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Heir to the Crown #0.5
Battle at the River
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.
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.
34 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2017
130 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Paul J. Bennett
48 books523 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 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 7, 2025
Enjoyed this short story.
It gave enough of an insight into the characters and the author’s writing style to persuade me to consider reading the full-length series, which was the purpose of this offering.
The author gives away this short story for free for signing up for his newsletter - a cool way to introduce new readers to your work.
Plot was pretty much just a day on the battlefield during a larger ongoing war. PJB’s battle descriptions were entertaining and not mundane.
Recommended if you are interested in high-fantasy.
It gave enough of an insight into the characters and the author’s writing style to persuade me to consider reading the full-length series, which was the purpose of this offering.
The author gives away this short story for free for signing up for his newsletter - a cool way to introduce new readers to your work.
Plot was pretty much just a day on the battlefield during a larger ongoing war. PJB’s battle descriptions were entertaining and not mundane.
Recommended if you are interested in high-fantasy.
June 11, 2019
This was an introductory story for me into the author's world of Mercia. I enjoyed it and will look up other books by the author.
May 30, 2022
This is a very intense prequel to the series Heir to the Crown. I'm not sure that a lord would enjoy being called "Fitz" since in the Middle Ages, this was used at least in some cases to denote illegitimacy. However, since this is a fantasy world, perhaps the rules can be bent a bit.
There is a lot of intense description of battle and battle strategy, including good things that happen when a well-trained person takes control. But there are also examples of unfortunate things that can happen when people in critical positions are unfit to lead or have not been trained properly.
Gerald is a good soldier mainly because he has been trained properly .
There is a lot of intense description of battle and battle strategy, including good things that happen when a well-trained person takes control. But there are also examples of unfortunate things that can happen when people in critical positions are unfit to lead or have not been trained properly.
Gerald is a good soldier mainly because he has been trained properly .
March 26, 2020
This was a good way to sample the writing of this author - kindle book was free from Amazon
I am one that loves heroic feats and battle scenes of old. I will check out more by this author.
Shield walls/battle strategy/knights and survival.
I am one that loves heroic feats and battle scenes of old. I will check out more by this author.
Shield walls/battle strategy/knights and survival.
July 12, 2019
I am super impressed with this one! It was really short, just about 15 pages on kobo app but it able to show the scene of a battle field very vividly (or at least, that what happened in my mind when I read it). I want to try the first book in the series and see whether it's my cup of tea or not.
June 28, 2019
This is a sword and shield historical short. The setting is fictional and as the title suggests it documents an encounter between an invading army and the defending forces. The principal characters are Commander Lord Richard Fitzwilliam and Sergeant Gerald Matheson. The battle involves archers, foot soldiers and cavalry. Aside from a few grammatical errors the book is well written.
April 21, 2018
Melee battle between Mercerians and Norlanders
By Charles van Buren on April 21, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Just before the battle begins, the Baron and his Sergeant-at-Arms discuss the outnumbered Mercerians only apparent advantage. The training given to the troops by the Sergeant, particularly the discipline to form and fight in a shield wall. Yet they break the shield wall in order to charge because the Norlanders have raised their shields overhead to protect themselves from archers. The archers stop loosing arrows when the two sides are close together. How long does it take to lower shields? They throw away the advantage of the shield wall and fight the Norlanders in an undisciplined melee which they somehow win. The tactics of the battle simply aren't reasonable.
The writing isn't bad but I suppose that I am too accustomed to battle scenes written by Bernard Cornwell, James Nelson, Marc Alan Edelheit, David Drake, Christian Cameron and others. The account of this battle did not engage me. I was given a copy of this story in return for an unbiased review.
By Charles van Buren on April 21, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Just before the battle begins, the Baron and his Sergeant-at-Arms discuss the outnumbered Mercerians only apparent advantage. The training given to the troops by the Sergeant, particularly the discipline to form and fight in a shield wall. Yet they break the shield wall in order to charge because the Norlanders have raised their shields overhead to protect themselves from archers. The archers stop loosing arrows when the two sides are close together. How long does it take to lower shields? They throw away the advantage of the shield wall and fight the Norlanders in an undisciplined melee which they somehow win. The tactics of the battle simply aren't reasonable.
The writing isn't bad but I suppose that I am too accustomed to battle scenes written by Bernard Cornwell, James Nelson, Marc Alan Edelheit, David Drake, Christian Cameron and others. The account of this battle did not engage me. I was given a copy of this story in return for an unbiased review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2020
This is a well-written introduction to the Servant of the Crown, featuring two of the strongest characters: Lord Richard Fitzwilliam, Baron of Bodden and Sergeant Gerald Matheson. The Baron is a master strategist and the Sergeant is a firm believer in constant training and strict discipline. The men have learned to completely trust one another, which makes them a great team, giving them an advantage over even being heavily outnumbered by a marauding band of raiders from the North. This story is just enough of a sample to make me want to start the promising series.
January 1, 2025
A short foray into the world of Merceria, as soldiers track down and take on an army of raiders. Can tactics and training rule the day against a larger force?
March 3, 2020
Awesome battle Strategy...The luck involved , The battle plans that dissolve with the 1st encounter with the enemy ? wishing the battle had precluded a war ,and the short story was an epic novel .
November 18, 2020
Great start to what promises to be an interesting series
A soldier looking for glory captures a feared enemy general.
Battle at the River was a very good and interesting read. Battle at the River was well written and engaging. Battle at the River was original, and well written. An excellent addition to the genre. This was a smooth flowing story with lots of action and very likeable characters.
Battle at the River started and ended strong. There were scenes and lines that made me sit there and cry. Or laugh. Or cheer. The characters drove the plot to a satisfying conclusion, and resolved every issue.
The characters were well written, memorable, and distinctive. The characters each played a vital role in Battle at the River. I connected to these characters so deeply that I didn't want their story to end. I was totally invested in them throughout the entire book.
I found it hard to put Battle at the River down. It was fast-paced, engaging and suspenseful; a joy to read. Battle at the River kept me spell bound, and I was compelled to keep reading. Each scene flowed smoothly from one to the next.
The world-building was superb and each scene was easy to visualize based on the character's senses and mood. Action scenes were vividly presented and easy to follow. Battle at the River provided a gripping glimpse of how the characters lived in this well-developed world, and the action was heart-pounding and effortless to visualize.
The text was well written and engaging. The writing style was consistent and the exposition didn't slow the plot overly much. There were a few typographical and grammar errors, but not enough to take me out of the moment. Great cover design and page layout. I am blown away by the author’s ability to write such engaging, real-life, entertaining, phenomenal scenes. The writing style was consistent and used precise words so that exposition didn't slow the pace. There were no typographical and grammar errors that I remember, and the cover design and page layout were beautiful.
A soldier looking for glory captures a feared enemy general.
Battle at the River was a very good and interesting read. Battle at the River was well written and engaging. Battle at the River was original, and well written. An excellent addition to the genre. This was a smooth flowing story with lots of action and very likeable characters.
Battle at the River started and ended strong. There were scenes and lines that made me sit there and cry. Or laugh. Or cheer. The characters drove the plot to a satisfying conclusion, and resolved every issue.
The characters were well written, memorable, and distinctive. The characters each played a vital role in Battle at the River. I connected to these characters so deeply that I didn't want their story to end. I was totally invested in them throughout the entire book.
I found it hard to put Battle at the River down. It was fast-paced, engaging and suspenseful; a joy to read. Battle at the River kept me spell bound, and I was compelled to keep reading. Each scene flowed smoothly from one to the next.
The world-building was superb and each scene was easy to visualize based on the character's senses and mood. Action scenes were vividly presented and easy to follow. Battle at the River provided a gripping glimpse of how the characters lived in this well-developed world, and the action was heart-pounding and effortless to visualize.
The text was well written and engaging. The writing style was consistent and the exposition didn't slow the plot overly much. There were a few typographical and grammar errors, but not enough to take me out of the moment. Great cover design and page layout. I am blown away by the author’s ability to write such engaging, real-life, entertaining, phenomenal scenes. The writing style was consistent and used precise words so that exposition didn't slow the pace. There were no typographical and grammar errors that I remember, and the cover design and page layout were beautiful.
July 31, 2021
A fantastic short story from the Heir to the Crown series, while Baron Fitz and General Gerald are training in the courtyard, the alarm is rung, they have Norlanders raiders burning the farms of Bodden, when the Baron orders them into two groups, they ride out taking two different routes to cut the raiders off, when General Gerald reaches the meeting point, his scouts have spotted an army waiting over the hill, they are outnumbered 3 to 1, the whole raiding the farms has been ruse, a trap laid for the Baron to fall into, without being seen, he must reach the Baron before its to late, damn that battle was bloody brilliant, shield Wall destruction at its best, great characters and such an engaging read, highly recommend..😁
December 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this epic fantasy short story about an attack by an old enemy and his norland raiders which forces Fitz the baron of Bodden and his group of archers, foot soldiers and knights to try to save the common people. The baron decides to split his forces and sends a group of with Sergeant Gerald Matheson, whilst he leads the group of knights. Matheson realises that the raiders were trying to lure them into a trap, and the battle takes a different turn right there at the river. Gerald manages to save the day because of his ability to think a few steps ahead, and because he had believed the baron when he said they had a chance at winning. This is a powerful book with an epic battle scene and courageous man ready to do whatever it takes to act as protectors.
February 10, 2022
Battle at the River (Heir to the Crown #0.5), my fifth highly enjoyable read from author Paul J. Bennett who in those five read has risen to near the top of my list of favorite fantasy authors. When I want to read epic fantasy, I look for author Paul J. Bennett. Slow to start, but when it took off, I couldn't turn pages fast enough with 33 books written, I need to get going & read more Paul J. Bennett books. The only thing wrong with this book is that I have to wait for the next book Sword of the Crown (Heir to the Crown Book 2). I was given a Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 30, 2024
I think it was watching Game of Thrones that first got me thinking about sword fighting in snow. Paul Bennett provides details of the difficulties added to sword fighting in his quick moving battle scene. A battle at the river brought a picture to my mind lacking of snow for the conflict to take place. The story has a great relationship between the two main characters that allows for those men to display great intelligence in facing an enemy of greater size. I read this as a stand alone story and I think it does a great job of storytelling.
I received a review copy of this book from the author.
I received a review copy of this book from the author.
December 22, 2025
Very good prequel!
I'm really excited to read the series Heir to the Crown, especially after reading this short story. It's really good. It's got great world-building, and the characters seem interesting so far. It's quite short, primarily a neat little battle, sorta gets you ready for what's to come, I'm guessing. I enjoyed the description of the battle. It's realistic--often, I find battles are described pretty specifically, but i know that in war, it's a lot more chaotic and things don't go so choreographed. So it's nice to see someone who appreciates it as well and writes it that way. Great short story!
I'm really excited to read the series Heir to the Crown, especially after reading this short story. It's really good. It's got great world-building, and the characters seem interesting so far. It's quite short, primarily a neat little battle, sorta gets you ready for what's to come, I'm guessing. I enjoyed the description of the battle. It's realistic--often, I find battles are described pretty specifically, but i know that in war, it's a lot more chaotic and things don't go so choreographed. So it's nice to see someone who appreciates it as well and writes it that way. Great short story!
March 21, 2025
Battle at the River by Paul J Bennett vaults the reader into the middle of an impossible situation. A badly outnumbered army of foot soldiers and archers against an enemy invasion. It's all up to a Seargent-at-Arms to hold the line and devise a way to outsmart the invaders. Will it work?
Gerald Matheson, a seasoned warrior, bravely runs toward danger and perseveres against the danger besetting his and his Lord's home. Defeat is unacceptable. This short novel keeps the reader in suspense and cannot be put down until the concluding sentence. I whole-heartedly recommend this story.
Gerald Matheson, a seasoned warrior, bravely runs toward danger and perseveres against the danger besetting his and his Lord's home. Defeat is unacceptable. This short novel keeps the reader in suspense and cannot be put down until the concluding sentence. I whole-heartedly recommend this story.
December 27, 2018
I received a review copy of this book from the author.
This is a short story and my first foray into the world created by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Although short in length, the story read like a novel in terms of chilling action. The writing was fast paced but flowed smoothly. The personalities of each of the characters came through loud and clear. And the battle scenes were epic, drawing the reader right into the action. Very entertaining read!
This is a short story and my first foray into the world created by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Although short in length, the story read like a novel in terms of chilling action. The writing was fast paced but flowed smoothly. The personalities of each of the characters came through loud and clear. And the battle scenes were epic, drawing the reader right into the action. Very entertaining read!
April 16, 2023
A good (free) introduction to Mr. Bennett's Mercerian world. Not very long, but a good intro as well to the character of Gerald Matheson who is a soldier in the Baron of Bodden's army. I like to read history, and this new world appears based on medieval times and is therefore intriguing to me. I especially liked seeing the maps that the author has created to describe the Kingdom. Have downloaded the next book in the series (Servant of the Crown) to see what happens in this new world.
February 14, 2025
Sgt Gerald Matheson and Lord Richard Fitzwilliam (Fitz to his friends) are once more in battle mode. The Norland raiders have attacked a farm and Fitz and Gerald go after them....they split up Fitz heads to the farm and Gerald goes North. But Gerald encounters more than he bargained for and sends word to Fitz. Can they overcome insurmountable odds....read the book and find out.
Im sure once you have read this book you will want to read Paul J Bennetts other series featuring Fitz and Gerald.
Im sure once you have read this book you will want to read Paul J Bennetts other series featuring Fitz and Gerald.
December 16, 2019
Not impressed
Normally I am quite forgiving on typographical errors, grammatical faux pas and the like, but when a very poorly written short story is thrown out as a lead-in to an upcoming novel release, I take exception. I am expected to pay for the advertising? I guess I would be happier if the story made sense and was error free, but not much.
Normally I am quite forgiving on typographical errors, grammatical faux pas and the like, but when a very poorly written short story is thrown out as a lead-in to an upcoming novel release, I take exception. I am expected to pay for the advertising? I guess I would be happier if the story made sense and was error free, but not much.
October 30, 2020
A well written battle and strategy, and it offered a tantalizing glimpse of the characters and their relationship, which certainly left me wanting to check out the main series. It just felt as though something was missing, and I think a slightly more developed storyline or even just more focus on what was at risk, would have added a bit more to this one.
May 28, 2022
2nd time reading this
I first read this short story as pdf received from Paul Bennett’s website. I couldn’t find my review on Amazon or Goodread’s so I read it again. The battle scene is very intense but having read several of this series before I appreciated the training and strategies of Gerald and Fitz
I first read this short story as pdf received from Paul Bennett’s website. I couldn’t find my review on Amazon or Goodread’s so I read it again. The battle scene is very intense but having read several of this series before I appreciated the training and strategies of Gerald and Fitz
October 21, 2023
Help me read more books
A short story that introduces several characters in the series. Not too bad. It's hard to convey a full feeling about the world if this is the first book in the series you've read, but as far as battle stories goes, it's a pretty decent one.
A short story that introduces several characters in the series. Not too bad. It's hard to convey a full feeling about the world if this is the first book in the series you've read, but as far as battle stories goes, it's a pretty decent one.
November 13, 2023
Great introduction
I was intrigued by this introduction to the "Heir to the Crown" series. Having completed this intro, I still am intrigued.
For some reason, I can't explain, I have written reviews of the first two books before writing this one. This intro is more of a piece of the middle. Well, not exactly the "middle" but a part of the woven pattern of the story.
I was intrigued by this introduction to the "Heir to the Crown" series. Having completed this intro, I still am intrigued.
For some reason, I can't explain, I have written reviews of the first two books before writing this one. This intro is more of a piece of the middle. Well, not exactly the "middle" but a part of the woven pattern of the story.
July 29, 2024
Short story involving two likable characters from The Servant of the Crown. This short story also highlights one of the more common complaints about the series where an incorrect word will sometimes be used in a sentence. It isn’t frequent enough to destroy the stories being told but it is annoying. Otherwise likeable characters and this battle was a good one.
May 19, 2025
This was a perfect introduction to the Heir to the crown series! I especially loved the relationship between Gerald and Fitz; even if I hadn’t have read Servant of the Crown, I would instantly know they are great people with a strong bond. The pacing of the story was perfect and I never got bored. I definitely recommend this short story if you are into this kind of thing!
October 7, 2025
A quick short story you can read in just a few minutes. Starts off with sword practice and escalates into a full on battle. You get immediately immersed in the world with two protagonists and their friendship. It definitely sucks you into the world and leaves you wanting more. I definitely have to get the first full length book of the series to see how things go.
September 27, 2018
A good tale of valor against greater odds
I have given this book a 5 star 🌟 rating, I've read all the books written in this series and have enjoyed each book. I love Gerald, he's always in the thick of things. Read the books for yourselves you won't be sorry.
I have given this book a 5 star 🌟 rating, I've read all the books written in this series and have enjoyed each book. I love Gerald, he's always in the thick of things. Read the books for yourselves you won't be sorry.
April 17, 2019
This short story was very insightful about the relationship between Gerald and Lord Richard Fitzwilliam.
Against the odds they and their men stop an army from reaching Bodden Keep. I really enjoyed this story.
Against the odds they and their men stop an army from reaching Bodden Keep. I really enjoyed this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews