Old friends. New Allies. Their fates forever entwined.
Guided by the Ancestors, Natalia and Athgar journey to an inhospitable land where danger lurks behind the guise of friendship. With a dire need to find shelter, they have no choice but to settle in and hope for the best.
It doesn't take long for them to realize something is not right. Athgar, having travelled back to his roots, soon discovers they are rotting from within. And Natalia, one of the most powerful mages on the Continent, finds herself unable to cast even the simplest of spells.
All the while, the Orcs of the Red Hand, running from certain death, desperately seek safety. Kargen, torn away from those he has sworn to protect, must gamble the future of his tribe on a desperate bid for their survival. When old enemies resurface to endanger them all, two ancient races must come together as one or be annihilated, lost forever to the annals of history.
Paul 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.
As with the previous series Paul gave us, this one grabs you and won't let go. His ability to create a cast of characters you get totally immersed in, loving the good guys and loathing the bad guys, is phenomenal. He has an amazing ability to gradually "grow" his characters so that they become important to you. Love it.
In Flames, Athgar finally gets to meet up with some of the remaining Therengians and also meets two other Orc tribes. With the help of Kargen they are able to unite the Orcs and Therengians against the Crusade raised to eradicate them. I am really loving this series with it's mix of characters. Orcs are normally cast as villains but here they are the best allies anyone could wish for. Once again the Cunars are involved, as is the Family. Athgar and Natalia are given some stunning news which questions everything Natalia had been taught at the Nostrum. Flames is book 3 of this series and is best read in sequence. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received Flames: The Frozen Flame Book 3 as an ARC from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
As usual Paul displays a flair for writing with an easy writing style, plots within plots to keep the reader guessing, and absolutely brilliant battle scenes.
The story starts out predictably with the Orcs fleeing their homeland while Natalia and Athgar are off to meet Athgar's people. Of course a whole lot of trouble follows and the author is so good at his portraying characters that I found myself absolutely livid with some of the role players and simply couldn't wait for them to get their just desserts.
Contains furious battle scenes so expect bloodshed but not overly gory nor explicit. Definitely to be continued, something Iook forward to.
I enjoyed reading this book and the series. The world created by Mr. Bennett feels like it would be an enjoyable place to roam. I could certainly see myself hiking through those woods, excluding the beasts. The compatibility between some humans and orcs when contrasted to the prejudices shown by other humans to anyone with differences is so relatable to today's atmosphere. The battle that follows due to lies and differences is engrossing. The stories are well written and easy to read with a satisfying ending. I thoroughly recommend this book/series.
Wow, what a terrific story! Action, magic, and a remarkable narrative combine to make this a must-read! Bennett takes it to the next level, with great characters, intrigue, battles and more. Athgar and Natalia, looking for a place and people to call their own, get into some wild escapades. And, the Orcs (and some surprises) make it even more exciting. This amazing tale gets better with each new episode. If you want to be thoroughly entertained, read this series!
Athgar and Natalia are up to their necks in drama. Everywhere they go someone is trying to kill them. They find the Village of Athgar’s people along with 2 from his destroyed Village. In this book new friends are made and strong alliances are formed between the 3 Orc tribes and the Therenginians. I absolutely enjoyed this book so much and I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book and series!
Athgar and Natalia go from strength to strength along with their Orc friends. The storyline is easy to understand but the author always manages to include a few twists and turns to keep you in suspense, you know it will turn out ok in the end but...... From the first book to this one it is pleasing to note how the characters have developed along with the plots and I very much look forward to the next one in the series.
Paul Bennett has done it again! Flames continues the Frozen Flames series with a page turner of a story continuing the saga of main characters Natalia and Athgar seeking a place to live peacefully in a world bent on war and power struggles. Through their unique abilities as both diplomats and mages they craft alliances among tribes and races don’t normally trust each other. I highly recommend this book!
Development of the characters is very detailed and the intensity of the storyline is more and more immersive. Emotions, tasks and skills are getting more pronounced and the power plays becoming more vicious but also clearer. Absolutely delighted with this series which is beautifully written. A gem amongst its peers. Can't wait to be able to get the next book.
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible)
The spirits sent our pair of mates North in search of kin and a city. The red hand tribe was ready to flee East, feeling sure that the conquered forces would again gather strength and retaliate. However, fate or the ancestors intervened, and they ended up heading north also. What happens next is best read in the author's rendition as you will find it intriguing, dramatic, and enthralling.
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 believable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Loved reading the continuing storylines of Athgar and Natalia, Kargen and Shaluhk, more battles to be fought With the family being devious and treacherous as they manipulate events and people. I read this book in a day as I couldnt put it down. Yet another great read from Paul J Bennett...cant wait to start Inferno next.
I am continually impressed with the depth of the characters as they develop. The time the author has put in to provide a sense of person to each character, both to those who play large or small role in the progression of the story, is seen in every chapter. To have the ability to plan and watch as it blossoms and grows in this story is trait that I as a reader truly value. On to Book 4!
Natalia and Athgar were traveling to Edenstadt. They were captured by orcs of the Black Axe. They travel to their village where they make friends with them. This is the third book in the series and I'm waiting breathlessly for the next book...
What can I say but FANTASTIC (shouted at the top of my voice), you’ve done it again. I loved catching up with all the characters I fell in love with previously. There adventures are sometimes dangerous but they somehow manage to extract themselves. Highly recommended.
The adventures of Natalia and Athgar continued in this book. It has a great storyline, full of magic, action and danger that got me at the edge of my seat the whole time! A wonderful addition to the series!
Epic story, epic battles, epic character development, this series gets better each book with the world building getting bigger and great each book, I see this world and I am enjoying the ride, so you should also
Has some areas of slowness, but a lot of it can be described as adding to the overall lore of the world that is being built. There is a decent amount of action and intrigue as well as some mystery to what will come next. I look forward to starting the 4th book.
This series just keeps getting better! I love the characters! Especially Natalie! I can’t wait to read the next book! The book is written so well I had just as much fun reading it as I did with the Lord of the rings trilogy back in the 1970’s!
a wild tale of discovery, travel, bonding, intrigue... this book has it all!
I enjoyed this book a great deal. I do not want to give any spoilers, so let it suffice to say that it was a really good read and that I can't wait to read the next installment of this series.
Seems like we have another installment in this coming a joy to read I thought it might have finished at this particular point but no there's another book coming enjoying it though
Great addition! I think this is the best one yet! So many twists,betrayals, and so much plotting, kept me engaged all the way through. Kudos a d keep them coming
War! An interesting story showing the similarities and differences between groups. A lot of twist and turns in this easy to read, action packed story with wonderful characters.
Plenty of orcs and mages and other fantasy characters. For some one looking for Tolkienesk fantasy this is the book for you in fact the whole series is. Thrills and romance don’t miss out.
Wonderful continuation of the Frozen Flame series. The characters continue to grow, and Natalia and Athgar become closer. As danger moves in they rely on each other...and old friends.
What a wonderful continuation of Natalia and Athgar. I can not wait to see how it turns out for them after the baby comes and what will happen to the Volstrum.
This series has gotten me back into listening to audiobooks again. I love the characters and the story. I am making this post and starting the next book in the series.
This series keeps getting better and better. I love the relationship between Athgar and Natalia and how it plays off each of their strengths. I also love the Orcs