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Heir to the Crown #15
Victory of the Crown
It's time to take the battle into the heart of the enemy.
With the Halvarian invasion defeated, Gerald must now wage a war to defeat the largest empire in human history. Relying on his allies, he assembles an army the size of which has never before been seen in Eiddenwerthe.
To the east, Beverly has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with the help of the Therengians and must now take the fight to the empire. But to do that, she needs to bring together Petty Kingdoms that have fought each other for centuries.
Armin and Nikki are fleeing Halvaria, hoping to save Emperor Nevarus while being hunted by legions of soldiers intent on their destruction. In the wake of a coup, the new emperor struggles to bring order to the chaos he himself created.
The armies of Eiddenwerthe are now hurtling towards one final confrontation between good and evil that will determine the fate of generations to come. Can Beverly hold the alliance together long enough to defeat the empire, or will the entire Continent be plunged into a dark age?
A lifetime of fighting promises to lead Gerald to his deadliest battle in Paul J Bennett’s Victory of the Crown, the final installment of the Heir to the Crown series.
New to the series? Meet Gerald Matheson, the steadfast warrior in Servant of the Crown, Heir to the Book One, available in eBook, Audiobook, and Paperback.
What readers say about Paul J Bennett’s
★★★★★ -"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.”
★★★★★ -"Wow! Best book I’ve read in a LONG time!"
★★★★★ -"Thoroughly absorbing, exciting, and mystical."
★★★★★ -"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.”
★★★★★ -"Full of suspense, intrigue and action throughout the story."
★★★★★ -"The imagination and detail of this epic tale is mesmerizing.”
★★★★★ -"This story will take you through every emotion that you have.”
★★★★★ -"The tale is full of twists and turns and never-ending possibilities.”
★★★★★ -"The characters you love in the books come to life in such a fabulous way."
★★★★★ -"The tale flows effortlessly along, blending action, and heartwarming scenes.
With the Halvarian invasion defeated, Gerald must now wage a war to defeat the largest empire in human history. Relying on his allies, he assembles an army the size of which has never before been seen in Eiddenwerthe.
To the east, Beverly has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with the help of the Therengians and must now take the fight to the empire. But to do that, she needs to bring together Petty Kingdoms that have fought each other for centuries.
Armin and Nikki are fleeing Halvaria, hoping to save Emperor Nevarus while being hunted by legions of soldiers intent on their destruction. In the wake of a coup, the new emperor struggles to bring order to the chaos he himself created.
The armies of Eiddenwerthe are now hurtling towards one final confrontation between good and evil that will determine the fate of generations to come. Can Beverly hold the alliance together long enough to defeat the empire, or will the entire Continent be plunged into a dark age?
A lifetime of fighting promises to lead Gerald to his deadliest battle in Paul J Bennett’s Victory of the Crown, the final installment of the Heir to the Crown series.
New to the series? Meet Gerald Matheson, the steadfast warrior in Servant of the Crown, Heir to the Book One, available in eBook, Audiobook, and Paperback.
What readers say about Paul J Bennett’s
★★★★★ -"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.”
★★★★★ -"Wow! Best book I’ve read in a LONG time!"
★★★★★ -"Thoroughly absorbing, exciting, and mystical."
★★★★★ -"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.”
★★★★★ -"Full of suspense, intrigue and action throughout the story."
★★★★★ -"The imagination and detail of this epic tale is mesmerizing.”
★★★★★ -"This story will take you through every emotion that you have.”
★★★★★ -"The tale is full of twists and turns and never-ending possibilities.”
★★★★★ -"The characters you love in the books come to life in such a fabulous way."
★★★★★ -"The tale flows effortlessly along, blending action, and heartwarming scenes.
525 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
About the author
Paul J. Bennett
48 books594 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 30, 2026
I would like to start this review with two caveats. Firstly, I love this series and the two side series. I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride and recommend any books written by Paul J Bennett to everyone. Secondly, I don't often write reviews, I rate all the time, but this time I needed to get my thoughts out. Some small spoilers...
This ending has been a long time coming. My anticipation and expectations were high. I totally hate to say this but I was left wanting.
I needed this book to be twice as long, Paul mentioned in his notes/email updates that this was a long book. It did not feel that way to me. Paul mentions that there were several iterations of this novel, the one he landed on focused on the characters. Once again, I did not feel that way. So many characters that we have grown to love were barely mentioned. I don't think Athgar even had words. Alric is a mention, not in the story at all. There was a nice long section with Danica and Cyric. That was great. The whole side dwarf story with the lost mine was kind of left field to me but nice side adventure. Albreda had some interesting events and she felt like a main character. I just needed more time with the rest of the cast. What happened with Revi? He just appears and saves the day - no real details on his adventure of how he got there. There was battles, magic circles and a moment here and there with the characters. Nicole and Arnim. What the heck was that? They didn't even get to reunite with everyone. The emperor... I guess that a made point... but huh?
I didn't even get enough of Gerald and Anna.... Beverley and Aldwin... just a quick touch in now and then. Gerald planning the future... even when they met up eventually they were so blase about it. Charlaine and Ludwig.... treated like minor characters. Natalia does have some good coverage - due to the importance of magic use of course. The elves, orcs and the dwarves all have short sections about their journey and some hints of a future.
Paul mentions that he didn't want to do the multiple send offs - I have to disagree with that decision. Only Albreda got a suitable send off in my opinion. The whole book felt like a middle book of a series. I was looking for a great ending. I got.... meh.
I still gave it 4 stars because the series is so great...
This ending has been a long time coming. My anticipation and expectations were high. I totally hate to say this but I was left wanting.
I needed this book to be twice as long, Paul mentioned in his notes/email updates that this was a long book. It did not feel that way to me. Paul mentions that there were several iterations of this novel, the one he landed on focused on the characters. Once again, I did not feel that way. So many characters that we have grown to love were barely mentioned. I don't think Athgar even had words. Alric is a mention, not in the story at all. There was a nice long section with Danica and Cyric. That was great. The whole side dwarf story with the lost mine was kind of left field to me but nice side adventure. Albreda had some interesting events and she felt like a main character. I just needed more time with the rest of the cast. What happened with Revi? He just appears and saves the day - no real details on his adventure of how he got there. There was battles, magic circles and a moment here and there with the characters. Nicole and Arnim. What the heck was that? They didn't even get to reunite with everyone. The emperor... I guess that a made point... but huh?
I didn't even get enough of Gerald and Anna.... Beverley and Aldwin... just a quick touch in now and then. Gerald planning the future... even when they met up eventually they were so blase about it. Charlaine and Ludwig.... treated like minor characters. Natalia does have some good coverage - due to the importance of magic use of course. The elves, orcs and the dwarves all have short sections about their journey and some hints of a future.
Paul mentions that he didn't want to do the multiple send offs - I have to disagree with that decision. Only Albreda got a suitable send off in my opinion. The whole book felt like a middle book of a series. I was looking for a great ending. I got.... meh.
I still gave it 4 stars because the series is so great...
March 31, 2026
The war may be won, but the “victory” is far from over
Victory of the Crown is the culmination of three interwoven series (Heir to the Crown, The Frozen Flame, and Power Ascending).
In a way, this book is similar to Book 8, Fury of the Crown, which essentially focuses on going on the offensive while uncovering secrets—only on a much grander scale.
It took me a while to appreciate this book because my expectations were high and my first impression was mixed. As far as the story goes, it’s great—it’s what you can expect from Paul.
Victory of the Crown is the culmination of three interwoven series (Heir to the Crown, The Frozen Flame, and Power Ascending).
In a way, this book is similar to Book 8, Fury of the Crown, which essentially focuses on going on the offensive while uncovering secrets—only on a much grander scale.
It took me a while to appreciate this book because my expectations were high and my first impression was mixed. As far as the story goes, it’s great—it’s what you can expect from Paul.
April 2, 2026
WOW!!! What a great way to conclude a series! Full of battles, magic and an ultimate challenge to best the empire. From rather humble beginnings, the characters of this series grew to become a great alliance and a force for good throughout the continent of Eiddenwerthe. And the ending, with Albreda’s surprising encounter, is great. It has been a worthwhile journey reading these books and I highly recommend them. Bennett has proven himself and his ability to tell an amazing tale with vivid and honest characters and conditions. Victory is the culmination of ten years of dedicated story-telling and is a perfect final act. Bravo!
April 30, 2026
Stunningly brilliant
Wow, just WOW!
It dawned on me several books back that 3 series were going to come together as one story, and I thought.. "let's see how he pulls this off"
BY GOD U DID!
Just finished the last book.loved them ALL. Brilliant job with the characters.
I cannot begin to fathom the story boards the branches followed and the amount of times u reversed course or the ideas u chased then threw out..
Very well done, pat your self on the back, he'll all of you do it.
Just pick up the books and get to it. Some of u lucky readers are gonna have a lot of reading to do. But u don't have to wait on each book to come out, I'm jealous
Wow, just WOW!
It dawned on me several books back that 3 series were going to come together as one story, and I thought.. "let's see how he pulls this off"
BY GOD U DID!
Just finished the last book.loved them ALL. Brilliant job with the characters.
I cannot begin to fathom the story boards the branches followed and the amount of times u reversed course or the ideas u chased then threw out..
Very well done, pat your self on the back, he'll all of you do it.
Just pick up the books and get to it. Some of u lucky readers are gonna have a lot of reading to do. But u don't have to wait on each book to come out, I'm jealous
May 6, 2026
Victory of the Crown
This is a fast-paced book as the war is brought to Halveria. Many old familiar characters grace this book along with some new ones. It cannot be said enough, this is not a stand-alone book. You must start with # 1 and progress in order to know what is going on in this one. This is supposed to be the last book in the series, but really? There are way too many dangling threads hanging at the frayed end of the story. I would not be surprised if PB squeezed at least one more out to wrap things up more conclusively. All-in-all a very good read well worth the time.
This is a fast-paced book as the war is brought to Halveria. Many old familiar characters grace this book along with some new ones. It cannot be said enough, this is not a stand-alone book. You must start with # 1 and progress in order to know what is going on in this one. This is supposed to be the last book in the series, but really? There are way too many dangling threads hanging at the frayed end of the story. I would not be surprised if PB squeezed at least one more out to wrap things up more conclusively. All-in-all a very good read well worth the time.
April 4, 2026
Nevarus, emperor of the empire, actually unexpectedly got his nose bloodied by the Petty Kingdoms and Halvaria, something he simply cannot let be...at all.
But the rest of the world took note on what happened. They are preparing.
Victory of the Crown, the final book in the series, by author Paul J Bennett introduces the reader to even more surprising strange races and creatures in a complicated plot of war and magic galore. Fascinating, but in the end touching on how full of intrigue and tension everything can turn out to be...and does.
Enjoy.
But the rest of the world took note on what happened. They are preparing.
Victory of the Crown, the final book in the series, by author Paul J Bennett introduces the reader to even more surprising strange races and creatures in a complicated plot of war and magic galore. Fascinating, but in the end touching on how full of intrigue and tension everything can turn out to be...and does.
Enjoy.
April 14, 2026
What a fitting ending to this series. I especially loved the conversation Albreda had with Orlina Day, and the revelations that were forthcoming. Gerald too, finally gets a chance for some happiness with a special someone.
It's amazing what can be achieved when everyone works together for a mutual goal. I will miss them. After ten years and numerous books, the characters have become like family.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book through BookFunnel, and have chosen to leave a review.
It's amazing what can be achieved when everyone works together for a mutual goal. I will miss them. After ten years and numerous books, the characters have become like family.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book through BookFunnel, and have chosen to leave a review.
April 28, 2026
What an epic story it has been right from the very first book "Servant of the Crown". We have followed the main characters all the way through each book and every battle fought. Now the final battle has ended they can all start living a peaceful life from now on....but who knows if Mr Bennett will bring some of the characters out of their peaceful "retirement" in the future ...I for one hope he does.
Ive loved all 3 series that became entwined with each other "Heir to the Crown" "The Frozen Flame" and "Power Ascending".
Ive loved all 3 series that became entwined with each other "Heir to the Crown" "The Frozen Flame" and "Power Ascending".
March 26, 2026
Amazing how everyone comes together for the sake of their freedom. Knowing the Halvarians need to be stopped now or be conquered spurs every corner of the continent and every race to join forces. Their strategy is to coordinate through magical means from the Petty Kingdoms to Merceria.
In this book you have cross overs bringing old and some new characters together.
Some surprises also await you. This book and series has been one of my favorites and Paul is one of my favorite authors.
In this book you have cross overs bringing old and some new characters together.
Some surprises also await you. This book and series has been one of my favorites and Paul is one of my favorite authors.
April 21, 2026
Epic
Not just a culmination, but a series of culminations of series and the end of an era. It’s been quite a ride reading the Crown series and the other Bennett series and watching them tell their own exciting tales and fight their own battles and slowly expand their presence to tie in with the others to ultimately battle their collective nemesis, to start a new era. I do hope we will still be seeing more of at least some of these characters; guess I’ll just have to read and see.
Not just a culmination, but a series of culminations of series and the end of an era. It’s been quite a ride reading the Crown series and the other Bennett series and watching them tell their own exciting tales and fight their own battles and slowly expand their presence to tie in with the others to ultimately battle their collective nemesis, to start a new era. I do hope we will still be seeing more of at least some of these characters; guess I’ll just have to read and see.
April 2, 2026
End of a Series!
The war is finally taken to the Halvarian homeland. The varies characters have more interaction in this story then the previous books. A very interesting story with great characters. I t was better written then the rest of the series except for the ending. No wrap up to all the groups, just left hanging as to how peace will happen and what happens to everyone.
The war is finally taken to the Halvarian homeland. The varies characters have more interaction in this story then the previous books. A very interesting story with great characters. I t was better written then the rest of the series except for the ending. No wrap up to all the groups, just left hanging as to how peace will happen and what happens to everyone.
April 1, 2026
Long awaited drawing together of all of the author’s works. I just realized it’s a total of 45 books! The battle plots are always interesting, but is it really the end with so many good characters whose lives might be pursued? I certainly hope he decides to continue.
April 2, 2026
exciting end to a wonderful series
Wow! Amazing work tying everyone and everything together. I do hope there are more stories about some of the characters. They’ve grown to be family and I don’t want it to end.
Wow! Amazing work tying everyone and everything together. I do hope there are more stories about some of the characters. They’ve grown to be family and I don’t want it to end.
April 15, 2026
Alas, all good things must come to an end and "Victory of the Crown" was one hell of an ending to the "Heir to the Crown" series. Paul J. Bennett continues to deliver engaging High Epic Military Fantasy! I look forward to his upcoming series "The Bucket List."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bravo !! BRAVO !!! ( Applause )
Phyllis S.
Phyllis S.
April 13, 2026
As usual it was a book Idid not want to put down I loved it all the way through. I love the way Paul puts it all together and love all the characters. Highly recommend
May 3, 2026
Fun culmination
A decent end to along series of books, there was not the feeling of high stakes from other books. Not sure the emperors storyline was that meaningful....
A decent end to along series of books, there was not the feeling of high stakes from other books. Not sure the emperors storyline was that meaningful....
June 19, 2026
another great tale
Great ending to a great series. Sorry to see it end but everything has an end. Hopefully I’ll find another series to read soon. This has been a great adventure.
Great ending to a great series. Sorry to see it end but everything has an end. Hopefully I’ll find another series to read soon. This has been a great adventure.
April 1, 2026
Gerald comes from Merceria with the army from the west to move into Eiddenwerthe to attempt to defeat the Halvarian empire within their own borders. Beverly attempts to bring the Petty Kingdoms together in an alliance to move into the empire from the east. There are Orcs, Elves, and other races who join as allies. Simple maps layout the battlefields to easily follow the battles that are to take place. The Temple Fleet has its job to the north moving west to attempt to defeat the Halvarian fleet. Lots of action on multiple fronts; each are a part of the plan to defeat the empire. Exciting from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews