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Chronicles of Cyric #0.5
Into the Maelstrom
How can one man succeed where an entire army has failed?
Amarantis, a powerful Fire Mage, searches the battlefield, seeking his next victim.
Giselle refuses to give in to defeat. Instead, she demands the surrender of her enemy, even in the face of imminent death.
Cyric is not looking for a fight, wishing only to help those injured. All that changes when he sees the life-and-death struggle unfolding before him.
Now, with nothing left in their arsenal, magic once again threatens them with its fiery fury. In a flash of inspiration, Cyric attempts to save Giselle, but is it enough to turn the tide of battle in their favour?
Has Amarantis met his match when he crosses the path of Brother Cyric? Find out in Paul J Bennett's Into the Maelstrom, A Chronicles of Cyric prequel story.
Amarantis, a powerful Fire Mage, searches the battlefield, seeking his next victim.
Giselle refuses to give in to defeat. Instead, she demands the surrender of her enemy, even in the face of imminent death.
Cyric is not looking for a fight, wishing only to help those injured. All that changes when he sees the life-and-death struggle unfolding before him.
Now, with nothing left in their arsenal, magic once again threatens them with its fiery fury. In a flash of inspiration, Cyric attempts to save Giselle, but is it enough to turn the tide of battle in their favour?
Has Amarantis met his match when he crosses the path of Brother Cyric? Find out in Paul J Bennett's Into the Maelstrom, A Chronicles of Cyric prequel story.
- GenresFantasy
30 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2019
34 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Paul J. Bennett
48 books556 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 30, 2019
Charles van Buren
Brother Cyric becomes a temple knight
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: December 26, 2019
Publisher: Paul J Bennett
Language: English
ASIN: B08376FG2N
38 pages
Short story which introduces Brother Cyric and tells the interesting tale of how he became a temple knight. The free story which I downloaded also includes a portion of "A Midwinter's Murder" featuring Brother Cyric.
Brother Cyric becomes a temple knight
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: December 26, 2019
Publisher: Paul J Bennett
Language: English
ASIN: B08376FG2N
38 pages
Short story which introduces Brother Cyric and tells the interesting tale of how he became a temple knight. The free story which I downloaded also includes a portion of "A Midwinter's Murder" featuring Brother Cyric.
January 12, 2020
Into The Maelstrom by Paul J Bennett
This is a short story well written introducing Brother Cyric and his amazing belief in St. Matthew. I highly recommend reading this story then following up with "A Midwinter Murder." I highly recommend both the story and the second story...
A Midwinter Murder by Paul J Bennett
Brother Cyric, a Temple Knight of St. Matthew was walking to the house the Duke of Cayfield where he was to bless a delicious dinner for the Duke. He was walking in the snow for the humility of it when along came the carriage that stopped and offered him a ride which he accepted. Brother Cyric explained that the invitation came to light for a holy father to give the blessing. Willem, Count of Rudgren was giving him the ride. Those present were the Duke's three children two sons and a daughter the fiancée of one of the sons and an old friend. During the dinner the eldest son Ernst and his fiancée Lady Mathilde and his daughter Lady Marlena left the dinner table. This is a well written book and an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it...
This is a short story well written introducing Brother Cyric and his amazing belief in St. Matthew. I highly recommend reading this story then following up with "A Midwinter Murder." I highly recommend both the story and the second story...
A Midwinter Murder by Paul J Bennett
Brother Cyric, a Temple Knight of St. Matthew was walking to the house the Duke of Cayfield where he was to bless a delicious dinner for the Duke. He was walking in the snow for the humility of it when along came the carriage that stopped and offered him a ride which he accepted. Brother Cyric explained that the invitation came to light for a holy father to give the blessing. Willem, Count of Rudgren was giving him the ride. Those present were the Duke's three children two sons and a daughter the fiancée of one of the sons and an old friend. During the dinner the eldest son Ernst and his fiancée Lady Mathilde and his daughter Lady Marlena left the dinner table. This is a well written book and an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it...
December 12, 2025
This story is a prequel and a very short prequel for that matter, however it packs a punch anyway. It introduces us to Brother Cyric the lay monk who does his utmost to assist on the battlefield as best he can, taking no sides in the war. However he comes across the evil fire mage known as Amarantis who is going around seeking his next victim indiscriminately. He happens on Giselle, a temple knight who valiantly battles against his powerful magic, and when Cyric sees her being struck down he intervenes. Cyric shows great courage going up against someone as powerful as Amarantis, but can one man win a war? Has Amarantis found his match finally? I loved this short story and I think it gives us a good intro into the Chronicles of Cyric but I do wish it was a bit longer.
July 13, 2021
What a great introduction to Brother Cyric. Talk about baptism by fire. I wonder if the Temple Knight of Saint Agnes, rescued by Cyric, makes a full recovery given that the Duke has allowed his Life Mage to treat her. I hope so as she showed great courage.
I look forward to reading more of this series.
I look forward to reading more of this series.
January 20, 2022
Into the Maelstrom (Chronicles of Cyric #0.5), my first read/listen from author Paul J. Bennett and the first in in the Chronicles of Cyric series. Well written & enjoyable short introductory read. Next upA Midwinter Murder. I was given an Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 25, 2023
This short prequel shows a remarkable beginning towards knighthood for Brother Cyril. While it’s entertaining it’s rather short. Also, included is the first chapter of the first book in this series. I found it very interesting as well as driving my curiosity to want to read what comes of it.
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.
March 4, 2023
Into the Maelstrom introduces us to Brother Cyric. The reader quickly realizes the devotion to St Mathew and belief Cyric holds that Mathew will guide and lead him. His heroic actions lead him down the path which will define his life in the future.
This was a good read, with magic and mental strength beyond what a normal person could possibly handle. Enjoy the read.
This was a good read, with magic and mental strength beyond what a normal person could possibly handle. Enjoy the read.
December 29, 2019
A truly wonderful short story. I love the character of Bother Cyric, he is both saintly and world wise at the same time. His ability to sum up a situation is amazing. I’m looking forward to more stories of him. Highly recommended.
December 30, 2019
Brother Cyric is from the Order of St. Mathew whose purpose is to help the sick, dying and needy.
This short story tells of his devotion to his Saint and his purpose in life. Overcoming a terrible Fire Mage is his hope this day to save the life of a Sister of St. Agnes a Templar Knight.
This short story tells of his devotion to his Saint and his purpose in life. Overcoming a terrible Fire Mage is his hope this day to save the life of a Sister of St. Agnes a Templar Knight.
March 22, 2020
Brother Knight Cyric
Chris seems to have his work cut out for him. He is one busy brother with immense faith. Hopefully his faith will preserve him in his coming adventures. Good luck Brother
Chris seems to have his work cut out for him. He is one busy brother with immense faith. Hopefully his faith will preserve him in his coming adventures. Good luck Brother
February 23, 2025
This one was great like every other Paul Bennett book I have read. It was a short story, a back story of a character we all have come to know and Love. It did leave me wanting more, but it was a short story after all.
January 2, 2020
Great book!!
The characters are well developed!!
The story is Unique and
Interesting!!
The characters are well developed!!
The story is Unique and
Interesting!!
July 4, 2024
Chronicles of Cyric #0.5
Into the Maelstrom
Paul J. Bennett
A healer’s faith and cunning aid him in defeating an enemy mage.
Into the Maelstrom
Paul J. Bennett
A healer’s faith and cunning aid him in defeating an enemy mage.
July 2, 2025
Excellent prequel
Good story line.
Good characters.
Minimal descriptions.
Maximum action.
Nicely sets up a plot to follow the main character.
Draws you into the story.
Good story line.
Good characters.
Minimal descriptions.
Maximum action.
Nicely sets up a plot to follow the main character.
Draws you into the story.
October 10, 2025
a Good Start to a novella series
This is a very interesting world and I am eager to read more of it, been looking for a mystery series set in a fantasy world
This is a very interesting world and I am eager to read more of it, been looking for a mystery series set in a fantasy world
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews