Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorueby Chuck Black
adult or young adult fantasy fiction
http://www.perfect-praise.com/
This book is number 4 in a series:
1. Sir Kendrick & the Castle of Bel Lione
2. Sir Bentley & Holbrook Court
3. Sir Dalton & the Shadow Heart
4. Lady Carliss & the Waters of Moorue.
This is what the author's website says about the series:
Building upon the Kingdom of Arrethtrae as created in The Kingdom Series books, these stories fit within the time of the waiting years, between books 3 and 5. This is analogous to the Church Age or the Time of the Gentiles. This is not a chronological series like the Kingdom Series, for each book stands alone and tells of the adventures of individual knights during this time period.
I didn't know any of that, when I agreed to read this book. All that I knew was that it was published by Waterbrook Press and the title of the book. The cover shows a woman with a bow and arrows so I figured it was a fantasy book or Robin Hood-type book featuring her as the heroine. Without the cover, I might have assumed from the title that this was some kind of Regency Romance, so I guess it is good that they have the cover they have to clarify what this book covers.
In Chuck Black's fantasy world of Arrethtrae the Christians are Followers of the King and many train to fight the good fight as knights and ladies (that is to say lady knights). His heroes and heroines are brave, valiant, strong, and physically and mentally equipped to serve the King and His Son. In the notes, the author states that he wanted to write books that would inspire his children to live for and serve Jesus. There is an extensive study guide so this book can be used with youth groups. There is even sheet music include for a song inspired by this book - "Journey to Moorue", written by Emily Elizabeth Black. I always appreciate a map, glossary, and cast of characters. This publisher provided a map, but no glossary or cast of characters. The discussion guide more than makes up for this as it includes all kinds of notes and explanations.
If we ignore all the extras included in this affordable softbound book ($9.99), we still have a great story. Truehearted Lady Carliss is a young knight returning home on furlough. As in the cliffhanger films of yesteryear, however, our heroine can not stay out of trouble for very long. She doesn't even reach home before trouble finds her. The village of her companion has been raided and her fellow knight's family has been taken. To add to her trouble, Carliss's maybe-boyfriend has been bitten by a vicious lizard and is in a coma! This all happens in the first few pages, which sets the tone for this action adventure fantasy story. Carliss is constantly having to make decisions about how to act. Will she take the high road or settle for being ordinary? Will she opt to save one or many? She acts with vision and courage as she befriends the friendless, fights against evil drug dealers, and struggles with her own wishes for her future. Black does not leave us with a one-dimensional view of the heroine, however. He does admit that she has doubts and selfish thoughts. In the end, we know she will do what is right.
I am sick and tired of "flawed heroes". Why do modern comic books and movies think that they have to change our heroes into complicated, struggling beings? I like my Superman to be Super and my Wonder Woman to be Wonderful. Good guys should wear white hats. Knights should be noble. I agree with Black that we need to be inspired by our heroes. Lady Carliss is someone to aspire to be.
I will recommend this book to my 13 year old cousin who enjoys fantasy books, but I don't think his books are just for children. I know of at least 3 adults who would also enjoy his tales as a change of pace from the massive 600 page fantasy books currently being marketed for adults. (This book weighs in at 185 pages even with the readers' guide included). I read this book in less than a day. I will have to put the rest of his books on my to-read list, starting with his first book set in this realm- Kingdom's Dawn in the Kingdom Series.
P. S. Arrethtrae is "Earth Terra" backwards.
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This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. This is available for purchase at http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/ and many other fine locations.
