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The Quest for Qieta #1

The Quest for Qieta

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Dead bodies are appearing along the riverbanks of Shinrin, the largest Kingdom in Neputa. There is no explanation as to who has done this, or where these bodies have come from. However, one thing is consistent each time: Gouged out eyes and missing internal organs.

On the night of the next full moon, the infamous masked Mutoren makes another appearance. As Prince Takashi dives into solving this case, it appears that these mysteries may run deeper than he could have ever imagined.

364 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2023

4 people are currently reading
77 people want to read

About the author

T. Wu

2 books17 followers
Dr. Ting-Wei Wu, known by her peers as Tina Wu, was born in Taiwan and moved to the United Kingdom in 2001. As a little girl with a big imagination, the Quest for Qieta series has lived in her mind since the age of sixteen. At last, over a decade later, she has put pen to paper to bring the universe of Neputa to life.

Tina is a doctor in the UK. She is an avid lover of martial arts (namely Tae Kwon Do) and spends her free time drawing, reading, and watching anime. She also loves K-POP and has been a BTS ARMY since 2015.

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5 stars
21 (87%)
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2 (8%)
3 stars
1 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Porsche.
336 reviews13 followers
January 2, 2025
The Quest for Qieta is full of vivid worldbuilding and attention to detail, we visit a few different places and each one is described so well I felt as though I was there. This really added to my reading experience!

One of the best aspects about Tina’s book has to be her characters. TQFQ is told through multi POVs which I loved, as this allowed me to get such a good insight into how each character ticked. The transitions between each POV were super smooth and I felt myself really looking forward to reading about the different characters.

My favourite character was hands down Alkalin, he’s extremely likeable and he stood out to me immediately!

The plot was very original and engaging, it read as though I was playing a game which was a really cool experience. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything similar which is refreshing!

I really enjoyed my time reading book one and I can’t wait to get around to reading Memories of the Kurai soon!
Profile Image for Homlesreads.
26 reviews
July 21, 2024
“We are but a small speck of dust in this universe, Princess Lore,” he says. “Get out there and see the world.”
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♟️Rating:2.75/5⭐
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I was pretty excited about this book when it first popped up on my feed. It was on my TBR for quite some time before I finally got it during my Kindle sale. I had pretty high expectations for this book, but nonetheless, my reading experience felt underwhelming. It wasn’t boring, that’s for sure, but it was just predictable and underwhelming.

Before I begin my review, I would like to give the author my utmost respect for crafting this book. Writing while having a day job is not an easy task; it is even harder to do when you’re working in a healthcare setting (ward rotations…). It takes immense effort and time to fork out time for something you love. Even though I might have lots of comments and critiques about this book, these are merely my opinions. They will never define the reading experience of another reader.
In my opinion, the strongest points in this book are the world-building and characters. I actually really enjoyed the world-building of different places in this book, and the author definitely showcased her range when coming up with these places. It felt very original, which kept me wanting to read on. The characters and multiple POVs were what kept me going while reading this novel. Each of them has their own distinctive traits and voice, which are prominent throughout the whole book. This is so important to have when you’re writing a fantasy series with a large character cast, but I feel that it is sometimes forgotten.
The main reason why I didn’t really grow into this book was the writing style. There was a lot more telling than showing, such as “She screams.” This can easily be fixed by adding a few more words to change it into something like this: A loud wail echoes through the room, tearing the air apart. It is a lot less telling and it feels more impactful. There are other instances, such as “He panicked” or “There is a silence” that distracted my reading experience from time to time. The writing also lacks rhythm and feels repetitive at times. There was a lot of (x) doing A. (x) doing B and C. Here’s an example:
His movements are graceful. He uses the length of his spear to balance himself as he swings his legs around to kick his opponent.
I’m fine with it if it happens only a few times, but when it becomes a regular occurrence, it just feels distracting. In fact, this issue can be easily fixed with just a few edits:
Using the length of his spear, he flies through the air like a crane before swinging his legs around to kick his opponent.
It’s not the best writing, but you get the idea. There’s more use of imagery and variations in the writing. There were also times where I felt that there were too many fillers with unnecessary side characters near the first half of the book. I personally would have preferred to read more chapters on Qieta itself or on the main Mutoren plot. We didn’t really get to see a lot of progress on the main plot, and there was no real build-up to any of the climax except for the cliffhanger. I didn’t really feel the stake of the investigation when there was no real threat looming towards Satoru himself. There was no real progress on his investigation, which made it quite stagnant at times. Plus, I was expecting a lot more connections between the main characters aside from Satoru and the Mutoren, which would really help wrap up all of the complex cases and plotlines. I got to give it to the author for not making the plot lines confusing to follow when there’s so many things happening at a time. However, this can be a double-edged sword, as it is a matter of quantity or quality. Also, I would love to see more development on the magic system in this novel because it has so much potential to be something straight out of a video game like Zelda BOTW.
Again, this book wasn’t particularly bad or good. It simply didn’t meet my expectations. I genuinely feel that the author has a lot of potential in her debut book alone. Despite my disappointment with the first book, I will continue to read the rest of the series and look forward to Tina’s future works.I legitimately feel that Tina’s future books will get the ultimate writing glow-up. So if the author is reading this, keep on writing! I’m happy and proud that you managed to publish something so personal to your heart. Don’t let my opinions discourage your future writing, as you definitely have lots of raw potential. I can’t wait to see what’s to come next!
Profile Image for Madison Rene.
Author 3 books23 followers
April 29, 2024
This was such a stunning debut by T. Wu! What I appreciated most about this book was how immersive it was. You know that feeling where you forget that you're reading because you're so absorbed into the moment? Yeah, that happened, and I was so excited to get back to different viewpoints because I wanted to see what happened next.

I love that this is a multi POV story. That, honestly, was probably what made this book such a success in my opinion. The story revolves around Prince Takahashi (emperor in theory but prince in name. Yes, there's a reason, and yes, it is covered :)), his dear friends, Akalin and Albert, and a couple other extras every now and again. Despite having so many characters, however, T. Wu is able to flawlessly transition between them, and I never felt particularly lost or confused. And the characters are extremely real, and very likable. I adored Akalin! From the moment of his first appearance I knew that this was a character that I could get behind, and he didn't disappoint. I'm extremely excited to see where his story leads!

The only issue I found with the characters was that some of the mundane talk from passersby felt a bit out of place, or unnecessary to disclose. At times that would catch me off-guard and feel rather unrealistic, but this was minimal in the long-run.

The plot was interesting and continued to progress throughout the story without feeling sluggish. However, there were times where I felt the pacing was actually too fast, especially in the beginning. I felt we were quickly given the scenario without having a real reason to care for the characters that were struggling. After about the 25% marker this evens out, I feel. The plot itself, however, felt original and interesting, and it kept me turning pages and eager to see what would happen.

The story ends on a cliffhanger, and oh, what a cliffhanger! I adored it, and it makes me immediately want to read the second book. Super exciting, and one which, I daresay, I didn't see coming at all.

The story has an anime vibe, or at least to me. I felt I could easily see everything through an anime lens and it flowed beautifully. The rich, lush descriptions of East Asian culture felt authentic and believable, which also lent into the immersion that I felt into the story.

Overall, a beautiful debut, and one which I highly, highly recommend. I'm very eager to read more of her work in the future!
5 reviews
November 20, 2025


As a new author I took a gamble reading this book, I am usually nervous when it comes to reading books from a new author. I was honestly pulled in just due to how beautiful the artwork of the book was. I have to say, as a debut book from Dr. T Wu, this book was amazing. It was honestly so easy to read and really difficult to put down, I was so absorbed into the story.

When reading most books, it usually takes me a little while to actually get into it properly but I felt pulled in within the first few chapters (it helps that each chapter averages about 10 pages). At first I was a little worried as you practically get chucked into the story that already has an established world, so there’s not a lot of world building at the start. But that problem soon gets fixed as the story progresses on, I feel the way she built it up and the words she used made certain settings sound so ethereal.

What she really excelled in though, and what kept me interested most about the book was the character building and all the interactions between each character. Tina makes these characters sound like real people rather than just characters from a book, the way she portrays their emotions and character growth was a pleasant surprise. Every other chapter or so, she would change the POV to a different character who each had their own individual stories which were all connected in some way, but it really gave them all a time to shine. It’s also great when you have a favourite character (mine was Akalin) who have whole chapters dedicated to their stories. Even the chapters for characters you may not particularly like are interesting as the stories are engaging, all mixed with a bit of action and a lot of mystery.

I am really excited to read the next book to see what happens next. I would definitely recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Josette.
6 reviews
February 24, 2025
The Quest for Qieta is Dr. T. Wu's debut novel and an excellent, action-filled one at that! I really enjoyed the mysterious and adventurous element of this book.
I absolutely loved the vivid descriptions in this story & the attention to detail. Descriptions have always been one of my favorite things in novels, and these were stunning! I felt like I was really there while reading this book.
The author has created such a beautiful and epic world within this story. Some scenes were so beautifully written that I had to reread them several times to fully appreciate them!
I absolutely loved getting to know the different characters and seeing things from their point of view. Each of the characters had such an interesting background, and I enjoyed getting to know each one.
My favorite character was Akalin, and I hope I get to read more about his story in the next novel!
The Quest for Qieta had the perfect amount of characters that allows the reader to get to know each one. The plot was consistent and flowed perfectly from start to finish. I have read some books with multiple POVs, and they didn't flow as well as this one did, so well done, Dr. T. Wu!! 👏🏼
I love a good story that ends with a surprise cliffhanger. 🫣
I can't wait to enjoy the next book in this series. The Quest for Qieta had such an anime-feel to it, so if you like anime and adventure, then this book is for you!
Profile Image for Alexandra Atman.
Author 2 books17 followers
November 5, 2024
I had the pleasure of reading this beautiful book, expertly crafted by a special, unique writer.

To me, TQFQ reads like a game mixed with Ghibli-like magic. The vibes and tone made me think of Alchemy of Souls, one of my all-time favorite series! Finding such distinctive prose and a way of telling a story that defies current conventions was a pleasure.

Every character is given room to develop and shine and the deep relations between the cast members are gorgeously established and explored. Few books manage to transport me somewhere far and bright the way this one did from page 1. Every minute I spent reading, I was somewhere else, somewhere intriguing, and I loved this book for giving me that wonderful feeling I often long for but rarely experience.

Tina’s pages glint with a shade of magic that mesmerizes, so cozy despite the action and high stakes. And what about that cliffhanger at the end?Loved it!
Profile Image for Georgia Spearing.
Author 6 books41 followers
November 12, 2025
A breathtaking journey from start to finish!

The Quest for Qieta by T. Wu is one of those rare books that completely transports you into another world. Every page feels alive, and the world-building is rich, immersive, and so vividly descriptive that you can practically see, smell, and feel the landscapes as you read. T. Wu’s writing is both poetic and powerful, blending emotion and adventure seamlessly.

The artwork, as you can see from the stunning cover to the illustrations on the bookmarks, perfectly complements the story’s beauty. It’s clear that every artistic detail was crafted with love and intention, adding even more depth to the reading experience.

This story is a masterpiece of imagination, heart, and artistry. If you’re looking for a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, The Quest for Qieta is an absolute must-read. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Profile Image for C. K.  Andersson.
Author 3 books60 followers
February 20, 2025
I love this book so much! The author's way of describing the character growth and the emotions they experience is so wholesome and the romance aspect is so gentle, just like some of my favourite anime. I found myself kicking my feet and giggling at multiple points throughout the book.

There's so much I could talk about when it comes to this book, all the intricate details and the world-building, the plot (it's such an exciting storyline), but I'm not good with writing reviews and I'm still feeling all the feels after reading this. Even though my review isn't super detailed, I do hope someone seeing this will give this book a chance!

This is such a wonderful debut novel from an amazing writer and I can't wait to dive into the sequel as soon as I get some free time.

Thank you for creating this wonderful world for us to get lost in, Tina!
Profile Image for YZ (wordwanderlust).
133 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2024
Read this if you enjoy:
- Middle Grade Fantasy
- Game-like storytelling (think Genshin Impact and Honkai)
- Fast-paced reads
- Multiple POV
- Asian Fantasy

I really enjoyed this one! This Asian Inspired fantasy seems rather unique to me in terms of plot and world building as I don't think I have read anything quite similar to it. It was such an easy read that transported me to a whole new fantasy realm filled with diverse characters. The writing style really reminded me of the storytelling I see in games like Genshin and Honkai, where you're brought along on multiple third-person perspectives. Moreover, the ethereal appearances and descriptions of the characters also appeared to be quite game-like and I could totally see this being adapted for a game!

The writing was also easy to follow, with vivid descriptions and imagery. One small quip, though, would be the lack of world-building at the start of the novel. I felt like I had been thrown into a foreign world, and it took me a while to find my bearings, but I quickly recovered as the story progressed.

As it is an ongoing series, I think much of the characterisation, character-building, and world-building will be developed in subsequent books. As different characters embark on different but related quests, it was interesting to see how these quests are going to be connected. With a cliffhanger like that, I am excited to discover what happens next!
Profile Image for Caryn Hunt.
80 reviews
July 7, 2024
Written with such beauty and innocence!
That may sound a strange description of a fantasy novel where people are being kidnapped and murdered and yet it is the best way to describe the book.
You are transported into a different world with multiple plots and characters and yet not once are you confused as to who each character is or their place within the story. It is magically woven together.
I was drawn to all of the characters and though I desperately wanted to find out what was happening/going to happen I was also so relaxed and felt at peace.
Would highly recommend, such a refreshing change.
Profile Image for Ulana Dabbs.
Author 4 books26 followers
July 27, 2024
I'm a huge fan of Asian-inspired fantasy books, and I was immediately attracted by the cover and the premise. The book didn't disappoint. The author's unique voice did this tale justice. I was captivated by the immersive world, especially the mystical land of Qieta. The mystery surrounding the characters drew me in from page one, and it kept me guessing until the very last sentence.
I loved the expansive cast and looked forward to learning about each character. I was especially enamored with Akalin Kinali, but Mutoren was also intriguing.
The Quest for Qieta is a magical tale reminiscent of Heaven Official's Blessing and Onmyoji anime. I can't wait to read the sequel!
2 reviews
April 12, 2024
Quest for Qieta was my first east asian fantasy story and I couldn’t put it down! The adventure story had lots of different elements not just pure action. The world was easy to imagine because of the great descriptions, although it was quite gruesome at times. My favourite character was the playful Akalin. Thought I had sussed who the mysterious Mutoren was but was proved wrong. Excited to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Mayo.
3 reviews
April 27, 2024
This is an exceptionally captivating novel, brimming with fantastical elements and interwoven with intriguing suspense. The characters are intricately drawn, each possessing distinct traits that exude individual charisma. The narrative structure, employing multiple storylines, is a departure from the conventional, yet it enriches the reading experience. The prospect of the next installment's release is eagerly awaited.
1 review
October 2, 2023
The Quest for Qieta is truly a wonderful book. Reading this book was a real eye-opener. I was so invested in each character's storyline. I couldn't stop turning to the next page as the story developed at a fast pace. I also enjoy putting myself in a totally new world. This is one of the most exciting books I have read in a while.
1 review
October 2, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but I have to say, it reminded me of Game of Thrones! absolutely loved reading the book, I couldn't put it down! I loved how complex the characters were, the different elements of the story and how they all linked together. I NEED the second book to come out ASAP! Would definitely recommend this book if you are into the fantasy genre.
1 review
October 5, 2023
A masterfully crafted world with such endearing and lovable characters, intricately woven together to form a wonderful story. The Quest for Qieta was an absolute joy to read. Each character’s story kept me absolutely hooked and I am burning to find out what happens next. Absolutely cannot wait for the next book!
1 review
March 29, 2024
I’m not a big fan of fiction but after reading this book I wanted more! I love the character development and how each character has their own background story. The mystery kept me hooked and I can’t wait for the second book to learn more about the mystery.
1 review
August 3, 2024
I'm impressed by the artistry of her storytelling. The story really hooks you in this new world keeping you on your toes! I love the characters development throughout the book. Definitely a good read and cannot wait to read more of her work!
4 reviews
November 12, 2023
Very impressed by this book. Good character development and the world building was just beyond amazing. The author has clearly got some talent for it.
2 reviews
July 8, 2024
Amazing book! Has been written beautifully and has been keeping me engaged throughout! Looking forward to reading the next one!
1 review
November 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
The flow of the story and the attention to detail had me so hooked, I read the book in one sitting. I love the setting and the characters and I think this story is so beautifully original.

I felt the story at parts wasn’t escalating as quick as I personally may have liked and I found myself impatient for more to happen but the ending 50 or so pages made up for it

Thank you for this refreshing and throughly enjoyable read, I’ve got the second book ready to go!
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