Adrian Tchaikovsky is a magician, I swear. The man cranks out absolute masterpieces all the time, and he rarely misses a beat. His novellas, in particular, are phenomenal, and this is almost certainly getting my Hugo vote this year.

Ogres has brilliant pacing, a perfectly expanding world, and a final reveal/twist that is so good I just relished in it for an entire cup of tea after the book was over.

In a world where ogres are tyrants; bigger, stronger, faster, smarter, and tougher than you; where is there hope? Is it in the hands of Torquell, the charismatic rogue of a headman's son? Well, it's only 160 pages or so, find out for yourself!

Again, so incredible.

This is an unusual book. It’s not long - novella length. It’s told in 2nd person POV, which is a bit odd at first, but you get used to it. I had no idea where this was going, but I was fascinated from the start. At first it seemed it must be a Fantasy novel, what with ogres present, and huge dogs, but there are elements that crop in that are clearly SF. And as the story progresses, it’s clear that this is SF.

So all you Fantasy hating SF fans out there - don’t be put off by the title.

Otherwise, I can’t say anything about it with out spoiling it and I don’t want to use spoiler tags.

The writing and pacing is excellent, as we can expect from Tchaikovsky.

Thanks to Adrian Tchaikovsky, Penguin and Netgalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Sorry that review is late!

As a loyal Adrian Tchaikovsky fan, I was thrilled to receive this ARC. Tchaikovsky never disappoints. His stories are captivating, mind-bending and a cracking good time. “Ogres” is no exception. I loved the cozy vibes this little novella gives off while maintaining a sinister overtone.

'Ogres' is a novella by sci-fi and fantasy megalith, Adrian Tchaikovsky. The world juxtaposes normal, common humanity with the ruling Ogre class. Larger than everyone else, the ogres rule by inherent genetic 'supremacy' in a feudal-esque steampunk setting. After killing his feudal landlords son, Torquell, larger and stronger than most other humans, is on the run. Eventually his time in imprisonment and servitude sees him discover a chilling truth about the nature of the world, and the origin of the ogres.

Reader engagement is kept throughout the novel as we remain eager to understand the origin of the ogres and humans, learning as Torquell does about the history of their society. The final reveal about this history comes gradually, and was something I picked up on earlier than overtly spelled out in the novella. However, I do think it had the effect Tchaikovsky intended in provoking reflection about our own society. The humanity of the ogres is continually questioned throughout the novel, as they are shown to have great variation in attitude to and treatment of the humans. This is, as the novel progresses, used for social comm
entary throughout before the 'big reveal' of the history of the world.

An interesting element in the story is the vegetarianism of humans which contrasts the meat-consumption of the ogres. According to this, the humans are considered incapable of digesting meat and it remains the exclusive pleasure of the ogres. Putting aside the animal rights implications of meat consumption, this distinction serves to create an animalistic air about the ogres where the humans are pacified, and subservient. The very nature of the human as a predator species is undermined, further personified by the passivity of the masses at their mistreatment. Beyond the size difference between the ogres and humans, this provided a clear distinction in the nature of the ogres as violent and oppressive.

This novella has social commentary, fantasy intrigue and a not-too-shabbily developed main character, what's more to like?

I'm only just getting into the meat of Tchaikovsky's works, but while I have greatly enjoyed everything else I've read this one was not for me. Part of that was that it was written in second person which is a POV I have always struggled with, so even though it was well written, I was constantly over-aware of that POV. It was also a fairly predicatable read.

Well this had a twist ending I hadn't seen coming and I loved it!

So when I started reading this I was completely thrown off by the style, its written in 2nd person point of view which after reading this I believe is the first book I have read in this style, since I can't think of any others. It wasn't jarring just different, I'm used to a narrator talking to me the reader, I'm not used to being the "hero" or the "main character" but after awhile it was kind of fun.

Tchaikovsky really has a way with writing about certain all too real unfair situations involving the wealthy/higher class and the lower class, in a bizarre way that really points out the issues. It's a story that is steeped in the economics of the working class and how they are basically tricked, lied and taken advantage of all by the wealthy who deem it's their right to do so because they "thought of a solution" who of course conveniently left themselves out the equation on the changes that were being forced upon everyone else. It's not shrouded in the story either it's pretty blatant once you start putting all the pieces together, especially towards the later half of the book, its just in your face. But the story also touches on, slavery, greed, human nature, and so much more. The simple fact that Tchaikovsky can include all of these elements in such a short story while making sure to keep it engaging really shows to his writing ability. I was glued to the story, I was floored by how he managed to get these points across while blending fantasy and science fiction together,

I never read the synopsis of this story before I requested it on Netgalley but I still ending up getting something completely different than what I thought I was getting with a title like Orges, but its a title that still manages to make sense with the story. Tchaikovsky is a must read author for me.

I haven't read many books written in the Second person but I think that this definitely benefited from the unusual format.
At first, the novella seemed to start as a general fantasy story with our hero, foot-loose and fancy-free being responsible for the death of a loved one and having that "Uncle Ben" moment where he is inspired to grow via vengeance. But then it takes an odd turn and a twist and suddenly the profound morality of genetics, consumerism, power struggles and subjugation are dragged to the forefront and headline the revolution.
The novella flowed beautifully and, though I could have read so much more, somehow, it was the perfect length.

Ogres have always controlled the world, and humans live with it, even if they are sometimes eaten by ogres. In general, they do not usually cross the path of these, except when the owner approaches the towns. To his village, his slaves. Because the owners are obviously the ogres. When Torquell, a human, beats up the owner's son, he finds himself in a series of situations with which he is completely unfamiliar, and must find a way to survive while discovering terrible secrets.

"Even you, who've looked behind the curtain, understants that revolutions against ultimate power end only one way"

Let's start with Torquell, the protagonist. I was able to empathize with him right away, with his rebelliousness and questioning. Precisely that will make him stand out and in general in a bad way before the ogres. It is very interesting to see the evolution of Torquell in the story, even though it is a short novel.

Regarding the writing, the second person in general is difficult for me to follow, but in any case I was able to immerse myself in the story and it was captivating. The atmosphere was mostly consistent with the pacing of the story, which kept me reading, although there were some parts where I had a hard time moving forward.

I definitely loved the plot. It was strange to me to think of human beings submissive to ogres, where no human being ate meat not by choice, but because biologically they couldn't. I had many questions, and in the end, I had the satisfaction of having answers.

The particularity of the argument and the excellent ending make this book stand out for me and I remember it in great detail even months after reading it. It definitely shocked me.

It is the first book I have read by the author, but after this experience it will not be the last.

Ogres is a novella that doesn't really feel like anything else out there. It is told in the second person, which takes skill to execute, and he does it well. In that way it feels like NK Jemisin's broken earth. Likewise, the narrator isn't revealed until the end. Telling the story in the second person can really put the reader in the mind of the character, and gave a nice unique twist to what seems like a typical fantasy setting at first, but ends up revealing itself to be much more Terry Brooks like in that the world changed after an event (that I don't want to spoil). There is social commentary baked in, and it has left me thinking. Because it is told in the second person, the reader roots for the main character like a protagonist, but the twist really changes how I think about the story. It is a testament to Tchaikovsky that the book continues to make me think. As a bonus-it stands alone, and is a quick read due to its size and narrative compared to most things in the genre. This is a great way to sample Tchaikovsky's work if you aren't familiar with his award winning and nominated work. I wish I had gotten around to reading this sooner, and hope everyone picks this up. Really well done

Adrian Tchaikovsky takes on a dark satire in Ogres.

"Ogres are bigger than you.
Ogres are stronger than you.
Ogres rule the world."

Adrian Tchaikovsky, the uber-talented, multi-genre author, has brought us a new novella that delves deeply into a science fiction dystopia where humans are bifurcated between the "haves" and "have nots." The "haves" are those that exist modification free. They are societies workers, cooks, maids, and craftsmen. They serve the "haves," who are the lords and ladies of all by blood and economic level and they only eat the "have nots..." occasionally.

"But when you're property, it doesn't matter if your owner treats you well or badly. The ownership is all. We don't split hairs about who is a better slave master. And you would have been the best owner of all, and that still isn't enough reason to keep you alive once you've decided that owning people is fine, just so long as it's you that owns them."

Torquell is the protagonist of Ogres, and while he is tall and over 6', he is undoubtedly not an ogre. "But when the headman's son, Torquell, dares lift his hand against the landlord's son, he sets himself on a path to learn the terrible truth about the Ogres and the dark sciences that ensured their rule." I wish I could say more, but this is a concise and tight book. It would ruin the conflict, surprise, and resolution. But let's just say that Ogres is such a surprising book. Tchaikovsky writes about the power inblalances such a system would cause and the slow realization Torquell has as everything he knows comes crumbling down. It is superbly written. I have never read a Tchaikovsky story that missed the mark. Stories that are long-form, serial, novella, or short story, he nails it, and this is no exception.

I loved this story, and I finished it in a single sitting once I picked it up.

This was the first Adrian Tchaikovsky book that I've read that I've actually enjoyed but unfortunately, I still didn't love it. Ogres is written in second person point of view which definitely made it more interesting. I think this fell flat for me because of how short it was. I would've loved more of the background of the world and more about the Ogres but with only 100 or so pages to get out the story, it wasn't quite possible. Even though I think the author's writting just isn't for me, I'd still be interested in reading a few of his backlist books.

English is not my native language so, please, excuse any errors that may have escaped my proofreading.

I received this as an advance reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

I not always succeed, but I do try very hard to read as much as I can of Tchaikovsky's new books, pretty much because now he is publishing at least two novellas and two big brick bois per year. And this is not me complaining about it, I am complaining to the fact that I also need to be a functional adult and have other “real live priorities” and I do not like it.

Now Ogres, what a fantastic absolutely mind blowing piece of novella. His novellas are usually good, but this one? Mind blowing. Absolutely. If you are just going to read one, please, make it this one. It is brilliant specially so because Adrian uses the second person narrator, and let me tell you, yes, I was also raising my eye brow very high, but it does work so well. You need both skill and a good story to pull it off, and it does, oh it does.

This is one of those novellas where I would encourage you to read no more opinions as it may totally spoil it for you. Read the synopsis and go ahead in the deep waters of Adrian’s narrative. The least you know the better. Years after and he still amazes me with his twists and turns and making me gasp at the unexpected while I shake my head and murmur “brilliant”. This novella just has it all, every single topic you could possibly think of in a full on science fiction book is here, contained in a third of what a that book would be.


Now the only downside with this novella, and I do have to mention it, is its price. Which I know it will put many people off because more than 20 quid for a novella is a lot. But please, don’t let that put you off. Go to your library, check if they have the ebook or the audio, or even go to that evil website of doom and buy it way cheaper, but give it a try, because it’s brilliant.

Ogres was a great book, with some thought provoking concepts. I consider myself a fan of Tchaikovsky and this book cements it further. Highly recommend.

This novella is set in a dystopian fantasy world where Ogres are the masters and ordinary humans are their compliant, acquiescent serfs.

The first humans we encounter live a simple, rustic existence of farming and animal husbandry providing for the Ogres rapacious needs and surviving on what is left.
However, there are other humans living in towns, factory workers suffering appalling conditions that rival the worst excesses of the industrial revolution.
And yet more humans fight battles as cannon fodder in the Ogres never-ending war games.
But how did the world come to be like this?

Torquell, the head-man’s son, commits a serious transgression and is forced to flee his village and thus our narrative develops as Torquell experiences the world outside his village, understands the history of his society and becomes the figurehead in the struggle for change.
It is an allegory and a cautionary tale. It starts as a mystery then turns into a revolutionary story of class warfare and ends with a twist.

Highly recommended.

I am of the opinion that Adrian Tchaikovsky can write something for all preferences and tastes. Everything he writes is thought provoking and original. This is an intriguing story with undertones of animal farm. I’d never thought about using genetic science the way it is seen here. An excellent read with many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Adrian Tchaikovsky and Rebellion/Solaris publishing for allowing pre-published access to this book.

This little novella didn't go in the direction I was expecting, it kept changing focus and each time for the better. What starts as a simple tale of human subjugates to an ogre overlord turns into a fascinating take on biology, politics, slavery, human nature, scientific endeavour and class warfare.

This was my first Tchaikovsky and it will not be the last. Surprising and packed full of action, I enjoyed Ogres much more than I initially expected.

Despite having Tchaikovsky's books on my shelf for a while, this is the first one I've read - and I can't wait to read more! From page one I was invested in the story, and in the mystery of the ogres vs the humans. I loved the second person narration, and the payoff from this style is huge. There's just so much in this novella that I know I'll be thinking about it for a while.

When Torquell has an altercation with the landlord's son, his life changes forever and it sets him on the path to learn about the society he lives in. Encompassing politics, science, and much more (spoilers), this is a great novella that will stay with the reader.

I would like to thank Netgallery and the publisher for the eARC I received.

The narrative voice is confident but the story trajectory of young lower class rogue challenging new son of the grand ogre just seems awfully familiar .. but the writer is adept and lifts the story ot of the 'ordinary'.. I've always wanted to read this author and I'm pleased to be acquainted with his work.

Ogres are just for some reason fascinating. So take this premise of a World where humans are all vegetarians and servants under meat eating, ruling, huge strong Ogres in a (kind of) Robin Hood story with some coming of age and a plot twist then suspend your belief & expand your mind and sit back and reflect, wowzers!.
Would I recommend?, oh yes!.
Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for providing this arc in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rebellion, and Solaris for a copy of the eArc of Ogres by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I admit I should've left feedback on this book many months back. I can now say that this book has staying power.

It is hard to keep up with the prolific output of Adrian Tchaikovsky, but Ogres is well worth your time. I believe that Tchaikovsky's biggest ideas are on display in novella format books. His books often contain politics, but none are as specific as this one is to being a critique on capitalism. This book is the richest 1% on steroids. This class has found a newer way to suppress the working class like never before.