Monday, June 23, 2008

Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione by Chuck Black


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione

(Multnomah Books - June 17, 2008)

by

Chuck Black


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 and Kingdom’s Hope. Chuck added three more titles to the series, Kingdom’s Call, Kingdom’s Quest, and Kingdom’s Reign which were released in May of 2007.

Chuck is a former F-16 fighter pilot and currently works as an engineer for a firm designing plastic consumer products. He has a degree in electrical and electronic engineering and served eight years in the United States Air Force. Chuck and his wife Andrea 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.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A dangerous new order threatens the mission of the Knights of Arrethtrae. Only loyalty to the King can bring victory!

As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized.

Sir Kendrick and his young charge, the impetuous Sir Duncan, are sent on a mission to discover the identity and origin of a secretive new order known as the Conquistero Knights. They travel to the city of Bel Lione where Lord Ra has been enticing young people in the kingdom to join his festivals, after which many choose not to return home. Their families keep quiet for fear of repercussion.

When Sir Duncan disappears while trying to discover the truth of Lord Ra’s castle, Sir Kendrick attempts to find and enlist the help of a mysterious warrior. Time is short for he must save Duncan and call upon the knights of Chessington to join in the battle against the evil Lord Ra.

Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are...the Knights of Arrethtrae!

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

MY REVIEW:

Once again, I am going to blend a couple of opinions on this story – my own and that of my 14-year-old son. My son read the book first, and he felt like Chuck Black made a good choice when he used knights to bring his allegorical tale to life. He also said that if you knew very much about the Bible you would easily understand the message within the story. There are some good fight scenes, and overall the book is not difficult to read.

As a mom of two teens, I was excited to hear my son tell me that the knights made a good illustration of the spiritual battle that Christians face each day. I was also pleased to know that there was enough action to hold his interest. But what really intrigued me is the author’s inclusion of some very thought provoking discussion questions for each chapter. Used wisely, this book would open the door to some terrific spiritual discussions between young teens and their parents. Truthfully, if you were a home school family, this would make a great tool for literature and corresponding essay questions.

Chuck Black has crated a unique and entertaining story that could even be used in a young men’s Sunday school class or small group study. The language is kind of “old-world”, so it makes the knightly setting all the more real. I was really drawn into the story, and I think you will be too! This book gets a high recommendation on several levels! This is a very cleverly designed series!!

1 comment:

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

Great review. I agree with you and your son about this book. Fabulous!
But this review is also well done enough to be a finalist. You really know how to write reviews. :)