...and now you can pre-order Temple Knight!!! View in browser

July 18, 2020

"I really enjoyed the premise and the characters in the beginning of this series! Keep em coming." - Annie

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On the Homefront
Daisy and Tilly waiting to play!

Poor Tilly managed to develop some medical issues this week. As a result, she’s been on some medication that has her lying around the house, which most unusual for her. Daisy seems to think that means it’s her responsibility to look after her sister, so they’ve both spent time together on the couch, snuggling.

On a lighter note, I read an article about the movie Greyhound that I recommended last week. There were some intriguing details in there, but the most interesting to me was that not a single drop of water was used in the making of this fascinating tale. Not only were all the exterior shots created using computers, but even the frost on the windows and drips of water were artificial. To really appreciate the scope of this, you have to see the movie, the effects are first rate. Now, I wonder if the producers are interested in making a fantasy movie?

Congrats to Pam for winning last week's eBook Giveaway! I was surprised to see that salty won by nearly 15%.

Remember, all you need to do to choose which choice you prefer, and you will automatically be entered into the Giveaway to win your choice of any of my ebooks, even the upcoming Temple Knight!

The Clunk

Just after World War Two, jet power was in its infancy. Aside from some German aircraft (notably the ME-262) and the British Meteor, there was little competition. The end of the war saw an explosion in development, with many countries rushing to compete with faster and faster aircraft. Canada was no exception. In 1946 they began working on a long-distance, all-weather fighter called the CF-100 Canuck, known to us in the Air Force as the ‘Clunk’.

By 1950, it was ready for its maiden flight. It sported a pair of Rolls-Royce turbojet engines, giving a top speed of some 552 mph (888 Kph or 480 knots). Later development saw the Mk 4 version reach Mach 1.0, though that was, admittedly, in a dive, quite an accomplishment for a straight-winged jet.

It served in Canada until it was withdrawn from service in 1981. A small number were also purchased by Belgium, a NATO ally. The aircraft needed only a short runway and climbed quickly, making it an ideal interceptor for its time. In addition, its range of 2,000 miles and its ceiling of 45,000 feet made it ideal for the role it was intended. The company that designed it was Avro Canada, who would later go on to fame as the designers of the Avro Arrow. These same designers had plans to adapt a swept wing configuration to the Canuck, resulting in a design which they named the CF-103, but it was terminated before a prototype could be built.

At the peak of its career, it was in service with nine RCAF squadrons, in some cases replacing the Canadair Sabres due to its all-weather interception capabilities (The Sabre was primarily a day fighter). Overall, 692 aircraft were manufactured, of which 53 went to Belgium. Though originally designed for a life expectancy of 2,000 flight hours, the Canuck was found to last more than 20,000 hours of life, a tribute to its robust design.

Twenty-five Canucks are now on display around Canada, with one in Belgium, the UK and even three in the US. A truly Canadian aircraft.

Sic Itur ad Astra (Such is the pathway to the stars)- RCAF Motto

Pre-Order your copy of Temple Knight Today!

Life took a twist she never expected.

All Charlaine ever wanted was to follow in her father’s footsteps until the moment she was forced to leave her old life behind to save her family. Now, as a Temple Knight, she finds herself alone in a distant realm, unaware of what the future will demand of her.

Her hopes for a new life are dashed the moment her past catches up with her. Labelled a troublemaker, it is only when raiders begin harassing the coast that Charlaine’s true mettle emerges.

Suspecting that all is not as it seems, she hatches a plan that reveals a far greater danger than anyone ever suspected.

With her new family of Temple Knights, Charlaine leads them in a desperate gambit to thwart the ambitions of a mighty foe that has the power to destroy them all.

Journey along with Charlaine deShandria as she chases her destiny in the action-packed, intrigue-filled Temple Knight, the first book of Paul J Bennett’s newest epic fantasy series, Power Ascending.

Grab your copy of Temple Knight today and let the adventure begin!

Pre-order Temple Knight Today!
The Real King Arthur?

The tales of King Arthur have always been the stuff of legend, but some wonder if he was, indeed, a real historical figure. The earliest mention of him appears to be in a written account called the ‘Historia Brittonum’, attributed to the work of a welsh monk named Nennius, who recorded the tale in 830 AD.

In his writings, Arthur is referred to as a warrior rather than a king. The monk goes on to record twelve battles in which this legendary figure fought, including what is now considered his most important one, the Battle of Badon. Also known as the Battle of Mons Badonicus, it was believed to be fought between the Celtic Britons and Anglo-Saxons some time in the late 5th or early 6th century. It is said that this battle, a decisive win for the Celts, slowed down the expanse of the Saxons for a time.

The first recorded reference to this battle dates back to the 6th century, but the involvement of Arthur is only referenced in the writings of Nennius. Arthur is mentioned in later Welsh writings, but another document, the 10th century’s, ‘Annales Cambriae’, is the first to put a specific date to the battle, that being somewhere between 516 and 518. This later work also details another of his famous battles, that of Camlann, in which Arthur died (In some movies, this is where he kills Mordred but then succumbs to his wounds). This particular battle is said to have occurred sometime between 537 and 539.

There are many reasons why scholars don’t count Arthur as a historical figure, but even if he wasn’t a real person, the inclusion of his history is the start of a legend.

My next Facebook Live Video will be on Monday, July 20, at my usual time of 5:30 pm EST.

Work in Progress Update

This week saw me finishing the first draft of Flames, the third book in The Frozen Flame series. The story is actually complete, with all plot points tied up, but during the writing, I made a few changes, necessitating some rewrites to the earlier part of the story. I’ve already sorted out about half of these, the rest will come early next week.

This story, much like the others in the series, is complete within itself, but also offers little tidbits hinting at things to come as the series goes forward. The relationship between Athgar and Natalia has remained consistent, growing ever stronger as the story progresses, and I think the return of other characters fits nicely into the narrative.

As I sit here writing this, Carol is hard at work, putting Temple Knight up for pre-order, so you can head over to your favourite retailer today and reserve your copy. The prequel, Tempered Steel, is already written and in the editing stage, so it will be ready in early September, while I am hoping that Flames will ready for October. Lots to keep you busy!

The next thing I shall be tackling is a short story called The Beast of Brunhausen, part of the Chronicles of Cyric. This adventure sees Brother Cyric travelling with a Holy Brother of Saint Mathew, named Alvaro. Caught in the rain, they seek refuge in a small village only to find…

Well, you’ll just have to wait and see.

Until next time, enjoy another passage from Temple Knight

Temple Knight - Power Ascending: Book One

Suddenly, a Sister Knight staggered out of the building and fell to the ground, blood pouring from an arm wound. A large man, easily topping the knight by a head or more, followed her out, his bloodied axe raised for a death blow.

Charlaine acted instinctively, drawing her weapon and rushing forward while the others simply looked on in horror, frozen by the spectacle that was unfolding before them.

The axe came down, but instead of sinking deeply into the flesh of the knight, it scraped along a sword blade, deflected at the last moment. Its wielder turned on Charlaine in shock and annoyance, the rage upon his face now directed solely at her.

She backed up slightly, giving herself some room to effectively wield her sword. As he lifted his axe for another strike, she stabbed forward with the point of her blade, a clean, efficient stroke that punctured his thigh. Her attacker cried out in pain as he continued his attack, but she easily avoided the blow as he stumbled. Charlaine immediately struck again, this time sinking the tip of her blade into his stomach.

Her opponent smashed into her ribs with his elbow, trying to rush past, but she reacted quickly and extended her leg to trip him. He fell to the ground with an audible grunt. Charlaine moved in, placing the tip of her blade against the back of his neck.

“Cease in the name of Saint Agnes,” she ordered, “or I shall be forced to kill you.”

The axeman went still, releasing the grip on his weapon.

Moments later, two armour-clad knights appeared, grabbing his arms and hauling him to his feet. One of them looked at Charlaine. “Good work, Initiate. Do you know who this is?”

Charlaine stared back. “No, Sister, I was only doing my duty.”

“That is Taren Ghul, a notorious slaver. We’ve been hunting him for years. He was the whole reason for this raid.”

“I'm glad to be of service.”

“What’s your name?” demanded the knight.

“Charlaine deShandria, Initiate of Saint Agnes.”

“Well, congratulations, Charlaine. I shall be sure to mention this to your superiors.”

Author Spotlight!

Check out these featured books that are free, discounted, or new releases.
These authors are returning the favour by sharing my books with their readers.

The Empty Crown: Ana is running for her life. And she has dragged Captain Drayton along, or did he drag her? Either way they are fleeing across the kingdom from visions, a nasty mage and an apathetic lord.

The young Ed Forest is also running. He doesn’t know if he is running from what he knows he can’t be, or towards help to be the man his parents had hoped he would become. 

Something has drawn them all to an old man in the mountains. He ran away long ago, and he may not be the willing help that they need... MORE

Dark Enlightening: An assassin, a wizard, and a man tangled up with both of them go on a misguided adventure in search of magical treasure only to come across a world ending power...

Avic has landed himself in prison, being tortured daily after his friends left him with little memory as to what had happened to them after an impulsive search for treasure caused a cave's near collapse. Soon rescued by his escape artist assassin friend, affectionately referred to as Whisper, Avic finds out the truth of what they found in the cave as he watches a kingdom in chaos, the sky falling and their third companion missing.  MORE

The Fifth Interdictor: WHAT WOULD YOU TRADE FOR THE TRUTH? She is the Fifth Interdictor, a powerful warrior imbued with magical abilities and the gift to see into the future. Yet now she faces defeat from the one enemy she has never challenged before: the truth of her own history.

She has no name, no past, no memory of who she was before she became the proud and noble defender of her King, keeping the people safe through her potent sorcery and skill. What need did she have for a past, when the present and her role in it was so clear, so easily understood? MORE

A Tribute at the Gates: Cursed from birth. Forced into slavery. It's time to fight back. The blood of the Ancients is the most coveted ingredient in all of Damaris. The fabled elixir made from it grants those who drink it life that extends far beyond natural means.

There is no higher honor in the kingdom then being granted the privilege of bidding for it. And the people found with the cursed blood? By law, they are the rightful property of the kingdom. They are tributes. 

As a boy, Ryl was sold by his family when he was discovered to have the coveted blood flowing through his veins. MORE

Featured Book Deals & Giveaways

While you wait for the release of my next book, here are some great stories for your TBR pile!

More Giveaways & Deals!
Bingeworthy Boxsets & Bundles
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Bookfair
Summer Fantasy Giveaway
Royalty in Paranormal & Fantasy Books

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Paul J Bennett

Paul@pauljbennettauthor.com

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