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A (Not So) Simple Quest
Melodia is a sorcery apprentice. She’s also an elf-orc halfling, what others call an abomination, and she’s never left the safety of the castle walls. But all of that is about to change, because there is something Melodia needs. Melodia is going on a quest. When she encounters an unlikely quest partner in the handsome knight Sir Devan, she must learn to trust her life as they face feral beasts and bandits on their perilous journey to the Whispering Pines and beyond. But can she trust him with her heart?
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2024
About the author
Christina Wallace
15 books38 followersMy name is Christina Wallace. I am an author of novels intended for children and young adults. I enjoy writing a variety of genres, but my favorite genre is fantasy. One of my favorite book series was the Faerie Wars Chronicles by Herbie Brennan. In many ways, his take on faeries very much inspired my own.
I first began writing as a way to cope with moving and the loss of my friends, and it quickly grew into a passion of mine. In school, even people who barely knew who I was knew I was the girl who writes.
I spent six years serving on active duty in the navy and an additional two years in the reserves. During that time, I kept working on the novels close to my heart. My biggest inspiration did not come for a while later, not until I was nearly 30 years old. That was when I came up with the original short story version of “The Light Keeper.” I truly believe things happen when they are meant to, and I wrote The Light Keeper when I needed it most.
I am married with two wonderful children and two dogs. While I currently live in FL, I look forward to traveling across the states with my family sometime soon.
My series, THE LIGHT KEEPER has been picked up for publication by Starry Ink press and the first book will be released on May 30, 2023.
Other stories are available to be read on Kindle Vella under the name C Wallace.
I first began writing as a way to cope with moving and the loss of my friends, and it quickly grew into a passion of mine. In school, even people who barely knew who I was knew I was the girl who writes.
I spent six years serving on active duty in the navy and an additional two years in the reserves. During that time, I kept working on the novels close to my heart. My biggest inspiration did not come for a while later, not until I was nearly 30 years old. That was when I came up with the original short story version of “The Light Keeper.” I truly believe things happen when they are meant to, and I wrote The Light Keeper when I needed it most.
I am married with two wonderful children and two dogs. While I currently live in FL, I look forward to traveling across the states with my family sometime soon.
My series, THE LIGHT KEEPER has been picked up for publication by Starry Ink press and the first book will be released on May 30, 2023.
Other stories are available to be read on Kindle Vella under the name C Wallace.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 10, 2025
you’ll like this if you enjoy:
✻ Adventuring with Unlikely Partner
✻ Flynn + Rapunzel vibes
✻ Cozy adventures
✻ Plot that oscillates between fast and slow movement
Okay, i kind of liked this at first. There was a cute captive and caretaker / escapee vibe that was happening, and then all of a sudden it kind of went off the rails.
I didn't like it, but you might if you like:
- Flynn + Rapunzel vibes
- Cozy adventures
- Plot that oscillates between fast and slow movement
✻ Adventuring with Unlikely Partner
✻ Flynn + Rapunzel vibes
✻ Cozy adventures
✻ Plot that oscillates between fast and slow movement
Okay, i kind of liked this at first. There was a cute captive and caretaker / escapee vibe that was happening, and then all of a sudden it kind of went off the rails.
I didn't like it, but you might if you like:
- Flynn + Rapunzel vibes
- Cozy adventures
- Plot that oscillates between fast and slow movement
May 15, 2026
Honestly a really cute wholesome fairy tale ish romance 😁
It felt like an old fairy tale with the three quests and dragons and stuff but it was kind of a reimagined tale
I really enjoyed it!
Language 0/10
Violence 2/10
Suggestive content/Romance 1.5/10
It felt like an old fairy tale with the three quests and dragons and stuff but it was kind of a reimagined tale
I really enjoyed it!
Language 0/10
Violence 2/10
Suggestive content/Romance 1.5/10
December 26, 2025
3.5 stars.
This book is self published by an indie author from my local area, so while I’m reviewing this book as honestly as I’m able, I’m sure those facts will also color my opinion.
To start, I did genuinely like this and I read it in one sitting. It was a fun, quick paced, easy read. I would and will recommend it to my friends who are looking to dip back into YA or middle grade books when they need a break between heavy things.
That said, I don’t really know what age I would recommend this book for. The age of the characters, artwork accompanying the book, the general description, etc. would likely lead you to believe this is a YA book, and I believe the author intended it to be. However, I think that is this books biggest flaw. The tone, plot, lack of young adult-aged content, and the lower level of complexity of the writing all indicate to me that this book should’ve been middle grade. Had this clearly been a middle grade book, I think it would’ve been far more successful for me. As it stands, the book feels immature.
Part of that immaturity is because very few things feel fully fleshed out. You’re jumping from one deadly, impossibly task that the characters accomplish with relative ease to the next deadly, impossible task that they complete with relative ease. Fights are mostly off page. How daring escapes happened isn’t explained. Romance is Rated G, not PG-13, not even PG, just G. The book is almost too fast paced; I wanted it to slow down and tell me what was happening more often and it never did.
Still, it was genuinely very fun. The characters were amusing, if a little basic and characteristically naive. The plot was fast paced and engaging, if a little too fast paced and missing depth. The writing was genuinely fun and entertaining. I went back to the bookstore and picked up another book by this author (actually middle grade this time, I think) pretty immediately if that tells you anything.
This book is self published by an indie author from my local area, so while I’m reviewing this book as honestly as I’m able, I’m sure those facts will also color my opinion.
To start, I did genuinely like this and I read it in one sitting. It was a fun, quick paced, easy read. I would and will recommend it to my friends who are looking to dip back into YA or middle grade books when they need a break between heavy things.
That said, I don’t really know what age I would recommend this book for. The age of the characters, artwork accompanying the book, the general description, etc. would likely lead you to believe this is a YA book, and I believe the author intended it to be. However, I think that is this books biggest flaw. The tone, plot, lack of young adult-aged content, and the lower level of complexity of the writing all indicate to me that this book should’ve been middle grade. Had this clearly been a middle grade book, I think it would’ve been far more successful for me. As it stands, the book feels immature.
Part of that immaturity is because very few things feel fully fleshed out. You’re jumping from one deadly, impossibly task that the characters accomplish with relative ease to the next deadly, impossible task that they complete with relative ease. Fights are mostly off page. How daring escapes happened isn’t explained. Romance is Rated G, not PG-13, not even PG, just G. The book is almost too fast paced; I wanted it to slow down and tell me what was happening more often and it never did.
Still, it was genuinely very fun. The characters were amusing, if a little basic and characteristically naive. The plot was fast paced and engaging, if a little too fast paced and missing depth. The writing was genuinely fun and entertaining. I went back to the bookstore and picked up another book by this author (actually middle grade this time, I think) pretty immediately if that tells you anything.
April 6, 2024
(4.5 rounded up)
If you liked Tangled, the dynamic between Rapunzel and Flynb (Eugene) and also enjoy a cosy fantasy like Legends and Lattes then this is right up your street!
We follow our main character, Melodia, a half-orc/half-elf who is a Sorcery apprentice to her 'aunt' (think Mother Gothel vibes) and is stuck in this castle not allowed to leave. And Melodia dreams of leaving and seeing the world beyond her bedroom window! Enter the Good Knight, Sir Devan, who is enemy to her aunt Catrin because he serves the king!
Fast forward to Sir Devan escaping the castle and Melodia sent on a perilous quest they wind up meeting again and becoming very unlikely allies! Through a series of quests that get more dangerous each time Melodia is sent out by her aunt, Melodia and Sir Devan quickly develop a 'will they/won't they' dynamic that had me on the edge of my chair waiting for them to finally admit they liked each other! True torture but who doesn't love a slow burn? 😍
I loved the premise of this book, the characters and the development all experienced through the story and thought it was just the perfect cosy fantasy to add to my collection. Melodia has to overcome a great deal, she is unwanted by all as a halfling 'abomination' and doesn't fit in anywhere and is unaware of the prejudice some outsiders have towards 'her kind'. She struggled with her own acceptance and beauty but throughout the book and her relationship with Devan she truly flourishes into a beautiful character.
Loved the exchanges between Melodia and Sir Devan and how accepting he is of her despite how many people shun her because of her colour and appearance. Both characters bounce off each other with ease and loved watching their journey.
I only wish that Melodia realised certain things about her 'aunt' sooner and wished she didn't keep returning to the castle where she is mistreated but in a way it shows how abusive relationships are so difficult to remove yourself from when that is all you know but I just wanted my girl to have the best life and runaway 😭
Anyways go read this now you won't regret it!
Thank you to the author and book funnel for the ARC ❤️
If you liked Tangled, the dynamic between Rapunzel and Flynb (Eugene) and also enjoy a cosy fantasy like Legends and Lattes then this is right up your street!
We follow our main character, Melodia, a half-orc/half-elf who is a Sorcery apprentice to her 'aunt' (think Mother Gothel vibes) and is stuck in this castle not allowed to leave. And Melodia dreams of leaving and seeing the world beyond her bedroom window! Enter the Good Knight, Sir Devan, who is enemy to her aunt Catrin because he serves the king!
Fast forward to Sir Devan escaping the castle and Melodia sent on a perilous quest they wind up meeting again and becoming very unlikely allies! Through a series of quests that get more dangerous each time Melodia is sent out by her aunt, Melodia and Sir Devan quickly develop a 'will they/won't they' dynamic that had me on the edge of my chair waiting for them to finally admit they liked each other! True torture but who doesn't love a slow burn? 😍
I loved the premise of this book, the characters and the development all experienced through the story and thought it was just the perfect cosy fantasy to add to my collection. Melodia has to overcome a great deal, she is unwanted by all as a halfling 'abomination' and doesn't fit in anywhere and is unaware of the prejudice some outsiders have towards 'her kind'. She struggled with her own acceptance and beauty but throughout the book and her relationship with Devan she truly flourishes into a beautiful character.
Loved the exchanges between Melodia and Sir Devan and how accepting he is of her despite how many people shun her because of her colour and appearance. Both characters bounce off each other with ease and loved watching their journey.
I only wish that Melodia realised certain things about her 'aunt' sooner and wished she didn't keep returning to the castle where she is mistreated but in a way it shows how abusive relationships are so difficult to remove yourself from when that is all you know but I just wanted my girl to have the best life and runaway 😭
Anyways go read this now you won't regret it!
Thank you to the author and book funnel for the ARC ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2026
Honestly a really cute wholesome fairy tale ish romance 😁
It felt like an old fairy tale with the three quests and dragons and stuff but it was kind of a reimagined tale
I really enjoyed it!
I would recommend it if you’re looking for a cute fairy tale book
Language 0/10
Violence 2/10
Suggestive content/Romance 1.5/10
It felt like an old fairy tale with the three quests and dragons and stuff but it was kind of a reimagined tale
I really enjoyed it!
I would recommend it if you’re looking for a cute fairy tale book
Language 0/10
Violence 2/10
Suggestive content/Romance 1.5/10
July 18, 2025
I picked this book up at Galaxycon, I really enjoyed the story very easy book to get into.
Would love to see more books set in this world.
Would love to see more books set in this world.
July 29, 2024
That cover is so soft & inviting.
As is the rest of the story.
In fact it's a story that I probably would have read as a child or middle schooler being none the wiser but fully invested in the adventure.
Comforting, Adventurous, & Curious are exactly how I'd describe this story in three words!
Melodia & Sir Deven Start off at odds a little bit at the beginning but then it worked together to face many challenges.
I like the uniqueness of the spells that Melodia used during the course of her quests throughout the book.
It was especially real in the cases of the phobias of the characters which actually align with my own. As somebody who detests heights and deep water (not able to swim either)it brought much reliability.
What's more is that we all seem to have that relative that can be cunning. The one that you think might care about you but does not. Same goes for Melodia. She pretty much ignores all the warnings signals coming off of her aunt Catrin aka a powerful sorceress who gives off major manipulation, gaslighting, and mother Gothel vibes.
Melodia struggles with self-doubt throughout the entirety of the book which is another thing that happens to people.
Especially me. So, I connected to this character quite a bit.
The relationship between Melodia & Sir Deven was actually quite sweet.
They had each other's back.
Took care of one another in rough times.
I'd recommend this book to people who want:
🔹️Relatibility
🔹️Magic
🔹️Rapunzel vibes
🔹️Gothel sized manipulation
🔹️Caring for illness & injuries
🔹️Betrayal
🔹️Cozy settings
🔹️Quests & Adventure
*Got a copy from the author. It in no way impacted my review or my personal opinion.
If I don't like something I'll let you know but this was lovely. I enjoyed it and think you might too.
As is the rest of the story.
In fact it's a story that I probably would have read as a child or middle schooler being none the wiser but fully invested in the adventure.
Comforting, Adventurous, & Curious are exactly how I'd describe this story in three words!
Melodia & Sir Deven Start off at odds a little bit at the beginning but then it worked together to face many challenges.
I like the uniqueness of the spells that Melodia used during the course of her quests throughout the book.
It was especially real in the cases of the phobias of the characters which actually align with my own. As somebody who detests heights and deep water (not able to swim either)it brought much reliability.
What's more is that we all seem to have that relative that can be cunning. The one that you think might care about you but does not. Same goes for Melodia. She pretty much ignores all the warnings signals coming off of her aunt Catrin aka a powerful sorceress who gives off major manipulation, gaslighting, and mother Gothel vibes.
Melodia struggles with self-doubt throughout the entirety of the book which is another thing that happens to people.
Especially me. So, I connected to this character quite a bit.
The relationship between Melodia & Sir Deven was actually quite sweet.
They had each other's back.
Took care of one another in rough times.
I'd recommend this book to people who want:
🔹️Relatibility
🔹️Magic
🔹️Rapunzel vibes
🔹️Gothel sized manipulation
🔹️Caring for illness & injuries
🔹️Betrayal
🔹️Cozy settings
🔹️Quests & Adventure
*Got a copy from the author. It in no way impacted my review or my personal opinion.
If I don't like something I'll let you know but this was lovely. I enjoyed it and think you might too.
April 8, 2024
A (Not So) Simple Quest by Christina Wallace is the story of sorcery apprentice Melodia, who has never left her castle because she is different. When she has unwillingly a hand in the escape of a prisoner, she gets on a quest, but then she meets said escaped prisoner and he tags along.
This book is just great, I love it! I had no idea this story would be so lovely and funny. The writing style is great, flowing and easy to read. Melodia is a wonderful character, a bit naïve, but very endearing. She sees the best in everyone and that is not always a good idea. The sorcerer is an awful person, although Melodia does not see it that way. And Sir Devon, the handsome knight/ex prisoner, is a fantastic character as well. He is charming, funny, and very protective, after all he is The Good Knight. The cover of the book is just how I would picture those two characters. As the story unfolds he tries to get Melodia to see who the sorcerer is.
The quests (as there are multiple) are dangerous and I loved how Melodia got her magic to do the trick.
A (Not So) Simple Quest is a really lovely and cozy read, with some magic, mystery and a great flowing writing style and with two main characters who stole my heart. This book is perfect for younger readers as it is a really easy writing style, but I think everyone who likes a magical fantasy story should read this book. I loved it a lot and it has become one of my favorite reads.
Highly recommended.
This book is just great, I love it! I had no idea this story would be so lovely and funny. The writing style is great, flowing and easy to read. Melodia is a wonderful character, a bit naïve, but very endearing. She sees the best in everyone and that is not always a good idea. The sorcerer is an awful person, although Melodia does not see it that way. And Sir Devon, the handsome knight/ex prisoner, is a fantastic character as well. He is charming, funny, and very protective, after all he is The Good Knight. The cover of the book is just how I would picture those two characters. As the story unfolds he tries to get Melodia to see who the sorcerer is.
The quests (as there are multiple) are dangerous and I loved how Melodia got her magic to do the trick.
A (Not So) Simple Quest is a really lovely and cozy read, with some magic, mystery and a great flowing writing style and with two main characters who stole my heart. This book is perfect for younger readers as it is a really easy writing style, but I think everyone who likes a magical fantasy story should read this book. I loved it a lot and it has become one of my favorite reads.
Highly recommended.
June 14, 2024
In this super fun and captivating book there is everything. There is adorable main characters that you love and a fast paced story that is captivating. The scenery is beautiful and you can see the fields of flowers and smell the Forrest, all the while racing with our heroes towards their prize. What took me by suprise was the way some heavier issues are addressed in a way that tugs on your heart. Tropes include, but are not limited to, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, found family, and only one bed. I could not put this one down and highly recommend.
April 10, 2024
So, let me start by saying this book started off slower than I anticipated it to. However, once I kept reading I was glad I did. It picks up, and gets so good. The plot makes you wonder why and what’s going to happen next. I didn’t expect some of the things in the book to happen, caught me by surprise! I really enjoyed this book, I was nervous knowing there wasn’t any spice like I normally read but the story was so engaging! I would definitely read more of their story!
December 2, 2025
I picked up this book at the Renaissance fair because the author is local and the story sounded interesting. I’ve never read a fantasy book before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It ended up being such a good surprise. The world, the characters, and the story pulled me in right away. I found myself wanting to keep reading to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed it and now I’m excited to look for more books like this one.
November 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this cozy-ish fantasy romance, and was surprised to see there are so few reviews! It has lovable characters, exciting quests, and a really sweet slow-burn and closed-door romance. There's nothing out of the ordinary here, but when you want a comforting read in this genre, this one will deliver everything you're looking for.
April 9, 2024
Melodia longs for adventure but gets more than she bargained for when she sets off on her quest. Somehow both cozy and action packed and a cute YA romance. Exactly what I needed
June 14, 2024
This one was fun! It reminded me of E.D. Bakers “The Frog Princess.”
June 28, 2024
A cute story
I loved this story, I buddy read this with my son and we both enjoyed it!
The characters are loveable and the happy ending was perfectly done.
I loved this story, I buddy read this with my son and we both enjoyed it!
The characters are loveable and the happy ending was perfectly done.
April 16, 2025
Love this! I know you’re proud of it! It is amazing. You are someone of consequence to me!
May 22, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing, full of adventure and a slow building romance. Both characters had so much depth and the story overall was just so well written
March 18, 2025
i was very VERY skeptical at first but it exceeded far beyond my expectations
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews