Available:*
Library | Material Type | Shelf Number | Child Count | Shelf Location | Status | Item Holds |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Central | Book | YA FICTION H5543L | 1 | Juvenile Fiction | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
Searching... Midlands | Book | YA HIL | 1 | Juvenile Fiction | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
Searching... South | Juvenile Book | YA FIC HILL | 1 | Juvenile Fiction | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
A fantasy that includes mystery, myth, magic and the Holy Grail.After an archaeological dig at Glastonbury Tor in England uncovers the Holy Grail, Felicity and her mother, a professor of Arthurian literature, find that their destinies are linked across time with the Grail and the legendary King Arthur.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 6-8-This is a complicated but absorbing tale of a teen with ESP who may be a Grail Keeper from the time of King Arthur. Felicity Jones is in England with her mother, who is on sabbatical to pursue intensive research into the Arthurian legend. There is speculation that Glastonbury Tor might really be Avalon, where Arthur was taken to die. In a conversational tone and with the acknowledgment that her experiences might be hard to believe, Felicity tells her strange adventure with time travel and how she learns of her powers from Morgan le Fey. The modern teen is a believable character, and her amazement at the discovery of her special talents rings true. However, sometimes the shifts between the present and the past and the interactions with characters from the Arthurian legends are contrived and confusing. A secure familiarity with the tales will make the novel more accessible. Hill tries to parallel characters in the present with those from the legend as, for example, the present-day evil Mordraut carries out the same mission to destroy goodness as Mordred does. This story will appeal mainly to fans of fantasy and Arthurian legend.-Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Set in modern-day England, this fantasy draws on the Arthurian legend of the Holy Grail. Sixteen-year-old Felicity discovers that she has special Sight that allows her to see glimpses of the future as well as visions of the Grail, which is endangered. Although the premise is intriguing, underdeveloped characters and clunky writing prevent the story from reaching its full potential. From HORN BOOK Spring 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
With a new twist on the Arthurian legend, this story incorporates old tales, a contemporary setting, and a mother and daughter pair who find themselves inexplicably interested in the lost world of Avalon. Just as strange occurrences are taking place at her mother's archaeological dig, Felicity Jones is singled out, by Morgan Le Fay no less, as the last in a long line of women "grail keepers" who have been entrusted with protecting the sacred cauldron-the fountain of creativity, imagination, and art. Her reaction to the news, as well as her unwanted second sight, is typical teenage disbelief and annoyance, both of which cause a lot of trouble for her later. Hill (A Voice from the Border, 1998, etc.) has obviously studied the Avalon legends extensively, but sometimes has a difficult time translating her own wealth of knowledge to the reader. The beginning is muddied and somewhat confusing, too much bouncing between scenes and nonexistent transitions. However, the story sorts itself out by the end and readers will begin to understand how everything fits together and may even find themselves wanting to read it again. (Fiction. 11-14)
Booklist Review
Gr. 7scholar, 16-year-old Felicity doesn't believe in fairy tales, and she can't see what's so special about Glastonbury Tor. But while visiting the tor, she discovers an ability to "see" into an alternate world where fact, fiction, legend, and reality blur. Soon Felicity is entangled in an age-old struggle and learns that she is destined to protect legend and lives. Combining mystery, myth, and magic, this light, lively read features a likable if sometimes frustratingly naive protagonist, whose chatty narrative, by turns humorous and melodramatic (occasionally raising serious concerns), keeps the story entertaining despite some plot contrivances and stereotype. Kids familiar with the legend will get more from the book's puns and references, but readers who like the idea of old tales redone will find this involving reading. A solid bibliography for kids who want to read more about Arthur is appended. --Shelle Rosenfeld