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The Tales of Many Orcs #1
The Orc of Many Questions
Orcs don’t like questions. Everybody with a brain knows that. Orc tribes save their strength for fighting, not thinking. They survive by raiding the lands of weaker races, repeating it year after year to offer tribute to the masters of their mountain home.
Life on Firebrand Peak is short and nasty. Death comes quickly and the fallen are soon forgotten. Generations pass, yet the tribe remains brutally the same.
Until one little orc starts asking too many questions.
Life on Firebrand Peak is short and nasty. Death comes quickly and the fallen are soon forgotten. Generations pass, yet the tribe remains brutally the same.
Until one little orc starts asking too many questions.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2013
27 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Shane Michael Murray
2 books7 followersReading was always an escape, however at some point all the stories began to jumble and take on a life of their own, refusing to be contained. Wizards may find themselves in my worlds, however creating something I can share with others is for me the best kind of magic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 10, 2019
I love orcs. My favorite character in WoW is my orc warrior. If I believed in otherkin, I’d say I’m an orc.
I rarely read books about orcs, though, because… no reason, I just don’t feel orcs and books get along. I certainly had some misgivings at first, when I started reading this book. I picked it up for the title mostly, and I thought: wow, the guy does use a lot of long words. Then came the gross factor, and I got interested. You just don’t get enough of properly creative gross stuff when it comes to orcs. This book has it.
It also has a truly horrifying evil guy (I sure as f*ck won’t be making any spoilers here). I haven’t been so scared in ages. Dude, author, awesome work.
It also has great female characters. I say “female” on purpose here. Flat-Stone is my heroine. She is my kind of girl. I loved Talking-Wind, but I loved Flat-Stone too. She was EPIC. Again, author, dude, awesome job, thank you. The relationship (no, it’s not what you might think) between these two characters sums up what being an orc is about.
In the first time in my life I felt like writing a fan mail to a writer, good thing I came to my senses. Haha. But this book makes me happy, it warms my orc blood up. GG
I rarely read books about orcs, though, because… no reason, I just don’t feel orcs and books get along. I certainly had some misgivings at first, when I started reading this book. I picked it up for the title mostly, and I thought: wow, the guy does use a lot of long words. Then came the gross factor, and I got interested. You just don’t get enough of properly creative gross stuff when it comes to orcs. This book has it.
It also has a truly horrifying evil guy (I sure as f*ck won’t be making any spoilers here). I haven’t been so scared in ages. Dude, author, awesome work.
It also has great female characters. I say “female” on purpose here. Flat-Stone is my heroine. She is my kind of girl. I loved Talking-Wind, but I loved Flat-Stone too. She was EPIC. Again, author, dude, awesome job, thank you. The relationship (no, it’s not what you might think) between these two characters sums up what being an orc is about.
In the first time in my life I felt like writing a fan mail to a writer, good thing I came to my senses. Haha. But this book makes me happy, it warms my orc blood up. GG
June 5, 2013
Ugh...
There was a lot of... disgusting things in this book. Honestly though I had to expect it considering the book is about orcs!
It was an interesting idea and very unique, I loved that. Well written and made you sympathize with the main character.
I don't think I would read any of the other books in the series, but I would suggest people try this one just to get a different perspective for writing.
There was a lot of... disgusting things in this book. Honestly though I had to expect it considering the book is about orcs!
It was an interesting idea and very unique, I loved that. Well written and made you sympathize with the main character.
I don't think I would read any of the other books in the series, but I would suggest people try this one just to get a different perspective for writing.
June 8, 2013
Orcs. They've been done before, through and through. One can easily picture a typical orc story quite easily; their generic nature is mind-numbing.It's quite surprising that one would find a newly written piece of work that centers around the life of an orc. Why, after all, beat a dead horse?
However, in stark contrast of expectation, the novel is anything but the dreary story I half expected it to be. It's a thrilling piece of work which forces you to don a pair of rose coloured lenses and undergo a paradigm shift, where you're left ignorant of what's around the next corner and eager to find out. You're not quite sure what to expect from this story, which is a lovely change from the predictable story lines you see often these days - even in the best sellers.
Mr. Murray creates a world where you're able to easily slip into the young orc-blunc's persona. It's this connection that entraps - as it always does in any great fantasy - you, unable to escape from the world he creates. You'll be hard pressed to tear your eyes away from the screen (since you can't exactly 'put it down'). It is, sadly, over far too quickly; perhaps because I read it in one sitting.
It's quite difficult to make the first book in a potential series enthralling, generally because it's 'setting the scene' for the rest of the series e.g. introducing characters, the world, etc, so what Shane Michael Murray managed put into such a relatively small amount of work is nothing short of genius.
The story, portrayed from the perspective of a young orc, otherwise known as a 'blunc', who is quite odd when compared with the rest of his species. He's curious, talkative, and asks far too many questions. In a harsh world where the to survive you must be 'normal', a somewhat primitive warmonger, to be different is dangerous. It's not long before Talking-Wind draws unwanted attention, and suddenly comes under fire from all sides, experiencing what could be summed up as, 'a series of unfortunate events'. Turning disadvantage to advantage, the young blunc frantically uses his wits, attempting to overcome his obstacles. Will he succeed? Only Mr. Murray knows! We, his literary prisoners must bide out time and wait for the next installment of "The Book of Many Orcs".
I recommend this book to any one interested in a fantasy oh so different from the stock standard refuse gathering dust on our shelves.
However, in stark contrast of expectation, the novel is anything but the dreary story I half expected it to be. It's a thrilling piece of work which forces you to don a pair of rose coloured lenses and undergo a paradigm shift, where you're left ignorant of what's around the next corner and eager to find out. You're not quite sure what to expect from this story, which is a lovely change from the predictable story lines you see often these days - even in the best sellers.
Mr. Murray creates a world where you're able to easily slip into the young orc-blunc's persona. It's this connection that entraps - as it always does in any great fantasy - you, unable to escape from the world he creates. You'll be hard pressed to tear your eyes away from the screen (since you can't exactly 'put it down'). It is, sadly, over far too quickly; perhaps because I read it in one sitting.
It's quite difficult to make the first book in a potential series enthralling, generally because it's 'setting the scene' for the rest of the series e.g. introducing characters, the world, etc, so what Shane Michael Murray managed put into such a relatively small amount of work is nothing short of genius.
The story, portrayed from the perspective of a young orc, otherwise known as a 'blunc', who is quite odd when compared with the rest of his species. He's curious, talkative, and asks far too many questions. In a harsh world where the to survive you must be 'normal', a somewhat primitive warmonger, to be different is dangerous. It's not long before Talking-Wind draws unwanted attention, and suddenly comes under fire from all sides, experiencing what could be summed up as, 'a series of unfortunate events'. Turning disadvantage to advantage, the young blunc frantically uses his wits, attempting to overcome his obstacles. Will he succeed? Only Mr. Murray knows! We, his literary prisoners must bide out time and wait for the next installment of "The Book of Many Orcs".
I recommend this book to any one interested in a fantasy oh so different from the stock standard refuse gathering dust on our shelves.
May 29, 2015
Inane, juvenile, sickening...these are some of the words that come to mind after finishing this promising take on orcs. The writing was simplistic and would have benefited from more editing, and the first-person perspective didn't work for me in the context of this story. The writer's voice was weak, so I was hardly interested in the thoughts and actions of our young protagonist. We know he's different from the others of his kind, but we never find out why. More character development and background is needed.
When I say the book is disgusting, I mean that I lost track of the numerous occasions someone voided their bowels in fear or had their body plastered in feces. I've read some disturbing descriptions before, but they're out of place in a novel that might otherwise classify as Young Adult. The writing and events felt disjointed as a result.
The portrayal of dragons disengaged me from the plot. We typically see majestic, powerful predators that hibernate on a treasure horde, or burn and consume villages. While those tropes may apply here, the Lady of Firebrand Peak also enjoys torturing its food, starving its food, and digesting its orc meals covered in shit. Again, out of place compared to the novel's other content.
Despite my complaints and generalized boredom throughout the story, I was almost hopeful at the end when our young orc is thrust into a prospective rescue situation. He has a chance to cause some real good, a disposition already realized in his thoughts and actions throughout previous encounters. While the course of action didn't turn out evil, it still took away any fleeting hope I had for a solid conclusion.
So, I didn't enjoy this. Weak writing, nonsensical situations, poor character development, and a less-than-desirable ending left me bored and frustrated. Even still, now that one chapter has seemingly come to a close, I could possibly end up reading the next book in the series after enough time has passed. For all the shortcoming and drawbacks, there was promise. Now that a new adventure awaits, my curiosity may get the best of me.
When I say the book is disgusting, I mean that I lost track of the numerous occasions someone voided their bowels in fear or had their body plastered in feces. I've read some disturbing descriptions before, but they're out of place in a novel that might otherwise classify as Young Adult. The writing and events felt disjointed as a result.
The portrayal of dragons disengaged me from the plot. We typically see majestic, powerful predators that hibernate on a treasure horde, or burn and consume villages. While those tropes may apply here, the Lady of Firebrand Peak also enjoys torturing its food, starving its food, and digesting its orc meals covered in shit. Again, out of place compared to the novel's other content.
Despite my complaints and generalized boredom throughout the story, I was almost hopeful at the end when our young orc is thrust into a prospective rescue situation. He has a chance to cause some real good, a disposition already realized in his thoughts and actions throughout previous encounters. While the course of action didn't turn out evil, it still took away any fleeting hope I had for a solid conclusion.
So, I didn't enjoy this. Weak writing, nonsensical situations, poor character development, and a less-than-desirable ending left me bored and frustrated. Even still, now that one chapter has seemingly come to a close, I could possibly end up reading the next book in the series after enough time has passed. For all the shortcoming and drawbacks, there was promise. Now that a new adventure awaits, my curiosity may get the best of me.
March 28, 2015
I think I should have read a few more reviews before I started this book. Or something anything.
I expected a semi comedic coming of age book. What I got was death.
Young orcs apparently don't get a name until they come of age so they just get nicknames. Talking-Wind or Flapping gums or whatever mean name they choose to call him asks to many questions and has few friends.
In the course of this book all of his friends end up dead. His father ends up dead. He has to slowly watch another orc starve to almost dead and then he mercy kills her. He watches as a dragon eats other captive creatures , all the while knowing the dragon is going to eat him in three cycles. Also a mercy killing of an elf takes place.
I kept thinking he was going to really save the creatures. He was going to save Flat-Stone. He was going to actually save the elf. Nope just death after death after death.
I skimmed the last 30% of the book because I couldn't bear it anymore and I'm still shaking. blah.
I expected a semi comedic coming of age book. What I got was death.
Young orcs apparently don't get a name until they come of age so they just get nicknames. Talking-Wind or Flapping gums or whatever mean name they choose to call him asks to many questions and has few friends.
In the course of this book all of his friends end up dead. His father ends up dead. He has to slowly watch another orc starve to almost dead and then he mercy kills her. He watches as a dragon eats other captive creatures , all the while knowing the dragon is going to eat him in three cycles. Also a mercy killing of an elf takes place.
I kept thinking he was going to really save the creatures. He was going to save Flat-Stone. He was going to actually save the elf. Nope just death after death after death.
I skimmed the last 30% of the book because I couldn't bear it anymore and I'm still shaking. blah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2015
I would have given it 5 stars, but I took away one for gore. Great plot, great writing. I really enjoyed the story about this young orc, but I'm not sure if I want to continue the story.
I don't mind battles or fight scenes. After all, it's a book about orcs, so you can't be surprised when they act like orcs.
It just I could do with a lot less of the sheer gore and feces. Some of it was just so gross. I much preferred reading Tolkien's statement, "That was the last they ever saw of those ponies," then reading Just don't sit down with a snack and start to read this book.
I don't mind battles or fight scenes. After all, it's a book about orcs, so you can't be surprised when they act like orcs.
It just I could do with a lot less of the sheer gore and feces. Some of it was just so gross. I much preferred reading Tolkien's statement, "That was the last they ever saw of those ponies," then reading Just don't sit down with a snack and start to read this book.
October 24, 2014
This is a brilliant book. I loved the setting, the story and the pace. The main character is a young orc that doesn't fit, an orc that asks far more questions than any other. Through his questions and the trouble he manages to land himself in a rich view of Orc culture emerges. Yes they are aggressive, yes they are warlike, but these are no cardboard cutout baddies. Some of the reasons for the way they are become clear, others are merely hinted at.
It's not all orcs though. There are ogres, giants and a dragon, all of which have complex interactions with each other and the orcs. The only problem with the book is that the next in the series isn't out yet!
It's not all orcs though. There are ogres, giants and a dragon, all of which have complex interactions with each other and the orcs. The only problem with the book is that the next in the series isn't out yet!
October 9, 2019
There were some good potential... but I gave up at 37% of this book. There wasn't enough good to combat the bad parts.
Main character is, like, 9 and the overabundance of descriptions involving urine and feces became really uncomfortable for me. Constantly using words like 'shit' and 'piss' during these parts made it sound like a pedophilic scat and piss fetish. Ugh, my stomach is still churning.
I'm not recommending this to anyone.
Main character is, like, 9 and the overabundance of descriptions involving urine and feces became really uncomfortable for me. Constantly using words like 'shit' and 'piss' during these parts made it sound like a pedophilic scat and piss fetish. Ugh, my stomach is still churning.
I'm not recommending this to anyone.
February 25, 2020
I found myself drawn to learn more about the society of orcs and the lore of the world but repelled by the continual ultra-gross description of seemingly unnecessary things. I haven't decided if I will read more from this author or not but this book was certainly unique and made an impression.
February 18, 2021
The plot of this story was decent, but the execution below par. With a good editor and a solid chunk of time, this could be turned into a fairly successful sale.
September 20, 2017
I got this book specifically because it seemed like it would have an unorthodox take on orcs, and I was not disappointed.
The story follows a young orc (a “blunc”) who unusually has a fairly sharp mind and a very inquisitive nature; not attributes that are looked on favorably in his tribe. Large, powerful orcs who can be successful in raids against the humans, elves, and dwarves of the world are the ideal, this being the only way that the orcs can procure food, weapons, goods, and “entertainment.” Talking-Wind wants to know why his people are stuck in this life of constant raiding, and even has some hints that life was not always like this for orcs, but he has more questions than answers, and little time to search for them. Talking-Wind’s curiosity draws unwanted attention not only from the other young orcs, who are all too happy to bully someone smaller and weaker, but also from the dragon that demands regular tribute from the orc clan. When the dragon comes for him, Talking-Wind needs all his wits in order to have a hope of surviving long enough to get all of his many questions answered!
This book was a lot grosser than I was expecting, which perhaps should not have surprised me given the subject of the story; there is some gore, but mainly a lot of unpleasant bodily functions! This does not detract from the story, but might be something to be aware of.
It also does a good job with starting to break down the standard fantasy trope of “orcs are evil because they are evil,” which has bothered me more and more in recent years. A certain well-known fantasy series that shall not be named recently doubled-down on this, after spending several books/years looking like they too might be reversing or at least questioning the trope, which annoyed me. Partly for that reason, I’ve been looking for stories that do better and don’t automatically go the route of saying that some races are actually evil by nature. To me, that makes for much less interesting villains/enemies. Easier to kill with a clean conscience, perhaps, but not much else.
There is a sequel which I have not gotten to yet, but do hope to read soon! I would recommend this one to anyone who is interested in a subversion of typical fantasy tropes, anyone who likes a very down-to-earth-complete-with-bodily-fluids type of story, or anyone who happens to be interested in orcs as a fantasy race.
The story follows a young orc (a “blunc”) who unusually has a fairly sharp mind and a very inquisitive nature; not attributes that are looked on favorably in his tribe. Large, powerful orcs who can be successful in raids against the humans, elves, and dwarves of the world are the ideal, this being the only way that the orcs can procure food, weapons, goods, and “entertainment.” Talking-Wind wants to know why his people are stuck in this life of constant raiding, and even has some hints that life was not always like this for orcs, but he has more questions than answers, and little time to search for them. Talking-Wind’s curiosity draws unwanted attention not only from the other young orcs, who are all too happy to bully someone smaller and weaker, but also from the dragon that demands regular tribute from the orc clan. When the dragon comes for him, Talking-Wind needs all his wits in order to have a hope of surviving long enough to get all of his many questions answered!
This book was a lot grosser than I was expecting, which perhaps should not have surprised me given the subject of the story; there is some gore, but mainly a lot of unpleasant bodily functions! This does not detract from the story, but might be something to be aware of.
It also does a good job with starting to break down the standard fantasy trope of “orcs are evil because they are evil,” which has bothered me more and more in recent years. A certain well-known fantasy series that shall not be named recently doubled-down on this, after spending several books/years looking like they too might be reversing or at least questioning the trope, which annoyed me. Partly for that reason, I’ve been looking for stories that do better and don’t automatically go the route of saying that some races are actually evil by nature. To me, that makes for much less interesting villains/enemies. Easier to kill with a clean conscience, perhaps, but not much else.
There is a sequel which I have not gotten to yet, but do hope to read soon! I would recommend this one to anyone who is interested in a subversion of typical fantasy tropes, anyone who likes a very down-to-earth-complete-with-bodily-fluids type of story, or anyone who happens to be interested in orcs as a fantasy race.
July 23, 2017
The writing style is simple but that kinda fits the book. It is also a good look in orc social structure. i don't see much wrong with this book. It is gory, the main character isn't like an anti-hero or anything to look up to. Yet. The main character is just a kid stuck in a crummy life, and he's more curious than most of his other kind which gets him into trouble.
August 22, 2018
I had to finish
I read this all in one day. Why? It is that good. The orcs have a very native American feel to them and I loved it. This is honestly one of the best books that I have read in a long time.
I read this all in one day. Why? It is that good. The orcs have a very native American feel to them and I loved it. This is honestly one of the best books that I have read in a long time.
October 10, 2018
An enjoyable little read just had a lot of spelling errors! I’m not sure if it was proof read ? Still it didn’t put me off.
December 1, 2018
Great book
Wonderfully written. Every time I thought the story was going one way, it went in a different direction and kept me wanting to know what would happen.
Wonderfully written. Every time I thought the story was going one way, it went in a different direction and kept me wanting to know what would happen.
December 13, 2018
A good book, but I think it would be better suited to a younger reader
September 19, 2022
The tale started with a curious orc boy, a book, and a dragon.. where it spiral out to a point of no return
February 17, 2017
This book is so gripping and really enjoyable not your normal Orc story to be honest, this Orc was fast and as the book title implies he used his brain a lot, when the Lady of the Mountain came to collect her tribute she took a liking to the Orc of Many Question, well his smell anyway, but he still needed to mature a little, so she promised him 3 more cycles , (years to us) before she came back to eat him, his attitude was you can do a lot in 3 cycles, brilliant fantasy.
July 17, 2013
This book by Shane Michael Murray (I wonder if he's Chad's brother) features a young orc (called a blunc) named Talking Wind who shows us why Orcs are the way they are. Trapped against the mountains, surrounded by Humans, Elves and Dwarves, befriended by Giants, preyed upon by dragons, Talking Wind is a orc out of place in his community as he asks too many questions! Through his questions we discover the nature of his world and the orcs place in it. The protagonist is not a hero, certainly not by Orc standards and it's his faults that drive the story to it's conclusion. Mr. Murray does an excellent job in world building and sets the ground work for a vibrant world that I can't wait to see him expand upon in future volumes.
July 30, 2013
This was a refreshing change of pace for a coming of age fantasy books. I enjoyed learning about the Orc tribe and the different kinds of Orcs that populate that world. Very solid world building and all the characters were enjoyable and had a unique feel to them. The main character was entertaining getting to know and watching him learn some things the hard way.
The only thing that I found very crude were all the situations involving bodily fluids. The frequency at which they are brought up caught me off guard and was off putting.
The only thing that I found very crude were all the situations involving bodily fluids. The frequency at which they are brought up caught me off guard and was off putting.
October 16, 2013
Surprising twist within the fantasy genre: a story told from the point of view of an orc, with some "humanity" found in our main character, while no punches are pulled on the canon of orcs in terms of their brutality. I thought it all worked.
Warning: the book is clearly a lead-in to a larger series, as it leaves many threads unclosed, and there's not a lot of resolution in the current story, though at least some.
Warning: the book is clearly a lead-in to a larger series, as it leaves many threads unclosed, and there's not a lot of resolution in the current story, though at least some.
June 28, 2014
My Review: I loved this fantasy story. It would be great for all ages. Love how it weaves elves,dragons,giants, orcs and all manner of fantasy creatures into the story. The adventures or misadventures of one little orc are very entertaining. I would love to read more of what happens to Talking Wind. I would highly recommend this to anyone who would like a fresh take on the fantasy realm. I give this book 5 stars.
July 24, 2014
Awesome book must read lol fast and interesting story
Awesome book must read lol fast and interesting story
comedy fun interesting and tells the struggle of a young orc who's curiosity isn't wanted. I'm getting every bok commuting out for this. cool point of view from orc perspective.
Awesome book must read lol fast and interesting story
comedy fun interesting and tells the struggle of a young orc who's curiosity isn't wanted. I'm getting every bok commuting out for this. cool point of view from orc perspective.
May 12, 2016
A good time
Dealt with some adult issues but nothing gratuitous (not that I would mind) and it was nice to see a story from an orc's point of view. It was a fun step outside of the typical humans/elves/dwarves story and it made orc's have an Actual culture and not "dumb people who are usually male and are strong and try to kill you because you're there."
Dealt with some adult issues but nothing gratuitous (not that I would mind) and it was nice to see a story from an orc's point of view. It was a fun step outside of the typical humans/elves/dwarves story and it made orc's have an Actual culture and not "dumb people who are usually male and are strong and try to kill you because you're there."
October 31, 2013
I didn't care for this story. I think it was written for young adult boys, but i thought the language as ridiculous! I think it may have been written by a young adult boy! I finished it out of curiosity, but I wouldn't recommend it!
August 12, 2014
Entertaining
Quick read that left me wanting more. unique writing style that kept me interested throughout the book and a truly flawed "hero" that everyone will love and relate too. All around solid book
Quick read that left me wanting more. unique writing style that kept me interested throughout the book and a truly flawed "hero" that everyone will love and relate too. All around solid book
October 13, 2015
Interesting premise.
It's cool to read a fantasy book from a completely different perspective. I've read many books from the standpoint of humans, elves, or dwarves, but never an Orc. I liked it!
It's cool to read a fantasy book from a completely different perspective. I've read many books from the standpoint of humans, elves, or dwarves, but never an Orc. I liked it!
March 30, 2014
A very light and enjoyable read. There were a couple of small typos but they did not distract from the book. I will most certainly be following the next book when it comes out.
June 9, 2015
Brisk and funny with an entertaining lead character. (Although sometimes rather gross.) There's an obvious sequel-hook at the end, but the book still feels complete in and of itself.
September 23, 2015
Original plot and great character development. I look forward to seeing where the author takes this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews