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The Book of Ghaan, Part Two
Be kind in your judgements of me … for I was judged once, and the Pantheon chose not to smite me.
The Spire was meant to be eternal – a sanctuary of knowledge and faith from a time before The Fall. But within its walls, faith has fractured, blood has spilled, and the line between truth and heresy grows thinner every day.
Makun Derring never sought power. Yet as the monks, villagers, and Lehntarnese stand on the brink of open war, all eyes turn to him. Burdened by the secrets the order swore to keep hidden, and haunted by the dangerous knowledge Rahdimus Ghaan revealed, Makun must decide between upholding his oath to his order – or sacrificing it to save them all.
But in a world where the gods are silent, and the shadows of magic stir once again, even the purest of oaths are challenged … and the price may be more than one monk can bear.
The Book of Ghaan, Part Two continues an epic tale of divine mystery, philosophical reckoning, and fragile bonds strained by faith and survival – where the cost of truth may decide the fate of them all.
For mature Explicit fantasy violence, realistic trauma, moral weight, and thematic intensity. No sex.
The Spire was meant to be eternal – a sanctuary of knowledge and faith from a time before The Fall. But within its walls, faith has fractured, blood has spilled, and the line between truth and heresy grows thinner every day.
Makun Derring never sought power. Yet as the monks, villagers, and Lehntarnese stand on the brink of open war, all eyes turn to him. Burdened by the secrets the order swore to keep hidden, and haunted by the dangerous knowledge Rahdimus Ghaan revealed, Makun must decide between upholding his oath to his order – or sacrificing it to save them all.
But in a world where the gods are silent, and the shadows of magic stir once again, even the purest of oaths are challenged … and the price may be more than one monk can bear.
The Book of Ghaan, Part Two continues an epic tale of divine mystery, philosophical reckoning, and fragile bonds strained by faith and survival – where the cost of truth may decide the fate of them all.
For mature Explicit fantasy violence, realistic trauma, moral weight, and thematic intensity. No sex.
- GenresFantasy
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
About the author
Colin Darney
7 books68 followersIn a world where gods are silent and magic is feared, Colin Darney writes stories about people who still fight forward. A veteran, trauma nurse, and lifelong student of human resilience, Colin’s fantasy series—The Chronicles of the Troop and The Book of Ghaan—explore what it means to survive, to love, and to hold on to hope when the world says you shouldn’t.
Known for gritty realism, emotionally layered characters, and the kind of dialogue you'd actually hear in a bar full of off-duty soldiers, Colin blends classic epic fantasy with raw, lived experience. His readers often say the world feels real, the characters feel familiar—and that once they start reading, they can’t put it down.
The Book of Ghaan, Part Two is currently in editing, with release planned for summer 2025.
Known for gritty realism, emotionally layered characters, and the kind of dialogue you'd actually hear in a bar full of off-duty soldiers, Colin blends classic epic fantasy with raw, lived experience. His readers often say the world feels real, the characters feel familiar—and that once they start reading, they can’t put it down.
The Book of Ghaan, Part Two is currently in editing, with release planned for summer 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 17, 2025
I don't know how to describe this book, it was simply outstanding!
The story of Makun Derring continues directly from where Part 1 ended. Starting with an attack on the village by alterbeasts, an escape into the Tower and the lockdown of the Tower. However, tensions rise within the Tower between the monks, the Lehntarnese and the villagers. Makun is tasked as the peacekeeper, trying to keep everyone calm. But, ultimately, the situation deteriorates and Makun is faced with a number of crises he could never have imagined. He also learns things about the Tower, and himself, that are almost beyond belief.
Brilliant writing, amazing descriptions of characters and events, Colin Darney has another winner with this story.
My thanks to Colin Darney for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
The story of Makun Derring continues directly from where Part 1 ended. Starting with an attack on the village by alterbeasts, an escape into the Tower and the lockdown of the Tower. However, tensions rise within the Tower between the monks, the Lehntarnese and the villagers. Makun is tasked as the peacekeeper, trying to keep everyone calm. But, ultimately, the situation deteriorates and Makun is faced with a number of crises he could never have imagined. He also learns things about the Tower, and himself, that are almost beyond belief.
Brilliant writing, amazing descriptions of characters and events, Colin Darney has another winner with this story.
My thanks to Colin Darney for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 27, 2025
Prophecy and philosophy within the priesthood
*For a bunch of scholarly monks, I wonder if they’ll ever learn from the history they’ve studied. Will they figure out what’s up in time to mitigate damages? Are they even prepared to do so? Will they heed the warnings outside their Library or are they leading us head-on into an apocalypse? They may learn their lesson the hard way – that “controlling the narrative” to such extent as they have is steering them towards dire consequences and calamitous failure.
*The “greater good over the individual” plays a huge role in this tale, much more so in the second half than the first. It's an intricate and complex juggling act to maintain protocols while receiving demands by the masses (i.e. the customers) to make some changes. Especially so, when priorities for both groups are not only different, but are ofttimes at odds with each other.
*The brothers act based on how they believe; the villagers act based on what they see. Tensions are high enough before Ghaan et al arrived – add to this ticking timebomb some ferocious man-eating alter beasts and we’ve got an erupting volcano of emotions making knee-jerk decisions.
*Two peoples, two vastly divergent interpretations on the same religious material (The Book of the Fall). The below by Ghaan isn’t a spoiler, since it’s apparent from the first book and by most comments/events:
‘Your skewing of history and everything that happened before to fit a precise narrative, and then the conclusions you’ve drawn ever since.’ My understanding is that the monks of the spire, over time, have been enforcing their “new” version of the texts upon recruits and villagers alike. Yet they punish those who do not follow their heresy for being heretics! Like, what is so up with that? Kudos to Ghaan for calling them out on this…
*If the Pantheon saves, who or what will ‘protect and save us’ from the Pantheon?
Fave lines:
‘Secrets within secrets within vast, shameful secrets’
‘I can handle deaths, but you monks need to deal with the demons.’
Chills:
‘The darkness I saw was an abyssal blackness so great there are simply no words to speak.’
‘Yet within that endless demonic space without light, I knew there was an even greater darkness.’
‘[…] suddenly got all of the gods’ complete and focused attention … and then all of their hells broke loose.’
May we never be in a position that forces us to jump off the proverbial fence and take immediate actions to save our world. Oh, wait. We already are at that point…☹
*For a bunch of scholarly monks, I wonder if they’ll ever learn from the history they’ve studied. Will they figure out what’s up in time to mitigate damages? Are they even prepared to do so? Will they heed the warnings outside their Library or are they leading us head-on into an apocalypse? They may learn their lesson the hard way – that “controlling the narrative” to such extent as they have is steering them towards dire consequences and calamitous failure.
*The “greater good over the individual” plays a huge role in this tale, much more so in the second half than the first. It's an intricate and complex juggling act to maintain protocols while receiving demands by the masses (i.e. the customers) to make some changes. Especially so, when priorities for both groups are not only different, but are ofttimes at odds with each other.
*The brothers act based on how they believe; the villagers act based on what they see. Tensions are high enough before Ghaan et al arrived – add to this ticking timebomb some ferocious man-eating alter beasts and we’ve got an erupting volcano of emotions making knee-jerk decisions.
*Two peoples, two vastly divergent interpretations on the same religious material (The Book of the Fall). The below by Ghaan isn’t a spoiler, since it’s apparent from the first book and by most comments/events:
‘Your skewing of history and everything that happened before to fit a precise narrative, and then the conclusions you’ve drawn ever since.’ My understanding is that the monks of the spire, over time, have been enforcing their “new” version of the texts upon recruits and villagers alike. Yet they punish those who do not follow their heresy for being heretics! Like, what is so up with that? Kudos to Ghaan for calling them out on this…
*If the Pantheon saves, who or what will ‘protect and save us’ from the Pantheon?
Fave lines:
‘Secrets within secrets within vast, shameful secrets’
‘I can handle deaths, but you monks need to deal with the demons.’
Chills:
‘The darkness I saw was an abyssal blackness so great there are simply no words to speak.’
‘Yet within that endless demonic space without light, I knew there was an even greater darkness.’
‘[…] suddenly got all of the gods’ complete and focused attention … and then all of their hells broke loose.’
May we never be in a position that forces us to jump off the proverbial fence and take immediate actions to save our world. Oh, wait. We already are at that point…☹
October 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this sequel. It jumps straight in from where Part One left off, and honestly I felt pulled right back into Makun’s world without a pause. The attack and lockdown of the Tower set things up brilliantly, and from there the tension just keeps building. You can really feel how trapped everyone is inside the Tower — monks, villagers, and Lehntarnese all clashing while Makun is stuck trying to keep the peace.
What I liked most is how this book mixes action with deeper ideas. Yes, there are battles and beasts, but there’s also so much about faith, power, and the weight of knowledge. The monks’ obsession with controlling the truth was fascinating (and a bit frustrating in the best way). It gave the story a layer that made me stop and think, rather than just racing through for the plot.
The pacing is slower in places, but I actually didn’t mind that. It gave space for the characters to breathe, argue, and reveal their flaws. By the time everything came together near the end, it felt earned. The climax was gripping and the revelations really shifted how I saw the whole story. I also liked the epilogue — it added an extra punch and left me curious about how this links to Darney’s other books.
Overall, it’s dark, thoughtful, and really well written. It’s the kind of fantasy that lingers with you afterwards, because it’s not just about who wins the fight but what those fights actually mean.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review and want to thank Colin again for giving me the opportunity to carry on reading for him.
What I liked most is how this book mixes action with deeper ideas. Yes, there are battles and beasts, but there’s also so much about faith, power, and the weight of knowledge. The monks’ obsession with controlling the truth was fascinating (and a bit frustrating in the best way). It gave the story a layer that made me stop and think, rather than just racing through for the plot.
The pacing is slower in places, but I actually didn’t mind that. It gave space for the characters to breathe, argue, and reveal their flaws. By the time everything came together near the end, it felt earned. The climax was gripping and the revelations really shifted how I saw the whole story. I also liked the epilogue — it added an extra punch and left me curious about how this links to Darney’s other books.
Overall, it’s dark, thoughtful, and really well written. It’s the kind of fantasy that lingers with you afterwards, because it’s not just about who wins the fight but what those fights actually mean.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review and want to thank Colin again for giving me the opportunity to carry on reading for him.
October 1, 2025
The Book of Ghaan part 2 is another fascinating novel by C. Darney, an author who isn’t afraid to break some rules so he can tell his stories the way he wants them.
First the bad: this book feels a bunch longer than it needs to be. I’m not just talking about the slow pace: that’s deliberate. However, there are many chapters in which stuff happens, but there is no sense of progress. Like a tricycle on ice, the story is spinning its wheels and going nowhere for almost a quarter of the runtime. Minor spoiler alert, but the climax of the book isn’t a continuation of what feels like the main plot for most of the story. Instead, it resolves what seemed to be a sideplot while some of the burning questions are left unanswered.
I also found the title character to be almost insufferably smug (it’s like he knew the book was going to be named after him, lol) and inconsiderate of the people around him. Sure, he has reasons for most of the stuff he does, but there’s also plenty of opportunities for him to NOT be such a butt-head.
On the good side: Inter-character conflicts really shine in this book. You can feel how everyone’s going stir-crazy at being forced together in a high-stress situation with people they didn’t really like to begin with. Character motivations make sense, though the book doesn’t go out of its way to justify jerkish behavior with some nonsensical “good and evil aren’t so different” drivel. People make mistakes and are forced to live with the consequences of their actions.
The story’s climax is very exciting and eye-opening, revealing things about the story and the world that put everything else into a whole new light. The epilogue stuff really adds a lot too, bridging the gap between Book of Ghaan and Darney’s other works, the Chronicles of the Troop.
Ultimately, I didn’t enjoy part 2 as much as I enjoyed Book of Ghaan Part 1, but it was still an good read and I would definitely recommend it to those who have enjoyed Darney’s other works (don’t read this book first though: if you haven't read part 1, go read that first. Seriously, it’s super good)
DISCLAIMER: I read this book in its early alpha phase, then re-read most of it in the second-to-last version before publication. There were noticeable typos: I’m told they’ve been fixed, but if you’re a grammar natzi, consider yourself warned.
First the bad: this book feels a bunch longer than it needs to be. I’m not just talking about the slow pace: that’s deliberate. However, there are many chapters in which stuff happens, but there is no sense of progress. Like a tricycle on ice, the story is spinning its wheels and going nowhere for almost a quarter of the runtime. Minor spoiler alert, but the climax of the book isn’t a continuation of what feels like the main plot for most of the story. Instead, it resolves what seemed to be a sideplot while some of the burning questions are left unanswered.
I also found the title character to be almost insufferably smug (it’s like he knew the book was going to be named after him, lol) and inconsiderate of the people around him. Sure, he has reasons for most of the stuff he does, but there’s also plenty of opportunities for him to NOT be such a butt-head.
On the good side: Inter-character conflicts really shine in this book. You can feel how everyone’s going stir-crazy at being forced together in a high-stress situation with people they didn’t really like to begin with. Character motivations make sense, though the book doesn’t go out of its way to justify jerkish behavior with some nonsensical “good and evil aren’t so different” drivel. People make mistakes and are forced to live with the consequences of their actions.
The story’s climax is very exciting and eye-opening, revealing things about the story and the world that put everything else into a whole new light. The epilogue stuff really adds a lot too, bridging the gap between Book of Ghaan and Darney’s other works, the Chronicles of the Troop.
Ultimately, I didn’t enjoy part 2 as much as I enjoyed Book of Ghaan Part 1, but it was still an good read and I would definitely recommend it to those who have enjoyed Darney’s other works (don’t read this book first though: if you haven't read part 1, go read that first. Seriously, it’s super good)
DISCLAIMER: I read this book in its early alpha phase, then re-read most of it in the second-to-last version before publication. There were noticeable typos: I’m told they’ve been fixed, but if you’re a grammar natzi, consider yourself warned.
October 2, 2025
I am an ARC reviewer and I've read both part 1 and part 2. That being said Part 2 is great in many ways and somewhat confusing in others. I would read part 1 before reading part 2 but it can be read on its own if you like, you get a deeper understanding if books are read in order.
The book is long and I took notes. Skip over the Latin and keep reading, whatever the Latin means will become evident eventually. I did try using Google to understand some of the Latin phrases but quite a few of them actually make no sense when translated. Ignoring all that, this is a very complex story. There is a lot going on at all times and if you don't pay attention, you will find yourself confused and you'll have to go back an reread the previous section. (I actually read it a second time.) There is a lot of violence and gore in the book. One of the monks, Brother Sedimont is down right crazy, I do not know why he was kept on the Council of Seven. A crazy person should not be in charge of Security. I cheered when the #$%& was killed, unfortunately it was towards the end of the fighting.
Basically there are 5 groups of people: the Monks, the Villagers, the Lehntarnese and the lesser seen Dwarves and Sprites. The first 3 groups are the main figures in the story.
The Council of Seven have kept many secrets over the centuries and in doing so, they have doomed many of the characters to death. What they did does not come out until the last quarter of the story.
Brother Makun Derring is the main character and he does his best to serve all the people. He is the greatest among them. I highly recommend reading both books in order and take notes while you go along. Nothing highly involved, just when something important is revealed, new characters, etc.. It will make the story far easier to understand. I would say the this book is geared toward the Young Adult group but anyone from HS on up can read it. I gave it 4 stars because of the confusion that occurs in sections of the book but I still say READ IT.
The book is long and I took notes. Skip over the Latin and keep reading, whatever the Latin means will become evident eventually. I did try using Google to understand some of the Latin phrases but quite a few of them actually make no sense when translated. Ignoring all that, this is a very complex story. There is a lot going on at all times and if you don't pay attention, you will find yourself confused and you'll have to go back an reread the previous section. (I actually read it a second time.) There is a lot of violence and gore in the book. One of the monks, Brother Sedimont is down right crazy, I do not know why he was kept on the Council of Seven. A crazy person should not be in charge of Security. I cheered when the #$%& was killed, unfortunately it was towards the end of the fighting.
Basically there are 5 groups of people: the Monks, the Villagers, the Lehntarnese and the lesser seen Dwarves and Sprites. The first 3 groups are the main figures in the story.
The Council of Seven have kept many secrets over the centuries and in doing so, they have doomed many of the characters to death. What they did does not come out until the last quarter of the story.
Brother Makun Derring is the main character and he does his best to serve all the people. He is the greatest among them. I highly recommend reading both books in order and take notes while you go along. Nothing highly involved, just when something important is revealed, new characters, etc.. It will make the story far easier to understand. I would say the this book is geared toward the Young Adult group but anyone from HS on up can read it. I gave it 4 stars because of the confusion that occurs in sections of the book but I still say READ IT.
October 3, 2025
*** NO SPOILERS ***
A great book and worthy read to finish the stories started in Part One. Colin Darney is one of my favorite authors. Not, mind you, one of my favorite fantasy authors. One of my favorite authors, period.
This book included several characters fleshed out so you know and understand them, even in opposition to others. Challenges come up to which there are no good or easy answers and many, regardless of the choice take, will have profound effects. Scheming, guile, treachery, loyalty, honor and a range of other adjectives are interwoven with skill throughout including some unexpected twists.
I continue to be most impressed by the sill he shows in the creation of the settings. They are complete with backstories, unique aspects, histories of the various individuals and forces, cultures and practices and so much more. They are also unique. In my experience reading I find all too many authors who simply crank out another Tolkienesque or King Arthur/Camelot, or other recognizable backdrop for what they are writing. While certainly permissible, easier, and coming with a reader's likely familiarity a given they will never match the depth of what Colin does in his works. The various details and descriptions are internally consistent throughout the stories and the reader who like the characters have never experienced these locations, conditions, laws, rules, traditions, and so forth must observe and learn as they go. They must pay attention, as in many cases these differences form what we know from our own settings become key elements of the plot and motivations for his characters.
I'm submitting this review from an ARC copy I was provided. As you probably have gathered, a free read doesn't warrant this sort of review or five stars just because it was free.
Five stars, highly recommended with the caveat that you should read Part One first, and the suggestion that you seek out other writings by Colin.
*** NO SPOILERS ***
A great book and worthy read to finish the stories started in Part One. Colin Darney is one of my favorite authors. Not, mind you, one of my favorite fantasy authors. One of my favorite authors, period.
This book included several characters fleshed out so you know and understand them, even in opposition to others. Challenges come up to which there are no good or easy answers and many, regardless of the choice take, will have profound effects. Scheming, guile, treachery, loyalty, honor and a range of other adjectives are interwoven with skill throughout including some unexpected twists.
I continue to be most impressed by the sill he shows in the creation of the settings. They are complete with backstories, unique aspects, histories of the various individuals and forces, cultures and practices and so much more. They are also unique. In my experience reading I find all too many authors who simply crank out another Tolkienesque or King Arthur/Camelot, or other recognizable backdrop for what they are writing. While certainly permissible, easier, and coming with a reader's likely familiarity a given they will never match the depth of what Colin does in his works. The various details and descriptions are internally consistent throughout the stories and the reader who like the characters have never experienced these locations, conditions, laws, rules, traditions, and so forth must observe and learn as they go. They must pay attention, as in many cases these differences form what we know from our own settings become key elements of the plot and motivations for his characters.
I'm submitting this review from an ARC copy I was provided. As you probably have gathered, a free read doesn't warrant this sort of review or five stars just because it was free.
Five stars, highly recommended with the caveat that you should read Part One first, and the suggestion that you seek out other writings by Colin.
*** NO SPOILERS ***
October 2, 2025
The story of Makun Derring continues and reaches an unexpected conclusion. He learns that there are secrets within secrets and that disinformation is routinely taught as truth. Adherence to principles and loyalty are both dangerous . A very good read with multiple twists and turns
September 21, 2025
WOW! I am completely captivated and blown away by the Book of Ghaan, Part Two by Colin Darney. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop! I just kept turning the pages to see what happened next. There is action, deceit, betrayal, twists and turns, surprises, predjudices, and love and friendship. The characters are all driven, especially Makun Derring. He has so much to fight for and against. And let's not forget about the brilliance of Colin's world building that beautifully pulls the reader in and keeps us captivated. I absolutely enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews