Reviewer: Robyn Roberts
Title: Sir Kendrick - 1st in the Knights of Arrethtrae series
Author: Chuck Black
Publisher: Multnomah Books
ISBN-13: 978-1-60142-124-1
Release Date: June 2008
Genre/Sub-genre: Young Adult, Inspirational Fantasy
Year/Setting: The Country of Arrethtrae, where knights still abound
Overall Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: Minimal
Chuck Black's Website:
www.perfect-praise.com
Sir Kendrick is a Noble Knight with a cause. His country used to be a peaceable place when the King ruled. One of the king’s knights, Lucius, turned and tried to take over the kingdom. He was thrown out of Arrethtrae, but continued to seek his vengeance. The King established the order of Noble Knights to keep the land safe. The knights waited for the Deliver, but became greedy and selfish in waiting. When the King sent his son, the Prince as the Deliverer, the knights worked against the Prince and had him killed. It looked like Lucius and his evil ones would win. Yet, the Noble Knights are renewed in their purpose and realize they serve the Prince. They work tirelessly to bring down the strongholds of Lucius, the Dark Knight.
Sir Kendrick is sent on a mission to seek out a possible stronghold where Lucius trains knights to serve him. Kendrick and his new protégé, Duncan, go to a tournament to seek information leading to this stronghold. All clues point to Bel Lione, located in the central part of the kingdom, so they head there to search. What they find is Lord Ra and his weekly and monthly parties for young people only. Nobody knows what happens at these parties as the youths keep it secret. Many parents send their children from young ages hoping to secure a position for their children in Lord Ra’s castle.
Kendrick and Duncan find that things are not always as they seem. Many of the young people in the town just go missing. Sometimes they return, but often they seem to be gone for good. Where could they be going? What part does Lord Ra play in this? Is Lord Ra a well-meaning caretaker of the area, or is there a sinister motive behind his apparent generosity and goodwill?
I found this book to be a fascinating read. Mr. Black has a unique writing style that will entice young adults to keep reading the story. As an adult, I found it to be a pleasant read. The story was multi-faceted and the characters were made real to me by his descriptions. At first, I had a hard time seeing Arrethtrae as a fictitious kingdom and I kept trying to place it in countries around the world. Once I really connected to the story, I did come to see it as its own kingdom.
I found this book to be appropriate for both girls and boys. At first, I thought it would be a boy’s only story; but as much as I enjoyed it, I think other girls will like reading it as well. This story is complete and stands on its own, but has a nice lead in to the next story. It is a wonderful mix of inspiration, swordplay, mystery and suspense that will keep the reader going until the last page.
Robyn
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