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Relic
Douglas J. Preston and Lincoln Child Book Review

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Plot Summary of Relic
"A sensational exhibition of superstition and folklore is set to open at the New York Museum of Natural History but the event is jeopardized, as two young boys are found savagely murdered in a remote section of the museum basement. A security guard is also slain and the entire museum staff is shaken by the brutal killings. Crates bearing antiquities from the now extinct Kothoga tribe of South America are followed by mysterious deaths from Belem, Brazil to New Orleans and finally NYC. The figurine of the Mbwun, a half lizard half human creature, said to be the exactor of vengeance for the tribe is among the many items that will go on display at the museums new exhibit.

Researcher Margo Green, her boss Dr. Frock, and journalist Bill Smithback become embroiled in the terrifying mystery as all the clues point toward an ancient and lethal “killing machine” type of predator, but will anyone heed their warnings when they produce computer-generated data suggesting the identity of the thing? More frightening events occur as the museum is about to invite thousands to its opening night gala with a beast in their midst. Many theories abound as to the nature of the killer as Green, NYC Police Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta, and New Orleans FBI Special Agent Pendergast search for clues among the labyrinthine archives and storerooms of the institution. Great twist leaves the ending far from what one might expect."

David Fletcher, Resident Scholar



Review Analysis of Relic
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot

Composition of Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 20%
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 30%




Tone of book - scarey (primal ax-wielding fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Horror story? Yes
Horror plotlets - the monster chased me!

Main Character
Identity: - Female
Profession/status: - scientist
Age: - 20's-30's
Is this an ordinary person caught up in events? Yes
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Main Adversary
Identity: - An "It".
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - throughout most of the book.
How sensitive is this character? - mean, arrogant

Setting
Terrain - Domed/Underground City
Earth setting: - 20th century
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Style
Person? - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - explicit references to deaths
scientific jargon? (SF only) - a significant amount of technical jargon
How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman (The War of Dreams) by Angela Carter


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Douglas J. Preston and Lincoln Child Resident Scholar Profiles

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David Fletcher  

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