What do you think?
Rate this book
Heir to the Crown #3
Heart of the Crown
For as long as he can remember, Alric dreamed of being a hero; of defeating a dragon and saving the princess, but his royal position would never allow it, until…
The arrival of the Mercerian Emissaries demands a princely escort, and being neither the heir, nor the spare, he is the perfect choice. Used to a lifetime of comfort and ease, he expects this duty to be as tiresome as all the others.
His tranquil life is upended from the beginning, as havoc seems to follow these dignitaries everywhere, causing him all sorts of grief. From fighting unknown creatures to defending the life of a royal, he discovers that becoming a hero is much more dangerous than he ever imagined. No matter what the outcome, his life will never be the same.
The arrival of the Mercerian Emissaries demands a princely escort, and being neither the heir, nor the spare, he is the perfect choice. Used to a lifetime of comfort and ease, he expects this duty to be as tiresome as all the others.
His tranquil life is upended from the beginning, as havoc seems to follow these dignitaries everywhere, causing him all sorts of grief. From fighting unknown creatures to defending the life of a royal, he discovers that becoming a hero is much more dangerous than he ever imagined. No matter what the outcome, his life will never be the same.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2018
404 people are currently reading
463 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 22, 2019
Have you ever read a story and thought you have the perfect solution to the mystery plot? You screamed and raged to its written contents and tried all your might to get its attention? I wished to be transported in Merceria so I could join Princess Ana and her Knights of the Hounds. But alas NO! Never in my wildest dreams! ‘Heart of the Crown’ is such an engaging novel. A fast paced fantastical read. A discovery of new characters and friendship.
September 24, 2025
The sequels keep getting better than the previous ones. In this one we follow Princess Anna's retinue travel to the foreign kingdom of Weldwyn on a diplomatic mission. During their travels they encounter danger as prophetized by the Lady Albreda.
Want to read
September 6, 2022I received this book from the author and his canine friends as a prize in a weekly giveaway. Thank you to Paul, Tilly and Daisy.
April 8, 2020
For as long as he can remember, Alric dreamed of being a hero; of defeating a dragon and saving the princess, but his royal position would never allow it, until…
The arrival of the Mercerian Emissaries demands a princely escort, and being neither the heir, nor the spare, he is the perfect choice.
Used to a lifetime of comfort and ease, he expects this duty to be as tiresome as all the others. His tranquil life is upended from the beginning, as havoc seems to follow these dignitaries everywhere, causing him all sorts of grief.
From fighting unknown creatures to defending the life of a royal, he discovers that becoming a hero is much more dangerous than he ever imagined. No matter what the outcome, his life will never be the same.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
The arrival of the Mercerian Emissaries demands a princely escort, and being neither the heir, nor the spare, he is the perfect choice.
Used to a lifetime of comfort and ease, he expects this duty to be as tiresome as all the others. His tranquil life is upended from the beginning, as havoc seems to follow these dignitaries everywhere, causing him all sorts of grief.
From fighting unknown creatures to defending the life of a royal, he discovers that becoming a hero is much more dangerous than he ever imagined. No matter what the outcome, his life will never be the same.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
February 28, 2021
Heart of the Crown... But it does, Blanch, it does!
Young Princess Anna has been dispatched to the Kingdom of Weldwyn (Westland) on a mission of goodwill and fact-finding. It seems that the King's first choice of Princess Margaret is no longer favored for this task because it was pointed out that Anna does indeed have what it takes to command and lead a large number of troops. But is that the only reason?
This story is also about Prince Alric, whose point of view is where we see most of the story take place. He is third in line for the crown of Weldwyn, and as such his duties allow him ample free time so, therefore, he is assigned the task of meeting and escorting Princess Anna while she is in Weldwyn, or as the Mercerians call it, Westland.
Anna has brought her closest friends and council with her, along with her new Order of the Hound Knights. And it's a good thing too. One does not simply walk into Weldwyn and expect a cakewalk. Our young Princess continues to amaze those around her by showing great intelligence and maturity. Alric is confused and even a bit put off by Anna at first, until events conspire to show the young Prince that those viewed as enemies are often friends instead.
There is adventure and action to spare as well as an increase in our knowledge of this world and its history. We meet new races and learn more about some we've already met. We see bonds tested and strengthened. We see the young grow up and the mature grow older. We see a vibrant and fully fleshed world and all that makes it interesting to read about.
I enthusiastically recommend this story along with the ones before in the series. I've alluded to it before and I will again, You'll want to pick up your dice and roll while reading. I've heard of LitRPG and have actually shied away from it. If this series is an example of the genre, I really must rethink some of my past choices... Y'all enjoy now, ya hear?
Young Princess Anna has been dispatched to the Kingdom of Weldwyn (Westland) on a mission of goodwill and fact-finding. It seems that the King's first choice of Princess Margaret is no longer favored for this task because it was pointed out that Anna does indeed have what it takes to command and lead a large number of troops. But is that the only reason?
This story is also about Prince Alric, whose point of view is where we see most of the story take place. He is third in line for the crown of Weldwyn, and as such his duties allow him ample free time so, therefore, he is assigned the task of meeting and escorting Princess Anna while she is in Weldwyn, or as the Mercerians call it, Westland.
Anna has brought her closest friends and council with her, along with her new Order of the Hound Knights. And it's a good thing too. One does not simply walk into Weldwyn and expect a cakewalk. Our young Princess continues to amaze those around her by showing great intelligence and maturity. Alric is confused and even a bit put off by Anna at first, until events conspire to show the young Prince that those viewed as enemies are often friends instead.
There is adventure and action to spare as well as an increase in our knowledge of this world and its history. We meet new races and learn more about some we've already met. We see bonds tested and strengthened. We see the young grow up and the mature grow older. We see a vibrant and fully fleshed world and all that makes it interesting to read about.
I enthusiastically recommend this story along with the ones before in the series. I've alluded to it before and I will again, You'll want to pick up your dice and roll while reading. I've heard of LitRPG and have actually shied away from it. If this series is an example of the genre, I really must rethink some of my past choices... Y'all enjoy now, ya hear?
November 28, 2018
I just binge read books 1-3 and Battle at the River. Thoroughly enjoying this series, what a breath of fresh air. The writing style is best described as creative and mature. The author has created a well thought out world of different faction and peoples, which interact in realistic ways with understandable motives. I really enjoy his immersive writing style, rather than just talk about a journey or place, he describes it vividly. I also like his characters, they are well developed believable people who undergo a classic Hero's Journey of discovery challenge and growth. I also appreciate the balance between intrigue and action, and the battle scenes are top notch -- having done some shield bashing before, all of the action scenes make total sense and get down into the mud and blood.
Well done, looking forward to book 4 of the main series when it comes out!!
Well done, looking forward to book 4 of the main series when it comes out!!
May 9, 2019
I still believe that the basic storyline of this series is good but something has nagged me about the writing style since the beginning and, halfway through book three, I realised that it reads like a D&D game! Now, with every major event in the books I cannot help but visualise a group of avid gamers sitting around the table, rolling the dice and trying to trump their competitors. There is little or no connectivity between events and I can't help but wish for more depth and emotion attributed to the characters.
As I stated at the beginning the of this review, the basic story is compelling enough to continue reading the series to the end, I just hope this author grows more into a fantasy writer and away from his D&D habits.
I received this copy as an ARC and give this review accordingly
As I stated at the beginning the of this review, the basic story is compelling enough to continue reading the series to the end, I just hope this author grows more into a fantasy writer and away from his D&D habits.
I received this copy as an ARC and give this review accordingly
December 22, 2020
Heart of the Crown sees some new characters added into the mix. Alric and Anna didn't like each other when first they met but that changed over time. They matured and grew closer with the passage of time and the betrayals they encountered.
I am really enjoying the Heir to the Throne series (and it's offshoots) as the mix of history and fantasy makes for a spellbinding read. The characters are nicely 'fleshed out' and believable and scenes are described in such a way that you can almost picture yourself there. Paul has a way of bringing his characters to 'life' which leaves you wanting to know more. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Heart of The Crown: Heir to The Throne Book 3 from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
I am really enjoying the Heir to the Throne series (and it's offshoots) as the mix of history and fantasy makes for a spellbinding read. The characters are nicely 'fleshed out' and believable and scenes are described in such a way that you can almost picture yourself there. Paul has a way of bringing his characters to 'life' which leaves you wanting to know more. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Heart of The Crown: Heir to The Throne Book 3 from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
September 26, 2024
Paul Bennett is an amazing story teller!
Paul J. jBennett is a Master Story teller. His stories, although written for a younger audience, can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Our Heros have grown, in the earlier books of this series the back stories have all been told thus in this book the action begins. The story moves along at a quick pace, going from one adventure right into another. There is very little explaining needed as it was all given in the earlier books. This keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and immensely interested. At the same time, the characters are still growing, and developing so that the story can continue to grow and expand.
Truly a Great, fun, interesting, light read not to be missed.
Paul J. jBennett is a Master Story teller. His stories, although written for a younger audience, can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Our Heros have grown, in the earlier books of this series the back stories have all been told thus in this book the action begins. The story moves along at a quick pace, going from one adventure right into another. There is very little explaining needed as it was all given in the earlier books. This keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and immensely interested. At the same time, the characters are still growing, and developing so that the story can continue to grow and expand.
Truly a Great, fun, interesting, light read not to be missed.
October 29, 2025
Another 5 stars for Bennett
The story of Anna, the forgotten princess of Merceria continues. In this, she goes as a peaceful emmissary to the neighboring land of Westland and falls in love with the third son of the king. She travels with some of her Order of the Hound, the new life mage and his apprentice, the Saurian Lily, and Gerald, among others. Her adventures include discovering a pair of drakes (wild dragon-like animals), defeating an invasion by Westland's traditional enemy, and uncovering more of the prophesied "darkness over the land." As in the other books, the writing is graphic and compelling, the plot addictive and twisty, and the characterizations lively and realistic. Great story. I couldn't put it down.
The story of Anna, the forgotten princess of Merceria continues. In this, she goes as a peaceful emmissary to the neighboring land of Westland and falls in love with the third son of the king. She travels with some of her Order of the Hound, the new life mage and his apprentice, the Saurian Lily, and Gerald, among others. Her adventures include discovering a pair of drakes (wild dragon-like animals), defeating an invasion by Westland's traditional enemy, and uncovering more of the prophesied "darkness over the land." As in the other books, the writing is graphic and compelling, the plot addictive and twisty, and the characterizations lively and realistic. Great story. I couldn't put it down.
February 23, 2019
More intrigue and action... A fun romp...
Yet another tale of intrigue, action and humour... The introduction of new characters and personalities to the series is well implemented... Paul Bennetts writing draws the reader into each character in an easy and effective manner, making for thrilling dialogue and action scenes throughout...
I would have given 5 stars, however I was disappointed to note that following on from the next book (Book 4), there is to be yet another 3 books!!! Is this a series or a serial? I, for one, would enjoy a conclusion at some stage...
Yet another tale of intrigue, action and humour... The introduction of new characters and personalities to the series is well implemented... Paul Bennetts writing draws the reader into each character in an easy and effective manner, making for thrilling dialogue and action scenes throughout...
I would have given 5 stars, however I was disappointed to note that following on from the next book (Book 4), there is to be yet another 3 books!!! Is this a series or a serial? I, for one, would enjoy a conclusion at some stage...
Read
December 17, 2019Another great book, full of great characters and fascinating situations. This is looking like Hayley and the mage may have something going on.
Gerald's relationship with Anna is great and the father-daughter is a touching line. I don't know what the rest of the books hold in store but I will read them to find out how they escape from the dungeon after coming back home. This is the first of many books that I have read about knights that have female knights. I don't mind as long as they can tow the line. Thanks, Mr. Bennett for another greatly entertaining book. On my way to number four.
Gerald's relationship with Anna is great and the father-daughter is a touching line. I don't know what the rest of the books hold in store but I will read them to find out how they escape from the dungeon after coming back home. This is the first of many books that I have read about knights that have female knights. I don't mind as long as they can tow the line. Thanks, Mr. Bennett for another greatly entertaining book. On my way to number four.
June 15, 2023
Big spoiler here.
I finished this three book series and I actually regret finishing it because the ending was terrible. I think the writer just did not know how to finish it so he just cut it off at some point by suddenly killing ALL of the main protagonists in one poisoning event. Then it ends.
I doubt that I will bother with another Paul J. Bennet. Cheap endings really bother me, especially when it was a good story with interesting characters , plenty of action, and interesting complications in the plot. But he threw it all away with a cheap lazy ending.
I finished this three book series and I actually regret finishing it because the ending was terrible. I think the writer just did not know how to finish it so he just cut it off at some point by suddenly killing ALL of the main protagonists in one poisoning event. Then it ends.
I doubt that I will bother with another Paul J. Bennet. Cheap endings really bother me, especially when it was a good story with interesting characters , plenty of action, and interesting complications in the plot. But he threw it all away with a cheap lazy ending.
September 30, 2023
An extremely well written story. Loved the characters. The author really lays them out for you and draws you into their world. You feel like you are they as they are friendly with each other, and then in battle. Lots of action in this story. Many mysterious scenarios are presented that the intrepid crew unravels. If you like high adventure and fantasy, you will love this story. Includes enough romance to just touch your heart for them.
The one downside is a cliff hanger ending that the story did not deserve.
The one downside is a cliff hanger ending that the story did not deserve.
April 3, 2020
Heart of the Crown is the third book in the Heir to the Crown series. It's a well-written book shows the introduction Princess Anna of Merceria to Prince Alric of Weldwyn. Princess Anna I sent by her father the to the kingdom of Weldwyn known as Westland by the Mercerian. It's an easy book to read and starts with the end of the rebellion against the king. I would recommend this book and anything else by Paul J. Bennett as he is an excellent writer…
April 8, 2025
Continuing the saga of Merceria and her allies, Heart of the Crown by Paul J. Bennett weaves another captivating tale of a young prince and princess whose meeting can forge a strong alliance and change their kingdoms. There is intrigue, dangerous plots, laughter, love, and unexpected twists in the plot. A well written saga and I genuinely recommend this book.
December 30, 2019
4 out of five stars
Good read.
I recieved an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and I honestly
enjoyed reading it. I do miss the "old" Anna but I think Anna,Gerald, and Tempus do
too as do most of us after we reach a certain point of maturity and realize we can…
Good read.
I recieved an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and I honestly
enjoyed reading it. I do miss the "old" Anna but I think Anna,Gerald, and Tempus do
too as do most of us after we reach a certain point of maturity and realize we can…
February 5, 2022
Heart of the Crown
The author has created a complete world populated with characters both good and bad. Some become like family, others as friends and some to avoid! I am amazed at how complete and complex the story is!
The author has created a complete world populated with characters both good and bad. Some become like family, others as friends and some to avoid! I am amazed at how complete and complex the story is!
September 27, 2023
This is by far my favorite book in the series. It made me care so much about so many different characters that I really just got lost in the awesomeness of the setting. Everyone got personality and development, even minor characters.
I plan on seeing this series to the end.
I plan on seeing this series to the end.
May 28, 2024
So many battles it was epic
What can be said about book three other than it was epic and filled with battles and political intrigue and the ending was epic I look forward to the next book in the series, this book kept me entertained from the start to the end, enjoy it
What can be said about book three other than it was epic and filled with battles and political intrigue and the ending was epic I look forward to the next book in the series, this book kept me entertained from the start to the end, enjoy it
February 19, 2025
Another great book in the "Heir to The Crown" series. The same great characters and a few more. More adventure, more action. This author is a great story teller and this is a great story. If you like good fantasy you want to read this series. I highly recommend this series.
October 4, 2025
Excellent Writing
Plenty of action as some character mature, while others continue to develop based upon their various experiences. The stage is set for the next adventure of only the characters can survive the darkness emanating from behind the scenes.
Plenty of action as some character mature, while others continue to develop based upon their various experiences. The stage is set for the next adventure of only the characters can survive the darkness emanating from behind the scenes.
September 25, 2018
This "crown" series just keeps getting better and better! This author just ramps up the action,But his characters and plot line ramp up too! A must read..no,a pleasure and treat to read!!
January 9, 2019
This is another great book in an awesome series! Our friends set off on a mission of peace and get more than they bargain for.
May 1, 2019
Lots of action going on, and kept me up long past my usual reading plans. Great twist to the story at the end. Was so surprised!
November 25, 2019
3 stars. Better than 2nd book. My main criticism is than things happened throughout the book with no logic other than to be plot devices.
November 29, 2019
Leaning more toward the fantastical than the historical, Mr. Bennett's third book in this series is more in line with Tolkein than with Cornwell. A fun read!
December 24, 2019
Excellent read
The saga continues in both an enjoyable and engaging experience. Couldn't put it down. One of my favorite series of all time.
The saga continues in both an enjoyable and engaging experience. Couldn't put it down. One of my favorite series of all time.
April 4, 2020
I just finished reading books 1-3. I find the stories well written and quick reads. Even though the primary character shifts in each book the blend is great.
April 7, 2020
A great story with well written characters who draw you in more as story goes on
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews