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Darkthorn Academy #5
Rebels
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...
- GenresFantasyYoung AdultMagic
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2021
286 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 13, 2022
The plot escalated very quickly in this book. I also didn't like that out of nowhere we are presented with a more powerful force, who's been in the shadows and who seem to be in control of a lot of what's been going on.
I think that's a bit of a copout.
Let's see what the next book brings along. I'm vested in this series now, so I'll probably continue to read it, but this last book was a bit of a letdown, especially following Book #4.
I think that's a bit of a copout.
Let's see what the next book brings along. I'm vested in this series now, so I'll probably continue to read it, but this last book was a bit of a letdown, especially following Book #4.
December 11, 2021
At least one rewrite short of being ready to publish
This has been a fun series to read, mostly. This volume though is not up to standard. Clearly rushed. Some pretty glaring errors in word choice etc. How does one recant a spell, while using said spell? One chapter still has the authors outline included.
Technical errors aside there just is very little to this story. Almost no tension until the very end. Most of it is the MCs doing very little of note and with little consequence. The story sees little progression beyond a few hints. The characters change not at all and it ends with a cliffhanger. Pretty weak effort overall.
This has been a fun series to read, mostly. This volume though is not up to standard. Clearly rushed. Some pretty glaring errors in word choice etc. How does one recant a spell, while using said spell? One chapter still has the authors outline included.
Technical errors aside there just is very little to this story. Almost no tension until the very end. Most of it is the MCs doing very little of note and with little consequence. The story sees little progression beyond a few hints. The characters change not at all and it ends with a cliffhanger. Pretty weak effort overall.
May 15, 2022
Author is the worst enemy to the main and side characters. always works it out so that the characters are the ones to suffer, from assassins, from hate crimes, from the dragon killers. It is main character basing from the author. Although second author brings a balance and tries to pacify the wild donkey kicks and main character abuse, with feelings and emotions, and relationships, etc.
Jack's Dad gets life-time award for services rendered to the Dwarf Royal Family and author uses that instance to have dwarves extremists try to kill jack's retinue. At mid volume, author has dragon killers try to kill everybody in their Gnome village, Kusharna. Character bashing at it's best by the author.
Author promotes hate and supremacism from Dwarves, Humans that are corrupt and depraved. That seek their greed and self interest above all. This is already the fifth volume but I fell this story is not going anywhere, it's just recycling the same old plot arcs seen in Dixon Academy, Empire, Orc villages, Dwarves villages, etc.
Jack and the Misfits start to train with the dragons that live at the Gnome village.
Story is already at it's fifth volume but main story plot arcs are going nowhere. It's supposed to be a martial academy, but main character retinue (Misfits) do not receive classes, nor are they receiving any courses. It seems that author wants main characters weak and inexperienced so as to be easier targets to kill off. Academy was supposed to last 5 years for students to graduate. Misfits received only a semester of classes. So main series name is not precise nor relevant.
Jack's Dad gets life-time award for services rendered to the Dwarf Royal Family and author uses that instance to have dwarves extremists try to kill jack's retinue. At mid volume, author has dragon killers try to kill everybody in their Gnome village, Kusharna. Character bashing at it's best by the author.
Author promotes hate and supremacism from Dwarves, Humans that are corrupt and depraved. That seek their greed and self interest above all. This is already the fifth volume but I fell this story is not going anywhere, it's just recycling the same old plot arcs seen in Dixon Academy, Empire, Orc villages, Dwarves villages, etc.
Jack and the Misfits start to train with the dragons that live at the Gnome village.
Story is already at it's fifth volume but main story plot arcs are going nowhere. It's supposed to be a martial academy, but main character retinue (Misfits) do not receive classes, nor are they receiving any courses. It seems that author wants main characters weak and inexperienced so as to be easier targets to kill off. Academy was supposed to last 5 years for students to graduate. Misfits received only a semester of classes. So main series name is not precise nor relevant.
January 13, 2024
This is by far the weakest in the series.
The author is mixing up names. Sometimes he is using main character names who are not even in the scene.
The book is full of inconsistencies. They are using spells which worked differently in the last books.
Serious editing is needed for this book.
The story is too much for a book this short and besides it's quite boring. Every chapter is a different mini-story in 10 pages. Barely anything is explained, we are at the point when there is no description about the landscape or city. But every chapters contains at least a few cliché about how the main characters appreciates each other.
Cannot recommend this book. I cannot even finish, stopped at 70%.
Not worth you money, or your time.
The author is mixing up names. Sometimes he is using main character names who are not even in the scene.
The book is full of inconsistencies. They are using spells which worked differently in the last books.
Serious editing is needed for this book.
The story is too much for a book this short and besides it's quite boring. Every chapter is a different mini-story in 10 pages. Barely anything is explained, we are at the point when there is no description about the landscape or city. But every chapters contains at least a few cliché about how the main characters appreciates each other.
Cannot recommend this book. I cannot even finish, stopped at 70%.
Not worth you money, or your time.
November 22, 2024
Zero consinsinsinstancy
The story bounces too much, the concept of magic let alone healing and meditation are all over the place. Sometimes it's like the main character forgets to use moving meditation. The whole concept of healing is lacking it's just there. It seems like everyone just uses brute force vs quality of things .
The story bounces too much, the concept of magic let alone healing and meditation are all over the place. Sometimes it's like the main character forgets to use moving meditation. The whole concept of healing is lacking it's just there. It seems like everyone just uses brute force vs quality of things .
July 11, 2025
This was the best!
This book part was very cool and filled with action with a plot twist at the end and I hope others will like it.
This book part was very cool and filled with action with a plot twist at the end and I hope others will like it.
January 2, 2022
Childish and Naive
This book felt and read completely different from the other books in the series like it was written by someone younger. The series itself has been childish but it was still a story I wanted to read. This book, however, destroyed that. In addition to the problems pointed out by other reviewers, this book is full of contradictions.
One example is that they have a portal blocker in their new academy. When the bad guys are about to attack, everyone starts to portal to exactly where they need to go within the city.
This book ends in a cliff hanger which the other books did not.
The good guys meet with a previously unknown 'resistance' and in the course of a 5 minute conversation decide to trust each other and plan a multi-city attack. After the good guys win, they manage to take over and run a new government within a few hours.
The good guys get a spy in their academy, capture him and then send him home to his mommy.
I will not be continuing this series.
This book felt and read completely different from the other books in the series like it was written by someone younger. The series itself has been childish but it was still a story I wanted to read. This book, however, destroyed that. In addition to the problems pointed out by other reviewers, this book is full of contradictions.
One example is that they have a portal blocker in their new academy. When the bad guys are about to attack, everyone starts to portal to exactly where they need to go within the city.
This book ends in a cliff hanger which the other books did not.
The good guys meet with a previously unknown 'resistance' and in the course of a 5 minute conversation decide to trust each other and plan a multi-city attack. After the good guys win, they manage to take over and run a new government within a few hours.
The good guys get a spy in their academy, capture him and then send him home to his mommy.
I will not be continuing this series.
April 7, 2023
This story just gets better and better!
As we see the Dixon University and the racist humans change tactics, it looks like the Misfits are out played by the new United League organization that is pro-human only.
Sadly the rest of the world doesn’t agree and they have a long road ahead of them, which could be shorter if the orcs and dwarves go to war. Hopefully the team can prevent that as Stann goes home to see what he can do about the orcs preparing to u cafe the dwarves.
The Misfits know more than most and are aware this is all part of the Quarnon plot to redesign the world as one ruled by humans. Racial purity is often not as well supported as the racists think but in this case Jack, Stann, and the rest have their work cut out for them as the Quarnon has been manipulating the economy and true effects of that are truly horrendous on the average citizen.
The adventure continues and deepens as a new player enters the political games by kidnapping one of the team.
As we see the Dixon University and the racist humans change tactics, it looks like the Misfits are out played by the new United League organization that is pro-human only.
Sadly the rest of the world doesn’t agree and they have a long road ahead of them, which could be shorter if the orcs and dwarves go to war. Hopefully the team can prevent that as Stann goes home to see what he can do about the orcs preparing to u cafe the dwarves.
The Misfits know more than most and are aware this is all part of the Quarnon plot to redesign the world as one ruled by humans. Racial purity is often not as well supported as the racists think but in this case Jack, Stann, and the rest have their work cut out for them as the Quarnon has been manipulating the economy and true effects of that are truly horrendous on the average citizen.
The adventure continues and deepens as a new player enters the political games by kidnapping one of the team.
February 25, 2026
3.5 Stars
Rebels is the fifth book in The Darkthorn Academy series by Robyn Wideman. These books had been languishing on my TBR for a while, so I thought it was high time to get my act together, stop being lured away by other books, and plunge in.
This turned out to be a thrilling blend of sword-and-sorcery fantasy, gamelit mechanics, and a coming-of-age adventure that will definitely hook fans of immersive magical school settings, like it did me. The series follows a group of underdog students navigating the perilous halls of Darkthorn Academy - a place where survival is as much about wits and alliances as it is about magical skill.
What gives the series a bit of an edge is the fast-paced storytelling and game-inspired progression system. Characters level up, gain skills, and face increasingly dangerous challenges, giving the books a satisfying sense of growth and achievement. The worldbuilding is immersive, with a balance of mystery, danger, and camaraderie that keeps the stakes high.
Happy Reading…
Rebels is the fifth book in The Darkthorn Academy series by Robyn Wideman. These books had been languishing on my TBR for a while, so I thought it was high time to get my act together, stop being lured away by other books, and plunge in.
This turned out to be a thrilling blend of sword-and-sorcery fantasy, gamelit mechanics, and a coming-of-age adventure that will definitely hook fans of immersive magical school settings, like it did me. The series follows a group of underdog students navigating the perilous halls of Darkthorn Academy - a place where survival is as much about wits and alliances as it is about magical skill.
What gives the series a bit of an edge is the fast-paced storytelling and game-inspired progression system. Characters level up, gain skills, and face increasingly dangerous challenges, giving the books a satisfying sense of growth and achievement. The worldbuilding is immersive, with a balance of mystery, danger, and camaraderie that keeps the stakes high.
Happy Reading…
January 28, 2022
KU Review
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: good
Game elements: minimal
Harem elements: none
Summary: these always have you pulling for the MCs. And such a relevant plot line for today.
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.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: good
Game elements: minimal
Harem elements: none
Summary: these always have you pulling for the MCs. And such a relevant plot line for today.
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
November 8, 2022
Okay but not the best in the series.
Potentially a soft spoiler, nothing is mentioned but the general feel of the book and how it progresses is below:
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While I love the series I found this book lacking. It felt like a huge filler, a build up to the next book. Not alot happened compared to the others until the final few chapters and even then it was anticlimactic, honestly, I feel you could skip this book and just read a summary and get the same impact.
As I say, alot of build up hopefully the next book will continue to impress and leave a great lasting impression as the others have in this series.
Potentially a soft spoiler, nothing is mentioned but the general feel of the book and how it progresses is below:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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While I love the series I found this book lacking. It felt like a huge filler, a build up to the next book. Not alot happened compared to the others until the final few chapters and even then it was anticlimactic, honestly, I feel you could skip this book and just read a summary and get the same impact.
As I say, alot of build up hopefully the next book will continue to impress and leave a great lasting impression as the others have in this series.
October 29, 2024
This was a decent read, but a lot of the book seemed to be about ‘marking time’, there were things happening, but it felt like many of them were there just to fill up pages. Also I have mention in reviews of previous books that the number of inconsistencies and mistakes seems to be growing and this book is no exception.
The book culminates with a rather ‘messy’ ending and I didn’t really like the mysterious ultra powerful mage just appearing from nowhere.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
The book culminates with a rather ‘messy’ ending and I didn’t really like the mysterious ultra powerful mage just appearing from nowhere.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
February 8, 2026
Ok
So, this book was ok. Plot was interesting and the characters were interesting. However, the editing was atrocious … sometimes Jack was written instead of Stann, and the gender of the one dragon (“T”) kept changing, sometimes in the same paragraph … one sentence would use she, then the next he, then she, and so forth. The climax to the entire bad guy plot happened out of nowhere in like 40 pages, too. Now there is a new bad guy that came mostly out of nowhere, too. Don’t think I’ll be continuing the series.
So, this book was ok. Plot was interesting and the characters were interesting. However, the editing was atrocious … sometimes Jack was written instead of Stann, and the gender of the one dragon (“T”) kept changing, sometimes in the same paragraph … one sentence would use she, then the next he, then she, and so forth. The climax to the entire bad guy plot happened out of nowhere in like 40 pages, too. Now there is a new bad guy that came mostly out of nowhere, too. Don’t think I’ll be continuing the series.
December 8, 2021
Editor Needed
Not a bad follow up. But the empire fight felt anticlimactic. Also times where Stan was referred to as Jack. A couple times where we are told something happened in a way that makes it seem like you missed things. Also honestly have no idea if the one dragon is a boy or girl. I thought the last book said girl but in the same sentence is referred to as she and he and it varied the rest of the time.
Not a bad follow up. But the empire fight felt anticlimactic. Also times where Stan was referred to as Jack. A couple times where we are told something happened in a way that makes it seem like you missed things. Also honestly have no idea if the one dragon is a boy or girl. I thought the last book said girl but in the same sentence is referred to as she and he and it varied the rest of the time.
November 21, 2022
Decent Story, Needs Editing.
The story is ok. My main issue is that the entire overthrow of a nation happened in the last 10% of the book. Seems like it should take up more of the book called Rebels. Secondly, the grammar is atrocious. Plurals with apostrophes, one dragon is referred to as he and she in successive sentences, misspelled or mis-used words. This book could use a good editor to ensure that the grammar interferes less with the story the author is trying to tell.
The story is ok. My main issue is that the entire overthrow of a nation happened in the last 10% of the book. Seems like it should take up more of the book called Rebels. Secondly, the grammar is atrocious. Plurals with apostrophes, one dragon is referred to as he and she in successive sentences, misspelled or mis-used words. This book could use a good editor to ensure that the grammar interferes less with the story the author is trying to tell.
December 23, 2022
Jack an his band of misfits must save nonhuman races from the Dixon Academy .
Jack just founded a settlement for a new Darkthorn Academy rescued it's teachers from the dungeon below the academy now Dixon Academy . Fighting to prevent war from breaking out among the other races an stop war from the humans at all cost .Bring peace to all races an equality for all .recommend reading excellent series .
Jack just founded a settlement for a new Darkthorn Academy rescued it's teachers from the dungeon below the academy now Dixon Academy . Fighting to prevent war from breaking out among the other races an stop war from the humans at all cost .Bring peace to all races an equality for all .recommend reading excellent series .
October 17, 2024
Middle of the series
Still a bit of the team building thing getting excited over every little step but more points of view and filling out the story with other characters helps. The problem is at this point between all the added characters "pets, lovers other students," it bogs the story down when it takes half a page of names to say a mob of people got excited over a rope hanging from a tree and the cooking stuff, recipes and all is pure filler.
Still a bit of the team building thing getting excited over every little step but more points of view and filling out the story with other characters helps. The problem is at this point between all the added characters "pets, lovers other students," it bogs the story down when it takes half a page of names to say a mob of people got excited over a rope hanging from a tree and the cooking stuff, recipes and all is pure filler.
December 9, 2021
Better and better…..
This series is the first I have read from this author, but he has me hooked! Normally I do not read game lit, but this book doesn’t read that way to me! I do not get into the meat of the books, that is for the readers surprise and enjoyment, just let me say the added familiar and casts are great! Keep up with the great story!
This series is the first I have read from this author, but he has me hooked! Normally I do not read game lit, but this book doesn’t read that way to me! I do not get into the meat of the books, that is for the readers surprise and enjoyment, just let me say the added familiar and casts are great! Keep up with the great story!
December 9, 2021
Great read
Couldnt put the book down until the very ebd. I have to say i didnt expect what happened to the dixon. Or how things went. Im a bit dissapointed there wasnt more exploration of ancient land but maybe it will happen more in the next one. Kinda scared next one might be last one too
Cliff ending are very cruel btw :(( ill impatiently wait for next book
Couldnt put the book down until the very ebd. I have to say i didnt expect what happened to the dixon. Or how things went. Im a bit dissapointed there wasnt more exploration of ancient land but maybe it will happen more in the next one. Kinda scared next one might be last one too
Cliff ending are very cruel btw :(( ill impatiently wait for next book
February 4, 2022
Fun read
Overall a consistent fun series. I enjoy the characters and happy go lucky nature of things as the story develops.
Editing tends to have so e hard spots. Still not sure of the sex of a few dragons for example.
That not withstanding I am interested to see the direction the story goes next.
Overall a consistent fun series. I enjoy the characters and happy go lucky nature of things as the story develops.
Editing tends to have so e hard spots. Still not sure of the sex of a few dragons for example.
That not withstanding I am interested to see the direction the story goes next.
March 17, 2022
great series
Thanks so much for interesting world and characters. The only constructive criticism I have is that some of the problems that come up are resolved very fast and with a simple solution. An example is they stumble on an organization that is poised to unseat the leaders of the empire. All they have to do is join one battle. Still have really enjoyed the books
Thanks so much for interesting world and characters. The only constructive criticism I have is that some of the problems that come up are resolved very fast and with a simple solution. An example is they stumble on an organization that is poised to unseat the leaders of the empire. All they have to do is join one battle. Still have really enjoyed the books
July 21, 2022
Just finished book 5! Downloading 6!
Book 5 was just as good, if not better, than the first four books! I would definitely recommend this series of books! Already downloaded book 6 and can't wait to start reading! Adventure, excitement, likeable characters and amazing situations abound!
Book 5 was just as good, if not better, than the first four books! I would definitely recommend this series of books! Already downloaded book 6 and can't wait to start reading! Adventure, excitement, likeable characters and amazing situations abound!
October 5, 2022
The war with the empire heats up between the Misfits and the Dixons, but also finds a new enemy appear to strike a blow against the heroes.
I really enjoy this series and the Misfits as the story continues. I find that I have become a fan of this author and look forward to reading more as soon as I purchase the next installment.
I really enjoy this series and the Misfits as the story continues. I find that I have become a fan of this author and look forward to reading more as soon as I purchase the next installment.
January 16, 2023
So fun!
This is such a great series, and book 5 continues to keep things going. New characters, locations, and relationships make this the best Darkthorn book yet! I love that it can appeal to young adult readers, as the language and adult situations are minor, yet it has great action and interesting plot twists for more mature readers.
This is such a great series, and book 5 continues to keep things going. New characters, locations, and relationships make this the best Darkthorn book yet! I love that it can appeal to young adult readers, as the language and adult situations are minor, yet it has great action and interesting plot twists for more mature readers.
April 2, 2024
The misfits are at it again. Trouble continues to brew around anything the Misfits seem to touch. Now their nation and others are coming apart and they have to fight a cabal that what nothing more than their destruction. Will they keep the group together, find love, find peace, or even survive all why trying to set up a new system order? Continue the story of the Misfits and find out.
March 21, 2025
I liked all the books in the series before this one. It felt kinda like it wanted to fill between two books. It progressed the story but I never thought of it as exciting.
Regardless I will read the next one because... CLIFFHANGER! I'm still thinking it's a good series and I'm curious how the story will unfold.
Regardless I will read the next one because... CLIFFHANGER! I'm still thinking it's a good series and I'm curious how the story will unfold.
December 12, 2021
Whoo!
Rebels: An Epic Fantasy GameLit Adventure (Darkthorn Academy Book 5) has Robyn Wideman taking us back to Jack and the gang's adventures trying to stop the prejudice and hate fostered by the evil.
Rebels: An Epic Fantasy GameLit Adventure (Darkthorn Academy Book 5) has Robyn Wideman taking us back to Jack and the gang's adventures trying to stop the prejudice and hate fostered by the evil.
January 9, 2022
Rebels or revolution
Tons of great stuff in this book
Following all the lead characters around
Supporting all the lead characters’ families and Kelli g the bad guys at bay
Then of course a lead in to the next adventure!
Tons of great stuff in this book
Following all the lead characters around
Supporting all the lead characters’ families and Kelli g the bad guys at bay
Then of course a lead in to the next adventure!
January 20, 2022
I love this series
I love reading about Jack and his friends it always keeps me on the edge of my seat wondering what’s going to happen next. I can’t wait for the next book I need to find out what happened to stand.
I love reading about Jack and his friends it always keeps me on the edge of my seat wondering what’s going to happen next. I can’t wait for the next book I need to find out what happened to stand.
February 9, 2022
Darkthorn Academy Book 5
I have enjoyed each book with different levels of feeling. This book was fantastic but I hated that it had a cliff hanger. I can hardly wait for the next book to come out. Here I am, waiting with baited breathe. 🤔🤐🤓
I have enjoyed each book with different levels of feeling. This book was fantastic but I hated that it had a cliff hanger. I can hardly wait for the next book to come out. Here I am, waiting with baited breathe. 🤔🤐🤓
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews