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Crown and Covenant #2
King's Arrow
Angus M'Kethe, brave Duncan's younger brother, is no longer a child with a toy bow and arrow. He is now a young man, facing the same persecution and spiritual questions that his entire family has struggled against for years.
Loyal to his family, Angus must match wits in a life-and-death struggle against Highlanders. By faith, Angus turns his beloved game of chess into a tool of victory. But desperate fear grips the Clan with an unexpected murder! Will Covenanters be found guilty? Angus's true test of manhood and marksmanship will come at the Battle of Drumclog!
The Crown & Covenant series follows the lives of the M'Kethe family as they endure persecution in 17th–century Scotland, and later flee to colonial America. Douglas Bond weaves together fictional characters with historical figures from Scottish Covenanting history.
"Douglas Bond in King's Arrow, once again will inspire boys to become men, and men to become men of God." R.C. Sproul Jr., Director, Highlands Study Center
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2003
8 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Bond
80 books230 followersDouglas Bond, author of more than thirty books--several now in Dutch, Portuguese, Romanian, and Korean--is father of six, and grandfather of eleven--and counting--is Director for the Oxford Creative Writing Master Class and the Carolina Creative Writing Master Class, two-time Grace Award book finalist, adjunct instructor in Church history, recent advisory member to the national committee for Reformed University Fellowship, award-winning teacher, speaker at conferences, and leader of Church history tours in Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 18, 2023
Probably my favorite of the trilogy, because I can easily relate to Angus. Wonderful read, as always :)
November 17, 2020
I enjoyed this more than Duncan's war, and I think that's because I was more invested in the characters and series. It was fun to see Angus grown-up when in the previous book he was a little kid.
As with the other book, this is a story of the courage, grit, and faithfulness of the Scottish Covenanters. A worthwhile read! Now on to the last book! ;)
As with the other book, this is a story of the courage, grit, and faithfulness of the Scottish Covenanters. A worthwhile read! Now on to the last book! ;)
February 8, 2018
Amazing! This series I hooking! gotta love the archery thing right?
January 31, 2024
Just the best.
Jesus is King praise God.
Jesus is King praise God.
January 24, 2026
Author: Douglas Bond
Recommended Age: 15+ (The reading level of these books is for ages 12-14, but the topics presented may be too violent for younger readers. See Noteworthy Elements.)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Books in Series:
*Duncan’s War (2002)
*King’s Arrow (2003)
*Rebel’s Keep (2004)
Summary:
Duncan M’Kethe has only ever known peace in his beautiful Scottish homeland. But rumors of Sir James Turner and his horrific persecutions against the faithful Christian believers have reached the M’Kethe home. Is Duncan willing to die for the Covenant, or will he surrender to the Church of England’s heresy?
Notes from The Radical Reader:
Noble Characters:
This trilogy follows the dreams, hopes, and fears of two M’Kethe brothers, Douglas and Angus, as they witness battles, riots, and persecution done against their Scottish people in the name of religious fervor. Readers will experience the heart-breaking courage of the Covenanters and the sacrifices they were willing to endure for the sake of King Jesus.
Captivating Plots:
Douglas Bond explores for readers the incredible time in Scottish history when the Covenanters battled for freedom of faith against the oppressive Church of England and its heretical doctrines. Through the eyes of the M’Kethe family, we see the pain, faith, and courage of the Covenanters as they seek to preserve the truth of God’s Word and the light of the Gospel.
Elaborate Worlds:
Set in Scotland during the 17th century, the Covenanters were Christians persecuted for their loyalty to Christ and Christ alone. From the crushing defeat at the Battle of Rullion Green, to courageous victory during the battle of Drumclog, and longings for escape outside of Scotland and the promise of the new Americas, readers will be swept away in this historical tale of courage, faith, and freedom.
Noteworthy Elements:
Violence:
There are many references to the torture and gruesome executions that imprisoned Covenanters were forced to endure. Torture methods such as the rack, the boot, the gallows, the thumbscrew, dismemberment, and being burned alive are referenced and occasionally detailed. Other tortures are referenced (non-descriptively) to threaten Covenanters to denounce their faith. Soldiers threaten to roast an old man alive for refusing to submit to the Church of England’s authority, and a Covenanter is beheaded on the battlefield. Angus contemplates being tortured on the rack. The heads and hands of faithful Covenanters are displayed on the iron pikes outside of the M’Kethe’s town. Covenanter prisoners being shipped to the Americas as slaves are shipwrecked and locked below decks to die. The execution of David Hackston (a historical Scottish Covenanter) is described as his hands and heart were both cut off as he was being hung. One of the Covenanters is beheaded and the soldiers play games with his head. Many of these concerns are relayed to the main character, not witnessed personally. Angus describes how ravens will gruesomely slaughter young lambs. Battlefields are described vividly but tactfully.
Sexual Tension:
When Angus and his sister, Jennie, go to help their neighbors, Jennie is captured by the soldiers. Angus fights to bring back his sister along with “her virtue”, though nothing happens to Jennie. The clan chief studies Jennie in a way that makes Angus uneasy. Angus fears what the soldiers will do to his mother and sister if the men are all killed in battle, though no explicit details are given. There is a reference to a Covenanter’s wife being “used very ill” by the soldiers. King Charles II is described as having scandalous relationships and a reference is made to the King “carousing with one of his mistresses”.
Profanity:
The term “hell-hound” is used to describe James Turner, a persecutor of the Covenanters and the phrase “hell-kites” is used when describing the Battle of Rullion Green. The phrase “demon if it did” is used to describe Angus’ talking raven. The words “bastard” and “damning” are used a few times in a literal sense.
Spiritual:
Angus teaches his pet raven to say a few words and friends warn Angus that he may be accused of practicing dark arts with the bird. There are a few references to witches who were tried and executed for practicing dark magic, as well as a reference to a faithful Covenanter who was condemned as a witch.
Final Thoughts:
While the amount of violence in the stories adds a heavy tone to the trilogy, it is directly paired with incredible descriptions of the Covenanter’s faith and courage as they are persecuted and martyred for worshipping Christ and Christ alone. I was deeply encouraged as I read these stories of heroic men and women who were willing to suffer for their faith in Christ, and I hope these books will have an incredible impact on the young men and women who read them.
https://theradicalreader.com
Recommended Age: 15+ (The reading level of these books is for ages 12-14, but the topics presented may be too violent for younger readers. See Noteworthy Elements.)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Books in Series:
*Duncan’s War (2002)
*King’s Arrow (2003)
*Rebel’s Keep (2004)
Summary:
Duncan M’Kethe has only ever known peace in his beautiful Scottish homeland. But rumors of Sir James Turner and his horrific persecutions against the faithful Christian believers have reached the M’Kethe home. Is Duncan willing to die for the Covenant, or will he surrender to the Church of England’s heresy?
Notes from The Radical Reader:
Noble Characters:
This trilogy follows the dreams, hopes, and fears of two M’Kethe brothers, Douglas and Angus, as they witness battles, riots, and persecution done against their Scottish people in the name of religious fervor. Readers will experience the heart-breaking courage of the Covenanters and the sacrifices they were willing to endure for the sake of King Jesus.
Captivating Plots:
Douglas Bond explores for readers the incredible time in Scottish history when the Covenanters battled for freedom of faith against the oppressive Church of England and its heretical doctrines. Through the eyes of the M’Kethe family, we see the pain, faith, and courage of the Covenanters as they seek to preserve the truth of God’s Word and the light of the Gospel.
Elaborate Worlds:
Set in Scotland during the 17th century, the Covenanters were Christians persecuted for their loyalty to Christ and Christ alone. From the crushing defeat at the Battle of Rullion Green, to courageous victory during the battle of Drumclog, and longings for escape outside of Scotland and the promise of the new Americas, readers will be swept away in this historical tale of courage, faith, and freedom.
Noteworthy Elements:
Violence:
There are many references to the torture and gruesome executions that imprisoned Covenanters were forced to endure. Torture methods such as the rack, the boot, the gallows, the thumbscrew, dismemberment, and being burned alive are referenced and occasionally detailed. Other tortures are referenced (non-descriptively) to threaten Covenanters to denounce their faith. Soldiers threaten to roast an old man alive for refusing to submit to the Church of England’s authority, and a Covenanter is beheaded on the battlefield. Angus contemplates being tortured on the rack. The heads and hands of faithful Covenanters are displayed on the iron pikes outside of the M’Kethe’s town. Covenanter prisoners being shipped to the Americas as slaves are shipwrecked and locked below decks to die. The execution of David Hackston (a historical Scottish Covenanter) is described as his hands and heart were both cut off as he was being hung. One of the Covenanters is beheaded and the soldiers play games with his head. Many of these concerns are relayed to the main character, not witnessed personally. Angus describes how ravens will gruesomely slaughter young lambs. Battlefields are described vividly but tactfully.
Sexual Tension:
When Angus and his sister, Jennie, go to help their neighbors, Jennie is captured by the soldiers. Angus fights to bring back his sister along with “her virtue”, though nothing happens to Jennie. The clan chief studies Jennie in a way that makes Angus uneasy. Angus fears what the soldiers will do to his mother and sister if the men are all killed in battle, though no explicit details are given. There is a reference to a Covenanter’s wife being “used very ill” by the soldiers. King Charles II is described as having scandalous relationships and a reference is made to the King “carousing with one of his mistresses”.
Profanity:
The term “hell-hound” is used to describe James Turner, a persecutor of the Covenanters and the phrase “hell-kites” is used when describing the Battle of Rullion Green. The phrase “demon if it did” is used to describe Angus’ talking raven. The words “bastard” and “damning” are used a few times in a literal sense.
Spiritual:
Angus teaches his pet raven to say a few words and friends warn Angus that he may be accused of practicing dark arts with the bird. There are a few references to witches who were tried and executed for practicing dark magic, as well as a reference to a faithful Covenanter who was condemned as a witch.
Final Thoughts:
While the amount of violence in the stories adds a heavy tone to the trilogy, it is directly paired with incredible descriptions of the Covenanter’s faith and courage as they are persecuted and martyred for worshipping Christ and Christ alone. I was deeply encouraged as I read these stories of heroic men and women who were willing to suffer for their faith in Christ, and I hope these books will have an incredible impact on the young men and women who read them.
https://theradicalreader.com
January 18, 2010
I think I need a shelf called "Furtively read when I should be plugging away at War and Peace instead."
I have a semi-decent excuse though: someone lent this book to me. Once I return it I can never. read it. again. Whereas I own W&P. Ah, so. As Angus would say.
I have a semi-decent excuse though: someone lent this book to me. Once I return it I can never. read it. again. Whereas I own W&P. Ah, so. As Angus would say.
April 24, 2025
Overview:
Better than the first... but that’s not saying much.
Following Angus’ perspective this time around was definitely an improvement. He’s more dynamic than Duncan, and I actually found myself relating to him—somewhat—which helped keep me more invested. The pacing was a bit tighter, and there were a few more moments of tension. So that’s a plus.
Plot – 3/5
Compared to Duncan’s War, this one was definitely more interesting—but still not exactly my thing. The pacing dragged again. The first half was heavy with preaching, and while the second half picked up, it still took me a while to get through. I was never fully intrigued, though I can’t say it was bad either. Maybe I’m just more used to thrillers.
There were zero plot twists. For a story set during a war, I expected at least something—a surprise attack, a betrayal, a spy—anything! Even when Angus went against his father’s advice, I predicted exactly what would happen. That said, the tension built more naturally this time around. Douglas Bond might be starting to find his groove.
Characters – 3.5/5
Angus M’Kethe was a decent protagonist. He had drive and passion, which made him more relatable, and unlike Duncan, he wasn’t just a passive observer—he actually did things. That said, he was still a little flat. I didn’t notice much of a character arc, which in some ways I liked (less preaching), but it also meant he didn’t grow all that much. I would’ve liked Angus more if he had even a few disagreements with his father. Just because people get along doesn’t mean they agree on everything—and that kind of friction would’ve added some much-needed depth to the story.
Sandy M’Kethe, on the other hand, was still flat. If it weren’t for him, the book might’ve been okay. But his long Calvinist speeches and constant “no fighting” stance made every scene with him feel like a lecture. Everyone in the book seems to adore him, but Douglas Bond didn’t give me a reason to.
Other characters:
Jennie and Mary M’Kethe – I liked them, though they didn’t show up much. Mary, especially, had hints of an interesting personality—when Sandy wasn’t interrupting her for doing something human like complaining or being afraid.
Boig – A character I actually enjoyed! The ending of his story was a bit hard to believe, but I liked where it went.
Willy – This character was confusing. At first, I was certain he was younger than Angus, but then chapters after meeting him, Angus describes him as in his fifties. He acts nothing like it and I’m glad he wasn’t a big part of the book, because I could never see him as someone older than ten.
Writing Style – 3.5/5
The writing style was mostly the same as in Duncan’s War, but this time, the Scottish accent was toned down—which made it far more readable. Thank you, Douglas Bond. I donnae ken how I got through the last one.
TL;DR
Meh. It was okay. I got through it, though not with much enjoyment. It would’ve been better if the focus had stayed on the gospel rather than on specific denominations. A few good characters, and others I wished would disappear. I'll be surprised if I read the next book.
Recommendation:
If you're a young Calvinist who enjoys historical fiction and slow, sermon-heavy plots, this might be the book for you.
Better than the first... but that’s not saying much.
Following Angus’ perspective this time around was definitely an improvement. He’s more dynamic than Duncan, and I actually found myself relating to him—somewhat—which helped keep me more invested. The pacing was a bit tighter, and there were a few more moments of tension. So that’s a plus.
Plot – 3/5
Compared to Duncan’s War, this one was definitely more interesting—but still not exactly my thing. The pacing dragged again. The first half was heavy with preaching, and while the second half picked up, it still took me a while to get through. I was never fully intrigued, though I can’t say it was bad either. Maybe I’m just more used to thrillers.
There were zero plot twists. For a story set during a war, I expected at least something—a surprise attack, a betrayal, a spy—anything! Even when Angus went against his father’s advice, I predicted exactly what would happen. That said, the tension built more naturally this time around. Douglas Bond might be starting to find his groove.
Characters – 3.5/5
Angus M’Kethe was a decent protagonist. He had drive and passion, which made him more relatable, and unlike Duncan, he wasn’t just a passive observer—he actually did things. That said, he was still a little flat. I didn’t notice much of a character arc, which in some ways I liked (less preaching), but it also meant he didn’t grow all that much. I would’ve liked Angus more if he had even a few disagreements with his father. Just because people get along doesn’t mean they agree on everything—and that kind of friction would’ve added some much-needed depth to the story.
Sandy M’Kethe, on the other hand, was still flat. If it weren’t for him, the book might’ve been okay. But his long Calvinist speeches and constant “no fighting” stance made every scene with him feel like a lecture. Everyone in the book seems to adore him, but Douglas Bond didn’t give me a reason to.
Other characters:
Jennie and Mary M’Kethe – I liked them, though they didn’t show up much. Mary, especially, had hints of an interesting personality—when Sandy wasn’t interrupting her for doing something human like complaining or being afraid.
Boig – A character I actually enjoyed! The ending of his story was a bit hard to believe, but I liked where it went.
Willy – This character was confusing. At first, I was certain he was younger than Angus, but then chapters after meeting him, Angus describes him as in his fifties. He acts nothing like it and I’m glad he wasn’t a big part of the book, because I could never see him as someone older than ten.
Writing Style – 3.5/5
The writing style was mostly the same as in Duncan’s War, but this time, the Scottish accent was toned down—which made it far more readable. Thank you, Douglas Bond. I donnae ken how I got through the last one.
TL;DR
Meh. It was okay. I got through it, though not with much enjoyment. It would’ve been better if the focus had stayed on the gospel rather than on specific denominations. A few good characters, and others I wished would disappear. I'll be surprised if I read the next book.
Recommendation:
If you're a young Calvinist who enjoys historical fiction and slow, sermon-heavy plots, this might be the book for you.
September 29, 2023
It's not an utterly terrible book; though I'd give it about 2.5 stars in reality. I know that the book is written for 11-13 year old boys, but, then again, so was the Chronicles of Narnia. The second installment of Bond's trilogy introduces the youngest of the family Angus as the lead role. Much of it follows the previous book with family conversations on faith, the plight of the Covenanters during the persecution brought by Claverhouse, and the battle of Drumclog in Lowland Scotland. I have a few complaints though about this one. First, it suffers from a weak or non-existent plot. There really is no overarching plot within the book but an episodic series of events that have little linkage. Second, the dialogue in the book is far too much; not in a theological manner, but in a numerical scope. The book dedicates far too much to dialogue that isn't very strong which makes the book turn into a slog in portions to get through. Angus is supposed to be less brash, more contemplative, and a poetic soul in comparison to his brother Duncan, but it goes to excess. It's not a great work by any means, but it is a decent read for young boys.
September 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book even more than the first. I identified more with Angus since he likes to read and write, shoot a bow, play chess, and he isn't a hothead like Duncan. :) In fact, I really loved the character of Angus and his coming-of-age. Once again, I also appreciate how this series brings such a pivotal part of Scottish history to life and makes its details memorable.
January 18, 2019
Great read and especially perfect for my grandsons. I loved the discussions helping youth to deal with the difficult questions encountered during times of war. You can download a study guide from the publisher.
July 15, 2020
Been a while since I read this series, but I enjoyed it :)
August 6, 2024
Really enjoying this series.
July 25, 2025
Wonderful
August 13, 2025
This plot felt similar to the first book’s plot, so to me it wasn’t quite as engaging, but still full of great Scottish Covenanter history I haven’t found elsewhere.
January 30, 2026
This was much more dully didactic than the first one.
December 30, 2012
Wow, another amazing read by Douglas Bond! :D I found this one seemed to drag a little bit here and there, not sure if that was just my mood this month though (everything kind of feels that way right now with spring on the way), but I quite enjoyed it! :D I found it astounding how the author could use the same basic storyline, the same characters mostly, and the same trials...and yet it all felt so completely new! Just as in the Christian walk we sometimes learn the same lessons quite a few times, but from different perspectives, I felt that's what Mr. Bond did in this book. :) The story is still about trusting God in trials, and still about that struggle between following God's laws and following man's laws..when to fight, when not to...but everything felt so new through the eyes of a different character as he grows up and as God teaches him those same things.
I greatly enjoyed the storyline of this one, I think perhaps even more than the first...this book follows the character of book #1's younger brother, now grown up into a young man. His skills are not the same as his brother Duncan, yet we see how God can still use him in a great way -- each of us is special to God and have talents and gifts that we can use for His glory!
My favorite part of this book was near the end when the author included a great twist! But of course, you'll just have to read it yourself. ;)
I'd definitely recommend this book to just about everyone, though as before, the topic is of war and persecution, so some younger ones may need parental viewing before reading (though I did not find this one had quite as gruesome scenes as book #1).
You can find more of my thoughts here: http://younghomemakers.blogspot.com/2...
I greatly enjoyed the storyline of this one, I think perhaps even more than the first...this book follows the character of book #1's younger brother, now grown up into a young man. His skills are not the same as his brother Duncan, yet we see how God can still use him in a great way -- each of us is special to God and have talents and gifts that we can use for His glory!
My favorite part of this book was near the end when the author included a great twist! But of course, you'll just have to read it yourself. ;)
I'd definitely recommend this book to just about everyone, though as before, the topic is of war and persecution, so some younger ones may need parental viewing before reading (though I did not find this one had quite as gruesome scenes as book #1).
You can find more of my thoughts here: http://younghomemakers.blogspot.com/2...
May 14, 2012
Four stars, given it's for young people. I read Duncan's War, the first in this trilogy of historical fiction set in Scotland during the Covenanter uprisings.
The prolific Douglas Bond deals with how to love your enemies, political submission to ungodly rulers, training and self-discipline, meditating on Scripture via Psalm singing, courageous worship gathering by ministers in the face of violent reprisal by the state, and more. Give it to your 8-13 year old boy.
The Scottish dialect is a bit thick and annoying. The writing style is not so subtle. There are two episodes where the violence goes PG-13, at least. But on the whole a very edifying story.
The prolific Douglas Bond deals with how to love your enemies, political submission to ungodly rulers, training and self-discipline, meditating on Scripture via Psalm singing, courageous worship gathering by ministers in the face of violent reprisal by the state, and more. Give it to your 8-13 year old boy.
The Scottish dialect is a bit thick and annoying. The writing style is not so subtle. There are two episodes where the violence goes PG-13, at least. But on the whole a very edifying story.
September 15, 2014
I found it very interesting, but I did not find it as interesting as the first book in the series. The plot did not thicken and grow as much as the first book. I did like that it was set farther ahead in time than the first book and that it focused on another person of the same family from the first book.
March 20, 2017
Angus M'Kethe is renowned for his skill with the bow, which he puts to good use protecting his sheep from crows that prey on the lamps. But with bloody Claverhouse and his Royalist allies, Angus' skill may be needed in doing more than killing crows.
Read the rest of my review here: http://gloriakluth.blogspot.com/2017/...
Read the rest of my review here: http://gloriakluth.blogspot.com/2017/...
June 19, 2010
The first of these three books seemed a little slow and unnatural at times, but this one is much improved. I enjoyed the story and the book held my attention well. Learning of Scotch Presbyterian history via historical fiction is very enjoyable.
January 29, 2015
This was a really well written book. I loved how the writer used real words that would have been used then. by the end of the first and second book I found myself speaking like that! this is really a five star book for any one looking for history and adventure. -Lillian C.
September 4, 2008
We really loved this book too! This book series is great! I can not wait till we start the third!
July 22, 2011
Mom read this out loud when I was round 16 or 17. Loved it then, and love it still. All my younger brothers and sisters love it as well.
June 28, 2013
As I have said before, I really enjoy Mr. Bond's work. I like how much God is a part of these characters lives.
July 7, 2016
Really enjoyed this as a family. Yah for the Covenanters!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews