Of Gods and Heroes: An Epic Adventure

by P.C. Darkcliff

"This series is SO stunning! I've read a LOT of fantasy series, and this is one of the top 5." Janet Neihart, Amazon customer

He died before the monsters rose. Now he must rise to spill their blood...

Derrik rose from a humble logger to a legend, a man revered by beggars and feared by kings. Yet in his final quest, he failed to fulfill an oath. And in his death, the world shattered.

As horned, bloodthirsty legions spill from the mountains, a desperate ritual rips Derrik's soul from the afterlife. He returns not as the man he was, but as a weapon, a symbol of defiance. His dragon’s mournful roar becomes a rallying cry for vengeance. With the hero reborn, armies of humans and elves unite to turn the tide against the invading hordes.

But then, a doomsday prophecy offers a chilling the world’s end will not be brought by the monsters.

It will be brought by the man who came back to fight them.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2025

About the author

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A multi-award-winning author, I have always had a vivid imagination.
When I was in kindergarten, 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 to write.
My stories have appeared in various publications, and ‘A Poisoned Gift’ received an Honorable Mention in L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest. I am Spillwords Author of the Year 2020.
Apart from publishing two standalone novels and a historical fantasy trilogy, I've fulfilled my childhood dream and completed an epic fantasy series, The Magic Circle.
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.

Reviews

[Jim Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Four in PC Darkcliff’s standout epic/fantasy/adventure series is a stunning achievement. This series just keeps getting better and better. The book begins with hero Derrik and his two buddies knocking on the gates of a desert city Ar-Haragis in a desperate search for the evil Lanfareth and the Tarroth before the Dark Overlord, Saitaan, finds the magic battleax and uses it to awaken an evil entity called the Balebringer to bring death and destruction to the people of the world. So, there’s a lot going on! The action kicks off with an exciting confrontation with the Sandpeople and sets the stage for more action to come. And there’s a lot of it! PC Darkcliff excels at writing heart pounding battle scenes, yet he’s equally adept when the combat is one on one. “Gods and Heroes” is no exception, and they are very entertaining, as always. But this book is more that just action scenes. It’s got great characters, both good and evil. In fact, the entire “Shattered Empire” series may be seen as an allegory between good and evil. Suffice it to say that for me, the series succeeds on the strength of PC’s ability to blend a competing narrative with characters who you either love or hate. That’s because the author is so adept at drawing the reader in on the strength of his writing and his ability to allow you to make an emotional connection with the characters. It’s a remarkable achievement and a big reason why I love this series. Book Four is a page tuning joyride! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommended and I’m already looking forward to Book Five.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book stakes with a sweeping tale of redemption, divine upheaval, and heroic destiny. Certain events shattered the world, unleashing horned monsters and dark forces that threaten to consume everything. Derrik alongside his loyal companions, as he journeys to the desert city of Ar-Haragis, a place steeped in danger and mystery, where ancient powers stir and alliances are tested. This is an epic fantasy style, delivering vivid battles, complex characters, and a richly imagined world teetering on the edge of ruin. Themes of sacrifice, legacy, and the burden of heroism run deep, as Derrik grapples with his own transformation and the divine chaos around him. The book includes a sweeping epic of myth, magic, and rebellion. This installment promises of high-stake adventure where gods become monsters and heroes must rise from the ashes.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four of the Shattered Empire by P. C. Darkcliff is just as incredible as the first three books, if not more so. I thoroughly captivated. The characters Derick, Broose and Glen go to Ar-Haragis searching for Lanfareth. The story story starts with action and there is a lot of action throughout the story. The character growth is fantastic and engaging. The incredible world building is rich, vivid, brilliant and pulls you into the story. I absolutely enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

[Lalita R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of God's and Heroes

Well, now I have to wait for the last one to be finished! Aaaah! Like true noblebright epic fantasy, the hero(es) continue to face so many challenges. The villains seem to win more than they should, and things seem bleak for the future. However, hope should be the last to die! I can't wait for the next book to be released to find out what happens to Derrick and crew!

[Amanda Knutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding continuation of the New Thorstormers journey to save the world from the Darkside! I enjoyed the authors growth of the original characters as well as the introduction of new ones! The world building continues to be fantastic! It kept a fast pace and I can’t wait for the next one!