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Temple General: An Epic Military Fantasy Novel
The Continent should be celebrating. Instead, it's falling apart.
Two years ago, their unexpected victory held Halvaria at bay, but now the very same knights who saved the Continent face extinction.
The Church is crumbling, rotting from within, with politics threatening the hierarchy they were sworn to protect. Desperate to save the order, the Grand Mistress summons Charlaine and Danica to the Antonine.
Will they arrive in time to save their order, or will the Church fall into anarchy, dooming the Petty Kingdoms? Find out in Temple General, Book 7 in Paul J Bennett’s Power Ascending series.
Preorder your copy of Temple General and get ready to traverse a Continent teeming with danger.
Two years ago, their unexpected victory held Halvaria at bay, but now the very same knights who saved the Continent face extinction.
The Church is crumbling, rotting from within, with politics threatening the hierarchy they were sworn to protect. Desperate to save the order, the Grand Mistress summons Charlaine and Danica to the Antonine.
Will they arrive in time to save their order, or will the Church fall into anarchy, dooming the Petty Kingdoms? Find out in Temple General, Book 7 in Paul J Bennett’s Power Ascending series.
Preorder your copy of Temple General and get ready to traverse a Continent teeming with danger.
535 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2024
22 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Paul J. Bennett
48 books522 followersPaul 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 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.
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 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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 6, 2025
Charlaine is now a regional temple commander in the order of Ste Agnes, stationed in the North of the Continent, after repelling the Halvarian troops' last attacks where she and her Knights have literally saved the Petty Kingdoms from a full scale invasion and annexation by the empire.
Her good friend Danica has played a key role in this and other victories as the Fleet Admiral in the North.
In addition, under Charlaine's administration, the region trives economically while living in peace and guarding the borders against an eventual return of the empire.
She receives new orders from the order's Grand Mistress summoning her and Danica to the Antonine as soon as possible. However, the pouch also contains a letter with not so good news. Her father has fallen and is dead following a battle where he lead a Militia in order to help Ludwig gain the Throne of her native Kingdom.
Ruland, the Dwarf courier also brings rumors that see the order as well as others being disbanded and absorbed by the order of Saint Cunnard of whom a former knight is now the Council Primus.
The trip proves eventful and upon arrival, a strong presence of Cunnar knights is noted with a confirmation that the order is in danger and that the Grand Mistress believes that she, herself, is on the way out because of she and the order's Matriarch don't see eye to eye on most things.
Charlaine, Danica and Theresa investigate and find troublesome information that the new Primus along with senior officers within the Church structure are corrupt and favour, by their actions, an invasion by the empire.
The rumors are confirmed and the orders are commanded to disband and submit to the Cunnars.
m
The Grand Mistress calls Charlaine and Danica to her office where she announces that she has been fired from her post. She, then, proceeds to appoint Charlaine as " Temple General", the highest position under the Grand Mistress, post currently vacant, and Danica as Temple Commander.
Helendale is proclaimed a heretic kingdom and Charlaine decides to take tye sisters and flee the Antonine.
This great author is renowned for his great tales and skills and this is, without a doubt, one if not the best book I have had the pleasure to read. I highly recommend this book and rate it 5 Stars.
Her good friend Danica has played a key role in this and other victories as the Fleet Admiral in the North.
In addition, under Charlaine's administration, the region trives economically while living in peace and guarding the borders against an eventual return of the empire.
She receives new orders from the order's Grand Mistress summoning her and Danica to the Antonine as soon as possible. However, the pouch also contains a letter with not so good news. Her father has fallen and is dead following a battle where he lead a Militia in order to help Ludwig gain the Throne of her native Kingdom.
Ruland, the Dwarf courier also brings rumors that see the order as well as others being disbanded and absorbed by the order of Saint Cunnard of whom a former knight is now the Council Primus.
The trip proves eventful and upon arrival, a strong presence of Cunnar knights is noted with a confirmation that the order is in danger and that the Grand Mistress believes that she, herself, is on the way out because of she and the order's Matriarch don't see eye to eye on most things.
Charlaine, Danica and Theresa investigate and find troublesome information that the new Primus along with senior officers within the Church structure are corrupt and favour, by their actions, an invasion by the empire.
The rumors are confirmed and the orders are commanded to disband and submit to the Cunnars.
m
The Grand Mistress calls Charlaine and Danica to her office where she announces that she has been fired from her post. She, then, proceeds to appoint Charlaine as " Temple General", the highest position under the Grand Mistress, post currently vacant, and Danica as Temple Commander.
Helendale is proclaimed a heretic kingdom and Charlaine decides to take tye sisters and flee the Antonine.
This great author is renowned for his great tales and skills and this is, without a doubt, one if not the best book I have had the pleasure to read. I highly recommend this book and rate it 5 Stars.
December 15, 2024
Temple Commander Charlaine and Admiral Danica are summoned to attend the Antonine via a letter that Charlaine receives, but why they have been summoned is a mystery as the letter doesnt explain, just that her and Danica are to make haste. But on route they are attacked and forced to defend themselves which they do, but the question then is..who knew they were on the road and why were they attacked ? They finally arrive at the Antonine after travelling for weeks to get there. They meet with the Grand Mistress Kaylene and discover she has sent more than the one letter they finally received, the first one sent 3 years previous..what happened to them, were they intercepted to try and stop Charlaine and Danica.
Evil forces are at work not only in the Antonine, but also the church. Charlaine and Danica discover that the Primate of the Church ..formerly a Temple Commander of the Cunars plans to bring all the orders under the control of the Cunars with the exception of the Order of Saint Agnes..Charlaine and Danica's order, which he plans to disband. The Grand Mistress Kaylene promotes Charlaine to Temple General she will be the first woman to hold that title, and Kaylene entrusts Charlaine, Danica and the rest of the senior officers of the Order to do what they have to do to ensure the safety of the members of the order, along with their trusted horses. Charlaine and the rest of the order decide they must escape the Antoine and seek sanctuary elsewhere. Luckily when the time comes and they have to fight their way out of the Antonine they are not alone, members of 2 of the other orders also decide its time to leave, so they help each other.
So begins their perilous journey across the Continent with the Temple Knights of Cunar hot on their horses tails. Fights ensue, but still they continue their journey.
An excellent book that is hard to put down once you start reading, as with all this authors books.
Evil forces are at work not only in the Antonine, but also the church. Charlaine and Danica discover that the Primate of the Church ..formerly a Temple Commander of the Cunars plans to bring all the orders under the control of the Cunars with the exception of the Order of Saint Agnes..Charlaine and Danica's order, which he plans to disband. The Grand Mistress Kaylene promotes Charlaine to Temple General she will be the first woman to hold that title, and Kaylene entrusts Charlaine, Danica and the rest of the senior officers of the Order to do what they have to do to ensure the safety of the members of the order, along with their trusted horses. Charlaine and the rest of the order decide they must escape the Antoine and seek sanctuary elsewhere. Luckily when the time comes and they have to fight their way out of the Antonine they are not alone, members of 2 of the other orders also decide its time to leave, so they help each other.
So begins their perilous journey across the Continent with the Temple Knights of Cunar hot on their horses tails. Fights ensue, but still they continue their journey.
An excellent book that is hard to put down once you start reading, as with all this authors books.
January 9, 2025
I came late to the Power Ascending Series but this in no way spoiled my enjoyment of this book. I missed out on the back stories and reading how Charlaine and Danica rose to their current positions in the order but I have already acquired the earlier books and I am looking forward to reading how the current situation developed.
In this book Charlaine and Danica are promoted in their order so that they have the authority to look into the political machinations of the church and save their order which the current leader of the church is trying to disband. I don't really know how to discuss this book without revealing too much of the plot so I am not going to discuss it. Suffice it to say that I found the story to be intriguing, I liked the main characters and the way they handle things; and as I said previously I look reading the other books in the series as well as Paul J Bennett's other books.
I received an ARC of this book. My thoughts are shared voluntarily.
In this book Charlaine and Danica are promoted in their order so that they have the authority to look into the political machinations of the church and save their order which the current leader of the church is trying to disband. I don't really know how to discuss this book without revealing too much of the plot so I am not going to discuss it. Suffice it to say that I found the story to be intriguing, I liked the main characters and the way they handle things; and as I said previously I look reading the other books in the series as well as Paul J Bennett's other books.
I received an ARC of this book. My thoughts are shared voluntarily.
December 3, 2024
Called to the Antonine, Charlaine and Danica discover the truth behind the Cunars. Their leadership, and particularly the Primus, are working with the Halverians to prevent the other Temple Knights from opposing another Halverian invasion. Things get out of hand, and the Temple Knights of St. Agnes (along with a few others) break out of the Antonine ahead of the Cunar takeover. But where to go and how can she save the order’s Knights? Sending Danica back to Temple Bay, Charlaine travels toward Hadenfeld, hoping that King Ludwig will accept the 500 Knights into his kingdom. Along the way there are many trials and problems, least of which are the Elves of Goldenwood. Will the Temple Knights of Saint Agnes survive? Will the order be disbanded or destroyed? A saga of treachery, hardship and hope for a very uncertain future.
November 30, 2024
Politics can be turned into a nasty weapon sometimes in the hands of sinister forces. That is what Charlaine and Danica discovered when en route to Antonine when two Petty Kingdoms were on the verge of a devastating war.
That is also what they discovered on arrival at Antonine and hidden clues point at an orchestrated effort to get the Agnesites disbanded and the Cunard placed in charge.
But can the church really be so undermined that it can collapse? Why?
Author Paul Bennett created another immersive book in Temple General that gradually reveals quite a devilish, hair raising plot that raises shivers just contemplating the extent thereoff. I certainly succeeded finishing reading the book in a record time.
Enjoy
That is also what they discovered on arrival at Antonine and hidden clues point at an orchestrated effort to get the Agnesites disbanded and the Cunard placed in charge.
But can the church really be so undermined that it can collapse? Why?
Author Paul Bennett created another immersive book in Temple General that gradually reveals quite a devilish, hair raising plot that raises shivers just contemplating the extent thereoff. I certainly succeeded finishing reading the book in a record time.
Enjoy
December 20, 2024
Temple Commander Sister Charlaine was a Holy Knight of Saint Agnes. She received a note from the general mistress of the Knights of Saint Agnes calling for her to come to Antonine along with Temple Captain Danica. Thet arrived and discovered that the Council of Peers was in a battle to put all the Holy Knights under the Cunars who was the army of the Church and dissolving the Knights of Saint Agnes. Charlaine and Danica were to see what they could find out was going on they discovered corruption at the highest levels of the Church. Mister Bennett has once again written a wonderful book this one with the cliffhanger and I highly recommend that you read all of his books because they're excellent...
November 27, 2024
“Temple General”
WOW!!!! Paul you are ever the Master Weaver of Stories. This exciting adventure of Charlaine deShandria, Temple General of Saint Agnes, and associates has kept one on the edge of one’s seat wanting more . Which you have done with All your books dealing with the world of Eiddenwerthe!
No spoilers here!
If you want an exciting read of adventurers,Elves, Magic users, and epic Battles , and nonstop action. This Book ( series of books )is for you to be sure. Paul Bennett you have Delivered
And Thank You! You and Carol are the Dream Team and like I’ve said before Teamwork makes the Dream Work! And you guys have definitely made that dream work most efficiently!🖖
WOW!!!! Paul you are ever the Master Weaver of Stories. This exciting adventure of Charlaine deShandria, Temple General of Saint Agnes, and associates has kept one on the edge of one’s seat wanting more . Which you have done with All your books dealing with the world of Eiddenwerthe!
No spoilers here!
If you want an exciting read of adventurers,Elves, Magic users, and epic Battles , and nonstop action. This Book ( series of books )is for you to be sure. Paul Bennett you have Delivered
And Thank You! You and Carol are the Dream Team and like I’ve said before Teamwork makes the Dream Work! And you guys have definitely made that dream work most efficiently!🖖
December 6, 2024
Things at the Antonine were much worse than Charlaine or Danica imagined. Corruption was at the highest level. The Holy Fleet was being decimated and was functioning at "bare bones" level and the Primus was pushing for all the Orders to be under the rule of the Cunars, with the exception of the Agnesites. That Order was to be disbanded.
As much as I will be saddened to reach the end of this series, I can't wait to learn how things pan out. Will Hadenfeld be the sanctuary Charlaine hoped for her Order, or will their presence there only cause more problems?
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Temple General through Bookfunnel and have chosen to leave a review.
As much as I will be saddened to reach the end of this series, I can't wait to learn how things pan out. Will Hadenfeld be the sanctuary Charlaine hoped for her Order, or will their presence there only cause more problems?
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Temple General through Bookfunnel and have chosen to leave a review.
December 31, 2024
Temple General Paul J. Bennett
Rise of The General
Another great read, with more plots, twists, betrayal, and deceit as well as love, loyalty, bravery, and honor as the Empire’s agents continue to attempt to stir strife and discord throughout the Kingdom to weaken it. I did receive an ARC copy and I honestly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or fantasy and look forward to the next one.
Rise of The General
Another great read, with more plots, twists, betrayal, and deceit as well as love, loyalty, bravery, and honor as the Empire’s agents continue to attempt to stir strife and discord throughout the Kingdom to weaken it. I did receive an ARC copy and I honestly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or fantasy and look forward to the next one.
December 8, 2024
Charlaine and Danica travel to the Antonine at the request of their superior – no details given. Challenge after challenge faces them in their months’ long travel. Then when they reach the Antonine, more and more is revealed. More danger heads their way. Charlaine’s mind is constantly thinking and planning what strategies she can employ. Terrific read, couldn’t put it down.
December 10, 2024
Temple General
I loved this series the characters are welldrawn the interactio.n. between them is first class I must admit the storyline goes at a great pace it
was good to read a series where both men and women warrriors were held in high esteem
I hope we don't have long to wait for the final book in the series. I hope he has more in the future.
I loved this series the characters are welldrawn the interactio.n. between them is first class I must admit the storyline goes at a great pace it
was good to read a series where both men and women warrriors were held in high esteem
I hope we don't have long to wait for the final book in the series. I hope he has more in the future.
December 13, 2024
This is a great story. The main characters are very appealing. They fight against overwhelming odds and do it logically and well. The author has done a fantastic job of building this world and populating it with wonderful characters and situations that test their abilities. And the storytelling will have you wanting to hurry and get to the next book in the series.
November 28, 2024
Responsibility!
Go on an interesting adventure with the wonderful characters of Charlaine and Danica when they are summoned back to The Antonine, for an unknown reason. They face a lot of unknowns in this story and the uncertain future for all the sisters.
Go on an interesting adventure with the wonderful characters of Charlaine and Danica when they are summoned back to The Antonine, for an unknown reason. They face a lot of unknowns in this story and the uncertain future for all the sisters.
December 4, 2024
Great read
The book is one that is hard to put down. I just wish it was longer. The characters are believable and keep your attention. All the writers work are good reads. Can't wait for the next in the series.
The book is one that is hard to put down. I just wish it was longer. The characters are believable and keep your attention. All the writers work are good reads. Can't wait for the next in the series.
December 9, 2024
Political maneuvering to rival real life situations. Battles and tactics, all the suspense that I love in these books. Just as it was nearing a climax..boom. Now I have to wait for the next one. I'll be sorry when the series ends.
December 10, 2024
Another excellent book , this book is a fantastic read ,the characters pull you in and the story keeps you hooked can't wait for the next one,my favourite author,I love all his books I'd recommend any of them
December 19, 2024
Paul is the master strategist and his writing is unmatched. This book keeps you well informed and engaged.
The characters are strong and engaging. The story is well written and I can’t wait for more. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
The characters are strong and engaging. The story is well written and I can’t wait for more. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
April 7, 2025
The penultimate book in the series leaves you on a knife edge ending. Very rarely does a series improve with every book but Paul J Bennett has done this with a style that leaves you wanting to read the next book.
November 28, 2024
Once again Mr. Bennett has provided
his readers a fabulous story.
May you enjoy as much as I.
Phyllis S.
his readers a fabulous story.
May you enjoy as much as I.
Phyllis S.
December 14, 2024
What a great story!! Was very hard to put it down once I started! Absolutely love this series!
Read
October 31, 2025Greate period Fiction with a want to follow storyline!
January 14, 2025
Unputdownable. A great read from a master storyteller. This addition to the Power Ascending series is an excellent platform to launch the final book in the series, Warrior King.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews