Brutal, gripping, and utterly immersive—this installment plunges you deep into the 13th century, where faith, loyalty, and survival collide. With unflinching battles, unforgettable characters, and raw emotion, this story will leave you reeling long after the final page.
Valour by Richard Cullen
Series: Chronicles of the Black Lion #3
Genres: Historical

Estienne Wace is forced to play a desperate game of cat and mouse, where the only way to win is to survive.

Burzenland 1223 AD

King András II of Hungary has invited the Teutonic Knights to secure his eastern frontier against the nomadic Cuman raiders, establishing fortresses along the Carpathian Mountains to quell the constant incursions by pagan clans.

Estienne Wace, has found purpose serving at the Order’s fortress of Rosenau, and he has earned respect through his unflinching courage. When a Christian mission, led by Fabrisse of Avallon, arrives determined to convert a pagan clan beyond the mountains, Estienne's warnings of danger fall on deaf ears.

News soon arrives of Fabrisse’s capture and Estienne, along with a small band of knights, undertake a desperate rescue mission through hostile territory where Estienne will face trials beyond endurance.

In the ensuing crucible of violence, he must decide what price he is willing to sacrifice for survival, justice, and redemption, in a land where mercy is a luxury few can afford.

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Review

The third book in this powerful series takes the story to new heights, weaving together faith, loyalty, and the relentless brutality of 1223. A holy woman, Fabrisse, sets out with her companions to convert a pagan clan, but their mission ends in devastation, leaving Wace and his comrades to attempt a daring rescue. Bound by duty yet driven by friendship, Wace steps into his greatest test yet, and the events that follow are both gut-wrenching and unforgettable.

What struck me most is how vividly the author paints this world. The atmosphere is thick with tension—harsh weather, dangerous terrain, and characters driven by desperation or faith. The battles are unflinching, every loss felt deeply, and yet there’s just as much emotional weight in the quiet moments between comrades. Estienne Wace continues to be a compelling figure, shaped by doubt and faith, while side characters like Jurgen (and his loyal companion Clovis) left such an impression that I long to know more of their stories.

There’s no shortage of action here—raids, rescues, and betrayals keep the pace moving—but what truly elevates this book is its emotional intensity. Every death matters, every decision carries weight, and the characters feel alive in a way that few historical series manage to achieve. The ending left me stunned, particularly with Carsten’s arc, which was both devastating and powerful.

This is historical fiction at its finest: richly researched, deeply human, and impossible to put down. A brutal yet beautiful chapter in Wace’s journey, and easily one of the strongest entries in the series.

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