Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest is Book 6 in Chuck Black's novel series The Knights of Arrethtrae. The series is an allegory of the spiritual warfare that we are constantly engaged in as Christians. In the land of Arrethtrae, there are two types of knights--Dark Knights and the Knights of the Prince. Working in the background, often unbeknownst to the knights, are Shadow Warriors (on the side of the Dark Knights) and Silent Warriors (on the side of the Knights of the Prince). Thus the stage is set in the land of Arrethtrae for the battles that are waged for the souls of the people.

Rowan is a renowned tournament fighter in the land of Cameria. His rise to this position is a rags-to-riches story that rings of Providence and Destiny. However, pride and arrogance are his downfall, and he is left for dead in a dreadful cave while his captors try to capitalize on his disappearance. He is eventually nursed back to health by a young widow who has her own story of tragedy. They fall in love and find a mutual cause, fighting for the honor of their beloved country, Cameria, which has fallen into the clutches of the Dark Knights.

Another warrior, Lijah, enters the picture, and over time, Rowan and Lijah discover that they are brothers, both destined to be warriors for such a time as this. They work to free their country from the grip of Lord Chessington and his evil minions.

The allegorical novel dramatically tells several stories. It follows the downfall of chosen saints who've fallen by their own sin and rebellion, and the restoration that can be theirs. It also chronicles the last days and the battles predicted in the book of Revelation. Both story lines are powerful and gripping, drawing the reader ever deeper into the issues and symbolism presented.

While Chuck Black's setting for these books is one of knights and castles and warriors, the story line will appeal equally to girls as well as boys. While children of almost any age would enjoy the story, those in middle and high school would get the most out of the allegorical meanings within the novels. I highly recommend these books, which come with a study guide, for any family wanting to explore these deep issues in a relevant and meaningful context.