Book Review: “The Last Best Quest Ever” by F.T. Lukens

“The Last Best Quest Ever” by F.T. Lukens (2026)

Genre: YA, Fiction, LGBTQ, Romance

Page Length: 320 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Ellinore has the best questing record of anyone in the kingdom’s history. She also has a secret: her fame is built entirely on lies. Tired of the charade, she shocks the kingdom by retiring at a royal feast. But her plans for a quiet life are disrupted when her twin brother Zig bets his life that Ellinore can retrieve the horn of the mythical Elder Beast. To save Zig, she reluctantly sets out on one last, perilous quest.

Accompanying her are Zig, determined to help despite his recklessness; Aven, her envious rival eager to prove their superiority; an ambitious bar maiden turned adventurer; and a young, magic-wielding bard. Together, they face an arduous journey fraught with mythical challenges and shifting alliances. As they search for the Elder Beast, Ellinore grapples with her growing feelings for Aven, her fear of losing Zig, and her identity as a reluctant hero.

With time running out, Ellinore must confront not only the legendary creature but also her own truths. Can she save her brother, embrace her potential, and finally decide her path?

Review:

If you need an adventure bound story to read during the summer months, The Last Best Quest Ever is one that you should put on your reading list! Like Lukens’ previous novel has a coming-of-age narrative, but the theme focuses on imposter syndrome as Ellinore feels like a fraud due to the larger than life persona that has been placed upon her. Determined to prove her worth and earn her status as a true hero she goes on one last quest in order to face her own fears.

Like any good questing story this one has fun elements of characters with vibrant personalities, daring escapes from creatures, and taking the unbeaten path. Lukens does a great job of placing the reader into Ellinore’s shoes and crafting a world that you can truly get lost within. I love the tributes to classic advenutre tales within the story and all of the suprise magical elements that give it added suspense. There is a great blend of humor and heart that propells the story forward, keeping a smooth pace throughout the novel.

What I appreciated the most about this story is the familial bond between Zig and Ellinore (no matter how they don’t always seem eye to eye) and journey of finding self-cofidence. I think the novel’s audience can relate to Ellinore and its characters of feeling that they sometimes can’t rise to a task or not trusting yourself to make the right decisions. It only makes the novel’s story more personable and grounded in reality though it’s set in fantastical world.

The romance was sweet and I adored the blooming relationship between Ellinore and Aven as well as the commraderie that develops over the group’s major quest. This novel is an exciting read that I didn’t want to put down and I’m eager to see what stories Lukens will craft next! In, the meantime, I’ll catch up with their backlog of books as I patiently wait for a new read from them.

Final Verdict: