What do you think?
Rate this book
The Knights of Arrethtrae #2
Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court
The people of Holbrook are suffering under the rule of the greedy Lord Kingskey. Can Sir Bentley discover the thruth and help restore the kingdom?
Sir Bentley, an honorable young knight, abandons his calling in order to seek the truth of the Prince. Choosing to live as the Prince did, he forsakes his former lifestyle and wealth to live as a pauper. His travels take him to Holbrook, where the townsfolk live in poverty, paying high taxes to support the lavish lifestyle of Lord Kingsley and his court. But something even darker is lurking in the shadows of the beautiful castle.
Bentley soon befriends Eirwyn, a mysterious but compassionate young woman who often distributes food among the poor. When Eirwyn is kidnapped by a ruthless tribe to serve as a sacrifice, Bentley battles a vicious mountain creature to save her life. But when he discovers who is really behind Holbrook’s downfall, he’s faced with an even bigger challenge–battling the Dark Knight’s most evil commander and his Shadow Warriors as they attack the castle.
Will greed destroy the kingdom the way it destroyed Lord Kingsley? Or can Sir Bentley and Eirwyn work together to restore order and prosperity to the kingdom through the compassion and grace of the Prince?
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!
Sir Bentley, an honorable young knight, abandons his calling in order to seek the truth of the Prince. Choosing to live as the Prince did, he forsakes his former lifestyle and wealth to live as a pauper. His travels take him to Holbrook, where the townsfolk live in poverty, paying high taxes to support the lavish lifestyle of Lord Kingsley and his court. But something even darker is lurking in the shadows of the beautiful castle.
Bentley soon befriends Eirwyn, a mysterious but compassionate young woman who often distributes food among the poor. When Eirwyn is kidnapped by a ruthless tribe to serve as a sacrifice, Bentley battles a vicious mountain creature to save her life. But when he discovers who is really behind Holbrook’s downfall, he’s faced with an even bigger challenge–battling the Dark Knight’s most evil commander and his Shadow Warriors as they attack the castle.
Will greed destroy the kingdom the way it destroyed Lord Kingsley? Or can Sir Bentley and Eirwyn work together to restore order and prosperity to the kingdom through the compassion and grace of the Prince?
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!
166 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
26 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Black
33 books753 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 10, 2023
I've now surprised myself several times that I so enjoy the stories in this series which are geared toward a younger audience!
November 2, 2024
Listening to the audiobook again and feeling happily nostalgic.
Teenage me loved these stories and adult me still feels like picking up a sword and fighting for truth - even if I am a bit harder on stories now and a bit more grumpy with life XD
Teenage me loved these stories and adult me still feels like picking up a sword and fighting for truth - even if I am a bit harder on stories now and a bit more grumpy with life XD
August 25, 2024
Chuck Black is a great author! I like the descriptive scenes he paints in this book!
October 15, 2018
Our family loved this one more than the first! The action and conflict is great. The allegory helps us to see a life of taking up our cross and following Christ. Just as Christ became poor so that we could have heavenly riches, we are sent to bring the gospel to the lost.
Also, whenever a book has a budding romance, I generally cringe! The romance between Sir Bentley and Eirwyn is chaste and proper. Mr. Black shows us a good example of a growing relationship between a true lady and a true gentleman.
This is a great book and I would recommend it for families with youngsters around 12 and up.
Also, whenever a book has a budding romance, I generally cringe! The romance between Sir Bentley and Eirwyn is chaste and proper. Mr. Black shows us a good example of a growing relationship between a true lady and a true gentleman.
This is a great book and I would recommend it for families with youngsters around 12 and up.
March 22, 2017
(4.7) Much better than the first book. Everything makes more sense and the characters are actually believable. Since the books aren't really connected, I would advise skipping the first book and reading this instead.
November 14, 2018
I'm generally a fan of YA fantasy fiction. I recognize that there are some shortcomings in plot and character development that come with it. Harry Potter is rife with plot holes that make no sense, but I accept them because the books are a lot of fun. So I picked this up, think I would give a Christian-themed fantasy book a try, even though I'm not Christian. After all, the Chronicles of Narnia is a great series.
Suffice it to say, Chuck Black is not C.S. Lewis. For starters, there's very little spirituality in it. There's a somewhat forced allegory about a king and his son the prince that the protagonist 'believes' in, with no real explanation about why he believes other than that believing makes you a better person. Most of the book is concerned with the protagonist's behavior, which is for the most part commendable; showing mercy and considering himself an equal to other people, even the poor. There's a certain oddness to the message about poverty, almost at cross-purposes with itself. The book celebrates poverty as a 'preferable' state for a person to be in, while also over and over mentioning how much money the protagonist could make if he chose to.
All in all, rather than promoting Christianity and Christian values as I thought I understood it, it seems to promote a rather specific, very modern form of conservative political philosophy with trappings of Christianity around it. The oppressive government is there. The value of tax cuts is there. And then there's the scene where the protagonist secretly watches a woman bathe (she's wearing some kind of a robe) and, entranced by her beauty, he spies on her. And when he is discovered, the woman admits she secretly loved being spied on by him. What kind of a message is that for young Christian boys in today's world?
It does have some exciting parts, especially at the end, although I doubt I'll read any others in the series. There is a goriness that seems out of place in young adult fiction, but I don't know if that's just what modern readers expect at that age. Nothing too disgusting, but more than what I would expect for this age.
Suffice it to say, Chuck Black is not C.S. Lewis. For starters, there's very little spirituality in it. There's a somewhat forced allegory about a king and his son the prince that the protagonist 'believes' in, with no real explanation about why he believes other than that believing makes you a better person. Most of the book is concerned with the protagonist's behavior, which is for the most part commendable; showing mercy and considering himself an equal to other people, even the poor. There's a certain oddness to the message about poverty, almost at cross-purposes with itself. The book celebrates poverty as a 'preferable' state for a person to be in, while also over and over mentioning how much money the protagonist could make if he chose to.
All in all, rather than promoting Christianity and Christian values as I thought I understood it, it seems to promote a rather specific, very modern form of conservative political philosophy with trappings of Christianity around it. The oppressive government is there. The value of tax cuts is there. And then there's the scene where the protagonist secretly watches a woman bathe (she's wearing some kind of a robe) and, entranced by her beauty, he spies on her. And when he is discovered, the woman admits she secretly loved being spied on by him. What kind of a message is that for young Christian boys in today's world?
It does have some exciting parts, especially at the end, although I doubt I'll read any others in the series. There is a goriness that seems out of place in young adult fiction, but I don't know if that's just what modern readers expect at that age. Nothing too disgusting, but more than what I would expect for this age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2021
This is book 2 in the Knights of Arrethrae series. It follows completely different characters than those in the first book. The new characters and adventure keeps things exciting, but since it is set in the same kingdom and has the same over arching goal, it ties in nicely to the first book. If you enjoyed the book 1, you will enjoy this one as well. Also, there is enough detail that you do not have to read these books in order. So even if you are new to the series, you can still pick this book up and enjoy it.
August 11, 2024
One of the best presents I got for my 21st birthday 😁 Once again, I read it in one afternoon - and came away all sweaty. Chuck Black is a master! I love all the spiritual themes tastefully woven into the epic adventure.
And is it ever EPIC! How can it not be, with a cover like that?! (Fun fact: that cover (along with that of Gillian Bronte Adams' Out of Darkness Rising) inspired
Sir Bentley is a great character. ^-^ And Eirwyn! They make a great ship 💕
I had some *ideas* as to certain characters' identities, and was extremely gratified to find out that my suspicions were correct.
And is it ever EPIC! How can it not be, with a cover like that?! (Fun fact: that cover (along with that of Gillian Bronte Adams' Out of Darkness Rising) inspired
Sir Bentley is a great character. ^-^ And Eirwyn! They make a great ship 💕
I had some *ideas* as to certain characters' identities, and was extremely gratified to find out that my suspicions were correct.
September 14, 2018
Wow, wow!!! Another amazing book by Chuck Black. I loved the plot twists and characters in this book.
September 27, 2018
Classic tale of knights and princesses.
January 2, 2019
Such an amazing series and an amazing dramatization on the audiobook. Seriously, listen to the audiobooks.
December 18, 2019
this one is even better that the first! I like the plot twists, and it has very good role model characters.
January 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book…castles, knights and fair maidens!
October 18, 2022
Least favorite of any of the Kingdom books, but still a good one.
April 18, 2023
A well written love story in a mid evil mind set and betrayal of family and the nation but not of God.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
So appropriate for young and old today!❤️
September 19, 2023
i'd like to go back to the time before i read this book and spent years daydreaming about how cool it would be because of the cover
October 26, 2023
As a kid I loved this so much I begged my parents for a knight costume and made my siblings recreate the story with me
May 10, 2024
A little too much description in this one that I found myself just looking over but the ending was soooo good!
July 2, 2024
It's the gardener. :)
I'm giving this 3 stars because I didn't like the twin trope. Otherwise, I had a great time.
I'm giving this 3 stars because I didn't like the twin trope. Otherwise, I had a great time.
September 9, 2024
I really love this author. His books are such amazing allegories for the Christian life and done with such purity. But far from boring. Lots of battles, courage and romance.
February 7, 2025
This was one of my favorite audiobooks as a kid and it was so fun to return to it! It's not quite as strong as the other stories but it's sooo good.
December 2, 2025
Every bit as good as the last one.
December 20, 2023
I absolutely love the character of Bentley. His search for the truth, his humility, his quick thinking and wisdom are all so wonderful. Eirwyn is also incredible. I do wish the twist at the end had had slightly more buildup, but I still really enjoyed it!
February 28, 2009
About the book:
This second installment in Chuck Black’s Knights of Arrethtrae series tells the tale of Sir Bentley, an honorable knight who abandons all to seek the truth of the Prince. Eirwyn, a mysterious young woman who brings food to the poor, teaches Bentley the power of compassion to overcome evil. Together, they save the people of Holbrook from poverty and despair.
Sir Bentley’s quest for the truth of the Prince finds him battling Shadow Warriors, a powerful lord, and a terrifying creature. Will greed destroy Holbrook? Or can Bentley and the mysterious Eirwyn restore prosperity to the kingdom through the compassion of the Prince?
My review:
Chuck Black really knows how to captivate the reader with his story telling. Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court will please readers who enjoy action, romance, adventure, knights, sword fights, damsels in distress, a hero who fights for the people, and wicked lords who try to destroy them. Toss in a hideous beast that nearly kills the hero and heroine and you've got a fascinating read. I adored Sir Bentley's story even more than the first book, which is saying a lot, because it, too, had me riveted until I finished.
Also, readers who love the Scriptures will see many parallels between this novel and the life of Paul who also left the life he knew after helping to kill many Christians. Sir Bentley, like Paul, realized that he was on the wrong side when he listened to the voice that called out to him. Many of the things that Sir Bentley said were things that Paul also said in the New Testament, and I found that incredibly inspirational. This was an exciting, thought-provoking read. I felt the intense peril of the hero and heroine many, many times. And the theme of sacrificial love warms the heart.
I thought it was great how the book stayed in the hero's point of view for the entire story. That perspective was fitting, just as it was in the last book. I truly felt Sir Bentley's desperation and determination to help the people of Holbrook. I especially loved how he shared with them the story of the Prince. He told the children and the peasants about how the Prince had been murdered, but that He was alive again and that He would return someday. It gives me goosebumps. I can't wait for the next installment.
This second installment in Chuck Black’s Knights of Arrethtrae series tells the tale of Sir Bentley, an honorable knight who abandons all to seek the truth of the Prince. Eirwyn, a mysterious young woman who brings food to the poor, teaches Bentley the power of compassion to overcome evil. Together, they save the people of Holbrook from poverty and despair.
Sir Bentley’s quest for the truth of the Prince finds him battling Shadow Warriors, a powerful lord, and a terrifying creature. Will greed destroy Holbrook? Or can Bentley and the mysterious Eirwyn restore prosperity to the kingdom through the compassion of the Prince?
My review:
Chuck Black really knows how to captivate the reader with his story telling. Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court will please readers who enjoy action, romance, adventure, knights, sword fights, damsels in distress, a hero who fights for the people, and wicked lords who try to destroy them. Toss in a hideous beast that nearly kills the hero and heroine and you've got a fascinating read. I adored Sir Bentley's story even more than the first book, which is saying a lot, because it, too, had me riveted until I finished.
Also, readers who love the Scriptures will see many parallels between this novel and the life of Paul who also left the life he knew after helping to kill many Christians. Sir Bentley, like Paul, realized that he was on the wrong side when he listened to the voice that called out to him. Many of the things that Sir Bentley said were things that Paul also said in the New Testament, and I found that incredibly inspirational. This was an exciting, thought-provoking read. I felt the intense peril of the hero and heroine many, many times. And the theme of sacrificial love warms the heart.
I thought it was great how the book stayed in the hero's point of view for the entire story. That perspective was fitting, just as it was in the last book. I truly felt Sir Bentley's desperation and determination to help the people of Holbrook. I especially loved how he shared with them the story of the Prince. He told the children and the peasants about how the Prince had been murdered, but that He was alive again and that He would return someday. It gives me goosebumps. I can't wait for the next installment.
August 3, 2011
Option One Book Three
Started on June Twenty First
Sir Bentley And Holbrook Court
By: Chuck Black
Sir Bentley is a young Knight that just becomes a Knight of The King. And those knights don't necessarily go by all The King's rules and they don't believe The Prince (who really is the King's son) is really the prince since he first acted like a commoner then said he was the Prince sent to teach the world about The King.
Now Sir Bentley was always asking about this Prince and Lord Kifus grew suspicious and eventually made Bentley fight four and wounded them,but even when ordered did not kill them and they ran off into the woods. Kifus was furious,but didn't say a word. Later Bentley and York had disarmed some more followers,but couldn't kill them and asked York "What crime did they commit" and York replied "Do not question me kill them". Bentley turned around with his sword ready to defend. As they fought Bentley got used to York's abilities and injured him. The followers took Bentley to a strange empty room and asked him questions about himself and why he did what he did. After a while they decided to trust him and took him slowly and stealthily back home. And later got directions to Swallows Creek. He quickly told his parents and his dad forced him to go ahead and leave.
He met a man that didn't seem to be able to talk and they finally made it to his cabin and found out he learned how to talk a little bit with half of his tongue cut off. And he also taught Bentley about the King and gave him a few tips on sword fighting. After a while Bentley went out to see the town while he was walking on the road he witnessed a wreck and the families father's leg got smashed and Bentley couldn't pull the cart of the father until a big strong young man came and helped him get the cart off of the guy. Now Bentley offered to stay and help the family farm while the father's leg heals.
Now Bentley's life changes drastically with this family, The Mercy Maiden, and a little girl that was born to were it is almost impossible to move and her mom is deathly sick. Read this book to find out what all happens.
Started on June Twenty First
Sir Bentley And Holbrook Court
By: Chuck Black
Sir Bentley is a young Knight that just becomes a Knight of The King. And those knights don't necessarily go by all The King's rules and they don't believe The Prince (who really is the King's son) is really the prince since he first acted like a commoner then said he was the Prince sent to teach the world about The King.
Now Sir Bentley was always asking about this Prince and Lord Kifus grew suspicious and eventually made Bentley fight four and wounded them,but even when ordered did not kill them and they ran off into the woods. Kifus was furious,but didn't say a word. Later Bentley and York had disarmed some more followers,but couldn't kill them and asked York "What crime did they commit" and York replied "Do not question me kill them". Bentley turned around with his sword ready to defend. As they fought Bentley got used to York's abilities and injured him. The followers took Bentley to a strange empty room and asked him questions about himself and why he did what he did. After a while they decided to trust him and took him slowly and stealthily back home. And later got directions to Swallows Creek. He quickly told his parents and his dad forced him to go ahead and leave.
He met a man that didn't seem to be able to talk and they finally made it to his cabin and found out he learned how to talk a little bit with half of his tongue cut off. And he also taught Bentley about the King and gave him a few tips on sword fighting. After a while Bentley went out to see the town while he was walking on the road he witnessed a wreck and the families father's leg got smashed and Bentley couldn't pull the cart of the father until a big strong young man came and helped him get the cart off of the guy. Now Bentley offered to stay and help the family farm while the father's leg heals.
Now Bentley's life changes drastically with this family, The Mercy Maiden, and a little girl that was born to were it is almost impossible to move and her mom is deathly sick. Read this book to find out what all happens.
November 16, 2012
When Bentley refuses to kill two Followers, his fate is sealed. His days as a Noble night have ended. Now he must leave Chessington in search of the Truth. He learns that the man called The Stranger was, and is, the Prince. The Son of the True King. In his pursuit to follow in the footsteps of his Prince, Bentley becomes a peasant and ventures into Holbrook. He becomes one of the farmers and discovers oppression, injustice, love and a cause to fight for. The day is coming when Holbrook will need a knight of the Prince.
This may well be my favorite book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series. Bentley’s quest for Truth and desire to serve the Prince illuminate truths about God and our responsibilities as Christians. A paragraph from the back cover of the book sums up the reason I love this series so much. “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.” I think that we, as Christians today, often forget to walk in the truth that we are in a battle and should and can fight that battle as mighty warriors, for we serve a mighty King. Never forget, the King reigns…and His Son!
This may well be my favorite book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series. Bentley’s quest for Truth and desire to serve the Prince illuminate truths about God and our responsibilities as Christians. A paragraph from the back cover of the book sums up the reason I love this series so much. “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.” I think that we, as Christians today, often forget to walk in the truth that we are in a battle and should and can fight that battle as mighty warriors, for we serve a mighty King. Never forget, the King reigns…and His Son!
July 7, 2013
First of all I'll say I LOVED Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione but if it is possible to be better than perfection Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court is even better than the first book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series!
These books are truly a work of art. All for the glory of the Prince.
This book will speak to your heart on a much deeper level than just another "good, clean book".
I found my heart crying out along with Bentley's when he says, "I want to know You my Prince. I want to follow You, no matter what the cost. My heart is Yours, my life is Yours, my sword is Yours.
Whatever happens my Prince, please don't be a stranger to me".
Thank God for authors like Chuck Black who do not write to merely entertain but also to bring light into dark places.
THE KING REIGNS... AND HIS SON!
These books are truly a work of art. All for the glory of the Prince.
This book will speak to your heart on a much deeper level than just another "good, clean book".
I found my heart crying out along with Bentley's when he says, "I want to know You my Prince. I want to follow You, no matter what the cost. My heart is Yours, my life is Yours, my sword is Yours.
Whatever happens my Prince, please don't be a stranger to me".
Thank God for authors like Chuck Black who do not write to merely entertain but also to bring light into dark places.
THE KING REIGNS... AND HIS SON!
January 24, 2014
My younger brother and I conferred notes together after reading through this book and both came to the conclusion that though we both liked this tale of knights and fair maidens, fantastical creatures, and seeking a lowly lifestyle in trade of the sinful riches of this world, that we didn't as much care for the conclusions and writing style of this book as much as some of the others by this author. I found there didn't seem to be *quite as strong an emphasis on the spiritual as perhaps others by Chuck Black.
This second series focuses more inward at the working of the heart and by doing this I felt the story became slightly more average in this particular case. Yet still thrilling and enjoyable, especially for younger grades. :)
This second series focuses more inward at the working of the heart and by doing this I felt the story became slightly more average in this particular case. Yet still thrilling and enjoyable, especially for younger grades. :)
October 22, 2013
Sir Bentley learns much in this book about appearances, wisdom and loyalty. Closely mirroring the life of Joseph, Bentley shows a brilliant example of what we, as Christians, should be when looking at the suffering around us.
Once again as we dive into Black’s world, we are transported with adventure, beautiful descriptions and most of all, fantastic life lessons. The characters we meet in this book are young, brave and smart, but faced with a lot of the same issues that we deal with today. Appearance, kindness, wisdom…these are lessons that all of us can benefit from as we go through each day. Black’s creation of this universe to share these lessons is spot on, brilliant and relevant.
*Review copies provided by Multnomah Books
Once again as we dive into Black’s world, we are transported with adventure, beautiful descriptions and most of all, fantastic life lessons. The characters we meet in this book are young, brave and smart, but faced with a lot of the same issues that we deal with today. Appearance, kindness, wisdom…these are lessons that all of us can benefit from as we go through each day. Black’s creation of this universe to share these lessons is spot on, brilliant and relevant.
*Review copies provided by Multnomah Books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews