Grunts (novel)

Grunts is a novel by Mary Gentle. It can be classified as either fantasy, horror, or action depending on the viewpoint. It is set in a basic fantasy world taken from the usual "The Lord of the Rings" mold, with orcs and elves using magic and typical medieval weaponry, but it plays heavily on black comedy and strong doses of violence and graphic description, frequently depicting scenes "over the top."

Plot summary

The opening of the book plays up the intentionally derivative setting, with an orc warleader sent to reclaim a weapons cache in preparation for the Last Battle between good and evil, which is well on its way. They are assisted by a pair of halflings whose cute demeanor is contrasted with extremely violent acts that some reviewers have compared to a Quentin Tarantino production.

The orcs uncover a dragon's hoard of modern military weaponry, which is endowed with a geas that transforms their minds into replicas of the stereotypical United States Marine Corps mindset, sometime during the Vietnam War. Gentle continues the storyline through the Last Battle and the orcs' integration into society, along with a military threat that rivals the orcs themselves.

The writing has been challenged by several reviewed as uneven in quality and clarity. There is evidence of the occasional satirical jab, but the book is largely content to take the scenario literally.

Influences

The gun-toting orcs are often referred to as similar to the combatants in "Warhammer 40,000" with their primitive mindsets and advanced weaponry. Stylistically they are firmly rooted in the Vietnam War as seen in action movies.

The contrasts between modern technology and themes and their medieval counterparts are similar to those in "Discworld", but reviewers tend to agree the originality and humor is not as strong as the "Discworld" series.

Several scenes in the book reference well-known movies, such as Aliens (1986 movie) or Full Metal Jacket.