The third installment of the Black Lion Trilogy. Estienne and his brothers have to accompany a holy women and her companions to a pagan settlement to bring Christ to them. What follows is brutal in the extreme as they try to escape with their lives. I shed a few tears at this one at the horror that the group face as they are being chased by the pagans. Once again Richard Cullen has written a spectacular story which makes you feel as though you are there with them fighting to the death. We have followed Estienne Wace from a youngster bought to Wales to be raised by the Marshall. I hope this is not the last we hear of Estienne. He is like a brother to us readers and I want to know what his next adventures are going to be. With thanks to the author,Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.

this was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed from a historical adventure and from Richard Cullen. It was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the use of 1223 AD. It had that element that I wanted and enjoyed the overall feel of this book, I thought the characters were so well written and was enjoying the overall feel of this book. It uses the characters and timeline in a way that I wanted and glad I got to read this.

Valour is the third in the Black Knight series, following Estienne Wace this time to the inhospitable climes of a frontier fort in Burzenland in the Carpathian mountains. As a frontier fort, they are subject to frequent Cuman (Kipchak) raids or vice versa as the Christians seek to push their territories forward.

A rollicking read from the get go, the story follows the path of missionary nun, Fabrisse of Avallon, who believes she is called to convert the Cuman tribe in response to their chief's appeal. But is the entire tribe in agreement or are Fabrisse and her retinue of two Dominican friars doomed?

Follow the perilous journey of Estienne Wace, Almaric et al as they try to seek out the missionaries, and rescue them if need be. This journey leads them through the dark, dangerous world of the Carpathian mountains, subject to nature's fury - heavy rain, sleet, snow, impossible mountain goat tracks with steep falls into the valley far beneath all the while pursuing or being pursued by the Cumans, carrying a terribly wounded (by impaling) monk.

You see the faith of Fabrisse, the dark work of the tribal shamans, the cynicism of Wace regarding God and his protection, not realising the truth, so fractured and wounded is he.

Despite the gore, bloodshed, fights, torture, sacrifices to pagan gods - all realities of that period, the book is unputdownable. The novel is as fast paced as the changing scenery and truly, Richard Cullen has surpassed himself in this novel.

Wace is still heroic, but it's not mostly the impossible heroism of a superhero. There are some elements of human failure that render him more reachable. He has also lost faith in God and his goodness, his protection and his ability to save. Yet, with his legitimate questions, his bad treatment by those who ought to have protected him, etc, he can't see/finds it hard to accept, what is largely plain to us, the readers, as the novel ends and the scene is set for the next in the series. It's to be hoped that Wace begins to find his way back to a loving God who never stopped loving on him.

If you've a strong stomach, read all three novels, and you'll see this is the best. This is an ARC read, but the opinions are my own

Estienne Wace has been tasked with escorting a Christian envoy, Fabrisse of Avallon, and Friars Galien and Rabel in their attempt to further spread Christianity to the pagan peoples of the Carpathian Mountains. The trip is arduous and not without difficulty. Although Fabrisse has been invited by the chief of the Cumans, there are some clan members who do not wish to turn away from the old gods. Estienne and his men have many battles ahead as they fight to get hostages returned and themselves back to safety.

This was a thrilling and entertaining read. There is a great deal of violence and graphic killings; so may not be suitable for some readers; however, I enjoyed it immensely and plan on taking a step back so I can read books one and two of this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank You NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!

Estienne Wace has changed so much in the series, and to think he's still young. Him questioning his beliefs because of the people he meets. He is such an amazing character in this historical adventure with great wiring and drama that had me glues to the pages.

Etienne Ware a knight attached to the order of Templars on the edge of the Caucuses, is charged with escorting a nun seeking to spread christanity to the tribes living on the borders.
She has been invited by the Chief, making overtures of friendship as their territory is being squeezed by the Huns.
What follows is a mixture of treachery and unsought frienship as Ware seeks to project the nun whilst questioning his own beliefs.
A good adventurous read.

This is a great and fascinating novel set in the 13th century and set in the Carpathes mountains. Really intriguing because I had absolutely no idea of this part of history where Christianity meets the old gods.... A lot of killing, an interesting concept of honour as well as a dangerous way of life have kept me on the edge of my seat!!! The only thing that I kept wondering about was the food: hardly any mention of it when they spent so much time fleeing, attacking, hiding.... I did enjoy the novel though a lot and I will definitely read book one! (book 2 can be read as a standalone).
I received a digital copy from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

I am floored by the events throughout Valour, but it was such a good read! Estienne Wace has become a formidable character over this trilogy, and he's still young so I can't help but think and hope that move historical adventures will follow. I do believe Valour has been the most intense and emotional of Estienne's stories and Richard Cullen should feel proud for writing good, solid books with spectacular action and drama!