Format Read: E-ARC
Number of pages: 336 pages
Publishing: April 7th, 2026
Source: Edelweiss+
Opening Lines: "All quests start out on one of twelve roads."
Claranelle "Nell" O'Dell is the proud daughter of Iglisenia the Mellifluous Bard and Kettleburn, wielder of Magronc. Two legendary questers who left behind a life of perilous adventure, trading their cloaks and swords for running the Crossroads Inn. Naturally, everyone assumes that Nell will follow in her parent's footsteps. While Nell respects her family's storied past, she dreams of a quieter life. She hopes they can find someone to help manage the bustling Inn, so she can devote her time to tending her garden and caring for her chickens.
Then one morning a letter arrives from the government bearing troubling news, the family might owe back taxes, and their beloved inn, campground, stables, garden and grotto could be at risk. Nell is chosen to make the journey to the capital, Grand Dalian, carrying the deed to the property to settle the matter. She had already planned to deliver a speech for the Young Auxiliaries Award, so she reluctantly agrees to go.
Just as Nell sets out on what she insists is merely a business trip and not a quest, she is unexpectedly joined by Midge, a bog goblin and Ghost, the family's specter cat. With her companions in tow, and the deed tucked safely, they begin their trek. But trouble suddenly finds them when a thief in the night steals the deed, forcing the trio to veer from their planned route to attempt to reclaim it.
Nell O'Dell Hates Quests has the feel of a Dungeons & Dragons style adventure, but with real-life complications woven in, like owing back taxes, price gouging, and traffic jams caused by an increase of questers chasing glory and rewards. The beginning felt a little rocky, mostly filled with Nell's repeated denials that she was on a quest. However, once the trio began facing obstacles like the rushing river and the Kelpies, the story settled into a nice adventure. The encounter with Tawnya, a faun who offers them directions to where the thief may be hiding, and Bevin, a troll desperate to reclaim his name and his job guarding a bridge added to my enjoyment of the story.
Although I didn't fall in love with the story, I can certainly see its appeal for younger readers interested in the classic quest structure, stories with dragons and dangerous obstacles to overcome. There are also several heartwarming moments between Midge and Nell, especially as Nell begins to gather her crew and she uncovers the true purpose behind her journey.
I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment