Creed

The Starlore Legacy #7

by Chuck Black, Rena Fish (Editor), Elena Karoumpali (Illustrator)

The Merchant is dead. His faithful Navis are being hunted. Did the promises of the Merchant die with him?

In a galaxy where ancient prophecies and futuristic technology collide, Daeson and Raviel Starlore embark on a clandestine mission to save their world from the cunning and formidable Lord Dracus. As the archenemy of Ell Yon seeks to control the fate of the galaxy, Daeson and Raviel risk everything as they race against time to navigate through the treacherous Gehenna Cluster. Meanwhile, their daughter, Brae Starlore, and her loyal companion, Rhett Stryker, discover hope in the empty crypt of the Merchant, the Son of Sovereign Ell Yon. As they rally to build an underground network of loyal followers, the mysterious Protectors begin to reveal power the Navis never imagined possible. But Preeminent Fasa Kylos, Lord Dracus’s unsuspecting pawn, is intent on wiping them from the planet. Will Brae and Rhett succeed in their quest to bring hope to the galaxy or will Dracus and his evil lieutenants succeed in eradicating the Merchant’s plan to save humanity?

Embrace the journey. Experience the adventure. Discover the legacy.

Genres: Science Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published March 19, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Elisabeth (Bets) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm. Not sure how to review this book. I feel like as the series goes on I'm enjoying it less. Which is sad. Because I want to love it!

I didn't enjoy most of this book. But then, later in the book I finally, FINALLY, got hooked!

Still clean content wise and I'm sure many people loved this book but it just didn't hit the spot for me. But I will be continuing to read the series in spite of not loving this book as much as previous ones!

I do feel like he made the series a bit long though and its making it start to feel a bit drug out.

I do have hopes that book 8 will be amazing!

[TheRoer · Rating 5 out of 5]

You want a review?? Whoever you are…you have entered the crazy geeky domain…of me! *laughs evilly* okay okay. If you’re a geeky person who loves this series…then you’re definitely allowed to read this review! And pleaseeee comment all my geeky friends so that I know there are some here! 👀

*ahem* and…here we go!

“All at once the world lifted their voices in deafening shouts of adoration and cheer. And how could they not shout with total abandon, for they had been saved, restored, and set free. Deitum Prime no longer enticed them away from Ell Yon by their own affections, nor could it ever again. The inner struggle they had all felt in the realm of humanity was fully purged from every fiber of their being, and they were jubilant.” ~pg. 54


“I know it doesn’t make sense, Rhett, but I have to go. I’ll do this alone,” Brae said as she tapped in the access code. The Stabil retention field diminished to half of its former strength but did not disappear.
Rhett shook his head. “In what world could I ever let that happen?

🤭 this…

~Pg. 64


Oh Rivet. 😆 you make me laugh.

~Page 65



One...single...touch. The entire room held its breath as Brae’s fingers landed in the warm palm of Jeshu’s hand. At first touch, tears burst from Brae’s eyes as she gripped his hand then fell into his embrace. Jeshu wrapped his arms around her as others came near. He reached for them, offering the touch of truth.
~Pg.71-72 🥹 🥹



Brae found the strength to stand on her own, rising up a new and powerful version of her former self...a version purged by the antidotal blood of Jeshu. She felt as if she could nearly fly.
“Jeshu,” she whispered.
Jeshu smiled gently, putting a hand on her cheek. “Daughter.”

oh my, 🥹 💯 words are not needed.

~Pg. 73-74



When Jeshu came to Brae, her heart began to break for there was a finality to his parting actions.
“Your joy will sustain you, and your sorrow will be the catalyst to save millions,” he whispered as he embraced her. “Stay true and strong,” he finished.
~Pg.75




“What is happening?” Brae asked, scanning the sanctum courtyard in the throes of stunned observation.
Rhett couldn’t take his eyes off the boy. “Jeshu
happened.”
~Pg. 81

“Jeshu happened.” Ach! How can he word these better?? Such truth! Such beauty! And the surface I know hasn’t been touched yet, nor can in our human minds.



Page 103–excitement is escalating! 😱 😆 I’m not spoiling anything.



“What’s the plan?” Mazon asked.
“Kill the bad guys and save the good guys,” Brae replied as she holstered her blaster then picked up the rapid-fire plasma rifle at her feet, slinging it over her shoulder.
~Page 105…oh yes. 😂 I am laughing in the heat of a very serious battle. I’m sorry! 🤭

~Page 123… ahhhhh… *smiles happily*



*cries with a mixture of emotions that are very difficult to decipher* I just knew it was gonna happen! It always does! And not agaaaainn…!! Rivet!

~Page 125


“Those thugs didn’t even have an invitation to the
ceremony,” Kase said with a straight face.
Everyone looked at Kase for a second, then they all began to chuckle. Bridger put an arm across his younger brother’s shoulder. “Sometimes you’re just what everyone needs.”
~Page 128…ah, Kase. 🤭


The sacrifice… 🥺
~page 133

“I just need you.”
~Page 135

Noooo! 😭 😭
~page 153

I’m so engrossed in this…
~page 158

Oh my. 🥹
~page 165

Oh no oh no oh no!!! Something horrible is going to happen. I just know it! It always does. *inward scream*
~page 200

What…what….what… *tries to breathe* I NEVER SAW THAT COMING!! THERE ARE SO MANY TWISTS AND TURNS IN THIS BOOK! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT!!

*gasp* I knew it would end!! I can’t believe it’s ended! Oh pleaseeee to wait for a whole nother yeaaarrr!! 😱

*draws in a deep breath* and there, I have completed my…whatever it is you call as you read a book and write down your favorite parts and add reactions to which only people who have read it would get. XD. If you’ve read the other books in this series (if you haven’t go do ifright now! 😆jkjk…but really if you can I would highly recommend doing so. You’ll be swept away! And…I’m getting out of topic *ahem*) you will absolutely love this one!! It’s EPIC!

**I received the ARC for this amazing book and these are my own honest thoughts and craziness… *nods* yup. Have an amazing rest of your day.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This describes perfectly how my brain and emotions were while reading this book 🤯😢🤔😬😧😳🤭🥹🥰🤩😇🤪🤨😎😏🫠🫥😯😭

This book seriously did some damage to me 😭 permanent damage I won’t recover from. And I was just recovering from the last book 😭😭😭

Ok so like WHAT???? THAT ENDING!!!! THE PLOT TWISTS!!!!! THE ENTIRE STORYLINE!!!!! 😱😧🤯😭

I was seriously so enthralled with this book. It was hard for me to put down when I needed to sleep or get things, other than reading, done.
The amount of emotions that were going through me the entire time reading was so crazy. I had multiple people asking me if I was okay. Not sure if that’s because I was crying so much or because of the utter shock my facial expressions were showing at the time. 😂

There was so many plot twists that I didn’t see coming. I predicted a few of them but that big one with Rivet??? That had me staring at a wall for a solid 10 minutes before I could keep going.

Rhett and Braes relationship was soooo bittersweet!!! I cried so many times as the truth about them came out at the end. I had my mouth hanging open and tears poring down my face the entire last 6 chapters 😭

Every part of this book was so exciting and entertaining!! It was definitely I think the most fast paced book in the series and normally I’m not a fan of fast moving books. But if this had been any slower it would have been a boring read. The storyline needed to be more fast paced in order to keep it going.

All in all this book was a solid 10/10! I would recommend this book and the entire series to anywho who loves sci-fi, Christian fantasy and fiction novels.

[Adalyn Skains · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly don't know if I can handle any more of these books...

They have ruined my heart and soul and I love them so dearly! If you're going to write a 12 book series it better be strong and developed and this series does not disappoint. The world is so fascinating, the characters deep, and the whole story so developed. I was left in literal shock after finishing this one.
How do you fit that many plot twists INTO ONE BOOK?!?
And now you're gonna tell me that I have to wait an ENTIRE year for the next one? I just thought I got over the last one.
Seriously though. The amount of reveals and twists and crazy things!!!!! So so good.
But Chuck Black once again fulfills my expectations and left me emotionally distraught and in love with this book and these characters all over again.
I really love the way he wrote Jeshu's death and resurrection. It was powerful and inspiring to read. As always these characters are so dear and close to my heart already and I could rant about them for a very long time but I won't and I'll just say that YOU HAVE TO READ THESE BOOKS.
Warning however, they will crush your heart multiple times, over and over again, and just as soon as you thought you were over it here comes another CrAzY twist that will have reading way too late and crying A LOT.
Yes, I speak from experience.

However this book does take place through around 20 years of time and because of that it was SUPER fast paced. There were multiple "catch up paragraphs" to tell you happened in the last five+ years and it made it feel almost disconnected to the story. Though once I finished the book I realized it was necessary and helpful to the plot and wrapping it all together. That said, it still could have been written in a less abrupt way I feel like. The author did a lot of telling instead of showing and that kind of makes the story feel distant and not as impactful.

Overall though I absolutely love this book and I'm dying for the next one. But while I wait I will go sob into a pillow a while longer in torment of these miseries....


(I received an e-arc from the author but all the thoughts are my own.)

[Brettnay Brazzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled to get interested in the first half of the book, but the second half was FANTASTIC!

[Ava Flinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book series enough. Go read it! The ending was CRAZY, I was not expecting it! I was crying at one point and in shock the next. The only reason this isn’t a five star read is because I wanted more of Brea and Rhett’s story instead of moving right on to Stone’s, although I do understand why Chuck Black did it that way. Church Black has done it again with another amazing book. I can’t wait for Journey (the next book)! Overall an amazing Christian read!

[Emie BookLover & JesusFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025 review
Breath.
Breath.
Breath.
*Inhales deeply*
Alright, alright, I'm going to try to get this review out so that you can understand it🤣

Sooooo the first half of the book went super slowly, and I was a little disappointed in it at first. BUT THEN...YEESH! So much happened!

My praise about the book: (ALL SPOILERS)
🤍Rivet!!!! Noooo!!! What have they done to you!!!😭😭😭
🤍The new characters Ledger, Ayla, and Stone...I'm so excited to see what Chuck Black does with them!!!! (well, except Stone😭)
🤍Ledger being the son of Kylos!!!🤯🤯
🤍I knew Rivet was the bot with Ledger! I KNEW IT!

My dislikes:
❌The beginning was slow and a little too allegorical for my liking

All in all? AMAZING.
I really hate that I finish each book within a few hours, and that I have to wait a WHOLE year to read the next one...*sighs*

[The Radical Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chuck Black has been and is my favorite children’s book author. In his newest series, The Starlore Legacy, his characters, plot, and setting weave seamlessly together into an epic tale of galactic proportions. His most recent episode, Creed, only serves to remind me of how incredible a writer this author truly is! I highly recommend this book to any reader who loves fast-paced, action-packed, hope-filled fiction that expresses Biblical themes in a beautiful and powerful way. If you want to read literature that is empowering, edifying, and God-honoring, then Creed should be the next title on your bookshelf.

Recommended Age: 12-14

Noteworthy elements: no sexual tension, violence that is intense but not gory, no profanity or crude language

Full review: https://theradicalreader.com/the-star...

[ezra [semi ia] · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭, 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ✨

~💫~

Okay, soooo…. What just happened?! And you’re telling me I have to wait A WHOLE NOTHER YEAR FOR THE NEXT ONE?!!!!?! I swear that Chuck Black’s sole purpose in his books is to torture you with these crazy plot twists and endings… (just kidding, haha😭 maybe??)

~💫~

This book was definitely an emotional roller coaster for me (towards the end especially.) Not me crying and silently screaming in my pillow towards the end while my parents asked downstairs if I’m alright… that totally didn’t happen. Totally.

~💫~

Anyways, this book was definitely a more faster paced book. Although still enjoyable,( of course,) it did span years, which, to be honest, was quite unexpected for me as I read. I mean, of course if you have read the other books in the series, it does span years as well during the timeline, but this one did it in quite a different sense if that makes sense?? To be quite honest I didn’t really like how the book was going at first and the events that spanned throughout the story, but that ending.. lemme tell you, if you feel the same way about the beginning of the book and the events that span throughout this installment.. Take heart, cause at the end, everything makes sense. Whether it makes sense in a good way or bad way, I’ll leave that for you to figure out :) Anywho, it did catch me a little off guard how MUCH it spanned as far as time goes, but it was still SUCH a wonderful book!!!!!!!

~💫~

One of the things I absolutely loved that Chuck Black did in this installment was all the spiritual warfare moments,(or Communing,) I’ve read the Wars of the Realm series and same thing there, the way he portrayed the spiritual battles just felt so…realistic and pure if that makes sense. There is one moment in the Ruah (pages 90-109 is the whole event,) and it just showed so purely what it means to rely on Yahweh’s Holy Spirit and help in order to fight these other-worldly battles. And how without him, we can’t do it on our own,( or for Brae and Rhett, fight on our own,) It truly was beautiful to see, and what it kind of reminded me of was Psalm 23 and Philippians 4:13 , how without Him, we have nothing. But in Christ, “We can do all things through Him who strengthens us,” And these scriptures dont just apply to this little part, I felt like throughout the story the characters were leaning and trusting Ell Yon no matter what. Which was soo cool to see in a fictional sense. I don’t know, it was kind of a little thing that I felt the Most High kind of showed me as I was reading this chapter, and honestly, it’s a perfect analogy that relates so well to our everyday lives. How we must depend and rely on Him and His word, for without Him, we truly can do nothing!

~💫~

Also.. Jeshu.. let’s just talk about him for a second.. like, bro! He just felt so pure in this installment! The sentences that Jeshu said to his sectators, man, were they good. Chuck always says that he seeks to glorify the Most High through his writing, and man, Jeshu!!! Definitely one of the best Jesus figures I’ve read in fictional stories by far!

~💫~

Brae and Rhett’s relationship was so sweet to see! They have truly grown since from the fifth book, that’s for sure haha! They truly are such wonderful characters!!!! And meeting all the new friends during this book was so fun!

~💫~

Sorry this was a bit of a longer review, haha! I had a lot to say, as you can tell🤭

~💫~

Anyways, as I ended my other review for Reclamation, if your seeking for a book that was clearly bathed in prayer and written seeking to glorify the Most High no matter what, this book is for you!!! Cant recommend this series enough, and I hope you all love this book as much as I did!!! Cannot wait for the next book in the series, and I definitely cannot wait to see how Chuck Black continues this amazing series!

[Briana Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another tale in the Starlore legacy! I'm always excited to see where Chuck Black takes the story. These books are thrilling and interesting. The sci-fi world is well detailed, although some of the technical things go over my head. ;) The story itself is a clear picture of the stories from the bible from the very first book starting with Moses. This book focuses on the growing faith in Jeshua(Jesus) throughout the planet after the events of the last book and the confrontation of the keepers and builders (persecution on the early church)
The beginning of the book took a unique turn. Deason and Raviel's return in an interesting perspective. The book was filled with up and downs, fast paced moments and quieter sweeter/sad moments. I must say the ending was rather predictable when a new character was introduced, but it's a cool twist.

All that said, it was another well done book and I am looking forward to the next one.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, Creed by chuck Black, was a lot to take in! I think I say this for every installment I read in this series, but I think this one was my favorite.
I love being able to trace the truth of the Bible throughout the series, and the way the allegory works to share the story of the Bible in another setting.
Brae and Rhett are compelling characters. I have to admit that the ending of this story, although I could see where it was headed, was hard to read in a good way. But I won't say anymore... no spoilers!
Chuck Black has added another worthy installment into the Starlore series and the world of allegory in general. Don't hesitate to read it, or to share it with someone you think would enjoy it!

[Stitch C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely phenomenal! Chuck Black takes our hearts on a rollercoaster of joy and of heartache. He draws us even deeper into the layers of the Starlore Legacy and the mission of the Merchant. In the previous book the Merchant is dead, the galaxy fractured, and the sectators of Jeshu on the brink of collapse. This book picks up from there and takes us through Acts as we see how Brae Starlore, Rhett Stryker, and the Navi recover to continue the promise of the Merchant's reclamation and mission to save not only Rayl but everyone across every galaxy. Be prepared for twists and turns, shocking surprises, love, betrayal, hope, despair, and everything between. Chuck Black will never disappoint and it will always be a joy to read his works.

[Terrance Niedziela Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creed, Chuck Black's newest book in the Starlore Legacy series, picks up with Jeshu's followers devastated by Jeshu's death. They wrestle with how the prophecies of the Merchant can come true if the Merchant is no longer alive. Black does a masterful job of drawing his readers deeper into his retelling of the beginning of the book of Acts. His characters are well written and he doesn't disappoint in the science fiction action. Chuck Black has also created full color images to go along with the text. You can access these when you get the book. I encourage you to get the book and see how Ell Yon works to fulfill His glorious will

[Ellie Hollows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. Chuck Black has delivered a fast-paced, heart-on-your sleeve story yet again! There is always just enough tension to have one wondering if the characters are going to make it.

I've never felt so deeply by a fictional book. It inspires one to never take Chirst's sacrifice lightly. To realize the true power of prayer drives me to my knees.

I so wish I could have been Brae when Jeshua appeared after his regeneration 🥹❤️.

CW: Really none technically - but the violence (it's not gory), but it might be a bit much for younger readers

My Rating/Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5/ 16+

Oh, the ending, though 😭.... I so need the next book! Like, right now 😳...

[Emily Bohannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this new installment in one of my favorite series’ of all time! It left me laughing and crying, and reeling at the unexpected turns. This book seems different than the others, in a good way. A change in plot that I was not expecting. And it was so good to see Brae, Rhett, and Rivet again, as well as some new characters. Needless to say, I can’t wait to experience the next book, which I’m sure will be ‘riveting’ also ;)
If you are considering enveloping yourself in a galaxy filled with wonder, companionship, and purpose— I can assure you, Creed will not disappoint.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so captivating, I can't wait for the next one!

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story, but not as good as others… strange timeline in this story…

[Denali Christianson ~Semi-active~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WAS SCREAMING

GUYS

IT'S SO GOOD

THE END

IT DESTROYED ME

[Suzanne Cefola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Jesse Beauford · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

why is this not a star trek type series

[Charlene Michalec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still good, but it took time to get to the action. This is probably the slow book for me, all the others were great! The end though! I wasn't expecting it!

[Anonymous Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this was good- but did you have to skip like TWENTY YEARS?
I miss the original series; like these extras are great and all but 😭DAESON

[Abby Cleek · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's little that makes a week more exciting than getting a copy of the next Starlore book, so I was so thrilled to dive into Creed and it did not disappoint! So many twists, especially in the second half of the book--I could not put it down. Rhett and Brae's relationship was so sweet, especially seeing how they've both grown so much as characters. My favorite aspect is, as always, the Biblical parallels, and I especially enjoyed seeing the story shift to the Acts time period with this installment. I read this book in a weekend (which is rare for me, since even though I love to read, it's not common I'm able to carve out that much time to race through a book all at once).

All in all, this is another exciting installment in the series and I'd recommend it to anyone who's enjoyed the earlier Starlore books. And if you haven't yet, go grab Nova now...just be warned you may spend the next week binging the rest of the series, and then join me waiting in suspense for the next year until book 8 comes out!

[Bella Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up, because reading this book is a literal rollar-coaster of emotion. 👀

Chuck Black does it again... Are we surprised? I'm not. I can 100% count on Chuck Black to write a riveting read filled with heart and plot twists galore. And Creed was no exception! This was a spectacular seventh episode in the sci-fi Biblical allegory series.

Overall, a wonderful wonderful read. If you’re in the mood for science fiction without boring technological exposition, an allegory that highlights the True Bible story and points you back to the Ultimate Author, characters you’ll fall in love with, daring escape missions and battles, scenes that tug at all your heart strings, and just a little bit of romance… do yourself a favor and purchase Creed!

View my full review (with content details) on my website: https://bellaraine.com/book-review-cr...

(FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher, but an positive review was not required. All thoughts here are my own.)

✨ 5 Stars ✨

[Waneta Hershberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an incredible story, only complaint is that it ends too soon!!! Can’t wait for the next one to come out!! The ending is a bit heartbreaking so can’t wait to see what will happen in the next one!!