The Last Best Quest Ever

Lukens (Love at Second Sight) skillfully blends a cozy adventure with a pensive exploration of perception and heroism in this tender romantasy. Questing is a source of entertainment for the royal court, and 17-year-old Ellinore is celebrated throughout the Kingdom of Avoury as the top quester, having completed courageous tasks related to monster hunting as well as the retrieval or destruction of magical items. Only Ellinore knows that her reputation is built on illusion, and that her victories have been carefully embellished to win gold and provide for her family. Exhausted by the charade, she announces her retirement, only to be thrust back into peril when her twin brother Zig stakes his life on her ability to recover the horn of the legendary Elder Beast. Joined by Zig and Ellinore’s rival Princet Aven, Ellinore embarks on a dangerous journey that will force her to reckon with her deception. The heroine’s preference for negotiation over brute force underscores her moral strength and distinguishes her from her kingdom’s violent history. While the main mission takes time to gain traction, Lukens keeps readers engaged via Ellinore and Aven’s witty banter and the protagonist’s struggle to balance her public persona with her true self. Characters are described as having various skin tones. Ages 14–up. Agent: Eva Scalzo, Speilburg Literary. (May)