I picked this up due to my unwavering interest in fantasy.

The first three novels were enjoyable, with the first two being my particular favorites. However, I cannot recommend novels four and five. They appear to have been written hastily, lacking in proper plotting and logic.

The author seems to have used magic haphazardly to progress the story, without providing the necessary details to make that magic believable in a "real" world setting. As a result, I didn't find much of it convincing and thus lost interest.

The first three novels bear some resemblance to the Harry Potter stories. Young teens or tweens collaborate with an older man to locate powerful objects before the dark side seizes them and plunges the world into misery.

Early on, the mysteries surrounding the identities and natures of the characters are sufficient to keep you engaged. Moreover, the young protagonists have distinct characters and temperaments, making their concerns captivating. They are very much like the group of kids in Lewis's Narnia books.

Overall, while the first three novels offered an entertaining fantasy experience, the latter two failed to meet the same standards.

A distinctive feature of this series of five children's books is that there are two distinct groups of viewpoint characters.

One is a "normal" family group of three siblings who are the lead characters in Under Sea and over Stone and in Greenwich. The other is a boy with magical powers who is the lead in the remaining three novels The Dark is Rising, The Grey King and The Silver on the Tree.

Although Susan Cooper has been resident in the USA for some years now, all five books are firmly rooted in Britain of the late 1960s and early 70s, developing a strong sense of landscape. It is that of Cornwall in Under Sea and Over stone and Greenwitch, the Thames valley between Christmas and New Year in The Dark is rising, or Wales in The Grey King and The Silver on the Tree.

Increasingly, the children's plunge into magic and mystery angles into Arthurian legend. Recommended for youngsters, it is the kind of series that can grow with the reader as the books become more complex, and have more magical, fantastical and mythological elements as they progress. This makes it a truly engaging and captivating series that can appeal to a wide range of ages and interests.

Will Stanton has a truly strange eleventh birthday. Let's just say that ordinary time, or chronos as M. L'Engle might put it, simply stops. And yet, that isn't even the most fantastical thing that occurs. As the story gradually unfolds, Arthur makes an appearance. However, I can't say more than that without giving away the crucial plot details.

I find myself completely captivated every single time I read this series. (By the way, a little digression here: don't read them in the order listed on Goodreads.) What is especially memorable is Cooper's remarkable portrayal of the interactions between Light and Dark with "ordinary people." As one might expect, the servants of the Dark are indeed evil and hold humanity in utter contempt. But interestingly, the Light isn't always as gentle as one might assume. Sometimes, doing good means having to make some really tough choices.

I do have one minor issue with the story that Cooper has set up. However, it reflects some of my personal biases, so I'll omit it here for now. (If you're interested, feel free to private message me.) In any case, the Dark is once again rising, and the question remains: who will have the power to turn it back?

I long ago developed a profound distaste for Destiny as a plot device.

This Sequence has only served to reinforce that distaste to an extent where I wasn't even able to finish reading it. The characters are lifeless and unengaging, almost entirely lacking in agency as they are led through one Big, Dramatic Event after another. It's all part of a nebulous, pre-ordained battle between all-powerful yet never properly defined forces.

The one real strength of the books is the vividly descriptive prose. However, it's hugely over-egged and decidedly heavy-handed, to the point where it can be exhausting at times.

Destiny has sapped most of the drama and surprise out of the proceedings. Knowledge or help arrives exactly when needed because it was Meant To Be That Way. The constant need to stress how profound, ominous, and portentous everything is, as well as how great and terrible the battle is, and the unimaginable cost of being an Old One (always paid by others, never the Old Ones themselves), really weighs things down, almost suffocatingly so.

There's something bordering on bleak about the Sequence, especially in the unsettling feeling that all the lead children, and Will most of all, are just tools, means to an end. There's also a frustrating habit of suggesting things that are never actually followed through on. The Sequence strains so hard but delivers so little.

A note on the edition I read: there were a slew of issues. From wrinkles and creases in the pages that disrupted the text, to continuity errors, and numerous typographical ones, mostly missing punctuation marks. It's not of as high a quality as it tries to appear. Appropriate, really.

Before Harry Potter even thought about uttering one misbegotten and bastardized Latin phrase, Susan Cooper had already written the remarkable Dark is Rising series.

This series is heavily reliant on the rich and captivating Welsh mythology, which adds a unique and enchanting flavor to the stories. The main character, Will, is incredibly sympathetic, making it easy for readers to connect with him on a deep level.

The writing in these books is not only beautiful but also lyrical, painting vivid pictures in the minds of the readers. It is truly amazing how Cooper weaves together a world full of magic, adventure, and mystery.

Every kid should have the opportunity to read these books as they offer a wealth of imagination and inspiration.

Moreover, they are also wonderful when listened to on tape, allowing for a different and equally enjoyable experience. The narrators bring the characters and the story to life, enhancing the overall charm and allure of the Dark is Rising series.

Mom introduced me to these books when she read "The Dark is Rising" out loud in the car on one of our trips to Utah.

That moment was truly magical. The words seemed to come alive, transporting us to a different world.

I have since re-read this series a couple (maybe even three) times. Each time, I discover something new and exciting.

I love the characters and the stories. They are so well-developed and engaging.

The adventure and classic good vs. evil conflict keep me on the edge of my seat.

I feel a little sad and as though I miss my friends each time I finish reading the last book in the series. It's like saying goodbye to a part of myself.

But then, I know that I can always pick up the books again and embark on the adventure all over again.

These books have become a part of my life, and I will cherish them forever.

Then he was flying once more, unrestricted in the blue-black expanse of the sky. The stars blazed timelessly around his head, and their patterns became known to him. They were both similar and different from the shapes and powers that men of long ago had attributed to them. The Herdsman passed by, nodding, with the bright star Arcturus at his knee. The Bull roared past, carrying the great sun Aldebaran and the small group of the Pleiades, singing in soft, melodic voices like no others he had ever heard. Up he flew, and outward, through the black void of space. He saw the dead stars, the blazing stars, and the thin scattering of life that populated the infinite emptiness beyond. And when he was done... he knew the mystery of Uranus and the despair of Mercury, and he had ridden on a comet's tail. [p. 105]

I reread this with the intention of joining in with the seasonal read-along. In the end, I didn't, but instead wallowed in fond memories, tinged with a wistful sense of 'if only real-world evil were that simple'.


The Dark is Rising commences on the day before Will Stanton's eleventh birthday. It is midwinter, nearly Christmas, and he is a happy, normal, excited boy. Then the Dark comes in search of him -- and so does the Light, for he is the seventh son of a seventh son (something he didn't realize, his mother having neglected to mention a sibling who died young), and he has a duty to fulfill.


You simply cannot say no to the Light. "If you were born with the gift, then you must serve it, and nothing in this world or out of it may stand in the way of that service, because that is why you were born and that is the Law," says Merriman Lyon, his mentor [p. 43]. And the Light is not always kind to those who serve it : a subplot involves a Light-allied human, once Merriman's servant, who turns to the Dark when he realizes that Merriman would willingly sacrifice him in the service of the Light. In a way, that's worse than the Dark, who 'cannot kill those of the Light'.


There are other elements that I perceive differently now than when I first read this book as a child. Back then, I was enchanted by the sense of island-nation Englishness. Now, I find chilling echoes in a mention of invaders 'attacking [Will's] island country, bringing each time the malevolence of the Dark with them' [p. 106]. And there is something improbably cozy about the terrible snowstorms that paralyze the country (the London docks shut down, the transport network crippled).


But there is such beautiful writing here, such lovely imagery. That's what I remembered before I began my reread, and that's what I'll continue to remind myself of when this old favorite seems marred by my own adult experience.

One of my favorite childhood series was all about adventure, good and evil.

It took me on a thrilling journey through different worlds and introduced me to a cast of unforgettable characters.

The storylines were filled with excitement, as the heroes fought against the forces of evil to protect the innocent.

I was always on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

The series not only entertained me but also taught me valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the importance of doing what is right.

Even though I have grown up, I still remember those adventures fondly and they continue to inspire me to this day.

It is truly a classic series that will always hold a special place in my heart.

The "Dark Is Rising Sequence" by Susan Cooper is a remarkable collection of books that takes readers on an enchanting and thrilling adventure.

"Over Sea Under Stone" kicks off the series with a four-star rating. It introduces us to a world where ancient magic and mysterious forces lurk beneath the surface.

"The Dark is Rising" earns a five-star rating. This installment deepens the mystery and draws readers further into the battle between good and evil.

"Greenwitch" is another four-star gem. It continues to build on the rich mythology and engaging characters, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

"The Grey King" also receives a four-star rating. It presents new challenges and adventures for the characters, adding more depth to the story.

Finally, "Silver on the Tree" concludes the series with a five-star rating. It ties up all the loose ends and provides a satisfying conclusion to this epic tale.

Overall, the "Dark Is Rising Sequence" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. With its engaging storylines, well-developed characters, and rich mythology, it is sure to captivate readers of all ages.

I managed to get through books 1, 2, and half of 3. I really wanted to like them, but in the end, I just felt bored and at times, there were creepy crawlies that added to the unease.

I truly have a passion for a good fantasy with Arthurian or Merlinian overtones and themes. However, the word "good" is crucial here. At certain points, I found myself wondering, "Was this author on drugs while writing?" I apologize if that offends, but some of the imagination and the storyline were so far-fetched that they bordered on the preposterous.

The bad guys were just too icky and sinister (which is the author's own favorite word), and the good guys weren't good enough, weren't believable, and weren't even entirely likable.

These books left me with a rather dark and confused feeling. I never really understood the point. Maybe I would have if I had finished them? But the point is, for me, they're just not worth finishing. I don't think I would gain any more clarity or enjoyment from continuing. It's a pity because I had such high hopes at the beginning.

I have a deep affection for this series. As a child, it was a source of great joy and excitement for me. Even as an adult, I still find myself drawn to it, although I must admit that the last book left a lot to be desired. When I was younger, I didn't have such strong opinions, but as I've grown older, I've noticed some major flaws in it. I would highly recommend reading the first four books and then checking out the Wikipedia entry for the fifth. This way, you'll have a good understanding of the series without having to endure the disappointment of the final book.

The links below are to my reviews of each book. I like to keep all of this information in one place for easy reference. Here are my ratings:

Over Sea, Under Stone: ★★★★✰

The Dark Is Rising: ★★★★★

Greenwitch: ★★★★✰

The Grey King: ★★★★★

Silver on the Tree: ★★✰✰✰

One of my absolute favorite series of ALL time!!!

In fact, I am going to go reread it, and I RARELY ever do that. It will make it the 3rd time through.

This series offers an awesome depiction of good versus evil. The characters are so well-developed that you can't help but get emotionally invested in their stories.

In fact, one year I had my student read the series and we wrote papers on the parallels between the series and Star Wars. We focused on the theme, not the actual Star Wars movie (as I am not a fan!!!).

The theme of good versus evil is present in both, and it was interesting to see how the two series approached it in different ways.

Overall, this series is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story with great characters and a powerful theme. I highly recommend it!