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The Windwalker Archive #1-3
The Windwalker Trilogy
From USA Today bestselling author Michael James Ploof comes an exhilarating new fantasy adventure series.
TALON: Book 1 of the Windwalker Archive follows the early years of a unique boy, a fifteen year old runt living on the barbarian island of Volnoss. Born premature during the frozen plague that took his mother, shunned by his father, and raised by his grandmother, Talon has always felt like he doesn't belong.
For years he dreams of growing big and strong like the giants that surround him. But as the day of measure draws near, he begins to realize that he will never be named a Vald, and will be cast to the village of the Skomm to live a life of slavery.
Barely surviving the beating that follows his failure to meet the measure, Talon is banished to the village of misfits. There he finds friends in the most unlikely of places, and begins to hope he might find some happiness as a Skomm.
As Talon tries to settle into his life in the slave village he is challenged at every turn. The Vaka overseers have it in for him, as does the Chiefson of Timber Wolf Tribe. The Kelda Agaeti is drawing near, called by the Skomm the night of dying, when seven warriors from neighboring tribes win the right to go on a bloody rampage through the village.
After barely surviving a random attack by drunken Vald that left nearly a dozen dead, Talon and his friends decide that they must somehow escape the island. For Chiefson Fylkin has vowed to kill him first on the night of dying.
What follows is a fast-paced race against time, an underdog story wrought with action and adventure, rich with magic, culture, friendship and lore.
Set two hundred years before the events of Whill of Agora, The Windwalker Archive reveals the origins of Dirk Blackthorn’s spirit wolf, Chief. Fans of the Legends of Agora books will be introduced to unforgettable new characters, and revisit a few old friends.
Although this trilogy takes place chronologically before Whill of Agora, it can be read before or after as a standalone series.
TALON: Book 1 of the Windwalker Archive follows the early years of a unique boy, a fifteen year old runt living on the barbarian island of Volnoss. Born premature during the frozen plague that took his mother, shunned by his father, and raised by his grandmother, Talon has always felt like he doesn't belong.
For years he dreams of growing big and strong like the giants that surround him. But as the day of measure draws near, he begins to realize that he will never be named a Vald, and will be cast to the village of the Skomm to live a life of slavery.
Barely surviving the beating that follows his failure to meet the measure, Talon is banished to the village of misfits. There he finds friends in the most unlikely of places, and begins to hope he might find some happiness as a Skomm.
As Talon tries to settle into his life in the slave village he is challenged at every turn. The Vaka overseers have it in for him, as does the Chiefson of Timber Wolf Tribe. The Kelda Agaeti is drawing near, called by the Skomm the night of dying, when seven warriors from neighboring tribes win the right to go on a bloody rampage through the village.
After barely surviving a random attack by drunken Vald that left nearly a dozen dead, Talon and his friends decide that they must somehow escape the island. For Chiefson Fylkin has vowed to kill him first on the night of dying.
What follows is a fast-paced race against time, an underdog story wrought with action and adventure, rich with magic, culture, friendship and lore.
Set two hundred years before the events of Whill of Agora, The Windwalker Archive reveals the origins of Dirk Blackthorn’s spirit wolf, Chief. Fans of the Legends of Agora books will be introduced to unforgettable new characters, and revisit a few old friends.
Although this trilogy takes place chronologically before Whill of Agora, it can be read before or after as a standalone series.
- GenresFantasy
721 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2016
122 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Michael James Ploof
69 books221 followers 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 22, 2018
DNF
This has potential. There’s just...too much dragging it down.
I read the first book of the trilogy closely and completely and then skimmed the other two books to get an idea of whether or not to keep reading. I wanted to know what happened to Talon but after awhile I just stopped caring.
I’m a fan of epics, l like big books with lots of story. The problems here are twofold. Oh wait. Let me first say again that it has great potential and I was very invested in Talon and Mahjree and the fate of the Skromm (slave class). I especially liked the idea of Chief but don’t want to give spoilers. I don’t want to criticize without complementing, especially when the author has obvious skill.
So. The problems:
1. The style in which the story is told doesn’t pull you directly in as effectively. It’s more like you’re listening to a neighbor recounting a childhood memory. The broad details are there but there’s nothing other than your ability to empathize that will pull you into the story. It’s more of “well that’s really sad, I hope he is ok” than “oh my gosh what happens next.”
2. This is related to the first problem. There’s a villain that I’ll call Bill because he’s got one of those fantasy names that defies my memory. Anyway, because the story style doesn’t pull you in right away the author sort of...just keeps talking. Instead of two or three effective scenes showing how bad Bill is we wade through TWENTY general recountings of “and then Bill beheaded the man who ran into him”. It just keeps going but not serving any purpose. We know Bill is really bad. We knew that 18 examples ago. We know Bill hates Talon. We knew that from the beginning. We already want Talon to get away and Bill to be defeated. There is no need at all for scene after scene after scene. So, sort of like this paragraph where I intentionally used too many words to repeat the idea I established at the beginning of my review...it is repetitive and tiresome. And that’s why I say there’s too much dragging it down.
I’d like to see the author have continued success but I’d also like books that were better paced.
This has potential. There’s just...too much dragging it down.
I read the first book of the trilogy closely and completely and then skimmed the other two books to get an idea of whether or not to keep reading. I wanted to know what happened to Talon but after awhile I just stopped caring.
I’m a fan of epics, l like big books with lots of story. The problems here are twofold. Oh wait. Let me first say again that it has great potential and I was very invested in Talon and Mahjree and the fate of the Skromm (slave class). I especially liked the idea of Chief but don’t want to give spoilers. I don’t want to criticize without complementing, especially when the author has obvious skill.
So. The problems:
1. The style in which the story is told doesn’t pull you directly in as effectively. It’s more like you’re listening to a neighbor recounting a childhood memory. The broad details are there but there’s nothing other than your ability to empathize that will pull you into the story. It’s more of “well that’s really sad, I hope he is ok” than “oh my gosh what happens next.”
2. This is related to the first problem. There’s a villain that I’ll call Bill because he’s got one of those fantasy names that defies my memory. Anyway, because the story style doesn’t pull you in right away the author sort of...just keeps talking. Instead of two or three effective scenes showing how bad Bill is we wade through TWENTY general recountings of “and then Bill beheaded the man who ran into him”. It just keeps going but not serving any purpose. We know Bill is really bad. We knew that 18 examples ago. We know Bill hates Talon. We knew that from the beginning. We already want Talon to get away and Bill to be defeated. There is no need at all for scene after scene after scene. So, sort of like this paragraph where I intentionally used too many words to repeat the idea I established at the beginning of my review...it is repetitive and tiresome. And that’s why I say there’s too much dragging it down.
I’d like to see the author have continued success but I’d also like books that were better paced.
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June 1, 2021Second time
Well still cant finish this book the main character is so unbelievable and stupid!! The writer made him a bitch allways getting hurt because he never finished what he started!!
Well still cant finish this book the main character is so unbelievable and stupid!! The writer made him a bitch allways getting hurt because he never finished what he started!!
October 25, 2017
I am very happy that I got the three book series in the bundle.
It was honestly easy to see that the writer evolved as this series was being written. The plot was tight and engaging, but his descriptors and dialogue improved as the series continued; the first book was very good and it only improved from there.
The characters were interesting and had some great internal conflicts. I was able to see a plot twist or two in the making but not all of them. The world building was fantastic.
Very enjoyable series.
It was honestly easy to see that the writer evolved as this series was being written. The plot was tight and engaging, but his descriptors and dialogue improved as the series continued; the first book was very good and it only improved from there.
The characters were interesting and had some great internal conflicts. I was able to see a plot twist or two in the making but not all of them. The world building was fantastic.
Very enjoyable series.
August 19, 2017
A really good story.
This is a wonderful story of a young mans journey to adulthood and survival of extremely cruel and harsh conditions. The story is well written and the characters are very easy to become invested in. A story about freedom, respect and fulfilling a dream. I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy and highly recommend it.
This is a wonderful story of a young mans journey to adulthood and survival of extremely cruel and harsh conditions. The story is well written and the characters are very easy to become invested in. A story about freedom, respect and fulfilling a dream. I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy and highly recommend it.
January 16, 2018
Fantastic trilogy
This trilogy had me spellbound almost from the first word.. A good mix of underdog, slavery, magic and different peoples. All three books were enthralling and the whole story was contained in them. A great and riveting read.
This trilogy had me spellbound almost from the first word.. A good mix of underdog, slavery, magic and different peoples. All three books were enthralling and the whole story was contained in them. A great and riveting read.
March 11, 2025
Terrific series
I'm ready to see it on Amazon Prime Video already! Followed by Whill of Agora and all other related stories! Lol, such fun and excitement, many types of magic, heroes and villains, so many fascinating characters. Love this world!
I'm ready to see it on Amazon Prime Video already! Followed by Whill of Agora and all other related stories! Lol, such fun and excitement, many types of magic, heroes and villains, so many fascinating characters. Love this world!
June 9, 2021
Well worth the time
It took a little while to get into but well worth the effort. The only time I put the book down was the necessary things in life.
It took a little while to get into but well worth the effort. The only time I put the book down was the necessary things in life.
May 22, 2022
A very adventurous read
I n joyed this series very much and would welcome everyone to read it. It is a very interesting and thrilling to read.
I n joyed this series very much and would welcome everyone to read it. It is a very interesting and thrilling to read.
July 18, 2016
Really good read
I had trouble putting this book down to go to sleep. Set in a fantasy world, it is a story of a slave boy. How his own tribe made him and others in slaves, how they were subjugated, how some tried to revolt or escape their fate. It involves a lot of emotions. It's a trilogy worth reading.
I had trouble putting this book down to go to sleep. Set in a fantasy world, it is a story of a slave boy. How his own tribe made him and others in slaves, how they were subjugated, how some tried to revolt or escape their fate. It involves a lot of emotions. It's a trilogy worth reading.
July 27, 2016
Good coming of age story
The story was entertaining and well written. I feel the male-female relationships were very under-developed. It actually detracted from the story.
The story was entertaining and well written. I feel the male-female relationships were very under-developed. It actually detracted from the story.
December 9, 2016
Great books
I enjoyed reading this a lot. It was a fun fantasy story. I recommend these books for all ages. You will be happy you did.
I enjoyed reading this a lot. It was a fun fantasy story. I recommend these books for all ages. You will be happy you did.
December 10, 2016
Amazing!
I couldn't put this set down! Loved the storyline. Hope that there will be more to this trilogy. I would love to see Mr. Ploof go more into the descendents story.
I couldn't put this set down! Loved the storyline. Hope that there will be more to this trilogy. I would love to see Mr. Ploof go more into the descendents story.
January 12, 2017
Wow!,,
I only wish I could write this well. The plot and the characters are so amazing. You can be sure that I will be reading more of this author's books .
I only wish I could write this well. The plot and the characters are so amazing. You can be sure that I will be reading more of this author's books .
February 3, 2017
Great fun, and a fantastic story.
The highest compliment? I grew to love every character. Well done. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
The highest compliment? I grew to love every character. Well done. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews