, i understand the tribulations she went through in the King’s and Lord ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 Reading Chal...: Honor Among Orcs by Amalia Dillin | 5 | 27 | Feb 15, 2015 12:06PM |
Amalia Dillin began as a Biology major before taking Latin and falling in love with old heroes and older gods. After that, she couldn't stop writing about them, with the occasional break for more contemporary subjects. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, and dreams of the day when she will own goats--to pull her chariot through the sky, of course.
Amalia is the author of the Fate of th ...more
Amalia is the author of the Fate of th ...more
Other books in the series
Orc Saga
(2 books)
News & Interviews
The idea for The Gilded Ones came to author Namina Forna in a dream. The recurring image was one of a young girl in armor walking up a...
44 likes · 2 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »