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Nell O'Dell Hates Quests
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1 day and 22:58:33
5 copies available
U.S. only
What happens when the quest finds you, despite your best efforts? A reluctant adventurer sets off on an unexpected journey in this broadly appealing fantasy at once earnest and self-aware, funny and heartfelt, and thoroughly charming.
Nell O’Dell yearns for a quiet life tending her garden and caring for her chickens. Unfortunately, her family runs the bustling Crossroads Inn—accommodating all species of patron from fairies to fauns to half-giants, most of them questers on their way to seek glory and fortune. What’s more, her parents are retired questers themselves, and everyone assumes that Nell will follow in their footsteps. Then the day comes when a letter arrives from the government, threatening the Inn and all that Nell holds dear, and someone needs to go on a short journey to the capital to take care of it. Nell is the only one available—but that's fine, because it's just a boring business trip, not a quest! Even if she does find herself up against an excitable travel partner, a thief in the night, a stolen treasure, and a mysterious knife . . . Lively black-and-white illustrations by the author embellish this breezy, bighearted adventure that will satisfy both longtime questers and first-time visitors to the genre.
Nell O’Dell yearns for a quiet life tending her garden and caring for her chickens. Unfortunately, her family runs the bustling Crossroads Inn—accommodating all species of patron from fairies to fauns to half-giants, most of them questers on their way to seek glory and fortune. What’s more, her parents are retired questers themselves, and everyone assumes that Nell will follow in their footsteps. Then the day comes when a letter arrives from the government, threatening the Inn and all that Nell holds dear, and someone needs to go on a short journey to the capital to take care of it. Nell is the only one available—but that's fine, because it's just a boring business trip, not a quest! Even if she does find herself up against an excitable travel partner, a thief in the night, a stolen treasure, and a mysterious knife . . . Lively black-and-white illustrations by the author embellish this breezy, bighearted adventure that will satisfy both longtime questers and first-time visitors to the genre.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 7, 2026
4 people are currently reading
2475 people want to read
About the author
Emily B. Martin
8 books159 followersPark ranger by summer, stay-at-home mom the rest of the year, I am also a freelance artist and illustrator. An avid hiker and explorer, my experiences as ranger helped inform the character of Mae and the world of WOODWALKER.
When not patrolling places like Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Philmont Scout Ranch, I live in South Carolina with my husband, Will, and two daughters, Lucy and Amelia.
When not patrolling places like Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Philmont Scout Ranch, I live in South Carolina with my husband, Will, and two daughters, Lucy and Amelia.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Aww, y'all, this book is so darn cute!!! It is so incredible. It has brilliant humor without losing the stakes, and it is just full of family and love and home and such heartwarming moments. Midge is such a brave companion and without a doubt, my favorite character. The cat is adorable as well!!! It made me laugh and cry and smile and just... five out of five stars. I truly cannot recommend this book enough. Official (more in-depth) blog review to be posted later.
Blog Review (originally posted at Spring Falls Chronicle)
The blurb reads: What happens when the quest finds you, despite your best efforts? A reluctant adventurer sets off on an unexpected journey in this broadly appealing fantasy at once earnest and self-aware, funny and heartfelt, and thoroughly charming.
Nell O’Dell yearns for a quiet life tending her garden and caring for her chickens. Unfortunately, her family runs the bustling Crossroads Inn—accommodating all species of patron from fairies to fauns to half-giants, most of them questers on their way to seek glory and fortune. What’s more, her parents are retired questers themselves, and everyone assumes that Nell will follow in their footsteps. Then the day comes when a letter arrives from the government, threatening the Inn and all that Nell holds dear, and someone needs to go on a short journey to the capital to take care of it. Nell is the only one available—but that’s fine, because it’s just a boring business trip, not a quest! Even if she does find herself up against an excitable travel partner, a thief in the night, a stolen treasure, and a mysterious knife . . . Lively black-and-white illustrations by the author embellish this breezy, bighearted adventure that will satisfy both longtime questers and first-time visitors to the genre.
Y’all this book is delightful. Absolutely delightful. It is charming. It is humorous. It is beautiful. It is whimsical. It is magical. And I could probably just go on listing a great deal of splendid things about this book and you’d have a never-ending review. But this is just such a charming middle-grade read!! The characters are such wonderful, relatable folk, and it has the most hilarious animal companion I’ve ever read!
(And the cover is absolutely gorgeous!! I must admit, it was what first led me request the book from NetGalley. Nell’s expression is so very perfect, and I love how Midge is just peeking behind the door with a grin on her face.)
The book starts out introducing the Crossroads Inn, and I must admit, I fell in love with the inn from the moment it appeared in the story. It’s just so eclectic and chaotic and sort of how you would expect an inn to be, but also not what you’d expect an inn to be! It lies on the crossroads of the twelve roads where quests start, and it is a place that every hero or heroine on a quest must travel through.
The main character, Nell, is so very relatable. All she wants is a nice, quiet life tending her gardens and chickens (without anyone breaking into her gardens!), and the very last thing she wants is a quest. And I absolutely loved her character development throughout the book and how much braver she is by the end of it!! And MIDGE!!!
Midge is simply the best. Never before have I so loved a swamp goblin. She is brilliant. She’s just… such a wonderful friend to Nell. She is rather the opposite of Nell. She wants to go on this big, life-changing quest/adventure, and yet no one ever seems to want a swamp goblin on their quest. She’s a strange sort of person, but in such a brilliant way, and I love how, throughout the story, you really get to see who Midge is and how incredibly brave she is!!
And also Ghost.
Oh my goodness, Ghost. What can I say about this cat?
He’s hilarious. He is not a talking animal companion, but he adds so much life to the story. Not to mention he was apparently struck by this resurrection spell meant for a centaur a few years back. And so now he can just do all sorts of careless things and die and he’ll just resurrect five minutes later. And so throughout the book, he’s just randomly dying from tumbling off cliffs or jumping into fires and then just coming back nonchalantly. XDD And it’s just totally normal to the poor main character!
The plot of this book was absolutely wonderful!! It flowed well, was fast-paced, and had brilliant humor without losing the stakes. (Which is something I love.) It had moments that made me laugh out loud, and it was so full of family and love and home and such heartwarming moments!!
There were a great deal of scenes I adored in this book, but I do have a favorite (Actually, I have a million, but I have tried to weedle it down to one. XD) It’s probably when Nell and Midge were trying to trick the bridge fairy.
That scene…
If I remember correctly, I believe I was trying to hold back laughter all throughout the book. And then when I finally read that scene, I just gave up on attempting to hold back said laughter and laughed so hard I nearly cried. It was absolutely hilarious. I cannot give away spoilers, but it was such a brilliant scene!! The fairy was, of course, enraged and shrieked and threatened to feed them to the kelpies.
It may have only made me laugh harder. XD
The author’s writing style is wonderful as well!! The description was all so well-written, and the way she managed to weave together humor, heart, and all the history and details of this world made greatly impressed me, and the illustrations only add to the appeal of the book!! A good deal of them are unfinished in the ARC, but the ones that were (mostly) finished were incredible, and I cannot wait to see what the final ones look like in the published book!!
Overall, this was a brilliant read. It was full of whimsy and magic and glorious funny moments. It has such a wonderful friendship between Nell and Midge and it is the perfect middle-grade read for anyone looking for an easy, light-hearted read!! Five out of five stars from me. I’d highly recommend it to fans of Amy Wilson and Amy Sparkes!
Review originally posted here: https://springfallschronicle.com/nell...
Blog Review (originally posted at Spring Falls Chronicle)
The blurb reads: What happens when the quest finds you, despite your best efforts? A reluctant adventurer sets off on an unexpected journey in this broadly appealing fantasy at once earnest and self-aware, funny and heartfelt, and thoroughly charming.
Nell O’Dell yearns for a quiet life tending her garden and caring for her chickens. Unfortunately, her family runs the bustling Crossroads Inn—accommodating all species of patron from fairies to fauns to half-giants, most of them questers on their way to seek glory and fortune. What’s more, her parents are retired questers themselves, and everyone assumes that Nell will follow in their footsteps. Then the day comes when a letter arrives from the government, threatening the Inn and all that Nell holds dear, and someone needs to go on a short journey to the capital to take care of it. Nell is the only one available—but that’s fine, because it’s just a boring business trip, not a quest! Even if she does find herself up against an excitable travel partner, a thief in the night, a stolen treasure, and a mysterious knife . . . Lively black-and-white illustrations by the author embellish this breezy, bighearted adventure that will satisfy both longtime questers and first-time visitors to the genre.
Y’all this book is delightful. Absolutely delightful. It is charming. It is humorous. It is beautiful. It is whimsical. It is magical. And I could probably just go on listing a great deal of splendid things about this book and you’d have a never-ending review. But this is just such a charming middle-grade read!! The characters are such wonderful, relatable folk, and it has the most hilarious animal companion I’ve ever read!
(And the cover is absolutely gorgeous!! I must admit, it was what first led me request the book from NetGalley. Nell’s expression is so very perfect, and I love how Midge is just peeking behind the door with a grin on her face.)
The book starts out introducing the Crossroads Inn, and I must admit, I fell in love with the inn from the moment it appeared in the story. It’s just so eclectic and chaotic and sort of how you would expect an inn to be, but also not what you’d expect an inn to be! It lies on the crossroads of the twelve roads where quests start, and it is a place that every hero or heroine on a quest must travel through.
The main character, Nell, is so very relatable. All she wants is a nice, quiet life tending her gardens and chickens (without anyone breaking into her gardens!), and the very last thing she wants is a quest. And I absolutely loved her character development throughout the book and how much braver she is by the end of it!! And MIDGE!!!
Midge is simply the best. Never before have I so loved a swamp goblin. She is brilliant. She’s just… such a wonderful friend to Nell. She is rather the opposite of Nell. She wants to go on this big, life-changing quest/adventure, and yet no one ever seems to want a swamp goblin on their quest. She’s a strange sort of person, but in such a brilliant way, and I love how, throughout the story, you really get to see who Midge is and how incredibly brave she is!!
And also Ghost.
Oh my goodness, Ghost. What can I say about this cat?
He’s hilarious. He is not a talking animal companion, but he adds so much life to the story. Not to mention he was apparently struck by this resurrection spell meant for a centaur a few years back. And so now he can just do all sorts of careless things and die and he’ll just resurrect five minutes later. And so throughout the book, he’s just randomly dying from tumbling off cliffs or jumping into fires and then just coming back nonchalantly. XDD And it’s just totally normal to the poor main character!
The plot of this book was absolutely wonderful!! It flowed well, was fast-paced, and had brilliant humor without losing the stakes. (Which is something I love.) It had moments that made me laugh out loud, and it was so full of family and love and home and such heartwarming moments!!
There were a great deal of scenes I adored in this book, but I do have a favorite (Actually, I have a million, but I have tried to weedle it down to one. XD) It’s probably when Nell and Midge were trying to trick the bridge fairy.
That scene…
If I remember correctly, I believe I was trying to hold back laughter all throughout the book. And then when I finally read that scene, I just gave up on attempting to hold back said laughter and laughed so hard I nearly cried. It was absolutely hilarious. I cannot give away spoilers, but it was such a brilliant scene!! The fairy was, of course, enraged and shrieked and threatened to feed them to the kelpies.
It may have only made me laugh harder. XD
The author’s writing style is wonderful as well!! The description was all so well-written, and the way she managed to weave together humor, heart, and all the history and details of this world made greatly impressed me, and the illustrations only add to the appeal of the book!! A good deal of them are unfinished in the ARC, but the ones that were (mostly) finished were incredible, and I cannot wait to see what the final ones look like in the published book!!
Overall, this was a brilliant read. It was full of whimsy and magic and glorious funny moments. It has such a wonderful friendship between Nell and Midge and it is the perfect middle-grade read for anyone looking for an easy, light-hearted read!! Five out of five stars from me. I’d highly recommend it to fans of Amy Wilson and Amy Sparkes!
Review originally posted here: https://springfallschronicle.com/nell...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy!
Nell O'Dell hates quests, which is very unfortunate since her parents are retired questers and run an inn that's the hub for all current questers. She wants to stay at their cozy inn, take care of the patrons, and tend to her chickens and garden. A mix-up at the exchequer's office and a requirement to give a speech to a committee in person lead Nell to the city. It's not a quest, though, just a business trip. And the necklace that her father gives her for protection is just that - a necklace. Not a magic amulet that may come in handy at exactly the right moment. Her immortal cat Ghost is simply her pet accompanying her, not the typical animal companion. And the group that builds along the way is absolutely not a questing party, just a rag-tag team on a business trip. It's a delight to see just how long Nell can go denying that she may, in fact, be on a quest, and tagging along on her adventures.
When the description said "self-aware", I didn't read much into it, but that ended up becoming one of my favorite parts of this book. Emily B. Martin flawlessly wove in calling out the typical tropes of a questing story in with actually using the tropes as effective plot points. Nell rolled her eyes at "the Chosen One", there's sage wisdom given to questers, and so much more. Some quests are so ingrained that they've been government-ified, for lack of an applicable real word. The hermits along the route are given supplies to support the lost or confused questers they bring in, and there is actually a guild that assigns the quests during the season as well. This helps to keep the story in even more of a cozy vibe, since the reader has an idea of what will happen next and gets to discover Nell's creative take on it.
Aside from being a fun and whimsical romp, this book also features a cast of amazing characters. While they may 'fit' tropes of typical questers, they do so in a very unique way that keeps things fresh. I also love how much Nell and her main questing partner Midge develop and learn about themselves throughout the story. Neither is pressured or feels the need to fit the molds, but rather see how their fantastic selves already fit them in the best ways. And of course much love for Ghost, because a cat on an adventure is always my favorite!
Nell O'Dell hates quests, which is very unfortunate since her parents are retired questers and run an inn that's the hub for all current questers. She wants to stay at their cozy inn, take care of the patrons, and tend to her chickens and garden. A mix-up at the exchequer's office and a requirement to give a speech to a committee in person lead Nell to the city. It's not a quest, though, just a business trip. And the necklace that her father gives her for protection is just that - a necklace. Not a magic amulet that may come in handy at exactly the right moment. Her immortal cat Ghost is simply her pet accompanying her, not the typical animal companion. And the group that builds along the way is absolutely not a questing party, just a rag-tag team on a business trip. It's a delight to see just how long Nell can go denying that she may, in fact, be on a quest, and tagging along on her adventures.
When the description said "self-aware", I didn't read much into it, but that ended up becoming one of my favorite parts of this book. Emily B. Martin flawlessly wove in calling out the typical tropes of a questing story in with actually using the tropes as effective plot points. Nell rolled her eyes at "the Chosen One", there's sage wisdom given to questers, and so much more. Some quests are so ingrained that they've been government-ified, for lack of an applicable real word. The hermits along the route are given supplies to support the lost or confused questers they bring in, and there is actually a guild that assigns the quests during the season as well. This helps to keep the story in even more of a cozy vibe, since the reader has an idea of what will happen next and gets to discover Nell's creative take on it.
Aside from being a fun and whimsical romp, this book also features a cast of amazing characters. While they may 'fit' tropes of typical questers, they do so in a very unique way that keeps things fresh. I also love how much Nell and her main questing partner Midge develop and learn about themselves throughout the story. Neither is pressured or feels the need to fit the molds, but rather see how their fantastic selves already fit them in the best ways. And of course much love for Ghost, because a cat on an adventure is always my favorite!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nell lives a somewhat happy life at the crossroads inn. She really loves tending to her chickens. But that is a hard thing to when your parent’s inn is a check point for questers. Nell must listen to and avoid questers that are constantly the chosen one or the last of their kind. She just wants to be invisible at the inn and tend to the things she loves, her garden and chickens. She is doing just about that until an alarming letter arrives in the mail saying her parents don’t own the inn and they must provide proof it is theirs. Her parents are worried, but decide to send Nell on a quest. Now Nell hates quests and denies this is anything of the sort.
Traveling with a good friend Nell sets off on her not quest to deliver the papers to prove they own the inn. But of course no not quest could go that smoothly. Within no time the deed has been taken and Nell must set out to save it and her parents inn.
Nell meets multiple magical creatures and might just change how quests are done forever. This cute fun adventure is good for all ages and I enjoyed reading it. Also love the humor around the cat.
This book is good for the classroom and my students have it on their reading list.
Traveling with a good friend Nell sets off on her not quest to deliver the papers to prove they own the inn. But of course no not quest could go that smoothly. Within no time the deed has been taken and Nell must set out to save it and her parents inn.
Nell meets multiple magical creatures and might just change how quests are done forever. This cute fun adventure is good for all ages and I enjoyed reading it. Also love the humor around the cat.
This book is good for the classroom and my students have it on their reading list.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I tried reading this to my 12-year-old middle-grade daughter. Unfortunately, she quit 10% in and I read on alone. The reason was that the vocabulary was far, far too advanced. I was explaining too many words and she couldn't follow the story. As an adult who DID understand what the words meant, I thought it was a fun story. Very cozy fantasy. It just needs to be upgraded to YA or revised to have simpler words. The character arcs were well-done with the main character having a growth arc and the others having static but interesting arcs. The plot arc was also well done. So, in terms of rating, as an adult, I give it 4 stars. For a middle-grader, I have to give it one star. Averaging the two out, I end up with three stars. It's not a bad book by any means. I enjoyed it a lot. It's just too advanced to be marketed as middle grade. Amazon has it pinned for 8-12 years and my 12 year old couldn't do it. However, if you're an adult who likes cozies marketed to the younger audience, this is a good choice. Separately, I would add that the illustrations, while unfinished, were already very fun and I quite liked them.
November 23, 2025
5 plus. Such a great fantasy story with relatable and grounded team work values, plus useful lessons to our modern non fictional daily life.
I read the entire book with a constant smile. Nell is the child of famous questers but she has no interest in seeking vain glory, she is practical and business driven. She refuses the idea of going on a quest but when her family business is in danger she must take the lead to solve the problem before the deadline. The characters around her are hilarious, from Midge the goblin to the immortal cat (origin story explained very well at the start with great humor tone that remains throughout the novel). Very easy and exciting to read. What should have been a ferry trip to the city to speak to the officials turns into an adventure of mishaps, with all the characteristics of a quest because the night she embarks a thief steels the deed and Nell must get it back. The story even includes a baby dragon.
Congratulations to yhe author for a well woven adventure.
I read the entire book with a constant smile. Nell is the child of famous questers but she has no interest in seeking vain glory, she is practical and business driven. She refuses the idea of going on a quest but when her family business is in danger she must take the lead to solve the problem before the deadline. The characters around her are hilarious, from Midge the goblin to the immortal cat (origin story explained very well at the start with great humor tone that remains throughout the novel). Very easy and exciting to read. What should have been a ferry trip to the city to speak to the officials turns into an adventure of mishaps, with all the characteristics of a quest because the night she embarks a thief steels the deed and Nell must get it back. The story even includes a baby dragon.
Congratulations to yhe author for a well woven adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nell O'Dell is the daughter of famed questers who have set aside their questing ways to run an inn at the center of the questing world. Nell would like nothing more than to remain at the inn tending her garden and leading a quiet life. But when something threatens her inn, will she find something worth questing for?
This book is delightful! As a reading teacher who does a unit on Hero's Journey, I'll definitely be adding this one to my selections. With all the trappings of a quest and an extra helping of heart, this is a book not to be missed!
Netgalley provided me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is delightful! As a reading teacher who does a unit on Hero's Journey, I'll definitely be adding this one to my selections. With all the trappings of a quest and an extra helping of heart, this is a book not to be missed!
Netgalley provided me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2026
Finished this at 12;01am, ah just a minute into the 2nd day of 2026. Love love loved this middle grade novel about quests and all of the lore around them. Seriously so good, and so so well written.
Fave quote: ‘Every person’s world is its own terrarium, a little bubble of the people and places we love, the memories we treasure and the work that inspires us.’
Fave quote: ‘Every person’s world is its own terrarium, a little bubble of the people and places we love, the memories we treasure and the work that inspires us.’
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This was a Dungeons and Dragons type fantasy adventure quest that might work well for fans of Anderson's The Dungeoneers, O'Donnell's Homerooms and Hallpasses, or Lawrence's graphic novel The Lionhearts. There are occasional illustrations, which add to the historical/fantasy setting.
This was a Dungeons and Dragons type fantasy adventure quest that might work well for fans of Anderson's The Dungeoneers, O'Donnell's Homerooms and Hallpasses, or Lawrence's graphic novel The Lionhearts. There are occasional illustrations, which add to the historical/fantasy setting.
January 23, 2026
“Nell O’Dell Hates Quests” is a delightful fantasy adventure that gleefully pokes fun at everything we think we know about epic quests - and then rebuilds the genre with heart, humour, and charm. Nell O’Dell doesn’t want glory, danger, or destiny. She wants her garden, her chickens, and a peaceful life at her family’s Crossroads Inn. Unfortunately for Nell, the world has other plans.
Set in a bustling fantasy crossroads filled with questers of every species imaginable, this story immediately stands out for its playful subversion of fantasy tropes. When Nell is forced to take a “simple business trip” to save the Inn, she insists it is NOT a quest - despite accumulating companions, complications, stolen treasures, and mysterious artifacts along the way. Her constant eye-rolling at how everything keeps turning into a quest is part of what makes this book so funny and relatable.
The writing is lively and engaging, perfectly paired with Emily B. Martin’s black-and-white illustrations, which add warmth and personality to the story. The characters are especially well-rounded, with Midge the goblin stealing the show as a standout favourite. Even the side characters shine, including Ghost the cat - an unusual and memorable addition that adds to the book’s whimsical charm.
Beneath the humour and adventure, there are thoughtful themes at play. The story explores environmental preservation and the importance of protecting endangered species, all woven seamlessly into the narrative. It’s also a classic reluctant-hero tale, reminiscent of “The Lord of the Rings”, complete with companions who have your back, unexpected bravery, and growth that comes from facing challenges rather than seeking them out.
This book will be a hit with kids who love fantasy, especially those who enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons, but it’s just as appealing to readers who like their adventures funny, character-driven, and a little bit unconventional. With themes of friendship, courage, overcoming obstacles, and environmental justice, “Nell O’Dell Hates Quests” manages to be both exciting and meaningful.
This story twists fantasy conventions inside out - and it totally works. While it feels complete, I wouldn’t mind following Nell on more adventures. This is a book I’ll be recommending often, and it’s definitely inspired me to check out more of Emily B. Martin’s work.
Set in a bustling fantasy crossroads filled with questers of every species imaginable, this story immediately stands out for its playful subversion of fantasy tropes. When Nell is forced to take a “simple business trip” to save the Inn, she insists it is NOT a quest - despite accumulating companions, complications, stolen treasures, and mysterious artifacts along the way. Her constant eye-rolling at how everything keeps turning into a quest is part of what makes this book so funny and relatable.
The writing is lively and engaging, perfectly paired with Emily B. Martin’s black-and-white illustrations, which add warmth and personality to the story. The characters are especially well-rounded, with Midge the goblin stealing the show as a standout favourite. Even the side characters shine, including Ghost the cat - an unusual and memorable addition that adds to the book’s whimsical charm.
Beneath the humour and adventure, there are thoughtful themes at play. The story explores environmental preservation and the importance of protecting endangered species, all woven seamlessly into the narrative. It’s also a classic reluctant-hero tale, reminiscent of “The Lord of the Rings”, complete with companions who have your back, unexpected bravery, and growth that comes from facing challenges rather than seeking them out.
This book will be a hit with kids who love fantasy, especially those who enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons, but it’s just as appealing to readers who like their adventures funny, character-driven, and a little bit unconventional. With themes of friendship, courage, overcoming obstacles, and environmental justice, “Nell O’Dell Hates Quests” manages to be both exciting and meaningful.
This story twists fantasy conventions inside out - and it totally works. While it feels complete, I wouldn’t mind following Nell on more adventures. This is a book I’ll be recommending often, and it’s definitely inspired me to check out more of Emily B. Martin’s work.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews