Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest (The Knights of Arrethtrae)

Excellent series!!

It is one of the best books I've ever read! I love the way Chuck combines biblical principles and excitement in the same book! My favorite book next to Sir Kendrick!

This book is awesome! I love the allegory, and how it is so applicable to life! :) Loved it!! :)

Fun book for the whole family. It has a great message that reflects biblical values. I recommend the whole series.

great

Thank you. The book was in great condition.

Allegory can be a powerful literary tool. John Bunyan and C.S. Lewis (to name just two) have written allegories that are now indispensable classics of Christian literature. Yet allegory is not easy. It takes a special gift to make the story come alive, while at the same time remaining true to the larger truth one is seeking to allegorize. In Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest (Multnomah, paperback, 182 pages) author Chuck Black sometimes succeeds in making the story of the wayward Sir Rowan soar above the allegory. For the most part, however, the storyline sticks like Velcro (tm) to the biblical narrative it is trying to illustrate. Not that there is anything wrong per se with the message being transmitted. In the story a young Sir Rowan, having become a Knight of the King, is sidetracked by the glory of the professional arena. Unbeknown to him, his beloved land of Cameria is being destroyed around him. After being captured by bandits and left for dead Sir Rowan realizes that his mission is much more than jousting. At first he joins a desperate attempt to save Cameria. Failing at that, he joins with a mysterious knight in a bold attempt to confront the invaders of the nearby kingdom of Chessington. Part of the "fun" of allegory is the using of the imagination to see the truth behind the story. In Sir Rowan no imagination is necessary. Chessington is very obviously Israel, and Cameria is...well...just put the beginning "c" after the "i". The land of Cameria even has cities like Kroywen and Eltteas (hint: read them backwards). And when the names aren't thinly-veiled references to actual places, they are simply random. No attempt is made at a consistent linguistic pattern for this fantasy kingdom. One knight even has a horse named "Algonquin". How a horse in a fantasy kingdom came to share a name with a North American Indian tribe is left unexplained. Not that Sir Rowan was devoid of any redeeming qualities. Mr. Black does a fine job of narrating fight scenes, battles, and other adventurous sequences. These alone would make the story rollicking fun for young readers. I feel, however, that because not enough attention was paid to the story, the theology behind it suffers. Sadly obligatory legal gobbledygook: I received this book as part of the Multnomah Press Blogging for Books program. I am under no obligation, nor do I receive any recompense for, a positive review.

I wish I had read some of the other books in the Knights of Arrethtrae series, but Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black is the sixth book the series. It is a rags to riches story of a poor stable boy named Rowan with an amazing natural ability to wield a sword. He is eventually helped and trained by a Knight named Sir Aldwyn in not only swordplay but also they ways of the Prince and the Code. Unfortunately a massive time laps happens and suddenly Sir Rowan is an amazing tournament knight bound for riches and glory. Because the author skipped all of his training and mentorship, you don't really resonate with the fact that he is straying from his true purpose in life or the things that he was taught. Fame and pride end up going to his head until he has an unfortunate event along the road to the final tournament. Meanwhile, the land of Cameria is being taken over by the Dark Knight and Rowan must remember what he was taught and learn to use his talent for something greater than himself if Cameria is to be saved. I found myself not really caring about The Prince or the Code because neither played much of a role in this particular book. (I hope they do in the other ones) Because of that, the story is mainly an action story, and the somewhat weak character development left me underwhelmed in the end. This is a Biblical allegory, but it felt like Chuck Black's story simply paralleled the Bible almost exactly, which I think tied the storyline down and hurt the characters. With that all said, this book is probably a great read for a younger audience who wants mostly an action story. I was entertained by the storyline and there are definitely some great messages in the book warning against pride, and encouraging people to use their talents for God and not just their own success. The Dark Knight boasted that his distracting tournaments were the perfect weapon against the Prince because they "captured the time and money of Camerians everywhere. But best of all, it captured their passion and put them to sleep." (P. 111) What a great reminder to everyone to remember that our lives should be about more than just our own gain or entertainment. In exchange for my review, I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah and the Blogging for Books Program.

Some books have a reputation. Actually reading them may not even be necessary to know whether they are actually worth the time to read them or not. I had heard about Chuck Black's books, and entered them into the library where I worked. I read high recommendations about them as well - and the reviews were not unfounded. Sir Rowan's story begins with him as a stable boy with quite a knack for swords. He is discovered and trained by one of the Prince's knights and quickly becomes a top tournament knight. However, his pride in his achievements becomes his downfall, and after a brush with death, he realizes how far he has come from the Prince's desires. The rest of the book chronicles his path to achieving the goal that the Prince truly has for his life. I don't want to give away anything in the story. This book is an excellent read; I was gripped by the story. It is quite an adventure! Mr. Black is an excellent storyteller, and he weaves truths from the Scripture seamlessly into the unfolding drama. The books are marked as being for a Teen/Young Adult audience. I do agree with that, although I think that children in their preteens would enjoy it as well - as long as they aren't too sensitive. (The flesh-eating caterpillars might disturb very young audiences!) :) I loved the discussion questions in the back. They (and the answers following) really helped clear up any confusion I had in what different characters/items in the book represented. I think it would be an excellent book to read and discuss as a family - perhaps even in family devotional time. (This book was provided through the Blogging for Books program - all opinions are my own.)

Sir Rowan And The Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black Recommendation: Highly Recommended Author Chuck Black once again delivers an allegorical masterpiece! In Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest we live the tale of a young knight's rise to prestige, power and wealth and his subsequent downfall as pride overtakes him. Through the difficult lessons he must learn and the consequences he must face, he surrenders his life the King and to His Son, the Prince. In what the author calls "one very loose interpretation" of the end times, Sir Rowan and his brother, Sir Lijah, are the two witnesses spoken of in Revelation 11. They speak boldly for the King and in the end receive their reward. Positives: The story is filled with Biblical allegory on every page it seems. The storyline is imaginative and captivating. There are also discussion questions (and answers) for each chapter at the end of the book. These are great for helping your child unlock the allegories and see the Scriptural truths for themselves. I also appreciated the author's commentary at the end which unfolded his purposes for writing the book. Negatives: None Talking Points: The discussion questions offer many Scripture references as they help you understand much of the allegory in the story. The passage that kept coming to my mind was I John 2:15-17. As Sir Rowan sought the applause of men, ask your children, what in this world do they love? What captures their heart, what do they spend their time doing? Where has pride crept into their hearts? Proverbs 6:16-19 speaks of God's hatred of pride. God desires a humble servants heart as spoken of in passages like Psalm 51:17 and Is. 66:1-2. Age Level: 10 years old and up I received this book for free fromWaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is a great book, as are the others. My 14 year old daughter LOVES them! She told me "Mom I read this book in three hours, I couldn't put it down!" The christian message is revealed is such a fantastic way! We own both series, and have all the audios which are also amazing. I give this book two thumbs up!

I can't say enough great things about these books. My 6th and 7th grade sons LOVE Chuck Black's books. We all do.

I handed the book over to my daughter who is 11 years old and she loved it, she was kept interested, she thought the book was fun and she enjoyed the characters and the story. This book is written in such a way that it not only captivates the young mind, but even a mom of two. It talks about life lessons and it encourages us to use the gifts we are given by God. I also love that you can read it as a stand alone in the series. After reading Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue, I was hoping that all the other Chuck Black books would be as good, I'm glad it didn't disappoint, I'm looking forward to reading the others in the series :)

5 stars...must buy!

Excellent reading.

Would recommend this to child and adult alike. Well written and fascinating story line :) In great condition, enjoy :)

If you've read one of the "The Knights of Arrethtrae" books then you've read them all? Well, maybe. This is the 2nd book of the Chuck Black's books I have read and it was much like the first. Of course there were different main characters with a "problem" to overcome to accept the Prince and to serve Him. The main character of Book 6, Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is ... Rowan. There are lesser main characters also, such as Mariah and Sir Aldwyn...and about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through Lijah, who becomes one of the main characters from then on out. Make sense? Really, though there aren't too many people to keep track of- which I was thankful for. Sir Rowan starts as an oprhan child that has had to rise up from the slums to be something great. He handles a sword like no other and eventually is trained to be a Knight of the Prince. He pledges his allegiance to the Prince but he doesn't live by the Code and is over taken by greed and vanity. Rowan at the height of his fame is kidnapped for ransom...but no ransom comes. His kidnappers leave him to die but he is found by Mariah, a widow. From then on, Rowan thinks on his past and the mistakes he's made. He gains strength and knowledge of the problems that those who follow the Prince have been going through and what is to come. I don't want to ruin the book for any one but I will say that one of the characters dies and it's very sad Sad smile But in the end, it's all good Smile Interestingly, but not surprisingly, Black has taken the history of our world (Biblical history) and used it in this story. He changes the names of places but you get the idea. Near the end when Rowan and Lijah are telling the people of Chessington about the Prince and the things to come, they mention when the people were persecuted and imprisoned, "and the King heard our cries and delivered us from Fairos. Here He brought us to a land of great wealth and prosperity...When we turned out backs on Him again and were carried into captivity by the Kessons to Daydelon, He had mercy on us and brought us back to this great city and rebuilt our homes once more." There are also names of rivers that sound a lot like our modern-day rivers (Frates and Tisgri, in the book- Euphrates and Tigris, in real life). There is fighting a plenty in this book and fortunately for me, it's short and to the point (I've a short attention span when it comes to "jab, thrust, twist, slice, etc"- fighting in general). There is `romance' but it is wholesome and clean (thank goodness). The final purpose is to share the hope of Jesus Christ through a story. It isn't too bad of a book. My ds (11) enjoyed it and we would both like to read the others in the series. I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review.

I love reading a great story. And Chuck Black has created a great story.

I have just finished reading book 6 in the Knights of Arrethtrae series Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black( 175 pages retail $9.99.) Sir Rowan is supposed to be a Knight of the Prince, but fame and glory become much more important to him than serving the Prince. He becomes the most decorated tournament knight in Cameria but he becomes captured and left for dead. A bizarre vision of the Prince and a rescue by a woman dedicated to the King keeps him alive and Rowan finds new purpose in his life and becomes determined to serve the King. But, the Dark Knight's tyranny holds Rowan's beloved Cameria. His countrymen need his help to take their cities back from the enemy and Rowan is determined to fight with them. Then, a mysterious figure appears and insists that Rowan's purpose lies elsewhere in an ancient city for a much greater cause. The final battle with the Dark Knight is approaching and Rowan must choose where he will fight. As with the other books I have read in this series. I really enjoyed reading this book. I didn't want to put it down and actually finished it in the course of a day. The characters are well developed and very easy to relate to. Although the story is one we are somewhat familiar with and ultimately you know that good is going to triumph over evil, there are several plot twists and turns that you don't see coming and keep you in suspense. This book shows the story of Sir Rowan's pride and the consequences of his behavior because of his pride. But, it also shows hope that even though we are sinners, the Lord can still use us for His work. " And yet the King's ability to recover a heart that repents of even this great an offense is not limited. Be encouraged, therefore, for though you may have failed the King, He will never fail you nor cease in calling you home." This is not a story written simply for entertainment purposes (although it will entertain you.) The author has a greater hope. That the book will inspire you to live all the more passionately for Jesus Christ as His return comes closer. The book also includes questions for deeper examination and study in the back of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to both teens and adults. I recieved a complimentary copy of the book Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest from Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation.

"Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest" is book 6 in The Knights of Arrethtrae series by Chuck Black. As a poor stable boy, Rowan dreams of becoming a swordsman and practices with his homemade wooden sword every opportunity he gets. He knows that his chances of ever achieving his dream are nearly impossible, but nothing can stop a boy from dreaming, can it? One day he crosses paths with Sir Aldwyn and begs to buy the chance to merely hold Sir Aldwyn's sword for a moment. Sir Aldwyn obliges and, in the process, recognizes the innate skill that Rowan possesses. Sir Aldwyn takes Rowan under his tutelage and begins to train him to serve as a warrior for the Prince. However, seeking fame and fortune, Rowan becomes enamored of the glamour of the lifestyle that can be obtained as a tournament participant. Rowan goes on to become the champion of the tournament and amasses a huge fortune and many fans. On the way to the tournament that will prove him to be the champion of all Cameria, he encounters the mysterious knight who warns him that he is on the wrong path and that he should turn back. Turn back from fame, wealth, and all the power of the position? Not likely, Rowan thinks. Soon after, he and his party are attacked, his companions are killed, and Rowan is taken prisoner. Held captive for many months and left to die by his captors, Rowan repents of his wrong choices and vows to serve the Prince if only he can escape his prison. Following his rescue, he learns that the entire realm has been overthrown by the Dark Knight's forces and people's eyes are blinded to reality. Rowan joins forces with a group of followers of the Prince and prepares for the battle to regain Cameria from the control of Lucius. In an allegorical portrayal of Biblical events found in the prophecies, the battle commences and Sir Rowan sets off to prove his loyalty to the Prince. I was afraid that, by not beginning with book 1 of the series, I would not be able to follow the storyline. Happily, this was not the case. Each book is about a different knight of the Prince and, as such, their stories can easily stand alone. The allegory is an obvious one. The parallels between the Prince and the Dark Knight are very apparent. The stories are outstanding and I can't say enough good things about them. The books are packed full of action and suspense and closely align with the battle that Christians are fighting on a daily basis. The violence is rampant and the clashing of swords quite vividly portrays the battle that is ongoing between good and evil. The books are written for youth but are so well-written and engaging that they will appeal to readers of all ages. I highly recommend this series. On a personal level, it is my intent to procure all previous and future books in this series and make them available to young people who desperately need to see the Battle portrayed in such a convincing manner. This is a Battle in which every one of us is a soldier. The question is, on which side are we fighting? I received "Sir Rowan and the Camerian Quest," as a GoodReads first reader book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review and opinions expressed are my true and honest sentiments. I receive no compensation, whether monetary or otherwise, for any reviews written by me.

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest, written by Chuck Black, is a YA fantasy book. It's published by Waterbrook Multnomah, a Christian publishing company. The novel is 182 pages in length, with discussion questions and answers following. Also in the back is a scoresheet of a song entitled The Final Call written by Emily Elizabeth Black, Chuck's talented daughter. (Also if you go to the series' website, Arrethtrae, you will find a CD of music written and performed by Emily that you can buy! You can also hear a demonstration of music.) This is the second book that I've read in this series (Sir Rowan is the sixth book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series), and I just have to say that this series is, just simply put, excellent. Even though this book is considered YA, I believe that all ages can appreciate it. The main character of this book is a guy named Rowan. Both of his parents died, and as a result he was an urchin. A stable boy with the desire to sword fight, but a boy nonetheless with no sword. However, when a knight named Sir Aldwyn came to have his horse cared for, Rowan made a plea to hold the knight's sword. Watching the young man wield his sword, Sir Aldwyn asked him if he'd like to join him in training. Rowan wholeheartedly agreed, and was trained to be a Knight of the Prince. Rowan quickly proved to be an excellent swordsman and rose in the ranks of sword competitors to become champion. However, the fame and fortune that he received did not do him well, but instead blinded him to his real purpose in life. After being captured and held for ransom for nearly a year, he was finally left to die by his captors when they gave up on ever receiving ransom. A woman happened along, found him, and brought him back to her home to nurse him back to health. After Rowan has had a few months to recover, he joins the Resolutes, a large group of knights and other individuals whose desire is to win back their land. However, when Rowan meets an unexpected man, his life is forever changed. I won't spoil the ending for you, so go out and buy it! I highly recommend this book. It's enjoyable and will leave you on the edge of your seat.

I knew I was very late coming into the series when I agreed to review this book, but I simply didn't have time to read the previous books. I was pleased as I began the story to find that it wasn't necessary to be familiar with the storyline. Chuck Black has written the Knights of Arrethtrae series as stand-alone books that add further insight to the works of some of the knights of the Kingdom world. The beginning of the book gave me all the background I needed to jump into the story. Of course, it was all very familiar from my time spent studying Bible stories growing up. I was grateful that Black got into an original story quickly. I enjoyed the knights and the arena competition. The oppression of the people could be felt as well as the pride of Sir Rowan as he rose to fame and status as champion. There are characters to love and lessons to learn within this book. It is a good story to teach basic truths and values to the youth, as well as any adults reading. As a Christian story, it doesn't offend by promoting only one denomination's views. The biblical basis for the book is further explained at the end of the book so it can be used as a study guide for a book club or youth group. All in all, Sir Rowan is a quick, enjoyable read. There is depth to the teachings, but it doesn't take away from the pleasure of the reading. It is a nice, clean read.

Rowan of Laos in the country of the United Citizens of Cameria was an orphan stable boy with a fascination with swords. He knew it was his destiny to be a great swordsman winning tournaments. He caught the attention of Sir Aldwyn who mentored him using a sword and taught him the code of the Prince. As time passed, he won many tourneys, but his interest in the prince dissipated as he focused on becoming the Champion of Laos. His joy ends when he is kidnapped and held for ransom for over a year. He is finally rescued by the woman who will become his wife. Even in her small remote home, they learn of Cameria falling to those who crave power at any cost to others. Evil rules the kingdom. They devise a daring attack against the ruler. Rowan meets a long lost brother Sir Lijah who tells him the real battle for the minds and souls of the people of Arrethrae will be fought in Chessington. He asks his sibling to be the Prince's Herald helping the people to believe in the Prince and his Father as one day justice will return with the final battle against Lucius and his Shadow Warriors. This is the last book in the Knights of Arrethrae saga as Chuck Black uses stories in the bible to tell an action-packed adventure thriller aimed at middle school children although adults will enjoy the well written metaphoric parable. Sir Rowan is a terrific warrior who learns what matters in life and risks death and perhaps worse to achieve his revelations. Fans will appreciate Mr. Black's strong entertaining allegory. Harriet Klausner

I have to confess, I was disappointed in this book. I have loved all of Chuck Black's books, I am a huge fan, but this one just was hard to get into. It spans too many years for a book this small without enough connecting it. It was okay for a one time read but, unlike his other books; I can't see myself rereading this one What I liked about it. It did show well that pride can ruin you, but God can take the broken pieces of your life and make something amazing out if it. Mr. Black does have a wonderful ability to teach lessons through his books. As always, I loved the adventure! Chuck Black has filled a great need in YA fiction in my mind; fiction that is message driven, adventure filled, without too much romance. These may be `boys books' but I love his style. What I didn't like. This story was to broken up. I felt like the phrase "a few weeks/months/years later" was used far too many times. Okay, those exact words weren't used but the meaning was there. If the time frame had been condensed, this would have made a much better novel. In previous books, he has killed off a lover or wife or hurt to the point of almost dying. I don't know why but when it happened in this book I rolled my eyes. Is he running out of ideas and reusing old ones? Using that tactic in two or three books was enough, making it a regular thing is getting old. If you liked his other books, this is a good one time read, but I would put it low on your list.

Chuck Black authors the Kingdom of Arretthrae Series. Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is one of the books in this series. These books are fiction, full of allegory, and intriguing stories about ordinary people who are called to do extraordinary things for the Prince (Jesus). The books in this series remind me of the works of John Bunyan. They are imaginative and captivating. This story is about an orphan boy who grows up and is trained to fight in tournaments. He becomes a prideful fighter, unable to be defeated and winning fame, wealth, and glory. Through a series of events, Sir Rowan is left for dead, but through his suffering finds the Prince and His call on his life. He must take risks, face losses, and decide whom he will serve. Through all of this, he finds his purpose and gains more than he ever had as a prized champion. There is so much more to this story than what I can say here, without giving the story away. I am impressed with the way Chuck Black writes that even a Mom of three kids can relate to the things he says through the characters. One part of the story that stood out to me was this: "I'm sorry, My Lord," Rowan's voice quivered. "The ache in my heart is too strong for me to be what you want me to be." The Prince gazed into his eyes with such deep compassion that Rowan did not want to turn away. "Your grief is great, as is Mine for you," the warm voice said. "The evil of Lucius has robbed the kingdom of so many noble men and women..." This book has plenty of language like this which easily draws me to thinking of how Jesus views us and how He loves us and His mission is worth fighting for. I love these books and encourage anyone to read them. They are geared towards teenagers, but I enjoyed reading this book as well. This is the second book in the series that I have read and this one was even better than the last. Chuck Black has a wonderful way of drawing the reader in. This story is filled with exciting events, a love story, and biblical themes strewn throughout. There is even a study guide in the back for further reflection. I hope to read more of this series soon and highly recommend you to as well! Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group (Blogging For Books) for review purposes only.

What I Liked: Wow, wow, and wow! This is a series I will definitely be acquiring for my daughter's library. I do believe a literary classic has been born here. This isn't my usual genre, so I wasn't expecting to be immediately transported to a Robin Hoodesque era (with a few fantastical elements thrown in) and to become completely immersed in and inspired by the story. And compared with the Robin Hood legends, the purpose for being and fighting are so much higher and more profound in these stories. There is a perfect blend of narration, dialogue, and fast action. Much more so than other Christian fantasy series (such as Narnia), the author uses direct and obvious parallels to the very real spiritual war we are in the middle of. And unlike some realistic Christian end-time fiction (such as Left Behind), the use of fantasy gives the author room to interpret the spirit of the book of Revelation without getting into debates of prophetic interpretation. Each book has a specific point as it portrays the grand battle between Lucius and the Prince. Sir Quinlan's story deals with the danger of apathy, while Sir Rowan's tale highlights the sin of pride. Discussion questions at the end are a perfect way for parents to engage their teens in meaningful conversations about the topic discussed, or to use in a teen study/book group. Did I mention there are female knights and warriors included? Love it! It was tastefully done - with complete respect for the father and/or husband roles. (And yes, I kept making a mental comparison to Maid Marion in book #6.) I found the musical score included in each book fascinating as well. My piano skills are a little rusty to play the pieces by sight, but a look through them makes me think they will contribute nicely to the tone and mood of the books. I have only read books 5 & 6 of the series and find them to stand alone well, but am very much looking forward to reading the rest. What I Didn't Like: Really, really got nothing for you here. The violence of the stories make them suitable for a more mature (think PG13) audience, but that violence in part is what allows you to see the awesomeness of the King and His Son. I highly, highly recommend this book for the teens in your life - and encourage you to read them before gifting them!

I did not know what to expect from Chuck Black book. Biblical allegories are often lame and you get the feeling the author is trying too hard to make a point. That is not the case here. These books are fun to read. Chuck Black is the author of many novels including the popular Kingdom Series and The Knights of Arrethtrae series. Each story is strong enough to stand on its own. I have 10 kids, and each of the readers enjoy the books. Even kids who are not familiar with the different Bible stories will still be on the edge of their seats. My wife has read all of them aloud. Our children are familiar with Bible stories, and they "get" what is going on. It adds another whole level of interest as they try to link the story they are hearing with the stories they already know. But, that usually happens after each episode, since some of the segments are so tense they are completely lost in the story. Then, after reading to them we hear "Please! One more chapter!" This is a refrain I hear nearly every night.

This is the first book I've read by Chuck Black. When I first head about his books, I thought they were books for boys. However, after reading just the first page of this book, I realized that these books aren't just for boys! While reading this book, I saw many parallels in my own life. In the beginning of this book, Rowan was a lowly child who was trained by a Knight and taught the ways of the Prince. However, as he got better at the skills he was born with, he sought after worldly gain - prestige, money, etc... Reading further, there are many hardships that came Rowan's way. On the way to these hardships, he was warned but never headed the warning. As Rowan thought he was finally spent, things began to change. As you read on, you will find true repentance, forgiveness and love in this story. It's very hard for me to not give away more of this book than I already have. Does this mean that Rowan no longer encounters struggles - no! But it does mean that he knows where he allegiance lies. Live or die, he will forever serve his Prince and King!

I am really impressed by this book. I have to admit I felt a little skeptical of it though when I heard it was being sent to me. Knights? Quest? Been there, done that. But this story has a lot of heart, likable characters, and a plot that does a good job at keeping you guessing. Christian principles are strongly shown in this book which gives it another plus. The author even explains his intentions in the back of the book, that way the reader is helped to understand why certain characters behaved like they do. This 182 page book is written for ages 10-adult. The cover art is very nice, and the paperback I received was on a nice non-gloss cover that just feels good to hold. I like e-books as much as the next guy, but nothing feels as good as holding a nicely printed book. This book is actually number 6 in the series. I am very interested in picking up the rest of the books in the series and I suggest that you do too. Chuck Black spends a lot of time making his characters come alive, you grow with them on their journey. Review by: Mick McArt Author: Tales of Wordishure

He's done it again. Chuck Black has come through with another riveting allegorical fiction novel in his The Knights of Arrethrae Series. This and the Kingdom have fascinated me and been enjoyable reads. I had a hard time putting this book down once I got it. This book is allegorical of the End Times and it deals with obeying God and living for Him, not your own glory and riches. However, it teaches these lessons in a unique manner, through the story of a fictional medieval knight. For those concerned about violence, there are some violent scenes in these books, but there's nothing graphic. People die, and we're told how they die, but not with details. There are discussion questions in the back of the book to further reveal the book's allegorical meaning. Overall, this book is an amazing read and I would definitely recommend it! "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review". First Two Chapters: [...]

The final book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series closed the series with a perfect story. I enjoyed the series very much and this book was no different. The whole series is an allegorical story of the Christian walk. It's geared toward young people who love stories of brave Knights, castles, and good triumphing over evil. Mr. Black is a wonderful story teller and I have enjoyed reading this series by him. I own almost the entire Knights of Arrethtrae series and have read his previous series called the Kingdom series. Book 6 of the Kingdom series actually ties up both so I suggest reading both series. It really doesn't matter what series you read first because it all ties together in the end. I highly recommend this book and its predecessors to all who want a good Christian alternative to many of the books that are out there right now. "The King reigns..... and His Son!" *Waterbrook Multnomah sent me this book free in exchange for an honest review"

Caution! Danger! If you pick up this book, you won't set it down until you're finished! I got next to nothing accomplished for two days! Again, I've thoroughly enjoyed one of Chuck Black's allegories on Scripture. These books bring Biblical principals to life in such an enjoyable way. I think I enjoy them almost as much as the kids do. Sir Rowan takes you through parts of Revelation though its absorbing tale of Sir Rowan. I do highly recommend using the study questions in the back, as I unfortunately didn't catch on to the parallels until almost the end. Also, the thought provoking questions will help you apply the lessons learned in the story. I also would suggest trying to read this series in order, and, if possible, integrating the two series of books together. The Kingdom Series and The Knights Series merge together to cover one time period, but the Kingdom Series was written first. The Knights books fit in between the Kingdom books. I hope there are many more books to come from this author! **My thanks to Waterbook/Multnomah for a copy of this book to review.

160 Pages 5 out of 5 stars recommended for ages 10 and up When I received this novel, I was pretty skeptical. It was my first Chuck Black novel, and at 160 pages, I was pretty sure it would be a quick and easy read, with no deep thinking needed. It is, after all, a teen book, that's pretty boyish looking! I was sweetly surprised! Sir Rowan starts out as a stable boy with big dreams. His dreams are made reality when a Knight of The Prince takes him in and teaches him about The King, The Prince, and the sword. Sir Rowan becomes a master swordsman, but abandons the Prince's knights for the fame and fortune of the tournaments. He's a hot-shot with the Kingdom, and everybody loves him..supposedly. When he's overthrown by marauders, taken prisoner, then left for dead, he thinks his life is over. Only a crazy dream of the Prince he forsake, and the healing care of a lovely woman will keep him alive. But when he returns to his kingdom of Cameria, it's been overtaken by the Dark Knight. His people need help in taking back the cities, and yet a mysterious knight claims Rowan's fate lies elsewhere. In the final battle against the dark night, Rowan's destiny is far greater than anyone could imagine. ~ I zipped through this read, and at the end I was awe-inspired at Chuck Black's masterful telling of Sir Rowan's life. This isn't a typical read, and I enjoyed it so much! If you have a teen or pre-teen, this is a perfect book for them! Even if you don't, I recommend you get this story portraying the Last Days. It was very well written, and the story made you think. Hard. Perfect for those needing a reminder of God's awesome power and his forgiving spirit! Thanks so much to Blogging for Books (WaterBrook Multnomah) for my review copy! I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are mine. Paige Queeny

Sir Rowan and Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black is a book recommended for youth/teens. I got this book with my 13 year old son in mind. We home school and often read good books before bed. We alternate between history, history based fiction, Christan missionary biographies and Biblically themed books. One unique attribute to this book is the discussion and review questions (complete with answers) included in the back. Great for the busy home school mom, church teacher, etc. Sir Rowan was very similar in theme to Paul Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress. The story is an allegory of the gospel message in the Bible. The characters fight against the Dark Knight ie. the Devil or Satan. The King is God and The Prince is Jesus. My son, having already read The Sword The Ring and The Parchment by Ed Dunlop saw the similarities right away and lost interest in the book quickly. I think the book is well written and the plot was well laid out. I especially liked the use of the sword fighting that included technical terms used in fencing, as my son has recently taken fencing lessons. I think a 10 to 13 year old boy would enjoy this book if he has not been previously exposed to Pilgrims Progress or another allegory of its kind.

A Camerian tournament knight discovers that he has a bigger destiny than he thought. Once content with being a highly decorated and celebrated tournament knight, he discovers betrayal, love and a greater purpose. His land is being threatened by a tyrant and he has a part to play in its survival. His Prince requires his service and even though Sir Rowan strays from his path, he learns the faith and love that leads him on. A wonderful book that leads you on a journey through a life that is ultimately dedicated to a greater purpose. Sir Rowan's journey shows all the courage and love that goes with it. Something of a mirror to the story of the Prince (Jesus) triumphing over the tyrant (evil) in the Bible. An easy read for both children and adults to enjoy. A good way to explore your own feelings of faith, worth and honor.

This book has changed my life. I'm honest. When I picked this book to review, I had some big doubts, I mean, look at the cover! But as I flipped through, becoming apart of Rowan's world and life, I found myself sucked in. More then just an allegory, this book is a mover! Before picking this up, I had been afraid of what it meant to be a christain, afraid of the end times, afraid of persecution and trouble. I was a christian mainly because I didn't want to end up in hell. Wrong motives, I know, but I'm being dead honest with you right now. As I kept reading though, I felt a fire spring up. I wanted (and still do!) to be apart of the group that Christ calls His "Good and Faithful servants". I didn't want to be a goat in Sheep's clothing. I wanted to be it all. I want to pick up a sowrd, and fight against Satan's dark ones, even if it meant death. I was also frightened by death, especially if it was death by torture. But as I read this book, I grew to understand, Death isn't the last ending. There can be something wonderful, beyond our wildest knowledge past it! And what is persecution? It is but a slight blinking of an eye that we have to endure compared to a eternity of life!! Now, when we had our devotion time, I was excited! I sucked it all in tonight. I need to be fit in order to fight for MY prince!!

This final book of the Knights of Arrethtrae series was really good. It ends the series by connecting to the coming again of the Prince in the Kingdom Series. Sir Rowan is a very famous tournament knight of Cameria but has forsaken the Prince and his ways. Then one day, all is taken from Sir Rowan when he is left for dead by the people he trusted. Sir Rowan is then given a second chance, from the Prince, when a lady helps him. Once he recovers, he finds all is not good in his beloved land of Cameria. The Dark Knight is destroying Chessington's strongest ally from the inside out. Sir Rowan is then pulled in two directions; to either help get back Cameria or go with a mysterious man who says Sir Rowan's destiny lies elsewhere. Can Sir Rowan decide before it's to late? This was a dramatic story of deception, truth, love, and the Prince. The story had some interesting twists and themes that are hard to forget. The spiritual allegories were amazing as always but this time it was to a whole new level. I was really sad that it was the last book in this series and I hope that Chuck Black goes on to make many more books for us to enjoy. I definitely recommend this book to other fantasy lovers of all ages.

Why are people so critical of an amazing series like this one? My son is an avid reader at 11 years old. A friend shared this series with us and my son ate up every book as quickly as he could. He was so moved by the stories I would often find him in his room crying. He told me I HAD to read the stories. We got the Audio books and have been listening to them together as a family. I have been moved beyond comprehension. The lessons, the stories, the characters - they have all inspired my son and I in our own walk of faith. Chuck Black has obviously been touched by the Master's hand to be able to write such moving books. I have now introduced these books to everyone I know. I have found no other series that moves me like these do. And this is one of my favorites. Highly highly recommended for all ages! Kids can get AR points for them at school - but the audios are great for parents who find it hard to sit and read.

I can't say enough great things about these books (Knights of Arrethtrae). My 6th and 7th grade sons LOVE Chuck Black's books. We have also read them as a family and have not only enjoyed the stories but have had a lot of great conversations about the spiritual allegory in the books and how it applies to our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. My oldest son did not like to read when we first started these books but his love for reading has grown this year due in large part to these books.

Love it

Grandson loves this series. Best price and in great condition.

The sound effects and characters are top notch! Chuck Black is a master story teller of Good vs. Evil. Our 9 year old son loves it and so do my bride and I !

Exciting tale of a stubborn knight who always wants to do his own thing, and then submits to the wishes of the prince. Plenty of action, plotting, and counter-moves!

Another great book by Chuck Black...my son's favorite author right now!

My 9 year old son loved this series! Wonderful, thought provoking books for your young reader. He is now obsessed with knights and wants to read more.

Very great book and the illusory plot line matched perfectly to real life events and trials! I recommend this for any young or old reader alike!

I LOVED this book. This author is just crazy good. This book is part of the knights of Arrethtrae series. This book was about Sir Rowan and his very long journey to find himself and his prince. He must also at the same time stop a war, fight a dark night, find his love, discover his only remaining family, and cope with a great loss. With all of these things coinciding the book leads to the thrilling climax. Will he be able to complete all of the tasks that lay before him and decide were his loyalties lie? He would need a miracle, or a certain Prince's help. With all of the things going on in this book I had a tougher than usual time deciding what the main conflict was. There was so much going on. The book tells the story of Jesus' return to Earth and what it might be like. When you are first reading the book it may not seem interesting but trust me it is. The book is sooooooooooooo deep - for action / romance lovers it is amazing. The whole time I was saying, "how did he know?" The author even remembered to throw in medieval action. A true genius. It is a true challenge for some authors to earn my respect but this author, that I have never met or even heard of until a couple days ago, earned it in about two hours (the time it took me to read the book - I read this book in one sitting.) There is nothing parents need to worry about in the book and I recommend it to anyone grades 3 through infinity.This is obviously Christian (and obviously amazing:) I cannot wait to read the others in the series. I hope you find this review helpful and have fun reading the book! __________________________________ Originally published at BookGateway. Com, by Arieltopia an 11 year old avid reader - usually going through a book a day - who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager's perspective. This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.

This is the final book in Chuck Black's series, Knights of Arrethtrae, and I think it's the best yet! This one takes on the challenge of showing the grave sin of misplaced pride and how it can fatally damage our lives. Sir Rowan starts out life as an orphan raised on the streets of Cameria. All he dreams of is becoming a Knight, sword fighting, and being a Knight for the Prince. His dream comes true at the age of 15 when Sir Aldwyn, a great and generous knight, takes him on and teaches him the art of the sword as well as the message of the Prince. Rowan soon becomes THE champion of the tournament ring ... with all the accolades, rewards and pitfalls that brings: as Rowan's fame advances, he slowly forgets the Prince and instead takes on pride and credits his own self with this God-given gift. Rowan's resulting decline and fall are the central part of the book and how he "snaps out of it" and rejoins the Prince just before the end-times are the focus of the last half of the book. This is a great Christ-will-come-again allegory ... but with the excitement and interesting story that will captivate readers while teaching them at the same time. Chuck Black writes a splendid tale for boys ... a tale critical in our age as our society grows further and further from the realization that God has given us our gifts and expects us to use them wisely and correctly. Definitely recommend this for all tween/teen boys (and girls, too!). NOTE: you do not have to read this series in order (or even every book in the series) to get the benefit Black's message. DISCLAIMER: I rec'd this review book from Blogging for Books program; my above review is my honest opinion of this work of fiction.

The 6th book in the Knights of Arrethtrae, Sir Rowan is a wonderful addition to the series! I give 5 stars to this action-packed and suspenseful book! The story of Rowan - a man who learned the skills of the sword just so he could compete in tournaments, was very thought-provoking (as are all of Black's books). Many people today say they are doing or learning something to bring glory to God - but often it's only for their own glory and fame. Sir Rowan's story was dull of twist and turns that I wasn't expecting. Just when you think you know where the story is going, it takes a turn and your left wondering how Rowan can get out of it, or how any good could come out of the dreadful calamity that befalls him. I found myself chuckling at the amusing parts, and crying when someone so dear was lost. As Chuck Black accurately shows through this book, answering the Kings call isn't always easy, and doesn't bring fame or fortune. But those who the King calls are blessed beyond measure in the happiness promised them once they fulfill the Princes mission. Even thought we often don't understand why bad things happen to us or why a loved one was taken from us, we can rest in the knowledge that everything is done for a reason and our rewards on heaven will be worth every painful moment here on earth. Such is the lesson you learn when you read about Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest.

Chuck Black has entered another in the annals of the Knights of Arrethtrae series (apparently the last), and it's another story well worth reading. Mixing the popular end times stories loosely based on the book of Revelation from the Bible and his own medieval tales of swordplay and honor, Black gives another astounding, challenging, and entertaining story. Rowan is an orphan living in Laos (part of the Kingdom of Arrethtrae located in Cameria) where he finds work and lodging as a stableboy. Rowan studies the valiant knights as they participate in the tournaments that have become famous throughout Cameria. A chance meeting with Sir Aldwyn places Rowan on the road to becoming a true Knight of the Prince--committed to the King, His Son, and the Code. But fame and fortune lure the young knight into the arena of the tournament. And there he finds his niche--although Aldwyn had hoped for better for him. Captured, bound and left for dead, Rowan realizes too late his mistake and calls out to the Prince. Rescued by an improbable benefactor, Rowan joins the Resolutes in the hills outside of Laos, all the while a mysterious knight in dark armor beckons him to a higher mission. In closing the series that selects a few of the tales of the Knights of Arrethtrae, Black delivers drama, love, heartache, triumph, regret and triumph again. Here is another thought-filled allegory to add to your reading list. Four out of five reading glasses. --Benjamin Potter, July 3, 2011 [Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.]

The Story: Sir Rowan, a decorated tournament knight with some serious pride issues, finds his life turned upside down when he's abducted and left for dead. Rescued by the Prince (and a little earthly help), he rededicates his life to the King. But tyranny presses in on all sides of Arrethtrae, and though Rowan feels compelled to save his beloved homeland, Cameria, the mysterious Sir Lijah insists his purposes lie elsewhere, and Rowan is drawn into a conflict far larger than he could have imagined. Yea: Sir Rowan is the sixth book in Chuck Black's The Knights of Arrethtrae series, so clearly he's doing something right. I think the straightforward story structure and simple storytelling style (wow, say that three times fast...) would appeal to younger guys. I appreciate Black's unabashed allegory, as it's something many Christian authors feel compelled to avoid. I stand by my general assertion that there's a place for straight allegory and more subtle allusions in Christian fiction. Black's use of imagery such as the Prince, the King, Shadow Warriors, and the like is all very obvious and doesn't leave the reader guessing, which is the main reason I've pegged this work for a younger set. Aside from a smattering of strange creatures and some hard-to-pronounce names, there's not a lot of real hardcore fantasy in this book. If you're the type who enjoys medieval stories but can't get into orcs and elves and dwarves, this may still be a book for you. Let's call it fantasy-lite. Nay: At times, Black exhibits language with a lovely medieval quality to it that's very enjoyable to read. But much of the book contains repetitive word use in the same sentence or paragraph, which is one of my pet peeves. I've probably just spent too much time critiquing manuscripts (and attempting to edit my own), but these things jump out at me and disrupt the reading experience. Black establishes early on that this tale is being spun by a "storyteller," Cedric of Chessington. As such, it's told in a rather removed point of view. I didn't dislike it, but it didn't provide quite the same level of enjoyment as those books that take you deep into the point-of-view character's perspective. I have a feeling that Mr. Black and I have differing opinions in the matter of Eschatology (and probably on some political points), and if that's a sensitive subject for you, be advised that this is an allegorical interpretation of end-times prophecy. But I appreciated Mr. Black's disclaimer in his author note that this is merely one loose interpretation of many with regard to Revelation 11. I find that end-times authors can become dogmatic, even in fiction, so I was very pleased to see Black's acknowledgment that we're all speculating, to some degree, on that topic. Bottom Line: I'd recommend this book for guys (and action-adventure girls, like me) aged twelve and up, and anyone else who likes a medieval fantasy. So long as you're not too nit-picky about language (like I am) or sensitive about end-times stuff. Note: I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multomah Publishing group in exchange for my honest review.

Sir Rowan is enjoying life as a decorated tournament knight in Cameria when he receives some strange warnings from a mysterious stranger to stop fighting in the the tournaments. Unfortunately, Sir Rowan doesn't heed the warnings, and he ends up being attacked and left for dead. An interesting woman comes to his aid and nurses him back to health. Recovery is slow and painful, but Sir Rowan strives to become more independent. A scary return to his old home brings with it the realization that things are not as they were prior to his attack. The world is a different, more dangerous place. A few of his countrymen have decided that they need to take back their land from the evil that has befallen it. Will Rowan decide to help these men? Will he discover his true purpose in the Prince's kingdom? Will he embrace his true identity and accept the mission set before him? My daughter didn't want to put these books down. At first, she didn't want to read them because the covers on the books didn't interest her, but I decided to read the first book to her while she wasn't feeling well. She quickly was drawn into the story and couldn't wait to hear what happened next. She really enjoyed all of the action and adventure in these books. She also liked that it was all about Jesus and Christians. She feels this series of books will be great for kids of all ages and even adults. She even gave her Grandma one of the books to read because she liked them so much. I received a copy of these books from Waterbrook Multnomah to help facilitate the writing of this frank and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Fifteen year-old Rowan is an orphan who's always dreamed of becoming a knight. This dream comes true when Sir Aldwyn takes him on and teaches him the ways of the blade, as well as the message of the Prince. As time goes on, Sir Rowan becomes a tourney champion, and gradually his pride in his abilities takes over his desire to serve the Prince. While traveling to a tournament, Sir Rowan is attacked, held for ransom, then left for dead. Thankfully a woman finds him and cares for him, and after he has healed a humbled Sir Rowan rededicates himself to the Prince's cause... then sets out to do battle with the Shadow Warriors and retake the land claimed by the Dark Knight. This is the sixth and final book of The Knights of Arrethtrae series, though each book stands on its own. Chuck Black is at the top of his game this time around, spinning an action-packed allegory chock-full of meaning. I liked watching Sir Rowan slowly realize that he'd been given his gifts for a reason, and that he was expected to use them wisely. Though there were times when the overly simplistic writing frustrated me, all in all the book sucked me in. At the end we're left with the knowledge that the Prince and his Father will ultimately be victorious, and that's a truth well-worth being reminded of.

Since this is the first book I have read from the "Knights of Arrethtrae" series, I can comment solely on this book. This story incorporates Biblical concepts such as the Prince (Jesus), the Dark Knight (Satan), and the Kingdom across the Sea (heaven). In addition these concepts, there is also the quest for worldly gain which only leads to emptiness; the choice to fight for truth; pride leading to desctruction; and the redemption grace of God. There are other Biblical elements weaved into the storyline, but I really don't want to give anything away. This book was reminiscent of Star Wars, Narnia, and Indiana Jones with the classic good vs. evil theme. It was exciting and action packed with a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure. I have notice a lack of good books for teenage boys. My son does not want to read about vampires or zombies or teenage girls in traveling pants. This book, and this series, will be a great option for teenagers. I am grateful to Chuck Black for writing books for young men that encourage them to become men of valor. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Sir Rowan has earned the reputation of one of the best knights in the land. He revels in the glory and fame this reputation brings. While traveling to a tournament, Rowan is attacked, beaten and taken prisoner. Eventually he is left for dead. He is found by a woman, dedicated to the Prince, who helps him regain his strength and recover. Healing comes both on the outside and on the inside as Rowan renews his dedication to the Prince and His King. His purpose becomes focused on helping those in service to the Prince regain the lands that have fallen into the hands of the Dark Knight. The battle is hard and the road is long. With the loyal Lijah by his side, he fights his way through the land to warn the people and engage the evil Dark Knight. Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is the 6th book in the series The Knights of Arrethtrae. This is a Christian based novel, running parallel to doctrine found in the Bible. The King being God and the Prince, Jesus Christ. The war being fought is the classic good versus evil with the reign of the evil one stealing the hearts of the people and the followers of the Prince determined to stop him. The book is well written and moves along nicely. I was interested in the story line and enjoyed the characters. It is a good reminder that there are things worth fighting for. Faith, love and loyalty are admirable personality traits and can take you a long way in the fight against evil. I am not a frequent reader of Christian Fiction, but I did enjoy this book.

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is the last book in the Knights of Arrethtrae Series; and I couldn't help but wonder if this book would measure up to the other books in the series. However, Chuck Black finishes the series well with another short novel that packs a punch. He manages (yet again) to write a tale with the right measures of allegory, plot, character, and worldbuilding to complete a compelling novel and still reveal a lesson behind the story. A winning formula. As the last book in a series, this one held up well and finished in a spectacular manner. Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest touches on the speculated fate of Cameria and the prophecy of the two mysterious witnesses from Revelation, and also packs in a couple plot twists I never thought to expect. The writing was concise and descriptive--Chuck Black's wordsmithing skills have been steadily rising. The book was an easy read, with some thoughtful questions at the end. It's more than enough to keep you up reading at night. All in all, the last book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series is my favorite of all of Black's books and a thought-provoking book. Highly recommended.

I've enjoyed reading all of Chuck Black's books. Sir Rowan is an allegory of the Last Days and the book of Revelation. He does a pretty good job at creating allegory in the story, but I'm always left wanting more. When I read, I don't always want the allegory so obvious. At points I could predict what was coming next or why the name was picked because he took it straight from the Bible or just spelled real places backwards. I always am left wanting more character development too. In spite of that, I'm always drawn to his books. He gives me another way to share my faith with my kids. When I read the book, it gets me thinking and reflecting about things in my own life. I think this whole series is a great discussion tool for parents and older kids. There is even a discussion guide included in the back of each book. Boys especially will be drawn to the way Mr. Black describes battle scenes (not gory). All in all, I'd give this book 4 stars out of 5. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for free to review through Blogging for Books from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, but was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I love allegorical phantasy. When I heard about Chuck Black's Knight of Arrethtrae series, I was excited to read the books. I loved the first four books; however this last book in the series was a disappointment for me. I enjoyed how various sins, rebellion, doubt, and escapism, were handled previously. The theme of Sir Rowan and the Camerian Knights was supposed to be dealing with pride. In my opinion, pride was not sufficiently dealt with and was lacking the depth of the previous books. Also, I did not like how Black wrote such a literal allegory of end times. Other than that Black's writing style is very enjoyable. Children and Teens will enjoy this final exciting tale of the Knights of Arrethtrae.

Chuck Black takes readers once again into the world of the Knights of Arrethtrae with his novel, Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest. When Rowan is attacked and left for dead, but is kept alive through his belief in the Prince and serving the King. The Dark Knight increases his hold, this time venturing further into Cameria. And now Rowan must dig deep within himself to realize what his King and Prince need him to do. This was a very interesting read, and very good to read after the 5th book. I enjoyed the plot development as well as the character development. It's been very nice to see the character of Rowan grow. Again, I also like the questions and answers in the back, so you can either lead a study, or just answer the questions

It can be challenging to find novels worth the time spent reading them but Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black certainly fits the bill. The story is a beautiful allegory of Christian living. The land has been overrun by an evil king name, Lucius, who is holding people captive with his Shadow Knights. Those faithful to the true King and his son, the Prince, are standing faithfully on the knowledge that the Prince will come back and save the country from the evil Lucius. Rowan has been given the gift of training to be a Knight for the Prince. His story is one of redemption. He uses his gifts for glory and recognition from the world only to find it does not bring fulfillment. The Prince gives Rowan a special task; Rowan sets out with determination to follow the orders of the Prince. This story is one of honor and faithfulness. Rowan and the other faithful followers of the Prince are not deterred from obeying their calling even when Lucius and the Shadow Knights gain victories. The constant theme of the faithfulness and power of the King and the Prince brings hope to Rowan and the rest of the Resolutes, the followers of the Prince. This book is essentially the story of salvation in the life set in medieval times. The ultimate triumph of God and Christ over Satan is paralleled in the promised triumph of the King and the Prince over Lucius.

As with all of the Chuck Black books, this book teaches amazing lessons about what it means to be a follower of Christ. However (spoiler alert!) it lost it's appeal for me in the last few chapters of the book as a main character died. So if you're as sensitive as me, you might not want to read this particular one. However, if you can see beyond that, it is a very good story. It takes nearly dying for Rowan to surrender his sword to the One who gave him his talent in the first place. Then it takes losing a loved one to be willing to fight the battle he is called to. It's a powerful lesson in what it really means to give up everything and follow.

Stable-hand to Knight. Knight to Champion. Champion to Captive. Captive to Hero. Set in a land where Knights battle for power and you live and die by the sword. Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black is sixth in his second series "The Knights of Arrethtrae". A Christen allegory of Revelation 11 and set after the departure of the Prince in The Kingdom Series. Sir Rowan was trained as a knight of the Prince but uses his sword for personal gain. He was raised a stable-hand in Laos. An avid fan of the tournaments Rowan soon memorized all the sword fighting techniques but does not get to hold a real sword until he offered to buy the chance from a knight. Sir Aldwyn then took Rowan to a haven of the Prince to teach him the sword and the ways of the Prince. After four years of training Rowan decided to fulfill his dream of competing in a tournament even though advised against it. After losing in the first round, Rowan promised himself that he would work and become the champion. After eighteen months, he finally completed his promise becoming the champion of Cameria and recognized as the best swordsman. Even though his mentor, Sir Aldwyn told him that he is not following the ways of the Prince anymore, Rowan still decided to go to the Grand Tournament of Laos. On the way a knight stopped him at a bridge and defeated him in a fight and soon after he was ambushed by some marauders. For the next year Rowan was kept for ransom in the marauders' cave. When no one paid, they left him to die. He was saved by a woman who brought him back to the way of the Prince. During his months in recovery, Rowan reaffirmed his pledge to the King and his son the Prince. When Rowan found out that the evil Dark Knight had taken over his home town and the surrounding region, he and his new wife Mariah went and joined the band of resisters who lived in the mountains. Once there he discovered thousands of Knights of the Prince who were preparing an attack to regain Laos. He also found someone who claimed to be is twin brother and who asked him to come with him to the Prince's chosen city, Chessington. Rowan was torn between saving hometown, Laos, or teaching the ways of the Prince in Chessington. What will he do? Is this man even his brother? Will the attempt at attacking Laos succeed? Through the story, we can clearly see Rowan's character grow from, "all-about-me" to someone who thinks of others. He is faced with everyday human decisions and we can see the consequences of his good and bad choices. The author clearly defines good and evil so that the reader does not have to decide. The story was full of action the whole way through. It can be read alone or with Chuck Black's other books. Rating: E Genre: Fantasy Readability: 4/5 Length: 174 pgs Action: Packed Romance: None Overall: 5/5 I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is the last book in the The Knights of Arrethtrae series, and being the last book, I expected it to end in a bit more of a "bang". The story has good morals and teachings straight from the Bible. Throughout the book (and the series) it's clear that the author intends to point readers to Christ. All of the "good" characters serve the King and his Son the Prince, referencing God and Jesus. The main character, Sir Rowan, gets caught up in his own pride when he becomes the most famous knight in all of Cameria, and is so enraptured with himself that he no longer burns with a passion to serve the King and the Prince. Eventually (after being kidnapped and held hostage by thugs) he realizes that amassing earthly possessions and having fame no longer matters; what truly matters is serving the King (Christ). But while the book is wholesome, I felt as if the book, being the last in a six part series, should have been a bit longer in order to wrap up untied strings and unanswered questions from the previous books (not to mention the fact that there were far too many intrusive time skips almost every two chapters, ranging from a couple of hours to months and years). In addition, I found the characters to be dry and dull - and sometimes quite irritating in their "perfect" behavior. It felt as if they were blandly reading off of a set script. Chuck Black does an excellent job describing the characters descriptively showing their emotions and recounting their actions. His battle scenes however lack action and energy. I felt this was a weakness in the text. I would love to see him write a novel in the fantasy genre as I think he would be great in that arena. Regrettably, the book left no lasting impression. I loved the concept of the likenesses of the king and the son as types of God and Jesus. I would have liked for a battle and kingdom book to include more action and adventure and I would have preferred having more multi-dimensional and dynamic characters.

I requested this particular book for my 15 yr old son, Thomas. He very much enjoyed this Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest. He says it has the classic good versus evil concept. The underdog and his rise above it all to fame. A love story, but not as the central theme. The striving to become more than you ever thought you could be. Thomas said he was left "on the edge of his seat" throughout this book and is is a definite must read for anyone interested in young adult fantasy books.

Sir Rowen is a knight left for dead when he realizes a new purpose. That purpose is serving his king. Soon he will have to battle the Dark Knight who has overtaken his beloved land of Cameria. The allegory of good, evil, pride and feelings of self worth is entertaining and well written. My kids enjoy this series very much. I love the quality of the text and that the story is riveting yet teaches valuable lessons.