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The Bookania Quests #3
My Kingdom for a Quest
Once upon a time...
Arthur is the rightful king of Briton, but his Uncle Mordreth refuses to give up the regency. Arthur and Grandfather are now returning with allies to wrestle the kingdom from his uncle's grasp. But not all is as it seems among his allies, and everyone has secrets. New loves, old loves, lost loves, kingdoms conquered and kingdoms stolen. Who is the real "rightful heir" and will the nearly forgotten sword in the stone finally answer this question?
Arthur is the rightful king of Briton, but his Uncle Mordreth refuses to give up the regency. Arthur and Grandfather are now returning with allies to wrestle the kingdom from his uncle's grasp. But not all is as it seems among his allies, and everyone has secrets. New loves, old loves, lost loves, kingdoms conquered and kingdoms stolen. Who is the real "rightful heir" and will the nearly forgotten sword in the stone finally answer this question?
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2015
2 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Kendra E. Ardnek
73 books278 followersKendra E. Ardnek is the self-proclaimed Arista of Fairy Tales. She makes her home in the hills of central Texas with her fellow author husband, who she found at a writer’s conference. When not writing, you can usually find her crocheting her own cloaks, valiantly attempting to read every retelling ever written, and pretending that owning toy dragons makes her a dragon trainer.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 5, 2015
Recommended for: All Ages
Rating: G
I saw Kendra Ardnek's books around the homeschool author community for awhile before reading them. My first was The Ankulen, which got me hooked on her writing. Then I ventured back to the Bookania Quests and read Sew, It's a Quest, which wasn't as good as her later writing, but I still enjoyed it greatly and wanted to continue the series. I read the second book, Do You Take This Quest in one day when I was sick around Christmas. I liked that one even more, and, since I loved it and can highly recommend it after reading it when I was sick (nothing serious, but I felt pretty awful), I would guess that means it is really good to be able to transcend illness. My Kingdom for a Quest is better than either of the two previous books in the series.
Writing: 5/5
Kendra's writing has improved considerably throughout her journey as a published author. Not that Sew was bad, it wasn't, it just isn't as good. Kingdom is the same quality of writing as The Ankulen, though the style is slightly different being in third person instead of first. It's sort of like older books, but a lively, fun type of writing, and at times it reminded me a bit of C. S. Lewis. She weaves many stories together in one, and handles the very large cast of characters well. Honestly, the various characters have more distinct personalities than I remember the dwarves in the book of The Hobbit having.
Setting: 4/5
Bookania is a fantasy world, but other than fairy godmother gifts, there is little magic left. Things have Changed. Much is inspired by various fairy tales and legends, but woven together into something new. There isn't really much new in the realm of setting in this book, but it is consistent with the worldbuilding of the two previous books. Bookania is an interesting place, and I feel there is still more to be revealed in it's cultures and histories.
Plot: 4/5
The main objective is to get rid of Uncle Mordreth. How to get everyone they need to help in the right place and willing to work together... It picks up after the honeymoons of Robin and Eric and Robert and Rosamond who had a double wedding in the last book. There are many personal things going on as those who have been asleep come to terms with it being one hundred years later, and as Robin behaves like Robin. And Eric has to deal with her. The plot wasn't terribly complex, though not entirely straightforward either, and I really enjoyed the storyline.
Character Development: 5/5
And now to my favorite part: Robin and Eric. They're just so funny together. There's more background on them in this book, about their long running childhood rivalry. I enjoyed it immensely. And their collections! No spoilers on it, though I just HAD to tell my sister even though she hadn't even read Take yet (I let her borrow my kindle to read it as soon as I finished Kingdom and she had it done by bedtime). But those were definitely some of my favorite parts. There's not quite as much of Robert and Rosamond, but they are still in it. There's more of Arthur and Shira's character gets explored more, as does Samson's. And the way things were for these characters before the Change is expanded on. But still, Robin and especially Eric take first place as favorites. I'm pretty sure Eric is my favorite. He's pretty awesome.
If you love fantasy, adventure, or are just looking for a fun read for any age, I highly recommend The Bookania Quests.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
For more reviews from me and my sisters, visit www.shirereviews.blogspot.com
Rating: G
I saw Kendra Ardnek's books around the homeschool author community for awhile before reading them. My first was The Ankulen, which got me hooked on her writing. Then I ventured back to the Bookania Quests and read Sew, It's a Quest, which wasn't as good as her later writing, but I still enjoyed it greatly and wanted to continue the series. I read the second book, Do You Take This Quest in one day when I was sick around Christmas. I liked that one even more, and, since I loved it and can highly recommend it after reading it when I was sick (nothing serious, but I felt pretty awful), I would guess that means it is really good to be able to transcend illness. My Kingdom for a Quest is better than either of the two previous books in the series.
Writing: 5/5
Kendra's writing has improved considerably throughout her journey as a published author. Not that Sew was bad, it wasn't, it just isn't as good. Kingdom is the same quality of writing as The Ankulen, though the style is slightly different being in third person instead of first. It's sort of like older books, but a lively, fun type of writing, and at times it reminded me a bit of C. S. Lewis. She weaves many stories together in one, and handles the very large cast of characters well. Honestly, the various characters have more distinct personalities than I remember the dwarves in the book of The Hobbit having.
Setting: 4/5
Bookania is a fantasy world, but other than fairy godmother gifts, there is little magic left. Things have Changed. Much is inspired by various fairy tales and legends, but woven together into something new. There isn't really much new in the realm of setting in this book, but it is consistent with the worldbuilding of the two previous books. Bookania is an interesting place, and I feel there is still more to be revealed in it's cultures and histories.
Plot: 4/5
The main objective is to get rid of Uncle Mordreth. How to get everyone they need to help in the right place and willing to work together... It picks up after the honeymoons of Robin and Eric and Robert and Rosamond who had a double wedding in the last book. There are many personal things going on as those who have been asleep come to terms with it being one hundred years later, and as Robin behaves like Robin. And Eric has to deal with her. The plot wasn't terribly complex, though not entirely straightforward either, and I really enjoyed the storyline.
Character Development: 5/5
And now to my favorite part: Robin and Eric. They're just so funny together. There's more background on them in this book, about their long running childhood rivalry. I enjoyed it immensely. And their collections! No spoilers on it, though I just HAD to tell my sister even though she hadn't even read Take yet (I let her borrow my kindle to read it as soon as I finished Kingdom and she had it done by bedtime). But those were definitely some of my favorite parts. There's not quite as much of Robert and Rosamond, but they are still in it. There's more of Arthur and Shira's character gets explored more, as does Samson's. And the way things were for these characters before the Change is expanded on. But still, Robin and especially Eric take first place as favorites. I'm pretty sure Eric is my favorite. He's pretty awesome.
If you love fantasy, adventure, or are just looking for a fun read for any age, I highly recommend The Bookania Quests.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
For more reviews from me and my sisters, visit www.shirereviews.blogspot.com
January 9, 2018
The original version of this book was my favorite of the Bookania Quests, the book that convinced me that I was going to stick with the series no matter how long it went on. It had all the things I liked about the other books and a minimum of the things I didn't like.
That version was good. This one is better.
My favorite parts from the original remain, of course, and are in some cases expanded upon. I still love the creative spin on the King Arthur legends- the Lady of the Lake/Excalibur element in particular. Related to that, I enjoy the acknowledgement (implicit and explicit)like by the characters that their world runs on storybook rules and the way they use this knowledge to their advantage, particularly at the end of the book. It helps set the book apart from the norm and, in some cases, adds a bit of humor. (Plus, it means the author can get away with certain things that she normally couldn't, and that makes me oddly happy.)
The couples are adorable too- two in particular. Robin and Eric, of course, take most of the spotlight, and they're absolutely delightful. (Those unconvinced, wait until you read the collection chapters, which are adorable.) But my absolute favorite Bookania couple has to be Maddie and Samson, who I swear have more screen time this time around. They're just the best, ok? You can tell they're in love, but they're not mushy about it. And I almost get the same vibe from them that I do from Reuben and Petra in LDTD- except that Maddie tends to get more flustered by Samson's declaration of love than Petra does by Reuben's, but it's kind of adorable, so, yeah. And the assortment of Gifts and their consequences is pretty fascinating.
All these good things from the original are complemented by improvements in the new version. The style and writing are smoothed out, though they still won't be everyone's cup of tea. I think certain elements have been expanded upon. Best of all, there's a new part 2: "The Quest for a Quince," which is what really lifts this book above the original. As one might guess, this section of the story shifts focus to Casperl and his past. And in the process, we get a better look at the history of a few other characters, with rather unexpected results. (I never thought I'd actually be sympathetic to Pearis, let's say that.)
Kingdom is, of course, not a perfect book, nor is it for everyone. However, it's still a light, fun read featuring some great twists on classic tales and a host of colorful characters.
That version was good. This one is better.
My favorite parts from the original remain, of course, and are in some cases expanded upon. I still love the creative spin on the King Arthur legends- the Lady of the Lake/Excalibur element in particular. Related to that, I enjoy the acknowledgement (implicit and explicit)like by the characters that their world runs on storybook rules and the way they use this knowledge to their advantage, particularly at the end of the book. It helps set the book apart from the norm and, in some cases, adds a bit of humor. (Plus, it means the author can get away with certain things that she normally couldn't, and that makes me oddly happy.)
The couples are adorable too- two in particular. Robin and Eric, of course, take most of the spotlight, and they're absolutely delightful. (Those unconvinced, wait until you read the collection chapters, which are adorable.) But my absolute favorite Bookania couple has to be Maddie and Samson, who I swear have more screen time this time around. They're just the best, ok? You can tell they're in love, but they're not mushy about it. And I almost get the same vibe from them that I do from Reuben and Petra in LDTD- except that Maddie tends to get more flustered by Samson's declaration of love than Petra does by Reuben's, but it's kind of adorable, so, yeah. And the assortment of Gifts and their consequences is pretty fascinating.
All these good things from the original are complemented by improvements in the new version. The style and writing are smoothed out, though they still won't be everyone's cup of tea. I think certain elements have been expanded upon. Best of all, there's a new part 2: "The Quest for a Quince," which is what really lifts this book above the original. As one might guess, this section of the story shifts focus to Casperl and his past. And in the process, we get a better look at the history of a few other characters, with rather unexpected results. (I never thought I'd actually be sympathetic to Pearis, let's say that.)
Kingdom is, of course, not a perfect book, nor is it for everyone. However, it's still a light, fun read featuring some great twists on classic tales and a host of colorful characters.
June 10, 2016
The Good:
-Arthur! I really like Arthur- he’s one of my top favorite Bookania characters. And Kingdom is primarily his story, which is awesome.
-Other friends return- most of the characters I like less have been minimized, while those I like more (like Madeline, Samson, Shira, Grandfather, and Eric) have larger roles. I was disappointed to not see more of Serendipity, Solomon, and Joan, but on the whole, the characters were excellent. Also, Robin’s mellowed a bit and has been given a bit more depth, so I like her better than I did previously.
-Fairy-tale and folklore references continue to appear both in the expected and unexpected ways. Picking all of them out is always fun. The twist on the Lady of the Lake was the best, in my opinion.
-Madeline and Samson are adorable. So are Eric and Robin, in their own way. On the whole, the romances in this book make me quite happy.
The Bad:
-Rough writing again. This seems to be a common trait in Kendra’s earlier books. Kingdom improves from the previous books in the series, but there are still a few places where a bit more polishing would’ve been nice.
-Lots of characters. This isn’t exactly bad, but it does mean I have a hard time keeping track of everyone, particularly the secondary characters.
Overall, My Kingdom For a Quest is a definite improvement over the first two books in the series, and is another quick, fun read.
-Arthur! I really like Arthur- he’s one of my top favorite Bookania characters. And Kingdom is primarily his story, which is awesome.
-Other friends return- most of the characters I like less have been minimized, while those I like more (like Madeline, Samson, Shira, Grandfather, and Eric) have larger roles. I was disappointed to not see more of Serendipity, Solomon, and Joan, but on the whole, the characters were excellent. Also, Robin’s mellowed a bit and has been given a bit more depth, so I like her better than I did previously.
-Fairy-tale and folklore references continue to appear both in the expected and unexpected ways. Picking all of them out is always fun. The twist on the Lady of the Lake was the best, in my opinion.
-Madeline and Samson are adorable. So are Eric and Robin, in their own way. On the whole, the romances in this book make me quite happy.
The Bad:
-Rough writing again. This seems to be a common trait in Kendra’s earlier books. Kingdom improves from the previous books in the series, but there are still a few places where a bit more polishing would’ve been nice.
-Lots of characters. This isn’t exactly bad, but it does mean I have a hard time keeping track of everyone, particularly the secondary characters.
Overall, My Kingdom For a Quest is a definite improvement over the first two books in the series, and is another quick, fun read.
September 2, 2015
Bookania isn't my favorite series ever, but you know what? I know I will keep reading it, simply because I can't help it.
Bookania draws me in. It's simplistic and fairy-tale-ish. It's naive and funny. It's innocent and sweet. It lacks depth enough to make my top favorites list, and yet I wouldn't change that. Because were there any more depth, Bookania wouldn't be what it is.
This book is probably my favorite of the three so far. I've gotten to know the characters just enough to make it interesting, though there's enough subplots and complexity to cause me to want to reread Sew and Take (Books 1 and 2, Sew, It's a Quest; and Do you Take this Quest?) simply to garner more connections between the stories. It took a bit into the book for me to remember some of the circumstances, characters, and connections, but it played out and was explained eventually.
My favorite scenes in the book? Robin and Eric's collections. Possibly one of the sweetest scenes I've ever read between a couple. It wasn't sappy, but it was sentimental and revealed much about who Robin and Eric are.
Recommended if you'd like a fun read.
Bookania draws me in. It's simplistic and fairy-tale-ish. It's naive and funny. It's innocent and sweet. It lacks depth enough to make my top favorites list, and yet I wouldn't change that. Because were there any more depth, Bookania wouldn't be what it is.
This book is probably my favorite of the three so far. I've gotten to know the characters just enough to make it interesting, though there's enough subplots and complexity to cause me to want to reread Sew and Take (Books 1 and 2, Sew, It's a Quest; and Do you Take this Quest?) simply to garner more connections between the stories. It took a bit into the book for me to remember some of the circumstances, characters, and connections, but it played out and was explained eventually.
My favorite scenes in the book? Robin and Eric's collections. Possibly one of the sweetest scenes I've ever read between a couple. It wasn't sappy, but it was sentimental and revealed much about who Robin and Eric are.
Recommended if you'd like a fun read.
October 3, 2019
Wraps up loose ends from “Do You Take this Quest” nicely. I read this series about once a year.
August 12, 2016
This is my favourite Bookania so far. The writing quality is better, it have a compelling plot with a few twists and great character development.
This book is most certainly spun out of Arthurian legend. But it's a new, light twist. There's a reason for the sword in the stone. It's rumoured that only the rightful ruler can pull in out. Or is it the rulers of the previous kingdom. Then ones who left it there and have been asleep for the last hundred years.
My favourite characters from the last book have returned and Robin has become a little milder. It has the potential to confuse people though I mostly kept people straight.
There is mild fairytale romance involving real emotions and dilemma. When you awake to find your kingdom had been taken over and that your betrothed is a hundred years older what do you do? Be bitter at his great grandson for also having a claim to that kingdom, or allow yourself to fall in love with him? And how do you deal with being strangely different?
This book is full of fun for all loves of fairytales and light humourous fantasy. And I'm completely aware that my review rambles all around everything and doesn't stay focused.
This book is most certainly spun out of Arthurian legend. But it's a new, light twist. There's a reason for the sword in the stone. It's rumoured that only the rightful ruler can pull in out. Or is it the rulers of the previous kingdom. Then ones who left it there and have been asleep for the last hundred years.
My favourite characters from the last book have returned and Robin has become a little milder. It has the potential to confuse people though I mostly kept people straight.
There is mild fairytale romance involving real emotions and dilemma. When you awake to find your kingdom had been taken over and that your betrothed is a hundred years older what do you do? Be bitter at his great grandson for also having a claim to that kingdom, or allow yourself to fall in love with him? And how do you deal with being strangely different?
This book is full of fun for all loves of fairytales and light humourous fantasy. And I'm completely aware that my review rambles all around everything and doesn't stay focused.
March 25, 2023
while the book is fun my favorite is the novella afterward
The story of Arthur is fun with lots of twists and turns but the novella after with Robin, Eric, and Casperel is so much fun and had me smiling as I read it.
The story of Arthur is fun with lots of twists and turns but the novella after with Robin, Eric, and Casperel is so much fun and had me smiling as I read it.
October 23, 2015
This book took me forever to read (because I got very distracted) but it is finally done! Full review to come later.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews