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.