Darkthorn Academy Series by Robyn Wideman, Shannon Wideman

If Harry Potter lived in Middle Earth and had to loot dungeons to pay his school fees. When Jack Vance's grandfather is murdered, his dying words are to get Jack to promise to attend Darkthorn Academy. Jack doesn't like it, but he'll do what is necessary to honor the man who raised him. Surviving Darkthorn Academy won't be easy. Jack will have to make alliances, learn to harness magic and face dangerous enemies, both alive and dead. If he's lucky he might just make it to second year... moreIf Harry Potter lived in Middle Earth and had to loot dungeons to pay his school fees. When Jack Vance's grandfather is murdered, his dying words are to get Jack to promise to attend Darkthorn Academy. Jack doesn't like it, but he'll do what is necessary to honor the man who raised him. Surviving Darkthorn Academy won't be easy. Jack will have to make alliances, learn to harness magic and face dangerous enemies, both alive and dead. If he's lucky he might just make it to second year. A coming of age, sword and sorcery fantasy adventure with gamelit aspects, including a slightly overpowered MC, a dragon companion, and a team of adventurers. Inspired by games like Skyrim and Diablo 2 and Fallout. less

After successfully finishing his first year at Darkthorn Academy, Jack returns to Sunder with his new friend, Stannerios. Together, Jack and Stann intend to enjoy their summer preparing for their second year. But even in Sunder they aren’t safe, as they deal with street thugs and assassins.When Jack and Stann finally return to Darkthorn Academy and reunite with the rest of the team, they learn that things have changed... moreAfter successfully finishing his first year at Darkthorn Academy, Jack returns to Sunder with his new friend, Stannerios. Together, Jack and Stann intend to enjoy their summer preparing for their second year. But even in Sunder they aren’t safe, as they deal with street thugs and assassins.When Jack and Stann finally return to Darkthorn Academy and reunite with the rest of the team, they learn that things have changed. A new headmaster has been appointed and the rules for questers have changed drastically. Can they survive a second year at the Academy or will they find a new path to success?Book two includes more gamelit aspects, including crafting, cultivation, a new bio-tech interface, and a few new mentors. less

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... moreThe 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... less

There are no places we won't go to find our friend!Jack and the rest of the Misfits have defeated the Quarnon, but in the epic final battle Stann goes missing. When an ancient portal is discover, Stann's pet bear senses that he is on the other side of the portal.Entering this new land Jack and his team discover lost truths about the Ancient Lands, face a harsh environment, more dangerous beasts and a hidden empire built on stolen slaves... moreThere are no places we won't go to find our friend!Jack and the rest of the Misfits have defeated the Quarnon, but in the epic final battle Stann goes missing. When an ancient portal is discover, Stann's pet bear senses that he is on the other side of the portal.Entering this new land Jack and his team discover lost truths about the Ancient Lands, face a harsh environment, more dangerous beasts and a hidden empire built on stolen slaves. Meanwhile Stann faces life as a slave, forced into labor and into cage fighting to survive.Can Jack and the Misfits find Stann before he can be defeated?A coming of age, sword and sorcery fantasy adventure with gamelit aspects, including a slightly overpowered MC, a dragon companion, and a team of adventurers. Inspired by games like Skyrim and Diablo 2 and Fallout. less