Servant of the Crown

Heir to the Crown, Book 1

De: Paul J Bennett

Narrado por: Greg Patmore

An old warrior, too stubborn to die. A royal heir, hidden at birth. Can they save a realm on the brink of war?

Tragedy tears Gerald's world apart, and only his unwavering loyalty to the Baron of Bodden saves him. After serving as a soldier for years, a single act of self-sacrifice thrusts his future into the world of politics. Cut off from all he knows, he becomes no more than a pawn to those in command.

Banished with little more than the clothes on his back, he seeks a new purpose, for what is a warrior who has nothing left to fight for?

A fateful meeting with another lost soul unmasks a shocking secret, compelling him to take up the mantle of guardian. Bandits, the Black Hand, and even the King, he battles them all for the future of the realm.

Memories of the past, secrets that shape the future; his adventure is only the beginning.

Servant of the Crown is the first audiobook in the medieval Heir to the Crown fantasy series. If you like gripping fight scenes, compelling characters, and a captivating story, then you will love Paul J Bennett's tale of a warrior who refuses to retreat.

©2018 Paul J Bennett (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

Enjoyable medieval fantasy

Servant of the Crown, Heir to the Crown, Book 1
Great introduction to this series. Gerald Matheson is the Servant of the Crown. Simply written, easy read, easy listen. In the first quarter of the book we are introduced to significant events in the first forty years of Gerald's life. When the wounded soldier is sent to work as the grounds keeper at the Royal Estate at Uxley he befriends Anna, a lonely 6 year old girl. Hidden from public view since birth and rumoured to be deformed, Anna is the unwanted youngest daughter of the Queen. Anna is fair and her paternity is in question, albeit the King acknowledges her as a daughter. The majority of this story meanders through the next seven years of their life at Uxley. Anna is uncannily clever for a child. When an Elf and a Dwarf are introduced, the story moves into fantasy.

This is a linear narrative, without a POV, suitable for teens (although there is a rape and murder). There isn't a clear plot line. No sense of urgency or impending doom until the end when the knight Dame Beverley delivers news that Merceria has been invaded. Then the story stops. Anna has just turned 13 years. Not a true cliff-hanger and you could stop here. I will continue this fantasy saga as in Sword of the Crown, a stand alone, we learn more about Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam.

I love the narration by Greg Patmore. The characterisations are great. Gerald is as I imagine. My only gripe is that Anna doesn't sound childlike in the early stages. I'm not sure how Greg could mature her vocally and keep Anna identifiable as Anna.

Awesome

I totally loved reading this book a d the Audible rendition was excellent. The voice of Gerald was just as I expected and Anna was pretty close too. This story drew me into the world of Mercia and totally enthralled me. The world building is top notch and all the characters are completely different and totally enjoyable. Grab yourself a copy and curl up in your favourite reading spot with your favourite beverage and lose yourself in a fabulous series. Highly recommended.

Beautiful done.

Once in a while i get a pleasent suprise when selecting new authors in the fantasy genere. This book starts of in the media res style, we get a breif look into the background of the main char. IT could ve been deeper but is sufficient. Then comes back to where the story started, the drive in the story is pleasant. There Are some weaknesses like when the main characters go to the slum. Seems like the sergant doesnt understand the dangers in the slum. But its not a showstopper.
The narrator is good,

Recommended if you are a bit tired of fantastical hero stories.

Character dynamic

I downloaded this on a whim and genuinely enjoyed it! The story and voice acting are engaging with a sweet dynamic between the two main characters.

Refreshing and engaging

I really loved this book. It's original and didn't make me feel 'oh I've seen this idea before'.

The characters are well rounded and the world they live in is well thought up. I had a hard time setting it down to focus on other things as I was drawn in and wanted desperately to know what would happen next. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.