The Great and Terrible Quest

Rating:
Summary: More Great than Terrible
Review: Why this book has never been re-printed, I'll never know.

Lovett has written a flawless tale of adventure soaked in mystery, but without resorting to the magic and wizardy that normally leaves a person unable to identify with the characters.

The story is about a young boy named Trad, his (evil) taskmaster of a guardian, and the burning desire to find out where he truly belongs. It begins when he finds an old, wounded soldier while out one afternoon. Badly injured and without memory, Trad joins him in a quest to find out who they both really are. Who the soldier turns out to be and how, ultimately, he is connected to Trad makes for a story that is both deep and original, avoiding all of the jaded plots of its genre.

A very serious story for the age group it deals with, it proves that a good childrens book can hold its own without having to be sophpomoric. Mature themes (duty, honor, friendship) are presented in a digestable format that give the book far more meaning and substance than its candy-coated counterparts.

If you have a maturing child at home, or are a child at heart, pick the book up. While difficult to find, if you can get a copy for under $20, its well worth the money.