Review: Nell O'Dell Hates Quests

By Emily B. Martin

Somerville, MA: Candlewick, 2026. Fiction. 324 pgs.

Unlike her parents, famed ex-questers who founded the inn at the Golden Crossroads, Nell O'Dell has no interest in questing. In fact, she has had quite enough of the hoards of questers who crowd the inn each year. Questing, Nell thinks, is a waste of time. But alas! A government mix-up means that Nell will need to travel to the office of the Exchequer to show her family's deed and save the inn. This important mission couldn't possibly be a quest, could it? How about after the deed is stolen by a mysterious girl with a dragon in the middle of the night? Whether she likes it or not, Nell is on a quest—big time - it's up to her to save the crossroads and protect the future of the world.

Part quest fantasy and part satire of a quest fantasy, this series opener is a riotous good time. Nell's dry reluctance to engage in questing makes for a humorous plot point, especially as she encounters many good natured, quest positive creatures. Readers who usually shy away from epic fantasy will find Nell a natural entry point into this story. You'll come around to the silly and fantastical world of quests alongside her. Readers who already enjoy fantasy will love this tongue in cheek world, that lovingly pokes fun at the tropes of a good quest story. A lot of fun for middle grade readers wanting a clever fantasy with a little bit of action.

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