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Blackthorn Rising: Legends of Agora
From USA TODAY Bestselling author Michael James Ploof. Before Dirk Blackthorn became known as one of the deadliest assassins in the four kingdoms, he spent his childhood as a street urchin, fighting for survival in the shadowy streets and back alleys of Agora’s toughest cities. For ten long years young Dirk has followed his drunken father from one city to another, always having to cheat and steal for his next meal, and never knowing what the future might hold. A magician turned con artist, Dirk’s father Thad has taught him everything he knows. After being driven out of just about every southern city, they have come to Kell-Torey in search of a new beginning. With winter on its way, and all but a rusty coin spent on his father’s drinking, Dirk must make full use of his skills if they are to survive the harsh northern cold. As Thad descends deeper into his drunken delirium, Dirk becomes determined to make a name for himself in the city’s criminal underworld. Featuring two of Legends of Agora’s most beloved characters, Blackthorn Rising is a fast-paced coming of age tale wrought with sword and sorcery, it is a story of failure and triumph, and a testament to the unrelenting spirit of defiance and adventure within us all.
- GenresFantasy
250 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2015
About the author
Michael James Ploof
70 books222 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 28, 2017
A very good story.
Dirk Blackthorn is an extremely interesting character. I first read of him in the Will of Agora books and he quickly became one of my favorites. This story is about his younger years and how he became the Shadow. He is a unique and intelligent young man and the author gave us good insight as to what motivates him. The story is really good and I enjoyed reading it. I highly recommend this book.
Dirk Blackthorn is an extremely interesting character. I first read of him in the Will of Agora books and he quickly became one of my favorites. This story is about his younger years and how he became the Shadow. He is a unique and intelligent young man and the author gave us good insight as to what motivates him. The story is really good and I enjoyed reading it. I highly recommend this book.
March 21, 2018
Having read and enjoyed Whill of Agora, I was happy to find Blackthorn rising was equally as good. Capturing the same fantastic world and captivating characters in a story that carries you along nicely. I'd highly recommend for fans of epic fantasy.
I'll definitely be reading more by this author. Excellent
I'll definitely be reading more by this author. Excellent
February 6, 2020
Loved this book by Michael James Ploof and Paul Fiacco
This book kept me engrossed from beginning to last word. From thieves to elves and rich and poor, they all are trying to survive.
This book kept me engrossed from beginning to last word. From thieves to elves and rich and poor, they all are trying to survive.
August 13, 2017
I enjoyed this very much, as I have all of Mr. Ploof's books. Is there a sequel to this one?
June 6, 2018
Good read.
A little slow at the start but overall very nice. Looking forward to the next book as this one ended rather abruptly.
A little slow at the start but overall very nice. Looking forward to the next book as this one ended rather abruptly.
November 30, 2018
Nice backstory of Blackthorn
But I wish it was a little longer as I wanted to see what happened to the three main characters next
But I wish it was a little longer as I wanted to see what happened to the three main characters next
June 18, 2015
This is ANOTHER great read from Mr. Ploof
Well readers if you want an extraordinary great read, this is it.
I've read all his books, some twice, and anyone who likes Fantasy genres MUST read this book. The storyline is always original, it's his forte. The characters are so REAL due to Mr. Ploof's abundant talent.
Dirk and Krentz are the characters that you'll enjoy getting to know. (Krentz has appeared in previous Ploof reads) but her role in this story, to newcomers, is really like she's just come into being for this story.
You'll be amazed how these two characters wage a fight between good, not so good and down right EVIL!
When your done with this amazing story, go back and read Ploof's other GREAT reads. Will Of Agora would be a perfect place to start.
Well readers if you want an extraordinary great read, this is it.
I've read all his books, some twice, and anyone who likes Fantasy genres MUST read this book. The storyline is always original, it's his forte. The characters are so REAL due to Mr. Ploof's abundant talent.
Dirk and Krentz are the characters that you'll enjoy getting to know. (Krentz has appeared in previous Ploof reads) but her role in this story, to newcomers, is really like she's just come into being for this story.
You'll be amazed how these two characters wage a fight between good, not so good and down right EVIL!
When your done with this amazing story, go back and read Ploof's other GREAT reads. Will Of Agora would be a perfect place to start.
August 13, 2015
Another great book!
I enjoyed this book as I have all the others by Michael. He weaves a wonderful story and develops his characters to the point that you feel like you've known them all your life. This gave me great insight into Krentz and also how she and Dirk first met. She has such a deep heart unlike the other Dark Elves. Such a deep heart that actually made me weep some as I could at times feel her pain. Firm's life unfolded and we see where he came from and why he was like he was in other stories, mainly in the later Whill books where he was first introduced. I'm so ready for the next read. Bring it on, Michael!
I enjoyed this book as I have all the others by Michael. He weaves a wonderful story and develops his characters to the point that you feel like you've known them all your life. This gave me great insight into Krentz and also how she and Dirk first met. She has such a deep heart unlike the other Dark Elves. Such a deep heart that actually made me weep some as I could at times feel her pain. Firm's life unfolded and we see where he came from and why he was like he was in other stories, mainly in the later Whill books where he was first introduced. I'm so ready for the next read. Bring it on, Michael!
June 25, 2015
If you liked Whill of Agora
I love that characters in this book. I first met them in Michael James Ploofs Whill of Agora series and I was not disappointed in this prequel! Good Read for fantasyland!
I love that characters in this book. I first met them in Michael James Ploofs Whill of Agora series and I was not disappointed in this prequel! Good Read for fantasyland!
July 30, 2015
Certainly keeps you guessing, good read and certainly looking forward to the next instalment
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews