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A Knight's Quest for the Holy Grail
It's not always the quest for the cup. Sometimes, it's the quest for what's in the cup.Lance wants nothing more than to be there to fight the dragons for his beloved Princess Alexandra. With his faithful steed by his side, Lance sets out for the magic elixir found only in the Holy Grail. With its strengthening power, facing off an old hag, the bewitching woods, and the strange ogre who lives under a bridge should be easy. But when it comes to Alexandra's dragons, things aren't quite what they all seem to be. Will Lance's gift be enough -- or will his princess require something even more powerful to sustain her? Pull up a cup of your favorite "elixir" and enjoy this sweet and snarky satire story from C. S. Johnson, where the dragons are real, even if they aren't.
FROM THE
Every knight has a quest, and every quest has its reward.
As a knight-errant, albeit one still in training, with only a year of service behind him, Lance took his duty seriously. But waking up was also a serious business, and that was why, despite the midmorning light flickering over his face, Lance was still half asleep. His faithful steed stepped up to help him, breathing smelly fumes into his face.
“Blah!” Lance sputtered, trying to clear his tongue of the frothy waft. “What have you been eating, Percy?”
His pet’s pungent wake-up call forced Lance to roll over. When the heat of Percy’s breath continued to eat into the shield of his pending sleep, Lance finally gave in to his beast’s rude awakening.
“Alright, I’m getting up. Back from me, you fearsome brute.”
The horse was far from intimidated by Lance’s waking grogginess; instead, he moved closer to his master, nuzzling him with his wet nose.
“You’re lucky you’re the runt of your family,” Lance grumbled, sitting up. He patted down his hair, brushing the chestnut locks out of his eyes, before taking in the full sight of the bouncing creature before him. “Or you would be tied outside, like the ones at my mother’s house.”
Percy gave a small yip, and the nuzzle became a nudge.
“Alright, alright,” Lance muttered, petting his horse’s long, flowing mane playfully. “I know you’re hungry.”
He also knew there was no point in trying to sleep when Percy was hungry—no matter how sleepy he still was.
“I suppose you’re right, anyway, Percy.” Lance yawned and rubbed his hands over his face. “We promised the princess we would save her today, and every knight knows there is nothing more important than completing his quest.”
Lance tossed Percy several treats and stroked his pet affectionately, before he put on his armor for the day. He pulled a breastplate polished to a shine over his head, slipped his feet into protective boots, and even donned a helmet to protect his face from the bright summer sunshine.
Before too long, he stepped outside his quarters. Percy came trotting eagerly after him. With his steed at his side and a grin on his face, Lance set out into the morning to see his princess.
“Princess Alexandra, I am coming for you,” he called out rapturously, eager to see his beloved once more.
FROM THE
Every knight has a quest, and every quest has its reward.
As a knight-errant, albeit one still in training, with only a year of service behind him, Lance took his duty seriously. But waking up was also a serious business, and that was why, despite the midmorning light flickering over his face, Lance was still half asleep. His faithful steed stepped up to help him, breathing smelly fumes into his face.
“Blah!” Lance sputtered, trying to clear his tongue of the frothy waft. “What have you been eating, Percy?”
His pet’s pungent wake-up call forced Lance to roll over. When the heat of Percy’s breath continued to eat into the shield of his pending sleep, Lance finally gave in to his beast’s rude awakening.
“Alright, I’m getting up. Back from me, you fearsome brute.”
The horse was far from intimidated by Lance’s waking grogginess; instead, he moved closer to his master, nuzzling him with his wet nose.
“You’re lucky you’re the runt of your family,” Lance grumbled, sitting up. He patted down his hair, brushing the chestnut locks out of his eyes, before taking in the full sight of the bouncing creature before him. “Or you would be tied outside, like the ones at my mother’s house.”
Percy gave a small yip, and the nuzzle became a nudge.
“Alright, alright,” Lance muttered, petting his horse’s long, flowing mane playfully. “I know you’re hungry.”
He also knew there was no point in trying to sleep when Percy was hungry—no matter how sleepy he still was.
“I suppose you’re right, anyway, Percy.” Lance yawned and rubbed his hands over his face. “We promised the princess we would save her today, and every knight knows there is nothing more important than completing his quest.”
Lance tossed Percy several treats and stroked his pet affectionately, before he put on his armor for the day. He pulled a breastplate polished to a shine over his head, slipped his feet into protective boots, and even donned a helmet to protect his face from the bright summer sunshine.
Before too long, he stepped outside his quarters. Percy came trotting eagerly after him. With his steed at his side and a grin on his face, Lance set out into the morning to see his princess.
“Princess Alexandra, I am coming for you,” he called out rapturously, eager to see his beloved once more.
30 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2018
17 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Johnson
113 books631 followersC. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, the Divine Space Pirates trilogy, and more. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family. Find out more at http://www.csjohnson.me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 1, 2019
This was awesome!! I definitely did some internal flailing when reading the graphic novel edition because the artwork is beautiful. (Some of those panels were SO good and just had to admire it for a moment before moving on.) Plus, the story was fantastic!
I read the graphic novel first and then went back and read the short story. I think the illustrator really captured the heart of the author’s story and just loveee Alex. He reminded me of my husband in many ways as I have dealt with my dragon. The fantasy part was perfect and gave me a few giggles.
Overall, I recommend both editions of this story to readers! Was a quick read and a sweet ending that left me thankful for my hubby and encouraging family/friends.
I read the graphic novel first and then went back and read the short story. I think the illustrator really captured the heart of the author’s story and just loveee Alex. He reminded me of my husband in many ways as I have dealt with my dragon. The fantasy part was perfect and gave me a few giggles.
Overall, I recommend both editions of this story to readers! Was a quick read and a sweet ending that left me thankful for my hubby and encouraging family/friends.
December 31, 2018
A very sweet, touching tale. ❤️
October 1, 2021
***Actual rating 3.5***
I wanted to read some of this author’s work and picked up this one since it was free on Kindle. It’s a sweet story mixing fantasy and real life on the subject of those who stand by the side of their friends or family fighting their “dragons” but who can’t kill those dragons for them.
The only hiccup I was thrown for was at the beginning when a horse was said to have a wet nose and was acting like a dog. 🤨 Uh, huh? That really threw me out of the story (as I know horses really well, and they for sure don’t have wet noses!), BUT this was cleared up when clearly Lance’s dog was standing in as a horse in the “daydream” fantasy portion.
This was a cute, fast, fun read with a great message. I will certainly try to pick up one of this author’s longer works in the future!
Content: nothing aside from one kiss and hints of a character having depression; otherwise totally clean ☺️
I wanted to read some of this author’s work and picked up this one since it was free on Kindle. It’s a sweet story mixing fantasy and real life on the subject of those who stand by the side of their friends or family fighting their “dragons” but who can’t kill those dragons for them.
The only hiccup I was thrown for was at the beginning when a horse was said to have a wet nose and was acting like a dog. 🤨 Uh, huh? That really threw me out of the story (as I know horses really well, and they for sure don’t have wet noses!), BUT this was cleared up when clearly Lance’s dog was standing in as a horse in the “daydream” fantasy portion.
This was a cute, fast, fun read with a great message. I will certainly try to pick up one of this author’s longer works in the future!
Content: nothing aside from one kiss and hints of a character having depression; otherwise totally clean ☺️
June 24, 2019
This is the new graphic novel edition of "A Knight's Quest for the Holy Grail," illustrated by the lovely Fammy Purnama!
Includes the written word edition as well as the illustrated edition, and an author's note, dedication, and a sample chapter from "The Heights of Perdition," another lovely romance novel series from yours truly.
Includes the written word edition as well as the illustrated edition, and an author's note, dedication, and a sample chapter from "The Heights of Perdition," another lovely romance novel series from yours truly.
January 4, 2019
This is a cute three step story in which you learn a little more, or maybe its better to say the story comes more into focus the more you read it. It is an endearing story of love and the hurdles you go through for ones you love.
November 26, 2018
It's a good romantic tale that hints at the darker sides of depression and mental health, and the troubles we sometimes face when we befriend our demons, with liquid portals, jokes about avocados, strange references to illegal plants, and coffee runs.
What's not to love?
Here's the blurb I've got:
It's not always the quest for the cup. Sometimes, it's the quest for what's in the cup.
Lance wants nothing more than to be there to fight the dragons for his beloved Princess Alexandra. With his faithful steed by his side, Lance sets out for the magic elixir found only in the Holy Grail. With its strengthening power, facing off an old hag, the bewitching woods, and the strange ogre who lives under a bridge should be easy.
But when it comes to Alexandra's dragons, things aren't quite what they all seem to be.
Will Lance's gift be enough -- or will his princess require something even more powerful to sustain her?
Pull up a cup of your favorite "elixir" and enjoy this sweet and snarky satire story from C. S. Johnson, where the dragons are real, even if they aren't.
What's not to love?
Here's the blurb I've got:
It's not always the quest for the cup. Sometimes, it's the quest for what's in the cup.
Lance wants nothing more than to be there to fight the dragons for his beloved Princess Alexandra. With his faithful steed by his side, Lance sets out for the magic elixir found only in the Holy Grail. With its strengthening power, facing off an old hag, the bewitching woods, and the strange ogre who lives under a bridge should be easy.
But when it comes to Alexandra's dragons, things aren't quite what they all seem to be.
Will Lance's gift be enough -- or will his princess require something even more powerful to sustain her?
Pull up a cup of your favorite "elixir" and enjoy this sweet and snarky satire story from C. S. Johnson, where the dragons are real, even if they aren't.
December 13, 2018
An incredible love story juxtaposed on the princess/dragon tale and the knight's search for the Holy Grail
This is an incredible short story about a dragon and a princess. Her knight goes to the Holy Grail because he knows what she needs. He fights the dragon for her (SPOILER ALERT it's her depression and the Holy Grail is a coffee shop). He is there for her and tells her he will be there through the good and the bad. An adorable love story! What a unique way to look at a debilitating disease. Thank you, Ms. Johnson! I received an advance reader copy and this is my honest review. I will purchase it because it is that wonderful and I support open discussion on this topic.
This is an incredible short story about a dragon and a princess. Her knight goes to the Holy Grail because he knows what she needs. He fights the dragon for her (SPOILER ALERT it's her depression and the Holy Grail is a coffee shop). He is there for her and tells her he will be there through the good and the bad. An adorable love story! What a unique way to look at a debilitating disease. Thank you, Ms. Johnson! I received an advance reader copy and this is my honest review. I will purchase it because it is that wonderful and I support open discussion on this topic.
January 23, 2019
An interesting point of view
“He had come to Torroa College for an education and some direction, but he had ended up falling in love and finding that love provided its own sense of purpose and destination. Alex was his college sweetheart, and he loved her.”
Couched in a knight errant’s quest for his lady love, this very short, insightful tale sees a dragon in a very contemporary issue- depression. Might have a slight trigger for some, but I thought it was marvelous
“He had come to Torroa College for an education and some direction, but he had ended up falling in love and finding that love provided its own sense of purpose and destination. Alex was his college sweetheart, and he loved her.”
Couched in a knight errant’s quest for his lady love, this very short, insightful tale sees a dragon in a very contemporary issue- depression. Might have a slight trigger for some, but I thought it was marvelous
May 9, 2019
This is a sweet short story where dragons aren't what they seem. It begins in a fantasy and ends in the real world. This story highlights the struggles of depression and how love overcomes all obstacles.
March 7, 2019
A very sweet Romantic Short!
This is a touchingly sweet short story about being a modern day knight in shining armor for the Princess he loves and fighting her dragon for her.
I have it on good authority that it is inspired by real events! A must read for those who still believe in True Love and being a modern knight in shining armor. My armor is dented and stained in blood and rust now, but my wounded heart still believes in fighting for True Love with all my heart!
This is a touchingly sweet short story about being a modern day knight in shining armor for the Princess he loves and fighting her dragon for her.
I have it on good authority that it is inspired by real events! A must read for those who still believe in True Love and being a modern knight in shining armor. My armor is dented and stained in blood and rust now, but my wounded heart still believes in fighting for True Love with all my heart!
February 26, 2019
Beautiful short story
I love the way this story starts off as a fantasy and then turns into a story about depression and what it can be like for some people.
I love the way this story starts off as a fantasy and then turns into a story about depression and what it can be like for some people.
May 22, 2019
Perhaps I'm a bit jaded, but the story was too predictable for me. As an allegory, it worked ... okay, but some of the parallels made me roll my eyes a bit. The story might have benefited by cutting the second half where the allegory is explained, or by trimming it down significantly. The concept is interesting, and the writing proficient, but it didn't really seem to go anywhere at all. It is a quick, enjoyable read, but nothing remarkable.
February 10, 2019
Amazing short read.
A Knight's Quest for the Holy Grail by C. S. Johnson is a short read that will have your mind running to keep up with the story and its incredible flip in the second half. First amusing, then thought provoking, then touching, this is a power packed piece! Masterfully done!
A Knight's Quest for the Holy Grail by C. S. Johnson is a short read that will have your mind running to keep up with the story and its incredible flip in the second half. First amusing, then thought provoking, then touching, this is a power packed piece! Masterfully done!
February 10, 2019
Wow, great twist at the end
Great story. Love the end, just amazing. Nothing is what I thought it was.
C.S.Johnson writes some of the best fanasty stories I ever read.
Great story. Love the end, just amazing. Nothing is what I thought it was.
C.S.Johnson writes some of the best fanasty stories I ever read.
June 16, 2020
4 stars
Interesting book. At first, I thought it would be a medieval fairy tale. Boy was I wrong. I love the metaphors. Really a delightful story.
Interesting book. At first, I thought it would be a medieval fairy tale. Boy was I wrong. I love the metaphors. Really a delightful story.
November 7, 2019
One story with two time frames? Or two time frames each with their own story? You'll have to decide for yourself, as I was left unsure. While I liked the story (or stories), I felt like I had missed something. Perhaps it was just a little too short in order to cover two time frames and develop the characters. I hope there is a sequel, preferrably in the more modern time frame.
Note: It is worth saying that I was torn between giving 3 stars or 4. The final determination came down to my lack of understanding. But I appreciate what the author has done and will read more.
Note: It is worth saying that I was torn between giving 3 stars or 4. The final determination came down to my lack of understanding. But I appreciate what the author has done and will read more.
June 26, 2019
This can definitely be read in one sitting and I truly LOVED how it goes from fantasy to reality, showing who each character REALLY is!!
Lance has a journey to go on in order to save Princess Alexandra. My favorite parts described were how she mixed his name up the first encounter they had, how he said she stood out from her friends the moment he saw her, how her problems became his problems because his heart was immediately hers.
"I could not name the exact moment I had fallen in love with her, but I knew the moment when I could no longer separate my happiness from hers."
So romantic, great use of metaphors, and coffee is vital in this story :) Lance really is a hero, he's not afraid of the "dragon" and he's determined to make Alex's dreams come true just by loving her unconditionally. Johnson truly knows how to write powerful stories even though this one is short. And now this wonderful story has graphics to go with it!! There are so many things I love about Knight's Quest and now it has pictures too :)
I received a free copy of this from the author, the comments and opinions are my own.
Lance has a journey to go on in order to save Princess Alexandra. My favorite parts described were how she mixed his name up the first encounter they had, how he said she stood out from her friends the moment he saw her, how her problems became his problems because his heart was immediately hers.
"I could not name the exact moment I had fallen in love with her, but I knew the moment when I could no longer separate my happiness from hers."
So romantic, great use of metaphors, and coffee is vital in this story :) Lance really is a hero, he's not afraid of the "dragon" and he's determined to make Alex's dreams come true just by loving her unconditionally. Johnson truly knows how to write powerful stories even though this one is short. And now this wonderful story has graphics to go with it!! There are so many things I love about Knight's Quest and now it has pictures too :)
I received a free copy of this from the author, the comments and opinions are my own.
June 28, 2019
I received this book from the author for an honest review. This book started as a fantasy should - a knight awakes in the morning and with his trusty stead in tow he goes off to start the day in his quest to find the grail in order to save his princess. As the story moved along you find that the knight is a modern day young man attending university and his princess is his current girlfriend. She suffers from depression and fights it daily. He looks to support her and wants to help slay her dragon and thus save her. I loved how the story turned out and I love that Ms. Johnson is putting mental health into the spotlight to help erase the stigma. My hope with this wonderful little story is that someone who needs it reads it and then seeks the help they need!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2022
C. S. Johnson’s, “A Knight’s Quest for the Holy Grail”
When Lance the Knight goes on a Quest for the Holy Grail and to save his princess, all is not what it seems.
This story has a twist that made me smile. It’s short and cute, and was expecting it to be a tad longer, but it’s still a good story anyway. What I like about it, it’s shorter than most novels, is humorous, adorable and clean. It’s also relatable to most writer’s and don’t want to say how by giving any spoilers, but if one reads it then that one will find out!
I’d give this story five stars!
When Lance the Knight goes on a Quest for the Holy Grail and to save his princess, all is not what it seems.
This story has a twist that made me smile. It’s short and cute, and was expecting it to be a tad longer, but it’s still a good story anyway. What I like about it, it’s shorter than most novels, is humorous, adorable and clean. It’s also relatable to most writer’s and don’t want to say how by giving any spoilers, but if one reads it then that one will find out!
I’d give this story five stars!
December 11, 2018
This brief story flips a fable around to the reality of “battling” dragons for a loved one and lovingly sharing burdens. As with Ms. Johnson’s other works, light struggles with dark as her characters strive to handle the “dragons” while working toward their life goals. Recommended! I received this story free from the author and am pleased to write this honest review.
June 12, 2019
I have to say I have read this story twice. The first time I thought it was nice but didn't understand the meaning for it. After I learned about Ms. Johnson's difficulty with depression & reading it a second time did I realize what the dragon was in the book. It is a good story. It also shows unconditional love.
April 22, 2020
What a fun quick story to read. The authors packs a lot of story into just 31 pages.
Is it real or fantasy? Only the reader can make that call. I love the sarcasm and innuendo scattered throughout.
Can Lance save his Princess from her dragon? Time will tell, but he’s there for her...and the magic elixir.
Is it real or fantasy? Only the reader can make that call. I love the sarcasm and innuendo scattered throughout.
Can Lance save his Princess from her dragon? Time will tell, but he’s there for her...and the magic elixir.
March 10, 2021
I thought this was going to be some kind of fantasy comedy - which given the writing's quirky modern style I was so here for - but was surprised to be blessed with something even better! A cute, silly and sweet short story with humour and a heartfelt twist that made me smile.
December 18, 2018
A beautiful story..of the faithful and true..of a promise made and fufilled,This story is short.but deeper than you know.Inspirational read.
January 22, 2019
All Lance wants is to fight the dragons for his beloved Alexandra. But it’s harder than it seems. Loved it.
April 30, 2019
If I'd realized that this light-hearted, cute story was as short as it is, I'd have read it months ago. I've written a story like this, but I have to admit, C.S. Johnson did a better job.
June 18, 2019
I enjoyed this book even though it was very short. It was a good way to introduce new characters. I would read more books about Lance and Alex. I am interested to see where their story goes.
December 16, 2019
I loved this book which represented depression as a dragon! I would never have thought of that myself yet it's genius! I love the range and depth of emotion this author shows her readers.
February 19, 2021
A good short read
If you are looking for a quick read that is fun, this story will fit nicely. I loved the two parts that dovetailed together seamlessly.
If you are looking for a quick read that is fun, this story will fit nicely. I loved the two parts that dovetailed together seamlessly.
March 19, 2022
Lovely story
This was a lovely story, knights in shining armour are very real, even in this day & age! It draws you in & leaves you going aww...
This was a lovely story, knights in shining armour are very real, even in this day & age! It draws you in & leaves you going aww...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews