The epic reader: Sir Rowan and The Camerian Conquest

Author: Chuck Black

My recommended age: 11+

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher: Multnomah publishing group

Number of pages: 192

Publisher’s description:

A knight left for dead. A country on the verge of ruin. And an evil lord rising to conquer.

Sir Rowan is the most decorated tournament knight in Cameria, but when he is attacked and left for dead, his world collapses. Betrayed and lingering at death’s door, only a bizarre vision of his Prince and the help of a woman dedicated to the King keeps him alive. As Rowan heals, he finds new purpose in life through service to his King.

But his beloved land of Cameria has fallen victim to the tyranny of the Dark Knight.

Rowan’s countrymen need his help taking their cities back from the enemy, but all is not as it appears. The mysterious Sir Lijah insists Rowan’s purpose lies elsewhere—far away from Cameria, in an ancient city and for an ancient cause.

Rowan’s destiny is greater than he ever imagined. The final battle with the Dark Knight approaches, and he must choose where he will fight. Will he discover his true identity and purpose as a Knight of the Prince, or will the Dark Knight claim victory for eternity?

My thoughts:

This book has changed my life. I'm honest. When I picked this book to review, I had some big doubts, I mean, look at the cover! But as I flipped through, becoming apart of Rowan's world and life, I found myself sucked in. More then just an allegory, this book is a mover!

Before picking this up, I had been afraid of what it meant to be a christain, afraid of the end times, afraid of persecution and trouble. I was a christian mainly because I didn't want to end up in hell. Wrong motives, I know, but I'm being dead honest with you right now.

As I kept reading though, I felt a fire spring up. I wanted (and still do!) to be apart of the group that Christ calls His "Good and Faithful servants". I didn't want to be a goat in Sheep's clothing. I wanted to be it all. I want to pick up a sowrd, and fight against Satan's dark ones, even if it meant death.

I was also frightened by death, especially if it was death by torture. But as I read this book, I grew to understand, Death isn't the last ending. There can be something wonderful, beyond our wildest knowledge past it! And what is persecution? It is but a slight blinking of an eye that we have to endure compared to a eternity of life!!

Now, when we had our devotion time, I was excited! I sucked it all in tonight. I need to be fit in order to fight for MY prince!!

Cons:

There is some killing and death, but it isn't gory.

Pros:

Everything.

Language:

None.

Romance and sexual content:

Rowan marries a girl who is also for the prince. They their courtship pure, and wholesome though, something I have not seen in other youth books that tout being a 'christian' novel.

Violence:

See above remark about killing and death.

Drugs and drink:

None.

Ratings:

There is no doubt in my mind. If I could give this book a 100, I would. But I must stick in the 5 point zone. So Mr. Black's wonderful book gets a: