In the quaint setting of modern Surrey, England, 16-year-old celebrity Nate Kinslow is struggling with a troubled past and strained relationship with his imperfect mother. Just when he thinks life couldn’t get any worse he accidentally gets stuck in a parallel timeline called Machia Veil. The elite of Machia Veil (pronounced Maquia or /maˈkiə/) have exploited timeline travel over the years for leisure and espionage, disturbing the delicate balance between the timelines. Nate’s alternate family, the powerful Kinshots inadvertently involve him in their world during a trip that does not go to plan, leaving Nate stranded in Machia Veil, homeless, unrecognised, and far from his family. Complications arise as the Archs, influential figures in Machia Veil, desperately search for Nate's alternate brother, Finch Kinshot. The consequences they face if they fail to find Finch become increasingly severe, driving the Archs to extreme measures. They resort to kidnapping Nate, confining him in the mysterious and formidable Club 7 since, unknown to him, he holds the answers to Finch’s disappearance. Enter Kenya Roman, a runaway Machian teen and a talented flamenco dancer dreaming of fame. Acting on a tip about Ethriel, a Native American shaman offering liberation, Nate and Kenya embark on a daring escape from the clutches of the Arch-controlled Club 7. Yet, the relentless pursuit of the Archs complicates their every move, leading to a climactic showdown between them and celestial warriors called RayCrests, resembling angels, who safeguard the delicate balance of the timelines. As the narrative unfolds, Nate is confronted with a heart-wrenching decision: return home through a new RayCrest portal or stay with Kenya, knowing she cannot accompany him. Embark on an extraordinary journey with Quest of Despair — a YA portal fantasy and debut novel by Raven Fenix-Porter. An unforgettable tale combining emotional exploration and imaginative storytelling, inspired by the essence of "His Dark Materials", "A Neverending Story", and "The Alchemist".