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Frozen Flame #2
Embers
There is no sanctuary for those who are hunted!
Natalie and Athgar are safely ensconced in the sleepy town of Ostermund when a chance encounter leads them on a trail of deceit that implicates an old ally.
After discovering who is behind the plot, they must make a choice, stay hidden or risk everything in the name of friendship!
Athgar, descendant of a vanquished people, wants only to protect that which he holds most dear.
Natalia, now secure in her powers, seeks peace, but the ever-growing shadow of the family threatens all she has fought for.
Together, they embark on a path where even their success could spell defeat, for this battle may start a war that none can stop.
Immerse yourself in a land steeped in magic and mystery as Paul J Bennett's The Frozen Flame series continues in his newest tale, Embers!
Be prepared for adventure when you pick up your copy of Embers today!
New to the series? Get to know Athgar and Natalia in their origin stories, Into the Fire & The Awakening, then pick up Ashes to learn how they meet!
409 pages, ebook
Published January 31, 2020
121 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Paul J. Bennett
48 books524 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 44 reviews
July 12, 2022
Why is this book simultaneously so easy going, and also so dark? 😭 The ending of this installment was a rollercoaster of devastation and hope, but I think I need a break from this series before reading books 3-5. Still in love with this couple, 10/10, healthy, cute, and so full of love 😭😭 I knew the moment the MCs got back to the orc-lands that I'd be crying, the orcs are just the most beautiful and heartfelt people in this world
July 31, 2022
Embers #2
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
A light entertaining read.
I would recommend Legends and Lattes if you enjoyed this.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
A light entertaining read.
I would recommend Legends and Lattes if you enjoyed this.
November 26, 2022
DNF 90% in. The ultimate middle finger.
This book would be about 50 pages long if you cut out all the characters explaining things to each other that we discovered the scene before. Or worse, explaining to each other shit they've already explained before. This is my impression of the characters
Natalia: I am thirsty and will have water
Athgar: but Natalia, there is no stream nearby!
Natalia: I am a water mage remember
Athgar: oh yes, I keep forgetting, how does that work again?
Natalia: I make water.
Athgar: ah, yes. But what is a fork? I've been watching you eat for several months now and still can't figure this darn crazy contraption out
Natalia: I will teach you like a child, here
Athgar: argghhhh too difficult, I spilt it all over myself
Natalia: I will clean you, with water
Athgar: wait, Natalia, there is no water nearby!!
Natalia: I will make some, with magic
Athgar: HOW?!
Natalia: I am a water mage remember
Athgar: oh yes, I'm not stupid you know
Natalia: ok, sweetie
That's actually better banter than any of the forced "comedic" scenes between the dwarf character (who's name I have forgotten already) and Athgar
I can't believe there are 7 of these books. Wow.
This book would be about 50 pages long if you cut out all the characters explaining things to each other that we discovered the scene before. Or worse, explaining to each other shit they've already explained before. This is my impression of the characters
Natalia: I am thirsty and will have water
Athgar: but Natalia, there is no stream nearby!
Natalia: I am a water mage remember
Athgar: oh yes, I keep forgetting, how does that work again?
Natalia: I make water.
Athgar: ah, yes. But what is a fork? I've been watching you eat for several months now and still can't figure this darn crazy contraption out
Natalia: I will teach you like a child, here
Athgar: argghhhh too difficult, I spilt it all over myself
Natalia: I will clean you, with water
Athgar: wait, Natalia, there is no water nearby!!
Natalia: I will make some, with magic
Athgar: HOW?!
Natalia: I am a water mage remember
Athgar: oh yes, I'm not stupid you know
Natalia: ok, sweetie
That's actually better banter than any of the forced "comedic" scenes between the dwarf character (who's name I have forgotten already) and Athgar
I can't believe there are 7 of these books. Wow.
January 26, 2020
I got a cup of mead as per Paul's suggestion and sat down to read Embers, the second book of the adventures of Natalia, a powerful water mage, and Athgar, a fire mage who came into his magic later in life with the Orcs. This is a really good standalone story too as it does not depend a lot on past happenings, although they are alluded to. In this adventure, they meet a Dwarf who is having a little trouble getting a room at the inn they are staying at. They help him out and become entangled in an adventure with him. There is a dastardly plot afoot that they become embroiled in. There are murders, deceit, theft, conspiracies, and the church is once again involved as it was in Ashes. It is a powerful story with plenty of adventure. Also plenty of magic as both are pushed to do things they didn't do before. There is lots of action in this story and one thing follows from another sometimes so fast it makes your head spin. The dwarf, whom they link up with to help him after his cousins are murdered, finds out about a plot to steal a Godstone from the Orc village that Athgar learned so much from. They discover a church leader who has evil designs and wishes to steal and make money for himself, another church leader who believes in honesty and in her calling to do good. and protect the innocent. It was very hard to put this one down, a great tale culminating in a wondrous battle using many types of weapons and a lot of magic. A must read.
July 7, 2023
Athgar and Natalia are still hiding from the Sartellian family she had been inducted into, and who were seeking to kill her if they managed to catch her, because she had escaped from the Volstrum. Athgar was intent on keeping his beloved safe and they now travelled with Belgast, a dwarf who had befriended them back in Ostermund. He who was also seeking vengeance on those who had killed his cousins and who intended blaming the massacre on the orcs. The orcs of the red hand being the adoptive family of Athgar, who had seen a knight leaving the site of the attack. Turns out there was more to this framing of the orcs than they had even anticipated, and unless the church and the temple knights of Cunar and their evil and power hungry commander, one known as father Gilbert are stopped a war which could totally wipe out the orcs could take place. Can Athgar and Natalia save their friends from the lies being told about them and their doom? I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, whereby we find the church being torn apart even from their own internal ranks, political intrigue and high ranking figures supposedly working together yet all intending to deceive one another, whilst also seeing loyalty and courage on behalf of our magic wielding friends of the orcs. Can't wait to read further into the series.
January 31, 2020
There is no sanctuary for those who are hunted!
Natalie and Athgar are safely ensconced in the sleepy town of Ostermund when a chance encounter leads them on a trail of deceit that implicates an old ally.
After discovering who is behind the plot, they must make a choice, stay hidden or risk everything in the name of friendship!
Athgar, descendant of a vanquished people, wants only to protect that which he holds most dear.
Natalia, now secure in her powers, seeks peace, but the ever-growing shadow of the family threatens all she has fought for.
Together, they embark on a path where even their success could spell defeat, for this battle may start a war that none can stop.
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 voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Natalie and Athgar are safely ensconced in the sleepy town of Ostermund when a chance encounter leads them on a trail of deceit that implicates an old ally.
After discovering who is behind the plot, they must make a choice, stay hidden or risk everything in the name of friendship!
Athgar, descendant of a vanquished people, wants only to protect that which he holds most dear.
Natalia, now secure in her powers, seeks peace, but the ever-growing shadow of the family threatens all she has fought for.
Together, they embark on a path where even their success could spell defeat, for this battle may start a war that none can stop.
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 voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 27, 2024
Simple, but enjoyable, the story builds on what came before, enlarging the conspiracy without giving up much more information. Unfortunately, the dialog is very hard to digest, and that had a huge impact on my enjoyment. Most of the dialog, especially in the first half of the book, was cringe-worthy, being naïve and stilted. I tried to skim over it, when possible, to get to the meatier narrative. The narrative itself was interesting at times, giving lots of background and nice descriptions, showing Athgar and Natalia’s inner feelings, among other points of view. They are still naïve (even beyond their dialog), trusting people too much –and most of the time, their trust pays off. The dwarf must have been fun to write, just different enough from humans, unlike the orcs, who didn’t seem that different. The best part was the final battle, describing the weapons and tactics from both sides. I was a bit let down by the ending, though, because the setup was so high and the magic didn’t amount to much. The story is a nice way to expand the world, but I wonder how long the author will continue to hint at conspiracies.
February 6, 2020
While I enjoyed the earlier prequel to this book, this one really got into it. I love dark ages style fiction and this one read like that. True, there were mages and orcs and fantasy but also plenty of good old-fashioned swordplay and bloodletting. As I indicated in my review of the prequel, the orcs were made to be sympathetic characters here and not simply shambling ogres. They were "humanized," if you will, and made me root for them.
So many so-called "fantasy" stories carry it to extremes, in my opinion. This series does not do that, instead created a world that seems almost real. I like the characters and the realm in which they exist. I now look forward to the upcoming sequel and shall enjoy that one every bit as much as I did this one.
So many so-called "fantasy" stories carry it to extremes, in my opinion. This series does not do that, instead created a world that seems almost real. I like the characters and the realm in which they exist. I now look forward to the upcoming sequel and shall enjoy that one every bit as much as I did this one.
February 2, 2020
This author is building a wonderful world full of amazing characters who have the most awesome adventures. Your two main characters Athgar (Fire) and Natalia (Ice) are joined by a Dwarf, Belgast, and a Sister Cordelia of the Temple Knights of Saint Agnes. They help Belgast to find his cousins, this adventure uncovers a plot to murder the Orcs of Ord-Kurgad where Athgar was lived after his village burnt down. Can the team stop this slaughter and win the day? With luck on their side they will. I can’t wait to read the next one in this great series. Grab yourself a copy and lose yourself in a fabulous series. Highly recommended.
June 12, 2023
BOOK TWO:-EMBERS-THE FROZEN FLAME
A poetic fiction as "for Rosen " flame(fee lame/lay-me).Apart from its tales on fallen apart conquered kingdoms;rising kingdom of Halvaria;story of magic and pretence to be mages to earn flame, it looks at origin and hierarchy of ascension to Roman army,court,royal stool, traditional medicine ;fire mages and the church and the link between members of all its stratas and dampening of ensuing flames to smoke..Many have contended the rightness of the rising order in hierarchy as slavery and reliance as opposed to independence especially with regards to the courts.
A poetic fiction as "for Rosen " flame(fee lame/lay-me).Apart from its tales on fallen apart conquered kingdoms;rising kingdom of Halvaria;story of magic and pretence to be mages to earn flame, it looks at origin and hierarchy of ascension to Roman army,court,royal stool, traditional medicine ;fire mages and the church and the link between members of all its stratas and dampening of ensuing flames to smoke..Many have contended the rightness of the rising order in hierarchy as slavery and reliance as opposed to independence especially with regards to the courts.
January 31, 2020
Paul J. Bennett has another awesome series on his hands.
Embers the 2nd book follows Athgar and Natalia as they try to hide from the Family who only wants Natalia for breeding. In doing so they stumble across another conspiracy. They team up with a Dwarf named Belgast Ridgehand whose cousins are murdered that leads them to try and uncover the truth. All signs are pointing to the Orcs but, Athgar knows better.
This book is action packed with corruption, love and faith and only the strongest will survive.
I love this book and series and can’t wait for more. I highly recommend this book.
Embers the 2nd book follows Athgar and Natalia as they try to hide from the Family who only wants Natalia for breeding. In doing so they stumble across another conspiracy. They team up with a Dwarf named Belgast Ridgehand whose cousins are murdered that leads them to try and uncover the truth. All signs are pointing to the Orcs but, Athgar knows better.
This book is action packed with corruption, love and faith and only the strongest will survive.
I love this book and series and can’t wait for more. I highly recommend this book.
February 29, 2020
Fantastic fantasy!!
P Paul J Bennett had done it again! A wonderful adventure with just a touch of romance this time. The characters are developing nicely as the story progresses. It's good to see some evolution of the characters from the first book. In this book a couple of new friends join Athgar and Natalia. My favorite was Belgath, the dwarf. What a fun character! I hope to see more of him again. The battle scenes are wonderful and make you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action. Eagerly awaiting the next book. Highly recommend!
P Paul J Bennett had done it again! A wonderful adventure with just a touch of romance this time. The characters are developing nicely as the story progresses. It's good to see some evolution of the characters from the first book. In this book a couple of new friends join Athgar and Natalia. My favorite was Belgath, the dwarf. What a fun character! I hope to see more of him again. The battle scenes are wonderful and make you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action. Eagerly awaiting the next book. Highly recommend!
January 31, 2020
Two young lovers, inexperienced and naïve – Athgar, a Therengian fire mage, and Natalia, a water mage: just looking for a way to live together peacefully, but their past won’t let them. Suddenly, they are in the middle of a dark conspiracy, and must rely on their wits and some friends to solve this dilemma to try to save an entire tribe of Orcs from certain destruction. A good tale, the second in the series, and worth the read. Waiting for the next episode is the hardest part!
February 7, 2020
As I have often said already, as I read through Paul's intertwining series, his writing just gets better and better!!
This is the continuation of Athgar and Natalia's story, with some new, and very interesting characters being introduced. The world creation is spectacular! I don't know how the author keeps everything straight in his head because everything is quite complex.
Another winner, for sure!!
This is the continuation of Athgar and Natalia's story, with some new, and very interesting characters being introduced. The world creation is spectacular! I don't know how the author keeps everything straight in his head because everything is quite complex.
Another winner, for sure!!
February 8, 2020
This book continues the story of Athgar and Natalie. It's a continuation of "Ashes” though you don't need to read "Ashes” to read "Embers" it gives background information on "Embers." Well written book and I really enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to the next book to see what happens to Athgar and Natalie. Paul J Bennett writes extremely good books and I highly recommend reading his books...
June 19, 2023
Natalia and Athgar are trying to keep a low profile. Seems like helping a Dwarf in need is a no brainer, but it leads to action they could not imagine. They unravel a mystery and deception at the highest level. The author leads the reader into the hints and wrongdoings. Then it is off to battle, significant fight that sets up the next journey in their lives. Now they consider themselves bondmates, but that was obvious from the beginning.
January 31, 2020
I LOVE this one! I'm a big fan of this author and I have read all of the books. This couple are still running from her family and they have another big adventure ahead. I really like the way they are together and the love between the two of them. Well written and characters that are believable and interesting. Don't miss this one!
February 1, 2020
I am really enjoying this new series by Paul Bennett This is the second book and the action, adventure and intrigue of our 2 protagonists continues. There are Dwarves, Orcs unscrupulous clerics and mages. What more could a fantasy fan want? I highly recommend all of Mr Bennetts books for their fresh new worlds.
February 2, 2020
Wow! The way the author creates a whole new world in this series is simply amazing. I couldn’t stop reading until the very end and the plot just got more interesting, full of twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat throughout all the pages. Wonderful characters, wonderful story, in summary a wonderful reading!!!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Read
February 2, 2020Natalie and Athgar continue to pursue their own safety. Even so, when they discover a plot, they have to decide whether to stay hidden or to risk their safety and their lives for friends. Lots of mystery, following the clues, lots of action and danger. Will they survive to fight again? Spellbinding read from beginning to end.
February 9, 2020
The book carries on from the first in the series. The main characters begin to take more shape and the reader will be pleased at how they interact and the storyline develops. I wondered after the first book how things were going to go and was pleasantly surprised to read this story. The author has an excellent series beginning to take shape and I very much look forward to reading the next book.
February 8, 2024
I rounded up because 3.75 is what I would rate this. I did listen to the audiobook reasons why is because the constant remarks to sex. I get they are newly together. Also it's someone what hard to tell what character is speaking bc of the close sound of the voices or exactly same voices. But over all it is a good story.
April 2, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it was very interesting to watch the two main characters relationship grow as they dealt with many different trials and tribulations. A very interesting and exciting read for sure.
Thank You very much for allowing me the privilege of reading the first two books in this series Mr. Bennett.
Thank You very much for allowing me the privilege of reading the first two books in this series Mr. Bennett.
June 28, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible)
Hiding out in a remote village only nets our pair of elemental magic users a new problem to solve.
Following the disappearance of a wagon load of processed iron and three people accompanying the shipment, a new hunt for killers of innocent people is on.
Hiding out in a remote village only nets our pair of elemental magic users a new problem to solve.
Following the disappearance of a wagon load of processed iron and three people accompanying the shipment, a new hunt for killers of innocent people is on.
January 31, 2020
Once again Paul Bennett takes us on a thrilling journey that will leave you wanting more! Athgar and Natalia make some new friends and enemies. If you have not started reading The Frozen Flame series you really need to!
February 1, 2020
As author BENNETT keeps writing,I keep reading...Mages on the run and in love,magical creatures and races,political intrigue,and a murder mystery..Who could not only keep up with this,plus add top-notch world-building and characters?? Read this novel for all the answers!! RECOMMENDED.
February 1, 2020
Worth waiting for this installment in Mr Bennett's second series. I love the humor between the two main characters as their adventures continue. I find myself wondering when the two series will start to interconnect.
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February 14, 2020Very good series. I've enjoyed the characters, the world building, the good guys, the bad guys, and the magic, all of which combine to make an interesting series. I highly recommend this saga.
Deborah, an avid reader
Deborah, an avid reader
November 29, 2020
In Embers, Athgar and Natalia unearth a plot to eradicate the Orcs of Kargen's tribe. Cunar Temple Knights have been staging attacks to look like the work of Orcs, convincing townspeople that they are in danger from them, therefore qualifying their attack on the tribe.
When Athgar falls ill with the same ailment that Natalia previously had, it is up to Natalia to try and find Kargen's tribe so that they can be warned of what was to come.
With the help of Cordelia and the Temple Knights of St Agnes, the Orcs are successful in defending their home albeit with heavy casualties.
This series just keeps getting better. Happy reading. Annemarie
When Athgar falls ill with the same ailment that Natalia previously had, it is up to Natalia to try and find Kargen's tribe so that they can be warned of what was to come.
With the help of Cordelia and the Temple Knights of St Agnes, the Orcs are successful in defending their home albeit with heavy casualties.
This series just keeps getting better. Happy reading. Annemarie
October 25, 2022
Embers is an improvement over the Ashes, especially in the story department. Unfortunately, it doesn't provide anything special or spectacular in any department. It remains OK, and nice, and decent, etc. which makes it a pleasant read, but not worth the investment of continuing the series further.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews