What do you think?
Rate this book
Crown and Covenant #3
Rebel's Keep
The M'Kethe's team up again to stand for Crown & Covenant. Forced finally to fell to America, they must leave behind their most precious possession.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2004
6 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Bond
80 books229 followersDouglas Bond, author of more than thirty books--several now in Dutch, Portuguese, Romanian, and Korean--is father of six, and grandfather of eleven--and counting--is Director for the Oxford Creative Writing Master Class and the Carolina Creative Writing Master Class, two-time Grace Award book finalist, adjunct instructor in Church history, recent advisory member to the national committee for Reformed University Fellowship, award-winning teacher, speaker at conferences, and leader of Church history tours in Europe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 26, 2017
Ahh...I love this series so much. This one was probably my favorite one out of the series, though, and I'm telling you...it was amazing. The end *gasp*. I was so nervous and on the edge of my seat, I had to keep putting it down. My brother read it and was the same way...which is saying something because he rarely gets excited over anything. I cried at the end too, because it's sooooo sad 😭 I loved the characters so much!!! Angus was so sweet and so brave in the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Scotland or the Covenanters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
Author: Douglas Bond
Recommended Age: 15+ (The reading level of these books is for ages 12-14, but the topics presented may be too violent for younger readers. See Noteworthy Elements.)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Books in Series:
*Duncan’s War (2002)
*King’s Arrow (2003)
*Rebel’s Keep (2004)
Summary:
Duncan M’Kethe has only ever known peace in his beautiful Scottish homeland. But rumors of Sir James Turner and his horrific persecutions against the faithful Christian believers have reached the M’Kethe home. Is Duncan willing to die for the Covenant, or will he surrender to the Church of England’s heresy?
Notes from The Radical Reader:
Noble Characters:
This trilogy follows the dreams, hopes, and fears of two M’Kethe brothers, Douglas and Angus, as they witness battles, riots, and persecution done against their Scottish people in the name of religious fervor. Readers will experience the heart-breaking courage of the Covenanters and the sacrifices they were willing to endure for the sake of King Jesus.
Captivating Plots:
Douglas Bond explores for readers the incredible time in Scottish history when the Covenanters battled for freedom of faith against the oppressive Church of England and its heretical doctrines. Through the eyes of the M’Kethe family, we see the pain, faith, and courage of the Covenanters as they seek to preserve the truth of God’s Word and the light of the Gospel.
Elaborate Worlds:
Set in Scotland during the 17th century, the Covenanters were Christians persecuted for their loyalty to Christ and Christ alone. From the crushing defeat at the Battle of Rullion Green, to courageous victory during the battle of Drumclog, and longings for escape outside of Scotland and the promise of the new Americas, readers will be swept away in this historical tale of courage, faith, and freedom.
Noteworthy Elements:
Violence:
There are many references to the torture and gruesome executions that imprisoned Covenanters were forced to endure. Torture methods such as the rack, the boot, the gallows, the thumbscrew, dismemberment, and being burned alive are referenced and occasionally detailed. Other tortures are referenced (non-descriptively) to threaten Covenanters to denounce their faith. Soldiers threaten to roast an old man alive for refusing to submit to the Church of England’s authority, and a Covenanter is beheaded on the battlefield. Angus contemplates being tortured on the rack. The heads and hands of faithful Covenanters are displayed on the iron pikes outside of the M’Kethe’s town. Covenanter prisoners being shipped to the Americas as slaves are shipwrecked and locked below decks to die. The execution of David Hackston (a historical Scottish Covenanter) is described as his hands and heart were both cut off as he was being hung. One of the Covenanters is beheaded and the soldiers play games with his head. Many of these concerns are relayed to the main character, not witnessed personally. Angus describes how ravens will gruesomely slaughter young lambs. Battlefields are described vividly but tactfully.
Sexual Tension:
When Angus and his sister, Jennie, go to help their neighbors, Jennie is captured by the soldiers. Angus fights to bring back his sister along with “her virtue”, though nothing happens to Jennie. The clan chief studies Jennie in a way that makes Angus uneasy. Angus fears what the soldiers will do to his mother and sister if the men are all killed in battle, though no explicit details are given. There is a reference to a Covenanter’s wife being “used very ill” by the soldiers. King Charles II is described as having scandalous relationships and a reference is made to the King “carousing with one of his mistresses”.
Profanity:
The term “hell-hound” is used to describe James Turner, a persecutor of the Covenanters and the phrase “hell-kites” is used when describing the Battle of Rullion Green. The phrase “demon if it did” is used to describe Angus’ talking raven. The words “bastard” and “damning” are used a few times in a literal sense.
Spiritual:
Angus teaches his pet raven to say a few words and friends warn Angus that he may be accused of practicing dark arts with the bird. There are a few references to witches who were tried and executed for practicing dark magic, as well as a reference to a faithful Covenanter who was condemned as a witch.
Final Thoughts:
While the amount of violence in the stories adds a heavy tone to the trilogy, it is directly paired with incredible descriptions of the Covenanter’s faith and courage as they are persecuted and martyred for worshipping Christ and Christ alone. I was deeply encouraged as I read these stories of heroic men and women who were willing to suffer for their faith in Christ, and I hope these books will have an incredible impact on the young men and women who read them.
https://theradicalreader.com
Recommended Age: 15+ (The reading level of these books is for ages 12-14, but the topics presented may be too violent for younger readers. See Noteworthy Elements.)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Books in Series:
*Duncan’s War (2002)
*King’s Arrow (2003)
*Rebel’s Keep (2004)
Summary:
Duncan M’Kethe has only ever known peace in his beautiful Scottish homeland. But rumors of Sir James Turner and his horrific persecutions against the faithful Christian believers have reached the M’Kethe home. Is Duncan willing to die for the Covenant, or will he surrender to the Church of England’s heresy?
Notes from The Radical Reader:
Noble Characters:
This trilogy follows the dreams, hopes, and fears of two M’Kethe brothers, Douglas and Angus, as they witness battles, riots, and persecution done against their Scottish people in the name of religious fervor. Readers will experience the heart-breaking courage of the Covenanters and the sacrifices they were willing to endure for the sake of King Jesus.
Captivating Plots:
Douglas Bond explores for readers the incredible time in Scottish history when the Covenanters battled for freedom of faith against the oppressive Church of England and its heretical doctrines. Through the eyes of the M’Kethe family, we see the pain, faith, and courage of the Covenanters as they seek to preserve the truth of God’s Word and the light of the Gospel.
Elaborate Worlds:
Set in Scotland during the 17th century, the Covenanters were Christians persecuted for their loyalty to Christ and Christ alone. From the crushing defeat at the Battle of Rullion Green, to courageous victory during the battle of Drumclog, and longings for escape outside of Scotland and the promise of the new Americas, readers will be swept away in this historical tale of courage, faith, and freedom.
Noteworthy Elements:
Violence:
There are many references to the torture and gruesome executions that imprisoned Covenanters were forced to endure. Torture methods such as the rack, the boot, the gallows, the thumbscrew, dismemberment, and being burned alive are referenced and occasionally detailed. Other tortures are referenced (non-descriptively) to threaten Covenanters to denounce their faith. Soldiers threaten to roast an old man alive for refusing to submit to the Church of England’s authority, and a Covenanter is beheaded on the battlefield. Angus contemplates being tortured on the rack. The heads and hands of faithful Covenanters are displayed on the iron pikes outside of the M’Kethe’s town. Covenanter prisoners being shipped to the Americas as slaves are shipwrecked and locked below decks to die. The execution of David Hackston (a historical Scottish Covenanter) is described as his hands and heart were both cut off as he was being hung. One of the Covenanters is beheaded and the soldiers play games with his head. Many of these concerns are relayed to the main character, not witnessed personally. Angus describes how ravens will gruesomely slaughter young lambs. Battlefields are described vividly but tactfully.
Sexual Tension:
When Angus and his sister, Jennie, go to help their neighbors, Jennie is captured by the soldiers. Angus fights to bring back his sister along with “her virtue”, though nothing happens to Jennie. The clan chief studies Jennie in a way that makes Angus uneasy. Angus fears what the soldiers will do to his mother and sister if the men are all killed in battle, though no explicit details are given. There is a reference to a Covenanter’s wife being “used very ill” by the soldiers. King Charles II is described as having scandalous relationships and a reference is made to the King “carousing with one of his mistresses”.
Profanity:
The term “hell-hound” is used to describe James Turner, a persecutor of the Covenanters and the phrase “hell-kites” is used when describing the Battle of Rullion Green. The phrase “demon if it did” is used to describe Angus’ talking raven. The words “bastard” and “damning” are used a few times in a literal sense.
Spiritual:
Angus teaches his pet raven to say a few words and friends warn Angus that he may be accused of practicing dark arts with the bird. There are a few references to witches who were tried and executed for practicing dark magic, as well as a reference to a faithful Covenanter who was condemned as a witch.
Final Thoughts:
While the amount of violence in the stories adds a heavy tone to the trilogy, it is directly paired with incredible descriptions of the Covenanter’s faith and courage as they are persecuted and martyred for worshipping Christ and Christ alone. I was deeply encouraged as I read these stories of heroic men and women who were willing to suffer for their faith in Christ, and I hope these books will have an incredible impact on the young men and women who read them.
https://theradicalreader.com
June 27, 2010
I started this trilogy not sure I'd be glad to put in the time necessary to finish it. With each book, I became more interested. I'd now say I'm quite glad I spent the time. Though fiction and probably aimed at a younger age group than mine, these books have awakened in me a much greater interest in this period in history and the history of the church in Scotland. I'm sure the author omitted many gruesome details of Scottish Presbyterian suffering, but there's plenty here to make one realize blessing it is to live in a peaceful country with religious freedom. I'm familiar enough with Psalter songs to recognize a number of the quotes, and the sermons and conversations communicate well the spirit of the Christians who might have lived through these days. A good book.
December 18, 2012
The one thing I like about Douglas Bond's writing's are that they *ARE* historically accurate, even to the point of adding the names of real people from history. However, the amount of martyrdom, killings, and descriptions of such terrible happenings renders this series not on my favorite list. :/ If I wanted to read a biography or that true story of history, I'd just get a history book out. I read fiction for enjoyment and this was not enjoyable, nor did I find there was much to be learned besides a few bits of encouragement here and there about trusting in the Lord. This series just wasn't my cup of tea, as much as I appreciated the author's Christian and historical insights.
August 30, 2013
This is an amazing book! It's so inspiring to read of how the Covenanters' faith in God helped them get through some of the toughest times in Scottish history. And two of my favorite things—archery and Scotland—in the same book is double the coolness! The author is quite talented; the escapes and fights are really well-described. The emotional scenes are so touching as well. I really like how actual historical figures are incorporated into the story.
It's been a while since I shelved a book as a "favorite" but this one is getting added ASAP! This is the third book in this series so I definitely will look for the first two!
It's been a while since I shelved a book as a "favorite" but this one is getting added ASAP! This is the third book in this series so I definitely will look for the first two!
March 14, 2021
The content is great, but it is very honest about the violence and gruesome events of the time. However, this book DRAGGED for me. There are endless descriptions of everything, constant moralizing about what’s right and what’s wrong in horrible situations, a lack of exciting action, and very little character development. I really liked the first book, and as much as I like Angus, I do think the trilogy could’ve stopped there. Or the second book could’ve been cut out or melded with this book a bit. I’m sure part of the lack of interest for me is that the book is written for a much younger audience, but overall it was quite dry. As previously stated, however, I have zero complaints about the content, so I would definitely recommend this for your kid if they like this genre and you don’t mind them being exposed to historically accurate violence (decapitations, some torture, musket wounds, killings, incredibly vague references to rape, etc.).
October 3, 2025
Borrowed the book from a library because I thought the cover was interesting. In my experience, the book was alright. The plot didn't really interest me and I was bored until the last 1/4th of the book. It had my attention for for a few chapters before getting a little stale for me. I wouldn't exactly recommend it to anyone unless they're interested in history.
I do like the illustrations here and there, as well the imagery and description of the battlefield. I personally like it when authors are not afraid to killing their own characters. It increases the stakes and makes the intensity higher.
Overall, I'd say the book was alright. It gets better at the very end but the middle of the plot isn't the most memorable, but it can get entertaining when it comes to the battlefield. 6/10
I do like the illustrations here and there, as well the imagery and description of the battlefield. I personally like it when authors are not afraid to killing their own characters. It increases the stakes and makes the intensity higher.
Overall, I'd say the book was alright. It gets better at the very end but the middle of the plot isn't the most memorable, but it can get entertaining when it comes to the battlefield. 6/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2020
This is a wonderful conclusion to the Crown and Covenant books. It was so neat to learn about the courageous covenanters who stood up to the tyrants even when it seemed like they had no chance! I highly recommend these books, even if you're not a "10-12 year old boy" ;)
September 5, 2023
This was an applause-worthy conclusion to the series! Even more than the other two books, this was full of page-turning action, great historical detail, and above all a story that strengthens faith as you read about the Scottish Covenanters and what they went through to hold fast to God.
July 15, 2020
Been a while since I read this series, but I enjoyed it :)
August 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion to this series and the series as a whole. A great combination of suspense, history and theology.
July 11, 2025
I started this trilogy on a whim and ended up with tears and a heart full from them. The books portrayed tremendous Godly character. I am so pleased to know more about the Covenanters.
October 15, 2025
Solid finish.
February 9, 2026
This was more brutal than the first two books — one death in particular. It was a book to be endured rather than enjoyed.
January 15, 2016
Good for ages: 13+
This was always been my favorite book of the trilogy, it's full of thrilling adventures and the continued struggles of those trying to be faithful to God. There are a few gross parts as they describe some of the deaths of the martyrs of the time, and of course there are the descriptions of the battles.
This was always been my favorite book of the trilogy, it's full of thrilling adventures and the continued struggles of those trying to be faithful to God. There are a few gross parts as they describe some of the deaths of the martyrs of the time, and of course there are the descriptions of the battles.
March 20, 2017
John Graham of Claverhouse is even more determined to wipe out the rebellious Covenanters. Will the M'Kethe family survive his murderous schemes? Will they have to flee their beloved Scotland?
Read the rest of my review here: http://gloriakluth.blogspot.com/2017/...
Read the rest of my review here: http://gloriakluth.blogspot.com/2017/...
September 28, 2008
All of the Crown & Covenant books are so Great! They are wonderful entertaining and very very very christian. I very highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
July 22, 2011
Mom read this out loud when I was round 16 or 17. Loved it then, and love it still. All my younger brothers and sisters love it as well.
September 18, 2013
Great book!
June 28, 2013
There's a sad spin to the end of the story, and, it's always sad to end a story anyways :). The last book of the Crown and Covenant series and it's just like the others, great!
July 7, 2016
Really enjoyed this as a family. Yah for the Covenanters!
May 5, 2009
good book
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews