Mark's Noble Quest

by Katharine Campbell

In this sequel to Rosaline's Curse, Mark Reid has a problem. His thirteenth-century girlfriend thinks he's a wimp. All of her former suitors were warriors of one kind or another, how can an ordinary twenty-first-century bloke possibly compare to that? 

In order to prove his manhood, Mark decides to go on an Arthurian quest that will test his strength, virtue, and fortitude. Unfortunately, Mark's experience horseback riding, sword fighting, and facing his inner demons, leaves much to be desired.

64 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 2024

Reviews

[TaniaRina Valdespino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technology isn’t the only difference from the 13th century…
…and Rosaline isn’t the only one dealing with culture shock.

Back in the day, what constituted what it meant to be a “real man” is nowhere near what it is today. Things have changed; there’s none of this ‘just like the knights of old’ when it comes to men proving their worth for a worthy woman. Modern man no longer has dragons to hunt down; rather, he has an entirely new set of challenges to face.
Soooo…for me, this begs the question of whether or not completing dangerous tasks or fulfilling strenuous requests are still a relevant requirement? I, for one, would prefer my dragons to still have their heads attached and to have my man conquer his inner demons.

Even though the author mentioned before our tale began that there would be illustrations, the first one caught me off guard. I snorted just like a horse! The pics really added to the tale – well done.

[Joseph R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having a girlfriend from the 1200s can be a challenge. Expectations were different back then. Everyday heroism involved fighting wild animals and overcoming the elements with what nature provides. This lack of classical heroism (or even of everyday skills) is Mark Reid's problem. He was an academic who lost his job and is now more or less on the run from the law (see the events of the previous story). His girlfriend, Rosaline, was in magical sleep for hundreds of years and has slowly adapted to life in the twenty-first century. She's working at a horse farm where tourists get to ride, the sort of place Mark has never even contemplated visiting. So he doesn't have the horse-riding skills that were commonplace in the thirteenth century or any sword-wielding panache. Much less has he killed any animal, wild or tame. To solve this problem, that is, to impress his lady, he gets help from Brother Joseph, a friendly magical being passing himself off as a monk in a local monastery. Joseph has a ready-made quest for Mark: just climb a volcano and recover a beautiful ring. Mark agrees even though Joseph promises there will three difficult challenges along the way.

The story has the same charming and light-hearted tone of Campbell's previous works. Mark is good-hearted and earnest even though he lacks the skill set that he thinks will win the day. He faces ghosts and gorgons with a sword and a cellphone, an odd combination that works for him and the story. Of course he is victorious at the end, though he also gets a little better perspective on his life and his relationship. He doesn't just do something, he learns something. The book goes by quickly (it's a little over fifty pages) but it is quite delightful.

Recommended.

I did receive a review copy from the author (thanks!) but my opinions are my own.

[Madeline Shepley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first stumbled upon Katharine's books a year ago, I wasn't quite sure I would like them. The covers weren't ones that would normally draw me in, but the titles and a book club with friends did, so I acquiesced. Needless to say, I was pleasantly proved wrong. The humor, witty banter between the characters, the real yet refreshingly virtuous relationships, and the surprisingly deep spiritual wisdom made me fall in love with her books.

And in this short little gem, she's done it again!

In this one, I absolutely adored how Rosaline's influence has continued the work it started in Rosaline's Curse of drawing out the best of Mark and encouraging him to become a better man. The story did such good job of showing how spiritual evil is real and how if we're not careful, complacency can lure us away from what is good, true, and beautiful until resentment eats away at us.

This book illuminated that there is strength in setting boundaries, virtue in recognizing (and not repeating) our past mistakes, and fortitude in patiently bearing our burdens and our significant other's quirks...and perhaps most importantly: one mistake does not have to ruin your life.

In short: if you loved any of Katharine's previous books and want a humorous but poignant fantasy read that will make you think deeply about virtue and growing as a human being, I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Rosaline's Curse which is a romantic comedy version of Sleeping Beauty where the 13th century young woman awakens in 2017. She encounters our modern world and Mark, a young man who is not only a nerd but also her true love. It's a lot of fun. Read it first.

This novelette (longer than a short story and shorter than a novella) follows Mark as he tries to prove to Rosaline that he's just as brave as the guys back in the 1200s. That's not easy in 2024 but luckily a friendly fairy sends him on a quest to climb a volcano and recover a beautiful ring. While undergoing three trials.

So it is a classic adventure set up. Except that this story is being told by Katharine Campbell which means it is charming, funny, and resonates with modern readers' lives. That's all while following the rules of such a fairytale.

This is highly satisfying and I only wish it were longer.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosaline is a princess from the past and Mark is a modern day fellow. They are in love but don't see eye to eye on several points. This tale introduces Mark to his short comings so he can realize his dreams with Rosaline. The drawings interspersed throughout are great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a hilarious continuation of Rosaline’s Curse. I loved the relationship between Mark and Rosaline in Rosaline’s Curse and it was a joy to read more about them. As always, Katy’s sense of humor shines through her writing. Grace’s illustrations were amazing and I looked forward to seeing them as I read along.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a humorous novella about a guy finally gets the girl but feels he still has to prove himself and goes on a quest he is unprepared for. Poor Mark has no idea what he is in for and ends up having more faith in himself because he really is perfect for Rosaline. Reading the first book, Rosaline's Curse is necessary to enjoy this short sequel.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure he takes. There is a lot of twists and turns in the story. Like the historical aspect of him in this medieval time. Like the strong character that has some weaknesses as well. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Divya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Rosaline's Curse and follows Mark in his quest to win Rosaline's heart. An interesting short story from Mark's point of view.