Quest

Mortal Path #4

by Dakota Banks

The thrilling conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Path series by Dakota Banks.

Maliha Crayne, once bound by a demonic pact, now races against time to reassemble the Great Lens—an ancient artifact with the power to banish the ancient demons threatening humanity. Facing deadly trials, fierce enemies, and haunting sacrifices, Maliha and her loyal team journey across the globe from volcanic peaks to the depths of the Underworld. As the final shards of the Lens fall into place, the fate of Maliha—and the Earth—hang in the balance.

Will Maliha balance the scales of her past and save the world from domination by ancient demons? Immerse yourself in a tale of myth, magic, and redemption where courage and sacrifice define the path forward.

Full of action, drama, suspense, paranormal thrills, and romance, Quest has it all.

"A breakneck ride through worlds visible and invisible - who knew the ancient Sumerians were this thrilling?" - Joseph Finder, NYT bestselling author

"Readers who like their paranormal romantic suspense novels to feature nonstop action, twisting plots, and deadly heroines will devour Banks' clever and compelling Mortal Path series." - Lisa Gardner, NYT bestselling author

"Dakota Banks is firing on all Cylinders!" - Steve Berry, NYT bestselling author

"Fans of supernatural and dark fantasy will be intrigued by Maliha Crayne's quest to save her soul." - Publishers Weekly

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Mystery

491 pages, Paperback

Published January 22, 2026

About the author

Dakota Banks writes the completed four‑book Mortal Path series, where ancient mythology, danger, and one very determined immortal assassin collide. Maliha Crayne has been living rent‑free in Dakota’s imagination for years — a fierce, complicated heroine fighting to reclaim her humanity one impossible choice at a time. The series blends dark urban fantasy, fast‑paced action, buried legends, and emotional depth, and it all comes together in Quest, the high‑stakes finale that brings Maliha’s journey full circle.

Dakota’s fascination with archaeology and old stories started early, which may or may not have been influenced by growing up in a converted 1890s funeral home. (Yes, really. Complete with blood gutters. It explains a lot.) She loves weaving myth and history into modern, character‑driven adventures and has been known to fall down research rabbit holes involving ancient curses, obscure rituals, and the occasional demon contract.

Before writing fantasy, Dakota published six suspense thrillers under other names, drawing on her background in forensic science trends, computer simulation, and virtual reality. These days, she writes from the St. Louis area, where her two cats — Snickers and Squeaky — insist on supervising every draft by walking across the keyboard at the most dramatic moments.

She is a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, the Horror Writers Association, and Mystery Writers of America.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quest: Mortal Path Book Four by Dakota Banks is the final book in the "Mortal Path" series. This book has been a long time coming, and I am sad to say I was somewhat disappointed in it. It seemed almost like it was written by someone else. The writing seems choppy and disjointed. At least we learn the fate of Maliha Crayne and her friend, Hound. If you need a conclusion to their story, then read it, but if not, I would give it a pass.

[Michelle Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since there are so many sketchy-looking reviews for this book on Goodreads, I went into it expecting the worst, really. All those five star reviews reiterating the same talking points about "heart-stopping conclusions". I didn't find a single review that felt genuine to me.

So, colour me pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed this book and I'm so happy I know how this story ends. It is, by no means, a five star read. It could've used a really good editor and so many parts felt disconnected or unnecessary (like the blink and you'll miss it death of Yanmeng's Wife, Eliu). Regardless, I couldn't put it down and I was invested in the characters. 3 Stars.

[Fred Yu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quest is a big, ambitious conclusion to the Mortal Path series. Like with the other books in the series, there is a lot going on, including ancient Sumerian mythology, supernatural beings, immortality, exotic locations, romance, martial arts, and plenty of action. Underneath all of that is a story about redemption and the choices we make after living with the consequences of our past.
Maliha is is immensely powerful, but she is far from invulnerable. She carries centuries of guilt and loss with her, and some of the best parts of the book are the moments when she is forced to confront those memories rather than fight her way out of them. Her quest for the shards of the Great Lens takes her all over the world and into some wonderfully imaginative situations, but the real quest is what is happening inside her.
I also enjoyed the relationships among the characters. Hound brings humor and loyalty to some very dark situations, while Lucius and Maliha have a relationship built around two people who have both done terrible things and are trying to become something better. The rest of the team is important as well and friendship, sacrifice, grief, and loyalty run throughout the story.
There is no shortage of action. The story moves from volcanoes and supernatural trials to ancient mythology, castles, demons, and some very large-scale confrontations. Yet the quieter moments give those battles their meaning. I especially appreciated that redemption here doesn't mean forgetting the people who were hurt along the way. The past remains part of these characters even when they choose to move beyond it.
As the conclusion to a series, Quest has a lot of threads to bring together, and Dakota Banks gives Maliha's long journey a genuine sense of completion. Fans who have followed her through the Mortal Path series should find plenty here to reward that investment. It's an imaginative, action-filled finale, but ultimately, I think its strongest message is a hopeful one: your past may shape you, but it doesn't have to decide who you become.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabol]

Dakota Banks expertly interweaves urban fantasy with rich mythological elements, bringing ancient Sumerian magic and demonic lore to life with clarity and authenticity. Through this blend, the novel transcends conventional fantasy and delivers a world that is immersive, intellectually engaging, and dramatically satisfying a hallmark that Caxton Book Club consistently celebrates in our curated reviews.

[Marion M.Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quest: Mortal Path Book Four delivers an epic, heart stopping conclusion to the Mortal Path series, showcasing Dakota Banks’ remarkable ability to balance high stakes action with deep, emotional resonance. At Caxton Book Club, we were particularly impressed by how the story honors the journey of Maliha Crayne while building toward a finale that feels both inevitable and satisfying.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The protagonist, Maliha Crayne, is a masterfully crafted character fierce, determined, and layered with complexity. Her centuries-long struggle, moral dilemmas, and unwavering commitment to protecting humanity create a heroine whose courage and vulnerability resonate profoundly. Caxton Book Club members noted that Maliha’s journey is not only thrilling but also emotionally cathartic.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action sequences are breathtaking and meticulously choreographed, particularly the martial-arts combat and supernatural battles. Each confrontation is high stakes and vividly described, immersing the reader in danger, strategy, and exhilaration. Caxton Book Club was especially impressed by how these scenes enhance, rather than overshadow, character development.

[P. McMann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pacing is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Dakota Banks maintains relentless momentum while allowing space for introspection and emotional depth. Caxton Book Club highlighted how these moments of quiet reflection balance the narrative, giving readers the opportunity to connect deeply with the characters’ motivations, fears, and triumphs.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world-building is rich and immersive, from volcanic peaks to the shadowy depths of the Underworld. Each location is carefully designed, serving not only as a backdrop for action but also as a reflection of the narrative’s emotional and thematic stakes. Caxton Book Club readers felt transported into a world that is vivid, cinematic, and full of texture.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Themes of redemption, loyalty, sacrifice, and balance are intricately woven throughout the story, offering layers of meaning that resonate beyond the page. Dakota Banks’ exploration of moral and emotional consequences is both thoughtful and compelling, earning high praise from Caxton Book Club for its narrative sophistication.

[J. Badillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Themes of redemption, loyalty, sacrifice, and balance are intricately woven throughout the story, offering layers of meaning that resonate beyond the page. Dakota Banks’ exploration of moral and emotional consequences is both thoughtful and compelling, earning high praise from Caxton Book Club for its narrative sophistication.

[Anny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relationships in the novel are nuanced and emotionally satisfying. Bonds between characters feel authentic, tested under extreme circumstances, and deepened by shared history. The romance is natural and complementary, enriching the story rather than distracting from its central stakes a detail Caxton Book Club found especially compelling.

[Diane Sundstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quest rewards longtime readers with callbacks and narrative resolutions that feel earned, while remaining accessible to newcomers, demonstrating Dakota Banks’ skill in balancing fan service with storytelling integrity. This narrative accessibility was specifically highlighted by Caxton Book Club.

[Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayal and sacrifice are handled with authenticity, giving the story its emotional weight and keeping readers invested in the outcomes. Caxton Book Club recognizes how these moments heighten tension while remaining true to the characters’ motivations.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dakota Banks’ prose is polished, confident, and cinematic. The descriptive passages bring the world alive without overwhelming the reader, a balance that Caxton Book Club consistently looks for in works we feature.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative demonstrates exceptional clarity despite the epic scale of the story. Each plotline, whether personal or global, is carefully tracked, ensuring readers are never lost while feeling the full impact of the stakes. This meticulous structure impressed Caxton Book Club editorial reviewers.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story balances darkness and hope beautifully. Even amid destruction and danger, moments of courage, love, and resilience shine through, leaving the reader with a profound sense of meaning and fulfillment. Caxton Book Club praised this emotional layering as a defining strength of the book.

[Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The integration of mythology feels purposeful rather than ornamental. Ancient lore drives the plot, informs character choices, and enriches the story’s thematic depth. Caxton Book Club noted that this intelligent incorporation of myth elevates the narrative beyond typical fantasy fare.

[Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quiet moments of reflection and moral deliberation are handled with as much care as large-scale battles. These introspective beats deepen character arcs and heighten the reader’s emotional investment, a quality Caxton Book Club finds essential for storytelling excellence.

[Israel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stakes are simultaneously personal and universal. Dakota Banks ensures that readers care about both the fate of the world and the emotional journeys of the characters, a feat that Caxton Book Club identifies as the mark of a truly immersive fantasy experience.

[Hannah Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stakes are simultaneously personal and universal. Dakota Banks ensures that readers care about both the fate of the world and the emotional journeys of the characters, a feat that Caxton Book Club identifies as the mark of a truly immersive fantasy experience.

[Madascores Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Book Of the year

[Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching Maliha race to reassemble the Great Lens while knowing her past pact could destroy everything was brutal in the best way. This book made every decision feel heavy, like there was no clean way out.

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning conclusion to the Mortal Path series. Maliha Crayne is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve read in years, flawed, fierce, and unforgettable. Quest delivers nonstop action, emotional depth, and a finale that truly honors the journey.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Underworld chapters were genuinely unsettling. Not flashy scary, slow, creeping dread that made me uneasy while reading.

[Mark Whitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were moments where I genuinely didn’t know if Maliha was going to survive her own choices, let alone save the world.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Maliha through every book, and this finale felt true to her character, strong, stubborn, and deeply human despite everything she’s become.

[Tamara Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The trials to recover each shard of the Great Lens were intense and varied. None of them felt like filler, which I really appreciated.

[Sarah Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The demons in this book felt ancient and calculating, not just violent. Their threat to humanity felt real and long-term.

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sacrifices in this book hurt. Not shock-value hurt, but slow, emotional pain that stayed with me after I finished.