Editorial review
The Quest
By Wanda Davis
Magical, intriguing, and enchanting, Davis recaptures childhood yearning in book form.
Reviewed by CANREADS
Magical, intriguing, and enchanting, Davis recaptures childhood yearning in book form.
In The Quest, an ordinary girl by the name of Everette is given the opportunity to help the Fairy Queen on her quest to reclaim a collection of lost treasures. And by accepting her offer, Everette goes on an unforgettable journey filled with new magical friends and foes. Davis gifts her young protagonist a unique adventure in the natural world, the freedom to make her own decisions, and the courage and independence to take on difficult tasks. By the end of the tale, one thing is clear: sometimes the greatest adventure begins with a single brave yes.
Davis’s emphasis on the natural world is refreshing: she crafts a thrilling world free from reliance on technology or modern distractions, a realm rooted in imagination, exploration, and play. Forests, bogs, and hidden trails become the backdrop for a tale that encourages children to engage with the world around them. As well, the story’s brisk pacing keeps young readers invested, shaping an exciting world for the young adventurers to explore. The classic children’s story figures such as the strange but friendly troll Trow and the regal Fairy Queen are instantly recognizable for young readers, providing both comfort and curiosity.
The novel itself quietly champions self-belief. At the beginning of her tale, Everette does not believe herself to be strong enough to undertake the Fairy Queen’s quest. While Everette’s journey to retrieve the important treasure is fraught with potential perils, like a fire in the forest and a pathless bog, with help and encouragement from her friends, the young protagonist begins to believe in herself, understanding the importance of asking for help from others when encountering difficult challenges. Davis’s Everette is strong, adventurous, and caring, vital traits for young readers, especially young girls, to internalize.
Additionally, the representation of close friendship in the book makes for an extremely wholesome and impactful reading. The main character frequently shows care and gratitude for her friends, showcasing a great example of healthy friendship for readers. While the fear of trying something new will feel familiar to many children, the unwavering encouragement shared between the young adventurers reinforces an equally important lesson: bravery grows strongest when it is shared. Davis’s story reaffirms that fearing new things is okay, but perhaps more importantly, Everette’s adventure teaches young readers that being brave with the support of others can lead to exciting adventures.
The first-person narration allows Everette to recount her experiences in a voice that feels authentic and youthful. Davis cleverly captures the rhythm of a child sharing an exciting story on the playground, creating an immediate connection with younger audiences. This, however, also means the flow of the writing is sometimes mistimed, with some sentences long and flowing, and others quick to describe large chunks of action in a small number of words. The minor grammatical and spelling errors may have been intentional (in order to maintain the childlike narration), but they did also occasionally disrupt the flow of the piece. In terms of characterization, while the trio of young adventurers is easy to root for, their personalities sometimes blend together rather than standing apart. Even so, the novel’s sense of wonder, clear storytelling, and positive messages ensure it remains an enjoyable read for its intended audience.
The Quest remains an engaging adventure for young children that reignites a lost childhood wonder for the wide and magical natural world. Fans of Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief who enjoy books with magic infused into everyday life will adore the whimsy of The Quest. With lessons of gratitude and bravery baked into a grounded fantasy, this tale is the book young dreamers have been yearning for. The Quest reminds readers that magic often waits just beyond the edge of the familiar.
—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW