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Power Ascending #0.5
Tempered Steel
What drives a warrior to fight?
Some take up arms to protect their homeland, while others seek glory and riches. For Charlaine and Ludwig, it's the result of a love that can never be!
Charlaine deShandria has never questioned what her future holds. For years, she's been training to take over her father's smithy, spending her every waking hour toiling at the forge.
Ludwig Altenburg loathes his role as the baron's son. Always dreaming of fighting battles, he must now surrender himself to the inevitability of his future.
Duty is all they've known, but when they meet, they begin to question if there is more to life. Before they can even make a choice, they find themselves surrounded by those who are determined to tear them apart.
Lives are changed forever when family secrets are revealed in this clash of classes that propels two people towards their destiny!
Travel back to the origins of two people who are destined to become mighty warriors in Tempered Steel, the prequel of Paul J Bennett's newest epic fantasy series, Power Ascending.
Seize your copy of Tempered Steel today and learn Charlaine's story today!
Some take up arms to protect their homeland, while others seek glory and riches. For Charlaine and Ludwig, it's the result of a love that can never be!
Charlaine deShandria has never questioned what her future holds. For years, she's been training to take over her father's smithy, spending her every waking hour toiling at the forge.
Ludwig Altenburg loathes his role as the baron's son. Always dreaming of fighting battles, he must now surrender himself to the inevitability of his future.
Duty is all they've known, but when they meet, they begin to question if there is more to life. Before they can even make a choice, they find themselves surrounded by those who are determined to tear them apart.
Lives are changed forever when family secrets are revealed in this clash of classes that propels two people towards their destiny!
Travel back to the origins of two people who are destined to become mighty warriors in Tempered Steel, the prequel of Paul J Bennett's newest epic fantasy series, Power Ascending.
Seize your copy of Tempered Steel today and learn Charlaine's story today!
- GenresFantasyEpic Fantasy
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2020
About the author
Paul J. Bennett
48 books575 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 48 reviews
April 30, 2021
As I said before starting this new series, I figured this time I SHOULD read the prequel first.
Yep. Good idea to read it first, as it sets the stage for some great stuff I see coming from the characters Paul has introduced herein. Now, on to the next book!
Yep. Good idea to read it first, as it sets the stage for some great stuff I see coming from the characters Paul has introduced herein. Now, on to the next book!
January 8, 2021
I received this book as a freebie in a multiple author giveaway – this review is my honest opinion.
I have read and enjoyed several of Mr. Bennett’s books in the “Heir to the Crown” series. As in that series, this prequel presents a lot of back story for the two major characters of the books in his new series. The characters are deeply developed so the reader is familiar with them, can relate to their situations and is emotionally drawn in to the story. Neither character has ever seriously questioned their lot in the twenty-plus years of their lives. Charlaine, a commoner, is following her father’s vocation to replace him when he retires as a smithy; Ludwig is the baron’s heir and glides through his noble duties. When they meet and exchange blunt observations about life, they begin questioning what they really desire in their lives, while their openness with each other provides an attraction neither saw coming, but which violates the separation of the classes. The questions reveal dark secrets in both families that impacted the parents’ life choices and set their children's fates. Their forbidden love threatens to destroy both families and puts them on marked different paths. I was completely engrossed in the book and had to read it in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel and I am eager to read the next two books to follow the adventures of these characters.
I have read and enjoyed several of Mr. Bennett’s books in the “Heir to the Crown” series. As in that series, this prequel presents a lot of back story for the two major characters of the books in his new series. The characters are deeply developed so the reader is familiar with them, can relate to their situations and is emotionally drawn in to the story. Neither character has ever seriously questioned their lot in the twenty-plus years of their lives. Charlaine, a commoner, is following her father’s vocation to replace him when he retires as a smithy; Ludwig is the baron’s heir and glides through his noble duties. When they meet and exchange blunt observations about life, they begin questioning what they really desire in their lives, while their openness with each other provides an attraction neither saw coming, but which violates the separation of the classes. The questions reveal dark secrets in both families that impacted the parents’ life choices and set their children's fates. Their forbidden love threatens to destroy both families and puts them on marked different paths. I was completely engrossed in the book and had to read it in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed this prequel and I am eager to read the next two books to follow the adventures of these characters.
October 5, 2025
This is the prequel to the epic fantasy series Power Ascending, and it definitely needs to be read, as in this book we get to meet Charlaine De Shandria, a young woman of common birth, who is apprenticed in her father's forge to become as good a smithy as he is. Ludwig on the other hand is the baron's son, born a noble's birth and he is the sole heir to the barony. Both are obedient, and do their best to do their duties as demanded by their parents, however when they meet they fall in love with one another. Their kind of love is unacceptable as commoners needed to know their place, and the baron would have none of this. They are forced apart, and both take a different route to the future then they ever anticipated. Both are warriors at heart, and I do believe it is their lives as warriors that we are to follow in the series which I very much look forward to reading. Both characters are powerful and very charismatic, I love that Charlaine is such a feisty young woman, and that she had such a great effect on the spoilt son of the baron. Ludwig starts off as quite a weak young man, frivolous and into swordplay and women, however once he meets Charlaine he is a changed man. Onward to book 1!
January 24, 2024
The son of Barron Altenburg, Ludwig, is a nieve twenty-five year old. He knows nothing of the battlefield horrors or of its fighting style. He does know how to fight in a noble, courtly way, but he thinks battle and war are an honorable pursuit. He does not know the truth about many things, but he is about to find out because his father, Lord Barron Frederick Altenburg, is about to teach Ludwig a lesson all because of who he fancies. And the object of his desire will also have to surrender to the Barron’s will.
This prequel novella gives us, the readers of this series, the background of the characters and their motivations for the novels that follow. The physical world-building gives you a vague idea of where the characters are. The ethereal world-building, what there is of it, is more of a personal thing between characters or the individual. The interaction between characters is believable, while the character’s histories are being forged as you read.
This short tale of how two people met, fell into an instant love, and what happened to forge their futures is a good read. :) I give it five stars out of five stars.
This prequel novella gives us, the readers of this series, the background of the characters and their motivations for the novels that follow. The physical world-building gives you a vague idea of where the characters are. The ethereal world-building, what there is of it, is more of a personal thing between characters or the individual. The interaction between characters is believable, while the character’s histories are being forged as you read.
This short tale of how two people met, fell into an instant love, and what happened to forge their futures is a good read. :) I give it five stars out of five stars.
September 22, 2020
Worthwhile
How does someone who is perfectly happy being a successful blacksmith end up being a Temple Knight? In this prequel to Temple Knight we see Charlaine happily working in her farther's smithy until a chance meeting with the Baron's son turns both their lives upside down.
Once again the author shows his versatility as a writer by writing a story that is slightly different from his usual style. The quality of the writing remains the same but this story is character driven and is carried by the well rounded, three dimensional characters he creates. The end product leaves us with understandable, realistic characters. The story itself has little action but is a nice length, engaging the reader without starting to drag.
Once again Paul J Bennett weaves his magic so prepare to be caught up in this introduction Temple knight. Recommended.
How does someone who is perfectly happy being a successful blacksmith end up being a Temple Knight? In this prequel to Temple Knight we see Charlaine happily working in her farther's smithy until a chance meeting with the Baron's son turns both their lives upside down.
Once again the author shows his versatility as a writer by writing a story that is slightly different from his usual style. The quality of the writing remains the same but this story is character driven and is carried by the well rounded, three dimensional characters he creates. The end product leaves us with understandable, realistic characters. The story itself has little action but is a nice length, engaging the reader without starting to drag.
Once again Paul J Bennett weaves his magic so prepare to be caught up in this introduction Temple knight. Recommended.
December 17, 2024
Seeking a glimpse into the origins of Charlaine, the formidable Temple Knight from the Power Ascending series, I dove into this short prequel. While light on action, the story richly portrays Charlaine's journey to knighthood. We witness her blacksmithing skills, honed under the watchful eye of her father, and the lingering shadow of her mother's tragic past, which ultimately fuels her desire for purpose and protection. The author's prose, while straightforward effectively moves the narrative forward, allowing the compelling story to take center stage. The author's talent lies in crafting a believable world and weaving a tale that resonates with readers seeking strong female characters. This prequel provides a satisfying foundation for the series, and I'm eager to delve deeper into Charlaine's adventures.
September 20, 2020
What another stellar read by Paul J Bennett, it was un put downable I read it straight through from start to finish. It’s a great introduction to Charlaine the.heroine of Temple Knight and how through her interaction with the local Lord’s ( Baron Frederick ) son she came to join the temple knights of Saint Agnes. I love all the references to past history and names of different races of peoples e.g. the Therengians. This series is a great example of world building with totally believable characters. Keep up the good work Paul. The baron’s son is called Ludwig and I understand we are going to see a lot more of him in the future.
June 15, 2022
Swords, Barons and a Feudal system in some far-away land. The Power Ascending series doesn't have a lot of magic happening in this prequel but it set in the same world as the other series. I'm sure the first book will have lots of great magical battles as well as sword fights all around. This book introduces Ludwig and Charlaine. The main characters and love interests for the series. He is a Baron's son and expected to run the kingdom when his father dies and she is a daughter of a Smith. She has just earned her Masters status as a Swordmaker. Ludwig is your typical privilege Lord. That is until they meet.
September 21, 2020
I am really loving this new series by Paul J Bennett.
Tempered Steel gives us insight into Charlaine's and Ludwig's star crossed relationship. In their era, nobility was free to dally with commoners, but heaven forbid they actually fell in love with one. Charlaine committed herself to the Church of Saint Agnes to protect her parents from the Baron's wrath. I look forward to learning what path Ludwig took. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received a free A.R.C. of Tempered Steel and have chosen to leave a review.
Tempered Steel gives us insight into Charlaine's and Ludwig's star crossed relationship. In their era, nobility was free to dally with commoners, but heaven forbid they actually fell in love with one. Charlaine committed herself to the Church of Saint Agnes to protect her parents from the Baron's wrath. I look forward to learning what path Ludwig took. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received a free A.R.C. of Tempered Steel and have chosen to leave a review.
September 22, 2020
I have read Temple Knight (excellent) which was the first book in a new series, but then this shorter one was published. It takes place earlier and explains why Charlaine joined the Knights.
Interesting and well written but not much action. Still, if you also appreciate Bennett's books, it's worth reading. I'm really waiting for the next book, Warrior Knight, which will be about Ludwig's life. He was the one that Charlaine loved but was forced to leave. Early 2021 apparently.
The name of the series is Power Ascending.
Interesting and well written but not much action. Still, if you also appreciate Bennett's books, it's worth reading. I'm really waiting for the next book, Warrior Knight, which will be about Ludwig's life. He was the one that Charlaine loved but was forced to leave. Early 2021 apparently.
The name of the series is Power Ascending.
September 24, 2020
Excellent fantasy
This book takes us back to the Petty Kingdoms and tells the back story of Temple Knight Charlaine. This story tells so much about Charlaine's character. How her parents influenced her and the tragic romance between her and the barons son, Ludwig. I couldn't put this down. I absolutely love all the smaller novels with all the illuminating details of some of my favorite characters. Paul J Bennett is a master storyteller and Tempered steel is another in a long list of impressive works of fantasy.
This book takes us back to the Petty Kingdoms and tells the back story of Temple Knight Charlaine. This story tells so much about Charlaine's character. How her parents influenced her and the tragic romance between her and the barons son, Ludwig. I couldn't put this down. I absolutely love all the smaller novels with all the illuminating details of some of my favorite characters. Paul J Bennett is a master storyteller and Tempered steel is another in a long list of impressive works of fantasy.
September 26, 2020
Why would a young woman who has a secure future suddenly leave it behind to become a Temple Knight? Bennett’s story of Charlaine’s decision provides an enticing insight as to why she leaves her family, her home and turns to the church. Whether or not you have read Temple Knight (and you should), this prequel provides more of her story and offers readers a basis for Charlaine’s determination and drive to be who she is meant to be. This is going to be a very rewarding series and this is a good place to start.
May 4, 2025
Chatlaine prequel
This is a prequel to the Power Ascending series. Mr Bennett is a great storyteller and this story is typical of his work. His characters are well developed, the storyline is logical and believable. The world he built is complete and logical. There is plenty of well described action. I've already read some of the other books that this one starts, and they're all exciting and beautifully written. You will love this book and anything else you read by this author.
This is a prequel to the Power Ascending series. Mr Bennett is a great storyteller and this story is typical of his work. His characters are well developed, the storyline is logical and believable. The world he built is complete and logical. There is plenty of well described action. I've already read some of the other books that this one starts, and they're all exciting and beautifully written. You will love this book and anything else you read by this author.
September 13, 2020
I loved it! This book shows you how Charlaine becomes what she is in Temple Knight. Her strength and devotion to her family and St. Agnes along with her love for Ludwig gives her life meaning. In return Ludwig becomes the man he wants to be because of Charlaine and defies his father.
This prequel leaves you wanting to know more about these characters. I can’t wait for the next book. I am so excited for it and highly recommend this book and series.
This prequel leaves you wanting to know more about these characters. I can’t wait for the next book. I am so excited for it and highly recommend this book and series.
September 16, 2020
If you like Paul Bennett’s stories, read this prequel that will introduce you to the main characters in the Temple Knight/Warrior Knight series, Charlaine deShandria and Lord Ludwig Altenburg, two young lovers from different backgrounds. Circumstances force one of them to make a major sacrifice to save the family from disgrace. I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction!
September 26, 2020
Tempered Steel by Paul J. Bennett is another good start to a new series, Power Ascending. This prequel introduces, Charlaine and Ludwig. It is their love story. I won't give anything away, suffice it to say, it is a beautiful love story.
The story flows well and keeps your interest from start to finish. This book can be read before or after book 1, but best to read this first. Enjoy your reads.
The story flows well and keeps your interest from start to finish. This book can be read before or after book 1, but best to read this first. Enjoy your reads.
October 29, 2020
Ludwig, heir to the Baron of Verfeld meets Charlaine deShandria when she delivers a sword to him. The Baron Lord Frederick discovers that his son and Charlaine were spending too much time together. He made a decision on how to stop this and Charlaine made another deal with him. This is prequel to Temple Knight. I love how Paul J Bennett writes in the books that he writes this is on par with the rest of his books. It is a new series and I look forward to the continuation of this series...
January 9, 2023
This prequel sets the two main characters in a volatile situation. I thought I knew how it was going to play out but, I was very wrong! The final chapter was very surprising to me. It also, created a deep desire to discover what happens next. I highly recommend this as well as all of Paul Bennett’s works.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
January 12, 2023
The author has written a very compelling story. This is not your Romeo & Juliet, but a couple of star crossed lovers who didn't see it coming. The author portrays really believable characters, doing exactly what you expect them to do. It definitely sets the groundwork to start the series and bring the reader fully into the story. You will find the tale pulls you in as you hope for a solution that conquers biases and prejudices.
Definitely a great read.
Definitely a great read.
September 22, 2020
Wonderfully written. Although not as many fighting scenes as in the author's other books it answers some questions in Book 1 of the series but also leaves the reader wanting to know what happens to the two main characters, Charlain and Ludwig.
I was given this book for free on the understanding that I gave an honest review.
I was given this book for free on the understanding that I gave an honest review.
September 25, 2020
A sword must be forged into shape from the steel from which it is born, so too are the personalities and characters of people. This is a story of the forging of some of the characters in Paul's new series and gave a lot of insight into Charlaine's, as well as some others and after reading the first in the series and now this prequel I am looking forward to what happens from here.
January 31, 2024
This is a great appetizer, and I was surprised at how much it made me want to read more. I found myself interested and invested in the characters. It felt pretty straightforward but also vivid and well paced. Found this for free and will probably be buying the actual 1st book. I am excited to learn more about the world and where the story goes.
February 7, 2025
Very enjoyable reading.
It kept my interest to the point I did not want to stop reading this book. The characters were very believable and the story plot had a nice twist to it that I didn't expect.
This book is well worth the time for anyone that enjoys believable characters and a very interesting story line.
It kept my interest to the point I did not want to stop reading this book. The characters were very believable and the story plot had a nice twist to it that I didn't expect.
This book is well worth the time for anyone that enjoys believable characters and a very interesting story line.
October 9, 2025
An outstanding novella! We get to spend time with two protagonists as they meet, fall in love and get separated. Along the way we learn some world history for the world. I was immersed and immediately got attached to the characters and invested in their future. I’m definitely going to read the first book in the series.
May 21, 2026
OK, now the characters in this and the story as a whole I found quite engaging. I enjoyed it. But it did offend my editor brain... I did feel it might have been improved significantly by more attention to prose style and structure and, well, a fair bit more polish. Would I read more by Mr Bennett? Yeah, maybe. Because it was good fun.
May 28, 2026
Historical romance
Tempered Steel - Paul J Bennet
Historical romance.
The life of the Gentry may look romantic. But for women marriages are arranged for the convenience of the men in their lives, brides are chosen for princes, often from birth
And marrying beneath your station is looked down on, the higher your status, the more rigid the lines
Tempered Steel - Paul J Bennet
Historical romance.
The life of the Gentry may look romantic. But for women marriages are arranged for the convenience of the men in their lives, brides are chosen for princes, often from birth
And marrying beneath your station is looked down on, the higher your status, the more rigid the lines
September 14, 2020
Totally awesome. Such a lovely story of Charlaine and Ludwig, also sad because they can’t stay together. There love was something that grew quickly but was doomed from the beginning. It was nice to have there back story and I can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommended.
September 22, 2020
Paul Bennett is a consummate WordSmith bringing to us Charlaines journey as it starts in a Mans world, in her fathers smithy. A tail spun that will keep you glued to your book.
I not only give it 5 stars but also 5👍👍👍👍👍WELL DONE
I not only give it 5 stars but also 5👍👍👍👍👍WELL DONE
September 23, 2020
If you love medieval adventures this a little fantasy thrown in you’ll love this book. Superbly written a prequel that will answer your questions and great fleshed out characterization. Highly recommend thos book.
September 23, 2020
This tale fills in the holes in the story behind Charlaine, in Temple Knight. Although the books could be read in any order, I think I am pleased to read them in this order. And I look forward to reading of Ludwig 's adventures in the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews