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.

The Divided Kingdom by Allison Ramirez

What sinister secrets hide behind the walls of the Island of Mirror?

Misshelved Magic by S.R. Crickard

A non-magical librarian and a student mage discover the secrets of a magical library.

Elfling by Corinna Turner

Serapia Ravena is on a mission to find and keep her father, but he has transgressed a boundary that no creature has the right to cross. Only the mercy of God can resolve this tension.

Best of 2019

Comic Books, Classic Literature and newly converted Catholic authors– 2019 brought some excellent changes to the literary tradition of our faith.

Wake of Malice by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson

Sent to investigate a series of murders in the Irish countryside, Hugh soon finds signs that someone is messing with old Celtic myths best left undisturbed.

The Eternal Spring By, Phillip MacArthur

A fairy tale about faith, hope, and the destruction they protect us from.

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.

Christmas Spirits by Karina Fabian

A dragon PI and a Faerie nun try to save a businessman from the Ghosts of Christmas.

The City and The Dungeon by Matthew P. Schmidt

Who knew fighting monsters in a D&D dungeon could convince him that not everything can be attributed to a chance roll of the dice?

Spooky Catholic Reads

Books with the themes of the All Hallows season grouped according to scariness level.

Coven (Book 7 of St. Tommy Series): By Declan Finn

St. Tommy fights the CPS and a group of pagans who have taken over a military base.

Will Wilder and the Relic of Perilous Falls

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

Crusader St. Tommy NYPD Book 5 By: Declan Finn

Detective Nolan embarks on a Crusade against demonic sex traffickers trying to raise a demon.

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson

Discover the far deeper, more salvific tale that Disney turned into romantic fluff.

Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight by G.M. Baker

Dark psychological fairy tale in which the heroine slays her enchanter only to become possessed by his spirit

Books to Pray With: April, For the Role of Women

A book list with prayerful reflection on the gift of women in the church. Pray and read along with us and the Pope’s monthly reflections for 2024.

Vigil by Russell Newquist

“Big Trouble in Little China” meets Saint George and the Dragon

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.

Good to the Last Drop by Declan Finn

Marco thought his problems were over when he took on the vampire council, until he gets bit by a werewolf. Will this ruin things with his vampire girlfriend?

Ironcraft by Pedro Gabriel

Giants war in this Genesis-style mythological fantasy.