Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor

The Knights of Arrethtrae #5

by Chuck Black

Two friends face the Dark Knight’s deadliest scheme, but only one knight has the courage to overcome.

Sir Quinlan leaves his boyhood friend to serve the Prince, fighting a battle darker and more intense than any he’s ever known. The mysterious Sir Baylor recruits him into the ranks of an elite unit of knights known as the Swords of Valor, but when tragedy strikes and everyone blames Quinlan, the Swords of Valor disband, ending a legacy of heroic deeds.

Alone and despairing, Quinlan wanders the kingdom, fleeing his past. His providential encounter with Taras, a mysterious Silent Warrior and former trainer of Valor Knights, offers Quinlan a chance to redeem himself and learn the ways of the secret warriors.

The training is grueling, and just when Quinlan seems to have left his failures behind, he receives an impossible challenge from the Prince—one that will force him to face his past…and the mighty men who blame him for the tragedy that ruined them.

Can Quinlan reunite the Valor Knights in time to save the people from the Dark Knight’s evil plot to rule the Kingdom of Arrethtrae, or will the Valor Knights lose the most important battle of all?

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Christian, Christian Fantasy

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2010

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

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Quinlin has always been one of my favourite books in the Arrethtrea realm. And it’s been too long since I last read it (or in this case listened).

The story starts with two young men as near to brothers as can be both training to be knights for the Prince. Tav (Gustav) and Twitch (Quinlin). They both start out excited about this Prince, joining his knights, and learning the sword. But when it comes time for them to live out their lives and practice what they were trained for they choose very differently and their outcomes reflect that in the end.

There’s Tav. Who has everything going for him. Has skills and knows it. Is happy to grab people’s attention and is popular. But when his calling came he ignored it living life as if he could stay in one spot and let apathy become his lifestyle. Claiming the title of Knight but in the end he never truly believed and lived for pleasure and the world. And in the end? The prince tells him to depart and go back. For where your heart is so is your treasure.

Quinlin on the other hand to the general population is unskilled and is nothing significant. But what the people see and what the Prince made him to be were two very different stories. Once he followed the path and used the skills that he was given for the service of others and the kingdom Quinlin discovered true fulfillment and life beyond the pleasure of a moment. Through the Prince he discovered who he was created to be. Quinlin is so relatable for me. He’s awkward, isn’t part of the crowd, would rather stay in the background, and isn’t anyone particularly significant or standing out in a crowd. He struggles to step forward and do what he is called to do. And he goes through a time of apathy and self pity after hardship. In his time of apathy he was miserable knowing he wasn’t on the right path but instead of ignoring it and living there he chooses the right path. He gets back up again. Dives deep into learning how to fight the battles and enemies that will come his way. Surrounds himself with likeminded people to help him in the kingdom mission and who will watch each other’s back and keep each other from falling. He ends up on fire more than ever before. And in the end the Prince is able to tell him “Well done my good and faithful servant Go and enjoy your reward.”

This story serves as both a lesson, a warning, and an encouragement. How you live determines your eternal destiny. Did you once have fire and loose it? Have you always lined halfheartedly? Or are you living courageously in the life Fox has called you to? How are you living and who are you living for?

[Lovely Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story was a great adventure taken directly from the Bible, and presented in a medieval context that was entertaining, heartwarming, serious, and thoughtful. I would definitely read these to my kids, and be comfortable with the message they are meant to get across. This book was a Goodreads, firstreads giveaway.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Kaitlyn Rinehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a suspense filled read! I like the lesson he taught to beware of apathy in the Christian life.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of Chuck’s previous books, and they were packed with lessons, action, suspense, adventure, and heroic deeds done by knights of the King - and this newest book is no exception!! 5 stars goes to this wonderful book that is sure to make you think, show you good morals and lessons, and give you an adventure that you won't forget!

The story of Twitch and Tav, two guys who were more like brothers than friends - grew up together with ambition to serve the King and His son. The contrast in the ways they went about it was severe, but accurately showed how many Christians serve Christ today: some are fervent to give their lives to Christ in every way, and others are content with lip service.

Quinlan's desire to serve the King was commendable, even when he didn't think he was very good with a sword. You couldn't help but feel his pain when he blamed himself for the disaster that befell the Swords of Valor. But even then, he could be content to go back to his old life of lip service to the King and Prince. By the mercies of the Prince, he is trained by Silent Warrior to go back to his hometown and regroup the Swords of Valor to defend it against the Dark Knight and his legions of Shadow Warriors.

I highly recommend this book to any reader - both young and old - who loves to read adventures, and learn lessons you won't forget!!

[Phoebe Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHH, Chuck Black never fails to deliver! Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor is a great warning about the dangers of apathy. Not as creepy as Lady Carliss, but every bit as good and timely! (Ugh, why does it feel like every Arrethtrae book hits me right where I need it at the time . . . life+work is combining to give me a bad case of the paythas right now 😭 IYKYK)

I really like how Mr. Black often represents how God chooses the (to the world) weak and despised to accomplish great things for Him. Like Quinlan/Twitch and Kalil 💔

Again, gotta shout out about the atmospheric writing! That part crossing the plains was *chef's kiss* 🤌

The Swords of Valor reminded me a bit of the Three Musketeers, or the Inseparables in Katja Labonté's A Noble Comfort, especially Kessler, lol.

Great birthday present and I read the whole thing the day of 🤪 now imma go play the game!

[Emma Stark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had an interesting story and I liked the way that Quinlan eventually becomes this leader. The book also seemed to be commenting on the nature of addiction to things like phones and the damage that can come from this. A lot of the characters have good depth, I just wish that Quinlan's friend's fall from Grace was a little bit clearer as well as the reason why he doesn't return to fight for the right thing when he is asked to.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all the Biblical allegory. Just amazing. Definitely a modern day John Bunyon. These books remind us that we are waging a battle every day all around us. We must not grow complacent and the fight is worth it.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites in the series!

[Katrina Kehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book in the Knight's of Arrethtrae series!

[Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of both series. For young men everywhere.

[E. Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite Knights of Arrethrae book. Sir Quinlan is a heroic knight, and his journey is inspiring.

[Landon Killian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for a anyone who doesn’t know who they are but are searching for any answers.

[Zanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

for guys called silent warriors they never seem to shut up do they

[Lexie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to finish bc of work and school but it was so good! I usually don’t like reading battle scenes but the ending was great

[Andrew Krom · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in this series!

[Morgan's Endless Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the allegory isn't as obvious here as in the rest of this series, it's still a really important idea for Christians to address. Quinlan is a character I think many can relate to, especially with his struggles to believe that he's worthy.

[Karielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blurb: Two friends face the Dark Knight's deadliest scheme, but only one knight has the courage to overcome. Sir Quinlan leaves his boyhood friend to serve the Prince, fighting a battle darker and more intense than any he's ever known. The mysterious Sir Baylor recruits him into the ranks of an elite unit of knights known as the Swords of Valor, but when tragedy strikes and everyone blames Quinlan, the Swords of Valor disband, ending a legacy of heroic deeds.
Alone and despairing, Quinlan wanders the kingdom, fleeing his past. His providential encounter with Taras, a mysterious Silent Warrior and former trainer of Valor Knights, offers Quinlan a chance to redeem himself and learn the ways of the secret warriors.
The training is grueling, and just when Quinlan seems to have left his failures behind, he receives an impossible challenge from the Prince -- one that will force him to face his past...and the mighty men who blame him for the tragedy that ruined them. Can Quinlan reunite the Valor Knights in time to save the people from the Dark Knight's evil plot to rule the Kingdom off Arrethtrae, or will the Valor Knights lose the most important battle of all?

What Stephanie Thought: As a middle-age young adult novel, I think Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor by Chuck Black was exceptional. Kids are normally reluctant to read bible stories. However, this one didn't shove biblical references down the reader's throat and instead, used many creative gestures and characters to symbolize the ultimate figure of Christ. The reading guide at the end was extremely helpful, as it cleared up many of the connections the reader was supposed to make.
In the land of Burkfield, Quinlan, nicknamed "Twitch" for the uncontrollable facial spasms he experiences, is not much a hero. In fact, the story starts off portraying him as sort of a sidekick to his longtime friend: the more confident, handsome, and warrior-like Tav. However, when Tav makes the decision not to serve the Prince (who is the Jesus Christ figure), it becomes clear that Twitch is the true fighter.
I found many of the symbols fascinating. For instance, there was a scene where the knights of Burkfield were seduced by cute little critters called paythas. The creatures seemed adorable and harmless at first, but soon, Quinlan learned, that they were deadly monsters that were trying to rid the people of their belief for Him, the Prince. Rearrange the letters in "paytha" and you get "apathy", which is a state of indifference and lack of caring or concern. Thus, Black makes the point that apathy is one of the deadliest, contagious sins that makes mankind more vulnerable than anything.
Another thing I liked was how action-packed this book was, but in a fascinating, age-appropriate way. There was mild blood and gore, but nothing you want to keep away from your kids. A couple battle scenes may be frightening for younger children, but conclusively, the knights are fighting for their love for the Prince (Christ), and good always overpowers evil.
Summing the entire book up sums the Bible up too: the Knights of Valor (Christians) fight the dark knights (evil). Lucius (Satan) is the main enemy and his Shadow Warriors (demons) are the corrupt forces attempting to overthrow Arrethtrae (Earth -- Earth and Terra combined and spelled backwards). It's a good thing the Silent Warriors (angels) always come to the rescue, saving the day. The ultimate message of Black's young-adult novel through simple, youth-friendly prose, is that good will always win, as long as faith is kept strong, and love for Him is honest and eternal.

Where Stephanie Got It: WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for review.

Radical Rating: 8 hearts- Would recommend to lots of really good friends. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[Jan Marie Newby · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor" is book 5 in The Knights of Arrethrae series by author Chuck Black. Sir Quinlan, more commonly known as Twitch by his friends, responds to the call given by Sir Baylor to join him and the knights known as the Swords of Valor in their fight for the Prince and His kingdom. Twitch mistakenly believes that the true call was for his friend, Tav, who is everything that Twitch wishes he could be in order to be a true Knight of the Prince. However, as is often the case, the call is not to the one who seems to be the most qualified, but rather, to the one who is most willing to serve.

Tav, who enjoys the status, position, and comforts of being a Knight of the Prince, not to mention the attention of the ladies, declines the call to follow his uncle, Sir Baylor, choosing rather to stay at home and live a life of ease.

The writer takes us on a journey, a journey that requires the Knights 0f Valor to battle the evil forces of the Dark Knight, Lucius, and his minions. When Sir Baylor is killed in battle, Sir Quinlan blames himself and mistakenly believes the death also signifies the demise of the Swords of Valor and returns to his childhood home and friends. Dissatisfied with his former life, he roams about the kingdom, seeking redemption. Events transpire that enable Quinlan to encounter the Silent Warrior who offers Quinlan a chance to redeem himself. Quinlan then undergoes extremely rigorous and grueling training in order to prepare himself to better serve the Prince. Then comes the day that Sir Quinlan is given a mission by the Prince Himself and he must reunite the Swords of Valor in order to succeed.

I was afraid that, by not beginning with book 1 of the series, I would not be able to follow the storyline. Happily, this was not the case. Each book is about a different knight of the Prince and, as such, their stories can easily stand alone. The allegory is an obvious one. The parallels between the Prince and the Dark Knight are very apparent. The stories are outstanding and I can't say enough good things about them. The books are packed full of action and suspense and closely align with the battle that Christians are fighting on a daily basis. The violence is rampant and the clashing of swords quite vividly portrays the battle that is ongoing between good and evil. The books are written for youth but are so well-written and engaging that they will appeal to readers of all ages. I highly recommend this series. On a personal level, it is my intent to procure all previous and future books in this series and make them available to young people who desperately need to see the Battle portrayed in such a convincing manner. This is a Battle in which every one of us is a soldier. The question is, on which side are we fighting?

I received "Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor" for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review and opinions expressed are my true and honest sentiments. I receive no compensation, whether monetary or otherwise, for any reviews written by me.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story summary
This story is possibly set in a medieval setting. It is hard to tell, really, as some descriptions are inaccurate. A young man by the nickname of Twitch and his best friend and foster brother, Tav, are training to be knights. The knights are trained to serve in the prince's army.

Twitch makes a vow to serve the prince, and suddenly the world mystical veil parts and he is shown a glimpse of a war that is raging between the prince's army and Lord Lucius's dark knights. It is a rather schizophrenic view, really, as supposedly no one else can see these agents of evil lurking and looming about the world until they attack. But, pledge yourself to the prince's will, and you can see it.

Supposedly the world of the prince's, which is possibly not the same world as reality, is both glorious and dangerous. However, the author only ever describes it as terrible and dangerous, which really makes me wonder why he tossed the word glorious in in the first place. Perhaps he thinks that a world of war is a glorious one? That is a depressing thought.

Characters
The characters are rather flat all in all. The main character Twitch/Quinlan is the only one to show any dynamic change, and it is very, very subtle. The rest of the characters seemed scripted and forced. I just couldn't get into it much because of the character, and the near lack of dynamic relationships between the characters.

The characters are really vessels for a series of Christian messages, not for a tale worth reading for the general populace.

Thoughts
There were several things I didn't like about this book, but on the other hand, it was fairly action packed and had somewhat engaging battle scenes. If there weren't battles, the story felt far more forced than it could have been.

As this was a book written for the youth/teen Christian group, I think it hit that mark. Many youths will enjoy this book. Teens? I don't know. I taught at a middle school, and the 13-year olds read far more advanced stuff than this. Then again, this was at a public school, and I don't know how interests and reading levels vary. Maybe youths to preteens would be the best group for this book, but definitely not 15 and up.

For those that are interesting in having this book for a reading discussion, there are several questions in the back of the book to help direct it. All of the questions pertain to parts of the bible that were illustrated in various parts of the book.

**Disclaimer**
I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series. There is a little intro so that new readers will have some idea of the world of the knights going into the story. Not having read any of the other books I found it helpful because it gave me some context for the story I was about to read but this book can certainly stand alone and you do not have to have read the others first. There is no mistaking that this story is a biblical allegory. There is nothing subtle about the message here. And sometimes, especially when Quinlan is speaking to his trainer, Taras, it can get a bit preachy but that is forgivable as that is much of the point of the book and it is an important part of Quinlan’s training and his entire journey. The book does a good job of making the fight of good versus evil a real battle that we all have to be aware of and the dangers if we ignore it. It also brings up some important biblical issues. Quinlan must make some hard choices, leave behind what he has known, face struggles, failures and his own self-doubt, make decisions based on faith alone and often must act when it would be easier to just go home. It also explores the fact that God often chooses the unexpected people, how even those who have the outward appearance of being a follower are not always so, that there will still be tragedy and heartache, and many other biblical truths that our heroes and those around them face. It doesn’t shy away from the harder aspects to try and make a happier story. Although it is an allegory and is meant to teach a lesson it is still an exciting adventure story with action, suspense and a little mystery and magic. In the back that are a lot of discussion questions (and answers) that will get readers thinking more deeply about the story and will help readers understand concepts that they might not have gotten from just reading the book. I like that the questions encourage the reader to look to the Bible for the answers. It is a story about knights and there are sword fights and danger and adventure but the message is always at the forefront. It is a strong, forceful message. I don’t think that is a bad thing but it might turn some people off and might be better suited to children who are already interested and trying to learn more instead of a story to spark the first interest.

[A.M. Reynwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some inexplicable reason, I took a hiatus from this serious some time ago, and for the life of me I can't remember why. Sir Quinlan was engaging, and it never hurts to have a touch of humor. Laughter is a balm to the soul just as much as a fact of reality.

The story follows Quinlan, formerly known as Twitch (for the nervous tic in his cheek) as he struggles first for purpose in an easy life, then uncertainty when going gets tough. Afterwards he shoulders his guilt for some time, but finally breaks through the self pity to take on his true calling. (I can't tell if this is a spoiler or not, because we all know it had to happen, otherwise the story would have fizzled out like a balloon with a hole) And worst of all, he must bear up under the betrayal of one he once called brother.

The way it was written is also a little different than what I'm accustomed to, both in reading and writing. We skip over large amounts of time with just a brief overview of what's going on. I can certainly understand the value in that, but over the nine months of training, I might have liked to see Quinlan get his butt handed to him at least once, maybe when he first starts. Just a personal preference (I can be mean that way, and I've been told that on multiple occasions)

However, the way he acted while confronting those 'mighty men' of the former Swords of Valor was pretty neat. They all remember him as a skimpy, half-witted, blunder, but now he shows up all epic and awesome with new skills and a BEARD. Coolness levels just skyrocketed.

By the end it all culminates into a grand battle and these warriors few must face off against some of the strongest bad guys yet as the antagonist of evilness mounts upon his ultimate ends. Such high stakes can't be made without high cost, and when the heat turns up, not everyone can walk out alive.

As usual, I haven't yet been disappointed with a single story in this series. Chuck Black knows how to tell a grand story with thrill, danger, a touch of romance, impending doom, and valiant bravery all while expressing solid Biblical truths that we can apply even to our own lives in the real world. The battle here is not so different from that which rages on in Arrethtrae, and whether our swords are made out of steel or truth, the courage needed to face the enemy all comes from the same place ─ the Prince, Jesus Christ!

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

It's taken me awhile to get around to writing a review, but that only has to do with my time, not my interest in the book! This is by far my favorite book in the Knights of Arrethtrae. It has achieved the perfect combination of danger, tension, relatability, importance, thought-provoking, and very smooth writing in combination with sharply written emotion and believable characters. I think another thing that added to my delight in this book was how similar I felt to Quinlan throughout the whole story. I came into the book expecting just another book about knights, allegories, etcetera and so forth (not that that's really my opinion of any of the Knights books, just going to mention that!) One of my biggest pet peeves when reading a book is when it's clear that the author doesn't understand their own character's flaws. For example, it's really frustrating when you're reading a book with a character with anger issues that come out at weird times in weird ways that aren't consistent with the forces of nature. It's clear that the author has never struggled with anger issues. Chuck Black wrote about feeling inadequate, stupid, and guilty with such emotional force and realism that I was swept into Quinlan's story, much more so than with any other Knights book. This was the first Knights book to focus on a vice that I struggle with. Apathy is a huge problem in our culture, and technically that was the main focus of the book, but I'm referring to something deeper, something that Quinlan himself dealt with: feeling out of place and alone, leading to self-pity. The second part of that is that Black wrote about the Prince bringing Quinlan out of his self-pity, which in turn actually helped to draw me out from it as well! This alone gives the book five stars because it's very difficult to achieve writing that can effect me that deeply. On top of that, though, the book itself was masterful. The prose were smooth and the plot was flawless. It culminated with an epic battle complete with grief and hope which is the best kind of battle. I highly recommend this book!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor", is a story of decisions. How often do we have to make decisions on a daily basis, such as what we are going to eat or wear for the day and so on. Most of our decisions are of a minor nature, however, some decisions are more of a life changing or life altering nature. That is what you will discover when you open and start reading this compelling and adventurous novel by Chuck Black.

"Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor" is the story of a young man by the name of Twitch who is a knight in training. He along with his companion Tav, are seemingly on the path of discovery and as in life, each must make their own decisions on the pathway of life.

I found this story captivating and very well written. It is sure to keep the interest of it's intended readership, that of Teens and Young Adults, but I found this story captured my attention and imagination as I believe other older adults would find this story wonderful. As you read about Twitch's adventure, or might I call it a journey, you will be amazed at the courage and determination of its main character. Twitch also learns more about himself than he could have ever dreamed possible.

Follow Sir Quinlan, (Twitch) and his friends on their journey of discovery. You won't be disappointed.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read every book in this series, and this one is the best. Chuck Black has a knack for revealing spiritual truths powerfully through an engaging and interesting story. I would recommend this book for children and adults.
Maybe encourage the children to be a part of the Swords of Valor by becoming a prayer warrior for some person or cause.

[Mymcbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor is a story about two young soldiers called to serve the Prince, but only one has the courage to take a stand against the Dark Knight, Lucius.

Sir Quinlan leaves his boyhood friend to serve the Prince, fighting a battle darker and more intense than any he’s ever known. The mysterious Sir Baylor recruits him into the ranks of an elite unit of knights known as the Swords of Valor, but when tragedy strikes and everyone blames Quinlan, the Swords of Valor disband, ending a legacy of heroic deeds.

After the tragedy, alone and despaired, Quinlan wander the kingdom, fleeing his past but then encounter Taras a mysterious Silent Warrior and former trainer of Valor Knights. He offers to give Quinlan a chance to redeem himself and learn the way of the secret warriors.

After reading this novel I can see how people could relate to the main character Quinlan and all that he went through. This story comes with a message full of biblical truths and themes. We can say the Dark Knights are related to evil, Lucius – Satan, enemies as Demons and Knights of Valor as Christians. This book is labeled Youth/Teen Fiction, but I feel adults will find this an interesting read.

[Stefan Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor is a very well written and entertaining young adult novel with a Christian message. I am not a church-goer myself and I would like to commend the author for crafting a novel along themes found in the bible without the novel being too pushy in preaching religion to the reader. Yes, the central idea of the book is obviously to convey a religious message, but the story is told in such a way that this doesn't get tiresome or feel like religion is being shoved down the reader's throat. The story is exciting and fast-paced and the characters are well crafted and have a fair amount of depth. I would also like to point out that even though this is book 5 of the series, one does not have to read the entire series to be able to follow along with events of the story. I would venture to say, without reading the rest of the series, that this particular series feels like a collection of stand alone stories that flesh out the world of the author's other series.

As a side note, I thought that the discussion questions and answers at the end were a nice addition for accomplishing the author's goal of providing a religious message in his novel and have suggested this book (and others by Chuck Black) to my grandson's church Youth Group.

[Lori Twichell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book dealt heavily with guilt, the sin of your past and moving on into what God has planned for your life. Everyone, at some point, has experienced the burden of guilt for something that hurt someone else. Everyone has to learn to give it to the King and then let Him guide your life. The book resonates on a much deeper level than just good storytelling. It’s a brilliant parable for life, sin, wisdom and the consequences of poor choices.

At this point in the series I had a hard time reading. Not because the books were getting more difficult to read. In fact, the books continued to improve with each successive sequel. Nope, the books were harder for me to read because I couldn’t find them! At this point in the series, I had an 11 year old daughter, an 8 year old daughter and my 40 year old husband all in possession of at least one or more of the books. When it came time to read this one, I had to track it down. Which of my family members had it and more importantly, would they be willing to give it up to mom for her to read and review? It’s safe to say that the readers in my house are huge fans of Chuck Black’s. I couldn’t wait to start the final book in the series, Sir Rowan & the Camerian Quest.


*Review copies provided by Multnomah Books

[Benni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and goodreads for the advanced reading copy.

Chuck Black has two series out, the "Kingdom" series and the "Knights of Arrethtrae" series, of which Sir Quinlan belongs. The purpose of these books is to present the stories and/or lessons of the Bible in a fashion that would be interesting to a young adult. Sir Quinlan tackles apathy and advises the young reader to choose a life filled with purpose.

In my limited experience, the label "Young Adult" generally denotes a lower bar in terms of appropriate age rather than a ceiling. Sir Quinlan, however, may not interest those of us who are older. The parallels are a bit too obvious--the King is God, the Prince is Jesus, etc.--though that's precisely the point. Yes, Mr. Black tells a knightly tale, but he never lets the reader forget that it's a lesson. I'd recommend this series for Christian parents to buy for their pre-teens, but this really isn't for adults, unless they want to discuss the books with their children.