| Simon, Jane, and Barnabas ("Barney") Drew go for a holiday in Trewissick, on the coast of Cornwall, and stay in the majestic Grey House, which belongs to a sea captain but is being temporarily occupied by their Great Uncle Merriman ("Merry") Lyon. While exploring in an attic, Barney finds a mysterious map or drawing that seems very old. Uncle Merry confirms that it may be a 600-year-old copy of a document that dates from 900 years ago, shortly after the days of King Arthur, and may indicate the place where a knight named Bedwin hid a grail -- not the Holy one, but a metal cup that depicts highlights from Arthur's reign. But a young adult pair of "antique dealers," teamed up with a tough kid from the village and a bogus, threatening vicar, seem determined to head off Uncle Merry (who hints that they may represent "dark forces") and the kids from the prize. This 1965 young adult novel became the first in Susan Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" series. | ||
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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: - mind control 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 Terrain Earth setting: - 20th century Takes place on Earth? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - no torture/death How much dialogue? - significantly more descript than dialog |
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