An enemy commander. A skilled tactician. Only one can be victorious. The Norland raiders are at it again. When the Baron of Bodden splits their defensive forces, Sergeant Gerald Matheson thinks that today is a day like any other, but then something is different. At the last moment, Gerald recognizes the warning signs, but they are outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and out of luck. How can they win this unbeatable battle? Battle at the River is a stand-alone short story set in the World of Merceria that incorporates characters from the Heir to the Crown Series. If you like intense battle scenes and unexpected plot twists, then you will love Paul J Bennett's tale of a soldier who thinks outside the box.

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 to the Baron of Bodden 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 first book in the epic Heir to the Crown medieval fantasy series. If you like gripping fight scenes, compelling characters, and a captivating 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! Other books in the series: Sword of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past Heart of the Crown Coming soon: Shadow of the Crown (Winter 2018) Fate of the Crown (Summer 2019) Burden of the Crown (Autumn 2019) Bearer of the Crown (Winter 2019)

When an invading army crosses the Mercerian border, the only thing standing between victory and defeat is an heir to the crown with no battle experience. Enter Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam, who has trained for this moment since she first held a sword. From her relentless pursuit of knighthood to the day she single-handedly saves the king's life and earns her spurs, she has searched for someone worthy of her fealty. By swearing to protect the life of this untried Royal, she undertakes an adventure that will have her travelling across the kingdom fighting desperate battles, all the while surrounded by powerful enemies who conspire to bring down the crown. Her destiny will be determined in a monumental clash of forces where success can save the kingdom, but failure can only mean certain death. Sword of the Crown is an action-packed medieval adventure that is the second book in the Heir to the Crown series. If you like epic battle scenes, dangerous enemies and mysterious prophecies, then you will love Paul J Bennett's tale of a knight who will not submit. Pick up your copy of Sword of the Crown, and join the battle today!

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 seem to 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 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. Pick up your copy of Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past today, and pull up a chair!

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.

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?

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. Pre-Order 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. Heir to the Crown Series: 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 (Summer 2019) Fate of the Crown Burden of the Crown (Autumn 2019) Mercerian Tales: The making of a Man (Autumn 2019) Defender of the Crown (Winter 2019) Book 8: Fury of the Crown: (Spring 2020) Book 8.5 Mercerian Tales: Honour Thy Ancestors (Summer 2020) The Frozen Flame Series: Into the Fire: Athgar's Prequel (Summer 2019) The Awakening: Natalia's Prequel (Summer 2019) Ashes (Summer 2019) Embers (Winter 2019)

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.

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!

Bodden was cursed the day he was born. Life on the frontier is harsh, leaving little room for mercy, but Richard believes there has to be a better way. Even from an early age, he struggles to find his place in a world where he is neither needed nor wanted, powerless to change his fate. It is only when he meets a knight of renown that he learns what it is to be truly noble. Finally able to control his own destiny, he must choose between the past and the future for the sake of Bodden. Mercerian Tales: The Making of a Man is a story that reveals the inner workings of one of Merceria's greatest nobles, Lord Richard Fitzwilliam, Baron of Bodden. This book is best read in its chronological order, as much of what the young Richard experiences relates directly to Dame Beverly's childhood. Gather some cheese and crackers, and start reading Mercerian Tales: The Making of a Man today! 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 & Audiobook.

The enemy of my enemy is still my enemy! As peace settles across the land, two great kingdoms prepare for a royal wedding. With all eyes focused on the celebrations, the unexpected arrival of a Norland delegation throws everything into chaos. For generations, they have laid claim to the throne of Merceria, yet now they want to negotiate? With her own nobles council in constant conflict, Queen Anna is forced to question the motive of this visit. Is it a trap, or a genuine desire to end hostilities? Against the wisdom of her advisors, she travels north, determined to forge a new future for her people. Will her unwavering desire for peace lead to the destruction of all she holds dear? Journey with Anna and discover the true motives of the Norlanders in Defender of the Crown, book seven of Paul J Bennett's Heir to the Crown series. If you like hidden agendas, desperate battles, and determined mages, then this is the book for you! Settle in for a wild ride with Defender of the Crown, and give peace a chance! 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. Other books in this series: Servant 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 Other Series by Paul J Bennett: The Frozen Flame The Chronicles of Cyric Power Ascending

There can be no peace while any possibility of invasion remains After beating back the Norlanders, the Mercerians decide on retribution through force of arms. Provoked by all that has happened, they are determined to do something that has never been done before—a full-scale invasion of Norland. Weakened as they are, they must rely on their allies to increase their prospects for success. For the Orcs, it is a chance to reclaim their ancestral lands, while the Trolls seek to protect their new home. The Dwarves see it as an opportunity to increase trade, but for the Elves... Even with Weldwyn coming to their aid, Queen Anna fears it's still not enough to turn the tide of battle. Yet when refugees flood across the border, she has to wonder if it's an opportunity for an unexpected ally or a clever deception. On the eve of battle, just as the army is set to attack, word comes of a dark presence stalking the land, jeopardizing the entire invasion. Can they vanquish this ancient evil, or will they be consumed by it?

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.

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, any 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.

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.

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?

An old warrior, too stubborn to die. A royal heir, hidden at birth. Can they save a realm on the brink of war? Book One: Servant of the Crown 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. Book Two: Sword of the Crown When an invading army crosses the Mercerian border, the only thing standing between victory and defeat is an untried heir to the crown. Enter Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam, who has trained for this moment since she first held a sword. From her relentless pursuit of knighthood to the day she single-handedly saves the king's life and earns her spurs, she has searched for someone worthy of her fealty. By swearing to protect the life of this untried Royal, she undertakes an adventure that will have her travelling across the kingdom fighting desperate battles, all the while surrounded by powerful enemies who conspire to bring down the crown. Her destiny will be determined in a monumental clash of forces where success can save the kingdom, but failure can only mean certain death. Book 2.5: Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past 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.