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Heir to the Crown #2
Sword of the Crown
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!
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2018
524 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Paul J. Bennett
48 books525 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 66 reviews
December 30, 2020
How to phrase this. The story line in the first book in the series was very intriguing, and given that the heroine was ten (at the end of the book), the dialog was appropriate (though at times a little young). Then, too, I had just finished a scholarly (read "dry" - good, but dry) work on the history of Europe and so was ready for something light.
This book is well-done in terms of the series - we go back nearly to the beginning and tell the same story, but from a different point of view. Both stories intersect frequently, and seeing how the two individuals arrive at the intersecting points and then leave was very well done.
However, the writing style is still young, though the hero of this book is considerably older. It is a good story line - but there is a little too much stuff that seems almost like divine intervention. There's a problem that seems insoluble? Not to worry, something will turn up to make it all better.
For a teenage audience, it would be great - but I'm not a teenager any more.
This book is well-done in terms of the series - we go back nearly to the beginning and tell the same story, but from a different point of view. Both stories intersect frequently, and seeing how the two individuals arrive at the intersecting points and then leave was very well done.
However, the writing style is still young, though the hero of this book is considerably older. It is a good story line - but there is a little too much stuff that seems almost like divine intervention. There's a problem that seems insoluble? Not to worry, something will turn up to make it all better.
For a teenage audience, it would be great - but I'm not a teenager any more.
March 22, 2018
Great Story.
I really enjoyed the story. It is a fantastic book for everyone but particularly girls with its strong female role models My own young granddaughter wants to be a knight when she grows up so I think one day she would really like these books too. The stories are interesting as are the characters. I shall eagerly wait for the next book in the series
I really enjoyed the story. It is a fantastic book for everyone but particularly girls with its strong female role models My own young granddaughter wants to be a knight when she grows up so I think one day she would really like these books too. The stories are interesting as are the characters. I shall eagerly wait for the next book in the series
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February 22, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/22/2020)! 🎁
April 17, 2020
Story just got better and better...
Never ending adventure, you never know what is going to happen next...
Having to walk to the battlefield, fight and walk home...crazy...
Being a woman too , in that time and with big responsibilities in a man's world she comes across hateful opinions towards her but she will prevail...
Never ending adventure, you never know what is going to happen next...
Having to walk to the battlefield, fight and walk home...crazy...
Being a woman too , in that time and with big responsibilities in a man's world she comes across hateful opinions towards her but she will prevail...
September 18, 2025
Much better than the first installment in the series. In the first half of the novel, we follow Beverly Fitzwilliam's story from childhood to her pledging allegiance to princess Anna which is where we ended the last novel. Then they go to war to save the kingdom.
November 27, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, book two in "The Heir to the Crown" series. I found it fascinating.
I found myself thinking about how the author seems to keep all the characters and events in his head so well that everything seems seamless. It has become a continuing story to be enjoyed chapter by chapter, throughout each sequential novel.
As with the other novels in the series, which I've happened to read out of order, I have particularly enjoyed the ongoing character development that takes place, as they grew closer, as events unfold and progress and what things look like as the characters experience their reality and grow older with each novel.
I had read later novels in the series prior to this one, so I already had some idea of what happens to Beverly in her early years as a knight. But to read about what actually happened as it occurred in her 'real' timeline was a revelation, and caused not a few tears, as I'm sure would be the case with ANY woman or sensitive soul reading this novel. What she and other female knights had to go through and/or put up with is what I am certain actually occurred to females on a daily basis in the early years...before we became 'civilized'.
In this day and age, travesties similar to hers still occur, but they are fewer. Usually, if you hear about them at all, it's because they have happened in lesser developed or war-torn countries.
We are fortunate in the Western culture that we do not have groups of men physically setting themselves upon hapless women. We (women) are lucky that for the most part, while there's still grab-assing, cat-calls, or discrimination present, there is NOT at least outright assault of our person taking place as if it were 'normal' acceptable behaviour. I am personally very thankful for that aspect!
I found myself thinking about how the author seems to keep all the characters and events in his head so well that everything seems seamless. It has become a continuing story to be enjoyed chapter by chapter, throughout each sequential novel.
As with the other novels in the series, which I've happened to read out of order, I have particularly enjoyed the ongoing character development that takes place, as they grew closer, as events unfold and progress and what things look like as the characters experience their reality and grow older with each novel.
I had read later novels in the series prior to this one, so I already had some idea of what happens to Beverly in her early years as a knight. But to read about what actually happened as it occurred in her 'real' timeline was a revelation, and caused not a few tears, as I'm sure would be the case with ANY woman or sensitive soul reading this novel. What she and other female knights had to go through and/or put up with is what I am certain actually occurred to females on a daily basis in the early years...before we became 'civilized'.
In this day and age, travesties similar to hers still occur, but they are fewer. Usually, if you hear about them at all, it's because they have happened in lesser developed or war-torn countries.
We are fortunate in the Western culture that we do not have groups of men physically setting themselves upon hapless women. We (women) are lucky that for the most part, while there's still grab-assing, cat-calls, or discrimination present, there is NOT at least outright assault of our person taking place as if it were 'normal' acceptable behaviour. I am personally very thankful for that aspect!
October 24, 2020
Book 2 drops back in time to follow Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam, a strong-willed girl who is trained from her early years in combat, to fight for and protect her home from evil-doers. Raised by her father, the Baron of Bodden, she modeled his strength and dedication to fair and honest dealings and dreamt of becoming a knight. She realized the road through that male-dominated field would not be easy, and she had to continually contend with male contenders plotting against her, including unwanted sexual attacks. She had to prove herself to be better, stronger, smarter than the rest, just to be accepted as an equal. She was also subjected to political subterfuge, because of her father’s position, by his jealous rivals. Beverly was finally knighted as a result of her single-handed defense of the King against great odds while on a mission.
I enjoyed the manner in which the writer meshed Beverly’s journey with Anna’s and was impressed with the opportunity to observe Anna’s activities from book 1 now through Beverly’s point of view. Beverly’s search for a champion to serve was met with Anna’s need to secure a knight, because there was a constant threat of war hanging over the kingdom. The story is well-written, with strong characters who jump off the pages through the author’s vibrant descriptions. The battle scenes are especially well done, depicting pertinent details without being overdone. It was hard to put the book down, and I am eager to read the next installment. I received this book free through the Reading Deals emails – this review is my honest opinion.
I enjoyed the manner in which the writer meshed Beverly’s journey with Anna’s and was impressed with the opportunity to observe Anna’s activities from book 1 now through Beverly’s point of view. Beverly’s search for a champion to serve was met with Anna’s need to secure a knight, because there was a constant threat of war hanging over the kingdom. The story is well-written, with strong characters who jump off the pages through the author’s vibrant descriptions. The battle scenes are especially well done, depicting pertinent details without being overdone. It was hard to put the book down, and I am eager to read the next installment. I received this book free through the Reading Deals emails – this review is my honest opinion.
May 9, 2019
I received this book as an ARC download with the condition of giving a fair and honest review.
Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline as I did in the first book of the series, however I do have a problem with one area that I feel needs to be addressed. It concerns Lily, the lizard like creature that, until her discovery, had been thought to be extinct. When we meet her she is an extremely timid creature hiding away from mankind but she quickly becomes a featured persona in the story. My problem is that there is no mention of any reaction by anyone that this mythical creature is now in their midst. She travels with Anna's entourage, and is even taken to the royal palace and yet no-one reacts to her at all. Her presence is not entirely necessary either in the battles to come as she only comes to the aid of the army once. I really wished that she had been fleshed out more and that we saw at least some reactions when people are confronted with her. I realise that there is more backstory to come in future books so look forward to learning more about her.
Having said this, it is still a very enjoyable read.
Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline as I did in the first book of the series, however I do have a problem with one area that I feel needs to be addressed. It concerns Lily, the lizard like creature that, until her discovery, had been thought to be extinct. When we meet her she is an extremely timid creature hiding away from mankind but she quickly becomes a featured persona in the story. My problem is that there is no mention of any reaction by anyone that this mythical creature is now in their midst. She travels with Anna's entourage, and is even taken to the royal palace and yet no-one reacts to her at all. Her presence is not entirely necessary either in the battles to come as she only comes to the aid of the army once. I really wished that she had been fleshed out more and that we saw at least some reactions when people are confronted with her. I realise that there is more backstory to come in future books so look forward to learning more about her.
Having said this, it is still a very enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2021
Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam's time has arrived. She worked hard to be a warrior and a servant to the Crown and to its people, like the two men in her life she most admires. Along the way she learns some very hard but valuable lessons: Love can be a most hurtful foe, honor is not what it is meant to be and few men are noble enough to warrant her respect. Still, she lives her life with the aspiration of doing her duty to the Crown. And after a truly heroic event, she is rewarded with knighthood, and resentment from all quarters.
Sword of the Crown overlaps some with the first book Servant of the Crown in that it is from Beverly's perspective. We learn quite a bit about how the Kingdom of Merceria is not the shining bastion of honor, duty, and nobility, but a cesspool of corruption and entitlement. Gerald and Anna, and of course, Tempus revise their roles and help build upon this growing story of brave hearts and noble souls.
I enthusiastically recommend this story to those who long for days of yore when folk just knew what was right, and what was wrong, and did what was needed no matter the cost.
Sword of the Crown overlaps some with the first book Servant of the Crown in that it is from Beverly's perspective. We learn quite a bit about how the Kingdom of Merceria is not the shining bastion of honor, duty, and nobility, but a cesspool of corruption and entitlement. Gerald and Anna, and of course, Tempus revise their roles and help build upon this growing story of brave hearts and noble souls.
I enthusiastically recommend this story to those who long for days of yore when folk just knew what was right, and what was wrong, and did what was needed no matter the cost.
February 29, 2020
This series is a medieval tale of knights and nobles, commoners and servants. The setting is realistic, this is not a fantasy as such, there are few wizards, magic, or mystical properties and no superhuman beings. The pacing is good absent excessive descriptions and the majority of the characters are likable. The Baron is egalitarian and quite non-sexist for his era and shows remarkable concern for his subjects remarking that a noble serves his subjects, not the other way round. He is not above mucking out his own stables or ordering his knights to do the same.
I stand corrected, a quarter of the way in Lady Beverly meets a Druid and talks of Elves and I’d forgotten the king’s magical healer. Alas, the book could use some judicious editing. This would not be the first such story that sees a person of noble birth finding a love-match with a commoner custom forbid she/he wed. The best way to defeat an enemy is to make a friend of him but too many prefer the valor of victory. Political intrigue and class snobbery too often deny nations their best leaders.
I stand corrected, a quarter of the way in Lady Beverly meets a Druid and talks of Elves and I’d forgotten the king’s magical healer. Alas, the book could use some judicious editing. This would not be the first such story that sees a person of noble birth finding a love-match with a commoner custom forbid she/he wed. The best way to defeat an enemy is to make a friend of him but too many prefer the valor of victory. Political intrigue and class snobbery too often deny nations their best leaders.
September 15, 2022
In the first book I very much enjoyed getting to know Gerald and Anna. It was also refreshing to have an honourable Baron who put friendship, family and the protection of his people above all else. So with that foundation in place it was great to go back in time and follow Beverly Fitzwilliams upbringing in Bodden and grow with her as she trains to become a knight.
Her story with Aldwin is sweet and in spite of all the hurdles she has to face as a female, her spirit and determination are inspiring. The world is not an easy place but it’s so much better when you have the support of good people within the realm. I love the strong and smart female characters and the battle scenes were cleverly written with the right amount of combat and strategy. This book left me looking forward to the next one, where the kingdom will surely face upheaval and treachery.
Her story with Aldwin is sweet and in spite of all the hurdles she has to face as a female, her spirit and determination are inspiring. The world is not an easy place but it’s so much better when you have the support of good people within the realm. I love the strong and smart female characters and the battle scenes were cleverly written with the right amount of combat and strategy. This book left me looking forward to the next one, where the kingdom will surely face upheaval and treachery.
May 11, 2020
I am beginning to really enjoy this series. There are elements of fantasy in it - Orcs, Mages, Elfs, etc. - but it also has enough medieval flavor to fall into my scope. There are knights and battle scenes aplenty here. That said, I really, really liked Beverly, the main character of this particular book. She is a strong and independent woman and nobody's fool. Her road from royal child to knight is a rocky one but she perseveres. Beverly can outfight just about anyone and is forced to prove it many times. A female knight is unheard of and not readily accepted in the realm. I found myself cheering her on time and time again as she bucked the odds.
I definitely want to read the rest of this series as well as the other series by this author. He has me hooked.
I definitely want to read the rest of this series as well as the other series by this author. He has me hooked.
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December 10, 2024This story was interesting enough and the characters likeable. However, this whopper is over 600 pages and after finishing about half I really don't think I can finish it. For one thing it reads like a young adult book, which is fine, just not what I was looking for in a story. Next, the story doesn't seem to have any tension and what I mean by that is that everyone is mostly nice to one another, if a conflict crops up it is dealt with quickly and blandly and the culprit is written off stage. Beverly seems to be the super goddess of Knights and never seems to lose, much to amazement of all her colleague Knights and nothing is below her to tackle. She is too good to be true and just too neat and tidy for me.
I may finish this book in the future but for now I think I'll take a break.
I may finish this book in the future but for now I think I'll take a break.
September 15, 2023
Honestly I really feel like the only word I can think of when talking about this series is cozy. It’s just comfortable to read these stories and characters and feel good as they each progress.
The reason for the four star review is the pacing, which I still didn’t get used to, it starts off really slow and just when you reach that third act you see the action really pick up. But when it does it is worth it.
You’ll see more worldbuilding in this one which is good cause the world wasn’t very addressed in the first book of the series since it was more character driven.
I’m looking forward to what the future holds to this saga and still am really curious for more lore.
The reason for the four star review is the pacing, which I still didn’t get used to, it starts off really slow and just when you reach that third act you see the action really pick up. But when it does it is worth it.
You’ll see more worldbuilding in this one which is good cause the world wasn’t very addressed in the first book of the series since it was more character driven.
I’m looking forward to what the future holds to this saga and still am really curious for more lore.
November 12, 2023
This volume of the series is a great stand-alone book. I believe it can be enjoyed as a first read. That being said, as a sequel it builds on and continues the story.
One could say that both books combine to tell a story, not a a continuation, but as a parallel to what is happening. It's like telling Beverly's story in parallel to Gerald's. In other words, The same story is being told from different viewpoints.
It's like you won't get the whole story until the last volume is read because while telling the same story parts are filled in from what happened in another's viewpoint/story. I'm really looking forward to learning more in the rest of the series.
Paul, job well done.
One could say that both books combine to tell a story, not a a continuation, but as a parallel to what is happening. It's like telling Beverly's story in parallel to Gerald's. In other words, The same story is being told from different viewpoints.
It's like you won't get the whole story until the last volume is read because while telling the same story parts are filled in from what happened in another's viewpoint/story. I'm really looking forward to learning more in the rest of the series.
Paul, job well done.
April 3, 2020
Beverly Fitzwilliam of Bodden was knighted because of her bravery against the raiders trying to capture the king. Merceria is at the beginnings of a rebellion. Princes Anna marches to Wincaster working makes arrangements with the forces lifted Wincaster and the Elves together as the Dwarfs to fight with her horse to Kingsford and then at Bodden. Princes Anna defeated the Earl of Eastbrook and was honored by her father the king. This is the second book in the Heir To The Crown series and is very well written and enjoy free…
January 12, 2023
A good read, this three-book set traces events in the Kingdom of Merceria (a thinly-veiled version of England) during what we would consider Medieval times. Each book gives a different perspective: the first from the eyes of Gerald Matheson (a common man and soldier); the second from the view of a noble lady who becomes a knight (Beverly Fitzwarren); and the third from the perspective of several characters, with a framing story to set it up.
With fewer typos and editing problems than most Ebooks, this is a well-told tale, with the reader’s time.
With fewer typos and editing problems than most Ebooks, this is a well-told tale, with the reader’s time.
April 29, 2023
This is an action packed story. The female leads are dominant here, but have strong supporting characters. Beverly will not let anything get in her way to become the person she wants to be. She has a vision and she has determination. You'll love her.
She meets Princess Anna along the way. The pair are a power to behold. If you love action, adventure, fantasy and strong female leads, give this a read.
I thing the Epilogue would have been better as the Prologue for the next book. It is cliff hangar which didn't need to happen.
She meets Princess Anna along the way. The pair are a power to behold. If you love action, adventure, fantasy and strong female leads, give this a read.
I thing the Epilogue would have been better as the Prologue for the next book. It is cliff hangar which didn't need to happen.
August 18, 2019
Sword of the Crown is a back story of Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam from infanthood to knighthood. It’s a story of courage, loyalty and her struggle as a lady knight in the midst of all good and evil. A quick read, at times a bit frustrating for the narratives are repetitive. I have to believe it is written for my fellow bookish who happens to pick it up out of order without realizing it’s part of a series. Overall, a great story and an adventure to the Heir to the Crown we can look forward to.
December 7, 2019
Knights Demise
One of the best books that I read in a long time. Knights of old, brave and bold sure was evident in this story. The king was a tyrant that could not recognize quality talents when he saw them. Beverly was an outstanding knight but was not recognized for her achievements. The kings who're probably had a lot to do with it. I hope that as I continue to read Mr. Bennett's books that she receive her just rewards.
One of the best books that I read in a long time. Knights of old, brave and bold sure was evident in this story. The king was a tyrant that could not recognize quality talents when he saw them. Beverly was an outstanding knight but was not recognized for her achievements. The kings who're probably had a lot to do with it. I hope that as I continue to read Mr. Bennett's books that she receive her just rewards.
May 9, 2019
I loved the story, but I found that the writing style changed, for me it was more goal oriented, like you take a point in the timelime and boom this happen, it was not the same feeling as the first one, that being said, I really enjoy the characters, Anna and Beverly are gems, and it did move the story quite fast. Its a great read and I can't wait to read the next one in the serie.
April 23, 2020
Overall I liked the book. I did feel as though things were often too perfect. The MC was saved numerous times from serious injury in unfair moments. It seemed she had a good luck charm. There were spots in the story where it dragged out the dialogue and not much really going on. I preferred the first book of the series to the second.
May 10, 2020
Unpredictable, action adventure!
A story that has 2 girls growing into strong women, in a mans world, set in the middle ages, with knights fighting in a war. Well developed characters in this fast paced, action adventure. This page turning story, has twist and turns that keep you wanting to find out what happens next. Looking forward to reading the next book.
A story that has 2 girls growing into strong women, in a mans world, set in the middle ages, with knights fighting in a war. Well developed characters in this fast paced, action adventure. This page turning story, has twist and turns that keep you wanting to find out what happens next. Looking forward to reading the next book.
April 28, 2023
I have read this book 3 times already! The story is brilliant with a lot of fighting, intrigue and feelings developing between a couple of the characters. It carries on seamlessly from book one and I can't wait to read book 3, Heart of the Crown.
I was given this book for free on the understanding that I write a true and fair review of the book.
I was given this book for free on the understanding that I write a true and fair review of the book.
April 11, 2024
Book 2 was amazing
I was so into this volume of the series because it keeps unraveling more and more of this world and its politics that I do not know where the next problem will come from which is great story telling, this is building into a great series with political agendas in every corner, look forward to next book.
I was so into this volume of the series because it keeps unraveling more and more of this world and its politics that I do not know where the next problem will come from which is great story telling, this is building into a great series with political agendas in every corner, look forward to next book.
December 25, 2024
While I found repeating the same story from a different perspective to be a little annoying, it helped me get a sense of who Beverly was. She is a powerful woman stuck in a sexist society and trying her damndest to achieve what she considers success.
The writing here is better than the first book and the story was more engaging. I found it easier to read and wanted to move to the next chapter.
The writing here is better than the first book and the story was more engaging. I found it easier to read and wanted to move to the next chapter.
June 2, 2018
This is a good book. Loved the characters, story development and a few other parts of the story. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and cannot wait for the next book of this series to came out.
July 3, 2018
This is a great sequel to "Servant of the Crown", filled in the blanks from book one and filled with excitement, strategy and medieval fighting. It will take you to another time and place, feeling like you are part of the story and won't let you go.
March 18, 2019
A Different Twist
The story keeps moving...something new at every turn. The unexpected always happens. Hard to put down my Kindle reader. A nice mix of reality and fantasy. Plus it feels like you are right there in the room as they are strategizing the Battle Plan
The story keeps moving...something new at every turn. The unexpected always happens. Hard to put down my Kindle reader. A nice mix of reality and fantasy. Plus it feels like you are right there in the room as they are strategizing the Battle Plan
November 25, 2019
2.5 stars. The story introduces a new main character by retelling most of what occurred in the first book from the new character's perspective. This can be interesting if done well. The author missed; it seemed merely redundant.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews