Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court

Right on!! It makes spiritual warfare so real!

It was a good day for young Sir Bently's family when he took the oath of the order of the Noble Knights, swearing to uphold the honor of the knights and to protect them always. When word comes that a handful of Followers are meeting in a nearby hut, Bently is happy to join the group of knights sent to investigate. On the way, they are overpowered by five massive warriors. Just when it looks as if all is lost, four other warriors, bearing the mark of the Stranger, identifying them as Followers, drive off the invaders. Since the Followers are the very people the knights set out to capture, Bently has questions. He asks his father to explain who the Stranger is. As his father ells it, they executed the Stranger, but his men still give up everything to follow him. Bently knows the price he will have to pay if he gives up the knighthood, but the Stranger is calling him. He sets out to learn the truth. Chuck Black is a new writer for me, and I loved this story. I couldn't put it down. A fascinating tale of the battle between Jesus and Satan, set in a fantastic land of knights and ladies, dragons, wealth and crushing poverty. If you like fantasy, don't miss this one. Strongly recommended.

When I first picked up Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court, the second book in the series, I was afraid I might be lost not having read the first. That wasn't the case. The book had a couple of pages of introduction to the Knights of Arrethtrae, which became very clear that the first book was a retelling of Christ with knights and kings as the background. Knowing that it was an allegory of sorts, it was easy to understand who they were talking about, and having read other such books, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this one as much, but I did! Soon the allegory got lost in the story and it turned out to be a very fast, worthwhile read.

Knights, swords and dragons... Sir Bentley's faith is tested when Sir York gives orders that seem to contradict the teachings of the Prince. He strikes out on own in search of truth. Along his journey, he encounters a village living in poverty while Lord Kingsley lives a life of opulence off their tax money. He meets Eirwyn, a mystifying young woman who offers helps the poor. When she is kidnapped, Sir Bentley must battle ferocious opponents to rescue Eirwyn. Will greed conquer the kingdom or will the grace of the Prince persevere? Chuck Black returns us to a medieval kingdom filled with knights of courage, gallantry, furious sword battles, and dragons. He continues his Knights of Arrethtrae series with book 2, Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court. I enjoyed the first book, and this one far surpasses it. This book is filled with mystery and adventure. Black has an amazing talent. He offers readers an allegorical interpretation of the Bible and spiritual warfare. While this book stands well alone, I suggest you read book 1 first. This is a series for all ages. Sir Bentley and his adventures will mesmerize young and old alike.

In Chessington, his father the Noble Knight and merchant Sir Barrington watches along with his peers as squire Bentley takes the sacred vows to adhere to Lord Kifus' Articles of Code and of being a Noble Knight of Arrethtrae from his mentor Sir York. Soon afterward, while on constant missions to kill the Followers of the recently murdered Prince, Sir Bentley has doubts that his side is in the right though Sir York proclaims they are doing the King's work. The lad notices how the Followers only defend themselves, but never attack first. His unit gets into a deadly battle with ferocious fighters in which two Followers join their side. Afterward Sir York demands Sir Bentley kill the two men. Stunned he refuses, enabling them to escape while Sir York condemns him. The Followers Esmond and Trae explain to Bentley that they just fought the Vinceno Knights trained by the fallen angels Shadow Warriors. Bentley says goodbye to his parents; his father tells him he is proud of him as honor is important and is not proud of what he saw happen to the Prince. Bentley needs to learn who is right about the Prince as the Knights insist he was a charlatan while his Followers believe he was the King's son sent to help the people. Bentley meets Eirwyn who under the tutelage of the mysterious Gardener distributes food to the poor of Holbrook where affluent Lord Kingsley and his court flaunt their wealth. However, Bentley and Eirwyn soon find themselves battling evil as the Shadow Warriors attack the castle and the village. The sequel to SIR KENDRICK AND THE CASTLE OF BEL LIONE is a terrific exciting Christian parable that grips the audience from the moment Bentley begins to doubt his mentor as he sees dishonorable actions on his side and honorable behavior by their foes. His quest is exhilarating as he needs to know the truth about the Prince, the Shadow Warriors, and why the Noble Knights of Arrethtrae killed him. Harriet Klausner

This is a wonderful allegorical tale that was well-written with an interesting plot. The author draws you in with loveable characters that you can relate to. While the story is full of mystery, the allegorical aspect was clear enough to be readily picked up by young and old alike. While this book is considered for ages 9-12, I thoroughly enjoyed it myself. It is also a great story to read-aloud to your children or Sunday School class.