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Grail Quest #1
The Grail Quest
Plagued by nightmares of King Arthur, Merlin and the Holy Grail, American mystery novelist James Dupree sets out to England to finally understand the meaning behind his strange dreams. Upon arriving in tranquil Glastonbury, James quickly discovers that not all is as it seems in a land deeply connected to Camelot, Avalon and the Knights of the Round Table. There's a raven-haired girl dying of a rare lung disease, and a naked man who emerges from the forest...a man who just might be the greatest king Britain has ever seen. Something is happening in Glastonbury, something mysterious and powerful and not-of-this world, and somehow James is at the heart of it.
At once inspiring and pulse-pounding, The Grail Quest is for anyone who dares to dream-and dares to slay dragons.
At once inspiring and pulse-pounding, The Grail Quest is for anyone who dares to dream-and dares to slay dragons.
182 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2011
136 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rain
694 books1,728 followersJ.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 26, 2024
Entertaining historical listening🎶🎆🎵
This kindle novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account stand alone book.
He travels to the UK to continue the investigation of his dreams.
I would recommend this novella to readers of historical novels and fans of J. R. Rain novels. 2024
This kindle novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account stand alone book.
He travels to the UK to continue the investigation of his dreams.
I would recommend this novella to readers of historical novels and fans of J. R. Rain novels. 2024
October 12, 2014
Really good!
October 19, 2018
This was a good read and I enjoyed it. I would not mind reading more in this line.
June 3, 2019
Excellent first book for the series, unfortunately it's labeled book 1 from several years ago but can't seem to find books 2 & 3
March 20, 2017
A good start
Interesting version of the Arthur legends. The abrupt ending makes you want to continue reading. Am hoping the religious aspect isn't just for the sake of writing about religion.
Interesting version of the Arthur legends. The abrupt ending makes you want to continue reading. Am hoping the religious aspect isn't just for the sake of writing about religion.
March 12, 2017
One of my favorite books
I just loved this book...the story, the characters, the lessons...It is a different style of writing. There are layers to it...so while fun, it is also very thought provoking.
I just loved this book...the story, the characters, the lessons...It is a different style of writing. There are layers to it...so while fun, it is also very thought provoking.
September 13, 2013
I stumbled across Arthur: Grail Quest 1, by J.R. Rain when I was cruising the top one-hundred Arthurian tales on Amazon (doesn't everyone?) and wondered what sort of a twist J.R. Rain would bring to the old grail-tale. The cover is quite misleading in that this book is an urban fantasy, and very little of it is truly Arthurian, although there are some references. But that is okay--the story itself it what is important, not the historical antecedents.
The Blurb:
Hidden deep within the ancient, mist-covered hills of Glastonbury, England is a secret that could forever change the world. A secret that could help usher in a new age of enlightenment for all mankind.
Or so the legend goes....Plagued by months of persistent dreams of King Arthur, Merlin and the Holy Grail, mystery novelist James Dupree finally sets out to England to understand the meaning behind his nightly visions.
Upon arriving in Glastonbury, a locale deeply connected to stories of Camelot, Avalon and the Knights of the Round Table, James quickly discovers that not all is as it seems in this quaint little town. There's a raven-haired girl dying of a rare lung disease, knights with swords, and perhaps strangest of all is the man who emerges from the forest...a man who just might be the greatest king Britain has ever seen.
Something is happening in Glastonbury, something mysterious and powerful and not-of-this world, and somehow James Dupree is in the thick of it. Mankind is ready for the next great spiritual shift. But to do that, one man, one simple writer, must journey deep into the heart of a mystical land in search of a legendary relic.
But there are others who seek the treasure...dark forces who will stop at nothing to keep it for themselves, and end Dupree's quest for good.
At once inspiring and pulse-pounding, ARTHUR is for anyone who dares to dream—and dares to slay dragons.
My Review:
Well...this is certainly not a serious, knights-in-sweaty-armor kind of a book. It is a modern urban fantasy where the past intrudes upon the present and things quickly spiral out of control. It is, however, a window into the human condition, and done with humor and a light-hearted flair that makes for an enjoyable diversion.
I remained engaged though the book, although there were some moments of hmmm.... James is a bit of a wimp to start out with, Arthur is more like Thor on steroids, and Marion is an enigma. Rain does get a bit preachy when it comes to Arthur discussing new-age philosophy and God, but hey, it's his forum and I enjoyed the book over all.
There are dragons, there are knights and there is an evil-bad-dude--Merlin. He is definitely not your mama's Merlin. There is a lot of action and the book is fairly well paced. It is definitely a set up for a trilogy, and while it doesn't really have a satisfying end I felt that overall, it was an entertaining tale.
The Blurb:
Hidden deep within the ancient, mist-covered hills of Glastonbury, England is a secret that could forever change the world. A secret that could help usher in a new age of enlightenment for all mankind.
Or so the legend goes....Plagued by months of persistent dreams of King Arthur, Merlin and the Holy Grail, mystery novelist James Dupree finally sets out to England to understand the meaning behind his nightly visions.
Upon arriving in Glastonbury, a locale deeply connected to stories of Camelot, Avalon and the Knights of the Round Table, James quickly discovers that not all is as it seems in this quaint little town. There's a raven-haired girl dying of a rare lung disease, knights with swords, and perhaps strangest of all is the man who emerges from the forest...a man who just might be the greatest king Britain has ever seen.
Something is happening in Glastonbury, something mysterious and powerful and not-of-this world, and somehow James Dupree is in the thick of it. Mankind is ready for the next great spiritual shift. But to do that, one man, one simple writer, must journey deep into the heart of a mystical land in search of a legendary relic.
But there are others who seek the treasure...dark forces who will stop at nothing to keep it for themselves, and end Dupree's quest for good.
At once inspiring and pulse-pounding, ARTHUR is for anyone who dares to dream—and dares to slay dragons.
My Review:
Well...this is certainly not a serious, knights-in-sweaty-armor kind of a book. It is a modern urban fantasy where the past intrudes upon the present and things quickly spiral out of control. It is, however, a window into the human condition, and done with humor and a light-hearted flair that makes for an enjoyable diversion.
I remained engaged though the book, although there were some moments of hmmm.... James is a bit of a wimp to start out with, Arthur is more like Thor on steroids, and Marion is an enigma. Rain does get a bit preachy when it comes to Arthur discussing new-age philosophy and God, but hey, it's his forum and I enjoyed the book over all.
There are dragons, there are knights and there is an evil-bad-dude--Merlin. He is definitely not your mama's Merlin. There is a lot of action and the book is fairly well paced. It is definitely a set up for a trilogy, and while it doesn't really have a satisfying end I felt that overall, it was an entertaining tale.
September 30, 2015
It is always refreshing to read a book that is both well edited and a great story. THE GRAIL LEGACY is just such a book.
In fiction writing, it is often the goal of the writer to produce a suspension of disbelief in the reader. So what happens when it is the writer protagonist that is put in a situation where he must so what he usually must engender in others? In order to succeed along these lines, the author crafting a tale about a fictional author must dig deep and proceed slowly. J. R. Rain has done a tremendously good job of doing both. There is just enough foreshadowing, not just the title of the piece, to let you know that here is another bit of Arthurian mythology about to be told.
As needs be, any Grail quest must have a sub-text in morality. In THE GRAIL LEGACY, we are presented with a view of God and morality that is all about choice. Nothing is written in stone, if you will forgive the Arthurian pun.
To say that I enjoyed reading THE GRAIL LEGACY would be an understatement. This was one of my early Kindle purchases, and my only regret is waiting this long to read it!
The above is my Amazon review. I would add here that I didn't know this was part of a series until I added the book to my Goodreads bookshelf. I would add, that I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
In fiction writing, it is often the goal of the writer to produce a suspension of disbelief in the reader. So what happens when it is the writer protagonist that is put in a situation where he must so what he usually must engender in others? In order to succeed along these lines, the author crafting a tale about a fictional author must dig deep and proceed slowly. J. R. Rain has done a tremendously good job of doing both. There is just enough foreshadowing, not just the title of the piece, to let you know that here is another bit of Arthurian mythology about to be told.
As needs be, any Grail quest must have a sub-text in morality. In THE GRAIL LEGACY, we are presented with a view of God and morality that is all about choice. Nothing is written in stone, if you will forgive the Arthurian pun.
To say that I enjoyed reading THE GRAIL LEGACY would be an understatement. This was one of my early Kindle purchases, and my only regret is waiting this long to read it!
The above is my Amazon review. I would add here that I didn't know this was part of a series until I added the book to my Goodreads bookshelf. I would add, that I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
June 1, 2013
I enjoyed the story so far. The story moved along at a very good pace with action all through it! It could have been longer or combine the trilogy into one book. I loved Aurther, Marion, and even the dragon! I loved the correlation of entertwining God's love with the medevial storyline. The main character, James, I found to be very irritating in his unbelief, unwillingness to open or broaden his mind even in the midst of seemingly impossible situations. He is the most pessimistic, cry over spilled milk, glass half empty type of person I ever encountered in an ACTION book. James was overkill in the "Is this a dream/ I don't beleive my eyes" type of character. His character alone made me drop my rating from 4 stars to 3.
February 26, 2016
Unexpected, but a pleasant journey.
Authors seem to write themselves into their books often. In this particular story J.R. is front and center. (Is there a little boy who doesn't want to fight along side King Arthur after reading about him??) He takes us on a spiritual journey this time. I'm enjoying reading his philosophical views. They seem in line with my own, but more evolved. ;)
Authors seem to write themselves into their books often. In this particular story J.R. is front and center. (Is there a little boy who doesn't want to fight along side King Arthur after reading about him??) He takes us on a spiritual journey this time. I'm enjoying reading his philosophical views. They seem in line with my own, but more evolved. ;)
March 13, 2012
Very good so far, reading this on my kindle (listening to Ready Player One on Audible) - Author has a great sense of humor, and so far this has been not at all what I expected, but very good, will be checking out more by JR Rain!
Finished the book, would recommend, however you might want to wait until the trilogy is complete if you don't like stopping in the middle of a story.....
Finished the book, would recommend, however you might want to wait until the trilogy is complete if you don't like stopping in the middle of a story.....
February 2, 2014
While an enjoyable read it certainly wasn't what I thought it would be. J.R Rain constantly surprises and delights me with his books and this one is no different......well except my favorite character was not one of the main characters, I loved the dragon. looking forward to reading the rest of the series
July 7, 2016
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The description made it sound awesome and I've read this author before. it started out really good. But unfortunately a few chapters in I found it rather far fetched. I had trouble keeping my attention focused on it. I liked the main character James. He reminds me of a friend of mine. I may go back and try to read this again but not right now.
June 19, 2017
This wasn't what I expected. I didn't realize that it was going to be a new-age story in the style of The Celestine Prophecy.
June 7, 2015
Lots of action
A fast read and enjoyable. I'm not into King Arthur and history, but I enjoyed this til the end. The only problem with a book with no ending is finding the next book. I didn't see it mentioned. Will try to find it.
A fast read and enjoyable. I'm not into King Arthur and history, but I enjoyed this til the end. The only problem with a book with no ending is finding the next book. I didn't see it mentioned. Will try to find it.
May 30, 2011
The ONLY reason this gets 4 stars instead of 5 is that it's ENTIRELY TOO SHORT. It's supposed to be a trilogy, but three of these stories should be combined into one.
July 10, 2014
Secret
So much in this books reminds one to be a better person and to give thanks to the One who has created us. beautiful read
So much in this books reminds one to be a better person and to give thanks to the One who has created us. beautiful read
September 29, 2014
Easy read
I feel this story keeps you interested but I am some what disappointed that it is ... to be continued.
I feel this story keeps you interested but I am some what disappointed that it is ... to be continued.
April 4, 2015
Fun to read, but so short and undeveloped, it felt like watching a trailer for a motion picture. The cliffhanger ending was another blot, as nothing in the previous story was finished.
November 25, 2015
Wahoo, interesting twist on a king Arthur story
February 15, 2016
Första delen i en serie.
Kan inte ge den stjärnor ännu för jag vet inte vad jag tyckte om hela boken.
Väldigt mycket tankar kring Gud som jag inte var beredd på.
Kan inte ge den stjärnor ännu för jag vet inte vad jag tyckte om hela boken.
Väldigt mycket tankar kring Gud som jag inte var beredd på.
May 11, 2016
Ok, but not his best.
Not a bad piece of mind candy. But it has a lot of touchy_feely new age religious beliefs. The ending has sequel written all over it.
Not a bad piece of mind candy. But it has a lot of touchy_feely new age religious beliefs. The ending has sequel written all over it.
June 7, 2016
This was a fun twist to Aurthurian legend that I thoroughly enjoyed! A little Avalon, mixed with a mystery writer on a mission guided toward and by faith.
July 21, 2016
Good read
This is a good book. Totally got me into it from the beginning. I wonder what the council told James his purpose is?
This is a good book. Totally got me into it from the beginning. I wonder what the council told James his purpose is?
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews