Rising to the Challenge: A Tale of Perseverance and Unconditional Love

The Comrades of Honor #3

by Alicia A. Willis

New difficulties arise for Sir Kenneth Dale in the exciting final installment in The Comrades of Honor Series. As a favorite of the Earl of Birmingham, his life appears tranquil – until the both beautiful Lady Clarissa and a headstrong orphan named Brion arrive in the castle. It is not long before Sir Kenneth finds himself not only in love, but also the master of the most difficult squire Birmingham has ever harbored.

Brion de Lantenac is nothing short of rebellious. Hatred for Sir Kenneth’s strict rules vents itself in constant disobedience, triggering continual clashes between himself and his new lord. But there is a reason behind his self-centered character. The murder of his family has caused heartbreak he may never recover from. Will he ever reveal his true identity to Sir Kenneth? And what about Guthrie, the man who sullied his father’s shire with treacherous hands and now seeks his demise?

Caught between a hopeless romance, a rebellious squire, and the enemies on all sides, Sir Kenneth finds himself challenged. Amidst battles, heartache, and dark mystery, he must somehow rise to meet the difficulties of his life with honor. Will he ever win his squire’s heart? Will he and Clarissa be forever separated?

Join Sir Kenneth, Brion, and all the comrades of honor in a tale of perseverance, chivalry, and unconditional love. Treachery abounds and evil seems insurmountable. Will rising to the challenge preserve honor and win the day?

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Alicia Willis is a homeschool graduate and avid historian. When not writing or doing endless historical research, she enjoys being a church pianist, teaching music, singing, and playing volleyball. Her other passions include working in her church and spreading the love of Jesus Christ. She also manages a monthly e-newsletter entitled "Little Corners". Be sure to like her FB page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alicia...

To visit her at her website or sign up to receive her newsletter, navigate over to http://www.aliciaannewillis.com/

Reviews

[English · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a sweet, clean, wholesome Medieval adventure series, Alicia Willis' trilogy is a great choice. Emulating the style of the Victorian and early 20th century writers such as Howard Pyle and G.A.Henty, the 'Comrades of Honor' trilogy is full of adventure, courage and heroism- but despite the emphasis on knights and thier escapades, is not entirely 'masculine' in tone or emphasis.
There are usually romantic elements involved, and some female leads who can be strong and fiesty without being overly militant or epousing modern feminist ideals that would be at odds with the setting (no griping about 'repression' or 'sexism' when they can't do what they want here).

'Rising the to the Challenge' was the last book in the series, and although it pays to read the first two books, each title is a self-contained story that can be read and appreciated by itself. Those who have read the previous titles will be re-united with some beloved characters from the other stories (Sir Kenneth, Sir Brandon and others), as well as some alluring and endearing new ones, with challenges and problems to face, and another dangerous foe to grapple with.

The author is a self-professed historian, and these books are usually rich in authentic details of the age, especially those relating to the ceremonies, expectations and lifestyle of Medieval Knights and knighthood. I only had few problems with the period details- one being the mention of a torture chamber, the other to a knight saying he could force a Lady to marry him without her consent. Seeing as Medieval canon law stated marriage without free consent was illegal, it struck me as a bit inaccurate, as did the former.
Also, I did seem implausible that nobles could go around comitting acts like the villains sometimes do in this series, without some kind of intervention from the King or Parliament, who were meant to keep the nobility in check.

However, these did not really detract from the story, or the reader's enjoyment of it, and balancing it out is some solid research and an otherwise good sense of the time.
Overall, 'Rising to the Challenge' is wonderfully pleasurable and satisfying read, with some solid Christian themes that do not come across as preachy or contrived, but fit in well with the period setting.
Suitable for teen-adult (younger children might find the langauge and writing style a bit obscure, and there is some violence, but nothing graphic).

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Appropriate For: 12 and up for some very mild romance and mild violence
Best for Ages: 12 and up

Okay, this review is way overdue. Perhaps it is because I wanted to wait until I could do justice to the amazing story this book contained. It was, by far, the strongest of the series, with a message that our generation needs desperately: perseverance.

Too often, even Christians bail out when things get hard. We reach out to those who need the hope only Jesus can give, but when they do not respond or become angry, we give up. A relationship in our lives becomes broken, and instead of fighting to restore it, we walk away. This book exemplified perseverance, even when all hope seems lost. I was touched and moved by the message, and I hope that it will stick with me for many years to come.

The characters were some of the best that Alicia has ever created. Brion, the bitter and hurt young man who is forced into becoming a squire even though he is the heir to his own castle. Sir Kenneth, a knight of honor who is determined to help Brion, but struggles to follow through. Lady Clarissa, the obedient but also strong daughter of a noble father who is determined she will only marry a man of wealth and title. This cast, as well as many other characters, made this book the most interesting of Alicia’s stories.

One of my favorite things about Alicia is that her books are never graphic even if they deal with harder things. I would feel just fine handing this book to a very young person, even though there are sword fights and battles, because nothing is ever described in such a way as to be disturbing.
I highly recommend this book to those who love G.A. Henty, historical fiction, and fiction that is driven by a strong Christian faith.

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

[Samuel Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impressive close to the Comrades of Honor series! Sir Kenneth faces circumstances that will test his patience and perseverance to the utmost. Though unmatched in the skills of battle, he faces challenges that cannot be won by sword or bow. Frustrations abound between Sir Kenneth and his defiant squire, Brion de Lantenac. When Clarissa arrives at Birmingham, Sir Kenneth finds in her a true friend and confidant. Finding that marriage is impossible adds heartbreak to Sir Kenneth's frustration. Is it worth the sacrifice to rise to the challenge? Or will it cost too much heartache and grief?

Sir Kenneth is very well portrayed. I find myself able to relate to him in many of his decisions and reactions. He is a valiant knight, but at the same time he is quite human. His struggles and feelings are accurately revealed and developed. Brion has a character befitting all that he has suffered. His pain and grief naturally manifest themselves as rebellion. This is a very accurate picture.

With excitement, treachery, and mystery on every turn, this one is hard to put down! There is plenty of suspense, and some surprises along the way. The theme of moral excellence in the lives of the main characters is refreshing.

This is definitely my favorite of the three-part series. I highly recommend it for ages 12 and up. There is a limited amount of violence, and although it is very mildly portrayed, it would be better for teens and up.

[Micaiah Keough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rising to the Challenge: A Tale of Perseverance and Unconditional Love
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Best for ages: 12/13 and up (for violence, sword fights, injuries, torture, etc.)

Rising to the Challenge was not what I was expecting - in a good way. Set in Medieval England with the ever-present fight of good versus evil, it was exciting and had many twists and turns that I was never expecting and I certainly didn't see coming! The plot twists are some of my favorite parts of the book. The adventure was gripping and heart-racing. The characters were fun and engaging. This was definitely the best book of the Comrades of Honor Series by far.

I enjoyed Brion's character, perhaps, the most. His character was a lot of fun, and had a great arc. I liked the fact that he wasn't rebellious and hated Sir Kenneth just out of spite or stubbornness - he was truly hurting and his family had just been murdered. Fantastic character! Brion de Lantenac might actually be my favorite character in the whole series!:)

Other characters such as Victor and Sir Darryl - who we're just introduced to - made the story even more fun. I really liked Victor and his friendship with Brion. Sir Darryl was a great rival and I loved the twist in the end with him and Sir Kenneth!

A fantastic book with a wonderful plot, a fun cast of characters, and a gripping, exciting, and well-thought-out storyline. Job well-done, Alicia!

I'm looking forward to seeing what books Alicia Willis will be writing now that The Comrades of Honor Series has come to an exciting close! Recommended for those who enjoy historical adventure fiction!

[Alicia Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Review: I am so thrilled to be presenting the final installment in The Comrades of Honor Series to you. I had so much fun with this tale, from inventing Brion's character to the complications of the romance to the mysteries of Lantenac Castle. I hope you will love all the brave comrades of honor as much as I do...and that your heart will always linger in Birmingham!

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rising to the Challenge was a fun, stimulating book to read. In many ways, I saw myself in the well-developed characters—especially in Sir Kenneth Dale, who had to do the right and honorable thing, even though it meant going against all his heart longed to do. I also understood Brion well, someone who, while wanting to do the right thing, always managed to end up in the wrong place. Both were equally challenged throughout the narrative, both learning that the hardest things sometimes are—in the end—the best experiences for us.

The story opens with Brion de Lantenac, a thirteen-year-old noble’s son, escaping from the burning ruins of the castle that holds the slain bodies of his parents and only brother. With his treacherous uncle searching for his life, he must find a place of safety where he can prepare for the day he will be able to take revenge.

We next meet Sir Kenneth Dale, a knight in Birmingham castle, who is badly in need of a squire. Through a series of events, Sir Kenneth and Brion’s lives are brought together—and Brion soon becomes Sir Kenneth’s new squire. Brion keeps the secret of his true identity to himself, holding fast to the promise he made to his life-long mentor that will help keep him safe until he can fend for himself.

Over the course of several months, Brion comes to long more and more for the indulged freedom and authority he once held as second only to his father, the castle lord. Deliberately refusing to obey Sir Kenneth’s commands, he ends up accidently killing his master’s favorite horse and as a consequence—and because of his many other disobedient and outright insolent actions—Brion is discharged. Alone, without the protection of Sir Kenneth—or any other knight, because no-one wants to deal with his untamable spirit—he must somehow survive—and escape his uncle’s detection. Despite all he does to try to stay away from his uncle, he is captured. Does anyone care enough about him to try to find out where he has disappeared to––and save him? And if they do, will they get there in time? Or will the secrets of Lantenac castle rest forever in the hands of a traitor?

I received an early reader copy of Rising to the Challenge, to help Alicia Willis with any slight mistakes that may still be in the book. While I did find a few problems near the beginning, by the end I was reading so fast to get the tension over with that I forgot my real job was to act as editor. Instead of being a critiquer, I became an observer—and began living in Birmingham castle and the surrounding area instead. The story is full of exciting, hair raising adventure, with a few humorous bits woven in to keep the tension well balanced.

Through Rising to the Challenge, we are called to continue on in the hard things of life, even when it would be easier to give up and find a more effortless route. Besides an entertaining story, I found it very encouraging to read about someone who fought what he knew was wrong, instead taking the respectable way to go about things—and conquering his problems in the end.

This story is truly a masterful piece of art, and I am privileged to recommend it wholeheartedly.

[Kelsey Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished! Oh, wow ... what to say? It was spectacular! A review will be forthcoming ... I think this may have been the best of the three! Wonderful job, Alicia Willis!

Full Review:

The Comrades of Honor series comes to a close with Rising to the Challenge. It’s a bit sad to see the series end, but it was the perfect finale. Our favorite characters make their reappearance—Sir Robert, Sir Kenneth, Sir Brandon, Sir Nathaniel, and the others—and we are introduced to remarkable new ones, many of which could be candidates for a “favorite character.” Sir Kenneth, however, remains mine. :)

I enjoyed all the things that made this book unique from its predecessors: a lot of time spent looking at the daily life of Birmingham Castle, a larger focus on romance, a question of secret identity, etc., as well as the things that carried over from the others, obviously! Things like intrigue, excitement, adventure, character depth, honor, faith, and the milieu of the Middle Ages.

Brion de Lantenac’s development was amazingly well explored. I loved the realistic detail Miss Willis used to trace the arc of his thoughts and actions as he changed throughout the book. It ranks with the best character development in any book I’ve read. Sir Kenneth, too, was richly detailed; the question of what would happen next in this relationship between knight and squire always burned. I found the punishments Brion must undergo disturbing at times, but that was realistic for the time and in this book (as in the others) tastefully handled.

Lady Clarissa is at least as strong a female character as Adela in In Search of Adventure. The romance between her and Sir Kenneth, with the heartbreaking tension of whether it will work out or not, is another question that just has to be resolved with rapid reading! Sir Darryl, the one who comes between them, is an interesting person …

I don’t want to go on and on and give anything away (though I could, because the excitement I feel about this story could easily bring that about :) ), but I found the plot was tight and very well constructed, the action and character development were perfectly paced, the characters were absolutely engaging, the writing was enjoyable, the swordfights were like movie scenes, the situations kept me guessing, and the ending was great! Although the Comrades of Honor series has ended, I am so glad that Miss Willis keeps producing wonderful historical fiction! I hope she writes many, many more novels that glorify God. :)

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an awesome conclusion to the series and it was so much fun getting to read this book from Sir Kenneth's point of view. Sir Nathaniel is, and shall always be, my favorite, but Sir Kenneth is a close second. The adventures that face the recently knighted Kenneth Dale are not for the faint of heart and as I "traveled" through this story through the peril and heartache, adventure and joy, I felt that I was right there beside Kenneth and the other knights, squires, and ladies of Birmingham Castle. There will be discouragement and disappointment, as well as the highest victory anyone ever imagined. This was an amazing tale of courage and chivalry.

What I Liked: As with all of Alicia A. Willis's books, I felt that it was very well researched. The adventure kept me turning pages and all of the characters were so very well developed, which always makes a story so much stronger.

This was a very good story. It had surprises around every corner and turn and I was always quite surprised. Just when I thought that a scene or subplot was going to get kind of cliché, something quite different happened. As an example, I was quite pleased with one of Lady Clarissa's decisions after someone in the book threatened her. I thought she was going to make one decision, but she made quite another.

Virtue, chivalry, honor, truth, and justice were very clearly woven into this story and I actually teared up a bit at some of the intense parts of the book. It was certainly a very riveting tale that Alicia A. Willis has cleverly spun. :)

What I Didn't Like: I don't think that I had anything I disliked about the book.

I give this wonderful book 5 stars. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I was quite sad to say goodbye to the knights and ladies of Birmingham Castle. Very well done, Alicia A. Willis! This book is definitely going in my favorites of 2017.

[Rebekah Bolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As will all of Alicia's books, Rising to the Challenge captures the heart and interest of the reader. With a spell that only Alicia could cast, she draws the reader into the story as if they are actually a part of the story. For each of the main characters, they can feel their heart and emotions, their joy and hurt, their struggles and their victories.

Gripping and heart warming, this story is was also encouraging to me as a person. Reading it was like taking a lesson in character traits and left me with a far richer understanding of how individuals differ and how to better interact with others.

Rising to the Challenge is family friendly. In most of today's media, the plot is either clean or entertaining. Not both. This book is a shining exception and demonstrates that media can be both.

The historical accuracy of this book is remarkable and sheds light on many ambiguous areas of every day life during the dark ages. It does not just focus on the rich or just the beggar. Alicia Willis shows what life was like for individuals of all classes and interactions among them. The details she shares are fascinating, down to the very articles of clothing and the weapons used. At the same time, she does not bog down the story with excessive information, just enough to let the reader enter into that world.

How can this book be summarized? Educational, entertaining, fascinating, wholesome, family friendly, gripping, the list goes on! It is guaranteed to have you gripping the edge of your seat, rolling on the floor laughing, or reaching for a tissue.

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I was really blessed reading "Rising to the Challenge".

I loved the story line. It was very adventure-filled, having lots of suspense and plot twists, with the perfect touch of romance added.

I would have a hard time saying which character is my favorite. I loved the bravery and chivalry of Sir Kenneth, the sweet submissiveness of Lady Clarissa, the strength of character in Brion, the steadfast loyalty of Victor, the quiet wisdom of the older knights, and yes, the sweet innocence of little Ethan.

Alicia Willis did a great job with the character developments. I haven't read the previous two books (although I am looking forward to reading them :) ), but this one is just fine as a stand-alone. I didn't have any trouble figuring out who's who.

"Rising to the Challenge" is a story that is entertaining, exciting, and educational, all the while following Biblical-based values such as chivalry, obedience, perseverance, and fighting for truth and justice.

Overall, I was encouraged to rise to the challenges in my own life and to be excited to see what blessings God will bring out of the midst of them.

[Sarah Jane Ho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reviewing Alicia's book, "Rising to the Challenge." I have not read the first two of this trilogy but now that I have completed this one I can't wait to start from the beginning.
Alicia sucks you in from the very start. At the beginning it was hard for me to figure out who was who, since I hadn't read the other two yet, but was still drawn to the characters by her beautiful descriptions. She takes you through a whirlwind of emotions, keeping you glued to what will happen next.
Once I became attached to the characters, like any other good book, I couldn't put it down. I will be reading the other two just for the sake of knowing I read all three but it could really be read as a stand alone title.

[Anita Strother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular Book! I was suppose to be looking for errors, when I discovered I was so into the story that I hadn't found any mistakes in 75 pages or more. Alicia has an awesome way of developing her characters, she draws me into the story and I feel as if I know them. Thanks Alicia! This book is her best book yet!

[Zandri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first two books in the Comrads of Honor series, and the third one was no exception. Throughout the series it was wonderful reading about the little pages and squires of the chivalrous knights become knights themselves, with their own pages and squires. This book closed the tales and adventures of Birmingham Castle and all it's occupants without loose ends and cliffhangers, sweetly ending the series.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end to this trilogy comes in this book with solid tale of perseverance, love, and fortitude and it's a satisfying completion. The story is riveting and, although the old English dialogue may be a deterrence for others; it's what continues to shine especially for a history buff such as myself. All-in-all, a well rounded, exciting, and even emotional end to the Comrades of Honor trilogy.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book!
For more information on what I think of them all, see my review for the first book in the series 😉
For younger readers - more romance in this book than in the first top!
I really enjoyed it and the entire series and was sad that it came to an end! But, it was very good all the way through!