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Orion Rezner Chronicles #1
Afterworld
From the Author of the Amazon Best-selling Fantasy series Legends of Agora.
Seven years have passed since the Culling of 2033 which killed most of the world's population. Vampires, werewolves, and demons have begun to emerge from the shadows, and they are hungry. Boston, one of the last vestiges of humanity, is protected by a spell shield created by the Wizard Council. The shield is the only thing keeping the city safe.
Having studied the Craft for two years at Harvard Witchcraft and Wizardry, Orion Rezner embarks on his final rite of passage. But his first mission outside the city walls forces him to make choices he wasn’t prepared for. Narrowly avoiding possession by an ancient demon, he learns of a plot to destroy the spell shield and expose its survivors to the horrors outside.
Suspected by the wizard council of having been compromised by the encounter, Orion is unable to convince them of the danger. With the help of his closest friends and ghostly mentor, Orion sets out on a desperate quest to thwart the demon's plan any way he can--before it's too late to save the city.
Seven years have passed since the Culling of 2033 which killed most of the world's population. Vampires, werewolves, and demons have begun to emerge from the shadows, and they are hungry. Boston, one of the last vestiges of humanity, is protected by a spell shield created by the Wizard Council. The shield is the only thing keeping the city safe.
Having studied the Craft for two years at Harvard Witchcraft and Wizardry, Orion Rezner embarks on his final rite of passage. But his first mission outside the city walls forces him to make choices he wasn’t prepared for. Narrowly avoiding possession by an ancient demon, he learns of a plot to destroy the spell shield and expose its survivors to the horrors outside.
Suspected by the wizard council of having been compromised by the encounter, Orion is unable to convince them of the danger. With the help of his closest friends and ghostly mentor, Orion sets out on a desperate quest to thwart the demon's plan any way he can--before it's too late to save the city.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2014
43 people are currently reading
1449 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 3, 2015
Ummm, it was Ok I suppose. I wasn't all that impressed, but I didn't hate it either. I think my issue stems from the fact that I'm not sure where the book falls genre-wise, therefore I can't decide if my expectations were skewed or not.
This is post-apocalyptic. An orchestrated mega-virus seems to have wiped out most of the world's population and a large chunk of the remaining humanity are stigmatised and seem to live in some Mad Max rendition of future Earth. It's set in 2041 (or there abouts), but all the pop references are from the 1980s and 90s, making it feel contemporary even as it's futuristic. So, Sci-fi maybe? But then there are witches, wizards and priestly mystics performing exorcisms. (Apparently there are vampires, werewolves, unicorns and so on, too, but you don't see any.) So, fantasy or even urban fantasy maybe? Then there is the monkey named Dude and a disturbing number of fart jokes/references. Are we then in a humorous novel? The main character is at least in his mid-twenties. (He has a college degree and a 2-year apprenticeship.) But he speaks like a frat boy, slash, surfer. Seriously, it was all "wayyy," "Hell to the yeah." Plus the book is full of Harry Potter like magic. So, is it YA? NA? They curse, so maybe even adult? I have no idea.
So, not knowing how to categorise and therefore think about this novel is a problem. But so is the fact that it just feels very random. We catch up with Orion on the day he takes his final test to become a wizard. Then we follow him as he runs around and does a lot of essentially random stuff. In the grand scheme of the series it might all have a place, but in terms of this book, we aren't given enough background to understand his choices and situate them in an overarching plot-line. As a result, I never felt engaged with him or cared that much about him and what was happening.
This was exacerbated by the fact that he was just so dumb. I know that in his narrative some of that apparent stupidness was self-deprecation, (and some of it's actually pretty funny) but he did a lot of really unintelligent stuff, even when he should know better.
If I was a 16-year-old boy I might relate to Orion and like the book more than I did. The writing was fine and I don't remember much about the editing, which means nothing stood out to me as wrong. I think this is just a case of not quite the right reader. But as I didn't hate it either, I'll give it a grudging "grunt of approval."
This is post-apocalyptic. An orchestrated mega-virus seems to have wiped out most of the world's population and a large chunk of the remaining humanity are stigmatised and seem to live in some Mad Max rendition of future Earth. It's set in 2041 (or there abouts), but all the pop references are from the 1980s and 90s, making it feel contemporary even as it's futuristic. So, Sci-fi maybe? But then there are witches, wizards and priestly mystics performing exorcisms. (Apparently there are vampires, werewolves, unicorns and so on, too, but you don't see any.) So, fantasy or even urban fantasy maybe? Then there is the monkey named Dude and a disturbing number of fart jokes/references. Are we then in a humorous novel? The main character is at least in his mid-twenties. (He has a college degree and a 2-year apprenticeship.) But he speaks like a frat boy, slash, surfer. Seriously, it was all "wayyy," "Hell to the yeah." Plus the book is full of Harry Potter like magic. So, is it YA? NA? They curse, so maybe even adult? I have no idea.
So, not knowing how to categorise and therefore think about this novel is a problem. But so is the fact that it just feels very random. We catch up with Orion on the day he takes his final test to become a wizard. Then we follow him as he runs around and does a lot of essentially random stuff. In the grand scheme of the series it might all have a place, but in terms of this book, we aren't given enough background to understand his choices and situate them in an overarching plot-line. As a result, I never felt engaged with him or cared that much about him and what was happening.
This was exacerbated by the fact that he was just so dumb. I know that in his narrative some of that apparent stupidness was self-deprecation, (and some of it's actually pretty funny) but he did a lot of really unintelligent stuff, even when he should know better.
If I was a 16-year-old boy I might relate to Orion and like the book more than I did. The writing was fine and I don't remember much about the editing, which means nothing stood out to me as wrong. I think this is just a case of not quite the right reader. But as I didn't hate it either, I'll give it a grudging "grunt of approval."
January 7, 2015
Wonderful
"Grunt of Approval" well as you can see I read the entire book! I enjoyed it and cannot wait to download the next book. I read it in less than two evening! Go Rez!!!
"Grunt of Approval" well as you can see I read the entire book! I enjoyed it and cannot wait to download the next book. I read it in less than two evening! Go Rez!!!
January 10, 2015
~~~Not A Strong 4 Stars but Def. Worth More Than 3~~~
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. That being said, this book was a whole lot of fun! It promised a cornucopia of creatures including: Vampires, Werewolves, Shape Shifters, Ghosts, Witches/Warlocks, various survivors of the virus that wiped out 99% of the population named Witnesses, Elites and Cain along with Priests exhibiting extraordinary powers, Demons and last but certainly not least a bad a$$ snarky monkey named Dude. For the most part it delivers though we never get to meet the Vamps, Werewolves, Shape Shifters and Elites in book #1. Still this post apocalyptic book is action packed and chock full of references to 80's and 90's pop culture (both witty and dated) which could have easily backfired. There were some words left out here and there but the quick paced/easy flow made up for whatever editing problems I ran across. The character development and world building were good but nothing groundbreaking though it definitely provided an excellent foundation for what I believe will turn out to be a VERY entertaining series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. That being said, this book was a whole lot of fun! It promised a cornucopia of creatures including: Vampires, Werewolves, Shape Shifters, Ghosts, Witches/Warlocks, various survivors of the virus that wiped out 99% of the population named Witnesses, Elites and Cain along with Priests exhibiting extraordinary powers, Demons and last but certainly not least a bad a$$ snarky monkey named Dude. For the most part it delivers though we never get to meet the Vamps, Werewolves, Shape Shifters and Elites in book #1. Still this post apocalyptic book is action packed and chock full of references to 80's and 90's pop culture (both witty and dated) which could have easily backfired. There were some words left out here and there but the quick paced/easy flow made up for whatever editing problems I ran across. The character development and world building were good but nothing groundbreaking though it definitely provided an excellent foundation for what I believe will turn out to be a VERY entertaining series.
November 10, 2014
A Wizard, a monkey named Dude, and the ghost of Ben Franklin walk into a bar. Sounds kind of like the beginning of a really bad joke, But it’s not. It’s The Orion Rezner Chronicles: Afterworld. If you’re looking for a book that will hold you enthralled for page one. Then look no further this tale of action, peril, intrigue, and just the right amount of humor. Michael James Ploof has a style of writing that makes you want to be a part of the story more than any book I’ve ever read. You feel the characters pain, you experience there joy. They are so imperfectly perfect that you feel that you have known them your whole life. I stand fully behind the 5 star rating on this book. I have, and will continue, to push a copy of this book into every reader’s hand that I see. I cannot wait to see where Orion and Dude end up.
November 15, 2014
Ok best book ever!!
Michael Ploof never fails to entertain. He is officially my favorite author and I cannot wait for his next book. Orion Rezner is one of his most flamboyant and fun characters with an attitude. Along with his sidekicks Dude ( a highly intelligent chimpanzee) and Mushiro, his Japanese best bud, I spent most of the book laughing so hard I had tears running and the other half on the edge of my seat wondering if they would make it out alive. You have wizards, witches and a really nasty demon who only wanted one thing...the ghost of Benjamin Franklin. Great twist!! I highly recommend this book and all of Michael's other endeavors. he is an awesome writer. Patiently waiting for the next one.
Michael Ploof never fails to entertain. He is officially my favorite author and I cannot wait for his next book. Orion Rezner is one of his most flamboyant and fun characters with an attitude. Along with his sidekicks Dude ( a highly intelligent chimpanzee) and Mushiro, his Japanese best bud, I spent most of the book laughing so hard I had tears running and the other half on the edge of my seat wondering if they would make it out alive. You have wizards, witches and a really nasty demon who only wanted one thing...the ghost of Benjamin Franklin. Great twist!! I highly recommend this book and all of Michael's other endeavors. he is an awesome writer. Patiently waiting for the next one.
March 28, 2015
I found this book...well, I can't think of any way to phrase it politely. From the beginning, the main character, alleged plot and descriptions of, well, everything made me roll my eyes and, as I went on, scowl.
Needless to say, I couldn't finish this. I made it further into Twilight when it first came out and a friend asked me to read it. From what I saw, a decent editor is desperately needed. But, hey, self publishing is king right now. With some good advertising, paid book reviews and even bad reviews, you can make a buck.
Needless to say, I couldn't finish this. I made it further into Twilight when it first came out and a friend asked me to read it. From what I saw, a decent editor is desperately needed. But, hey, self publishing is king right now. With some good advertising, paid book reviews and even bad reviews, you can make a buck.
November 10, 2014
After a slow start this book tuned out good. Orion is a smart ass and he struggles a little with what is happening after the culling. With the mix of demons, witches, and wizards this book is a good read for a mature audience.
January 7, 2015
I read this book because I like this author. The story was quite entertaining....a fun read. The only thing that bothered me was the fact that the main character fell for the same ruse three times....how dumb is that?
December 28, 2017
I liked this better than any of this other books, I thought it was hilarious and its the only book in its series. WHY!? We keep getting promised a second book but I've yet to be able to buy it on Amazon. So disappointed.
February 10, 2018
Interesting premise
Liked the premise. However I found the main character hard to relate to and sympathize with. It’s one thing to be a character who has a edge and is an antihero, it another to being just a self absorbed jerk
Liked the premise. However I found the main character hard to relate to and sympathize with. It’s one thing to be a character who has a edge and is an antihero, it another to being just a self absorbed jerk
August 30, 2017
Grunt of approval! I like originality and the blend of urb-fan and a dystopia future.
January 3, 2018
Great read
I couldn't put this down!! Excellent story and very believable from the start. I can imagine the world becoming like this one day lol
I couldn't put this down!! Excellent story and very believable from the start. I can imagine the world becoming like this one day lol
March 1, 2025
Dude!
Enjoyed the characters very much. Especially, DUDE.
Would make for great entertainment on the screen. Had me going with all the demon jumping; glad it worked out. Sheesh!
Enjoyed the characters very much. Especially, DUDE.
Would make for great entertainment on the screen. Had me going with all the demon jumping; glad it worked out. Sheesh!
August 29, 2019
Terribile. Dalla copertina sembra un fantasy con un cast vario di personaggi, ma inizia con un esorcismo particolarmente cruento e macabro. Ero disgustata per la violenza descritta, compresa la violenza contro un animale, che ho deciso di abbandonarlo.
March 16, 2015
This original and entertaining fantasy novel by Michael James Ploof opens with a long passage explaining the backstory - the event known as "the culling", which has wiped out ninety-nine per cent of humanity and left a world crawling with supernatural beings - demons, vampires, werewolves, etc.
The reader is then plunged into the middle of an exorcism by a wizard and a cleric, and I half expected someone to roll a twelve-sided dice and cast a spell to increase strength, speed and stamina. In fact, the wizard duly casts just such a spell, admittedly without the need of a dice.
Thankfully, despite the initial prolonged explication and the threat of this turning into a dungeons and dragons session, the book actually turns out to be a skillfully executed and humorous tale. Orion Rezner, the protagonist, who tells the story in the first person, has a distinctive narrative voice, which reminded me a little of Kinky Friedman’s eponymous private eye: never laugh-out-loud but always reliably witty and likeable.
The fantasy world of post-culling Boston and its environs are worked out and described in fine detail while maintaining the fast pace and action of the story, and many interesting and memorable characters are introduced (a monkey sidekick and the ghost of Benjamin Franklin to name but two).
It's clear the author is setting things up for a series, or at least a sequel, but Afterworld: Orion Rezner Chronicles, by Michael James Ploof, works perfectly well as a standalone. I believe fans of the fantasy genre will find this intelligent, cheerful and imaginative novel thoroughly enjoyable.
Review by Neil McFarlane for http://ebookreviewgal.com.
eBook Review Gal received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The reader is then plunged into the middle of an exorcism by a wizard and a cleric, and I half expected someone to roll a twelve-sided dice and cast a spell to increase strength, speed and stamina. In fact, the wizard duly casts just such a spell, admittedly without the need of a dice.
Thankfully, despite the initial prolonged explication and the threat of this turning into a dungeons and dragons session, the book actually turns out to be a skillfully executed and humorous tale. Orion Rezner, the protagonist, who tells the story in the first person, has a distinctive narrative voice, which reminded me a little of Kinky Friedman’s eponymous private eye: never laugh-out-loud but always reliably witty and likeable.
The fantasy world of post-culling Boston and its environs are worked out and described in fine detail while maintaining the fast pace and action of the story, and many interesting and memorable characters are introduced (a monkey sidekick and the ghost of Benjamin Franklin to name but two).
It's clear the author is setting things up for a series, or at least a sequel, but Afterworld: Orion Rezner Chronicles, by Michael James Ploof, works perfectly well as a standalone. I believe fans of the fantasy genre will find this intelligent, cheerful and imaginative novel thoroughly enjoyable.
Review by Neil McFarlane for http://ebookreviewgal.com.
eBook Review Gal received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2015
In his first week as a wizard, Orion Rezner faces demons, witches, possessed mothers, and road warriors. Thank god beer survived the Apocalypse.Seven years have passed since the Culling of 2033 which killed most of the world’s population. Vampires, werewolves, and demons have begun to emerge from the shadows, and they are hungry. Boston, one of the last vestiges of humanity, is protected by a spell shield created by the Wizard Council. The shield is the only thing keeping the city safe.
Well this is one of those books theat you really love or hate. Well you probably guessed by my rating I hated it. I don't like anything to do with excorsim, which this had and being set in the near future is another minus for me. As for the writing, it was OK, I have read alot better but at the same time I have read worse. I'll just leave it up to you. I hated this book and I am Not going to recommend it to anyone. If you chose to read it, do so at your own perial.
Well this is one of those books theat you really love or hate. Well you probably guessed by my rating I hated it. I don't like anything to do with excorsim, which this had and being set in the near future is another minus for me. As for the writing, it was OK, I have read alot better but at the same time I have read worse. I'll just leave it up to you. I hated this book and I am Not going to recommend it to anyone. If you chose to read it, do so at your own perial.
March 23, 2015
Post-apocalyptic books are hot right now and you’d think that the stories would get repetitive and predictable. Not so. There are hundreds if not thousands of reasons that the world will change, be destroyed, or invaded and as many ways humanity will react to it. In this series it’s good old fashioned apocalypse caused by a virus. Demons walk the earth, magic is real and humans are split between the Elite and the rest of the remnants.
Orion is a newly minted wizard who has some difficulties with authority. Along with his genetically altered chimp, Dude, and his pet ghost, Ben, Orion has to find a way to protect Boston and avoid his new found enemy.
I found to book well balanced between horror and humor. I’m not a big fan of horror, but this one drew me along and I’ll definitely read the next one in the series.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a fast moving high stakes story with a bit of hellfire.
Orion is a newly minted wizard who has some difficulties with authority. Along with his genetically altered chimp, Dude, and his pet ghost, Ben, Orion has to find a way to protect Boston and avoid his new found enemy.
I found to book well balanced between horror and humor. I’m not a big fan of horror, but this one drew me along and I’ll definitely read the next one in the series.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a fast moving high stakes story with a bit of hellfire.
February 3, 2015
“I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review”.
Captivating! Such a unique post apocalypse twist that I couldn't put the book down! I'm pretty burned out on all the typical "end of the world" scenarios: aliens, weather, and now tons of zombies but this had to be the best take on it that I've ever experienced!! I wish I had more than 2 thumbs for Sam Adams surviving the apocalypse! A good book will do one of two things: make me laugh out loud or move me to tears. A great book does both! This is a great book!
Captivating! Such a unique post apocalypse twist that I couldn't put the book down! I'm pretty burned out on all the typical "end of the world" scenarios: aliens, weather, and now tons of zombies but this had to be the best take on it that I've ever experienced!! I wish I had more than 2 thumbs for Sam Adams surviving the apocalypse! A good book will do one of two things: make me laugh out loud or move me to tears. A great book does both! This is a great book!
October 18, 2015
A Thrilling Ride in Beantown
I really enjoyed the beginning of this series and cannot wait to read more about Rez, Dude, Ben and all the rest of the characters contained within. The story was fast paced and laced with just enough humor to keep things interesting. Hats off to the Mr. Proof for allowing us into this world of an apocalyptic future that contains supernatural and fantastical elements.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this series and cannot wait to read more about Rez, Dude, Ben and all the rest of the characters contained within. The story was fast paced and laced with just enough humor to keep things interesting. Hats off to the Mr. Proof for allowing us into this world of an apocalyptic future that contains supernatural and fantastical elements.
February 25, 2015
Great Book
I like the plot with the deconstruction of our civilization, possibly by a virus. The return of wizards and demons was well written. I will buy more of this writer's books.
I like the plot with the deconstruction of our civilization, possibly by a virus. The return of wizards and demons was well written. I will buy more of this writer's books.
January 26, 2015
grunting approval Mr.Ploof
February 14, 2015
Overall a good book. I wish it was longer.
May 30, 2015
Wow!
Perfect balance of characters, intrigue, magic and action. Another great Ploof book/series...I'm becoming a big fan of this Michael Ploof
Perfect balance of characters, intrigue, magic and action. Another great Ploof book/series...I'm becoming a big fan of this Michael Ploof
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews