Content levels
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
The story follows the adventures of a warband of orc soldiers, the Wolverines, led by Stryke, a Captain in the Orcish Horde. His lieutenants are Haskeer, a foul tempered orc, Coilla, a clever female orc, who is also the warband's newest recruit and Jup, a Dwarf mercenary, who is disliked by Haskeer due to his race (and the fact that Dwarfs fight for both sides), and Alfray, an old and wise orc who also acts as the warband's standard bearer and medic. The setting of the story is the mythical world of Maras Dantia, which is populated by Humans, Orcs, Elves, Dwarfs, Trolls, Dragons and many other staple creatures of the Fantasy genre. There is a war raging between the polytheistic Manis (who worship "many" gods) and the monotheistic Unis (who follow a religion analogous to Puritan Christianity). The orcs dislike humans, who have brought farming and industry to Maras Dantia, as well as the Uni religion. The presence of humans in Maras Dantia is also killing the land, every year the glaciers advance further from the north, and the magic is literally draining out of the ground itself.
Bodyguard of Lightning: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This military fantasy features graphic combat violence and warfare through the eyes of orc soldiers. Strong themes of racism, religious persecution, and environmental destruction are central to the plot.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include genocide, death, and war (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers who enjoy gritty war stories from the perspective of typically villainous creatures will appreciate this subversive take on fantasy races.