We first discovered Chuck Black books a couple years ago, when I was on the search for safe books for my oldest son to read. He reads super fast, and as a busy mom I just dont have time to preread everything for him anymore. Some trusted friends highly recommended Chick Black's Kingdom series, so I read the first one, Kingdom's Dawn and was pleased to find a completely SAFE series. I was very excited to be offered Sir Rowan, the final book from Mr. Black's Knight series.

I let my 10 year old read it first, and he enjoyed it very much. I read it when he finished, and it led to some great conversations on pride, as well as Biblical prophesy laid out in Revelation.

I am usually not a fan of fiction, especially the fantasy genre, but this book kept my attention. It was a well written, action packed story filled with knights and battles. No wonder my son loved it! I loved the Biblical lessons taught, as Sir Rowan falls to his pride, but is then redeemed again by the Prince, to do His will. This book contained no questionable material, no bad words, and was a refreshingly clean book great for boys yearning for exciting reading material!

I received this book as part of the Multnomah Press Blogging for Books program. I am under no obligation, nor do I receive any recompense for, a positive review.

*Sir Rowan an the Camerian Conquest* is an allegory of the end times and the battle of good versus evil.

It is well-written, and the glimpses of the characters I got to know peaked my interest in reading the rest of the series.

It is however a book at its core about battle and because of my personality and preferences that kept me from being completely engaged.

My middle school students were SHOCKED that I didn't love it and rave about it the way I do about most books that I recommend to them. They loved the action-filled battles and the way that the good vs. evil theme played out throughout the plot.

I would recommend this book to any of these young men, or anyone who enjoys a good knight's tale.

And I am planning on picking up several of its companions for my classroom library.

"Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest" is book 6 in The Knights of Arrethtrae series by Chuck Black. As a poor stable boy, Rowan dreams of becoming a swordsman and practices with his homemade wooden sword every opportunity he gets. He knows that his chances of ever achieving his dream are nearly impossible, but nothing can stop a boy from dreaming, can it? One day he crosses paths with Sir Aldwyn and begs to buy the chance to merely hold Sir Aldwyn's sword for a moment. Sir Aldwyn obliges and, in the process, recognizes the innate skill that Rowan possesses. Sir Aldwyn takes Rowan under his tutelage and begins to train him to serve as a warrior for the Prince.

However, seeking fame and fortune, Rowan becomes enamored of the glamour of the lifestyle that can be obtained as a tournament participant. Rowan goes on to become the champion of the tournament and amasses a huge fortune and many fans. On the way to the tournament that will prove him to be the champion of all Cameria, he encounters the mysterious knight who warns him that he is on the wrong path and that he should turn back. Turn back from fame, wealth, and all the power of the position? Not likely, Rowan thinks. Soon after, he and his party are attacked, his companions are killed, and Rowan is taken prisoner.

Held captive for many months and left to die by his captors, Rowan repents of his wrong choices and vows to serve the Prince if only he can escape his prison. Following his rescue, he learns that the entire realm has been overthrown by the Dark Knight's forces and people's eyes are blinded to reality. Rowan joins forces with a group of followers of the Prince and prepares for the battle to regain Cameria from the control of Lucius. In an allegorical portrayal of Biblical events found in the prophecies, the battle commences and Sir Rowan sets off to prove his loyalty to the Prince.

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 Rowan and the Camerian Quest" as a GoodReads first reader book. 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.

Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest was yet another great book by Chuck Black. Its filled with exciting adventure, loyalty to the King, and the duty between good and evil. Sir Rowan was but a lad when he was taught the duty of the Prince. He grew up learning the skill of the sword but instead of using his skill wisely, he went after fame and the longing of a hero and for the cheers of the people. Never did he know that he was going in the wrong direction until he was attacked and almost put to death. From that day forward he swore that if he lived he would honor the king and his code. Rowan was saved from a fair maiden that he married and grew to love with his whole heart. Never did he know that one day he would lose the woman of his dreams, but the time did come and he mourned her death more than anything. But Rowan didn't give up hope. He continued fighting, even harder than he had before! Sir Rowan fought hard, and died a victorious death. But that wasn't the end of this mighty Sir Rowan because he was not dead; Instead he lived only to be with the King, one whom he had fought for with all his being. So on he lived, was reunited with his wife, and lived for eternity afterwards with the man he had fought hard for, and that man was The Prince... and the honor of the code!

This book by Chuck Black is about a champion swordsman who worked his way to wealth and fame through winning tournaments. Sir Rowan's pride and arrogance was his downfall. When he lost everything, he found his true calling as a Knight of the Prince. Risking his life, he and his brother Lijah, proclaim the truth to anyone who will listen. There are several battles between good and evil and a unique story line which would engage anyone who reads it. Black uses allegory to incorporate Biblical truths and the Gospel. The Prince represents Jesus, the Knights of the Prince represent Christians, the Dark Knight (Lucius) represents Satan, the Silent Warriors represent angels, the Shadow Warriors represent demons, and the list goes on.

This is the second book that I have read by Black and I loved it! This is book 6 in the Knights of Arrethtrae series. He also has another series called the Kingdom Series. I am look forward to reading all of them! Other reviews compare Black's books to Pilgrims Progress. I would also compare them to the Chronicles of Narnia and Frank Peretti's books. These books could be Christian replacements for families who prefer not to read popular secular series such as Harry Potter. These are categorized as Youth/Teen Fiction but I think adults would like them too. I highly recommend this book!

In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission I am required to disclose that Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers provided this book for free in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.