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The Weeping Knight
“What must I do to be cleansed?”
Sir Edric de Pleure is the bravest, noblest, kindest knight in the world—according to his twelve-year-old squire, Taliesin. His view of himself is far different. After an unnerving encounter with God’s holiness, Sir Edric knows the true darkness in his heart and that he cannot defeat it.
When Taliesin is kidnapped by a sinister knight, Edric must fight to win him back. Wounded and weaponless, his quest is doomed to fail. But a slender chance presents itself in a mystic sword, carried by a strange friar. This is no ordinary blade—only the pure may wield it.
As Edric struggles through dangerous forests and his every attempt to gain righteousness fails, he begins to understand that saving Taliesin is impossible if he cannot save himself.
Sir Edric de Pleure is the bravest, noblest, kindest knight in the world—according to his twelve-year-old squire, Taliesin. His view of himself is far different. After an unnerving encounter with God’s holiness, Sir Edric knows the true darkness in his heart and that he cannot defeat it.
When Taliesin is kidnapped by a sinister knight, Edric must fight to win him back. Wounded and weaponless, his quest is doomed to fail. But a slender chance presents itself in a mystic sword, carried by a strange friar. This is no ordinary blade—only the pure may wield it.
As Edric struggles through dangerous forests and his every attempt to gain righteousness fails, he begins to understand that saving Taliesin is impossible if he cannot save himself.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2021
12 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 29, 2025
I picked this up with low expectations. Thought it would be some poorly written, trite, allegorical tale that I would soon quit. But no. From the first chapter I was spellbound by a vivid Arthurian world filled with mythical creatures, a deeply spiritual quest, a villain of the worst depravity, conflicts with consequence, and a variety of vibrant characters to love. It’s exquisite, dark, charming, gritty, realistic, mystical, surprisingly witty, adventurous, meditative, horrifying, joyous. Wrestles with questions of the burden of sin, the too-realness of evil, how to trust the goodness of God, and what (who?) is truly beautiful. I did not find any of this trite or cliché. Also—it isn’t actually allegory, but certainly fantasy.
The semi-medieval voice sounded so natural to my ears that I kept checking the publish date. How was this written in 2021? The author must have a wonderful old soul. And why hasn’t she written more books? [Hark ye, Lauren! Thine eager readership doth wait upon thee!]
Content considerations: violence, murder, sexual assault mentioned and threatened, demonic spiritual encounter. I’d recommend mature 14+.
The semi-medieval voice sounded so natural to my ears that I kept checking the publish date. How was this written in 2021? The author must have a wonderful old soul. And why hasn’t she written more books? [Hark ye, Lauren! Thine eager readership doth wait upon thee!]
Content considerations: violence, murder, sexual assault mentioned and threatened, demonic spiritual encounter. I’d recommend mature 14+.
January 1, 2022
Good book. Slow read. As in you have to read it slowly because of how rich it is. It addresses difficult questions about faith very well.
March 23, 2025
Many books with fancy prose tend to put me off. The prose makes it hard to focus on the story, and just feels out of place. This book was not like that. It drew me in and kept me reading. It wasn't overdone, nor underdone. It felt like I was reading a classic. And yet, unlike many classics I was able to relate to the characters and cheer them on. Often literally. I think my family is relieved that I've finally finished this book. XD
November 23, 2024
⚔️3.5 stars rounded up (the only reason for the lower rating is bc it just isn't my genre/style)
⚔️A quest for redemption is the main theme of this Arthurian-style tale. Though *technically* fantasy, The Weeping Knight has a setting where medieval Christianity exists, and the best genre comparison I have for this (it's not allegory) is an Arthurian tale. Taliesin was a fantastic character, and Kynon added much-needed comedic relief. If you like Arthurian tales, medieval fantasy, or allegory, you'll probably enjoy this very well-written novel!
⚔️content
General battle/one on one medieval combat violence, including injuries (non-graphic).
Mentions of sexual assault.
Mention of illegitimacy.
Murder, including murder of a child (both in flashback and the main timeline).
*Note: the main antagonist converses with a demon in one scene; this scene is skippable and is portrayed as very wrong.
⚔️A quest for redemption is the main theme of this Arthurian-style tale. Though *technically* fantasy, The Weeping Knight has a setting where medieval Christianity exists, and the best genre comparison I have for this (it's not allegory) is an Arthurian tale. Taliesin was a fantastic character, and Kynon added much-needed comedic relief. If you like Arthurian tales, medieval fantasy, or allegory, you'll probably enjoy this very well-written novel!
⚔️content
General battle/one on one medieval combat violence, including injuries (non-graphic).
Mentions of sexual assault.
Mention of illegitimacy.
Murder, including murder of a child (both in flashback and the main timeline).
*Note: the main antagonist converses with a demon in one scene; this scene is skippable and is portrayed as very wrong.
February 26, 2021
Is it an allegory? I don't know, but I like it.
February 10, 2022
This was an action-packed fantasy that kept me turning the pages. Anchored by the deep, spiritual journey of it's main character, this book explored truths and doubts that all of us struggle with as we grow in faith and belief. Offering an interesting mix of folks we all like to meet in this genre, Hildebrand builds a world that draws the reader in while also giving them something to ponder once the book is finished. Well-written, well-researched, and a great story. Definitely worth checking out!
July 25, 2023
This book... my heart. 🥺 This was an amazing, deep, heart-felt read, and I loved every minute of it. To me, it gave me vibes of King Arthur, Robin Hood, Narnia, and Pilgrim's Progress all beautifully melded into one story. I don't read much allegorical fiction, because it's often not engaging enough to keep my attention, but I couldn't put this book down. Highly recommend, everyone go get a copy of this wonderful book now!
August 11, 2024
"What must I do to be cleansed?"
This here be a fine Arthurian-like tale infused with great deeds and timeless truths. The prose was rich and realistic (a very rare find, especially in self-published books) and the characters were superbly written and intriguing. I had one or two qualms with some of content & theology, but 'twas all right to overlook. (And aye, this book made me wish to write in a more formal way.)
There be more than a day's fair wages of content in this book. I shall try my best to list them all: Murder (including by fire, sword, and strangulation), mob attacks, child deaths, talk of rape, angelic & demonic forces and powers (there is one especial scene that would likely bother many), a river fae woman, a unicorn, violence, and some gore. If I perchance missed mentioning one, I beseech ye to forgive me. *Curtsies*
This here be a fine Arthurian-like tale infused with great deeds and timeless truths. The prose was rich and realistic (a very rare find, especially in self-published books) and the characters were superbly written and intriguing. I had one or two qualms with some of content & theology, but 'twas all right to overlook. (And aye, this book made me wish to write in a more formal way.)
There be more than a day's fair wages of content in this book. I shall try my best to list them all: Murder (including by fire, sword, and strangulation), mob attacks, child deaths, talk of rape, angelic & demonic forces and powers (there is one especial scene that would likely bother many), a river fae woman, a unicorn, violence, and some gore. If I perchance missed mentioning one, I beseech ye to forgive me. *Curtsies*
May 16, 2024
Objectively, a beautiful book. Subjectively, not for me.
February 15, 2021
What can I say? This was just a good book all around.
~
Undeniably Christian, but also undeniably real and raw, not shying away from the hard questions or the hard facts of life. Highly recommended to those looking for great Christian fiction.
~
The reason why I generally don't like medieval fantasy, is because it's all the same. It's rare to find an original storyworld within the medieval fantasy genre.
Well, this book delivers in that aspect. Not by making it urban fantasy, like most do, but instead by taking the medieval part more seriously.
As such, the world was really very well done. Careful attention was paid most notably to the old English language patterns. But also to the customs and honor systems.
~
I loved the symbolism, and the themes of this story. In some ways, it's the same old Christian story, but it takes such a new angle, that I didn't care.
~
The fact that it's inspired by Aurthurian legend made me surprised with how engaging it was. I had thought (likely erroneously) that Aurthurian Legend = History = Boring. But I'm sure that's only because I haven't read the legends myself.
~
Super happy to have my own copy of this book. I'm sure I'll be reading it again.
~
Undeniably Christian, but also undeniably real and raw, not shying away from the hard questions or the hard facts of life. Highly recommended to those looking for great Christian fiction.
~
The reason why I generally don't like medieval fantasy, is because it's all the same. It's rare to find an original storyworld within the medieval fantasy genre.
Well, this book delivers in that aspect. Not by making it urban fantasy, like most do, but instead by taking the medieval part more seriously.
As such, the world was really very well done. Careful attention was paid most notably to the old English language patterns. But also to the customs and honor systems.
~
I loved the symbolism, and the themes of this story. In some ways, it's the same old Christian story, but it takes such a new angle, that I didn't care.
~
The fact that it's inspired by Aurthurian legend made me surprised with how engaging it was. I had thought (likely erroneously) that Aurthurian Legend = History = Boring. But I'm sure that's only because I haven't read the legends myself.
~
Super happy to have my own copy of this book. I'm sure I'll be reading it again.
February 18, 2021
The Weeping Knight...What a literary gift of storytelling. I laughed. I wept. I shuddered with anticipation and rejoiced with Sir Edric and his companions. I loved the way Lauren developed each character to express a Biblical truth. I also enjoyed the language in which the book was written. It wasn't a heavy Old English style, where you get lost in the text, but a relaxed, artful composition. Dividing the book into three parts was insightful. Each part took the reader through Sir Edric's spiritual journey, leading him to his hearts desire. The Weeping Knight is a must read. I'd love to see The Weeping Knight produced in audio form. That would be awesome! I look forward to her next novel. Lauren definitely is on her way to becoming a timeless author.
March 3, 2025
This book has a lot to offer. If you expect high fantasy and page-turning suspense you may be disappointed. The dialogues will feel long and melodramatic, the old-timey speech will feel annoying, and the setting will feel cliche. But set your expectations that you are reading something akin to Pilgrim's progress or Hinds Feet in High Places, and it starts to make a lot more sense. I disliked the first few chapters, but don't give up right away and eventually the story hooks you. I finished it in two days. This story does not try to avoid common tropes, but the characters within the tropes are not common - they have real struggles and real histories that are sometimes surprising. The victories are not easily come by. The wrestling with faith, the acknowledgement of the reality of darkness, the beauty of Christ's presence in the midst of it, feels more genuine and more convincingly portrayed than in many Christian novels I've read. There are some dialogues and inner monologues that could have been condensed and some plot holes that made the ending not quite as satisfying as it could have been. But despite these flaws and despite this not being my favorite genre, it was certainly a worthwhile and edifying read.
March 2, 2025
I adore this book! It's one of the most vivid and beautiful books I've ever read. The characters are deep, well written, and I got attached to them from the beginning. Even the side characters are fascinating!
This book was a captivating story, and it's been almost a year since I read it and I still think about it.
The only reason I took off one star is because the structure wasn't quite flawless, and at the second half the story sagged a little, but don't let that turn you away!
It was full of really interesting allegories, they were very creative and I loved them.
Before, I had always thought salvation stories were shallow and not worth reading (because a lot of them are) but with this one, you can't help but root for the brave, honourable knight as he struggles to rid himself of his terrible guilt, which is holding him back from helping those around him.
This book was a captivating story, and it's been almost a year since I read it and I still think about it.
The only reason I took off one star is because the structure wasn't quite flawless, and at the second half the story sagged a little, but don't let that turn you away!
It was full of really interesting allegories, they were very creative and I loved them.
Before, I had always thought salvation stories were shallow and not worth reading (because a lot of them are) but with this one, you can't help but root for the brave, honourable knight as he struggles to rid himself of his terrible guilt, which is holding him back from helping those around him.
November 13, 2025
An ye love fiction of depth, this book be to your liking.
Ay, alas, I wished to write this review in older english, but I find the author's skill to greatly exceed mine own, so I shall have to abandon it.
This may just be me, but even as a Christian myself, I have found Christian fiction to lack depth, interest, and earned endings. "Cheap" is the word to describe many christian books. But make no mistake. This book is not the same as other Christian fiction. This book is deep, touching, and beautiful in every way. It shows the depth of the darkness fully, yet sets against it the light that illumines the world so powerfully it cannot be stopped. It is so raw, and so real, I don't even know what to do with it except love it.
I stepped in skeptical, and I stepped out ready to trust Lauren with any story she writes.
Ay, alas, I wished to write this review in older english, but I find the author's skill to greatly exceed mine own, so I shall have to abandon it.
This may just be me, but even as a Christian myself, I have found Christian fiction to lack depth, interest, and earned endings. "Cheap" is the word to describe many christian books. But make no mistake. This book is not the same as other Christian fiction. This book is deep, touching, and beautiful in every way. It shows the depth of the darkness fully, yet sets against it the light that illumines the world so powerfully it cannot be stopped. It is so raw, and so real, I don't even know what to do with it except love it.
I stepped in skeptical, and I stepped out ready to trust Lauren with any story she writes.
June 10, 2021
Beautiful, simply beautiful. This book not only satisfied my desire for well-written Christian medieval fantasy, but also inspired my in my own faith journey. I could relate to so many characters in this story: Sir Edric - never feeling like he could do enough; Taliesin - getting distracted by the simple beauties of nature; Kynon - his skepticism, but also his understanding of the beliefs of his fellow travelers; Gabrielle - her initial lack of her own worth; among others. Sir Edric's journey not only touched me on an emotional level, but also deeply on a spiritual level. I seldom find books of this genre with such a clearly explained and simply lived out Christian message as this. And the fact that it included knights and a unicorn might have helped a bit. I loved this book, and highly recommend it!
November 2, 2021
I am seriously impressed with this book. It is not the normal fare I read, but i couldn't stop reading. It was a challenge to put it down when I had to! I don't know how to classify it. Fantasy, yes. Spiritual fable, maybe. Inspired by Arthurian literature, definitely. The characters are all so relatable with clear goals and dreams. I was surprised by how quotable it was too. So much deep spiritual truth in the interactions between the characters and their self realizations, one-liners with enough voice and tone to be worthy of being made into bookmarks, stickers, and postcards. I can't say this is a book I will reread often but... there's something about HOW it reads that is both comforting and challenging and wondrous. So I definitely will read it again. Amazing work.
August 1, 2023
This book is incredible. The multiple points of view and multiple plot threads are juggled skillfully and the story world is vibrant. But more than that, the themes hit hard. A lot of allegorical fiction settles for surface representations of spiritual truths, but the theology of The Weeping Knight is baked in. So many beautiful insights on man's relationship to God—how we tend to see Him, but more importantly, how He sees us; and how He loves us more than we can ever imagine. I can't say much because spoilers, but the ending twist was stunning, not just because it surprised me but because it drove home the themes in such a powerful, visceral way. I'll be coming back to this book again and again.
March 22, 2024
This type of book is not my usual genre preference, so I was surprised that I really did genuinely enjoy reading it! Hildebrand crafts a colorful, fantastical story world steeped in easy to grasp symbolism, human emotions I'm sure all can relate to in some way or form, life-filled, unique protagonists and antagonists who are going to wrap you in for the long-haul, all driving towards an impactful end. The narrative style may take a moment to get used to, but it's well worth a read!
April 2, 2025
This is a beautiful story. Relatable characters, rich themes, and deep emotions. It's a unique story--not a fast-paced, action packed adventure, but one that made me slow down and ponder, yet at the same time I couldn't stop reading. Such beautiful truths, but not in a preachy kind of way. This is a deep story I know I'll be coming back to, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a rich read with characters you can't help but cheer for and themes of forgiveness and redemption.
May 7, 2025
Powerful. This novel more richly and deeply explored the character of God and humanity's relationship with Him than just about any non-fiction book I've ever read.
On top of being thematically powerful, the drama, dialogue, and descriptions are excellent! The protagonists are thoroughly lovable, and the villain gave me chills. I think this is one of those rare books I'll be re-reading for years to come.
On top of being thematically powerful, the drama, dialogue, and descriptions are excellent! The protagonists are thoroughly lovable, and the villain gave me chills. I think this is one of those rare books I'll be re-reading for years to come.
April 14, 2023
Great Read
I love how this book was written. Arthurian lore mixed with spiritual truth. Each character had their own personality. But each had one thing in common: loyalty. I did wonder about Tailesain and Gabrielle. Enough said. Read the book.
A hint to Lauren: this would make a great series.
I love how this book was written. Arthurian lore mixed with spiritual truth. Each character had their own personality. But each had one thing in common: loyalty. I did wonder about Tailesain and Gabrielle. Enough said. Read the book.
A hint to Lauren: this would make a great series.
November 25, 2022
surprise gift
I had no idea when I started reading what a treasure this book would be. I was looking for a gentle escape and encountered a testament of faith. A delightful book. Well worth reading.
I had no idea when I started reading what a treasure this book would be. I was looking for a gentle escape and encountered a testament of faith. A delightful book. Well worth reading.
August 21, 2024
SPOILERS! I loved this book! The fast-paced action, pull-me-in intrique, unique and believable characters! Loved the young squires loyalty and heart for the knight. Even the evil knight had his own motives and character traits. Well done.
Want to read
August 11, 2024I recognize the name... is this a Ydubber? Love the cover!
June 27, 2024
I was happy to find this book on Kindle Unlimited and read it, and I absolutely adored it that initial read.
And I am even happier to finally own a print edition of this story--the font and formatting is absolutely GORGEOUS. I was SO excited when it finally arrived (early, even!) and I got to flip through the beautiful pages of this heart story that so deeply impacted my life the first time I read it. I know I will be re-reading time and time again to pound its deeply resonant message of grace and redemption into my soul and let her beautiful prose wash over me once more.
The Weeping Knight is a medieval story in the vein of The Pilgrim's Progress about Sir Edric, a virtuous knight desperately seeking eternal cleansing and redemption. He is a knight par excellence, a moral exemplar for we the reader to follow. Yet he is weighted down with the burden of his own sins and must find personal healing. Lauren Hildebrand manages to balance the drama of his plight with the truth of the gospel in a deeply resonant way, using simple but powerful illustrations and interchanges to send the message home. This book brings you to ponder the gospel, your place in God's story, and the beauty of God's gifts of language, grace, and eternal redemption.
Thank you, Lauren Hildebrand, for writing this heart story. You poured your soul and Christ's heart into its pages, and I know these will continue to impact future souls for years to come.
And I am even happier to finally own a print edition of this story--the font and formatting is absolutely GORGEOUS. I was SO excited when it finally arrived (early, even!) and I got to flip through the beautiful pages of this heart story that so deeply impacted my life the first time I read it. I know I will be re-reading time and time again to pound its deeply resonant message of grace and redemption into my soul and let her beautiful prose wash over me once more.
The Weeping Knight is a medieval story in the vein of The Pilgrim's Progress about Sir Edric, a virtuous knight desperately seeking eternal cleansing and redemption. He is a knight par excellence, a moral exemplar for we the reader to follow. Yet he is weighted down with the burden of his own sins and must find personal healing. Lauren Hildebrand manages to balance the drama of his plight with the truth of the gospel in a deeply resonant way, using simple but powerful illustrations and interchanges to send the message home. This book brings you to ponder the gospel, your place in God's story, and the beauty of God's gifts of language, grace, and eternal redemption.
Thank you, Lauren Hildebrand, for writing this heart story. You poured your soul and Christ's heart into its pages, and I know these will continue to impact future souls for years to come.
September 17, 2021
It seemed sort of 'Catholic'
( until the end..... yet with many wonderful Christian basic doctrines)
but then,
it's a medieval Christian fantasy
so it makes sense.
The knight reminds me a bit of the great Christian Luther
who was a supreme Catholic,
and if anyone could
have worked his way to Heaven,
Luther would have been one of the top contenders.
So the knight weeps, because he is so aware of his
filthy sins ( which really to my way of thinking)
were hard to find.....
except.....
He was trying to be 'good enough', and accepted
on his good deeds
and there were many good deeds that he did.....
But as we know, it cannot be done,
You can never work your way to Heaven,
Based on 'your' good deeds
ONLY on what Jesus did for you.
So it basically, is not until the end of the novel,
this knight, finally finally comes to the end of himself,
and truly leans on what Jesus did
and in essence is truly saved.
And although, I too know that is the ONLY way,
to get to Heaven
I could totally relate to his broken heart at his depraved sinful self!
Great novel! I highly recommend it.
( until the end..... yet with many wonderful Christian basic doctrines)
but then,
it's a medieval Christian fantasy
so it makes sense.
The knight reminds me a bit of the great Christian Luther
who was a supreme Catholic,
and if anyone could
have worked his way to Heaven,
Luther would have been one of the top contenders.
So the knight weeps, because he is so aware of his
filthy sins ( which really to my way of thinking)
were hard to find.....
except.....
He was trying to be 'good enough', and accepted
on his good deeds
and there were many good deeds that he did.....
But as we know, it cannot be done,
You can never work your way to Heaven,
Based on 'your' good deeds
ONLY on what Jesus did for you.
So it basically, is not until the end of the novel,
this knight, finally finally comes to the end of himself,
and truly leans on what Jesus did
and in essence is truly saved.
And although, I too know that is the ONLY way,
to get to Heaven
I could totally relate to his broken heart at his depraved sinful self!
Great novel! I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews