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Heir to the Crown #2.5
Mercerian Tales
In a land where true heroism is more likely to be rewarded with accusations of treason, comes a recounting of past adventures by the unsung heroes of the realm.
It all begins innocently enough; a cool night, a warm fire, and finally, a moment to relax after saving the kingdom. Then, one by one they reminisce about the defining moments of their lives.
From meeting a witch willing to sacrifice all in defense of her companions, to the discovery of hereunto unknown creature preying on the hapless villagers of Mattingly, to the act of simply falling off a horse changing the future of the realm, their accounts are spellbinding.
The tales seem to grow with each new chronicler; their past exploits soon to become the stuff legends are made of. Just when it appears the night is over, the final surprising tales unfold, leaving everyone speechless.
Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past more than just a collection of short stories, falls chronologically between books two and three the Heir to the Crown series, but can be read at any time. If you like legendary creatures, bold manoeuvers, and witty banter, then you will love Paul J Bennett's recollections of days gone by.
Pick up your copy of Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past today, and pull up a chair!
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2018
92 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Paul J. Bennett
56 books483 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 17, 2023
When I started reading this series I thought that it was just gonna be a simple story with not a lot of growth but my god. When I say I was bawling when I read some of the stuff in this book I am not kidding. One particular story makes me cry every time I remember it, it was so good. Props for Paul J. Bennet. I feel really lucky I discovered his work through TikTok.
November 27, 2019
I really loved this little novel. It is slightly shorter than the author's full-length novels at just under 200 pages, but I found it a great read nonetheless. It kept my attention throughout the entire novel and left me wondering about all the other 'stories' that would be told.
This is quite a unique way to present a novel. It consists of several stories told from many different character's points of view, the one thing they all have in common is that they've taken place in the past, hence the title.
One of the most intriguing and heart-wrenching stories told in the novel is actually from a dog's point of view!! It had me in tears at times, so be prepared. It was such a 'novel' (no pun intended) approach to telling a story and it fit right in with all the other characters since this particular dog, Tempus has become quite a prominent character in the "The Heir to the Crown" series, and you can easily 'see' this happening to him and 'feel' for him as he goes through his trials and tribulations in his life to come to where he is in the books.
Another nice surprise was the addition of a 'Mercerian Fable' that is mentioned as being a story that is being read to a young Princess Anna in a previous story. So, to find the actual fable entitled "The Mermaid of Colbridge" at the end of the stories as a story unto itself was exciting. And since it's so well written, you really do end up believing that it could be a fable handed down for generations in the 'real' world today.
This is quite a unique way to present a novel. It consists of several stories told from many different character's points of view, the one thing they all have in common is that they've taken place in the past, hence the title.
One of the most intriguing and heart-wrenching stories told in the novel is actually from a dog's point of view!! It had me in tears at times, so be prepared. It was such a 'novel' (no pun intended) approach to telling a story and it fit right in with all the other characters since this particular dog, Tempus has become quite a prominent character in the "The Heir to the Crown" series, and you can easily 'see' this happening to him and 'feel' for him as he goes through his trials and tribulations in his life to come to where he is in the books.
Another nice surprise was the addition of a 'Mercerian Fable' that is mentioned as being a story that is being read to a young Princess Anna in a previous story. So, to find the actual fable entitled "The Mermaid of Colbridge" at the end of the stories as a story unto itself was exciting. And since it's so well written, you really do end up believing that it could be a fable handed down for generations in the 'real' world today.
February 25, 2021
What a fun interlude! In this book, we are gathered with all of the main characters we've met so far in the first two stories. While this set of short stories is said to be a stand-alone, in my mind, it should only be read after book 2. as it seems to follow shortly after the events of Sword of the Crown.
Our friends have gathered ar Bodden in a chamber to share company with one another after the defeat of the rebels at Kingsford. Princess Anna is insistent to hear stories of heroic deeds from the past. We are then given charming renditions from each of them on events while seemingly small and contained, add much flavor to the stories we've read to this point. We even learn how Tempus came to be the companion of Anna and before that, how she came to live at the manor in Uxley.
Yet again, I find myself happy to recommend this story to any and all who read this review. It isn't all fun and games, but there is some wonderful reading to be had here.
Our friends have gathered ar Bodden in a chamber to share company with one another after the defeat of the rebels at Kingsford. Princess Anna is insistent to hear stories of heroic deeds from the past. We are then given charming renditions from each of them on events while seemingly small and contained, add much flavor to the stories we've read to this point. We even learn how Tempus came to be the companion of Anna and before that, how she came to live at the manor in Uxley.
Yet again, I find myself happy to recommend this story to any and all who read this review. It isn't all fun and games, but there is some wonderful reading to be had here.
July 15, 2024
Heir to the Crown #2.5
Mercerian Tales
Paul J. Bennett
Assuming a woman surrounded by wolves is under attack may be the wrong conclusion, especially when the wolves attack in her defence.
So begins the first tale in this series. The book takes the form of a multi-generational group of high ranking individuals swapping tales around a campfire.
Next up is the Bandit-King whose guerrilla-style raids stymie the knights sent to capture him after he steals a consignment of the local Earl’s favourite wine.
And this is fantasy so the next tale involves a gryphon.
And the final story concerns how Anna acquired her massive canine protector Tempus.
Mercerian Tales
Paul J. Bennett
Assuming a woman surrounded by wolves is under attack may be the wrong conclusion, especially when the wolves attack in her defence.
So begins the first tale in this series. The book takes the form of a multi-generational group of high ranking individuals swapping tales around a campfire.
Next up is the Bandit-King whose guerrilla-style raids stymie the knights sent to capture him after he steals a consignment of the local Earl’s favourite wine.
And this is fantasy so the next tale involves a gryphon.
And the final story concerns how Anna acquired her massive canine protector Tempus.
April 17, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author... although I have several others on my TBR list. I usually prefer longer more substantial stories but this book managed to weave short tales into a cohesive, connected and engaging whole story. There is a complete and well envisioned time and location that these stories take place in, an entire fictional world, that somehow feels like it could be historical. I look forward to reading the other books that feature the characters I've been introduced to in this book.
October 19, 2018
More great reading
I have read all of Paul Bennett's books, and I've enjoyed them all. This book was fun to read, lots of great stories told by all of my favorite characters in the books. It gives you a better understandig of past events and how it effected the outcome of other events. I don't want to give away any spoilers. You just have to read the book for yourselves and I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. Happy Reading 📚
I have read all of Paul Bennett's books, and I've enjoyed them all. This book was fun to read, lots of great stories told by all of my favorite characters in the books. It gives you a better understandig of past events and how it effected the outcome of other events. I don't want to give away any spoilers. You just have to read the book for yourselves and I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. Happy Reading 📚
March 23, 2021
This is a book of stories that builds upon the world of the Crown series!
Adds dimension and extra information important to the characters makes everything already told make more sense!
I really thought the author told the rest of the story with this in between stories addition!
Adds to your understanding of characters and plot,
Defineately worth reading!
Love the history and detail in Bennett's writing!
Highly recommended reading.
Adds dimension and extra information important to the characters makes everything already told make more sense!
I really thought the author told the rest of the story with this in between stories addition!
Adds to your understanding of characters and plot,
Defineately worth reading!
Love the history and detail in Bennett's writing!
Highly recommended reading.
April 8, 2025
Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past by Paul J Bennett fills the reader in on the backstories of the major characters In the Heir to the Crown Series. I would call them “fireside Tales.” They are the vivid reminiscences of this band of friends and the experiences that made them who they are. Mr. Bennett delights, astounds and entertains the reader with well written plotlines and interesting characters. I highly recommend this book.
February 2, 2020
As a fan of the series I was really lucky to received this book as an ARC. I’m not sure how to classify this book, part of the series? Background stories? A collection of tales? But I can tell you that while reading it, you’ll feel yourself as part of their evening sharing the fire and hearing these stories with these characters you already know and love. It is a treat!!
August 2, 2020
A gathering of the main characters telling stories from their past.
If you have read the Heir to the Crown series this book will give you some interesting glimpses into the back stories of the most intriguing and beloved characters. From Fitz to Tempus these short tales enlighten the readers of the Mercerian saga.
If you have read the Heir to the Crown series this book will give you some interesting glimpses into the back stories of the most intriguing and beloved characters. From Fitz to Tempus these short tales enlighten the readers of the Mercerian saga.
January 3, 2025
There are great storytellers and there are great stories to be told. Gathered in this room are both. The background of key characters and activities are revealed, providing great context to the stories from Eiddenwerthe.
This really is a great read. Your emotions will certainly be brought to the surface as the story grabs you and makes you a witness.
This really is a great read. Your emotions will certainly be brought to the surface as the story grabs you and makes you a witness.
September 3, 2018
Lovely
It was so nice to get the background on some of the stories you have enjoyed in the previous books. They made me smile and laugh and showed how versatile a writer Paul Bennett is. Totally recommend.
It was so nice to get the background on some of the stories you have enjoyed in the previous books. They made me smile and laugh and showed how versatile a writer Paul Bennett is. Totally recommend.
December 7, 2018
An enjoyable read
I am not much for short stories, but these stories were all tied to the main characters in the Mercerian Tales, all of whom I like. I did enjoy the stories, and the stories did fill in some missing information.
I am not much for short stories, but these stories were all tied to the main characters in the Mercerian Tales, all of whom I like. I did enjoy the stories, and the stories did fill in some missing information.
December 21, 2018
This is a great book. I feel that the characters are friends of mine. I enjoyed this book.
January 23, 2019
A series of stories cleverly linked together.
This is a book I will enjoy reading again and again.
Well done, Mr. Bennett.
Phyllis S.
This is a book I will enjoy reading again and again.
Well done, Mr. Bennett.
Phyllis S.
April 14, 2019
A late night reading must!
I love to find a book or series that has me staying up late to finish it. The Heir to the Crown is that is recommend by me. A fan!
I love to find a book or series that has me staying up late to finish it. The Heir to the Crown is that is recommend by me. A fan!
May 2, 2019
What a wonderfully creative way of filling in the backstory, loved it!
May 25, 2019
This book was very interesting and informative. You get a chance to learn a little more about the main characters. I really enjoyed it.
October 22, 2019
Mr. Bennett is an excellent storyteller!
May 31, 2020
Backgrounds!
This book gives insights, to the circumstances that formed the characters personalities, that we come to love to reading about. Tempus's story is extremely touching.
This book gives insights, to the circumstances that formed the characters personalities, that we come to love to reading about. Tempus's story is extremely touching.
September 19, 2020
An entertaining read broken up into tidbits of stories from the character that gives you an in-depth insight into the mind of the character. A unique way of writing a tale to make an engaging book.
September 18, 2024
This book helps to flesh out the lands, people and events of this series in a fun and interesting way. It was by far a very enjoyable light read.
December 29, 2024
I enjoyed the short stories. They helped round out the characters and made them more relatable. The dog's story was the saddest.
February 26, 2025
It was so cool to see all the different characters come together to tell stories.
May 7, 2025
Must read series
The characters become more interesting and fleshed out with each book. Most entertaining work I have read in a while.
The characters become more interesting and fleshed out with each book. Most entertaining work I have read in a while.
November 13, 2018
This book is such a fun collection of stories. It was so enlightening to be able to see into the lives of all the wonderful characters from the Heir to the Crown series, and to learn more about each of their various pasts and adventures. I am so glad that each of their tales was put to paper; it would have been such a loss to not get to know all of them better!
August 4, 2022
This collection of stories told by the primary characters of the series, Heir to the Crown, gives entertaining insight to their histories. Each character tells one story that is not included in the first two books. I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it to be read after the first two books.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews