Dark Seed
GENRE
ACTION ADVENTURE DETECTIVE SUSPENSE / THRILLER
Core Theme
PROTECTING THE FUTURE
TIME PERIOD
2000s
COMPARABLE TITLES
HOUSE OF CARDS, UNLOCKED, STRATTON, AVA
CHARACTER LIST
NICK BARNES. 30. LEAD. WITTY AND VULNERABLE.
MORGAN ELLES. 27. PARTNER. DAUGHTER OF DECEASED SCIENTIST.
SUE CLARK. 30. JOURNALIST AND FRIEND.
DR. CARL ELLES. 50+. SCIENTIST. APPROACHES NICK TO GET INTO THE STORY.
DR. IVAN POPOV. 50+. SCIENTIST. HELPS WITH INFORMATION AND PROTECTION.
JACK CARTER. 50+. OIL ZILLIONAIRE. HIDDEN HELPER.
Logline
A disillusioned journalist and the grieving daughter of a murdered scientist risk their lives to uncover a deadly plot by an agrochemical company and pharmaceutical conglomerate. The owner of the companies will do anything to make sure the truth of the plan does not get out.
Target Audiences
Age: 18-34,35-54,55+
Target Gender: Universal
Setting
Seattle, Vancouver, Christina Lake, Maui
Based on a True Story
No
Publishing Details
Status: Yes: with a Publisher
Publisher: Promontory Press
Year Published: 2012
Starting Description
Journalist, Nick Barnes, is asked to help Dr. Carl Elles write his memior. When Nick goes to meet with Dr. Elles he finds him dead.
Ending Description
Nick and Dr. Elles daughter, Morgan, are saved from the agrochemical companies security force, at a bible camp in Maui, by an ally they never knew existed, yet has been following their movements and helping all along.
Group Specific
Information not completed
Hard Copy Available
No
ISBN
9781927559178
Mature Audience Themes
Language/Profanity, Language/Profanity
Plot - Other Elements
Meaningful Message, Philosophical Questions, Twist
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,,Quest,Internal Journey/Rebirth
Main Character Details
Name: Nick Barnes
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Skillful, Complex, Decisive, Educated, Leader, Outspoken, Perseverance, Sarcastic, Clumsy, Engaging, Insecure, Faithful, Gracious, Strong Moral Code, Aspiring, Charming, Confident, Honorable, Modest, Empathetic, Funny, Heroic,Modest,Charming,Clumsy,Complex,Empathetic,Engaging,Funny,Sarcastic,Honorable,Sophisticated,Strong Moral Code,Gracious,Educated
Additional Character Details
Name: Morgan Elles
Age: 28
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Perseverance, Skillful, Beautiful, Complex, Confident, Funny, Heroic, Charming, Decisive, Romantic, Sophisticated, Strong Moral Code, Educated, Sarcastic, Sexy, Empathetic, Engaging, Honorable,Adventurous,Aspiring,Aggressive,Charming,Complex,Confident,Sexy,Decisive,Empathetic,Engaging,Skillful,Gracious,Visionary,Seductive,Sophisticated,Strong Moral Code,Educated
Additional Character Details
Name: Dr. Hendrick Schmidt
Age: 63
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Leader, Masculine, Sophisticated, Blunt, Educated, Manipulative, Narcissistic, Aggressive, Perseverance, Decisive, Greedy, Outspoken, Power-hungry, Visionary, Villainous, Confident,Masculine,Villainous,Aggressive,Narcisstic,Complex,Confident,Decisive,Blunt,Power Hungry,Outspoken,Skillful,Visionary,Greedy,Secretive,Educated,Sophisticated,Manipulative
Additional Character Details
Name: Sue Clark
Age: 29
Gender: Female
Role: Emotional
Key Traits: Perseverance, Strong Moral Code, Adventurous, Beautiful, Confident, Funny, Outspoken, Blunt, Complex, Educated, Empathetic, Flexible, Sarcastic, Skillful, Aggressive, Engaging,Adventurous,Badass,Complex,Sexy,Confident,Decisive,Blunt,Empathetic,Engaging,Outspoken,Skillful,Faithful,Funny,Visionary,Gracious,Heroic,Educated,Romantic,Strong Moral Code
Genre
THRILLER, POLITICS, ACTION, FANTASY, ROMANCE, SUSPENSE
Brief
Nick Barnes and Morgan Elles risk their lives as they attempt to write a book on the nasty truths behind the actions of two powerful agrochemical and pharmaceutical companies. They reach their goal with the help of an enigmatic friend.
Overall Rating
FAIR
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: FAIR
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: GOOD
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: FAIR
Theme: EXCELLENT
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, it does.
Draw of Story
Nick Barnes is an interesting and charismatic character, and the vulnerability he delivers upfront - as a disillusioned journalist with apparently nothing left to lose - is certainly able draw readers in to actually root for him. Also, the idea of confirming conspiracy theories and exposing the truth behind pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies as well as the World Health Organization comes in timely in 2020.
Possible Drawbacks
The mystical side to the book - when protagonists have premonitory visions during meditation - simplifies the plot and resolves mysteries in a way that may be too direct and discouraging to the audience. The way meditation is related to premonitions and visions is also inaccurate with the actual practice. The focus on physical traits of women is tiring and female characters could be developed in senses that could focus on personality for a change. Characters that are considered suspicious are too often described as having dark features. The narrator, which is also the protagonist, more than once appears to be judgmental of people who eat junk food - which is certainly the case of many readers - and makes unpleasant remarks about a characters' physical shape.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The idea of an unpretentious couple uncovering the truth behind the actions of a pharmaceutical and agrochemical magnate is very interesting, as well as the idea of exploring conspiracy theories regarding these subjects, which have been trendy for obvious reasons in 2020.
Fanbase Potential
I guess so, as the plot may be related in a way with current events happening in the world and, as a trilogy that doesn't get solved completely with the end of this first book, there's always more to be expected.
Awards Potential
Yes. The story is filled up with interesting scenarios described richly in very interesting locations. The protagonists build up sexual tension and show vulnerability as they also develop action scenes, making room for lenient acting performances.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
UNLOCKED, AVA, HOUSE OF CARDS, STRATTON
What’s New About the Story
What's original about this story is how it explores a situation that is plausible considering the current situation the world is in. It also brings along a message about the environment and how important it is to be aware of the quality of food we consume. The development of female characters beyond physical traits would certainly make it less cliche, as well as developing the theme of meditation in a more factual manner, as it is an unusual subject when it comes to action stories.
Lead Characters
Nick Barnes is a vulnerable character and narrator and it is clear how he develops himself mentally and physically throughout the plot. Morgan Elles is a courageous woman that is highly attractive.
Uniqueness of Story
The depths of female characters could be developed in a deeper sense, adding layers of personality, interests and goals. The two most important female characters are also frequently put in a position of comparison - mainly physical. Nonwhite characters should be more present, especially in virtuous and scientific or professional positions.
Possible Formats
Film - Studio, Film - Streaming, TV Series - Streaming, TV Series - Network, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series, TV Series - Cable
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
It should be considered because the plot is original and modern, the characters are interesting and the story has appealing moments.
Brief
A disillusioned journalist and the daughter of deceased scientist join forces and risk their lives to uncover the immoral actions of a magnate controlling a pharmaceutical and agrochemical conglomerate.
What We Liked
This is a compelling and modern ecological thriller led by a charismatic narrator and protagonists. Nick is a journalist who appears to have hit a career dead-end at the age of 30, but finds new motivation when approached by Dr. Carl Elles, a scientist looking to uncover immoral actions taken by a magnate controlling both a pharmaceutical conglomerate and an agrochemical company. Along with Dr. Elles' daughter, the stunning Morgan, Nick will risk his life and escape from thrilling chases while he attempts to write and publish his findings about this scandalous scheme.
Film: Dark Seed would make up for a great Film adaptation as its action scenes and stunning scenarios won't let the audience have a single dull moment. There is also a romance slowly building up between the two protagonists along the storyline; that would surely keep audience hooked as, despite all the favorable conditions, it only unfolds in the end.
TV: Dark Seed would make up for a great TV adaptation as it is divided in many chapters, in which moments of tension are built and quickly solved in different scenarios - but never with a definitive chance of relief. It also brings along trendy subjects of interest such as GMO's, organic food, meditation and healthy habits.
Key points: Its main theme is highly trendy; Its action and suspense scenes are thrilling; Scenarios and locations are charming; The narrator and protagonist is vulnerable and charismatic; The development of the main character throughout the story is outstanding.
Synopsis
Nick Barnes is a journalist unhappy with the path of his career so far and with no high hopes for the future. He is approached by a scientist - Dr. Elles - to help him expose the dirty works of a big agrochemical company, which is run by a magnate, Dr. Schmidt, who also controls a big pharmaceutical conglomerate. However, the scientist is assassinated before providing more details about the task. The journalist is then approached by a group of people during Dr. Elles' funeral, including Morgan Elles - the scientist's daughter who also lost her mom in suspicious circumstances - and two men, Dr. Bill Clancy and Dr. Ivan Popov, who used to work with the deceased man, to carry on with the assignment.
Soon, the smart and stunning Morgan and the witty journalist unite with the goal of exposing the truth about genetically engineered seeds. As they proceed with their investigation and compilation of findings, they will risk their lives trying to escape from the hands of the powerful magnate and his men - who are not hesitant to kill.
As Morgan's house in Seattle is first invaded by Dr. Schmidt's violent henchmen, they find out how dangerous the situation is and come up, along with Ivan, with a plan to disappear - hiding in his lake house in Canada. Unused to being chased, the two are easily tracked and decide to go to Vancouver, where they find an important witness that reveals that Morgan's mom was also assassinated by the same men.
As they get caught in Vancouver, the couple finds out they've been receiving mysterious help, and manage to escape and find new incriminating proof against the companies thanks to it. Returning to Seattle, the two decide to fly to Maui with different identities and rely on the help of Nick's longtime friend, Sue, to get new passports. In Maui they meet a man named Jack Carter, owner of a bible camp by the beach that looks like a good place to hide. Sue decides to join them in Maui realizing she is also in danger, and the three get caught as soon as she arrives. About to be murdered, the trio is saved by Jack.
Between coincidences, visions during meditations and quests for self-development, the protagonists are surprised to find that all along they relied on the help of Jack, an oil zillionaire, to save their lives. They will be able publish their work and get proper protection.
The protagonists finally kiss after almost all their pursuers are dead, and even though there is a risk of still being followed - which shall be explored in part two of this trilogy - they allow themselves to let the romance that was building up in-between the action to finally unfold.