Bodyguard of Lightning (ORCS: First Blood, Book 1) [Mass Market Paperback]

Stan Nicholls (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1999 | Series: Orc

A fast moving, action packed epic that for the first time tells the story of fantasy's traditional enemy, giving orcs their own motives, heroes and destiny. An epic quest that takes orc warband leader Stryke and his warriors on a journey to secure five artifacts of power with which they hope the can buy their freedom but which actually hold the key to everything and the explanation for the sudden incursion of mankind into the world of the elder races, an incursion that is leeching the magic out of the land of Maras-Dantia.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'You'll never feel the same about LORD OF THE RINGS' -- SFX

About the Author

SALES POINTS *'Fast moving and freaky ...the most fun you're ever likely to have with a warband of orcs' Tad Williams *'Wall to wall action, undercurrents of dark humour ... gritty, fast paced' David Gemmell *A unique fantasy series *Perfect for all fantasy fans, computer and roleplaying gamers *Stan Nicholls a well known and well loved figure on the genre scene Widespread genre review coverage

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Victor Gollancz; paperback / softback edition (1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857985583
• ISBN-13: 978-1857985580
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,848,837 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good book, though a little annoying at times, July 23, 2001

By 

Paul Greatrix (uk) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bodyguard of Lightning (ORCS: First Blood, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

I must admit that writting from the Orcs point of view is a good idea. But Im affraid that Stan does'nt pull it off particulary well. He strays from the traditional orc charater too much, having them sing of fair orcish ladies and the such.

All books (it is said) have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Not so in this case. The entire story seems the "middle", completely lacking a begining or end. That means that there was no final battle, and the book ended abruptly.

There are good points however. The beginning chapter is so gripping that it will probably motivate you to read half the book in one sitting. Its fast paced and delivers a lot of action through out. The characters are a little cold, but when it comes to a battle, Stan directs them well.

It's worth checking out if you intend to spend time reading the entire series. It does leave you with the incentive to buy the next novel by leaving you on a cliff hanger at the end of the book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, entertaining fantasy with a twist, June 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Bodyguard of Lightning (ORCS: First Blood, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

A proud people of warriors at one with Nature struggling to adjust to a world brought to change by invaders from across the sea. Yes, it does sound like a number of native people all around the world to me, too.

But in this book it is the orcs, who normally are treated as bad guys by default, who defend their traditions and way of life in a fantasy world invaded by humans. The humans pollute, exhaust natural resources and generally make things bad for everyone else, all in the name of their One True God.

It is a good twist, but it's not a great book. The characters are somewhat stereotype. It's more of an RPG adventure than a novel. But there is a lot of fighting (it is about orcs, after all) and of course an epic quest to embark on. I can recommend you to read it because it is a quick, fun read with some nice ideas and twists.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Show, April 17, 2005

By 

Mr. X "Blademaster" (Uk) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bodyguard Of Lightning: Orcs First Blood (Paperback)

At first aproach i was slightly wary of the book, i mean, orcs? heroes? noble creatures? And yet, as you progess through the book, you begin to feel great empathy for these natural-born warriors, who, since there birth have been forced to fight for masters they disagree with, as blind servants, with no say in their own destiny. Suddenly, they have choice, and the opputunity to decide for themselves what their next move will be, not just to be told, and carry out their orders or face certain death. Their journey, and the enemies they face in all directions will have you not only understanding their way of life, but rooting for them, holding your breath, and hoping this next fight will not be their last. It's a book that sucks you in and won't let go, although you might want to harden your stomach to some of the....grosser details.....it's fast-paced, action packed, gritty, and more often than not, very funny. This is a worth edition to any fantasy reader's collection.