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Power Ascending #2

Warrior Knight

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Win a tournament, find a wealthy patron, and be set for life—how hard can it be?

Desperate to escape the unending duty and responsibility of being a baron's son, Ludwig Altenburg seeks glory on the field of honour. He soon learns there's more to fighting than simple swordplay.

When mere bravado is not enough, the only option left to him is to join a mercenary group, sharpening his skills through death and destruction. But with enemies lurking amongst friends, forging a new identity as a warrior is fraught with danger.

As armies gather, the looming threat of conflict forces him to take up the mantle of leadership. Only then does he begin to understand the true cost of war.

Will his willingness to sacrifice everything to save others be his downfall or his saving grace?


Join Ludwig Altenburg on the field of battle in Warrior Knight, the heart-racing, thought-provoking second book of Paul J Bennett's Power Ascending series.



Arm yourself with a copy of Warrior Knight and experience what it means to be truly noble!

535 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2021

103 people are currently reading
187 people want to read

About the author

Paul J. Bennett

48 books524 followers
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.

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5 stars
111 (58%)
4 stars
60 (31%)
3 stars
15 (7%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Charles  van Buren.
1,910 reviews303 followers
May 21, 2021
Too much happens too soon to be believed. The main character, Ludwig, enters the picture naive, temperamental, hot headed and foolish. In just a few pages he becomes a paragon of even tempered wisdom.

The war between the two barons is ridiculous. The ending is even worse. I'm not sure that society would be safe even if the baron kept his daughter locked in her room.

Not up to Mr. Bennett's usual standards.
31 reviews
March 15, 2021
Young and naïve, Ludwig has left home to make his own way as a warrior. After a dismal start, losing most of his belongings, he is befriended by a couple of mercenaries who help him join their band. Then, during a siege, the real capabilities of this man start to come to light. Well-read regarding military issues, though without any practical experience, he’s thrown into making several tactical decisions which are noticed by others. Contemplating how the world should be, Ludwig doesn’t understand why things are as they are. He also thinks of the love he has lost. However, he uses what’s available to accomplish some remarkable feats. Should be an interesting journey to see where he goes next.
194 reviews3 followers
Read
March 15, 2021
Ludwig Altenburg has a lot of growing up to do. His pride and his temper get him into lots of trouble, but his sense of right and wrong will take him far as he matures into the Warrior Knight he was meant to be. The story starts of slow for Ludwig as he loses very quickly in his first tournament. But the action soon heats up and keeps on going as Ludwig presents solutions others have not thought of.
121 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2021
Excellent addition! I wasn’t sure how I would like following Ludwig’s story, the whole first impression and then when starts coming around he lets Charlaine leave (without him following); but man was I in for a surprise. I found I could really relate to him except for him having a bit of good luck, sharp wits, and considerable skill (except in jousting); ok maybe we’re both just stubborn as all get out....but what I trying to say is I was drawn in quickly and kept on edge the whole time and now I really look forward to seeing how both Ludwig and Charlaine aaaand several others go in the future. I will say with all the teasing and interesting characters across the board that Bennett has going with The Crown series and this series and others I hope he keeps turning them out because there is a whole smorgasbord of characters he has me interested and invested in now. KUDOS!
33 reviews
March 15, 2021
Seriously think that Netflix or Prime should pick up this author’s books for a series. Good visualization and engaging story line with plenty of action.
25 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2021
Wow... I do not know how Paul shuts his mind down....Ludwig starts off as a very spoilt boy but starts to mature in each chapter. This is an action packed story with constant conversations and communications. This just blows my mind how Paul can write such fantastic action packed stories. This is a must read, fantastic story!

Review Contains Spoilers: No
# Tags: Action Packed, Famous Author, Lived Up to the Hype, Part of a Series, Couldn't Put It Down
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,783 reviews72 followers
March 10, 2021
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.
Profile Image for Jill Gauger.
1,226 reviews11 followers
March 7, 2021
Honor, trust, ego and strategy are all words that encompasses what Ludwig strives for.
This book follows Ludwig as he tries jousting against the wishes of Kurt who has been training him and looses everything because of his ego. It’s a humbling experience and he joins a group of mercenaries. In this group he makes some amazing friends. His love for reading military books growing up has made him valuable to Barons and Dukes.
This journey of Ludwig’s is a fascinating story full of drama, petty grievances between Barons and a war that shouldn’t have started.
Awesome book and series as only Paul J Bennett can write in a world everyone will love.
Profile Image for Annemarie .
951 reviews22 followers
March 7, 2021
it was wonderful to watch Ludwig's transformation from the spoilt son of a Baron to a man of virtue. The trials Ludwig faced after literally running away from home, served to hone his natural leadership qualities. The common folk - regular soldiers - loved him, for they could see he really cared for their welfare. The hierarchy - noblemen - thought his ideology ridiculous as it was totally opposite to the way things had always been. I can't wait to see how things go for him once he returns home.
Happy reading. Annemarie

I received an Advance Reader Copy of Warrior Knight: Power Ascending Book 2 from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
364 reviews8 followers
April 18, 2021
I would certainly suggest that you read at least the very good series prequel, “Tempered Steel”, which introduced Ludwig, son of the Baron of Verfeld, Frederick Altenburg, and explained how and why he winds up out in the world with his friend, Master swordman and sparring partner, Kurt Wasser. Ludwig had fallen in love with Charlaine, an experienced master smith, a commoner, but his father intervened, sending her to join a religious order, serving at a great distance, so the two would never get together again.

Ludwig rebelled, leaving home in the hope of gaining employment from the Duke. He had no worldly experience, but had read quite a lot of books on history and military matters, so, of course, he knew how to do everything – how hard could it be? Their journey led them past a jousting tournament, which Ludwig decided to enter, so as to attract attention to himself when he emerged as the winner. His friend Kurt tried to dissuade him, because the costs would leave them almost penniless and since he had no jousting training, how could he hope to even compete? Ludwig knew better; his youthful arrogance and patrician attitude drove Kurt away, so he was on his own. When he was unhorsed in his first match, he not only did not win any money, he had to give up his horse and most of his armor to the winner. Ludwig was lucky to learn quickly from his mistakes. He was able to join a group of mercenaries, which gave him a place to stay (a make-shift tent and a blanket out in a field) and meager meals. With his direct, blunt questioning approach to everything and everybody, including the Duke, I was amazed that this out-spoken, I-know-better-than-you, pain-in-the-drain did not cause most people to deck him immediately. Most people saw past the veneer and heard him out. He turned out to be good at making improvements in training, discipline, tactics, and was tapped for a leadership role. He relied on his early upbringing that instilled absolute honesty and caring about doing what was right, to the point where he’d put his life on the line.

Mr. Bennett is a great storyteller, who delves deeply into strong characters and their interaction, with vivid descriptions that drew me in, so that I felt that I was part of the action. His books are always easy reads, filled to the brim to hold the reader’s attention. I highly recommend these books. I have pre-ordered the next book, “Temple Captain” and certainly want to follow this entire series.
97 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2021
Warrior Knight - Paul J Bennett
Engrossing, immersive and addictive medieval military fantasy.
I loved this story of Ludwig's transformation from an impulsive and spoilt Baron's son to a warrior and respected leader of men. As a youth, Ludwig dreamed of fighting battles, trained hard with his sword and read extensively about warfare. Torn apart from his beloved Charlaine, the smith, petulant Ludwig leaves home to make his path. However his lack of planning and unwillingness to be counselled against his desires leaves him penniless. Starting again as a mercenary and befriended by Sigwald and Cyn of the Grim Defenders, Ludwig learns the true cost of war and the burden of leadership. The influence of Ludwig's deceased mother, his extensive reading and his natural sense of justice shine through and guide Ludwig's choices.

It is impossible to put this book aside without worrying about the outcome of the next deadly encounter. A true page turner. I must shout out for the excellent chapter headings, the amazing maps and the essential battle diagram. If you get overwhelmed by the huge cast of characters, there is a full list at the end of the book. Each character is given a cameo background, for example the mercenary Dorkin once worked as a cook but accidentally poisoned his master with wild mushrooms. Highly recommended. This tale is complete, no cliffhanger but more is to come.

I was gifted an ARC by the author. This is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
391 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2024
His name is Ludwig. His father, the Barron, did not like who Ludwig fell in love with, being she is a commoner and a blacksmith. Yes, a female blacksmith, a rarity indeed. The Barron forbade their union, so he ran away from his father, and his beloved left to become a temple guard. He ran away with his friend and mentor, the sword master Kurt Wasser. Ludwig was twenty-six years old, and this was the first time he had traveled beyond his father’s influence. He was cock sure of himself, and anyone other than Ludwig himself knew that his plans were folly. He even had words with Kurt, but so arrogant was Ludwig that he told Kurt to leave him. Ludwig found himself alone and would soon realize his own arrogance would land him in trouble.

The main character is a bit hard to believe because his attitude changed in a matter of moments without a moment of self-reflection. Then, because he had read some books, he knew more about how to set up a military camp better than those who lived the life. The character interaction is believable. The character history for some of the characters is lacking, but for the MC, it is detailed enough to know why he is where he is at. The physical world-building is descriptive enough to let you have your own ideas but is specific in places. While the ethereal world-building is almost non-existent.

I do like this story, even with its perceived hiccups. I give this authurian tale of medieval knights five stars out of five stars.

13 reviews
March 25, 2021
Warrior Knight is the second book of the Power Ascending series and follows Ludwig Altenburg on his flight from his home when his father forbids him from marrying his true love Charlaine, and arranges for her to enter the Temple Knights of St Agnes and be sent far away for training.
Ludwig takes his trusty friend Kurt with him planning to travel to glory as a great knight, but his inexperience causes him to make several errors in judgement that cost him nearly everything he has except the clothes on his back. Now alone, he went to the camp of the mercenary band the Grim Defenders, and was hired to help prepare a friend, Cyn for a Grand Melee tournament. He had befriended Cyn and her boyfriend Sigwulf. After the tournament, he joined the Grim Defenders and both learned from them and taught them what he had read in books on warfare. During this story Ludwig matured from a young inexperienced warrior into a leader with strong tactical knowledge. At the end of this fantastic story Ludwig prepared to reunite with his estranged father. I cannot recommend this story strongly enough!!
1,781 reviews15 followers
August 5, 2023
Ludwig is a man of honor. Those around him recognize that and encourage him on. Circumstances play a huge role in his life. He is thrust into those situations by history and the events around him. The author digs into his character to reveal that he truly is exactly what he presents to the world. He is well read and not afraid to use that knowledge. That goes hand in hand with his desire to continue learning and to grow himself into his destiny. There is plenty of action and lots of friends are made and unfortunately lost through needless battles.

If you like adventure, swordplay, spears and maces you'll enjoy this story. If you enjoy watching a young man grow into who he can be, this is also a great story. Definitely lots to recommend this book.
Profile Image for Travis.
2,891 reviews49 followers
October 24, 2023
Help me read more books

Somehow, I picked up the second book in the series, without having read the first one. That's ok though, since this book was understandable as is. I'll try to find the first book at some point, because it might be nice to know where some of the events that occurred in this one started, but otherwise, reading this book was just fine after having skipped the first one It was a pretty decent read, and I liked the character development in this one.
I liked this book as a stand alone story. I don't know yet if I'll read more in the series or not, but since this seems to be a fairly decent story, I'll likely read more if I run across them.
8 reviews
March 23, 2021
If you want to read a book that has an easy style, uncomplicated plots and characters who are straightforward then this is the book for you. The author writes in a style as though you were there. As the story unfolds there are lots of adventures which adds to the personality of the main characters. I find the stories easy to read yet the author has a style which makes you want to keep reading, his endings are good and he manages to bring together all the little subplots into one final chapter but always with a little teaser which says there is more to follow. I would thoroughly recommend this book.
27 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2021
Moving on to The Chronicles of Cyric now while I wait for more Power Ascending

It's already obvious I'm a big fan of all of these series Paul has created, so it should be no surprise I am captured by the newest additions to the saga of interrelated kingdoms in this land crossing over in subtle ways in each series. I'm still amazed at how quickly he can take a new character, make you see him in beginning as a spoiled brat, then rapidly build the character into a truly heroic and honorable individual. Great storytelling, again.
Profile Image for Brannigan.
1,350 reviews12 followers
October 29, 2025
Even though it’s technically book two in the series it’s actually book one for the second protagonist. This is a fun series where the two protagonist who are star crossed lovers forced apart take turns staring in their own tales as they try to find a life without each other. Really fun and engaging story. I thought I had a favorite character after finishing book one but I love them both. I hope they eventually find each other again. Until they do I will continue reading their separate journeys.
124 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2021
Warrior Knight is a continuation of the story of Charlaine and Ludwig who have gone their separate ways. In Warrior Knight we see Ludwig change from an entitled baron's son to a knight who garners the respect of nobles and commoners alike because of his acts of bravery and compassion. The book is action packed with exciting battles as well as softer moments when we see Ludwig's true character come through. A great addition to the series!
Profile Image for Paul Falk.
Author 9 books139 followers
August 11, 2023
Though being number two of a series, this book can be read as a standalone version. Easy to follow, the narrative never strayed from the storyline. From beginning to end, there wasn't an abundance of similes or metaphors, thrown in, merely for the sake of taking up space. The main characters, not too many or too few, remained consistent throughout the read. This book was well-written, not only that, also fun to read. For anyone looking for a pleasurable experience, this book comes recommended.
2 reviews
Read
March 23, 2021
Another hit for Mr Bennett. There are new interesting characters, some lovable, others not so much. An excellent plot with twist and turns. Also I like how he knows just when to stop a battle before I have to start skipping pages like I had to in Lord of the Rings all those years ago and many books since. Thank you Paul and Carol Bennett, we appreciate you.
Profile Image for Lorna Hanrahan.
69 reviews
August 19, 2024
Ludwig's Story

This book follows the adventures and misadventures of Ludwig after his flight from home. We are introduced to him in the prequel to this series which is the story of him and Charlaine the commoner he loves. The first book deals with her adventures after the two are separated. This book chronicles his growth both as a soldier and as a person of integrity.
Profile Image for Evelyn Goughnour .
1,151 reviews
January 19, 2025
An excellent book! A young man untried by life has run away from home, accompanied by an older mother. His mother died when he was younger and he is now 20 years old. He feels his dad is unloving and controlling. That’s where this story begins, he goes through several battles and afterwards starts home to reconcile with his father.
Profile Image for Mike Brannick.
215 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2025
I love this series and, for that matter, everything I've read by this author. He has believable, relatable characters. a great story line, and plenty of well described, well thought-out action. If you like martial fantasy you'll love this book, the series it's in, and the other three series written by this author.
27 reviews
October 28, 2025
Satisfying

Bennett has once again created a world where characters live and grow, love and learn, and virtue is its own reward.

Ludwig, a starry-eyed spoiled brat, through losing a joust and thus everything and everyone he knows, develops into a truly noble man. I can’t wait to read his further adventures!
433 reviews24 followers
March 7, 2021
This book tells what happen to Sir Ludwig after his father the Baron sent Charlene off to be a Temple Knight for St Agnes. It’s well written and hard to put down once you have stared it. I can’t wait for the next installment of the story. I highly recommend this book it’s a great read...
306 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2021
Want a great epic that entertains, teaches and inspires you? Here it is....Written marvelously by author Bennett, this novel is just a nugget in a river of literary gold that flows from a very talented mind! Don't believe? pick up this page turner, I dare ya!
56 reviews
Read
March 23, 2021
A gripping read about a warrior with foresight and 'new ideas' on warfare. Coming from a good family, our main character finds himself having to work his way towards his destiny.
I can't wait to read the next installment in this series. Good read indeed.
480 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2021
Noble!
Ludwig has the makings of a great leader for all people. Setting an example of what it means to be a nobleman by having and showing fine personal qualities, high moral principles and ideals. Looking forward to his future adventures.
20 reviews
March 23, 2021
What better way to escape the last crummy months than to sit down with a great fantasy, adventure! What I like about Mr,. Bennett s writing is his well rounded characters and the way you can watch them grow and mature. Looking for a great get away read Warrior Knight!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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