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Frozen Talons
“ A tale so outlandish it feels real. Prohibition. Grosse Pointe elves. Automotive lords. And the orcs doing their best to make America make sense. A riotous fantasy within a fantasy. Terry Pratchett via Detroit!”
--Zig Zag Claybourne, author of Afro Puffs are the Antennae of the Universe
HOPE EXISTS TO BE CRUSHED
The tenuous bootlegging alliance between the Tai clan and the human Sanford brought wealth to Uruk-Tai’s family. But a treacherous shadow has poisoned booze in the clan’s name. Humans have died and other humans blame Uruk, the way small men always blame orcs.
But when an orcish child dies from poison draught and war erupts between clans, Uruk finds himself forced into a magic-bound partnership with a clan rival who wants him dead. As the Sun surrenders to the Longest Night, Uruk charges through the belly of 1927 Detroit to find a cowardly killer before his own family is destroyed. Is it a lone poisoner? Or have the arrogant elves decided to end their slow feud and destroy Uruk’s family?
An orc endures, but endurance is not enough.
By dawn, bodies frozen to the street.
Perhaps Uruk’s children among them.
--Zig Zag Claybourne, author of Afro Puffs are the Antennae of the Universe
HOPE EXISTS TO BE CRUSHED
The tenuous bootlegging alliance between the Tai clan and the human Sanford brought wealth to Uruk-Tai’s family. But a treacherous shadow has poisoned booze in the clan’s name. Humans have died and other humans blame Uruk, the way small men always blame orcs.
But when an orcish child dies from poison draught and war erupts between clans, Uruk finds himself forced into a magic-bound partnership with a clan rival who wants him dead. As the Sun surrenders to the Longest Night, Uruk charges through the belly of 1927 Detroit to find a cowardly killer before his own family is destroyed. Is it a lone poisoner? Or have the arrogant elves decided to end their slow feud and destroy Uruk’s family?
An orc endures, but endurance is not enough.
By dawn, bodies frozen to the street.
Perhaps Uruk’s children among them.
203 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 1, 2022
When you're an orc, the whole world is already pretty hostile toward you. But if you've made an enemy, they can make the world even colder and darker. The Longest Dark approaches, and people are dying from poisoned hooch. As the main supply of Canadian hooch, Urukh is already in the crosshairs. The elves would love to see him taken down. His upstairs neighbor wants him taken out. And the gods, well it's best not to catch their attention. The B plot involves a sweet little old lady orc who drinks tea with her neighbor. Sometimes they have muffins.
July 23, 2023
More Prohibition Orcs. Clan wars, leadership, cartels, and a very old orc quietly keeping the traditions alive. Has some very nice cultural misunderstandings, and some honestly heart-warming parts. Definitely a snack/popcorn read series that I'll continue whenever I can.
August 18, 2025
For fans of: USA prohibition-era working class stories and orcs!
My favourite depiction of my favourite fantasy creature! The clash between the orcs’ philosophy and human sensibilities is as engrossing as it is entertaining. Thank you, Mr Lucas!
My favourite depiction of my favourite fantasy creature! The clash between the orcs’ philosophy and human sensibilities is as engrossing as it is entertaining. Thank you, Mr Lucas!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews