What do you think?
Rate this book
Power Ascending #5
Temple Commander
With a new rank comes great responsibility
Newly promoted, Charlaine deShandria is sent to the very borders of the mighty Halvarian Empire. There, she finds a beleaguered kingdom, weakened by intrigue, facing possible annihilation.
Surprised to discover her new command filled with untested warriors and inexperienced captains, she struggles to prepare them for battle before the war erupts. Reinforcements finally arrive, but they are led by an old adversary whose very presence bodes ill for the order.
When Danica moves the Holy fleet westward, she brings them into direct conflict with the empire's ships. Finding no friendly ports in which to seek shelter, they are forced to brave the storm-ravaged seas of the north.
Can they stop the empire's tide of tyranny, or will another kingdom fall to the relentless army of Halvaria?
Newly promoted, Charlaine deShandria is sent to the very borders of the mighty Halvarian Empire. There, she finds a beleaguered kingdom, weakened by intrigue, facing possible annihilation.
Surprised to discover her new command filled with untested warriors and inexperienced captains, she struggles to prepare them for battle before the war erupts. Reinforcements finally arrive, but they are led by an old adversary whose very presence bodes ill for the order.
When Danica moves the Holy fleet westward, she brings them into direct conflict with the empire's ships. Finding no friendly ports in which to seek shelter, they are forced to brave the storm-ravaged seas of the north.
Can they stop the empire's tide of tyranny, or will another kingdom fall to the relentless army of Halvaria?
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
26 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Paul J. Bennett
48 books522 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 1, 2025
Temple Commander finally delivers the full-scale invasion that has been building in the background of Bennett’s saga, and it arrives with breathtaking intensity. From the first chapters, there’s a steady sense of pressure—a gathering storm you know is coming—but when the invasion finally strikes, Bennett makes it bigger, sharper, and more rewarding than expected. The blend of rising tension and court intrigue is especially strong here, with the added complication of a rival holy order whose loyalties may be shifting at the worst possible moment.
What impressed me most is how completely Bennett drops the reader into the turmoil of land and sea battles alike. His ability to choreograph a crowded battlefield—whether calvary charges or ship deck—remains one of the series’ greatest strengths. I also appreciate the clarity he brings to nautical terminology; as someone less familiar with sailing, the small explanations go a long way in making the sea conflicts immersive rather than confusing.
The Temple Commander Charlaine continues to be a compelling presence: capable, aware of her responsibilities, but never portrayed as invincible. Her struggle to hold the line against overwhelming force feels both heroic and believable. And while this book resolves a major looming threat, it also sets the stage for Ludwig’s clash with the empire, a confrontation I’m genuinely excited to see unfold.
In short, Temple Commander is a powerful, tightly written installment that pushes the series forward in all the right ways. One of Bennett’s strongest works yet. Fans of military fantasy and richly layered battles will find even more here to enjoy.
What impressed me most is how completely Bennett drops the reader into the turmoil of land and sea battles alike. His ability to choreograph a crowded battlefield—whether calvary charges or ship deck—remains one of the series’ greatest strengths. I also appreciate the clarity he brings to nautical terminology; as someone less familiar with sailing, the small explanations go a long way in making the sea conflicts immersive rather than confusing.
The Temple Commander Charlaine continues to be a compelling presence: capable, aware of her responsibilities, but never portrayed as invincible. Her struggle to hold the line against overwhelming force feels both heroic and believable. And while this book resolves a major looming threat, it also sets the stage for Ludwig’s clash with the empire, a confrontation I’m genuinely excited to see unfold.
In short, Temple Commander is a powerful, tightly written installment that pushes the series forward in all the right ways. One of Bennett’s strongest works yet. Fans of military fantasy and richly layered battles will find even more here to enjoy.
March 9, 2023
MAGNIFICENT!
Magnificent fantasy! Paul J Bennett has done it again. He has such amazing talent for writing battle scenes, on land and water, that it's easy to get carried away by the action and masterful Storytelling. The battle scenes really get your blood pumping. The characters are like old friends to me at this point in the series. The characters are so full of life. They have struggles and failings, triumphs and vertues, and you can't help but fall in love with their very individual personalities.
There is so much to love in Paul Bennetts books that I couldn't possibly include all in one review. This is very possibly my favorite storyline of all his books.
Charmaine is so strong, cunning, and full of good character that she is immediately lovable. Following her adventures is so fun. I really admire the way she approaches conflicts and overcomes through her cunning and appreciation of the talents of her friends. This character makes such an amazing role model for girls/women. She possesses the qualities we want to instill in our daughters. I truly believe that Paul Bennetts books will become classics one day as the writing is on par with masters of the genre.
I highly recommend this book for any age if you enjoy action packed fantasy. It doesn't get better than this.
Magnificent fantasy! Paul J Bennett has done it again. He has such amazing talent for writing battle scenes, on land and water, that it's easy to get carried away by the action and masterful Storytelling. The battle scenes really get your blood pumping. The characters are like old friends to me at this point in the series. The characters are so full of life. They have struggles and failings, triumphs and vertues, and you can't help but fall in love with their very individual personalities.
There is so much to love in Paul Bennetts books that I couldn't possibly include all in one review. This is very possibly my favorite storyline of all his books.
Charmaine is so strong, cunning, and full of good character that she is immediately lovable. Following her adventures is so fun. I really admire the way she approaches conflicts and overcomes through her cunning and appreciation of the talents of her friends. This character makes such an amazing role model for girls/women. She possesses the qualities we want to instill in our daughters. I truly believe that Paul Bennetts books will become classics one day as the writing is on par with masters of the genre.
I highly recommend this book for any age if you enjoy action packed fantasy. It doesn't get better than this.
March 12, 2023
A new assignment, full of uncertainty and problems, leads Temple Commander Charlaine to Arnsfeld along with her closest friend, Admiral Danica. Once there, they encounter the realm’s king, Stefan, to be less than enthusiastic – he has a possible invasion waiting on his doorstep and is listening too much to an envoy of the Halverian empire, the very same people threatening to invade. Charlaine and company must find a way to encourage the king to withstand the threat, prepare to confront the Halverians (both on land and sea) and make some difficult decisions which will affect the entire continent. Bennett once again brings the story to life with intrigue, a bit of magic and some amazing battles. Will the Knights of St. Agnes and the kingdom prevail, or will they be lost to the power of a greedy and relentless empire? This is another exciting chapter in the amazing series worth reading. Awesome tales from a master story-teller!
March 10, 2023
I just love hearing of the close sisterhood between Charlaine and Danika. The Grand Mistress, in responding to the Empire of Halvaria’s rumbling in the borders of the Petty Kingdom send in both Charlaine and Danika as she knows they act with the best interest of the people in mind and won’t be corrupted by power and greed.
We see a bit of the uncertainty with Charlaine as she has to command far more people and types of individuals than she has in the past. We also bite our nails when the recklessness of Admiral Danika Meer place the fleet in a precarious position right when they need to be their strongest.
This was a great story and I loved the message that you are strong with your friends and family(or should I say Sisters) around you.
We see a bit of the uncertainty with Charlaine as she has to command far more people and types of individuals than she has in the past. We also bite our nails when the recklessness of Admiral Danika Meer place the fleet in a precarious position right when they need to be their strongest.
This was a great story and I loved the message that you are strong with your friends and family(or should I say Sisters) around you.
April 27, 2023
Temple Captain Charlaine receives orders from the grand Mistress raising her to Temple Commander and sending her to Arnsfeld. The Temple Knights of Saint Cunar have with-drawn from the area in the grand Mistress has decided that Charlene should take over there. Her successor is to be Leona and she is promoted to Temple Captain. Marlene her a will be going with her. Mister Bennett has written a wonderful book on par with all the other books he's written I highly recommend that you read what he's written preferably in the order has written it as it makes more sense. They are all very good books...
March 1, 2023
Paul J Bennett has done it again. Five books in to his Power Ascending and yet, somehow, Temple Commander, is totally fresh and exciting. Terms like “epic” are routinely misused by publisher blurbs, but I gotta say, it’s deserved for this series. Best to start with book 1 but each book - most certainly including this one - has been total fun. If you’ve any interest in military fantasy novels you can’t go wrong here.
March 6, 2023
Both Charlaine and Danica have their work cut out for them in this latest installment of the Power Ascending series.
This time, they will face off against the Halvarians on both land and sea, simultaneously.
Will they both prevail against the odds, or will the Halvarian Empire win the day with its superior numbers of both fighters and ships?
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Temple Commander from the author, and have chosen to leave a review.
This time, they will face off against the Halvarians on both land and sea, simultaneously.
Will they both prevail against the odds, or will the Halvarian Empire win the day with its superior numbers of both fighters and ships?
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Temple Commander from the author, and have chosen to leave a review.
March 10, 2023
Absolutely fabulous storyline building on previous books. The series is hotting up and I like the way it’s an uncomplicated read. The good guys are exactly that and the bad guys do their thing, culminating in a reckoning of some sort. However the storyline has interesting characters and lots of adventures. For anyone who likes a good old fashioned read with adventures and excitement this is the series for you! Can’t wait for the next instalment.
March 12, 2023
I was given this book to read and to leave an honest review.
It was riveting from start to finish. A couple of nights it kept me up past midnight because I needed to know what happened next. And the end left me wanting to read the next book. Paul J Bennett is one of the finest authors, particularly when it comes to writing battle scenes, that I like because I just know that I am going to enjoy his story.
It was riveting from start to finish. A couple of nights it kept me up past midnight because I needed to know what happened next. And the end left me wanting to read the next book. Paul J Bennett is one of the finest authors, particularly when it comes to writing battle scenes, that I like because I just know that I am going to enjoy his story.
March 5, 2023
Another great read.
Our protagonist continue to strive for the freedom of citizens of the kingdom’s, against forces both within and without the church. Faith, inspiration and leadership have brought our heroins to full maturity. When they lead their knights on both land and sea they’re a force to be reckoned with. Very highly recommended reading.
Our protagonist continue to strive for the freedom of citizens of the kingdom’s, against forces both within and without the church. Faith, inspiration and leadership have brought our heroins to full maturity. When they lead their knights on both land and sea they’re a force to be reckoned with. Very highly recommended reading.
March 18, 2023
Fantasy Military at its Best!
I love both the land and sea battles, they are so engrossing the way the battles are told by Paul J Bennett! Danica is such an inspiration to her fleet. This is another really great part of the storyline, which is best if read in order.
Thank you Paul J Bennett for anther great story!
I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I love both the land and sea battles, they are so engrossing the way the battles are told by Paul J Bennett! Danica is such an inspiration to her fleet. This is another really great part of the storyline, which is best if read in order.
Thank you Paul J Bennett for anther great story!
I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 20, 2023
Another excellent adventure for the Temple heroines this time showcasing both Commander Charlaine and Admiral Danica’s sense of duty and strategy in their respective battles on land and sea. Their bravery and sense of honor results in spoiling the Empire’s plans for overtaking the Petty Kingdoms once again.
March 3, 2023
Charlaine deShandria and Danica team up to try to defeat the empire of Halveria. Charlaine commands the land; Danica takes to the sea. Lots of challenges to test their ability to strategize and improvise as situations present themselves.
March 13, 2023
This book/series is flat out amazing! Superior world building/characters/land and sea battles (with illustrations) forces you to page turn till the end....Thank goodness that author BENNETT keeps writing them. Strongly recommended!
April 10, 2023
More Magic and Mayhem!
Paul J. Bennett's "Temple Commander" is another extraordinary addition to his "Power Ascending" series. He is a master storyteller who always leaves you wanting more. I did not want this book to end.
Paul J. Bennett's "Temple Commander" is another extraordinary addition to his "Power Ascending" series. He is a master storyteller who always leaves you wanting more. I did not want this book to end.
November 13, 2025
A fitting continuation to a stirring fantasy series.
The world building is superb! Defending kingdoms with righteous fervor and devotion to the order of St Agnes! Their feminine vulnerability rises as their bravery becomes legendary!
The world building is superb! Defending kingdoms with righteous fervor and devotion to the order of St Agnes! Their feminine vulnerability rises as their bravery becomes legendary!
March 8, 2023
Wow saints preserve us
What a storyline absolute brilliant writing cannot wait for the next chapter of this brilliant series. Well done Paul Bennett
What a storyline absolute brilliant writing cannot wait for the next chapter of this brilliant series. Well done Paul Bennett
March 11, 2023
I love that this series continues to fascinate. So much action going on at one time. Start with the first for the best introduction to the ongoing action. And don't miss sny of it!
April 13, 2023
Great action. The characters keep you turning the page.
February 18, 2024
Amazing Series!
Loved, loved these books! So much adventure! I shared this series with my husband. Pick this up today and start your own adventure!
Loved, loved these books! So much adventure! I shared this series with my husband. Pick this up today and start your own adventure!
March 28, 2023
Amazing, breathtaking and inspiring! Paul’s storytelling leaves the reader awestruck. His characters are so good that you can’t stop reading. I loved this book and series and I can’t wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews