What do you think?
Rate this book
Frozen Flame #0.5
The Awakening: Into The Fire
The path to one's destiny is never easy!
Athgar and Natalia are destined to become great mages, yet everyone has to start somewhere. In this prequel to Ashes, the first book in The Frozen Flame series, discover who they were before magic chose them.
The Awakening
For Stanislav, it's a mage hunter's dream, an easy job on the edge of town.
At first glance, Natalia is nothing more than a peasant child, though word of her magical powers has come to light.
Now all he needs to do is confirm the rumours, grab the girl, and hand her off.
What could go wrong?
Into the Fire
All Athgar needs to do is make the kill!
To his people, tradition is everything, but to him, it feels like a prison. Every day is the same, until the Orcs arrive, offering him a way out.
Now he must make a choice, follow in his father's footsteps, or forge his own path.
Pick up your copy of The Frozen Flame Prequel today to learn the origins of these powerful mages!
85 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
47 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Paul J. Bennett
48 books533 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 39 reviews
September 28, 2019
This is the story of how Natalia and Athgar became mages and what led up to their meeting. This story is simply written but really felt more complete or maybe it was a good length to tell the story without seeming to be for a younger audience as the longer stories. It is a story for preteens to adults The dialog is a bit stiff but the story is nice. I like how the different tribes/species were humanely portrayed -- both the good and bad. The world building is nice. I really could picture these places in my head.
October 18, 2019
in this book we get to see how natalia's and athgar's lifes are and what kind of power they possess or how they come into their power.what happens to them and how they deal with what they face.but who are they destined to be?and what are their destinies?will their paths cross?i loveddddd the book
February 2, 2020
Totally awesome as usual. Paul Bennett’s story telling is complete enthralling, from page one you are swept into the world he had created and not released till the end. I loved this book. Highly recommend.
October 12, 2019
The path to one's destiny is never easy!
Athgar and Natalia are destined to become great mages, yet everyone has to start somewhere. In this prequel to Ashes, the first book in The Frozen Flame series, discover who they were before magic chose them.
The Awakening
For Stanislav, it's a mage hunter's dream, an easy job on the edge of town.
At first glance, Natalia is nothing more than a peasant child, though word of her magical powers has come to light.
Now all he needs to do is confirm the rumours, grab the girl, and hand her off.
What could go wrong?
Into the Fire
All Athgar needs to do is make the kill!
To his people, tradition is everything, but to him, it feels like a prison. Every day is the same, until the Orcs arrive, offering him a way out.
Now he must make a choice, follow in his father's footsteps, or forge his own path.
Wonderful prequel to this new series.
Well written plot and story line that is very engaging from start.
Well written characters that have me curious to see where the author takes us with them.
Wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read them all!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Athgar and Natalia are destined to become great mages, yet everyone has to start somewhere. In this prequel to Ashes, the first book in The Frozen Flame series, discover who they were before magic chose them.
The Awakening
For Stanislav, it's a mage hunter's dream, an easy job on the edge of town.
At first glance, Natalia is nothing more than a peasant child, though word of her magical powers has come to light.
Now all he needs to do is confirm the rumours, grab the girl, and hand her off.
What could go wrong?
Into the Fire
All Athgar needs to do is make the kill!
To his people, tradition is everything, but to him, it feels like a prison. Every day is the same, until the Orcs arrive, offering him a way out.
Now he must make a choice, follow in his father's footsteps, or forge his own path.
Wonderful prequel to this new series.
Well written plot and story line that is very engaging from start.
Well written characters that have me curious to see where the author takes us with them.
Wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read them all!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 12, 2019
This is a set of 2 prequels to Paul J. Bennett’s new series. Both are excellent!
The Awakening
This is a short novella that tells the story of how Natalia was brought to the Volstrum, where she was taught to be a mage. It’s well written and gives insight into many of the characters in Ashes, including Stanislav Voronsky, Mistress Illiana and of course, Natalia. I really enjoyed this short read.
Into the Flames
This novella tells the story of how Athgar got his first kill in a hunt, and gives more detail into how his village was destroyed. I liked learning more about his village and his sister. I also liked how the orcs helped Athgar learn to hunt with the bow and it was nice to get the backstory of the orcs trading with Athgar’s family. I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel.
The Awakening
This is a short novella that tells the story of how Natalia was brought to the Volstrum, where she was taught to be a mage. It’s well written and gives insight into many of the characters in Ashes, including Stanislav Voronsky, Mistress Illiana and of course, Natalia. I really enjoyed this short read.
Into the Flames
This novella tells the story of how Athgar got his first kill in a hunt, and gives more detail into how his village was destroyed. I liked learning more about his village and his sister. I also liked how the orcs helped Athgar learn to hunt with the bow and it was nice to get the backstory of the orcs trading with Athgar’s family. I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel.
October 6, 2019
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review. i thought this was a great prequel. Paul is a great storyteller. He has a way of engaging the reader into his stories.
August 11, 2021
"I witnessed it myself"
The Awakening: Natalia is a ten-year-old girl from a small village. She has the ability to make running water calm by making contact with it and calling fish to her. She is out one day with her friends and this happens. They shun her and call her names. The rumors get back Dagor lesser fire mage who brings it to the attention of Illiana the most powerful mage and Grand Mistress of the Volstrum. Being the girl is so young, the Grand Mistress needs to find out if the rumors are true, she puts Dagor in charge of finding out. If Natalia has the ability to affect water, then she will need to be trained, so she does not become a danger. Dagor hires a mage hunter named Stanislav to seek out the child. The mage hunter and two of his hires go to the small town the girl is from. The adventure from there takes a few twists and turns.
Into the fire: "No more the burden he has carried his whole life"
Athagar is a warrior along with his sister Ethwyn. Preferring bow to spear, he has not yet managed to kill an animal with his spear. He is looked down on by others who have been blooded. Because he is not good enough, he also loses his betrothed. He also has taken over his father's business, bow and arrow making. One of his clientele is Orcs. With the help of the Orcs, he is given advice and finally makes a kill. Of course, there is more that goes on in the story, but I don't want to spoil it.
I really like these two stories. Written in detail and great world-building. The characters are relatable, and you can feel the emotions they give off. A clear read that is easy to follow. I'm actually looking forward to reading the books.
The Awakening: Natalia is a ten-year-old girl from a small village. She has the ability to make running water calm by making contact with it and calling fish to her. She is out one day with her friends and this happens. They shun her and call her names. The rumors get back Dagor lesser fire mage who brings it to the attention of Illiana the most powerful mage and Grand Mistress of the Volstrum. Being the girl is so young, the Grand Mistress needs to find out if the rumors are true, she puts Dagor in charge of finding out. If Natalia has the ability to affect water, then she will need to be trained, so she does not become a danger. Dagor hires a mage hunter named Stanislav to seek out the child. The mage hunter and two of his hires go to the small town the girl is from. The adventure from there takes a few twists and turns.
Into the fire: "No more the burden he has carried his whole life"
Athagar is a warrior along with his sister Ethwyn. Preferring bow to spear, he has not yet managed to kill an animal with his spear. He is looked down on by others who have been blooded. Because he is not good enough, he also loses his betrothed. He also has taken over his father's business, bow and arrow making. One of his clientele is Orcs. With the help of the Orcs, he is given advice and finally makes a kill. Of course, there is more that goes on in the story, but I don't want to spoil it.
I really like these two stories. Written in detail and great world-building. The characters are relatable, and you can feel the emotions they give off. A clear read that is easy to follow. I'm actually looking forward to reading the books.
October 1, 2025
A great start to a fantasy coming of age series
I recently picked up this book which is the prequel to The Awakening Series by Paul J Bennett. I thought it was quite a pleasant read.
It wasn't very long for a sequel and I breezed through it in just a matter of days. This book actually has two storylines going on at the same time, the first is about Athgar a young hunter from a village in the countryside who tries to become a worthwhile hunter in his village but finds it harder to accomplish than he would like.
The second storyline involves Natalia, a young girl from a separate village who's ostracized by those in her village due to the strange magical powers she demonstrates, causing water to freeze when she so much as touches it.
This book didn't take that long to get through with the actual story being only around 80 pages or so. But it was quite immersive and descriptive and the author's writing style is conversational and easy to follow.
I found the story to be a light, entertaining read with much of the same elements you would expect to find in such a fantasy book, such as magic, diverse creatures like orcs, mages, political strife, multiple countries/kingdoms warfare and quaint countryside landscapes.
I would recommend this book for 5 stars. Keep up the good work Mr. Bennett :)
I recently picked up this book which is the prequel to The Awakening Series by Paul J Bennett. I thought it was quite a pleasant read.
It wasn't very long for a sequel and I breezed through it in just a matter of days. This book actually has two storylines going on at the same time, the first is about Athgar a young hunter from a village in the countryside who tries to become a worthwhile hunter in his village but finds it harder to accomplish than he would like.
The second storyline involves Natalia, a young girl from a separate village who's ostracized by those in her village due to the strange magical powers she demonstrates, causing water to freeze when she so much as touches it.
This book didn't take that long to get through with the actual story being only around 80 pages or so. But it was quite immersive and descriptive and the author's writing style is conversational and easy to follow.
I found the story to be a light, entertaining read with much of the same elements you would expect to find in such a fantasy book, such as magic, diverse creatures like orcs, mages, political strife, multiple countries/kingdoms warfare and quaint countryside landscapes.
I would recommend this book for 5 stars. Keep up the good work Mr. Bennett :)
May 6, 2024
From a young age, Natalia showed she was capable of doing magical things with water. Word of this ability got to the Volstrum, and they sent out a mage hunter to collect her. At the age of ten years old, the little girl Natalia was removed from her mother’s care and delivered to the Volstrum where she would learn how to develop and control her magic. Eleven years later, a young man who was just twenty years old who is named Athgar. He had his village attacked by an unknown force of men. Why they attacked, he did not know.
This short read is a prequel of The Frozen Flame Series. One does not need to read it to understand what or why the events in other books occur. The physical world-building gives the reader enough information to let their imagination form a picture in their mind. The ethereal world-building is mostly a personal thing. The character’s interaction is unusual in the traditional sense since friendly interactions between characters is also between species who traditionally hate each other. This read provides the history of the MCs in the first book of the series.
This short prequel is all about the coming of age to be able to use magic, not the coming of age of maturity or fertility. I give this read four stars out of five stars.
This short read is a prequel of The Frozen Flame Series. One does not need to read it to understand what or why the events in other books occur. The physical world-building gives the reader enough information to let their imagination form a picture in their mind. The ethereal world-building is mostly a personal thing. The character’s interaction is unusual in the traditional sense since friendly interactions between characters is also between species who traditionally hate each other. This read provides the history of the MCs in the first book of the series.
This short prequel is all about the coming of age to be able to use magic, not the coming of age of maturity or fertility. I give this read four stars out of five stars.
August 29, 2020
The idea for the series sounds promising but the prequel was a lot of words with no substance and little development of the plot and the characters or the world in which the story plays out. This is a prequel to a full series and it falls flat. You have characters having conversations but it's just noise. Instead of describing the land, world and people, the author makes an unsuccessful attempt by way of characters blabbing.
It was a very short read and if the author had given a little more attention to letting the reader know about his characters and the world they live in I would tolerate such a short read. I love the supernatural and paranormal . I hope the rest of the series is just as entertaining but hopefully longer. This is why I don't buy books that are so short. They're not usually worth it. But I will give you 3 stars for the possibility I hope you can give to the rest of the series.
It was a very short read and if the author had given a little more attention to letting the reader know about his characters and the world they live in I would tolerate such a short read. I love the supernatural and paranormal . I hope the rest of the series is just as entertaining but hopefully longer. This is why I don't buy books that are so short. They're not usually worth it. But I will give you 3 stars for the possibility I hope you can give to the rest of the series.
Read
October 25, 2020Athgar and Natalia are destined to become great mages, yet everyone has to start somewhere. In this prequel to Ashes, the first book in The Frozen Flame series, discover who they were before magic chose them.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review so here goes:
It's a very short book and I really would have liked a bit more world-building and character development. It's not terrible by any means and is 'only' a prequel to another series. I *think* I could like Natalia and Athgar but we don't really get much of a feel for them here. Quite honestly, I was more interested in Stanislov the mage hunter in The Awakening and the Orcs in Into the Fire than either of the so-called 'main' characters. I learned more about orc beliefs and culture in that one than about any of the human realms. More ORCS, Paul!!
These probably would have worked better as opening chapters in future books or even as 'flashbacks'.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review so here goes:
It's a very short book and I really would have liked a bit more world-building and character development. It's not terrible by any means and is 'only' a prequel to another series. I *think* I could like Natalia and Athgar but we don't really get much of a feel for them here. Quite honestly, I was more interested in Stanislov the mage hunter in The Awakening and the Orcs in Into the Fire than either of the so-called 'main' characters. I learned more about orc beliefs and culture in that one than about any of the human realms. More ORCS, Paul!!
These probably would have worked better as opening chapters in future books or even as 'flashbacks'.
June 12, 2023
BOOK:-AWAKENING,THE FROZEN FLAME: NATALIA'S PREQUEL
A Short story on Natalia at ten(t-earn for perfect earn) and the expectance of a catcher fee(CA-CHA fee with CA for great in ikwerre language as pronounced and CHA for Catholic health association and description of care for the elderly and use of technology.); Induction (in-duct-t-on ) after finish of work and puting together things as bandaging a wound(WHO-earn-d with WHO for world health organization)
BOOK:-IN THE FIRE-FROZEN FLAME-ATHGARS PREQUEL.
This is about the life of a soldier with the associated moving around with spears(sip-airs/errs or see pee airs) all day long in marriage withstanding attacks by animals and rivals having to kill(key-ill/care-ill ) target(ta-get with Ta for source and tar for road(row after de
A Short story on Natalia at ten(t-earn for perfect earn) and the expectance of a catcher fee(CA-CHA fee with CA for great in ikwerre language as pronounced and CHA for Catholic health association and description of care for the elderly and use of technology.); Induction (in-duct-t-on ) after finish of work and puting together things as bandaging a wound(WHO-earn-d with WHO for world health organization)
BOOK:-IN THE FIRE-FROZEN FLAME-ATHGARS PREQUEL.
This is about the life of a soldier with the associated moving around with spears(sip-airs/errs or see pee airs) all day long in marriage withstanding attacks by animals and rivals having to kill(key-ill/care-ill ) target(ta-get with Ta for source and tar for road(row after de
August 16, 2024
The writing was great. The book consisted of two short stories providing some backstory to the main characters that appear in the book, "Ashes". The problem was that I haven't read the book "Ashes" yet. Thus, the stories lacked sufficient buildup and a sensible ending. It was almost as if these stories were originally part of a first draft of the book, "Ashes" but were cut, (sensibly) to help with the pacing.
This is a book for fans. I did enjoy the writing though and it made me look forward to the series.
This is a book for fans. I did enjoy the writing though and it made me look forward to the series.
September 13, 2023
Format: Kobo/Ereader
Why: I think it was free, so I decided to give the prebook a chance
Thoughts: I gave it 3 stars....it did not make me want to rush out and get the series, but I would also read it if I got the chance. Unfortunately, TBR pile is a little too large to go on books that don't grasp my interest straight away but happy to try in the future.
Characters looked interesting but did fall in the fire and water welding powers theme, so if you're in the mood for that, this would be a great series for you.
Why: I think it was free, so I decided to give the prebook a chance
Thoughts: I gave it 3 stars....it did not make me want to rush out and get the series, but I would also read it if I got the chance. Unfortunately, TBR pile is a little too large to go on books that don't grasp my interest straight away but happy to try in the future.
Characters looked interesting but did fall in the fire and water welding powers theme, so if you're in the mood for that, this would be a great series for you.
September 26, 2023
The Awakening - Into the Fire: The Frozen Flame Prequels, my seventh highly enjoyable read from author Paul J. Bennett who 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 by him. I was given a Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 19, 2020
The Awakening introduces us to Natalia, a young peasant girl with the potential to become a very powerful Water Mage.
Into The Fire introduces us to Athga, one of the last remaining Therengians and the Orc tribe that took him in and taught him to use his power. It also portraits the ruthlessness of that era. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received Awakening - The Fire: The Frozen Flame Prequels free from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
Into The Fire introduces us to Athga, one of the last remaining Therengians and the Orc tribe that took him in and taught him to use his power. It also portraits the ruthlessness of that era. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received Awakening - The Fire: The Frozen Flame Prequels free from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
July 1, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box.
This is basically an early overview of the two main characters and why they ended up in the life they did.
It's disappointing that this is the third title in the set box and not the first as it explains a lot before the book 1 is read, about the time, the life styles and ethos of the communities the two main characters enter into.
This is basically an early overview of the two main characters and why they ended up in the life they did.
It's disappointing that this is the third title in the set box and not the first as it explains a lot before the book 1 is read, about the time, the life styles and ethos of the communities the two main characters enter into.
September 15, 2023
Love prequels
It gave me alot of insightful info on our two main leads and I loved it, its worth reading for the fact that it gives alot of context and some info of their past to give us an idea of who they are and what made them the people they are. Loved it
It gave me alot of insightful info on our two main leads and I loved it, its worth reading for the fact that it gives alot of context and some info of their past to give us an idea of who they are and what made them the people they are. Loved it
March 26, 2024
This is a great prequel. You meet the main characters and get to know their backgrounds. The stories are both good, with good action that fits the stories. They make a lot of sense and show you the motivations that will drive the later stories.
July 3, 2025
Very nice intro into the lives of the two main characters as they first start on their journey to continue into the actual series. It was a very interesting and welcome way to start a series in my opinion.
May 18, 2020
First story is great 👍
September 18, 2020
You get an interesting and revealing glimpse of Natalia's and Athgar's lives before they met in this short story.
October 23, 2020
Perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the series
January 13, 2021
This is another Great story by Paul J. Bennett!!
It was Great to learn about Athgar and Natalia.
It was Great to learn about Athgar and Natalia.
April 17, 2022
Two prequel novellas. One is fantasy, the other a historical coming of age story that leaves the reader hanging.
June 3, 2023
I was hooked from the start. Exactly what a prequel should do. I’ve already bought the next two books. I need to find out if Athgar succeeds in his new life.
June 14, 2023
Got the publishers pach and the prequel seems to only be one page before it goes into Ashes 🤔
February 25, 2024
A good start, but too short (and underdeveloped) to be more than 3 stars.
January 20, 2025
i thought it was well written and filled in the earlier lives of the main characters.i am still loving this and other series by Paul
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews