Genre

Fantasy, Comic fantasy, time-travel fantasy

Audience

Adult

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2024

Themes

Coming of age, romance, quest, heroism, self-discovery

 

Reviewed by

Corinna Turner

Mark Reid’s thirteenth century girlfriend thinks he’s a coward. She’s used to being courted by warriors, and he’s just an ordinary twenty-first century guy. Desperate to prove himself, Mark embarks on an Arthurian-style quest that will test him in multiple ways. If only he had the slightest idea how to ride a horse, swordfight, or (literally!) face his inner demons. Can he survive his quest—and keep his true love?

This short sequel to Rosaline’s Curse is definitely best read after the first book. Some readers might be frustrated by how short this story is, but it is clearly billed as a novelette at the beginning. Fans of Katherine Campbell’s series will not want to miss it. 

Mark’s Noble Quest explores an inevitable dilemma that is bound to develop between Rosaline and Mark with plenty of humor and adventure. Mark learns some important lessons—the ones about boundaries and about resentment being especially memorable. 

Although the values and lessons are things that will be valued by a Catholic or general Christian audience, there is little that is specifically Christian about the book, making it a good read for a secular audience as well.

A quick, light-hearted read that touches on serious moral lessons.

Books to Pray with: January The Gift of Diversity

Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.
January starts the year off with praying for and in thanks of the gift of diversity to the church.

Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon By Corinna Turner 

A human-sheep hybrid’s friendships with a friendly vampire and a very angsty house-wolf are tested in this story that explores nature versus nurture. 

August & September New Book Releases

Step into Fall with a Good Book

The Dunes by A.R.K. Watson

“The Dunes” raises questions that are relevant in any marriage: not just for the creepy, otherworldly couple who venture onto a lonely island to set up camp near prehistoric sand dunes for the last time.

Where to begin with J. R. R. Tolkien?

Beyond the adventure, the way to read The Lord of the Rings is not as an allegory but as a meditation on the human Story we are each caught up in, and in which we each have our part to play, our temptations to resist, and our task to accomplish.

The Wish Thief by C.D. Verhoff

Glory steals an unusual gem to save her family but winds up threatening an entire world.

Champion of Valdeor by Sandralena Hanley

Fed up with modern 1st person, present tense narratives bursting with ‘hip’ characters? Look no further!

Why Flannery O’Connor is Too Dangerous for Catholic Book Stores (And why I love them both for it)

Why the promotion of religious fiction is just as important as the promotion of nonfiction and Apologetics.

Christmas Books to Curl up With

Get into the Advent spirit with stories that entertain and don’t water down the holiday.

Lord of the Rings & the Eucharist by Scott L. Smith

What do trees have to do with Bread & Wine?

Gapman by Karina Fabian

Earth has its first superhero—and a dragon’s taking him under his wing.

October Books to Pray With: For a Shared Mission

A list of books exploring the theme of solidarity between clergy and laity.

Nightside The Long Sun by Gene Wolfe

A groundbreaking classic that conveys the practical need for ritual and a Priesthood to a secular world.

The Exile by Allison Ramirez

Is there hope beyond the Island of Mirror?

Will Wilder and the Relic of Perilous Falls

Follow Will Wilder as he discovers a hidden world, fights demons and rescues a hidden treasure!

Best of 2023 Book Awards

Our favorite books that we reviewed in 2023. If you want Catholic literature but don’t know where to start this, (and previous award winners) is the list for you.

Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman

An intriguing story that will enchant with a sweet romance and take you on a thrill ride through the Gothic version of modern-day New York City.

Defend the Tabernacle by Deacon Patrick Augustin Jones

Catherine and Bernard get whisked away to do battle on the Soulscape, where the true nature of things is revealed.

Books for Lent

Deepen your Lenten reflection with these stories of repentance and forgiveness