THE SHADOW DOGS
GENRE
DRAMA
Core Theme
LIFE, FAMILY, RELATIONSHIPS, DUTY, HONOR.
TIME PERIOD
18th Century,19th Century
COMPARABLE TITLES
THE EDUCATION OF LITTLE TREE, THE NEW WORLD, THE WORKS OF MARK TWAIN
CHARACTER LIST
• JOHN LEQUIRE (M/12—70S) — LEAD. A DUTIFUL, HONORABLE SON OF A FRENCHMAN WHO WE FOLLOW THROUGH INDENTURED SERVITUDE, MARRIAGE, WAR, MIGRATION, AND BEYOND.
• YELLOW DOG (M/50S—70S) — SUPPORTING. WISE, ELDER NATIVE AMERICAN MAN, A CLOSE CONFIDANT AND ALLY TO JOHN’S LATE FATHER, A FATHER FIGURE TO JOHN, AND THE FATHER OF JOHN’S EVENTUAL WIFE.
• GRAY DOVE “DOVIE” (F/20S—70S) — SUPPORTING. THE KIND-HEARTED DAUGHTER OF YELLOW DOG WHO GOES ON TO MARRY AND HAVE A FAMILY WITH JOHN.
• THAD HULLINGS (M/TEENS—70S) — SUPPORTING. ONE OF JOHN’S CLOSEST FRIENDS AND ALLIES WHO EVENTUALLY MARRIES A NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN AS PART OF YELLOW DOG AND DOVIE’S TRIBE.
• SARAH ELIZABETH HULLINGS (F/12—20S) — SMALL SUPPORTING. JOHN’S FIRST LOVE, A PROUD YOUNG WOMAN WHO REJECTS JOHN’S COURTSHIP AND WHO JOHN SPENDS YEARS PONDERING.
• HENRY HULLINGS (M/60S) — SMALL SUPPORTING. SARAH ELIZABETH’S FATHER AND THAD’S UNCLE. A BRUSK, INTENSE MAN WHO ACCIDENTALLY KILLS YOUNG JOHN’S FATHER AND WHO COAXES JOHN INTO INDENTURED SERVITUDE.
Logline
From across the ocean to the Carolina Mountains comes a boy and his faithful yellow dog. Set in Colonial frontier times, John is no stranger to adversity. Join John in a tangled web of lies and deceit, as he fights to survive while seeking his destiny. As John's adventure unfolds, see him struggle with his own inner demon, fight in the Battle of King's Mountain, and discover his connection to the mystical Shadow Dogs. John's story is one of both joy and heartbreak that you'll never want to end.
Target Audiences
Age: 7-12,13-17,35-54,55+
Target Gender: Universal
Setting
South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia & Tennessee
Based on a True Story
No
Publishing Details
Status: Yes: with a Publisher
Publisher: Little Creek Books an Imprint of Jan-Carol Publishing , Inc.
Year Published: 2017
Starting Description
Orphaned at age 12, John is an unassuming hero. He finds friendship with an Indian, a misfit, and a Carolina Yellow Dog. He falls in love at a tender age, but is torn away from all that he knows when he is indentured to a plantation in VA, where he becomes a man.Then, a day changes everything.
Ending Description
Surprise ending of where he actually ends up. After months of searching for his destination of Otter Place (known as Cades Cove, TN today) he and his little caravan find peace and harmony, a place to live and work, a place to raise his family, and a place to die.
Group Specific
Dog Lovers, horse lovers, patriots, people who like southern folk tales or Indian stories, anyone that likes a good, sweet, action, adventure, love, and mystery story, with moral undertones.
Hard Copy Available
No
ISBN
978-1-945619-49-6
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Plot - Other Elements
Philosophical Questions, Coming of Age, Happy Ending, Meaningful Message,Meaningful Message,Happy Ending,Coming of Age
Plot - Premise
Quest,Overcoming Monster/Villain,Internal Journey/Rebirth
Main Character Details
Name: John LeQuire
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Role: Emotional
Key Traits: Adventurous, Aspiring, Complex, Decisive, Faithful, Modest, Naive, Religious, Selfless, Strong Moral Code, Educated, Gracious, Patriotic, Perseverance, Engaging, Honorable, Charming, Empathetic, Flexible, Heroic, Masculine, Sexy, Underdog,Aspiring,Faithful,Engaging,Heroic,Honorable,Naive,Underdog,Masculine,Modest,Sexy,Patriotic,Religious,Selfless,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Yellow Dog the Cheraw Indian
Age: 50
Gender: Male
Role: Mentor
Key Traits: Skillful, Blunt, Heroic, Uneducated, Visionary, Faithful, Honorable, Modest, Complex, Empathetic, Decisive, Engaging, Leader, Masculine, Selfless, Strong Moral Code, Adventurous, Confident,Adventurous,Complex,Confident,Decisive,Engaging,Faithful,Honorable,Leader,Masculine,Uneducated,Selfless,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Thad Hullings
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Role: sidekick
Key Traits: Honorable, Insecure, Selfless, Uneducated, Clumsy, Empathetic, Engaging, Faithful,Clumsy,Engaging,Faithful,Flexible,Insecure,Underdog,Uneducated,Patriotic
Additional Character Details
Name: Henry "Old Hullings"
Age: 60
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Narcissistic, Secretive, Unapologetic, Villainous, Aggressive, Educated, Greedy, Manipulative,Aspiring,Aggressive,Greedy,Educated,Villainous,Blunt,Power Hungry,Outspoken,Unapologetic
Genre
DRAMA, WAR
Brief
In colonial times in the United States, a young man and his yellow dog must overcome the tragedy surrounding them to survive in a hostile land. The boy ends up getting involved in a war that is not his, goes through difficult times and fights a lot of prejudice, but he finds love and comfort in the bosom of a new family.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: FAIR
Commerciality: FAIR
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: FAIR
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
It is accurate.
Draw of Story
What attracted me to the story from the start was the straightforward narrative, a drama more focused on people than grand adventures or fetched events.
Possible Drawbacks
Nothing made me want to put the book down, as the narrative is enjoyable, but delving a little deeper into the characters’ psyche and unique goals would have made the reading experience more compelling.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
A story about loyalty, love, and resilience overcoming all barriers and prejudices, showing that happiness can be hidden in the simplest things.
Fanbase Potential
The film would hardly have a large fanbase specifically due to the central theme, as period stories not centered on major known historical events are not that appealing. But the fact that it is a simple story to warm the heart can move the audience and help form a fanbase.
Awards Potential
There doesn’t seem to be that much potential for Awards. It could happen if the script invested more in the character drama, delving deeper into the protagonist’s inner woes and difficulties.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
DANCES WITH WOLVES - DURING THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR, A YOUNG SOLDIER APPROACHES AND BEFRIENDS INDIGENOUS PEOPLE THROUGH NON-VIOLENT METHODS OF COMMUNICATION. CALL OF THE WILD - A DOMESTIC DOG IS KIDNAPPED AND ENDS UP LIVING A PAINFUL JOURNEY THROUGH THE HOSTILE LANDS OF ALASKA, AT THE END OF WHICH HE FINDS LOVE AND FINALLY A FAMILY WHEN HE ENTERS THE WILD NATURE.
What’s New About the Story
The story is original because it doesn’t draw so much inspiration from genre clichés or commonplaces. On the other hand, the narrative can sound a little too simple, which could raise questions about why to follow the trajectory of these characters. Perhaps elaborating a little more on the descriptions, the relationships between the characters, and the main events will help to make this story richer and more interesting.
Lead Characters
John, the main character, stands out for being persevering, loyal, and friend, always acting according to his convictions even in the most adverse situations.
Uniqueness of Story
It’s not a rare gem because the story lacks a certain intensity, that verve that makes us sit on the edge of the chair and become glazed over each new event. Although it is a somewhat more personal and intimate drama, the author rarely goes much beyond the surface, which dilutes interest in the story she is telling.
Possible Formats
Film: Indie, Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
I believe the main reason the book is worth considering for an adaptation is its simplicity, the way it addresses smaller and more personal conflicts amid significant events. This is the case of the American Revolutionary War. The protagonist briefly participates in a bloody battle in which he almost loses his life but doesn’t get involved that much emotionally. The book is about the struggle for survival and happiness in a world still full of prejudices (in this case, specifically against indigenous peoples), brutalized, and deeply hostile. The search for an Eden to live until the end of life ends up being the character’s north. It can create a strong relationship of affection with the viewer, as it does not differ much from several of our aspirations even today concerning love, family, and peace of spirit. On the other hand, the narrative sounds a bit too short for everything it needs to tell, which prevents many issues from being delved into. The most flagrant case is when we talk about the thoughts, desires, and personalities of the characters, which are presented in a very shallow way, a fate from which not even the protagonist escapes. Another issue is that some impactful events, some of them even life-or-death, are told in a hit-and-miss way, without proper time and space, which ends up preventing them from having the impact they deserved. The story itself lacks focus, with the journey ending in a place that doesn’t necessarily feel earned. So while it has its heart in place and occasionally works emotionally, the book needs revisions and even rewrites if it is to be considered for a film adaptation.
Brief
A chronicle of one man’s epic life story— Follows young orphan John LeQuire through indentured servitude, marriage and ingratiation into a Native American tribe, fighting in the bloody Revolutionary War, and eventually having to flee his kin’s tribal land, headed for westward pastures said to be reminiscent of Eden.
What We Liked
There is a lot to like about this work. For one thing, this work had a refreshing sense of economy, pace, and punctuality. The author guides us through this story at a borderline breakneck pace, and she never lets us sit idle without something interesting happening. It struck as a very unique way to tell a man’s life story— Condensing it into a single sitting, while still somehow leaving out no details. Credit is owed to the author in that a lesser storyteller might have taken 800 pages to tell the same story, but here, the author’s values and priorities could not be more clear.
Moreover, it is very difficult not to fall in love with these characters. Despite all of the trouble they tend to find themselves in, this work is uncommonly transportive and escapist. You really get a sense of the sensual experience of their world. You begin to feel like you are kin with them, and you start to daydream about a simpler, more dignified, and sublime time in American history, again, despite the massive obstacles along the way.
Film: Kind of piggy-backing off of the above, this work is ripe for the harvest— There is no shortage of interesting content to be mined and smithed into a feature film format. The only question would be what might have to be cut out of this largely beginning-to-end life story in order to maintain a reasonable feature-length runtime. Suffice to say, this is a great problem to have, and this work contains more than enough intrigue, spectacle, and imagery to sustain and fulfill the big screen. The fact that its themes and characters are so relatable and profound only further helps its case.
TV: This would be an excellent candidate for adaptation to the small screen. THE SHADOW DOGS comes in a remarkably, even staggeringly tight package, but between its covers it could contain anywhere from one season of television up to ten, depending on how one would go about it.
This is to say that THE SHADOW DOGS is jam packed with interesting characters, events, places, and themes. It is highly apparent that there is considerable fertile ground for development. It has the feeling that any number of characters can command the screen and would have the depth and complexity and sympathy to carry the show on their own. In that they work together as part of a bit of an ensemble is all the better for this work’s prospects for adaptations to screen.
Key points:
The Heroes — The author presents a solid handful of highly sympathetic, complex, and interesting characters. Although anchored around John, any one of them has the gravitas to carry their own story.
The Setting — The setting and time period prove to be unexpectedly transportive and romantic.
This is a truly immersive and colorful experience, like stepping into a painting.
The Themes — This work harkens back to classic, universal themes, that have been perhaps forsaken in recent years. This feels like a welcome return to classic storytelling as opposed to the usual slate of more pandersome, noisy, amusement park-style entertainment.
The Animals — An undercurrent theme in this work explores man’s relation to animals. This struck as an especially engaging and novel chord, and this work is stronger and memorable for it.
The Pace — As noted, the author wastes no time. This work MOVES, and it feels hearty and robust as a result.
Synopsis
Colonial America, mid, 1700s. Young John LeQuire (12) is a headstrong and well-meaning boy tagging along with his trader, Frenchman father and a friendly Native American man with a penchant for dogs named Yellow Dog. When John’s father turns up dead—unintentionally killed by local pillar Henry Hullings as a result of an act of fiery sabotage—John finds himself dejected and unsure of his future. In the short term, he is taken in by Mr. Hullings, and he soon develops feelings for Hulllings’ daughter Sarah Elizabeth. All the while, Hullings does his best to cover his tracks over the accidental killing. John bides his time with his beloved dog Lady and soon befriends the outgoing and loyal Thad, a nephew of Mr. Hullings. He is dismayed to hear a rumor that Yellow Dog and his tribe drowned in the river. John yearns for Sarah Elizabeth’s affection all the while. Soon, at Mr. Hullings behest, John leaves his dog in Sarah’s care and sets off to become an indentured servant to an in-law of Mr. Hullings. John sets his sights on earning his keep and returning to marry his love.
John labors all through his teen years. It goes by quick, but it is a punishing period of his life, no doubt. When his master’s health deteriorates, the estate is visited by John’s old friend Thad and his old desire Sarah Elizabeth, who has come with her mother to visit her dying uncle. John has graduated from his servitude and makes a play for Sarah Elizabeth’s heart. However, despite her love for him, she coldly rejects him for a man of higher status. John is heartbroken, and when Thad tells him that Yellow Dog is still alive, John decides to return to his home turf to seek out his old friend and mentor. John soon crosses paths with Yellow Dog and the tribe, and it is a happy reunion. Yellow Dog takes John in like a son and offers his daughters hand in marriage.
John soon marries Gray Dove, a lovely, kind-hearted maiden, and it is bliss for a short while.
John, however, has made a promise to Thad to fight in the Revolutionary War, so he departs to take part in the combat. John encounters redcoats on the road, but he eventually links up with patriotic forces. The conflict is bloody and harrowing, and John survives to see victory.
John returns home after many years, and he and “Dovie” soon have a daughter, Mary. One day, the child survives a close call with a pack of coyotes, evidently saved by a pack of “Shadow Dogs,” per Yellow dog. The Shadow Dogs are a kind of mystical group of spirit animals—Protectors. Sadly, Yellow Dog soon perishes, and the entire tribe and community grieve his significant loss. Soon, Thad comes to stay with John and Dovie, and he soon develops feelings for a woman named Little Feather. Their courtship is relatively swift, and they soon marry just the same. Time passes, and both families multiply in parallel. All is well, that is, until Thad has a terse encounter with the callous Catamus, a cousin of his. When confronting “Cat” for his belligerence, John is forced to intervene, and he accidentally stabs Cat in the back, killing him.
While John and Thad are found not guilty, John decides to flee with his family to avoid vigilante revenge. An epic journey west begins, and John and family become weary the longer they go.
They soon come across an old Black man named Josiah, and they help him bury his wife after she passes away. A beautiful kinship is developed, and John, Dovie, and family take him in. They travel westward still, eventually coming to a paradisiacal land to call home.