While the elements in the annotation are primarily descriptive, appeal elements tend to be less obvious and more evaluative. They are often more difficult to answer and may even require some rereading or rethinking.
{Again, the teacher does not claim that this is the best possible example, but it should be a reasonable discussion vehicle.}
Within a few pages, the main character meets a dying man and begins a difficult mission. Action follows and there is one adventure after another.
There is some dialog in this novel, but the description dominates; the descriptive parts can be read quickly.
No, the prose moves quickly and the descriptive passages are easily absorbed. The text is certainly interesting, but it is not lyrical or poetic. There is no symbolism to interpret.
Sentences, paragraphs, and chapters are relatively short. Chapters are often divided into sections where point-of-view changes.
While different points of view are represented in chapters and sections, there are no flashbacks and the plot tends to be a straight-line.
With the exception of two evil characters who have a plan, the main characters react to unexpected events.
Green Rider is basically end-oriented since there is a generally satisfactory resolution at the end. However, it is open-ended because the major evil character still threatens and a sequel may be in the works.
The pacing quickly involves the reader in a serious of adventures with narrow escapes and a plucky heroine. The reader is hooked after the first few pages.
While interesting and enjoyable, the characters are obvious stereotypes that are immediately recognizable.
The focus is on our plucky heroine, although other characters receive some attention and there are intertwining plot lines between the major bad guys and Karigan.
The story is told from a third-person viewpoint with considerable detail and description. There is little first-person narration.
No, this story is plot centered with the setting secondary. Although there is some character development, the emphasis is on action rather than seeing Karigan grow and develop.
I am not certain of the author's attentions, I would argue that we observe since we see the story from the view of some omniscient observer rather than through Kari's eyes. Still, female readers may well identify with Karigan as an interesting, if stereotypical character, even though there is little reflection or first person view.
This is a first novel, but clearly there will be at least one sequel. Heroic fantasy tends to attract readers who like series. Although evil has been defeated, it is still powerful. The Kingdom is in perilous shape. King Zachary, and the Noble Green Rider Alton D'Yer surely will have a larger role in the next volume.
There are certainly important secondary characters, both good and evil. I am not certain that they are truly memorable. I liked Ms. Bunchberry and the magical home in the woods. There are enough important characters, but they don't really come alive as they do in a novel by Lackey.
Situations and events receive more attention here. This is typical of most heroic fantasy novels. Lackey, is the major exception, since many of her novels focus on people, especially how they develop overtime.
It is difficult to answer this question without knowing what the author intended. I suspect that all authors take their work seriously. Still, this is clearly escape reading and not a serious look at moral and social issues. However, any work that focuses on the fight between good and evil has at least some serious content. There is some strong comment on environmental issues too.
Green Rider is clearly an exterior action novel. It is plot centered.
There are many specific details to let the reader knows that this is a fantasy novel set in a medieval period.
I am not certain. The book's tone is serious and common place for a fantasy novel. There is no special impression or feel other than that of the medieval environment and the mostly forest landscape.
Heroic fantasy can take place in a variety of settings, including Native American myth and legend. However, most fantasy novels are set in either some ancient empire or a medieval one of feuding kingdoms. This story could take place in another frame, and, if the fantasy elements were dropped, could become a contemporary adventure story. Most fantasy readers will prefer the fantasy frame that Britain has constructed. The details are sufficient so that the place and people seem plausible and the story is pleasing.
