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For the Love of the Quest: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26The search for King Arthur’s Excalibur invites danger…and potentially love in this sapphic historical romance perfect for fans of Cat Sebastian and Freya Marske.
Lady Edith Darling is supposed to live a quiet life in her family’s manor. She is not supposed to go unchaperoned on a quest to find Excalibur. But Edith won’t let that stand in her way, especially not when she's on this mission to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish. Determined to prove her grandmother right, Edith packs her satchel with Arthurian legends, pastries, and her grandmother’s ashes, and runs off to hire a mercenary.
Thomasin Shaw leads the most feared gang in London. For years, she had the constabulary safely in her pocket, until a scandal involving the chief inspector’s wife was brought to light. Now he’s demanding an enormous sum of money–without which Thomassin will lose the protection of the police along with her criminal empire. But when the rich Lady Edith waltzes into her life seeking an escort for a treasure hunt, Thomasin sees a willing kidnapping victim and a massive ransom.
As Edith’s clues lead them to underground chambers booby-trapped with arrows, doors locked with arcane puzzles, and even Arthur’s fabled round table, Thomasin finds herself swept up in the quest, and in Edith herself. Edith is also drawn to Thomasin, despite the ruthless mask she wears. But the chief inspector won’t let Thomasin forget her crimes, and Edith’s father is intent on bringing her home. Every legendary quest has an ending, but finding Excalibur might not be enough to make this a happy one.
Lady Edith Darling is supposed to live a quiet life in her family’s manor. She is not supposed to go unchaperoned on a quest to find Excalibur. But Edith won’t let that stand in her way, especially not when she's on this mission to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish. Determined to prove her grandmother right, Edith packs her satchel with Arthurian legends, pastries, and her grandmother’s ashes, and runs off to hire a mercenary.
Thomasin Shaw leads the most feared gang in London. For years, she had the constabulary safely in her pocket, until a scandal involving the chief inspector’s wife was brought to light. Now he’s demanding an enormous sum of money–without which Thomassin will lose the protection of the police along with her criminal empire. But when the rich Lady Edith waltzes into her life seeking an escort for a treasure hunt, Thomasin sees a willing kidnapping victim and a massive ransom.
As Edith’s clues lead them to underground chambers booby-trapped with arrows, doors locked with arcane puzzles, and even Arthur’s fabled round table, Thomasin finds herself swept up in the quest, and in Edith herself. Edith is also drawn to Thomasin, despite the ruthless mask she wears. But the chief inspector won’t let Thomasin forget her crimes, and Edith’s father is intent on bringing her home. Every legendary quest has an ending, but finding Excalibur might not be enough to make this a happy one.
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 11, 2026
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April 15, 2026As Edith’s clues lead them to underground chambers booby-trapped with arrows, doors locked with arcane puzzles, and even Arthur’s fabled round table, Thomasin finds herself swept up in the quest, and in Edith herself.
May 8, 2026
Uhm… GAYYY. You have ABSOLUTELY got to be kidding me. This is such a thrilling, whimsical and delightful debut. I absolutely LOVED every single second that I spent with this book. This was truly the mashup and world immersion of all mashups. Genuinely it took bits and pieces of so many incredible things to create this entirely unique and enthralling fantasy adventure romp.
Something that I think SHINES about this book is how easy the buy in is. Everything is so vibrantly described and easy to visualize from the jump. The setting and scene and characters. You IMMEDIATELY understand Edith, and are still left with the thrill of bumping up against Thomasin again shortly thereafter. The ambiance is set so clearly. It reads as the coziest of gay bedtime stories to me.
Who wouldn’t want to live this dream!!! Edith is smart and earnest and brave and loving and willing to see good despite having no reason to do so.
Although initially about a band of criminals, there are minimal scenes of violence, and the sex is mostly foreplay fade to behind closed door.
The storytelling is just fantastic. Not to say that any of these were intentional or author pulls, but to convey the feelings that were evoked from this read: I felt the thrill of Six of Crows, the adventure and mystery of Caraval, the sleuthing of Enola Holmes and obviously the immaculately woven in vibes of Merlin and King Arthur lore !!! This book did so much. The deaths were meaningful, and the plot twists were twisty. I don’t know if there’s anything to fault.
Read this!!!! Enjoy it !!! I can’t wait for more.
Something that I think SHINES about this book is how easy the buy in is. Everything is so vibrantly described and easy to visualize from the jump. The setting and scene and characters. You IMMEDIATELY understand Edith, and are still left with the thrill of bumping up against Thomasin again shortly thereafter. The ambiance is set so clearly. It reads as the coziest of gay bedtime stories to me.
Who wouldn’t want to live this dream!!! Edith is smart and earnest and brave and loving and willing to see good despite having no reason to do so.
Although initially about a band of criminals, there are minimal scenes of violence, and the sex is mostly foreplay fade to behind closed door.
The storytelling is just fantastic. Not to say that any of these were intentional or author pulls, but to convey the feelings that were evoked from this read: I felt the thrill of Six of Crows, the adventure and mystery of Caraval, the sleuthing of Enola Holmes and obviously the immaculately woven in vibes of Merlin and King Arthur lore !!! This book did so much. The deaths were meaningful, and the plot twists were twisty. I don’t know if there’s anything to fault.
Read this!!!! Enjoy it !!! I can’t wait for more.
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May 8, 2026For the Love of the Quest by Alexandra Ammon Parthun is a captivating sapphic historical romance that combines adventure, danger, and emotional depth with the enduring allure of Arthurian legend. Set against a richly imagined historical backdrop, the novel follows Lady Edith Darling as she defies expectations and embarks on a daring quest to find Excalibur in honor of her grandmother’s final wish.
Parthun creates a vibrant and engaging dynamic between Edith and Thomasin Shaw, a feared London gang leader whose motives are far more complicated than they first appear. Their journey through underground chambers, hidden clues, ancient mysteries, and dangerous traps blends romance with high stakes adventure, while their growing attraction adds emotional tension and warmth to the story. The contrast between Edith’s hopeful determination and Thomasin’s guarded ruthlessness creates compelling chemistry that drives the narrative forward.
Beyond the romance and adventure, the novel explores themes of freedom, identity, loyalty, and the courage to challenge societal expectations. The Arthurian elements add a sense of wonder and mythology, while the emotional journeys of the characters keep the story grounded and deeply human. Readers who enjoy historical romance, queer fiction, adventurous treasure hunts, and character-driven fantasy will find For the Love of the Quest immersive, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining.
Parthun creates a vibrant and engaging dynamic between Edith and Thomasin Shaw, a feared London gang leader whose motives are far more complicated than they first appear. Their journey through underground chambers, hidden clues, ancient mysteries, and dangerous traps blends romance with high stakes adventure, while their growing attraction adds emotional tension and warmth to the story. The contrast between Edith’s hopeful determination and Thomasin’s guarded ruthlessness creates compelling chemistry that drives the narrative forward.
Beyond the romance and adventure, the novel explores themes of freedom, identity, loyalty, and the courage to challenge societal expectations. The Arthurian elements add a sense of wonder and mythology, while the emotional journeys of the characters keep the story grounded and deeply human. Readers who enjoy historical romance, queer fiction, adventurous treasure hunts, and character-driven fantasy will find For the Love of the Quest immersive, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
For the Love of the Quest takes you on a witty jaunt through Arthurian legend via the charming backdrop of histroical England. Bookish Edith and the scoundrel Thomasin steal your heart from the very first page alongside each other's, then take you on a quest full of danger to discover something more rare than any treasure: true love. Alexandra Ammon Parthun has crafted the best kind of mashup fans of fantasy, history, and sweet Sapphic love could ask for!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews