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Shattered Empire #1
Of Ashes and Blood
The explosive beginning of the Shattered Empire saga — part of a complete five-book series.
"Exhilarating next-generation epic fantasy." — Rose Auburn, Book Blogger
Born to fell trees. Now he must topple an empire.
In a land torn by savage war and dark magic, only fools dream of glory. Derrik is the biggest fool of all. Dreaming of protecting the weak — and mocked by his neighbors.
Then the monsters come, and the laughter curdles into screams.
With death snarling at his heels, Derrik turns to an ancient elf he instinctively distrusts… and to a dragon he fears. Hunted by an enemy who has never lost — and never forgiven — he plunges into a quest no mortal should survive.
Yet the deadliest threat is not the forbidden sorcery and relentless evil closing in from every side. Nor is it the darkness consuming the empire.
Someone has crossed Derrik's village off a map.
And he is the only one who doesn't know why...
"Exhilarating next-generation epic fantasy." — Rose Auburn, Book Blogger
Born to fell trees. Now he must topple an empire.
In a land torn by savage war and dark magic, only fools dream of glory. Derrik is the biggest fool of all. Dreaming of protecting the weak — and mocked by his neighbors.
Then the monsters come, and the laughter curdles into screams.
With death snarling at his heels, Derrik turns to an ancient elf he instinctively distrusts… and to a dragon he fears. Hunted by an enemy who has never lost — and never forgiven — he plunges into a quest no mortal should survive.
Yet the deadliest threat is not the forbidden sorcery and relentless evil closing in from every side. Nor is it the darkness consuming the empire.
Someone has crossed Derrik's village off a map.
And he is the only one who doesn't know why...
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2025
About the author
P.C. Darkcliff
33 books71 followersReceive my free novella for joining my mailing list: www.pcdarkcliff.com/subscribe
I started my fiction career in kindergarten when I convinced my classmates that my grandma was a tribal shamaness. Then I learned my letters, and kidding my friends no longer seemed adequate—so I started writing fantasy. That evolved into a lifelong passion, resulting in over ten books and three writing awards.
Apart from publishing two standalone novels and a historical fantasy trilogy, I have fulfilled my childhood dream and completed two epic fantasy series, The Magic Circle and Shattered Empire.
My stories have appeared in numerous publications, and "A Poisoned Gift" received an Honorable Mention in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest. I am Spillwords Author of the Year 2020.
I have lived in six countries and on three continents. While it burned a hole in my bank account, the seminomadic lifestyle has inspired most of my stories and novels. My wife and I have settled in Spain, where I go swimming and cycling whenever I’m not too busy writing and teaching English.
I started my fiction career in kindergarten when I convinced my classmates that my grandma was a tribal shamaness. Then I learned my letters, and kidding my friends no longer seemed adequate—so I started writing fantasy. That evolved into a lifelong passion, resulting in over ten books and three writing awards.
Apart from publishing two standalone novels and a historical fantasy trilogy, I have fulfilled my childhood dream and completed two epic fantasy series, The Magic Circle and Shattered Empire.
My stories have appeared in numerous publications, and "A Poisoned Gift" received an Honorable Mention in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest. I am Spillwords Author of the Year 2020.
I have lived in six countries and on three continents. While it burned a hole in my bank account, the seminomadic lifestyle has inspired most of my stories and novels. My wife and I have settled in Spain, where I go swimming and cycling whenever I’m not too busy writing and teaching English.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 10, 2024
What a great story. This has everything a great fantasy story should have. It has good vs evil, dragons, elves, monsters, wrathlords, some great battles, friendship, traitors & betrayal. The characters were well developed and the story was well written. Another new author that has kept me glued to the pages.
When Derrik Thorn turns 18, he is sent on a quest by the mayor to retrieve the ear of a Daemorc. He takes his 2 friends Glen and Broose along with him. The townspeople are all worried and think the mission is to dangerous and meant for some older boys. They manage to return safe and pretty much unscathed. Upon their return, they discover that the wrathlords are sending monsters to devastate villages as they struggle to gain power. Then the boys, along with Eriana and Leya are being hunted by a traitor named Lanfareth. She intends to kill them all. She is a silver level mage who worships the dark side and she is a fierce foe. During one escape from her, Derrick ends up with a dragon egg he rescued when Lanfareth killed the little dragons parents. The new Archmage Torsum enlists Derrik and his friends to help stop Lanfareth and the wrathlords before it's too late. Torsum knows about Derrik's past & who his parents are. He believes that with training Derrik could become a great asset to the magic circle mages. During the chase to get Lanfareth, they discover she is trying to steal Tarroth, a magical battle axe, capable of causing earthquakes, blizzards and tidal waves that could destroy everything in it's path. The group must face the monsters if they hope to stop the evil Lanfaeth before she destroys everything.
I will definitely be continuing this series and following this authors journey.
When Derrik Thorn turns 18, he is sent on a quest by the mayor to retrieve the ear of a Daemorc. He takes his 2 friends Glen and Broose along with him. The townspeople are all worried and think the mission is to dangerous and meant for some older boys. They manage to return safe and pretty much unscathed. Upon their return, they discover that the wrathlords are sending monsters to devastate villages as they struggle to gain power. Then the boys, along with Eriana and Leya are being hunted by a traitor named Lanfareth. She intends to kill them all. She is a silver level mage who worships the dark side and she is a fierce foe. During one escape from her, Derrick ends up with a dragon egg he rescued when Lanfareth killed the little dragons parents. The new Archmage Torsum enlists Derrik and his friends to help stop Lanfareth and the wrathlords before it's too late. Torsum knows about Derrik's past & who his parents are. He believes that with training Derrik could become a great asset to the magic circle mages. During the chase to get Lanfareth, they discover she is trying to steal Tarroth, a magical battle axe, capable of causing earthquakes, blizzards and tidal waves that could destroy everything in it's path. The group must face the monsters if they hope to stop the evil Lanfaeth before she destroys everything.
I will definitely be continuing this series and following this authors journey.
July 7, 2025
Living with his parents, Baard and Diara, in the peaceful village of New Thorstorm, eighteen-year-old Derrik Thon is tired of being treated like a child and dreams of becoming a warrior.
When he has a chance to prove himself, together with friends Glen and Broose, at the village’s perilous coming-of-age task, known as the “Passage”, he grabs it despite his parents' fears. But the danger posed by the Passage pales into insignificance as the Darkside rises once again to exact deadly revenge, and Derrik is firmly in their sights…
Of Ashes and Blood opens Darkcliff’s new epic fantasy series, Shattered Empire, and begins eighteen years after the action concluded in his Magic Circle series. Although there are familiar faces, landscapes, contextual continuations, and legacy grievances filtering in from the earlier books, readers do not need to have read the Magic Circle collection to embark on Of Ashes and Blood (although it’s highly recommended as it’s excellent).
The reader is introduced to Derrik, the son of Baard and Diara, his friend Glen, the son of the New Thorstorm blacksmith, as well as Broose, Eriana, and Leya, the offspring of Ufi and Mardok. For readers unacquainted with the previous characters, Darkcliff effortlessly introduces them and seamlessly weaves in pertinent backstory.
Following a short yet powerful Prologue involving High Mage Torsum, who is integral to this novel, Darkcliff transports the reader to the wondrously rustic New Thorstorm. It’s a brief prelude of absorbingly quaint, pastoral tranquility.
He peppers this charming New Thorstorm tableau with subtle indicators of tension while presenting the main protagonists, who are nicely individual with convincing quirks and respective strengths. Darkcliff utilizes these traits to propel aspects of the plot, and not always in a positive manner for those involved.
It would have been easy to depict the teenagers as either copies of, or complete contrasts to, their parents, especially Derrik, but they each have a distinctive originality, and the reader suspects hidden capabilities and unexpected ambitions.
Their character development, emotional and physical, from sheltered teenagers to nascent warriors, is beautifully handled, full of nuance and credibility. Darkcliff hints at a level of emotional angst within headstrong Eriana, and the reader senses that Broose may take a different trajectory at some stage.
The entire cast, which is substantial and diverse, is portrayed with depth and creativity. There are some captivating character vignettes and sly comic cameos, such as Old Megg. Al'Anark, the Elven Chieftain, seems to step from the page with every entrance.
Those at the forefront of the Darkside, such as the fantastically monikered Wrathlord Corpsegrinder and human Mage Lanfareth, are given complex malignancy, and, in Lanfareth’s case, curious moments of internal conflict and compassion that will doubtless be further explored. Another immensely intriguing character is Zór’al, the Elven druidess, whose behavior appears disingenuous, and her motivations unclear.
Within a few chapters, pockets of drama and conflict are opening up. Several quests and side-missions unfurl in numerous directions involving various characters and locations, before finally coalescing. Darkcliff controls the plot with its action-packed, nerve-shredding tangents superbly, ensuring it never becomes dense.
Fight scenes are numerous, gory, and amazingly choreographed, especially the aerial ones, which are thrillingly unpredictable. Indeed, throughout, Darkcliff’s prose is sparkling, his world-building is lavishly detailed without excess, and stunningly imaginative. Notwithstanding, there is a focused, polished intensity to his writing that drives momentum and keeps the pages turning.
Of Ashes and Blood is exhilarating next-generation material. A brilliantly fresh, deeply immersive, and wonderfully entertaining opening series novel full of vivid fantasy, spellbinding magic, and wonderfully controlled chaos, driven by emotionally rich, engaging characters. Highly recommended.
When he has a chance to prove himself, together with friends Glen and Broose, at the village’s perilous coming-of-age task, known as the “Passage”, he grabs it despite his parents' fears. But the danger posed by the Passage pales into insignificance as the Darkside rises once again to exact deadly revenge, and Derrik is firmly in their sights…
Of Ashes and Blood opens Darkcliff’s new epic fantasy series, Shattered Empire, and begins eighteen years after the action concluded in his Magic Circle series. Although there are familiar faces, landscapes, contextual continuations, and legacy grievances filtering in from the earlier books, readers do not need to have read the Magic Circle collection to embark on Of Ashes and Blood (although it’s highly recommended as it’s excellent).
The reader is introduced to Derrik, the son of Baard and Diara, his friend Glen, the son of the New Thorstorm blacksmith, as well as Broose, Eriana, and Leya, the offspring of Ufi and Mardok. For readers unacquainted with the previous characters, Darkcliff effortlessly introduces them and seamlessly weaves in pertinent backstory.
Following a short yet powerful Prologue involving High Mage Torsum, who is integral to this novel, Darkcliff transports the reader to the wondrously rustic New Thorstorm. It’s a brief prelude of absorbingly quaint, pastoral tranquility.
He peppers this charming New Thorstorm tableau with subtle indicators of tension while presenting the main protagonists, who are nicely individual with convincing quirks and respective strengths. Darkcliff utilizes these traits to propel aspects of the plot, and not always in a positive manner for those involved.
It would have been easy to depict the teenagers as either copies of, or complete contrasts to, their parents, especially Derrik, but they each have a distinctive originality, and the reader suspects hidden capabilities and unexpected ambitions.
Their character development, emotional and physical, from sheltered teenagers to nascent warriors, is beautifully handled, full of nuance and credibility. Darkcliff hints at a level of emotional angst within headstrong Eriana, and the reader senses that Broose may take a different trajectory at some stage.
The entire cast, which is substantial and diverse, is portrayed with depth and creativity. There are some captivating character vignettes and sly comic cameos, such as Old Megg. Al'Anark, the Elven Chieftain, seems to step from the page with every entrance.
Those at the forefront of the Darkside, such as the fantastically monikered Wrathlord Corpsegrinder and human Mage Lanfareth, are given complex malignancy, and, in Lanfareth’s case, curious moments of internal conflict and compassion that will doubtless be further explored. Another immensely intriguing character is Zór’al, the Elven druidess, whose behavior appears disingenuous, and her motivations unclear.
Within a few chapters, pockets of drama and conflict are opening up. Several quests and side-missions unfurl in numerous directions involving various characters and locations, before finally coalescing. Darkcliff controls the plot with its action-packed, nerve-shredding tangents superbly, ensuring it never becomes dense.
Fight scenes are numerous, gory, and amazingly choreographed, especially the aerial ones, which are thrillingly unpredictable. Indeed, throughout, Darkcliff’s prose is sparkling, his world-building is lavishly detailed without excess, and stunningly imaginative. Notwithstanding, there is a focused, polished intensity to his writing that drives momentum and keeps the pages turning.
Of Ashes and Blood is exhilarating next-generation material. A brilliantly fresh, deeply immersive, and wonderfully entertaining opening series novel full of vivid fantasy, spellbinding magic, and wonderfully controlled chaos, driven by emotionally rich, engaging characters. Highly recommended.
April 30, 2025
I couldn’t put the book down! The author did a great job at building the world and developing the characters. I thought it was a pretty quick read and the story flowed well. If you love a good adventure with a battle between good and evil then add this to your must read list!
April 21, 2025
What an epic start to the new series. I don’t do spoilers on reviews, but I must say P.C Darkcliff’s writing gets better with each book. The descriptive style and brilliant character development gets stronger and stronger.
October 17, 2024
What an exciting read! It took me less than 24 hours to read because I just couldn't put it down! This book has it all -- excitement, action, good vs evil, great characters, humans, elves, monstrous bad guys. I'm so looking forward to the next book.
August 24, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Of ashes and blood. This is such a fantastic story! It has everything a great fantasy tale should include good versus evil, dragons, elves, monsters, wrathlords, epic battles, friendship, betrayal, and plenty of twists. The characters are well-developed, and the writing kept me hooked from beginning to end.
The story follows Derrik Thorn, who at 18 is sent on a dangerous quest by the mayor to retrieve the ear of a Daemorc. He’s joined by his friends Glen and Broose, and though the townspeople worry the mission is far too risky for boys their age, they manage to succeed and return home safely. But trouble is only beginning. They soon discover that wrathlords are unleashing monsters to terrorize villages, and Derrik and his companions along with Eriana and Leya become targets of the powerful mage Lanfareth, a fierce enemy who serves the dark side.
During one narrow escape, Derrik rescues a dragon egg after Lanfareth slays its parents. This act sets him on a larger path. Under the guidance of Archmage Torsum, Derrik and his friends must rise to the challenge of stopping Lanfareth and her wrathlords before it’s too late. Torsum sees great potential in Derrik, believing he could one day become a valuable member of the magic circle mages.
As the adventure escalates, the group learns that Lanfareth is after Tarroth, a legendary magical battle axe with the power to unleash earthquakes, blizzards, and tidal waves devastating forces that could destroy everything in her path. The friends must battle fearsome monsters and face unimaginable dangers if they hope to prevent Lanfareth from plunging the world into ruin.
This book has everything I look for in an epic fantasy danger, adventure, magic, and heart.
I can’t wait to continue this series and see where the author takes it next! This is a must read for all fantasy lovers! 💛
The story follows Derrik Thorn, who at 18 is sent on a dangerous quest by the mayor to retrieve the ear of a Daemorc. He’s joined by his friends Glen and Broose, and though the townspeople worry the mission is far too risky for boys their age, they manage to succeed and return home safely. But trouble is only beginning. They soon discover that wrathlords are unleashing monsters to terrorize villages, and Derrik and his companions along with Eriana and Leya become targets of the powerful mage Lanfareth, a fierce enemy who serves the dark side.
During one narrow escape, Derrik rescues a dragon egg after Lanfareth slays its parents. This act sets him on a larger path. Under the guidance of Archmage Torsum, Derrik and his friends must rise to the challenge of stopping Lanfareth and her wrathlords before it’s too late. Torsum sees great potential in Derrik, believing he could one day become a valuable member of the magic circle mages.
As the adventure escalates, the group learns that Lanfareth is after Tarroth, a legendary magical battle axe with the power to unleash earthquakes, blizzards, and tidal waves devastating forces that could destroy everything in her path. The friends must battle fearsome monsters and face unimaginable dangers if they hope to prevent Lanfareth from plunging the world into ruin.
This book has everything I look for in an epic fantasy danger, adventure, magic, and heart.
I can’t wait to continue this series and see where the author takes it next! This is a must read for all fantasy lovers! 💛
August 28, 2024
It’s been 18 years since the Ultimate Battle and life is tense in the town of New Thornstorm not to mention the entire kingdom of Araton. Baard and Diara are raising their son Derrik, and Ufi and Mardok are raising Eriana, Leya, and their son Broose who is a friend of Derrik’s. When Derrik turns 18 he is sent on a quest by the mayor of New Thorstorm to bring home the ear of a Daemorc. He takes with him Broose and their friend Glen. Thus the stage is set for a new series by PC Darkcliff. The writing is terrific and the action is relentless, culminating with the battle of Gandre and some of the best descriptions of hand-to-hand combat that I’ve ever read. The storytelling is top-notch. The fight scenes are wonderfully written and make you feel like you’re right in the action. PC continues to write at the top of his game. I love not only how well he weaves together the intricate storylines but also how he delves into each of the main characters and brings them to life with his masterful writing. Never fear if you haven’t read the Magic Circle series which is the backdrop for this one. PC deftly brings the reader up to speed throughout the book through conversations between the main characters. This is the first book of a projected five in this series. It’s a winner. I’m looking forward to reading them all. Highly recommended.
April 25, 2025
This is the first book of a series that picks up 18 years after The Magic Circle concludes. It follows the adventures of the children (now young adults) of the heroes from the first series. Darkcliff has done a great job of worldbuilding in these books, there are numerous factions involved but he makes it easy to keep track of them. The descriptions of the different parts of the world and the different inhabitants of the cities, forests, deserts and the dreaded Wrathlands are very vivid making it feel like you're watching what's happening. There are enemies, friends, frenemies and everything in between which makes you keep questioning who is really on the Lightside and not secretly working for the Darkside.
I really enjoyed going back into this world and it was a great start to the next chapter of this series. It's filled with action, sword fights, battles, tension, excitement and sadness. Although you do not have to read the first series, The Magic Circle, to enjoy this I highly recommend that you do, you won't be sorry. There are people you meet or hear about and events that are mentioned and knowing more of the history really helps to give a more complete picture. You could even go back and read the first series while you wait for more in this one if you enjoyed it and plan to go on.
I really enjoyed going back into this world and it was a great start to the next chapter of this series. It's filled with action, sword fights, battles, tension, excitement and sadness. Although you do not have to read the first series, The Magic Circle, to enjoy this I highly recommend that you do, you won't be sorry. There are people you meet or hear about and events that are mentioned and knowing more of the history really helps to give a more complete picture. You could even go back and read the first series while you wait for more in this one if you enjoyed it and plan to go on.
April 7, 2025
This book will surprise you in a good way. It's a new saga, just starting, with new ideas and adventures. When I was reading this novel, the first thing that came to my mind was the hard work and skill the author had put into this book. I can tell, right from the start, that the characters are three-dimensional and that we are immersed in the world of the story and the adventure. All of these things are done entertainingly and dynamically. Reading this book is easy, page after page; it's enjoyable up to the end.
As I said before, the author doesn't waste any time. He drops us right into action with a battle and a loss. Pter makes good choices in this novel, which is a step up from his previous work. It has very well-developed characters and intriguing plotting.
This novel is among my favorites by this author—it's great value for your money. Don't waste any time—give this novel a try.
As I said before, the author doesn't waste any time. He drops us right into action with a battle and a loss. Pter makes good choices in this novel, which is a step up from his previous work. It has very well-developed characters and intriguing plotting.
This novel is among my favorites by this author—it's great value for your money. Don't waste any time—give this novel a try.
January 4, 2025
I loved P.C. Darkcliff's series, The Magic Circle. This takes place in the future of where that series ended. The children of the heroes of the Magic Circle are now young adults. The continent is still in upheaval with civil wars raging between factions of the Lightside. The Darkside is taking advantage of that. The Darkside never forgot those that defeated them the last time, and have decided to rid the world of those heroes, and their offspring. The traitor mage Lanfareth and the Wrathlords are out to get them all. This book, like the Magic Circle, is nonstop action, with intense, imaginative plot twists. It kept me up reading many nights, with my naughty 'one more chapter, then I'll go to sleep' habit. I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment to keep me up nights.
August 15, 2026
Of Ashes and Blood, is book one of the Shattered Empire Series and takes place nearly twenty years after The Magic Circle series. I loved that this story involves the children of the first series' characters, so you are briefly reintroduced to the people who took you on the first adventure.
This book is filled with the demons from the dark side, as well as magic, mages, elves, and a golden dragon who take an epic journey at first to avenge soldiers who burned down a mill, but through twists and turns, they get caught up in fighting monsters from the dark world who are trying to take Tarroth, a magic artifact that can save or destroy the world. It ends on a cliffhanger, making you wonder what happens next. 5 Stars
This book is filled with the demons from the dark side, as well as magic, mages, elves, and a golden dragon who take an epic journey at first to avenge soldiers who burned down a mill, but through twists and turns, they get caught up in fighting monsters from the dark world who are trying to take Tarroth, a magic artifact that can save or destroy the world. It ends on a cliffhanger, making you wonder what happens next. 5 Stars
December 23, 2025
Fantastic Start to the Series
I absolutely loved The Magic Circle series, and was so excited to see the sequel series, Shattered Empire. PC Darkcliff continues to write exciting action, strong character development, and overall interesting stories. I'm off to start the next book. If you like epic fantasy, I recommend this book! You don't have to have read The Magic Circle books to enjoy it.
I absolutely loved The Magic Circle series, and was so excited to see the sequel series, Shattered Empire. PC Darkcliff continues to write exciting action, strong character development, and overall interesting stories. I'm off to start the next book. If you like epic fantasy, I recommend this book! You don't have to have read The Magic Circle books to enjoy it.
January 13, 2025
New heroes, old friends and darker threats are introduced in the Shattered Empire series. Baard, while still a hero, is no longer the warrior he once was. It is up to a new generation of brave fighters to enter the battle against the Dark Side. It is full of action, magic and adventure.
August 11, 2025
Magic
This was a spell binding read. I look forward to more adventures with Derrick and his friends. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys magic fantasy. I gave it four stars because it was had to stop reading. Looking forward to reading more.
This was a spell binding read. I look forward to more adventures with Derrick and his friends. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys magic fantasy. I gave it four stars because it was had to stop reading. Looking forward to reading more.
December 15, 2025
"Of Ashes and Blood" by P. C. Darkcliff was a fast-paced fantasy adventure with plenty of familiar fantasy tropes: village boy with dreams of being a heroic fighter, band of brothers, big evil and his minions, dragonriders, epic quests, magic and spells, and dwarves and elves. If you're looking for some more classic fantasy-style adventuring, this book is a great choice!
March 12, 2025
The adventure is set in the land of Aganopea, where Dragonlords fight for power, and monstrous hordes threaten human cities. Derrik Thon and his friends embark on a perilous journey. When tragedy strikes and two people disappear, Derrik and his friends are thrust into a war for all survival. The book is filled with action, emotion, and magic.
Merged review:
The story unfolds in a war-torn realm filled with power struggles, monstrous warriors, and magical forces. Derrik Thon, a logger with no aspirations for heroism, is thrust into an epic battle for humanity's survival. The novel explores themes of resilience, the burden of unexpected responsibility, and the cost of power, all set against the backdrop of a richly imagined and chaotic fantasy world.
Merged review:
The story unfolds in a war-torn realm filled with power struggles, monstrous warriors, and magical forces. Derrik Thon, a logger with no aspirations for heroism, is thrust into an epic battle for humanity's survival. The novel explores themes of resilience, the burden of unexpected responsibility, and the cost of power, all set against the backdrop of a richly imagined and chaotic fantasy world.
April 9, 2025
An exciting start to a new series, PC Darkcliff writes a great story of good vs evil. He writes amazing battle scenes. There are dragons, elves,monsters,and magic. Friendships, traitors,and betrayals. PC delves deeply into each of the main characters and blends the storlines together skillfully. And he creates a dynamically immersive world. I highly recommend reading this book!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews