Rebel's Keep

Crown and Covenant #3

by Douglas Bond, Matthew Bird (Illustrator)

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Young Adult, Historical, Adventure

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2004

About the author

Douglas 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.

Reviews

[Rebekah Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Star Shining Forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.).

[Semaj Darnreb · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

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" ;)

[Kelsey Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Isaac Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Been a while since I read this series, but I enjoyed it :)

[David Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion to this series and the series as a whole. A great combination of suspense, history and theology.

[Danielle Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Travis Daggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid finish.

[Allison Hilleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

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/...

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Abigail Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Aidan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jonathan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this as a family. Yah for the Covenanters!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book