In this the first book of the Dark is rising series, Simon, Jane, and Barnabas(Barney) Drew go to Trewissick, Cornwall, with their Great-Uncle Merry. There, they discover an old map drawn by the last gardian of the grail, a chalice-like cup that,"...told upon its sides all the true story of Arthur." Great-Uncle Merry tells them that there are evil men searching for the grail as he has also been searching, and of the danger they had put themselves in. They need to follow the clues the Cornishman included in the map, and find the grail before the Dark does. But will the Dark prevent the children from finding the grail, or will Great-Uncle Merry be able to protect the Drews long enough for them to triumph? | ||
Plot & Themes FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy story on current Earth Tech./$$$/Info hunt Yes Stealing/recovering/destroying Is this an adult or child's book? - Kid's book (ages 7-14) Descript. of chases or violence - 10 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 50 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10 % Main Character Identity: - Male Profession/status: Age: - a kid Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - long-lived adults Profession/status: Has magical powers? Yes Magical/mental powers of main antagonist: - can cast all sorts of spells How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting Earth setting: - 20th century Takes place on Earth? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - no torture/death How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |