Grunts!
An orc is a fire plug of a fighting machine made of muscle, hide, talon and husk, with a villainous disposition and a mean sense of humor. And, of course, an orc is a poor dumb grunt – the much abused foot soldier of the Evil Horde of Darkness.
The usual last battle of Good against Evil is about to begin. Orc Captain Ashnak and his war-band know exactly what they can expect. The forces of Light are outnumbered, full of headstrong heroes devoid of tactics – but the Light's still going to win. Orcs – the sword fodder of the front line – will die by the thousands. Life's a bitch.
Grunts! is a triumphant tactical advance into comic fantasy territory by Mary Gentle, capturing the grim realism and grim comedy of sword and sorcery from the bad guy's point of view.
Mary Gentle
Mary Gentle is one of the world's most acclaimed writers of fantasy and science fiction; ASH, the largest single fantasy work ever – longer even than THE LORD OF THE RINGS – combines the authentic details of Bernard Cornwell and the magical storytelling of Terry Goodkind.
Mary has a number of academic degrees, including an MA in War Studies, and has hands-on experience of sword-fighting and armour, amongst many other useful talents.
She lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
Book Reviews
If you reread Tolkien from time to time then Grunts is a must read. You will never hate an orc again! Ron Restorff