The Quest

by Julie Day

It’s Delta’s sixteenth birthday. She gets a coming-of-age present, but it comes with a condition- she has to find her soul mate and prove she’s worthy of him in a week, or she will lose her adult tail and it will stay pale. Delta meets various mermen from Mr Slob to Mr Useless, and sees their faults are hers. Then she meets Jonty, and realises she wants to be a better mermaid.

28 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2012

About the author

Julie Day lives in London. She writes both adult and childrens' fiction, and reader letters to health, green and natural beauty magazines, and blogs and writes articles about autism.

Reviews

[Walkwitha_book · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Quest" by Julie Day is a captivating coming-of-age fantasy novel that explores themes of self-discovery, love, and personal growth. This book is set in a unique underwater world inhabited by merfolk, the story revolves around Delta, a young mermaid who embarks on a transformative journey on her sixteenth birthday.

The plot of the book revolves around Delta's quest to find her soul mate within a week, a condition imposed upon her coming-of-age gift. This gift is a symbol of her adulthood, represented by her tail turning a vibrant color. If she fails to find her soul mate and prove her worthiness, her tail will remain pale, symbolizing her unfulfilled potential.

The turning point in the story occurs when Delta meets Jonty, a merman who inspires her to become a better version of herself. Their connection goes beyond surface-level attraction, as they share a deep emotional bond. This relationship challenges Delta to develop her character and prove her worth not only to her soul mate but also to herself.

Julie Day skillfully crafts an enchanting underwater world filled with vivid descriptions and imaginative details. The author's prose is lyrical and evocative, immersing readers in a world of shimmering coral reefs, vibrant sea creatures, and the mysteries of the deep. Day's storytelling prowess shines through as she weaves together elements of romance, fantasy, and personal growth.

This book is the exploration of Delta's character development. Readers can easily relate to her struggles with self-identity and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. Her journey to self-acceptance and the pursuit of personal growth are central themes that resonate with readers of all ages. It’s a short read.

This book is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that combines elements of fantasy and self-discovery. Through Delta's transformative journey, the book delivers a powerful message about the importance of self-acceptance and personal growth. This coming-of-age tale is a delightful read for fans of fantasy and those who appreciate stories with relatable characters and meaningful themes. Julie Day's storytelling talent shines brightly in this enchanting underwater world. One of my favourite read of 2023. 💜