Whill of Agora

Legends of Agora #1

by Michael James Ploof

Every so often, an epic adventure emerges that makes the blood surge, the spine tingle, and the heart smile page after exhilarating page. Such is Whill of Agora, Michael James Ploof’s action-packed fantasy that visits strange new lands as it unveils how one exceptional young man named Whill makes full use of fierce wits, superior skills, and relentless will to help defend the land of Agora from the monstrous Draggard. With plenty of drama and action packed battle scenes, Whill of Agora will enthrall anyone on the quest for great adventure, good times, and an infectiously optimistic outlook on even the darkest and most dangerous of days.

It is the year 5170 in the land Agora, where humans, dwarves, and elves have existed in peace for centuries. Now, however, the human King Addakon has invaded and waged war on neighboring Isladon. The once peaceful Kingdoms of Agora are on the brink of continental war. The Dark Elf Eadon, Addakon's master, and his army of Dragon-Elf crossbreeds, the Draggard, threaten to conquer all kingdoms. The final hour has arrived.

Enter young Whill, a nineteen-year-old ranger with battle savvy and untapped abilities. Having spent years roaming Agora and training with his mentor Abram, Whill has become a bright intellectual and a master of combat. What he seeks most, however, is the identity of his birth parents. Instead, he finds a tumultuous terrain and a prophecy placing him in the center of the struggle.

Along the way, Whill encounters an equally inspired group of companions that are matched in skill and mission. These include Rhunis the Dragon Slayer, the young Tarren, the fearless Dwarf Roakore, the beguiling warrior Elf Avriel, and the powerful Zerafin. As Whill joins forces, he forges bonds far mightier than their escalating travails. With high adventure and fierce friendship, Whill of Agora will capture your imagination and grip your heart during every super-charged escapade that Agora’s bold and grinning brotherhood embraces.

Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Magic, Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult, Ebooks

570 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

I spent my youth in the land of make believe. School was a bore, and growing up in the "Boonies" without cable television forced me to use my imagination. If I wasn't holed up in my bedroom playing with my vast collection of action figures, I could be found in the forest with a wooden sword or staff in hand, battling the forces of evil. As an 80's kid, I was raised on a healthy diet of movies like Star Wars, The Neverending Story, Labyrinth, Goonies, and endless other classic (but strange) movies.

As a reader, I enjoy books that take off right out of the gate, sweep me off my feet, and whisk me away on an epic adventure. As an author, I try to create books that do the same for my readers. I write fantasy, and I suppose that I still live in a land of make believe, except now I get to share the adventure with others.

I hope that you will join me on my next adventure, and together we can escape reality, if only for a time.

Yours in Magic,

Michael James Ploof

Join the mailing list at www.whillofagor(dot)com.

Books by Michael James Ploof

Epic Fallacy

Book #1: Champions of the Dragon

Book #2: Beyond the Wide Wall

Book #3: The Legend of Drak' Noir

Book #4: The Mother of Zuul

LEGENDS OF AGORA

Book #1: Whill of Agora

Book #2: A Quest of Kings

Book #3: A Song of Swords

Book #4: A Crown of war

Book #5: Kingdoms in Chaos

Book #6: Champions of the Gods

Book #7: The Mantle of Darkness

Book #8: Dark Echoes of Light

Book #9: The Warcrown Legacy

THE WINDWALKER ARCHIVE

Book #1: Talon

Book #2: Sea Queen

Book #3: Exodus

BLACKTHORN

Book #1: Blackthorn Rising

THE ORION REZNER CHRONICLES

Book #1: Afterworld

The Dragon Throne War

Book #1: A Dream of Fire

Doomsday Sheriff

Book #1

Book #2

Book #3

Dragon Rider Academy

Episode #1: Ascension

Episode #2: Transcendence

Episode #3: Initiate

Episode #4: Dragon Heart

Episode #5: Accursed

THE SOCK GNOME CHRONICLES

Book #1: Billy Coatbutton and the Wheel of Destiny

Book #2: Billy Coatbutton and the ring of Sockchild

Harem books written as Mike Ploof

Rebirth online

Rebirth Online #1

Rebirth Online #2

Rebirth Online #3

Rebirth Online #4

Rebirth Online #5

Rebirth Online #6

Monster World

Monster World #1

Monster World #2

Warwick

Episode #1: Galactic Arena

Episode #2: Galactic Fugitives

Episode #3: Galactic Vengeance

litRPG Published By Aethon Books

Arcane Veterinarian Book 1 - August 6, 2024

Arcane Veterinarian Book 2 - Fall 2024

The Family Jewels Book 1 - Coming Soon

Reviews

[Brewergnome · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oy. I finished it, but just barely.

Young, orphaned McAwesome of Awesomeville who's the bestest at everything, terribly popular, is really smart, remarkably wise, and did I mention absurdly good at everything, grows up to discover he's the rightful king of Awesomeland (the most powerful kingdom of course!) and the prophesied hero of everything. Oh, and pretty much everyone loves him. He saves babies! He kills monsters! He heals slit throats! He's not totally awesome at emotions, but mostly so far that seems to result in him still being awesome.

So much telling. Even the showing was often actually telling.

And the number of "aura's of goodness" and the like, yipes. It must be very convenient to know within seconds of meeting anyone if they're the totally awesome king of awesomesauce or an evil minion of evilness.

Oh, and did I mention the book ends by fridging the ONLY female character in the whole book? Explicitly for motivation for McAwesome?

Yeah. Skip it.

[Michel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the world this author created, and appreciate the thought that went into the story.
That being said, I found it shallow and predictable. I don't really mind predictable, as long as I don't feel like I'm reading a children's story, which I most definitely did during this book. Is this a young adult book? I don't even know, I read it because it was free on my Kindle. The writing, oh, the writing. Lack of contractions in dialogue, repetitive wording, clichés, short sentences, and a truely limited vocabulary.
As I do enjoy the world and characters, I will read the rest of the series even if it means I'm constantly editing in my head.

[Wordy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out good, and then went downhill very fast, because I discovered that the blurb doesn't quite give the proper impression of the book.

I went in expecting a young guy to grow, to encounter hardships, to be confused. I like it when there's more than a touch of misery in books like these. Makes the characters seem real, and less like the problem-free, gifted, irritating person Whill was.

Yes, he's never know his parents. He has Abram (and Teera, for half his life) to make up for that. Nothing beats knowing your very own blood relatives, but when you have a loving substitute instead you can't really complain.

Yes, he's a good fighter. But are you telling me that a child who's only ever encountered "Abram and the random mountain bandit" can take on an experienced, talented, older KNIGHT of the HIGHEST order and win? With sheer luck, yeah, maybe. But it's not really believable.

Also, Whill throws gold coins around like it's free water. I mean, two rooms, dinner and breakfast and stabling for horses is about four silvers, and apparently one gold coin is worth way more than that - and yet Whill throws one gold coin here, another few there, "keep the whole bag" over there! Even building a ship costs only 32 gold coins! For all the smartiness Whill is supposed to have, he's clearly never thought of or even heard about saving.

I just had to get that out there. Been bugging me ever since he won the tournament. Even the fact he won the tournament bugs me.

At any rate, into my meh-meh shelf it goes, because this is not something I'd like to read again anytime soon. Maybe for a kid I know, but I feel too old for this. Whill's got too easy a life for my taste.

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I did enjoy this book. Excellent writing and a story which held my interest but I did become frustrated by the excess of long descriptions of all manner of things; which slowed down the plot. An over long book which would have been a five star for me with a lot less of unnecessary detailed descriptions. In the final stages of the book especially, the battles with the dwarves just went on and on and on! To be truthful I became somewhat bored at this point bored and wanted to get to the next stage in the plot, however, I need to purchase part 2 to find out more of Whill as the book ends abruptly.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this 5 stars because as a self published author, I think he did very very well. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, as I told Ploof via Facebook Roakore reminds me so much of Flint Fireforge in Dragonlance novels. I read numerous reviews saying it was "too predictable". As an avid fantasy reader, isn't all fantasy generally pretty predictable? Doesn't make this book bad. In fact, and I want Ploof to take this as a high compliment, I put down the last book in Jordans Wheel Of Time series to start Whill and I haven't picked it back up. I was very immersed in his story and the characters. And I'm diving straight into book 2 right this second. Bravo.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun fantasy adventure with interesting characters and a complicated plot and back story. I like the title character, as well as the other major and minor characters. SPOILER ALERT The only thing I didn't love was Whill and Avriel declaring their true love for each other approximately 10 seconds after meeting in person for the first time. I'm not against love at first sight, but I don't think it works here. I think they should have fallen in love over more time. That being said, I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't finish. The characters are trite and unrealistic: a nineteen year old who handles mystery and high handed treatment about his past like it's no big deal, and father figure who calls the kid he raised "my friend" and makes no fatherly comments or gestures, the plot is so obvious with a heavy handed hint every chapter about his heritage, elves and dwarves borrowed wholesale from tropes...I wuit a quarter through.

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Fantasy on an EPIC scale. With everything you can think of, Elves, Dwarfs, Dragons, Magic, Heroes and of course a Dark Elf Villain who is truly evil on a new scale. This book is a not only an a delightful read, it flows nicely and you find that you have lost an hour or two reading it's so good.
The story centres around Whill, who finds out about his true heritage, some amazing abilities, and what he has inherited. Apart from Whill, there are some other marvellous characters which are skilfully written to give us the fantasy that we expect in this day and age, both as newcomers and those that have been around a while. Roakore is a fantastic character that anyone who loves Dwarves will get a kick out of, and the Elves (for which there are a few) are just as good.
I had to add a bit to this having seen multiple reviews about how it was 'predictable' etc
Most Fantasy is these days, in fact most stories, good guy, bad guy, and the girl. Hey it's fantasy, so we have Elves and Dwarves, so what that's it? We write it off as predictable? It's what the author does with these elements that is the interesting bit, and Ploof has made an effort to give us something a bit different. This is also only the first book, setting up the story to be played out in the next parts, whilst giving us some of the introduction to the mains.
This is what a fantasy story should be, great fun, a good read and brilliant escapism!

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another entry in the epic swords and sorcery genre, and a rather well-done one at that. it follows the basic formula of young orphan who is destined to save the world from evil with the help of a band of friends. The writing is well done and the characters are written well enough that you can connect with them. I am looking forward to the rest of the series and have just started the 2nd book.

As with many books of this type the book includes humans, elves and dwarves, but I did like the way the different races were treated, with their powers being somewhat different in nature than I have seen before.

As with almost all independently published works I have read there are a smattering of grammar, punctuation and spelling errors, an example of which is the use of the word "curios" where "curious" was the desired word. A professional editor would certainly help with these matters but the errors are few enough compared to other independent works that it does not retract from the enjoyment of the story.

Overall I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the epic fantasy genre.

[EJ Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whill of Agora follows faithfully in the steps of many fantasy books before it. Oddly enough, the one book that came to mind over and over while I was reading it was Eragon. I quite enjoyed Eragon, don’t get me wrong, however, they were so similar I was saddened by it. I’ve become accustomed to independent authors taking risks you normally don’t see in mainstream publishing. Perhaps it’s a sign of over-exposure to the genre, but I wasn’t surprised by anything that came in this book. I almost expected it. However, for anyone who likes the tales of the boy who finds out he’s destined for greater things while following the well-worn paths between dwarves and elves, you’ll definitely enjoy this book.

The only other drawback I had with it was I felt it told too much and didn’t show enough. The reader is told exactly what the town and cities and mountains look like. We’re not given the opportunity to visualize what we might think these places look like ourselves.

All in all, I did enjoy reading Whill of Agora. I believe there is a wide audience for it out there, especially readers who enjoy traditional high fantasy.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book thru a Goodreads giveaway. I didn't really know what to expect when I started it and so I was pleasantly surprised to find I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The main characters were likable with my favorite being Roakore the dwarf king. He really made the story in my opinion. Whill was a good lead character but Roakore just added that something extra to the story that kept me entertained. The villains were truly heinous creatures that made you really just want to join in with a sword and cut off all their heads. While the plot line was a little predictable, it was a good predictable in that grand adventure sort of way where once one obstacle is overcome the next is soon to follow and right when you think it might be over more adventures await. And so far no one that I cared about has been killed off so I look forward to book 2.

[Jim Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought the bundle, and just finished the first book. I have to say, I loved it!! Great story, great story telling, and excellent descriptions. A good book will make you feel emotions while reading. This book made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me fearful. That, is a great book to me.
My wife has said she can tell when a book is good, by how I tell her about it. The more excited I am in my telling, the more she knows it's a really good book, and has me excited. She doesn't read, so she has me do "story time" where I talk about the book, so far. She told me she knows this is going to be a great series, by how I talk about it.
This was an easy 5 stars to me.

[Grant B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirk Blackthorn an unusual 16 year old boy learns to fend for himself and his drunken father at a young age. For years he's had to steal for food, water, money and life. His father has been no help since his wife passed away and decided to become an alcoholic to wash away the sorrow. Thad Blackthorn, Dirk's dad, has driven them out of many different homes over the years and Dirk has had enough. Dirk finds himself enlisting himself in a journey to find and become a part of the biggest crime lord in Uthen-Arden.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What more can I say - you just have to read some adventure stories. I love to see stories unfold as you progress through the book. I have always loved a good book of magick, fantasy, swords or sci-fi, and sometimes there is a combo of all that.

This is a definite must read for all medieval. Bring on the sword fighting and action to keep the reader entertained to the end.

I will be keeping out an eye for more books by Michael, well done.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this Story from book 1 Whil of Agora thru book 5 Kingdom in Chaos. there are many Characters who all are important to the overall goings on-- all are strong and will be hard to forget-- the Story left us wanting more and always looking for that happy ending with Eluding Peace for ALL involved. young adult or adult I believe the Story is well worth reading and Sharing. I look forward to more from this Talented Author!

[Ethan Salzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

I am an avid reader of fantasy novels and I've reached the point where it is hard to find new fantasy YA books and I have to say that Whill of Agoria made me very happy to find knowing that I have another excellent series and world that I can explore. The story is excellent and the multiple viewpoints are told wonderfully along with the intrigue that acompanies the story. I deffinetly recommend reading the book.

[MEG Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME

I did not do reviews when I first got my Kindle.
I didn't want to take the time because I just wanted to keep reading, and I did just that!
Mr. Ploof's stories are wonderful to read. His characters are so stimulating that it's very hard to put the books down.
Will is a wonderful person and the vision of the settings are so well written, that you want to be there.

[Jenn Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will definitely be reading the sequels! The writing style is maybe not quite as polished as it could be and the story felt a little too similar to Eragon, but other than that I really liked it. It has elements of action, adventure, romance, and humor, and I'm invested enough in the characters that I need to follow up.

[Shug · Rating 4 out of 5]

The various races introduced in Book 1 are portrayed quite well as are each of his unique characters. And the story was good enough that I couldn't put the book down. My only complaint would be the ending which is why I'm rating this book 4.5 instead of 5. However, I will be reading book 2.

[Jeff Bowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quest book

See if you've heard this before; a coming of age boy learns about his heritage and is thrust into challenges seemingly too great. This book does a great job with the characters and the story.

[Curt4nm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very derivative (Dark elves, Dragons, Magic swords...) but tremendous fun none the less plus Roarkore is one my fav characters in fantasy novels

[Jonathan Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Best book I have read in a very long time, well written and very informative. You just can't wait to see what will happen next.

[Connor G.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whill and his mentor Abram are the main characters in the novel. The bulk of the story focuses on Whill as he attempts to discover his purpose in life, as his mentor is reluctant to share critical details. While exploring, Whill encounters many dangerous beasts with terrible intentions. 


The story follows a classic fantasy approach; the chosen one fights against the forces of evil to save the land against the objectively evil character or group. Whill proves to be overpowered as he quickly learns new talents. He has very little character development. While he makes a few grey area choices, his overall personality remains morally right. 


Species follow the traditional flow. Elves are intelligent and have a good grasp of magic. Dwarves are thick-headed and slow (also drunk). The dwarves were my favorite characters due to their stubbornness and ferocity. Rivalries exist between the two species, with humans being a type of middleman, as they are forced to work together. 

I am not entirely sure who the target audience is with this novel. Adults feel like the target, but the writing style points to a teenage audience. 


Overall this is a decent novel that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. The fighting scenes were well done, as the other makes the reader feel the emotion of the battles. Those who enjoy the Dragonlance series should appreciate this novel. 

YouTube: Connor G.H

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC4nIRR...

[Denae Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reader thoughts: I'm mixed. I like the story, but there is little that is original in it. If you enjoy stories that are just repeats of LOTR, Eragon, Belgariad, and Star Wars, then you'll like this one.

The plot is common. After mentor keeps it secret all his life, boy finds out he's a long lost heir to greatest human throne. He is given his father's legendary sword. He meets kings of dwarves and elves. All revere him and believe in him. There is love at first sight. He goes to train in magical powers and is destined to lead all against the evil monsters.

MC is common. Orphan boy grows up ranging the world with old wise teacher. He displays impossible healing powers. He learns his uncle killed his parents and that elves have a prophecy about him. He has remarkable sword fighting skills and speaks all languages fluently. Boy falls in love with ancient elf lady after seeing her beauty in dreams. He doubts himself and has a chance of falling to the dark side through his impulsiveness. He also has visions.

The world is common. Elves, just like in LOTR or Eragon. They live forever, reside in forests and are big nature buffs, have unsurpassed magic, make magical swords, and are cynical. Dwarves, also just like LOTR or Eragon. They are squat, strong, and earthy, eating mainly meat and mead and living in mines under the mountains. They were driven from their home by half dragons and mean to reclaim their old halls (Hobbit?). Each race has a religion and language, except humans have dozens, and the MC is agnostic.

What do I like? Well, it is clean so far, and I like the archetypal hero story, and dragons are fun. I do NOT like unlimited and undefined magical abilities. At this point, elves can do anything. Seriously. Heal instantly, scry the future, affect people hundreds of miles away, telekinesis and telepathy, enter dreams, turn into trees, put their souls into objects, etc. You name it! They have done it. Bleh.

The ending was different, though. The last twenty pages or so surprised me. I might read the next one.

Writer thoughts: When you give characters great powers, you have to give them great . . . limitations (did you think I was going to say "responsibility"?). That's the only way to balance them out. If the powerful characters are bad guys, this is slightly less irksome because it's up to the protagonist to find the weaknesses (even if it's personality weaknesses).

If you give anyone limitless powers . . . you have to be a superb storyteller to pull it off. It's hard to keep an audience engaged when literally anything could happen. Readers don't appreciate deus ex machina moments. Readers prefer clever characters to powerful ones (there are exceptions: some people prefer Superman to Spiderman, oddly enough).

[Nancy Foster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pausing and maybe indefinitely dnfing book at 31%

I have been slogging through this book on and off over 7 months and I feel that while it will certainly attract the attention of a lot of readers looking for a light hearted romp it is just not connecting with me.

Quite frankly, I just feel that it is sort of boring. It is too reminiscent of the familiar boy of legend with royal blood who is seemingly good at everything trope we have all read time and time again. I tend to feel impatient with Gary Stu MCs and adding a book that hasn't really moved anywhere 1/3rd into the story whose most interesting character (Rhulin aka the King's champion) only appears as a tertiary supporting character for 10 pages at best without any defined antagonists this far into the story just didn't help to draw me in.

Considering I did buy the trilogy boxset I might be a bit forced to at least finish book 1 to get my moneys worth, I might at least finish book 1 given thw book's one big redemption is its short length. Cheers!

[Sharon Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very standard plot and predictable, but the first half or two-thirds of the book was enjoyable. Characters were uncomplicated but well developed and the storyline flowed well.

I had trouble with the last third of the book. The 'quest' concluded to some extent, the fighting started and many more characters/groups introduced. Much of this seemed to happen to establish overwhelming odds against success for the 'good guys'.

It also seemed that there were significantly more editing errors in the last third. Short sections from different points of view. Battles in different locations going on at the same time and told from different points of view. I found it confusing and actually had to go back and figure out who and what I was reading about at times. Then pretty much a cliffhanger ending, which is one of my pet peeves. It wasn't terrible, okay except for the ending, but a rewrite that stopped before the major battles began would probably have worked better for me.

[L.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I didn't know what to expect when I picked this up, and I am very glad I did. I loved the story line. The characters are very real, and most are likeable. The story has a lot involved, but it is well told and managed. Normally, I hate books that go to a certain point and leave you hanging, making it impossible not to get the next book. However, this has enough 'meat' to the story that it does stand alone and has all the makings of an epic tale.

This is a series I will have to follow. I hope the rest of the story stands up to these high standards he has set for himself.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a slow starter but soon became a book that I couldn't put down. It's a classic hero cycle/fantasy with a young boy discovering his true identity, helped through difficult battles and decisions by his wise mentor and brave friends. Although it follows the traditional formula I would say it's still full of creative touches that keep it fresh. The battle scenes were overly long for my taste but well written. I imagine that there are plenty of other readers ho relish a good fight scene so I understand why the author included them.

[mirba · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dropped around 15% of the book.
The idea and the world building is good.
The writing is not. I hate when a potentially good book becomes a list of actions and events.

I hope the author will work on it and improve the writing, cause the idea and the characters could be really good

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankfully, a long, involved book. Whill finds out he is a king (nice surprise) and has a twin brother and that his uncle tried to kill him when he was really young. The book is his adventure finding his place and the "people" he meets along the way. Well written. Great characters.