The
Chuck Black File:
Lady Carliss and the Waters of
Moorue
by Chuck Black
Reviewed by Jennifer Bogart
"Filled with intense action sequences, clear parallels to the Christian life, and realistic temptations and victories, Lady Carliss was greatly enjoyed by our entire family."
Though I’ve never read Chuck Black’s allegorical Kingdom Series, our family has truly enjoyed his sequel series The Knights of Arrethtrae. This series is an allegorical fantasy complete with noble knights, dangerous creatures, and temptations to be defeated. It is set in the period following the Prince’s departure from Arrethtrae, leaving his Knights to fight the good fight and spread the news of the Prince’s imminent return (the age of the church.)
Each title in this series stands more-or-less alone, and Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue (#4) is no exception. Though it builds upon the events of Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart (#3), our family read it first (we’re about to go back and read #3.)
Lady Carliss is a particularly loveable character for our family filled with girls (I have three daughters.) While a warrior and true Knight, Carliss also struggles with a heart that longs for one who is not rightfully hers. She nobly resists, but when Sir Dalton’s life is in danger and she is the only one who has a fair chance of finding the antidote to a poisonous bite, her heart is surely tested.
Filled with intense action sequences, clear parallels to the Christian life, and realistic temptations and victories, Lady Carliss was greatly enjoyed by our entire family. My seven-year-old is always asking me to read it again despite my initial misgivings that it might be too dramatic for her.
The discussion questions at the book’s end are perfect for leading teens to consider the consequences of escapism and the excessive use of diversionary pleasures as presented in the novel.
Black’s work makes excellent family reading material – parents
can discuss parallels between the story and the Christian life. Tweens
and teens can also benefit from reading the book independently, and are
very likely to do so considering the engaging content!
Jennifer
Bogart is a child of God, wife and homeschooling mother
of three young children (so far). She writes homeschooling resources with her
husband at Bogart Family Resources, and reviews as a creative outlet. Passionately
dedicated
to
promoting
the
work
of
Christian authors and artists, her blog
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