Showing results by author "Paul Bennett" in All Categories

Athgar and Natalia have everything they have ever dreamed of - family, friends, and a place to call home. When Athgar's long-lost sister unexpectedly walks into the village, he feels as if life is complete, but not everyone trusts her. Ebenstadt, abandoned by the Temple Knights after their defeat, now suffers under the control of a ruthless despot who uses thugs to enforce his will. To complicate matters even more, the neighboring Kingdom of Novarsk is looking on with greedy eyes, eager to expand its borders.

Magic is the key...but will it save them, or consume them? For Natalia, there is no choice. Trained as a battle mage, she has the potential to be the most powerful spellcaster the family has ever produced. Yet their price is too high. Meanwhile, Athgar's life is about to change forever. On the day his village is burned to the ground, his magical potential is released by the very fire that nearly consumed him. He is driven by revenge until he learns he may not be the only survivor.

Guided by the ancestors, Natalia and Athgar journey to an inhospitable land where danger lurks behind the guise of friendship. With a dire need to find shelter, they have no choice but to settle in and hope for the best. It doesn't take long for them to realize something is not right. Athgar, having travelled back to his roots, soon discovers they are rotting from within. And Natalia, one of the most powerful mages on the continent, finds herself unable to cast even the simplest of spells.

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.

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?

Forced to pursue those who threaten their daughter's very existence, Athgar and Natalia must say goodbye to all they know. Barely surviving the journey, they finally arrive in Karslev, where nothing goes according to plan.

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.

On the run from the family, Athgar and Natalia take refuge in a far distant port, hoping to escape discovery. When outside interference causes the uneasy balance of power to crumble, the entire region is plunged into chaos. Kargen, now responsible for the future of Therengia, must bargain with an unwanted emissary from the very people who tried to kidnap Oswyn!

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.

Finally on their way home, Athgar and Natalia stop in Carlingen, hoping to make their stay short, only to find a realm on the brink of chaos. The king's court is rife with treachery and deceit, while the streets are infested with resentment and turmoil. With the unexpected appearance of an emissary from the family, they discover the Stormwinds are plotting to re-establish their dominance over the Continent. Seeking to leverage Carlingen's increasing instability, the Crown Prince of Ostrova demands land and is willing to do anything to acquire it.

A collection of short stories written by seven award-winning authors during the first four months of the COVID-19 lockdown. Each author brings a unique perspective to the crisis, and the results are spectacular. There is science fiction, Christian apologetics, horror, drama, suspense, and a dose of comfort. Produced daily during the first 13 weeks of the lockdown, you can see the change in thinking, hopes, and frustration that the public was experiencing.

It occurred to me that others might benefit from some of the valuable (??!!) insights that have arisen from life's little occurrences. With ‘My Humble Diatribe for the Day’ I shall attempt to capture the essence of such moments with a Canadian eye, hopefully for your edification and amusement. Be warned that my tongue may possibly be in cheek (though not in check!) and that the occasional pun could slip into my offerings. Subjects will hopefully be light-hearted, though more serious matter may occasionally intrude. May the fun prevail! That said, please sit back, relax, and enjoy My Humble...

Sixteen historians, all members of the Society of Independent Southern Historians, have come together to write this truthful history of America specifically for home-schooled students. Herein is a history that is truthful, concise, yet comprehensive, written especially for students of middle school and high school age and for the parents who provide guidance through the home school educational approach. The 40 student lessons in this book present 278 years of our history.

In 1756, Britain and France are on a collision course for control of the North American continent. The eventual result can be described as the first world war, known as the Seven Year’s War in Europe and the French and Indian War in the colonies. The Mallory family uproots from eastern Pennsylvania, and moves to the western frontier, where they find themselves in the middle of war.