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The Knights of Arrethtrae #1
Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione
A dangerous new order threatens the mission of the Knights of Arrethtrae. Only loyalty to the King can bring victory!
As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized.
Sir Kendrick and his young charge, the impetuous Sir Duncan, are sent on a mission to discover the identity and origin of a secretive new order known as the Conquistero Knights. They travel to the city of Bel Lione where Lord Ra has been enticing young people in the kingdom to join his festivals, after which many choose not to return home. Their families keep quiet for fear of repercussion.
When Sir Duncan disappears while trying to discover the truth of Lord Ra’s castle, Sir Kendrick attempts to find and enlist the help of a mysterious warrior. Time is short for he must save Duncan and call upon the knights of Chessington to join in the battle against the evil Lord Ra.
Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are…the Knights of Arrethtrae!
As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized.
Sir Kendrick and his young charge, the impetuous Sir Duncan, are sent on a mission to discover the identity and origin of a secretive new order known as the Conquistero Knights. They travel to the city of Bel Lione where Lord Ra has been enticing young people in the kingdom to join his festivals, after which many choose not to return home. Their families keep quiet for fear of repercussion.
When Sir Duncan disappears while trying to discover the truth of Lord Ra’s castle, Sir Kendrick attempts to find and enlist the help of a mysterious warrior. Time is short for he must save Duncan and call upon the knights of Chessington to join in the battle against the evil Lord Ra.
Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are…the Knights of Arrethtrae!
170 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2008
50 people are currently reading
3000 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Black
33 books759 followersChuck 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 6, 2022
This book was the first I read of Chuck Black's. It was also one of the first to draw me into fantasy, and specifically, Christian fantasy. To read it again was both nostalgic and endearing.
Sir Kendrick is a short and quick-paced read. The characters, particularly Kendrick, Dalton, and Landor, are quite well-developed despite the lack of length. Kendrick, so solemn, serious, and devoted. And, in my opinion, a little prideful regarding how level-headed he is, which can be amusing. I enjoyed his story.
Dalton is an enthusiastic, well-meaning young knight, but his eagerness has the propensity to land him in hot water. I look forward to rereading his story in Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart. Landor...what a character. What a beautiful redemption arc. So well done.
The faith and allegory masterful, as are the descriptions, both scenic and character alike. The writing, while obviously at a level intended for younger readers, is enjoyable. These are the only books where I won't complain about the exuberant usage of exclamation marks. The fight and battle scenes are realistic, and the stark contrast between light and dark is both incredible and chilling.
While written for a younger audience, Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione is a story any reader of any age can enjoy.
Sir Kendrick is a short and quick-paced read. The characters, particularly Kendrick, Dalton, and Landor, are quite well-developed despite the lack of length. Kendrick, so solemn, serious, and devoted. And, in my opinion, a little prideful regarding how level-headed he is, which can be amusing. I enjoyed his story.
Dalton is an enthusiastic, well-meaning young knight, but his eagerness has the propensity to land him in hot water. I look forward to rereading his story in Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart. Landor...what a character. What a beautiful redemption arc. So well done.
The faith and allegory masterful, as are the descriptions, both scenic and character alike. The writing, while obviously at a level intended for younger readers, is enjoyable. These are the only books where I won't complain about the exuberant usage of exclamation marks. The fight and battle scenes are realistic, and the stark contrast between light and dark is both incredible and chilling.
While written for a younger audience, Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione is a story any reader of any age can enjoy.
July 23, 2010
Being the first book by Chuck Black that I have read, Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione is a first-rate page turner that had me up well into the early hours of the morning. Black creates believable characters in a world that is, despite the lack of modern conveniences, comfortable for the reader; perhaps because it is so much like our own.
I have read many Christian books (both fiction and non-fiction) and none of them have encouraged me to live my life in greater dedication to our King then this book has.
The highest congratulations are in order to you, sir, for doing such a superb job of writing Christian allegory that is honest, exciting, instructional and enticing. Thank you. You are truly doing Kingdom work!
I highly recommend this book to both young and old alike and will be seeking out all of Mr. Black's other works to read in the very near future.
I have read many Christian books (both fiction and non-fiction) and none of them have encouraged me to live my life in greater dedication to our King then this book has.
The highest congratulations are in order to you, sir, for doing such a superb job of writing Christian allegory that is honest, exciting, instructional and enticing. Thank you. You are truly doing Kingdom work!
I highly recommend this book to both young and old alike and will be seeking out all of Mr. Black's other works to read in the very near future.
December 31, 2022
I've been reading several books by this author this year, and this may be my favorite yet. It's an exhilarating story that points the reader right back to Scripture and the sweetness of our union with Christ!
I wish I had appreciated these stories more when I was younger!
I wish I had appreciated these stories more when I was younger!
February 22, 2022
I like how it has some bible stories in it like how the king is God and the prince is Jesus. The prince dies and the prince is brought back to life like in the Bible. I give it five stars and highly recommend it for all ages.
August 7, 2012
Haunted by a painful past, Sir Kendrick is a dedicated and serious knight. When he is told that a new knight, the youthful and enthusiastic Sir Duncan is to accompany him on a mission, Kendrick is slightly irritated. Such small frustrations soon fade. A new and dangerous sect of knights is rising. Can Kendrick and Duncan figure out what is happening in Bel Lione? Will the mission cost them their lives?
I highly recommend this book, and the rest of Chuck Black's books. They are fun to read, meaningful, and fast paced.
I highly recommend this book, and the rest of Chuck Black's books. They are fun to read, meaningful, and fast paced.
October 14, 2019
Chuck Black's THE KNIGHTS OF ARRETHTRAE series is such a great set of books for older children and teens! Some really important life lessons are smuggled into these adventurous, allegorical stories set amidst non-magical fantasy kingdoms. With danger, drama, and ultimately, hope, Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione was a great tale! I highly recommend!
October 20, 2017
I listened to this as an audiobook and enjoyed it very much. I don't think I would have liked it quite as much, just reading the text, because of the way it was written, but it worked very well as an audiobook.
It definitely is a book that makes me think. Black delves into the spiritual realm, and I've not really read books like that before. Some people might not like that they reference God as the King of the land and Jesus as Prince (so when they pray, they pray, "Prince, help me."), but everything that was mentioned about them was accurate.
I'm not 100% sure that the way they presented angels is Biblically accurate. I guess because it's a realm that we can't fully understand and Black took a little creative liberty there. Besides that, I couldn't place anything that felt unBiblical.
The story in and of itself was captivating. I was listening critically because of the analogy-theme, but let me get beyond the whole analogy. The STORY was very fast-paced and full of excitement. It felt a little jerky at times and portions were predictable (the author in me coming out), but eventually built to a nice climax.
I would continue this series--likely as audiobook. It was captivating and made me think a little more about the things that happen behind the scenes.
It definitely is a book that makes me think. Black delves into the spiritual realm, and I've not really read books like that before. Some people might not like that they reference God as the King of the land and Jesus as Prince (so when they pray, they pray, "Prince, help me."), but everything that was mentioned about them was accurate.
I'm not 100% sure that the way they presented angels is Biblically accurate. I guess because it's a realm that we can't fully understand and Black took a little creative liberty there. Besides that, I couldn't place anything that felt unBiblical.
The story in and of itself was captivating. I was listening critically because of the analogy-theme, but let me get beyond the whole analogy. The STORY was very fast-paced and full of excitement. It felt a little jerky at times and portions were predictable (the author in me coming out), but eventually built to a nice climax.
I would continue this series--likely as audiobook. It was captivating and made me think a little more about the things that happen behind the scenes.
May 11, 2018
Okay, I have been converted into a Chuck Black fan.
His allegorys are a little obvious, I would have preferred a little more mystery to them. But I loved the simple story and the characters were excellent!
RW ratings:
Language: 5 stars.
Abuse: 5 stars*. Manipulation is present, but all is used by the villian.
Lust: 5 stars. There is a young couple that are mutually attracted to each other and their romance is handled very chastely.
His allegorys are a little obvious, I would have preferred a little more mystery to them. But I loved the simple story and the characters were excellent!
RW ratings:
Language: 5 stars.
Abuse: 5 stars*. Manipulation is present, but all is used by the villian.
Lust: 5 stars. There is a young couple that are mutually attracted to each other and their romance is handled very chastely.
April 5, 2021
Thought it was a bit slow at the beginning, but that amazing ending made up for it. Duncan was by far my favorite character. Sir Lionel was cool too, though I had guessed he was going to die. I liked how his relationship with Sir Kendrick developed.
November 17, 2021
This was such a well-written, fast paced read. It was fun to return to a book I half-remembered from years ago, and I loved the way the story portrayed a beautiful example of forgiveness and turning to faith.
May 10, 2025
Review:
This is an allegory. This can sometimes mean it’s very predictable, and, yes, it was pretty obvious for most of the book who was evil and who was good. For the beginning of the book, I was a little bit bored but was still decently steady as I loved Duncan…(still love Duncan, just more now, lol! More like LOVE!) Not going to lie, I started out not loving Kendrick. He seemed boring and grumpy. HOWEVER, as time went on, he really grew on me and by the end of the book I loved him as well! It didn’t take long for the plot to pick up pace, and honestly, I started getting really into it! It had some really encouraging Christian messages and some balance of time skips with normal pacing. I would have liked to see more of Elise and Ducan. I know it’s not a romance, but it felt a while lot like they met… anyway, five months later they loved each other and wanted to stay together. I don’t know, it was a bit quick. Ancel was pretty awesome! The villains were a bit shallow, (just evil and accepted that they were evil), but that’s probably mostly because it’s an allegory and they are trying to make Satan clearly evil. Which is not a bad thing. Landor was pretty cool as well, though I’ll admit, I called the plot twist very early on. (I’m starting to wonder if that’s just me… it happens a lot). It was still a really cool character arc, and I LOVED his and Kendrick’s friendship. (Landor should have gotten to live!) Overall, it was a really good book! In my opinion, Chuck used the word “Warrior” too much. I think it would have been cooler to have the Shadow Knights than the Shadow Warriors. Also, “Arrethtrae” is a rough pronunciation. (I was reading it out loud and pronounced it differently just about every time). I get trying to be cool, but Bel Lione was a perfectly awesome name too, and I actually can say it, and it’s actually really satisfying to say. Only other mention is that there were two random illustrations in the book, that were not bad, but I believe that they should not have been there. The descriptions of the Blood Wolves were epic and terrifying. I turned the page, saw the picture, and could hardly get scared again. It made it look like a cartoon. Anyway, I know this review is out of order… it’s my first one this thorough! I do recommend this book for 8-14 probably more than older. (I’m older) It was a great, clean, engaging, and encouraging Christian book in a medieval setting (my favorite!), and it was well done with likeable characters!
Content Concerns:
Honestly, none for me. There was some violence. Nothing too terrible. Simple descriptions of injuries avoided the gore factor. Nothing at all sexual. No language. There was talk of torture, but most specifics were avoided by going to a different POV (poor Duncan!!) Otherwise, I guess someone could be bothered by the described conditions of the prison, or Landor’s expression that if he couldn’t be forgiven, he would just be killed. (Spoiler, he was forgiven!)
This is an allegory. This can sometimes mean it’s very predictable, and, yes, it was pretty obvious for most of the book who was evil and who was good. For the beginning of the book, I was a little bit bored but was still decently steady as I loved Duncan…(still love Duncan, just more now, lol! More like LOVE!) Not going to lie, I started out not loving Kendrick. He seemed boring and grumpy. HOWEVER, as time went on, he really grew on me and by the end of the book I loved him as well! It didn’t take long for the plot to pick up pace, and honestly, I started getting really into it! It had some really encouraging Christian messages and some balance of time skips with normal pacing. I would have liked to see more of Elise and Ducan. I know it’s not a romance, but it felt a while lot like they met… anyway, five months later they loved each other and wanted to stay together. I don’t know, it was a bit quick. Ancel was pretty awesome! The villains were a bit shallow, (just evil and accepted that they were evil), but that’s probably mostly because it’s an allegory and they are trying to make Satan clearly evil. Which is not a bad thing. Landor was pretty cool as well, though I’ll admit, I called the plot twist very early on. (I’m starting to wonder if that’s just me… it happens a lot). It was still a really cool character arc, and I LOVED his and Kendrick’s friendship. (Landor should have gotten to live!) Overall, it was a really good book! In my opinion, Chuck used the word “Warrior” too much. I think it would have been cooler to have the Shadow Knights than the Shadow Warriors. Also, “Arrethtrae” is a rough pronunciation. (I was reading it out loud and pronounced it differently just about every time). I get trying to be cool, but Bel Lione was a perfectly awesome name too, and I actually can say it, and it’s actually really satisfying to say. Only other mention is that there were two random illustrations in the book, that were not bad, but I believe that they should not have been there. The descriptions of the Blood Wolves were epic and terrifying. I turned the page, saw the picture, and could hardly get scared again. It made it look like a cartoon. Anyway, I know this review is out of order… it’s my first one this thorough! I do recommend this book for 8-14 probably more than older. (I’m older) It was a great, clean, engaging, and encouraging Christian book in a medieval setting (my favorite!), and it was well done with likeable characters!
Content Concerns:
Honestly, none for me. There was some violence. Nothing too terrible. Simple descriptions of injuries avoided the gore factor. Nothing at all sexual. No language. There was talk of torture, but most specifics were avoided by going to a different POV (poor Duncan!!) Otherwise, I guess someone could be bothered by the described conditions of the prison, or Landor’s expression that if he couldn’t be forgiven, he would just be killed. (Spoiler, he was forgiven!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2020
4.75⭐️
So so good!!
There is an evil presence infiltrating the king’s land of Arrethtrae so Sir Kendrick and Duncan, his protege, set off on a quest to learn more about this adversary and fight for the King’s people.
Along the way, they stop at Bel Lione and learn of a peculiar monthly festival at the castle that is only open to teenagers. The eerie thing about it is, sometimes the teens never return from this event, and even when they do, they are...different.
Duncan sneaks into the festival to find the son of a friend, and does not return. Sir Kendrick must find a way in to the castle and save his young friend without being found, himself by the dastardly master of this strange party, Lord Ra.
———-
Such a wonderful book, I’m teetering in giving it a full 5 stars or not 🤔.
There are some really rich Biblical themes and I highly recommend this one for anyone of any age!
This is the first Chuck Black book I have ever read, and I will definitely be reading more!!!!
So so good!!
There is an evil presence infiltrating the king’s land of Arrethtrae so Sir Kendrick and Duncan, his protege, set off on a quest to learn more about this adversary and fight for the King’s people.
Along the way, they stop at Bel Lione and learn of a peculiar monthly festival at the castle that is only open to teenagers. The eerie thing about it is, sometimes the teens never return from this event, and even when they do, they are...different.
Duncan sneaks into the festival to find the son of a friend, and does not return. Sir Kendrick must find a way in to the castle and save his young friend without being found, himself by the dastardly master of this strange party, Lord Ra.
———-
Such a wonderful book, I’m teetering in giving it a full 5 stars or not 🤔.
There are some really rich Biblical themes and I highly recommend this one for anyone of any age!
This is the first Chuck Black book I have ever read, and I will definitely be reading more!!!!
July 25, 2023
Read these when I was a kid; it brought me back to the familiar memories I had of reading and enjoying these stories; the book was much like I remember, simple in its morals and execution, but the heart and themes are great for any young boy or girl to read; definitely will save this series for my future kids
May 8, 2024
Ethan gave me this series to read and I finished the first book in one sitting so that’s how you know it was good. The series is an analogy of the spiritual battle between God vs Satan and it’s great, highly recommend already
February 19, 2019
I've read this book about 5 times. I love it more and more each time I read it😆!! Adventure and somewhat mystery of what's gonna happen next! This book keeps you on your toes. I keep telling myself "One more chapter".... 6 Chapters later...
October 6, 2012
And once again, a modern Christian fantasy series is just so-so.
The Knights of Arrathtrae follows Chuck Black's Kingdom series, but that series is summarized so well at the beginning of this book there is no need to read that series first. Mr Black says that this series was written to teach Christian principles and is not as much of an allegory as the Kingdom series, but the intro to this book is pretty much a paraphrase and adaption of the intro to the book of Acts. There are several parallels between the Knights of the Prince and Jesus' disciples in Acts.
In this book, the wise and experienced Sir Kenderick is sent out with the young and overeager Sir Duncan to go find the source of evil in their region. They quickly discover that Lord Ra in Bel Lione is that source, and find a way to defeat him.
I gave this 2 stars because even though the plot is decent and it has some great Christian principles to teach kids, it left something to be desired in the writing. Don't get me wrong, the plot has incredible potential and Chuck Black for the most part has built an allegory that works very well. However, it seems like he spent all the time on the plot, oh, and the sword fighting. The characters are flat as flat can be. The plot moves very quickly and the author does more telling than showing of what happens. The only time you really get descriptions of action or setting are during sword fights. I felt like I was reading a summary of a Reader's Digest condensed book. Chuck Black might do well to find another author to work with who could help him flesh out his plot, characters and setting.
I don't think I will be in any rush to read the rest of this series, but I will probably recommend it to middle school students. It seems just about the right pace and depth for hyperactive middle school boys.
The Knights of Arrathtrae follows Chuck Black's Kingdom series, but that series is summarized so well at the beginning of this book there is no need to read that series first. Mr Black says that this series was written to teach Christian principles and is not as much of an allegory as the Kingdom series, but the intro to this book is pretty much a paraphrase and adaption of the intro to the book of Acts. There are several parallels between the Knights of the Prince and Jesus' disciples in Acts.
In this book, the wise and experienced Sir Kenderick is sent out with the young and overeager Sir Duncan to go find the source of evil in their region. They quickly discover that Lord Ra in Bel Lione is that source, and find a way to defeat him.
I gave this 2 stars because even though the plot is decent and it has some great Christian principles to teach kids, it left something to be desired in the writing. Don't get me wrong, the plot has incredible potential and Chuck Black for the most part has built an allegory that works very well. However, it seems like he spent all the time on the plot, oh, and the sword fighting. The characters are flat as flat can be. The plot moves very quickly and the author does more telling than showing of what happens. The only time you really get descriptions of action or setting are during sword fights. I felt like I was reading a summary of a Reader's Digest condensed book. Chuck Black might do well to find another author to work with who could help him flesh out his plot, characters and setting.
I don't think I will be in any rush to read the rest of this series, but I will probably recommend it to middle school students. It seems just about the right pace and depth for hyperactive middle school boys.
March 3, 2025
This book is the first in a series that I ordered for the library and our new juvenile Christian fiction. I really enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful and had a lot of action. The main character, Sir Kendrick, spoke of his beliefs without sounding preachy. The book had no foul language nor sexual situations or innuendos. There was also a surprise near the end of the story. The author includes discussion questions and answers as well as Bible chapters and lines that inspired this fictional tale. This is the first in, I think, six of the Knights of Arrethtrae series. Chuck Black has several juvenile Christian fiction series which I hope to bring to Swayzee Public Library shelves.
August 31, 2022
this book is fabuloso. I couldn't stop reading it. the world is just like the town of Bel Lione. it looks wonderful on the outside but inside ther are many problems. this book is one that i could read over and over again. (if i had it that is) this auther deserves a reward of some sort. if there was a christian nobel prise he would recieve it. i'm surprised he has't recieved a nobile prize yet. this book deserves two thumbs up plus a hand clap, 5 stars, and a best read award.
April 23, 2012
The first book of the Knights of Arrethtrae series, the story of Sir Kendrick is one of healing and forgiveness. It includes a few characters from the Kingdom Series but mostly introduces new characters.
I recommend this book because it is character building, forgiveness is admired, and truth is honored.
I recommend this book because it is character building, forgiveness is admired, and truth is honored.
August 22, 2012
In his call to destroy the evil of the Castle of Bel Lione, Sir Kendrick must emotionally face again the loss of his wife and son and the one who destroyed them. Will he forgive? Rebellion and foolishness reap slavery and destruction; loyalty to the Prince and His ways gives life and freedom. "The King reigns." "And His Son!"
September 1, 2016
Still a great book to read... Chuck Black sure does know how to tell a good story... Highly recommended
March 22, 2017
(3.5) The action was good, but this metaphor/allegory just simply doesn't work. It is so weird. I was reading the book half the time thinking "????? I don't get this????"
May 9, 2016
best book i ever read. I like the fighting parts.
June 24, 2024
It's the best feeling in the world when you meet an author, and their book turns out to be just as amazing as they are.
For years my friends tried to get me to read these books. My response was always something along the lines of, "I know, I know . . ." followed by a mental but . . .
But it looks like fantasy, which I don't really read. But I don't want to get obsessed with a fictional world. But, but . . .
And then I met Chuck Black at a homeschool conference. It was wonderful to talk to him, so I decided to take the plunge and buy Sir Kendrick. (Bonus I got an autographed copy! 😉)
I am SO GLAD I did.
This book is not fantasy. It's allegory.
And y'all, this is how allegory ought to be written! The parallels are clear without being overdone (not sketchy like a lot of "Christian fiction"), the battle between good and evil is clearly presented, the dangers of sin, the difference that Jesus makes in a person's life . . . I am so on fire for the Lord right now, ready to follow His call wherever it may be!
This isn't fantasy. No magic, no wizards, no weird stuff . . . the supernatural, yes, but just because we don't normally encounter the supernatural doesn't mean it isn't eminently real!
The plot is gripping, the characters lovable (or in the case of the villains, hateable), the medieval setting immersively believable, and the stakes high . . .
#Duncanfangirl forever!! But I do love Sir Kendrick - he's a great mentor - and Landor was AWESOME
(I didn't mean to blitz-read it in ~1 hour, but what can I say - my computer was down, and I didn't want to clean my room, so . . . 🤷♀️)
I can't say enough. READ IT!!!
The King reigns . . . and His Son!
For years my friends tried to get me to read these books. My response was always something along the lines of, "I know, I know . . ." followed by a mental but . . .
But it looks like fantasy, which I don't really read. But I don't want to get obsessed with a fictional world. But, but . . .
And then I met Chuck Black at a homeschool conference. It was wonderful to talk to him, so I decided to take the plunge and buy Sir Kendrick. (Bonus I got an autographed copy! 😉)
I am SO GLAD I did.
This book is not fantasy. It's allegory.
And y'all, this is how allegory ought to be written! The parallels are clear without being overdone (not sketchy like a lot of "Christian fiction"), the battle between good and evil is clearly presented, the dangers of sin, the difference that Jesus makes in a person's life . . . I am so on fire for the Lord right now, ready to follow His call wherever it may be!
This isn't fantasy. No magic, no wizards, no weird stuff . . . the supernatural, yes, but just because we don't normally encounter the supernatural doesn't mean it isn't eminently real!
The plot is gripping, the characters lovable (or in the case of the villains, hateable), the medieval setting immersively believable, and the stakes high . . .
#Duncanfangirl forever!! But I do love Sir Kendrick - he's a great mentor - and Landor was AWESOME
(I didn't mean to blitz-read it in ~1 hour, but what can I say - my computer was down, and I didn't want to clean my room, so . . . 🤷♀️)
I can't say enough. READ IT!!!
The King reigns . . . and His Son!
November 10, 2020
This book follows knights who have pledged their allegiance to the King and His Son, the Prince. These knights travel the kingdom to help people, spread the word about the Prince and fight against the evil forces that oppose the Prince.
This book is a juvenile/young adult christian fiction story. The reason I list it as juvenile and young adult book is because it can appeal to tween and teens. However, there is some violence, so it would might not be suitable for young ages.
The story addresses a number of issues/themes such as letting go of the past, forgiveness, fear, healing, etc. I also like how it has a study guide in the back to help readers really go deeper into these different themes.
I felt like the book did a good job at making you feel like you were in the middle ages. I also thought it was very action packed and had a good pace to hold the readers attention. It does have a lot of christian ties/parallels, but I did not find it to be preachy.
This book is a juvenile/young adult christian fiction story. The reason I list it as juvenile and young adult book is because it can appeal to tween and teens. However, there is some violence, so it would might not be suitable for young ages.
The story addresses a number of issues/themes such as letting go of the past, forgiveness, fear, healing, etc. I also like how it has a study guide in the back to help readers really go deeper into these different themes.
I felt like the book did a good job at making you feel like you were in the middle ages. I also thought it was very action packed and had a good pace to hold the readers attention. It does have a lot of christian ties/parallels, but I did not find it to be preachy.
June 3, 2018
This book is about two knights friendships. There is something sinister brewing in Arrethtrae. When a mysterious order of nights calling themselves Vincero knights is discovered, knights Kendrick and Duncan are assigned to go undercover. When Sir Duncan discovers a Vincero medallion in a Knights possession it leads them to the castle of Bel Lione. There awaits a great battle there that some will not make it out of with their lives. If you like adventure than you would love this book. Hope you like it.
August 13, 2019
Because of the good reviews, I wanted to explore this for potential future recommendations to my kids. This may appeal best to boys in the 7-10 range. The lightly veiled Christian allegory was the draw for me, but I’d like to see a little better writing. Characters were a bit flat and plot mostly predictable except for a nice twist. Got better as it went in, so willing to give another one a try.
September 18, 2023
The Knights of Arrethtrae is a thinly veiled allegory about living the life of a Christian. I went back and forth between liking it and rolling my eyes at the obviousness of the story. That being said, the writing isn't terrible and I think this will be a great series for this age group! Because the author is an obvious Christian, I don't have a problem recommending the rest of this series. It is an older series so I'll probably be replacing it at some point.
Found in L4M YT Volume 83.
Found in L4M YT Volume 83.
August 27, 2024
These are the books that got my son first excited about reading. I have read several books by this author and I love how he uses Biblical allegory in an adventurous story. He does not shy away from evil but everything is always handled tactfully and with the hope of Jesus’ victory behind it. This book was similar. The first in a series and just the sort of reading that every young man should dwell on. It is manly but pure, dangerous but triumphant. Such a breath of fresh air in this world!
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