“Xena: How the Quest Was Won” by Ru Emerson is a novel from the Xena, Warrior Princess series published by Penguin Publishing Group in 2000. The book, part of the fantasy/epic genre, is a tie-in to the popular media series and offers an exciting adventure for fans of Xena and her allies. With a compact mass market format and a length of 6.7 inches, this novel is a must-have for those who enjoy epic fantasy stories full of action and adventure.

The first book in a new Xena trilogy, Go Quest, Young Man introduces the reader to the “arc” plotline: Joxor is bedazzled into joining a quest to save Helen of Troy and bring her back into the arms of her obsessive husband — Xena’s old enemy Menelaus. Heedless of their desire to drown the hapless Joxor in the nearest bog, Xena and Gabrielle head off to Sparta to investigate this alleged quest. But Old Home Week doesn’t end here as Xena makes a side trip to deliver a message to Hercules (Iolaus, Salmoneous, et. al.) and soon runs into the still love-struck warlord Draco (quick, grab your episode guide) amongst the crew of Menelaus’ would-be heroes. All of it a set up for the trilogy, Go Quest, Young Man ends in the middle of action and unfortunately doesn’t leave you wanting more.