Power Ascending Series

What drives a warrior to fight?   Some take up arms to protect their homeland, while others seek glory and riches. For Charlaine and Ludwig, it's the result of a love that can never be! Charlaine deShandria has never questioned what her future holds. For years, she's been training to take over her father's smithy, spending her every waking hour toiling at the forge.   Ludwig Altenburg loathes his role as the Baron's son. Always dreaming of fighting battles, he must now surrender himself to the inevitability of his future. Duty is all they've known, but when they meet, they begin to question if there is more to life. Before they can even make a choice, they find themselves surrounded by those who are determined to tear them apart.   Lives are changed forever when family secrets are revealed in this clash of classes that propels two people towards their destiny!   Travel back to the origins of these soon to be mighty warriors in Tempered Steel, the prequel of Paul J Bennett's epic military fantasy series, Power Ascending.   Books by Paul J Bennett Heir to the Crown Series: Battle at the River - Prequel Servant of the Crown Sword of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past Heart of the Crown Shadow of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic Fate of the Crown Burden of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Making of a Man Defender of the Crown Fury of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Honour Thy Ancestors War of the Crown Triumph of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Into the Forge Guardian of the Crown Enemy of the Crown Peril of the Crown The Frozen Flame Series: Awakening - Prequels Ashes Embers Flames Inferno Maelstrom Vortex Torrent Cataclysm Power Ascending Series: Tempered Steel - Prequel Temple Knight Warrior Knight Temple Captain Warrior Lord Temple Commander Warrior Prince The Chronicles of Cyric: Into the Maelstrom - Prequel A Midwinter Murder The Beast of Brunhausen A Plague in Zeiderbruch   What readers say about Paul J Bennett's books: ★★★★★ -"Fantastic Fantasy!" ★★★★★ -"Epic Battle Scenes! ★★★★★ -"I'm hooked on this series!" ★★★★★ -"Exciting Sword and Sorcery." ★★★★★ -"Outstanding work of fantasy." ★★★★★ -"Another excellent book series!!" ★★★★★ -"I just could not stop reading them." ★★★★★ -"This author has a way to tell stories." ★★★★★ -"Easy to follow, but difficult to put down." ★★★★★ -"Wow! Best book I've read in a LONG time!" ★★★★★ -"Thoroughly absorbing, exciting, and mystical." ★★★★★ -"A real fantasy that springs off the pages." ★★★★★ -"I love the strong and smart female characters." ★★★★★ -"Give this a read... you will end up hooked as I did."    

Life took a twist she never expected.   All Charlaine ever wanted was to follow in her father's footsteps until she was forced to leave her old life behind to save her family. Now, as a Temple Knight, she finds herself alone in a distant realm, unaware of what the future demands of her.   Her hopes for a new life are dashed the moment her past catches up with her. Labelled a troublemaker, it's only when raiders begin harassing the coast that Charlaine's true mettle emerges.   Suspecting all is not as it seems, she hatches a plan that reveals a far greater danger than anyone ever imagined.   With her new family of Temple Knights, Charlaine leads them in a desperate gambit to thwart the ambitions of a mighty foe with the power to destroy them all.   Journey along with Charlaine deShandria as she chases her destiny in the action-packed, intrigue-filled Temple Knight, the first book of Paul J Bennett's newest epic fantasy series, Power Ascending.   Seize your copy of Temple Knight today to unleash your inner warrior.   What readers say about Paul J Bennett's books: ★★★★★ -"Fantastic Fantasy!" ★★★★★ -"Epic Battle Scenes! ★★★★★ -"I'm hooked on this series!" ★★★★★ -"Exciting Sword and Sorcery." ★★★★★ -"Outstanding work of fantasy." ★★★★★ -"Another excellent book series!!" ★★★★★ -"I just could not stop reading them." ★★★★★ -"This author has a way to tell stories." ★★★★★ -"Easy to follow, but difficult to put down." ★★★★★ -"Wow! Best book I've read in a LONG time!" ★★★★★ -"Thoroughly absorbing, exciting, and mystical." ★★★★★ -"A real fantasy that springs off the pages." ★★★★★ -"I love the strong and smart female characters." ★★★★★ -"Give this a read... you will end up hooked as I did." ★★★★★ -"If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read!" ★★★★★ -"Each character fits snugly into the wildly, active plot." ★★★★★ -"This story gripped me and kept me turning the pages." ★★★★★ -"This jaw-dropping continuation is well worth the read." ★★★★★ -"Action, Intrigue, Adventure, Romance and some twists!"   Books by Paul J Bennett Heir to the Crown Series: Battle at the River - Prequel Servant of the Crown Sword of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past Heart of the Crown Shadow of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic Fate of the Crown Burden of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Making of a Man Defender of the Crown Fury of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Honour Thy Ancestors War of the Crown Triumph of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Into the Forge Guardian of the Crown Enemy of the Crown Peril of the Crown   The Frozen Flame Series: Awakening - Prequels Ashes Embers Flames Inferno Maelstrom Vortex Torrent Cataclysm   Power Ascending Series: Tempered Steel - Prequel Temple Knight Warrior Knight Temple Captain Warrior Lord Temple Commander Warrior Prince   The Chronicles of Cyric: Into the Maelstrom - Prequel A Midwinter Murder The Beast of Brunhausen A Plague in Zeiderbruch  

Win a tournament, find a wealthy patron, and be set for life—how hard can it be?   Desperate to escape the unending duty and responsibility of being a baron's son, Ludwig Altenburg seeks glory on the field of honour. He soon learns there's more to fighting than simple swordplay.   When mere bravado is not enough, the only option left to him is to join a mercenary group, sharpening his skills through death and destruction. But with enemies lurking amongst friends, forging a new identity as a warrior is fraught with danger.   As armies gather, the looming threat of conflict forces him to take up the mantle of leadership. Only then does he begin to understand the true cost of war. Will his willingness to sacrifice everything to save others be his downfall or his saving grace?   Join Ludwig Altenburg on the field of battle in Warrior Knight, the heart-racing, thought-provoking second book of Paul J Bennett's Power Ascending series.   Arm yourself with a copy of Warrior Knight and experience what it means to be truly noble!   Books by Paul J Bennett Heir to the Crown Series: Battle at the River - Prequel Servant of the Crown Sword of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past Heart of the Crown Shadow of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic Fate of the Crown Burden of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Making of a Man Defender of the Crown Fury of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Honour Thy Ancestors War of the Crown Triumph of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Into the Forge Guardian of the Crown Enemy of the Crown Peril of the Crown   The Frozen Flame Series: Awakening - Prequels Ashes Embers Flames Inferno Maelstrom Vortex Torrent Cataclysm   Power Ascending Series: Tempered Steel - Prequel Temple Knight Warrior Knight Temple Captain Warrior Lord Temple Commander Warrior Prince   The Chronicles of Cyric: Into the Maelstrom - Prequel A Midwinter Murder The Beast of Brunhausen A Plague in Zeiderbruch   What readers say about Paul J Bennett's books: ★★★★★ -"Fantastic Fantasy!" ★★★★★ -"Epic Battle Scenes! ★★★★★ -"I'm hooked on this series!" ★★★★★ -"Exciting Sword and Sorcery." ★★★★★ -"Outstanding work of fantasy." ★★★★★ -"Another excellent book series!!" ★★★★★ -"I just could not stop reading them." ★★★★★ -"This author has a way to tell stories." ★★★★★ -"Easy to follow, but difficult to put down." ★★★★★ -"Wow! Best book I've read in a LONG time!" ★★★★★ -"Thoroughly absorbing, exciting, and mystical." ★★★★★ -"A real fantasy that springs off the pages." ★★★★★ -"I love the strong and smart female characters." ★★★★★ -"Give this a read... you will end up hooked as I did." ★★★★★ -"If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read!" ★★★★★ -"Each character fits snugly into the wildly, active plot." ★★★★★ -"This story gripped me and kept me turning the pages."

A rot creeps through the Continent, threatening to destroy its very foundation.   After her victory in the south, Charlaine is summoned to the Antonine, where the Church rules supreme. Before she even arrives, an outcast confronts her with a mysterious warning, propelling her to question all she thought to be true.   Armed with this knowledge, she must tread carefully in the politically charged courts of the north. Upon taking up the mantle of Temple Knight, the challenges she encounters reveal why she was tasked with this new command.   Entrusted with the secret mission of creating a new Holy Fleet, she soon discovers a far-reaching conspiracy. Even with Danica by her side, she struggles to protect the order from a deadly enemy who is determined to win at any cost.   Unsure of who they can trust, they must now come to terms not only with the possible annihilation of their order but the very Church itself. Somehow, they must preserve the tenuous peacekeeping the Petty Kingdoms united or see all they value destroyed.   Whispers of occupation by a relentless enemy torment Charlaine deShandria as the saga of the Sisters of Saint Agnes continues in Paul J Bennett's Temple Captain, Book Three of the Power Ascending series.   Prepare to be embroiled in intrigue and adventure when you crack open your copy of Temple Captain.   New to the series? Meet Charlaine and Ludwig in Tempered Steel, the series prequel, then crack open a copy of Temple Knight to learn how a leader is forged.   Books by Paul J Bennett Power Ascending Series: Tempered Steel - Prequel Temple Knight Warrior Knight Temple Captain Warrior Lord Temple Commander Warrior Prince   Heir to the Crown Series: Battle at the River - Prequel Servant of the Crown Sword of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past Heart of the Crown Shadow of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic Fate of the Crown Burden of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Making of a Man Defender of the Crown Fury of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Honour Thy Ancestors War of the Crown Triumph of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Into the Forge Guardian of the Crown Enemy of the Crown Peril of the Crown   The Frozen Flame Series: Awakening - Prequels Ashes Embers Flames Inferno Maelstrom Vortex Torrent Cataclysm   The Chronicles of Cyric: Into the Maelstrom - Prequel A Midwinter Murder The Beast of Brunhausen A Plague in Zeiderbruch  

From warrior to diplomat, his destiny awaits.   Heralded as the Hero of the North, Ludwig returns home, expecting to reconcile with his father, only to learn a mysterious illness has taken him. Thrust into the role of baron, he quickly discovers his stepbrother left his lands teetering on the edge of ruin. The barony is nearly bankrupt, the army weak, and its traditional enemy is making threats of war.   Before he has the opportunity to rectify the situation, King Otto reminds him of his obligation to continue the family name. Now entangled in the tumultuous politics of court, he is forced to deal with petty jealousies and a country torn apart by strife. All while a powerful enemy prepares to invade!   Can he successfully master the complexity of being a warrior lord, or will it ultimately lead to his own destruction?   The story of a seasoned hero continues in Warrior Lord, Book Four of the Power Ascending series.   Ready your weapons and pick up a copy of Warrior Lord to see what he must do to be victorious.   New to the series? Meet Charlaine and Ludwig in Tempered Steel, the series prequel, then crack open a copy of Temple Knight to learn how a leader is forged.     Books by Paul J Bennett Power Ascending Series: Tempered Steel - Prequel Temple Knight Warrior Knight Temple Captain Warrior Lord Temple Commander Warrior Prince   Heir to the Crown Series: Battle at the River - Prequel Servant of the Crown Sword of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past Heart of the Crown Shadow of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic Fate of the Crown Burden of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Making of a Man Defender of the Crown Fury of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Honour Thy Ancestors War of the Crown Triumph of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Into the Forge Guardian of the Crown Enemy of the Crown Peril of the Crown   The Frozen Flame Series: Awakening - Prequels Ashes Embers Flames Inferno Maelstrom Vortex Torrent Cataclysm   The Chronicles of Cyric: Into the Maelstrom - Prequel A Midwinter Murder The Beast of Brunhausen A Plague in Zeiderbruch   What readers say about Paul J Bennett's books: ★★★★★ -"Fantastic Fantasy!" ★★★★★ -"Epic Battle Scenes! ★★★★★ -"I'm hooked on this series!" ★★★★★ -"Exciting Sword and Sorcery." ★★★★★ -"Outstanding work of fantasy." ★★★★★ -"Another excellent book series!!" ★★★★★ -"I just could not stop reading them." ★★★★★ -"This author has a way to tell stories." ★★★★★ -"Easy to follow, but difficult to put down." ★★★★★ -"Wow! Best book I've read in a LONG time!" ★★★★★ -"Thoroughly absorbing, exciting, and mystical." ★★★★★ -"A real fantasy that springs off the pages." ★★★★★ -"I love the strong and smart female characters." ★★★★★ -"Give this a read... you will end up hooked as I did." ★★★★★ -"If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read!" ★★★★★ -"Each character fits snugly into the wildly, active plot." ★★★★★ -"This story gripped me and kept me turning the pages."    

With a new rank comes great responsibility.   Newly promoted, Charlaine deShandria is sent to the very borders of the mighty Halvarian Empire. There, she finds a beleaguered kingdom, weakened by intrigue, facing possible annihilation.   Surprised to discover her new command filled with untested warriors and inexperienced captains, she struggles to prepare them for battle before the war erupts. Reinforcements finally arrive, but they are led by an old adversary whose very presence bodes ill for the order.   When Danica moves the Holy fleet westward, she brings them into direct conflict with the empire's ships. Finding no friendly ports in which to seek shelter, they are forced to brave the storm-ravaged seas of the north.   Can they stop the empire's tide of tyranny, or will another kingdom fall to the relentless army of Halvaria?   With the possibility of invasion looming over their every move, Charlaine and Danica prepare for the fight of their lives in Paul J Bennett's Temple Commander, Book Five of the Power Ascending series.   March into action when you tear into your copy of Temple Commander today!   New to the series? Meet Charlaine and Ludwig in Tempered Steel, the series prequel, then crack open a copy of Temple Knight to learn how a leader is forged.   Books by Paul J Bennett Power Ascending Series: Tempered Steel - Prequel Temple Knight Warrior Knight Temple Captain Warrior Lord Temple Commander Warrior Prince   Heir to the Crown Series: Battle at the River - Prequel Servant of the Crown Sword of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past Heart of the Crown Shadow of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic Fate of the Crown Burden of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Making of a Man Defender of the Crown Fury of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Honour Thy Ancestors War of the Crown Triumph of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Into the Forge Guardian of the Crown Enemy of the Crown Peril of the Crown   The Frozen Flame Series: Awakening - Prequels Ashes Embers Flames Inferno Maelstrom Vortex Torrent Cataclysm   The Chronicles of Cyric: Into the Maelstrom – Prequel A Midwinter Murder The Beast of Brunhausen A Plague in Zeiderbruch  

A new king promises peace, but old hatreds return. After defeating the insurrection, Ludwig returns home to his family, only to be ordered back to the capital. Thrust into the responsibility of being the realm's new prince, he struggles to balance his loyalty to his sovereign with his own idea of justice. King Morgan seeks to strengthen his new rule, but the barons of Hadenfeld are a wary lot, each determined to dominate the other. Overwhelmed by the conflict at court, he is wracked by indecision, leaving him at the mercy of outside influences. When a new voice finds the ear of the king, Ludwig falls into disfavour. Banished to the east to bring the rebel barons to heel for their disloyalty, he makes a discovery that shakes the very foundations of the Petty Kingdoms. But only after receiving a letter from an old friend does he realize the enemy is much closer than he ever suspected. Can he save his newly reunited kingdom, or will they fall once more into the chaos of war? The story of an emerging leader continues in Paul J Bennett's Warrior Prince, Book Six of the Power Ascending Series. Hit the ground running when you pick up a copy of Warrior Prince to uncover the real power on the Continent. New to the series? Meet Charlaine and Ludwig in Tempered Steel, the series prequel, then crack open a copy of Temple Knight to learn how a leader is forged.