After the war is lost, all that remains is to survive. And when you know what you’ve done, you can’t hope for anything more. Bereft in a hostile world, an orc general struggles to come to terms with his role in the destruction of his people. Running and hiding from the humans and elves that hunt him down, he searches for other orc survivors.When two human wizards finally pin him down in an … wizards finally pin him down in an abandoned orcish mountain fortress, he must use his wits and cunning to prevail, redeeming himself and the magic of his people.
more
Fascinating! This is the first novel I’ve read that’s told from the standpoint of an orc. Who knew that the blood-thirsty creatures had emotions other than anger? Guilt predominates this orc as he searches for others of his kind. Why guilt? You’ll have to read to find out.
Much of it’s written without dialog since he’s traveling alone, but it doesn’t hamper the story. I was kept captivated by his journey, wondering if he’d come across those of his kind. As it got closer to the end, I hurried through the pages, not wanting to stop.
For an orc who claims to be so dumb, he manages to outsmart even the wizards out to get him. Now that the war with the humans is over, this former General finds himself all alone in a world full of humans. The pain he feels for having let down his people and the sorrow he feels about being the last orc known to be left alive is a palpable thing. I can appreciate how the guilt keeps him feeling depressed, but I also like how he uses that sorrow to gain the greatest of treasures.
This is an interesting story, full of the inner workings of an orc’s mind. It’ll be great to see where this orc’s adventures lead him in his search for his kind.
Fantasy twist
The first word that came into mind was unconventional, partly because of the Orc POV. I liked the way the book had a contemplative, introspective aspect as we see the orcs’ life, rise and fall, as well as the orc’s particular relation with trees and nature. Very different read for me, but an interesting philosophical read.
This author has accomplished something quite difficult…in that the entire story is done within this character’s head. Lovers of action and thrilling events probably should stay away from this book because it is more cerebral, more internal, and very well done in that respect.
The orc general is lost and feels unworthy after a war–more of a holocaust really–that destroys everything. His emotion is accentuated the more he travels, the more devastation he sees. There is great world building and details. The reader really feels the situation along with him.
After the World is very unconventional and has the unique perspective of being written from an orc’s point of view. The orc used to be a leader of the orcs and in the face of their demise and the loss of his people and their culture, he is forced to come to grips with the part he played in their destruction. The book is introspective, with little interaction between the orc general and other characters, but is focused on a unique communion between the orc and trees and the earth, and more importantly, the orc and the mountain. If you like unique reading experiences, you will enjoy After the World. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading.
It was refreshing to read a fantasy story with a different perspective. The story has a well developed plot. The author did a wonderful job of helping the reader to visualize the world in which the story takes place. It’s a different kind of novel that I suggest you give a read. I look forward to more from this author.
I love the idea of reading a story told from the losing side because we often read how good triumphs over evil and that’s the end of it. This story focuses on a broken down orc that was a commander in the great war against the world and his existence after the war, a war his people lost horribly. He’s struggles to survive and hide from the day creatures with one goal that keeps him matching onward: find other surviving orcs. Part of the story you get immersed in his internal lamenting, leaving you to wonder how he can keep on going but but you gain insight into the worldview of a brutish orc. It’s a wonderfully written story that will keep you turning the pages as his journey takes him to a mountain orc stronghold and the events that transpire will surprise you. Sorry no spoilers so read it and enjoy! I highly recommend this one!