Book excerpt: From warrior to diplomat, his destiny awaits. Heralded as the Hero of the North, Ludwig returns home, expecting to reconcile with his father, only to learn a mysterious illness has taken him. Thrust into the role of baron, he quickly discovers his stepbrother left his lands teetering on the edge of ruin. The barony is nearly bankrupt, the army weak, and its traditional enemy is making threats of war. Before he has the opportunity to rectify the situation, King Otto reminds him of his obligation to continue the family name. Now entangled in the tumultuous politics of court, he is forced to deal with petty jealousies and a country torn apart by strife. All while a powerful enemy prepares to invade! Can he successfully master the complexity of being a warrior lord, or will it ultimately lead to his own destruction? The story of a seasoned hero continues in Warrior Lord, Book Four of the Power Ascending series. Ready your weapons and pick up a copy of Warrior Lord to see what he must do to be victorious.  New to the series? Meet Charlaine and Ludwig in Tempered Steel, the series prequel, then crack open a copy of Temple Knight to learn how a leader is forged. What readers are saying about Paul J Bennett’s books: ★★★★★ -"Fantastic Fantasy!" ★★★★★ -"Epic Battle Scenes! ★★★★★ -"I’m hooked on this series!" ★★★★★ -"Exciting Sword and Sorcery" ★★★★★ -"Fabulously written, loved it." ★★★★★ -"Outstanding work of fantasy" ★★★★★ -"The most amazing adventure" ★★★★★ -"Another excellent book series!!" Books by Paul J Bennett Power Ascending Series: Tempered Steel - Prequel Temple Knight Warrior Knight Temple Captain Warrior Lord Temple Commander Warrior Prince Heir to the Crown Series: Battle at the River - Prequel Servant of the Crown Sword of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past Heart of the Crown Shadow of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Call of Magic Fate of the Crown Burden of the Crown Mercerian Tales: The Making of a Man Defender of the Crown Fury of the Crown Mercerian Tales: Honour Thy Ancestors War of the Crown Triumph of the Crown Guardian of the Crown Enemy of the Crown Peril of the Crown The Frozen Flame Series: The Awakening/Into the Fire - Prequels Ashes Embers Flames Inferno Maelstrom Vortex Torrent Cataclysm Power Ascending Series: Tempered Steel - Prequel Temple Knight Warrior Knight Temple Captain Warrior Lord Temple Commander The Chronicles of Cyric: Into the Maelstrom - Prequel A Midwinter Murder The Beast of Brunhausen A Plague in Zeiderbruch More of what readers are saying: ★★★★★ -"I just could not stop reading them" ★★★★★ -"Wow! Best book I’ve read in a LONG time!" ★★★★★-"Thoroughly absorbing, exciting and mystical." ★★★★★ -"If you like fantasy fiction, then this is a must-read!" ★★★★★ -"This story gripped me and kept me turning the pages." ★★★★★ -"Action, Intrigue, Adventure, Romance and some twists!" ★★★★★ -"I love the book, had me on edge, could not put it down!" ★★★★★ -"Full of suspense, intrigue and action throughout the story" ★★★★★ -"The characters you love in the books come to life in such a fabulous way." ★★★★★ -"The tale flows effortlessly along, blending action, adventure and heartwarming scenes."