Greg (adds 2 TBR list daily) Hersom
asked
Jonathan  French:
This question contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[Loved The Grey Bastards but I have one question. I think you explained it in the book but I think I missed it; why are there so many of these half-orcs running around? (hide spoiler)]
Jonathan  French
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[Greg, thanks for the question! Let's see if I can answer it while staying Goodreads appropriate. Couple of things to keep in mind: Orcs are sexual predators. Their seed is strong, so most women unfortunate enough to encounter them will conceive and cannot rid themselves of the pregnancy. There are always orcs in the Lots, even if just in small groups, so the frequency of attacks is high. 
I also don't know that I would say there are "so many". When you consider that there are only 8 half-orc hoofs and most of them have less than 20 sworn members, (plus perhaps double the amount of hopefuls) that only leaves a few hundred mongrels. Add in free-riders and you have far fewer than 1000 roaming all of the Lots. Keep in mind, while male half-orcs are sterile, the females aren't. They can breed with humans (producing frailings like Hoodwink, Grocer and Slivers). Not to mention thrice-bloods...
Hope that answered it for you! (hide spoiler)]
I also don't know that I would say there are "so many". When you consider that there are only 8 half-orc hoofs and most of them have less than 20 sworn members, (plus perhaps double the amount of hopefuls) that only leaves a few hundred mongrels. Add in free-riders and you have far fewer than 1000 roaming all of the Lots. Keep in mind, while male half-orcs are sterile, the females aren't. They can breed with humans (producing frailings like Hoodwink, Grocer and Slivers). Not to mention thrice-bloods...
Hope that answered it for you! (hide spoiler)]
More Answered Questions
Tabatha Stirling
asked
Jonathan  French:
Brilliant novel - absolutely loving it. Can I ask why you made Fetching the central character for the next installment? And if Jax, I mean, Jackel will be featured because Lord have mercy! That boy is a long, tall, cool, soot-skinned, betusked glass of water :),
bzm3r
asked
Jonathan  French:
I love your writing! I've read all the Lot Lands books so far, and just finished the Exiled Heir. Thank you so much for the epilogue; I am grateful for the happy reunion between furry friend and little boy. What are some books you'd strongly recommend, while we wait on your next?
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