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Wren #2
Wren's Quest
Yearning for adventure, Wren journeys to find her family, but her travels are threatened by an assortment of shady characters, as well as by her traveling companion's preoccupation with magic. Reprint.
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1993
9 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Sherwood Smith
167 books37.5k followersI am a writer,( Patreon here) but I'm on Goodreads to talk about books, as I've been a passionate reader as long as I've been a writer--since early childhood.
I'm not going to rate books--there are too many variables. I'd rather talk about the reading experience. My 'reviews' of my books are confined to the writing process.
I'm not going to rate books--there are too many variables. I'd rather talk about the reading experience. My 'reviews' of my books are confined to the writing process.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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October 30, 2015One thing I particularly like about this series is the sheer enjoyment Wren wrings out of most of the adventures she tumbles into. I also appreciate all the family complications. So many relatives, so little chance to get away with strangling them.
August 22, 2014
Wren is unsettled. She's about to take her Basics test and, after that, go off on a quest to find any relatives she might have. Despite Tyron's assurances, she's not sure she'll pass. And if not, what then? Her choices are more plentiful than they used to be, but she still doesn't want to fail. It isn't such a great time to be leaving, either. The court is flaring with feuds and grudges, Conner's in trouble again, and Andreus may be attempting revenge.
This is a more branching narrative than Wren to the Rescue. It's also, amusingly enough, far more about Conner than it is about Wren. While Conner and Wren go after Wren's parents, Tyron and Tess have their own mess to deal with at court.
Conner is easily my favorite part of the book. From his dreams of becoming a playwright (not an easy thing for a prince, as everyone considers it beneath his station) to his twisted-up magic, he doesn't have much of a place anywhere to speak of. He's been kicked out of magic school, he has no land or inheritance to speak of, and he's searching for his place in the world far more than Wren, who although being an orphan has a fairly bright future as a magician. But Conner's gifts are stranger than he could ever imagine, and his journey will Wren will change him far more than it changes her.
I also appreciated that Wren, though still a magical prodigy, is learning that knowledge really is as important (more?) than power. And her lack of magical experience cancels out most of her strength. Her struggles with wanting to find a family, a place to belong, are there, but they pale in comparison to Conner simply because he's stuck in a fairly wretched place no matter where he turns, where she has friends and a home with Tess.
The adventure of the quest is fairly straightforward; the intrigue at the court is much less so. Although the motive remains obscure until basically the end, the villain is unfortunately obvious almost from the moment that person is introduced. It's a little frustrating that the careful, thorough, and paranoid adults don't even think to look in that direction until the kids manage to blow things open. It would have been more understandable if some magic was involved (though again, that would've left signs to trace), but there's no sign of it. And though disaster is averted, the villain fails to get any kind of comeuppance.
So this is a bit of an odd sequel in that although it follows the first book well, it's a different kind of book. The kids are a little older now, and their problems less easily solved. Some of the relationships are left in question. But overall, it's still a solid book. I rate this book Recommended.
This is a more branching narrative than Wren to the Rescue. It's also, amusingly enough, far more about Conner than it is about Wren. While Conner and Wren go after Wren's parents, Tyron and Tess have their own mess to deal with at court.
Conner is easily my favorite part of the book. From his dreams of becoming a playwright (not an easy thing for a prince, as everyone considers it beneath his station) to his twisted-up magic, he doesn't have much of a place anywhere to speak of. He's been kicked out of magic school, he has no land or inheritance to speak of, and he's searching for his place in the world far more than Wren, who although being an orphan has a fairly bright future as a magician. But Conner's gifts are stranger than he could ever imagine, and his journey will Wren will change him far more than it changes her.
I also appreciated that Wren, though still a magical prodigy, is learning that knowledge really is as important (more?) than power. And her lack of magical experience cancels out most of her strength. Her struggles with wanting to find a family, a place to belong, are there, but they pale in comparison to Conner simply because he's stuck in a fairly wretched place no matter where he turns, where she has friends and a home with Tess.
The adventure of the quest is fairly straightforward; the intrigue at the court is much less so. Although the motive remains obscure until basically the end, the villain is unfortunately obvious almost from the moment that person is introduced. It's a little frustrating that the careful, thorough, and paranoid adults don't even think to look in that direction until the kids manage to blow things open. It would have been more understandable if some magic was involved (though again, that would've left signs to trace), but there's no sign of it. And though disaster is averted, the villain fails to get any kind of comeuppance.
So this is a bit of an odd sequel in that although it follows the first book well, it's a different kind of book. The kids are a little older now, and their problems less easily solved. Some of the relationships are left in question. But overall, it's still a solid book. I rate this book Recommended.
April 11, 2010
I really enjoyed this book too, partly because I'm partial to head strong, resourceful female characters, and also because Wren is finding herself and her heritage.
January 2, 2012
Orphan Wren is bff with the princess and doing well at the magic school, but she can't help but wonder if she has any family somewhere in the world. She sets out to find them, with Prince Connor at her side. Meanwhile, Princess Tess is having trouble adjusting to court life after growing up in the orphanage.
I actually liked this better than the first book, Wren to the Rescue. I think Smith trusted herself more, and let the personalities and dialog flow a little more naturally. The tinges of forced characterization are gone. The two plots come together well, without feeling like one was short-changed. And I really liked the development of Connor's skills, and that it doesn't feel like the book is forcing either him or Wren toward any one particular career. Generally someone is completely talented and interested in one subject, and it's obvious that they're meant to become a magician or writer or whatever--but Smith gives her characters a smattering of gifts and a wide range of interests, and they feel more realistic for it.
Definitely an enjoyable adventure--so much so that I extended my workout in order to finish it!
I actually liked this better than the first book, Wren to the Rescue. I think Smith trusted herself more, and let the personalities and dialog flow a little more naturally. The tinges of forced characterization are gone. The two plots come together well, without feeling like one was short-changed. And I really liked the development of Connor's skills, and that it doesn't feel like the book is forcing either him or Wren toward any one particular career. Generally someone is completely talented and interested in one subject, and it's obvious that they're meant to become a magician or writer or whatever--but Smith gives her characters a smattering of gifts and a wide range of interests, and they feel more realistic for it.
Definitely an enjoyable adventure--so much so that I extended my workout in order to finish it!
May 13, 2015
I decided to re-read this series when I discovered that Smith had published a fourth book a few years ago. This series really affected me as a child and I had been wanting to go back to it, but the discovery of a new novel I had not read yet really, really excited and motivated me to finally do it.
I'm happy to say that it has held up. It's everything that I look for in middle grades fantasy books is here. Wren is a superb heroine who values both her independence and her friends and family and loved ones. She is intelligent, loyal, funny, clever, and everything I remember her being when I was younger, when I literally wanted to be her.
As a bonus, all of Wren's friends are also the kind of people I would want a child of mine to read about. They do not fall into any specific stereotype or tropes of the genre but rather come across as real people. I actually really like how spread out this squad of four is and where Smith took the characters in this second book, managing to give each of them space to grow within the story and their experiences and letting their paths both converge and diverge in very organic ways.
I'm happy to say that it has held up. It's everything that I look for in middle grades fantasy books is here. Wren is a superb heroine who values both her independence and her friends and family and loved ones. She is intelligent, loyal, funny, clever, and everything I remember her being when I was younger, when I literally wanted to be her.
As a bonus, all of Wren's friends are also the kind of people I would want a child of mine to read about. They do not fall into any specific stereotype or tropes of the genre but rather come across as real people. I actually really like how spread out this squad of four is and where Smith took the characters in this second book, managing to give each of them space to grow within the story and their experiences and letting their paths both converge and diverge in very organic ways.
September 8, 2014
A fair 3.5 stars.
This was a more polished book than Wren to the Rescue Wren 1 and in it Sherwood Smith shows considerable growth as a writer I feel. The story was more well rounded and I appreciated the divergent plotlines and disparate viewpoints in this episode that lead to a cohesive conclusion while still allowing for further series plot development...unfortunately my copy of Wren's War Wren 3 has succumb to my recent flood that spread nasty mold, which I was unaware of on this particular shelf and has been rendered unreadable. I won't let it depress me but it does mean that for me at present my trip into this series is over.
This was a more polished book than Wren to the Rescue Wren 1 and in it Sherwood Smith shows considerable growth as a writer I feel. The story was more well rounded and I appreciated the divergent plotlines and disparate viewpoints in this episode that lead to a cohesive conclusion while still allowing for further series plot development...unfortunately my copy of Wren's War Wren 3 has succumb to my recent flood that spread nasty mold, which I was unaware of on this particular shelf and has been rendered unreadable. I won't let it depress me but it does mean that for me at present my trip into this series is over.
January 3, 2019
Wren is now learning to be a magician, Tess is training to be queen someday, Tyron is being prepared to become court magician, and Connor is trying to figure out what he wants to be. Our four intrepid friends from book 1 start a new adventure when Wren sets out on a personal quest to find her parents, accompanied by Connor. But at court, someone is subtly stirring up trouble, and Tess' parents want her to help ferret out the culprit.
Another enjoyable adventure, with our protagonists growing up quite a bit. I liked the character development and have the next book lined up.
Another enjoyable adventure, with our protagonists growing up quite a bit. I liked the character development and have the next book lined up.
November 20, 2018
I liked this book a lot, but it felt a bit all over the place. There was a lot going on and it didn’t fit together the way it did in the first book. I think this is kind of a transition book, and if the the third book is awesome it will be okay. I do love how happy Wren always is with her adventures, and the new kinds of magic we see on this journey, all the drama of large families, all that was great, and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next..
September 7, 2019
An ok book, though I’m reminded of how horrible Hawk is, which makes Tess’s later attraction to him even weirder. At least Garian is eventually redeemed.
I felt that Wren’s aunt should have been a little angry at the husband who essentially sent her beloved niece (whom she raised as an infant) to an orphanage for a decade. Is she unaware of the inn being signed over and why?
I felt that Wren’s aunt should have been a little angry at the husband who essentially sent her beloved niece (whom she raised as an infant) to an orphanage for a decade. Is she unaware of the inn being signed over and why?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2018
Enemies comes from no where. I am truly interested in Wren and Connor's heritage for there magical prowess is good. I am enjoying the different adventures.
I would love for Connor and Wren to develop a relationship when they are older and for them to visit the merfolk.
I would love for Connor and Wren to develop a relationship when they are older and for them to visit the merfolk.
August 21, 2022
Interesting developments -- another mysterious opponent, Wren off to try and find out about her past, and Conner suddenly finding hist way to a streak of magical heritage. Very interested to see where it goes from here.
May 4, 2017
I loved seeing everyone grow up - although Teressa seems to be a bit behind or at least not in focus very often. I think it was here when I begun to ... not quite dislike her but be wary about her.
November 18, 2019
Basically another journey story with repeated jumps from one character to another.
March 11, 2022
Another fun story with plenty of excitement and magic with interesting magical twists!
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February 22, 2017Got a couple chapters in, but the characters were flat to me. It's probably been too long since I tried to read the first one.
September 9, 2010
It's been a long, long time since I read these books. Long enough that I've forgotten pretty much everything that happens. So when I got to a scene, early in the book, where one of the main characters is being framed, and the other main characters appear ready to buy into it, I cringed. That kind of plot--the kind that could so easily be cleared up by five seconds of conversation, but isn't--is one of my least favorites in fiction.
Fortunately, I kept reading, and within about two paragraphs, the characters had cleared things up. By talking. Like normal people do.
That's why I love this series. The plot, at least for this volume, is nothing to write home about. The worldbuilding is limited, the magic system basic. But the characters are plucky and sensible--even the adults, who help rather than hinder the young protagonists and who are present in their lives without being overbearing. They're people I would like to actually know. And that makes reading about them a pleasure.
On a side note, I remember having quite a crush on Hawk at age 12. That attraction now mystifies me. Apparently I've gotten over my bad boy thing?
Fortunately, I kept reading, and within about two paragraphs, the characters had cleared things up. By talking. Like normal people do.
That's why I love this series. The plot, at least for this volume, is nothing to write home about. The worldbuilding is limited, the magic system basic. But the characters are plucky and sensible--even the adults, who help rather than hinder the young protagonists and who are present in their lives without being overbearing. They're people I would like to actually know. And that makes reading about them a pleasure.
On a side note, I remember having quite a crush on Hawk at age 12. That attraction now mystifies me. Apparently I've gotten over my bad boy thing?
November 14, 2011
I have very fond memories of the first book in this series, Wren to the Rescue, and I re-read it often so I thought it would be nice to try and see what happened to Wren and her friends in the sequel. Unfortunately this book didn't satisfy me at all. At first I thought it was because I was too old for it but I read and enjoy YA and many Children's book without feeling so dissapointed. Ultimately I think that Quest suffers from being the second book in a trilogy. Second books so often just feel like a bridge to the third and don't have very captivating plots. In addition to this, the narration shifted points of view so frequently that it was difficult to become emotionally engaged with all the different characters. Overall, everything felt emotionally empty. I look forward to reading the third book, Wren's War, but I'm glad that I didn't buy this book.
June 16, 2023
This is only the second time I have read this, as it came out waaaaay after the first book. I love the continuing journey of our heroic heroine Wren and her friends. The camaraderie is still there, though our cast is a few years older. I like seeing how Tess's relationship with her parents grew with her home, as well as seeing what Wren got up to. I liked meeting the expanded cast of royals as well.
Tess is off doing princess stuff, while Tyron is hanging around court as the apprentice to the King's Magician. Wren is going on a trip to find out if she has any family left, and Connor joins her for the walk. We find out more about Connor's strangeness, and see some developments in Wren's magic. All the while court intrigue abounds and they have to find and stop the mysterious sorcerer causing a ruckus.
Tess is off doing princess stuff, while Tyron is hanging around court as the apprentice to the King's Magician. Wren is going on a trip to find out if she has any family left, and Connor joins her for the walk. We find out more about Connor's strangeness, and see some developments in Wren's magic. All the while court intrigue abounds and they have to find and stop the mysterious sorcerer causing a ruckus.
July 25, 2022
In this book, Wren goes on a quest to find out who she is and is accompanied by Connor, who is at a loose end, having been kicked out of the magic school. It is also a quest for his discovery of himself, which he finds when he gets deep into the mountains and his magic comes to life. Wren meets her relatives. Meanwhile there are intrigues at the court and a bit of an uprising as cousin Hawk attempts to work with bad guys to kidnap Tess again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2012
I actually think I liked this book more than the first. Maybe I just like the characters better because I know them, but I really enjoy the four friends and their relationship with each other. Connor and Wren are great together and I was happy for the purpose of Wren's quest in this book. My favorite part of this book is the underwater adventure that they have which is shown on the cover! I want to do that!
October 8, 2008
I didn't think the "quest" in this book was a quest. Wren heads off on an adventure to find her family. And she takes Connor along to get him out of the city and trouble. The narrative is divided between the four main characters, which makes it rather choppy. Overall, it was ok - I though the first one was more coherent.
March 23, 2010
This is an in between story. It just passes time from Wren to the Rescue to Wren's War. It was a good read, but the story was more about Connor then Wren's quest. Don't get me wrong, the information that was delivered in this book is really important in understanding what is to happen in Wren's War. It also gives you a glimpse of what is to become of the four friends and their friendships.
September 27, 2012
This is a suitable sequel to the first Wren book, and maybe even a little better. I liked the four young characters: Wren, Princess Teressa, magic-maker Tyron, and Prince Connor. Wren's quest of finding her family was perhaps not the strongest quest ever, but it does get our characters where they need to be.
October 13, 2011
While enjoyable, this book did not have the strength of characters that the first title in the series did. It's definitely a bridge book in the series and a good one-off read to help understand more of the plot in the final book of the trilogy.
January 22, 2011
A fun sequel to "Wren to the Rescue". I did not feel it was quite as strong as the first one, but there's no real 'complaint', either. Another fun adventure with a good ending. :)
Looking forward to the third one.
Looking forward to the third one.
January 26, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Wren is now starting to learn magic and is a little better prepared for this adventure. This book again has people becoming animals and people being held against there will. Wren sets out to find her family. Read the book and see if she finds them!
August 5, 2008
Same as Wren to the rescue
January 14, 2011
Not as bad as the last one - thought it was better written and more interesting too.
February 4, 2011
I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. I liked learning more about Wren and Conner and what they can do with there magic. Quick, fun reads for younger girls.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews