Orcs: Army of Shadows [Paperback]

Stan Nicholls (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 21, 2009 | Series: Orcs

A sojourn in their idyllic homeworld has left Stryke and the Wolverines lacking purpose. So when an opportunity for bloodletting appears, Stryke seizes it. Utilizing mysterious artifacts, the Wolverines are transported to Acurial, a world where the indigenous orc population is cruelly subjugated by human invaders.

Upon their arrival, Stryke's band joins with Acurial's emerging resistance movement. As the revolution gathers pace, the Wolverines are forced to embark on a quest that will see Stryke and his comrades pursued by both their most ruthless enemy and a mysterious troop hell-bent on their destruction.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stan Nicholls is the author of more than two dozen books, most of them in the fantasy and science fiction genres, for both children and adults. His books have been published in over 20 countries. Before taking up writing full-time in 1981, he co-owned and managed West London bookstore Bookends, and managed specialist SF bookshop Dark They Were and Golden Eyed. He was also Forbidden Planet's first manager, and helped establish and run the New York branch. A journalist for national and specialist publications, and the Internet, he was the science fiction and fantasy book reviewer for London listings magazine Time Out for six years, and subsequently reviewed popular science titles for the magazine. He received the Le'Fantastique Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Literature in April 2007. Find out more about the orcs at www.theorcsarecoming.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Orbit; Original edition (October 21, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316033685
• ISBN-13: 978-0316033688
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,775 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just plain fun, February 20, 2010

By 

J. Bove "jimbove" (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Orcs: Army of Shadows (Paperback)

This is a fun ride with a new look at the human race from the Orcs' point of view. I did expect something a little different, something like Grendal, but was very pleased with the world and charecters he created.
Looking forward to the next Orcs book.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fine fantasy, October 18, 2009

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Orcs: Army of Shadows (Paperback)

After getting off their malignant homeworld, Stryke and the Wolverines settle on the Orc orb Ceragan. Their new home proved idyllic, but over time ennui set in so eagerly they venture to anther world Acurial where they join the resistance whose members are not afraid to fight unlike the Orcs who fear the wrath of the Peczan Empire and their evil Sorceress Jennesta. The Wolverines risk their lives to liberate the oppressed orcs from human domination. Their efforts to spark the feral berserker nature of their submissive local peers lead to a civil war.

Using the stars that let them dimension hop to Acurial they land on a world mostly made up of water with islands as the only land. They land on one island populated by dwarves who believe the newcomers are gods especially the dwarves who are part of the Wolverine horde. When slavers kidnap a dwarf, the Wolverines go after them. In their way is Peli Madigan of the Gateway Cops whose job is to get the stars and bring them back to her order as it is too dangerous for individuals to use. Jennesta lands on the world forcing Stryke to make a decision no sentient being should have to make; the Wolverines believes they can win against overwhelming odds, but must find the courage to battle their enemies.

Tolkien gave Orcs a bad name, but Stan Nicholls redeems them with his Wolverines who are good with a strong sense of morality especially by making them do what they promise once they give their word. Although battle ready, the group prefers other options before choosing war as a last resort (if only President Bush was a Wolverine). Filled with action that never slows down on dry land or water, readers will be fascinated by the two worlds the Orcs visit on their quest and look forward to final book in the so far entertaining trilogy.

Harriet Klausner

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars orcs is addicting and wont let yuo stop reading, January 15, 2010

By 

Andrew Chips (The dark diamond crevass) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Orcs: Army of Shadows (Kindle Edition)

its nott he action that grips yo and leaves you craving more. its the perfection and life given to these characters. Similar to Elantris by brandon sanderson, the many plots ploys twists and turns with each gem-like character is breathtaking. the humor is perfect the land and characters beautiful i proudly recommend this book to everyone