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Darkthorn Academy #4
Isle of the Undead
The hero becomes the hunted!
After foiling the Quarnon's plans and killing his arch enemy, Jack is now being hunted. To keep his friends safe, Jack heads to the mysterious Isle of Maga. A place filled with poisonous mana, deadly beasts and an army of undead minotaurs. With his companion dragon Willmarth at his side, Jack will have to discover the Isle's secrets if he is going to survive the waves of Ogron warriors coming to hunt him.
While Jack focuses on survival, the rest of the Misfits are continue to help grow Darkthorn Academy into a powerful school of mages. But unrest in the Orc lands force Stann to face his past, and the rest of the team struggles to find ways to help Jack.
Together the Misfits will learn more about magic and how to grow as cultivators, if they can survive...
After foiling the Quarnon's plans and killing his arch enemy, Jack is now being hunted. To keep his friends safe, Jack heads to the mysterious Isle of Maga. A place filled with poisonous mana, deadly beasts and an army of undead minotaurs. With his companion dragon Willmarth at his side, Jack will have to discover the Isle's secrets if he is going to survive the waves of Ogron warriors coming to hunt him.
While Jack focuses on survival, the rest of the Misfits are continue to help grow Darkthorn Academy into a powerful school of mages. But unrest in the Orc lands force Stann to face his past, and the rest of the team struggles to find ways to help Jack.
Together the Misfits will learn more about magic and how to grow as cultivators, if they can survive...
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2021
283 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 2, 2021
Not as good as the previous books
I have enjoyed this story from the beginning. But this release felt a bit forced. Lots of grammatical and word choice errors. Numerous times the author used the wrong characters name. ***Spoiler alert ***
A lot of build up and worry about a potential war between the orcs and dwarves only for the whole issue to be resolved with a couple of fairly inconsequential fights? No this was a weak effort that could have been a much deeper and better tale. Hopefully the author is back on form for the next book
Last thing and pretty minor, but what is up with the cover? Clearly the book is meant for a YA audience and has no overt sexual stuff but the one female on the cover is wearing a metal thong as armor?
I have enjoyed this story from the beginning. But this release felt a bit forced. Lots of grammatical and word choice errors. Numerous times the author used the wrong characters name. ***Spoiler alert ***
A lot of build up and worry about a potential war between the orcs and dwarves only for the whole issue to be resolved with a couple of fairly inconsequential fights? No this was a weak effort that could have been a much deeper and better tale. Hopefully the author is back on form for the next book
Last thing and pretty minor, but what is up with the cover? Clearly the book is meant for a YA audience and has no overt sexual stuff but the one female on the cover is wearing a metal thong as armor?
January 5, 2022
This was a well written story with strong and loveable characters. The story flowed taking you with it. You'll fall in love with this to. Great reading Everyone!
May 15, 2022
Because author has a passive attitude towards the antagonists and enemies of Jack and his Misfit retinue, these main characters continue to be the thrashing piñatas that the author tortures, injures, traps, assassinates, etc. Jack and his Misfit retinue. Islanders ask Jack and his retinue to take care of the undead and reveal the islands high mana secret.
Jack and his retinue are able to "conquer" Isle of Maga" and help the villagers here. Jack finally returns to Gnome village Kusharna, try to improve the loot brought in by scavenging to have resources for their small village. Try to improve the defenses and teleportation controls at the village as well.
Altough enemies and antagonists would attack all of the time, action in this fantasy novel series slows down.
Second author in this series creates a balance, helps to write pairs and couples to most of the main characters, creates familiars for most of the main characters as well.
Jack and his retinue are able to "conquer" Isle of Maga" and help the villagers here. Jack finally returns to Gnome village Kusharna, try to improve the loot brought in by scavenging to have resources for their small village. Try to improve the defenses and teleportation controls at the village as well.
Altough enemies and antagonists would attack all of the time, action in this fantasy novel series slows down.
Second author in this series creates a balance, helps to write pairs and couples to most of the main characters, creates familiars for most of the main characters as well.
August 3, 2021
Too easy
I generally like this author's books but I've noticed after the first or even the second in a series they start to get boring. They are too easy there is no real struggle for the main characters they never lose they never have a setback. It's just way too easy overall and that makes for a very boring story when you know going in they are going to win. Everything they try works. There is never a mistake or a problem when they are deciding what to do it just works every time
I generally like this author's books but I've noticed after the first or even the second in a series they start to get boring. They are too easy there is no real struggle for the main characters they never lose they never have a setback. It's just way too easy overall and that makes for a very boring story when you know going in they are going to win. Everything they try works. There is never a mistake or a problem when they are deciding what to do it just works every time
November 15, 2024
Amazing to see what this has become. From a weak copy of Harry Potter, without any depth, to a great book of over 500 pages, in which I genuinely enjoyed all of the plot.
We start the story with Jack being tracked by his enemies, so he can’t return to his new home. To escape the onslaught of pursuers he has to stay on the Isle of maga, a place with mana so dense that the rest of the misfitts can only stay there for a couple of hours a day. Its was good to see Jack actually struggling with his situation. Before he overcame everything with seemingly no effort, but now he finds himself in an unfriendly jungle environment with threats that can actually kill him, a seemingly non ending stream of pursuers and a new race that doesn’t just accept him.
Jack suffers under the lack of sleep, misses the comfort of spending the nights in security with his girlfriend and even gets terrified after his first real encounters with threats that are too strong for him. I was also good to see a civilization of minotaurs that dont just accept and protect him because of his nice manners. He has to use his head and show his worth.
The second part of the book shows the misfitts actively striking back against the empire. Stann returns home, so we see the orc society and finally learn more of his backstory.
The book shows a variety of new places and developments. It is entertaining to read and sets a good pace. The first time a Darkthorn Academy part really deserves the five stars. People that enjoyed part 2 and 3 will love this.
We start the story with Jack being tracked by his enemies, so he can’t return to his new home. To escape the onslaught of pursuers he has to stay on the Isle of maga, a place with mana so dense that the rest of the misfitts can only stay there for a couple of hours a day. Its was good to see Jack actually struggling with his situation. Before he overcame everything with seemingly no effort, but now he finds himself in an unfriendly jungle environment with threats that can actually kill him, a seemingly non ending stream of pursuers and a new race that doesn’t just accept him.
Jack suffers under the lack of sleep, misses the comfort of spending the nights in security with his girlfriend and even gets terrified after his first real encounters with threats that are too strong for him. I was also good to see a civilization of minotaurs that dont just accept and protect him because of his nice manners. He has to use his head and show his worth.
The second part of the book shows the misfitts actively striking back against the empire. Stann returns home, so we see the orc society and finally learn more of his backstory.
The book shows a variety of new places and developments. It is entertaining to read and sets a good pace. The first time a Darkthorn Academy part really deserves the five stars. People that enjoyed part 2 and 3 will love this.
April 4, 2023
The Orcs are preparing for war on the dwarves, but we know the Quarnon is behind it
Stann heads home to learn more and try and sway the orbs from attacking the dwarves for the Quarnon. They did this before and once the races were fighting they swept in and took over. No one wants that again but most do not remember that history due to how old it is. One orc, Lex, learned of it during some military studies of orcs using spears. Lex joins Stann and Valgreth as they try to steer the orc people away from the Quarnon’s schemes.
Meanwhile the rest of the team has their own plans and missions going on as the team takes the fight to the Quarnon when they steal a caravan of ancient arms and goods meant for sale. As the Quarnon is using money to cause trouble, now the Misfits have quite a nice haul to support their school and to take the right to the Quarnon using their own funds. Ironic.
Stann heads home to learn more and try and sway the orbs from attacking the dwarves for the Quarnon. They did this before and once the races were fighting they swept in and took over. No one wants that again but most do not remember that history due to how old it is. One orc, Lex, learned of it during some military studies of orcs using spears. Lex joins Stann and Valgreth as they try to steer the orc people away from the Quarnon’s schemes.
Meanwhile the rest of the team has their own plans and missions going on as the team takes the fight to the Quarnon when they steal a caravan of ancient arms and goods meant for sale. As the Quarnon is using money to cause trouble, now the Misfits have quite a nice haul to support their school and to take the right to the Quarnon using their own funds. Ironic.
August 20, 2021
Fine for a light read, but it's getting pretty obvious that the author needs to wrap up this series - hopefully in the next book.
The characters just win, which is fine if you're approaching the end of a series, but it makes efforts to give to them "challenges" a bit lackluster.
The most glaring was a battle where they fought hyenas that they'd fought several books ago on their first mission. Instead of making it a case of "look how much we've grown" the author decided to try to write it as it could be a challenge. You've written a character that's grown into one of the strongest, but something they dealt with before any growth at all appears a challenge? It makes it obvious that "everything is made up and the the points don't matter".
I'll continue with the series to see it wrapped up (hopefully that happens in the next book). Otherwise, we'll see how it goes...
The characters just win, which is fine if you're approaching the end of a series, but it makes efforts to give to them "challenges" a bit lackluster.
The most glaring was a battle where they fought hyenas that they'd fought several books ago on their first mission. Instead of making it a case of "look how much we've grown" the author decided to try to write it as it could be a challenge. You've written a character that's grown into one of the strongest, but something they dealt with before any growth at all appears a challenge? It makes it obvious that "everything is made up and the the points don't matter".
I'll continue with the series to see it wrapped up (hopefully that happens in the next book). Otherwise, we'll see how it goes...
March 7, 2025
Becoming more and more boring
The Quarnon are supposed to be the ultimate bad guys that the Misfits need to defeat, but we get nothing that shows them to be a real threat. Any forces they send are easily outmaneuvered and defeated, Jack gets more of a challenge from the Island Undead than these living thinking opponents.
I keep expecting this group to have some rival magic techniques, or their own mana compression to rival the heros, or some cunning tactics to challenge the group but the Heros have nothing but victory after victory against their opponents.
The author wants to make sure everyone is aware how flawed Racism is by making the racist bad guys weak and incompetent, but it kills any possible tension to never have the Villains meaningfully challenge the Heros.
The Quarnon are supposed to be the ultimate bad guys that the Misfits need to defeat, but we get nothing that shows them to be a real threat. Any forces they send are easily outmaneuvered and defeated, Jack gets more of a challenge from the Island Undead than these living thinking opponents.
I keep expecting this group to have some rival magic techniques, or their own mana compression to rival the heros, or some cunning tactics to challenge the group but the Heros have nothing but victory after victory against their opponents.
The author wants to make sure everyone is aware how flawed Racism is by making the racist bad guys weak and incompetent, but it kills any possible tension to never have the Villains meaningfully challenge the Heros.
August 6, 2021
Good read
First the good- it was a really good read with a bunch of interesting characters. The world building has a lot of potential and the magic system, while not unique, is very adaptable to the story telling.
The bad- there are quite a few errors to continuity. Characters referenced as being on adventures when they were specifically indicated earlier as not traveling with the party. There were a also few instances when "elves" was used when referencing the dwarves of the story.
All in all, the story was good and I will continue to read the series, but could not give it 5 stars because there were just a few to many times where I had to stop and second guess what I had just read.
First the good- it was a really good read with a bunch of interesting characters. The world building has a lot of potential and the magic system, while not unique, is very adaptable to the story telling.
The bad- there are quite a few errors to continuity. Characters referenced as being on adventures when they were specifically indicated earlier as not traveling with the party. There were a also few instances when "elves" was used when referencing the dwarves of the story.
All in all, the story was good and I will continue to read the series, but could not give it 5 stars because there were just a few to many times where I had to stop and second guess what I had just read.
September 7, 2021
KU Review
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
December 22, 2022
Jack is forming a community an forming relationships while trying to stop a war .
Jack an his band of misfits as the Academy of Darkthorn called them . The questers at first as they attended the Academy but when they were forced out they became the scavengers but still called themselves the misfits an made Jack leader of this team .Surviving the harse elements of the Ancient Land developed strong mental,strength, physical, talents .As a war is brewing by their former academy they are taking advantage of the situations to strike back an stop the war from happening .recommend reading excellent series .
Jack an his band of misfits as the Academy of Darkthorn called them . The questers at first as they attended the Academy but when they were forced out they became the scavengers but still called themselves the misfits an made Jack leader of this team .Surviving the harse elements of the Ancient Land developed strong mental,strength, physical, talents .As a war is brewing by their former academy they are taking advantage of the situations to strike back an stop the war from happening .recommend reading excellent series .
August 3, 2021
Next please
Alright so 2 days and completed. I really enjoy this series that fact that we see so much going on and is coming and you always put so much into these books. We are seeing more of the society building and politicking that’s anything and not so much in the special stuff about the all other than I few I won’t pinpoint. But please add more for the next one with unique training for each the application of mana into the physical combat to enhance the body continuously not as spells.
Alright so 2 days and completed. I really enjoy this series that fact that we see so much going on and is coming and you always put so much into these books. We are seeing more of the society building and politicking that’s anything and not so much in the special stuff about the all other than I few I won’t pinpoint. But please add more for the next one with unique training for each the application of mana into the physical combat to enhance the body continuously not as spells.
August 11, 2021
Fast Paced and Very Fun
I genuinely enjoyed this novel, just like I did the previous ones in the series. I'm not usually a fan of books that flip perspectives a bunch, but I enjoyed reading from Stann's perspective a bit.
One thing to note however, is that the editing of this book is far worse than the first book in the series. There were at least 3 occasions when reading from Stann's perspective that Jack was used in place of Stann.
I genuinely enjoyed the book, I just hope that a better edit is done on the next volume.
I genuinely enjoyed this novel, just like I did the previous ones in the series. I'm not usually a fan of books that flip perspectives a bunch, but I enjoyed reading from Stann's perspective a bit.
One thing to note however, is that the editing of this book is far worse than the first book in the series. There were at least 3 occasions when reading from Stann's perspective that Jack was used in place of Stann.
I genuinely enjoyed the book, I just hope that a better edit is done on the next volume.
December 17, 2022
While the story was good it does have some problems in my opinion.
The politics are very simplistic.
Letting enemies go just because they are trying to feed their families and aren't racist against half breeds is childish wish fulfillment. History is full of normal people doing horrible things to others to feed, or protect their own families.
Jack seems to have stopped gathering loot unless his team is with him.
I found two actual mistakes that I will try and post.
I rate this a five out of ten mostly due to the simplicity of the politics and childish turn the story took to spare enemies.
The politics are very simplistic.
Letting enemies go just because they are trying to feed their families and aren't racist against half breeds is childish wish fulfillment. History is full of normal people doing horrible things to others to feed, or protect their own families.
Jack seems to have stopped gathering loot unless his team is with him.
I found two actual mistakes that I will try and post.
I rate this a five out of ten mostly due to the simplicity of the politics and childish turn the story took to spare enemies.
October 11, 2024
Book 4 I'd read the first 3 first this is definitely a middle of series book.
Dialogue is getting better but wish the happy fun time speech would go away, striking the word amazing from his vocabulary would help a lot. The title would be better served as Isle of the Needy. Fantasy always has the quest thing but telling someone to kill a thousand ghosts cause they don't want to, drags things out a bit and two chapters about a rope slide is a little too excited about sliding down a rope from a tree house.
Dialogue is getting better but wish the happy fun time speech would go away, striking the word amazing from his vocabulary would help a lot. The title would be better served as Isle of the Needy. Fantasy always has the quest thing but telling someone to kill a thousand ghosts cause they don't want to, drags things out a bit and two chapters about a rope slide is a little too excited about sliding down a rope from a tree house.
Read
September 18, 2021Who proofread this!?
The book was enjoyable aside from the MANY name,word, and spelling errors. Whomever was supposed to proofread this book before publishing failed miserably.
Three or more times they incorrectly referred to Jack instead of Stand within Stann chapters, they incorrectly called Arsin Arson as well as more common switches like the instead of to.
I look forward to the next book and hope they can clean up these errors!
The book was enjoyable aside from the MANY name,word, and spelling errors. Whomever was supposed to proofread this book before publishing failed miserably.
Three or more times they incorrectly referred to Jack instead of Stand within Stann chapters, they incorrectly called Arsin Arson as well as more common switches like the instead of to.
I look forward to the next book and hope they can clean up these errors!
February 5, 2022
Darkthorn Academy Book 4
I didn't believe it could get more exciting but i was wrong. Your writing is very good and catches readers at the very start. I am very impressed and it takes a lot to impress me as I am an avid reader and have read many long published writers and many of the classics. C. S. Lewis, Jack London, R. A. Salvatore, George R. R. Martin. Salvador Mercer, J. R. R. Tolkien, and many more. I will have to check out more of your writings, when I finish book 5.
I didn't believe it could get more exciting but i was wrong. Your writing is very good and catches readers at the very start. I am very impressed and it takes a lot to impress me as I am an avid reader and have read many long published writers and many of the classics. C. S. Lewis, Jack London, R. A. Salvatore, George R. R. Martin. Salvador Mercer, J. R. R. Tolkien, and many more. I will have to check out more of your writings, when I finish book 5.
February 28, 2022
Loving This Series!
When I started reading this series I thought I would read the first two books then move on to something different. I was hooked from the start. I liked the first book, thought the second was even better. Now I have finished the fourth book and getting ready to get the next book in the series. I have been enjoying how the characters in each book have grown, and I'm excited to get book 5.
When I started reading this series I thought I would read the first two books then move on to something different. I was hooked from the start. I liked the first book, thought the second was even better. Now I have finished the fourth book and getting ready to get the next book in the series. I have been enjoying how the characters in each book have grown, and I'm excited to get book 5.
July 1, 2023
Good but needs editing
I like the series but this book needs more editing. Author makes mistakes like referring to the wrong character (who isn't even present), occasional wrong races. Additional, interfaces are rare in books 1-3 but suddenly everyone has them in book 4.
Otherwise a good edition to the story, was refreshing to expand other characters and give them a time to shine.
I like the series but this book needs more editing. Author makes mistakes like referring to the wrong character (who isn't even present), occasional wrong races. Additional, interfaces are rare in books 1-3 but suddenly everyone has them in book 4.
Otherwise a good edition to the story, was refreshing to expand other characters and give them a time to shine.
October 30, 2023
Decent
It’s a decent enough story, but I’m kinda disappointed in the dragon familiar. The first couple of books the dragon taught the crew. Now, all the dragon does is eat. I don’t know how many times you hear - I’m going to the lake for fish. For an ancient dragon, I kinda felt like he would be more useful. The same applies to Stan, I’m hungry. The author needs better conversations between the other MC’s.
It’s a decent enough story, but I’m kinda disappointed in the dragon familiar. The first couple of books the dragon taught the crew. Now, all the dragon does is eat. I don’t know how many times you hear - I’m going to the lake for fish. For an ancient dragon, I kinda felt like he would be more useful. The same applies to Stan, I’m hungry. The author needs better conversations between the other MC’s.
August 2, 2021
Really good story
So many authrs try to make the plea and cry for social justice. We see failed attempts by the BBC in Dr. Who... to Ernest Clines ridiculous failure in Ready Player 2. This series however has an underlying tone and message that I take to heart. I applaud the manner in which it is done and regardless find the storyline to be really enjoyable!
So many authrs try to make the plea and cry for social justice. We see failed attempts by the BBC in Dr. Who... to Ernest Clines ridiculous failure in Ready Player 2. This series however has an underlying tone and message that I take to heart. I applaud the manner in which it is done and regardless find the storyline to be really enjoyable!
October 13, 2021
Great story, quality not good
Book 2 I think was the worse for quality. If I thought it was part of the story and not poor English I would accept it. In this last book the continued use of learnt irritated. I do enjoy the story line but I wonder who writes the text. There are English tools that would clean these issues up and make a quality product.
Book 2 I think was the worse for quality. If I thought it was part of the story and not poor English I would accept it. In this last book the continued use of learnt irritated. I do enjoy the story line but I wonder who writes the text. There are English tools that would clean these issues up and make a quality product.
March 13, 2024
Amazing series
Thiss series is keeping me up all night reading. The characters are so well developed that I know them, each. The depth of story development is so intricate that I can visualize the different locations ans see the participants.
The political scene and the bullies in the high-school will ring true for all of us.
Dont miss #4 nor #1 thru 8!!!
Thiss series is keeping me up all night reading. The characters are so well developed that I know them, each. The depth of story development is so intricate that I can visualize the different locations ans see the participants.
The political scene and the bullies in the high-school will ring true for all of us.
Dont miss #4 nor #1 thru 8!!!
March 14, 2024
Never stops giving chase to the unexspected
One of the best books so far - in the unexspected -
Plenty of action and the veriety of cool and talented characters finding new tools to work with in fighting scenes and to accomplishing new things was very entertaining !
Highly recommend this series adventure of coming of age !
Charles R.
One of the best books so far - in the unexspected -
Plenty of action and the veriety of cool and talented characters finding new tools to work with in fighting scenes and to accomplishing new things was very entertaining !
Highly recommend this series adventure of coming of age !
Charles R.
April 7, 2024
great book can’t wait for the next one
This series just keeps getting better and better with every new book. I love each and every one. They’re so much like a dungeon and dragons game that I just want to play the game with these characters. It would be AWESOME! I hope they come out with a game on Nintendo switch that if it’s half as good as the books I’d definitely buy it!
This series just keeps getting better and better with every new book. I love each and every one. They’re so much like a dungeon and dragons game that I just want to play the game with these characters. It would be AWESOME! I hope they come out with a game on Nintendo switch that if it’s half as good as the books I’d definitely buy it!
January 27, 2025
Glorious fights with exciting adventures, the Misfits continue to grow and entertain.
Authors Shannon and Robyn Wideman continue to entertain with this fourth edition of the Darkthorn Academy series. The adventures and action in this story are fun to read. The characters are interesting and likable.
Authors Shannon and Robyn Wideman continue to entertain with this fourth edition of the Darkthorn Academy series. The adventures and action in this story are fun to read. The characters are interesting and likable.
August 1, 2021
Another excellent addition to the series!
You gotta love how well all the characters mesh well together. I also like all the adventure and settlement building. You will enjoy reading this book!
You gotta love how well all the characters mesh well together. I also like all the adventure and settlement building. You will enjoy reading this book!
August 2, 2021
Everything is ramping up
Character growth, plot development, great narrative; everything is there. Love the development of the side characters without taking away from the MC and crew. Looking forward to the next book.
Character growth, plot development, great narrative; everything is there. Love the development of the side characters without taking away from the MC and crew. Looking forward to the next book.
August 5, 2021
Great book
I love these books and can’t wait for them to come out on audible. My review is that these books are so good, I switched from audible to kindle in order to keep reading and find out what’s next.
I love these books and can’t wait for them to come out on audible. My review is that these books are so good, I switched from audible to kindle in order to keep reading and find out what’s next.
August 6, 2021
Among the best of the four books.
Truly riveting. Starts slowly and then steadily accelerates toward the finish. Also, in this book all of the characters develop more depth and the reader's interest in them increases. Can't wait for the next installment!
Truly riveting. Starts slowly and then steadily accelerates toward the finish. Also, in this book all of the characters develop more depth and the reader's interest in them increases. Can't wait for the next installment!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews