A knight left for dead. A country on the verge of ruin. And an evil lord rising to conquer. Sir Rowan is the most decorated tournament knight in Cameria, but when he is attacked and left for dead, his world collapses. Betrayed and lingering at death’s door, only a bizarre vision of his Prince and the help of a woman dedicated to the King keeps him alive. As Rowan heals, he finds new purpose in life through service to his King. But his beloved land of Cameria has fallen victim to the tyranny of the Dark Knight. Rowan’s countrymen need his help taking their cities back from the enemy, but all is not as it appears. The mysterious Sir Lijah insists Rowan’s purpose lies elsewhere—far away from Cameria, in an ancient city and for an ancient cause. Rowan’s destiny is greater than he ever imagined. The final battle with the Dark Knight approaches, and he must choose where he will fight. Will he discover his true identity and purpose as a Knight of the Prince, or will the Dark Knight claim victory for eternity?
Chuck Black first wrote Kingdom’s Edge to inspire his children to read the Bible with renewed zeal. This captivating expanded parable led him to write the Old Testament allegories, Kingdom’s Dawn, Kingdom’s Hope, Kingdom’s Call, and Kingdom’s Quest. Chuck's currents works include the Knights of Arrethtrae series, Call to Arms, and his series in progress, Wars of the Realm.
Chuck is a former F-16 fighter pilot and currently works as an engineer for a firm designing plastic consumer products and has coinvented eleven patented construction products now being sold internationally. He has a degree in electrical and electronic engineering and served eight years in the United States Air Force. Chuck and his wife have six children and live in North Dakota.
It is Chuck’s desire to serve the Lord through his work and to inspire people of all ages to study the scriptures in order to discover the hope and love of a truly majestic King and His Son.
Sir Rowan is a warrior knight. As a young man, he loves the thrill of competitions, however he is kidnapped and held captive and mistreated and in his despair, vows to be a more devoted knight of the Prince.
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.
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.
Again, I love this series! This story is very powerful. It is showing the pride that a christian can get and that God WILL chasten you because you are His child. No matter what it takes, He will bring you back.
Different from the others in that the main hero’s flaws are on full display most of the book. It is the representation of our dying to self and glory and living for the Prince. Nor does the story work itself out the way one might wish, but realistic and there is eternal hope for joy beyond this life. This is the final chapter to the earthly world and the entrance to the eternal.
This series was so so good and this was definitely my favorite book out of all 6. It had so many good lessons and biblical truths that I can remind myself of and use in my life. Highly recommend this series!!!
A beautiful conclusion to a heartening and light woven series of noble Knights and their quest to proclaim thev love and truth of the True King and His Son.
I really like Rowan's arc, and Mariah is such a wonderful character. I probably would have handled Lijah a little bit differently, but I still enjoyed his role in the story, especially after the midpoint.
Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is certainly a series finale, that I will say, and later on in the story the pace did pick up a little, but I must confess it felt a little slow in the beginning. Not all great adventures begin with edge-of-your-seat, dramatic action, but I certainly might have finished it sooner had the story been more gripping. (But then again, that may be just me and my addiction to being riveted) The story follows the life of young Rowan, a lowly street urchin who taken in and fostered by a knight of the Prince, learns swordcraft, and grows up to be a very handsome and very skilled young man. (It did cross my mind to wonder why they always had to be so dashingly handsome and the women they fall in love with so gob-smackinly beautiful. We're not all of us rose-cut diamonds, you know, but can still fall in love and serve our Prince just as effectively.) But anyway, his heart isn't really in for service to the King, but finds more pleasure in fighting in tournaments and the fame that comes along with a solid win streak. And we all know how popularity and getting on a high pedestal just leads to corruption and a hard fall. Rowan gets kidnapped for a ransom, but the people he once had so much trust in abandon him for their own selfish gains and leaves him to rot in a cave somewhere, where the hardships give him a reality check and bring him back to the ways of the Prince. This is when he gets rescued by a beautiful young widow, another Follower, who then nurses him back to health. This is the slower part of the story, but I do have to say I admire Chuck Black's ability to skip through time so swiftly and fluidly. As a writer I find that difficult and I hope to obtain that power someday, and he still developed the characters well enough, although unfortunately I didn't find my heart broken when the hammer of evil struck tragedy on the anvil of strife. In my own mind, I think a little more mental and emotional struggle with the crap Rowan has to deal with later on might have been a wee bit more realistic. But then Mr. Black had to go and throw that twist in the end, concerning a brotherhood and an ancient prophecy. Oh, I liked that part. Two men bonded by both blood and loyalty in service to their King to the last, standing against the knight of darkness himself, and the ending wasn't something you see every day. I wasn't expecting that. Bitter-sweet, I think they call it. All in all, The Knights of Arrethtrae is a great series that serves two purposes in providing people with a grand adventure all across the map all the while giving us examples of living well for our Prince. No matter the hardships and challenges these men and women faced, with the help and strength of the Prince, they stayed true and conquered evil. This is in no way different than how things are today in the real world. We might not be wearing steel armor and carrying swords, but the struggle we face is the same, and the King who stands at the fore now is the same who cast the dark one out of the realms of light and is the very same who already has claimed the victory. The deciding question for us is with whom do we stand?
"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 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 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.
As the final book in Black’s Arrethtrae series, I couldn’t see how this story could possibly be better than the others that I’d already read. Yet with each book in the series, it seems that Black’s writing has taken off into a level of its own. The magnitude of Rowan’s tale seems so much bigger and more fulfilling than the 192 pages of the book. Though partway through, I figured out what Black was doing, I was still absolutely stunned at the ending. I finished this book with tears in my eyes, nearly unable to tell my family how good it was. I was overcome with emotion and I think that Black could have honestly written an entire series just based on the story of Rowan.
The Knights of Arrethtrae is a stunning series. It’s beautiful, entertaining and enjoyable for the whole family. My children are fighting over who gets to read the next book next and my husband has several of them stuck in hidey spots around the house so they don’t get lost in the kids’ rooms before he has a chance to read them.
Sir Rowan is a decorated tournament champion, and he believes that is his calling in life. But when Rowan is bettered by another knight and left to die, he reconsiders his priorities. Finally, he decides to serve The Prince at any cost and finds his true calling is greater and more important than anything he could have imagined. His path is riddled with danger and heart-break, but The Prince is with him through it all. While I really enjoyed this book, it is my least favorite of The Knights of Arrethtrae series. Like all the books in this series, it contains a challenging message and is very interesting to read. It just seemed to me that the story was perhaps a bit hurried, and it just didn't seem quite as personal as some of the other books. That being said, this is still an excellent book and I would most highly recommend it and all the rest of the books in this series to absolutely anyone. Just because it is the least favorite of mine from the series in no way down plays this one, but that should tell you just how good the other books are!
I recieved this book from a first reads giveaway. The first thing to say about it is, it has many parallels with the Christian faith. If you enjoy a book with the morals, values and revelations spoken of in the Bible, you will love this book. It tells the story of a Knight who is successful and done well with his life only for it all to be taken away, at which point his life changes to one of honor and service to his King. He is brought into the fight agaist evil for the sake of his King and his people. If you have ever had trouble understanding the Biblical end times this book tells the tale in a simple easily understood format. This is not an original story idea but allows one to hear Biblical stories without being inundated with difficult wording.
The King gifted Sir Rowan, but the Knight of the Prince became distracted by pride and worldly desires, resulting in painful and humbling circumstances. Gratefully the King Who had called Rowan is the Lord of Grace.
I do not often cry when reading a book, but the description of the sufferings and death of those who live and die for the Prince and so others can know Him brings me great sorrow, and the uniting of His people in the Presence of the King gives me great joy. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
This story was full of action, adventure, a little romance... It made me cry a time or two. I have loved all that I read from Chuck Black, and even though I originally read the series when I was younger, I had to read the last book. I think I would have enjoyed this story a lot more if I was younger, but I still enjoyed reading it today. It's clean, and yet filled with enough excitement to please guys and girls alike. I definitely recommend! The King Reigns and His Son!
I enjoyed this series when I was younger, but never got around to the last book. I wish I had because I probably would have liked it better then. It just did not really capture my attention. I did not feel that the characters were is great peril and there were too many lulls. It picked up about halfway through and I started liking it a bit better. I'll have to admit I saw the end coming. Overall the book was good but predictable.
Won this book in a Goodreads giveaway....I could use some medieval novels to share with my students.
Not my favorite... I think it would have gone better had I started with the first in the series. I may try it again when I'm not so busy, but it's not my favorite.
I liked this book, but after reading the other books in the series this didn't have the same level of excitement in it for me (not sure why). Almost felt like there was too much backstory, I don't know. Anyway, while I liked it, I was somewhat disappointed as it being the end of the series.
My praise about the book: 🤍The description of the anguish he feels when his wife dies is too much for my soul... 🤍Overall, it was just a beautiful story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.