Heir to the Crown

An old warrior, too stubborn to die.A royal heir, hidden since birth.Can they save a realm on the brink of war?Tragedy tears Gerald's world apart and only his unwavering loyalty saves him. After serving as a soldier for years, a single act of self-sacrifice thrusts his future into the world of politics. Cut off from all he knows, he becomes no more than a pawn to those in command.Banished with little more than the clothes on his back, he seeks a new purpose, for what is a warrior who has nothing left to fight for?A fateful meeting with another lost soul unmasks a shocking secret, compelling him to take up the mantle of guardian. Bandits, the Black Hand, and even the king, he battles them all for the future of the realm.Memories of the past, secrets that shape the future; his adventure is only the beginning.Servant of the Crown is the series starter in the epic Heir to the Crown medieval fantasy series. If you like realistic fight scenes, compelling characters, and a gripping story, then you will love Paul J Bennett's tale of a warrior who refuses to retreat.Pick up your copy of Servant of the Crown, and discover the realm of Merceria today!Books by Paul J BennettHeir to the Crown Series:Battle at the River - PrequelServant of the CrownSword of the CrownMercerian Tales: Stories of the PastHeart of the CrownShadow of the CrownMercerian Tales: The Call of MagicFate of the CrownBurden of the CrownMercerian Tales: The Making of a ManDefender of the CrownFury of the CrownMercerian Tales: Honour Thy AncestorsWar of the CrownTriumph of the CrownMercerian Tales: Into the ForgeGuardian of the CrownThe Frozen Flame Series:Awakening - PrequelsAshesEmbersFlamesInfernoMaelstromVortexPower Ascending Series:Tempered Steel - PrequelTemple KnightWarrior KnightTemple CaptainWarrior LordTemple CommanderThe Chronicles of Cyric:Into the Maelstrom - PrequelA Midwinter MurderThe Beast of BrunhausenA Plague in ZeiderbruchWhat readers are saying about Paul J Bennett's books:★★★★★ -"Fantastic Fantasy!"★★★★★ -"Epic Battle Scenes!★★★★★ -"I'm hooked on this series!"★★★★★ -"Exciting Sword and Sorcery"★★★★★ -"Fabulously written, loved it."★★★★★ -"Outstanding work of fantasy"★★★★★ -"The most amazing adventure"★★★★★ -"Another excellent book series!!"★★★★★ -"I just could not stop reading them"★★★★★ -"Wow! Best book I've read in a LONG time!"★★★★★-"Thoroughly absorbing, exciting and mystical."★★★★★ -"If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read!"★★★★★ -"This story gripped me and kept me turning the pages."★★★★★ -"Action, Intrigue, Adventure, Romance and some twists!"★★★★★ -"I love the book, had me on edge, could not put it down!"★★★★★ -"Full of suspense, intrigue and action throughout the story"★★★★★ -"The characters you love in the books come to life in such a fabulous way."★★★★★ -"The tale flows effortlessly along, blending action, adventure and heartwarming scenes." Paul J Bennett (b. 1961) emigrated from England to Canada in 1967. His father served in the British Royal Navy, and his mother worked for the BBC in London. As a young man, Paul followed in his father's footsteps, joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1983. He is married to Carol Bennett and has three daughters who are all creative in their own right.Paul's interest in writing started in his teen years when he discovered the roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons (D & D). What attracted him to this new hobby was the creativity it required; the need to create realms, worlds and adventures that pulled the gamers into his stories.In his 30's, Paul started to dabble in designing his own roleplaying system, using the Peninsular War in Portugal as his backdrop. His regular gaming group were willing victims, er, participants in helping to playtest this new system. A few years later, he added additional settings to his gam

In a land where true heroism is more likely to be rewarded with accusations of treason, comes a recounting of past adventures by the unsung heroes of the realm. It all begins innocently enough; a cool night, a warm fire, and finally, a moment to relax after saving the kingdom. Then, one by one they reminisce about the defining moments of their lives. From meeting a witch willing to sacrifice all in defense of her companions, to the discovery of hereunto unknown creature preying on the hapless villagers of Mattingly, to the act of simply falling off a horse changing the future of the realm, their accounts are spellbinding. The tales grow with each new chronicler; their past exploits soon to become the stuff legends are made of. Just when it appears the night is over, the final surprising tales unfold, leaving everyone speechless. Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past, more than just a collection of short stories, falls chronologically between books two and three of the Heir to the Crown series, but can be read at any time. If you like legendary creatures, bold manoeuvers, and witty banter, then you will love Paul J Bennett's recollections of days gone by.

Treachery! Treason! Trolls!Fooled into thinking they are returning heroes, the entourage's royal welcome is cut short when they mysteriously collapse; all but Nikki, the one nobody trusted.Lady Nicole Arendale's past is shrouded in mystery, but it's slowly unravelling as secrets long buried are exposed, threatening everyone's future. Never one to rely on anyone's help, she has no choice but to return to her previous life if she has any hope of saving them.Set on a path she neither expected nor wanted, they are running for their lives, searching for a safe haven in the midst of the coming storm. She could simply slip into the night, but something keeps her with them, yearning for a glimmer of hope.Driven to see this adventure through to the end, she must now choose; her future or theirs?Shadow of the Crown is the fourth book in the Heir to the Crown fantasy series. If you like epic battle scenes, mythical races, and a captivating story, then you will love Paul J Bennett's tale of a rogue who turns the tables.Pick up your copy of Shadow of the Crown, and prepare for a day of reading!New to the series? Meet Gerald Matheson, the steadfast warrior in 'Heir to the Crown: Book One, Servant of the Crown', available in eBook & paperback.

For so long she tried to resist... but the woods call, beckoning her with their secrets. Never one to shy away from adversity, Albreda grew up the day her mother died. Now, her courage is put to the test when she finds herself lost in the mysterious and dangerous Whitewood, fighting for her life. Discovering there is so much that she does not understand, she embarks on an adventure that will change her life forever. Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic, is the origin story of the Witch of the Whitewood, Mistress Albreda. It can be read at any time but is best when read between books four and five of the Heir to the Crown Series.

For as long as he can remember, Alric dreamed of being a hero; of defeating a dragon and saving the princess.But his royal position would never allow it, until… the arrival of the Mercerian Emissaries demands a princely escort, and being neither the heir, nor the spare, he is the perfect choice. Used to a lifetime of comfort and ease, he expects this duty to be as tiresome as all the others.His tranquil life is upended from the beginning, as havoc seems to follow these dignitaries everywhere, causing him all sorts of grief. From fighting unknown creatures to defending the life of a royal, he discovers that becoming a hero is much more dangerous than he ever imagined. No matter what the outcome, his life will never be the same.Heart of the Crown is the third book in the Heir to the Crown series. If you like contests of skill, courtly intrigue and diplomatic disasters, then you will love Paul J Bennett's tale of a prince who desires greatness.Grab your copy of Heart of the Crown now, and witness the dream become a reality.Books by Paul J BennettHeir to the Crown Series:Battle at the River - PrequelServant of the CrownSword of the CrownMercerian Tales: Stories of the PastHeart of the CrownShadow of the CrownMercerian Tales: The Call of MagicFate of the CrownBurden of the CrownMercerian Tales: The Making of a ManDefender of the CrownFury of the CrownMercerian Tales: Honour Thy AncestorsWar of the CrownTriumph of the CrownMercerian Tales: Into the ForgeGuardian of the CrownThe Frozen Flame Series:Awakening - PrequelsAshesEmbersFlamesInfernoMaelstromVortexPower Ascending Series:Tempered Steel - PrequelTemple KnightWarrior KnightTemple CaptainWarrior LordTemple CommanderThe Chronicles of Cyric:Into the Maelstrom - PrequelA Midwinter MurderThe Beast of BrunhausenA Plague in ZeiderbruchWhat readers are saying about Paul J Bennett's books:★★★★★ -"Fantastic Fantasy!"★★★★★ -"Epic Battle Scenes!★★★★★ -"I'm hooked on this series!"★★★★★ -"Exciting Sword and Sorcery"★★★★★ -"Fabulously written, loved it."★★★★★ -"Outstanding work of fantasy"★★★★★ -"The most amazing adventure"★★★★★ -"Another excellent book series!!"★★★★★ -"I just could not stop reading them"★★★★★ -"Wow! Best book I've read in a LONG time!"★★★★★-"Thoroughly absorbing, exciting and mystical."★★★★★ -"If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read!"★★★★★ -"This story gripped me and kept me turning the pages."★★★★★ -"Action, Intrigue, Adventure, Romance and some twists!"★★★★★ -"I love the book, had me on edge, could not put it down!"★★★★★ -"Full of suspense, intrigue and action throughout the story"★★★★★ -"The characters you love in the books come to life in such a fabulous way."★★★★★ -"The tale flows effortlessly along, blending action, adventure and heartwarming scenes." Paul J Bennett (b. 1961) emigrated from England to Canada in 1967. His father served in the British Royal Navy, and his mother worked for the BBC in London. As a young man, Paul followed in his father's footsteps, joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1983. He is married to Carol Bennett and has three daughters who are all creative in their own right.Paul's interest in writing started in his teen years when he discovered the roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons (D & D). What attracted him to this new hobby was the creativity it required; the need to create realms, worlds and adventures that pulled the gamers into his stories.In his 30's, Paul started to dabble in designing his own roleplaying system, using the Peninsular War in Portugal as his backdrop. His regular gaming group were willing victims, er, participants in helping to playtest this new system. A few years later, he added additional settings to his game, including Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic, World War II, and the all-important Fantasy Realm where his stories take

From lonely little girl… to the people's princess. She is the last hope of a kingdom crushed under the heel of tyranny. At first alone in the world, everything changed the day she met Gerald; once a forgotten old warrior, now the General of her army. With the aid of those willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause of good, she prepares to wage war against her brother, a king more corrupt than even her dead father. All her life has led up to this. Now, they seek to unite the ancient races in a desperate race to win the crown before the Dark Queen enslaves them all. Fate of the Crown is the fifth book in the Heir to the Crown medieval fantasy series. If you like unexpected twists, chuckling under your breath, and shedding the occasional tear, then you will love Paul J Bennett's tale of a princess who fights for her people.

Not all wars are won on the battlefield!Even as a young child, Anna fought against injustice.Now, with the crown firmly in her grasp, she need only win over the nobles council to usher in an age of enlightenment.However, in a court full of people vying for power and influence, she quickly learns that seizing a crown and holding on to it are two completely different things.It takes the resurfacing of past crimes to put her new laws to the test, paving the way for a bright new future.But when one of her own is condemned, will Anna support the rule of law or become a despot to save her closest friend?Find out what happens when the conflict moves from the battlefield to the council chambers in Burden of the Crown, book six of Paul J Bennett's Heir to the Crown series. If you like a little intrigue, seeing villains get their just rewards, and must have more Gerald and Anna in your life, then this book is for you!Crack open your copy of Burden of the Crown, and discover who returns!

For so long she tried to resist, but the woods call… beckoning her with their secrets.Never one to shy away from adversity, Albreda grew up the day her mother died.Now, her courage is put to the test when she finds herself lost in the mysterious and dangerous Whitewood, fighting for her life.Discovering there is so much that she does not understand, she embarks on an adventure that will change her life forever.Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic, is the origin story of the Witch of the Whitewood, Mistress Albreda. It can be read at any time but is best when read between books four and five of the Heir to the Crown Series.Grab your copy today and learn how a wild mage unleashes the magic within!New to the series? Meet Gerald Matheson, the steadfast warrior in Heir to the Crown: Book One, Servant of the Crown, available in eBook & Paperback. Paul J Bennett (b. 1961) emigrated from England to Canada in 1967. His father served in the British Royal Navy, and his mother worked for the BBC in London. As a young man, Paul followed in his father's footsteps, joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1983. He is married to Carol Bennett and has three daughters who are all creative in their own right.Paul's interest in writing started in his teen years when he discovered the roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons (D & D). What attracted him to this new hobby was the creativity it required; the need to create realms, worlds and adventures that pulled the gamers into his stories.In his 30's, Paul started to dabble in designing his own roleplaying system, using the Peninsular War in Portugal as his backdrop. His regular gaming group were willing victims, er, participants in helping to playtest this new system. A few years later, he added additional settings to his game, including Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic, World War II, and the all-important Fantasy Realm where his stories take place.The beginnings of his first book 'Servant to the Crown' originated over five years ago when he began running a new fantasy campaign. For the world that the Kingdom of Merceria is in, he ran his adventures like a TV show, with seasons that each had twelve episodes, and an overarching plot. When the campaign ended, he knew all the characters, what they had to accomplish, what needed to happen to move the plot along, and it was this that inspired to sit down to write his first novel.Paul now has four series based in his fantasy world of Eiddenwerthe, and is looking forward to sharing many more books with his readers over the coming years. A medieval fantasy series fraught with mystery, intrigue, and plenty of battles, all set in the brilliantly created kingdom of Merceria and its surrounding realms.

The secret to their future lies in the past. War rages on, stretching the Army of Merceria to the breaking point. Even with Norland armies marching in the north, their capital proves the tougher challenge, leaving Gerald no choice but to split his army. Meanwhile, devastated by the loss of its king, Weldwyn desperately struggles to marshal enough forces to repel the inevitable invasion from their greatest rival.Seizing the opportunity, the Twelve Clans flood across the border, confident that this time they will fulfill their destiny. Now, as conflict sweeps across the lands, the Dark Queen finally unleashes her ruthless fury. Can the youngest kingdom defeat humanity's oldest foe? Join Anna and Gerald as they struggle to save the kingdom they have spent so many years building as the Heir to the Crown series continues in Book Nine, War of the Crown. Prepare to engage in battle as you unsheathe War of the Crown.

Weldwyn has fallen, and with it, all hope of peace. The army of Merceria, bruised and beaten, returns only to learn of the invasion of its closest ally, Weldwyn. With the Palace destroyed by dragons, and the royal family presumed dead, Summersgate surrenders without a fight, leaving those within fearing for their very lives. Powerless to withstand the coming darkness, some choose to side with their captors, putting the success of Weldwyn's liberation in jeopardy. Even as the Mercerian army regroups, opposition at home spreads, creating an explosive situation where enemy soldiers are not the only danger they must now confront. Outnumbered and overwhelmed, all their cunning and experience may not be enough to vanquish the evil that threatens to engulf the land. Discover what's in store for the denizens of the Four Kingdoms as Paul J Bennett's Heir to the Crown series continues in book ten, Triumph of the Crown.

What does it take to rule?Kasri Ironheart's future as the Vard of Ironcliff looms over her every waking moment. Her father wants her to forge with a Dwarf of the highest standing, but her heart has other plans.Herdwin Steelarms' future was sealed the day he left the smith's guild in Stonecastle. After decades honing his skills in Wincaster, he was content to remain a bachelor until she came along.To prove his worth, they must now travel east to the city of his birth to make amends. But all is not as it seems, for an unknown enemy lurks on the eastern reaches of the Dwarven lands.Can Herdwin and Kasri stop this menace before it conquers the Dwarven people?Mercerian Tales: Into the Forge explores the complex nature of Dwarven society and its grip on its people. This book is best read between books ten and eleven of the Heir to the Crown series.Get ready for the trip of a lifetime when you crack open your copy of Into the Forge!New to the series? Meet Gerald Matheson, the steadfast warrior in Servant of the Crown, Heir to the Crown: Book One, available in eBook, Audiobook, and Paperback.

Victory is theirs, but are they safe?With the dark host defeated, peace finally descends upon the war-weary land. Even as the fragile truce keeps conflict at bay, each kingdom must deal with rising tensions within its own borders.An arranged marriage in the Clanholdings promises to bring an end to centuries of in-fighting, but only if ancient animosities can be set aside.Opposition erupts against Alric as the Weldwyn earls gather to select their new king, threatening the shattered realm's future.After an untimely death in Merceria, a new claimant to an old title forces the queen to choose between friendship and the law of the land.As hostilities increase on all fronts, a new danger emerges in the east. Can they look beyond their inner turmoil to realize the true threat, or are they sowing the seeds of their own destruction?Follow the trail of mystery and suspense as Guardian of the Crown, the next book in Paul J Bennett's Heir to the Crown series, leads you deeper into the world of Eiddenwerthe.Don't wait another day to discover what's in store for the Four Kingdoms.New to the series? Meet Gerald Matheson, the steadfast warrior in Servant of the Crown, Heir to the Crown: Book One, available in eBook, Audiobook, and Paperback.

Halvaria is everywhere, their armies poised to strike. Desperately searching for a way home, Beverly discovers a duchy on the brink of war with the very same enemy on Merceria's borders. Willing to do anything to pull Halvaria's resources away from the four kingdoms, she offers the duke her martial expertise. Besieged on all fronts, Merceria is overwhelmed. With retreat the only option, Gerald must decide who will be sacrificed to save the kingdom. If their allies can't reinforce their borders, all will be lost. Forced into becoming pawns of the family, Arnim and Nikki take a desperate gamble. They need only convince one man of the treachery threatening the very foundation of the empire. But are they too late? Halvaria stands on the cusp of realizing the great dream. With the defeat of Merceria looming, the unstoppable juggernaut is primed to completely annihilate the Petty Kingdoms. With nowhere to run, the entire land of Eiddenwerthe is at the mercy of history's greatest empire as Paul J Bennett's Heir to the Crown series continues in book thirteen, Peril of the Crown. Experience the Continent's all-consuming clash of arms as you dig into your copy of Peril of the Crown. New to the series? Meet Gerald Matheson, the steadfast warrior in Servant of the Crown, Heir to the Crown: Book One, available in eBook, Audiobook, and Paperback.

Driven from their ancestral home by the Humans, the Orcs are forced to eke out an existence until one hunter dares to defy tradition.They had one sacred rule. Never, under any circumstances, go into the mud hut!Unlike other young Orcs, Urgon sees it as a challenge, and he's prepared to risk everything to unlock its secrets.Shrouded in mystery, what's inside reveals a hidden past of his people, leading him to question all that he thought he knew.Urgon's father sacrificed himself for the future of the tribe-will he now do the same?Mercerian Tales: Honour Thy Ancestors delves into the rich history of the Orcs of the Black Arrow by following the rise to power of their greatest chieftain, Urgon. Although best read between books eight and nine of the Heir to the Crown series, this book can also be read as a stand-alone tale.Reach into the past to discover the future as you begin Honour Thy Ancestors today!New to the series? Meet Gerald Matheson, the steadfast warrior in Servant of the Crown, Heir to the Crown: Book One, available in eBook, Audiobook, and Paperback. Paul J Bennett (b. 1961) emigrated from England to Canada in 1967. His father served in the British Royal Navy, and his mother worked for the BBC in London. As a young man, Paul followed in his father's footsteps, joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1983. He is married to Carol Bennett and has three daughters who are all creative in their own right.Paul's interest in writing started in his teen years when he discovered the roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons (D & D). What attracted him to this new hobby was the creativity it required; the need to create realms, worlds and adventures that pulled the gamers into his stories.In his 30's, Paul started to dabble in designing his own roleplaying system, using the Peninsular War in Portugal as his backdrop. His regular gaming group were willing victims, er, participants in helping to playtest this new system. A few years later, he added additional settings to his game, including Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic, World War II, and the all-important Fantasy Realm where his stories take place.The beginnings of his first book 'Servant to the Crown' originated over five years ago when he began running a new fantasy campaign. For the world that the Kingdom of Merceria is in, he ran his adventures like a TV show, with seasons that each had twelve episodes, and an overarching plot. When the campaign ended, he knew all the characters, what they had to accomplish, what needed to happen to move the plot along, and it was this that inspired to sit down to write his first novel.Paul now has four series based in his fantasy world of Eiddenwerthe, and is looking forward to sharing many more books with his readers over the coming years. A medieval fantasy series fraught with mystery, intrigue, and plenty of battles, all set in the brilliantly created kingdom of Merceria and its surrounding realms.