This is a sprawling tale of a warrior who finds a young person in need of protection due to a great secret. The book opens with a compelling scene of life and death and then a series of flashbacks before getting to the story proper. I liked that the author just started with a scene in the protagonist’s life, not doing an information dump to tell us about the complex world of the story. Instead, he puts us right in the shoes of a soldier who is soon to be tested. We can understand being placed in a difficult situation, so it evokes empathy.

If you prefer your fantasy to be of the fighting variety, you might be disappointed. While there is some of that, the book moves slowly and feels more like a character study of the warrior, especially in the earlier pages, and the young person, as we are coming to understand the forces that shape them. Character slowly unfolds. Foreshadowing is used to significant effect. I appreciated that the protagonist is a man of principle and honor even when it is not easy for him; he is not just one who obeys commands or follows orders.

The author also has an appealing and easy to read a writing style—which I appreciate after having read some books that do not—so that even though this is a longer tale, it's easy to go along with the journey.

I enjoyed Bennett's book. It's an easy read and the plot flows smoothly. Looking forward to next in series.

What a great find. Servant of the Crown is the first in the series of the Heir to the Crown series and from the outset, it gives us wonderfully constructed characters in a difficult world. Gerald, our veteran who endures so much disaster, and Anna, the little girl of dirty feet, will both steal your heart. The world, while it does fit into the realm of fantasy, the 'otherworldliness' and use of magic takes a backseat to the action and adventure of the characters, making the world much more reminiscent of Medieval based fiction. The weaving of the fantasy elements into the story is subtle and well done. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book, as with any great series, the end has left me ready to find out what happens next! A well-designed world with memorable characters and a nicely paced plot. A very enjoyable read.

Great world building, engaging characters, can't wait to read more from this author. Characters are likeable and there is enough action to keep things interesting, but it doesn't hurtle along so fast that you're afraid you've missed something important.

Gerald is an old soldier who finds himself banished from the army, scapegoated, and nearly executed if not for the influence of his lifelong friend the Baron of Bodden. Instead he's sent away to work at a royal estate that rarely sees visitors. Gerald meets a young girl with an enormous secret and treats her largely like a daughter. This relationship changes life for him forever.

Servant of the Crown is a touching story about friendship, loyalty, and politics. I kind of wish I knew that before I picked it up because I was expecting a story about warfare. This isn't the kind of book I would have chosen to read if I knew what to expect. The story is light on battles, but has a lot of heart.

Gerald and Anna's relationship is a happy tear inducing drama. They're both alone. Each is without a family and they become that for one another. Gerald gets to help raise Anna like the daughter that he lost and Anna gets a father figure with the utmost integrity. I felt bad for Gerald overall, but it seems Anna got a better deal having Royal power along with Gerald as her father figure.

Servant of the Crown is a nice story.

2.5 out of 5 stars

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

An original and endearing tale, I'll be sure to pick up more from this author soon. The setting was more evocative of true medieval times, unlike a lot of newer fantasy, which was refreshing. My only complaint is the odd timeline set up made the story a bit confusing to follow at first, but I got into it eventually. .

What a captivating novel! A sergeant, a veteran in his end 30ties who served his king for 20 years and has lost his family in the wars with a neighbouring country, is invalided during an uprising in the capital and blamed for the disaster and the great loss of lives his commanding officer caused.

Saved by his former commander and friend from execution as a scapegoat, he is banished to a far away and forgotten royal palace to work there as the groundsman. Trying to bring the gardens back from being a jungle he meets a lonely young girl of around 6. The two of them become friends and he gets to know her secret. But can he protect her?

It is a lovely book. You can feel the love of the limping lonely man for this equally lonely girl. The village near the castle and the castle itself are populated by a whole rainbow of people. The world is a fantasy world but resembles a 13/14th century Medieval society. There are only a few hints to non-human persons or magic but it is mostly a pseudo England with rebels (Scots?) invading it.

I really enjoyed reading it. It is part of a series and book 2 is about a warrior maiden mentioned in this book but I think the three books will bring the saga to a close or so I hope. Looking forward to read the other novels in this series.