I first read this book in 2007 when the -not very impressive movie- came out. It was this that made me aware of Susan Cooper's books. I preferred the book to the movie, but unfortunately, it did not leave a lasting impression on me either.

To be honest, I completely forgot about it until a recent discussion with a Goodreads friend.

So, I just finished re-reading it, yet I still maintain the less-than-impressed mindset.

This is likely one of those books that is better suited for children to read. As an adult, it simply doesn't appeal to me. Maybe it's because my perspective has changed over the years, or perhaps the story lacks the depth and complexity that I now seek in a book. Whatever the reason, it's clear that this particular book is not for me.

However, I can understand why it might be enjoyed by younger readers. The simple language and straightforward plot could be engaging for children, and it may even spark their imagination.

Overall, while I may not have been overly impressed with this book, I can still appreciate its value for a different audience.

We had not enjoyed the first book in this series, so we were glad to have given the second book a try. Parts of this book were truly immensely enjoyable. It was magical and had a wonderful atmosphere, making it perfect Christmas reading. In fact, much of this story rated 5 stars for us. We loved the mystery that unfolded, the fascinating intertwining of folklore, the complex family dynamics, the beautiful snow, and of course, the enchanting magic. However, there were also some downsides for us. The battle between good and evil didn't really appeal to us, but that's just a personal preference.

This story seemed to be inspired by The Box of Delights and The Children of Green Knowe, which are two of our all-time favourite Christmas stories. But there are still plenty of elements in this one that are original and unique. It is the perfect book to read between midwinter and Old Christmas (6th January). It will transport you to a world of magic and mystery, and make you feel the warmth and joy of the Christmas season.

I read this many years ago, and I really liked it.

When the movie came out, which wasn't a very good movie, I started to wonder what my 43-year-old self would think of my hazy memory of what my 14-year-old self had thought.

As it turns out, my 14-year-old self wasn't much of a critic.

The Dark is Rising was quite disappointing. It was even more surprising that it won awards and such.

I guess I can sort of understand why - the writing is at least intended to seem deep.

The fact that it has a literary style of any kind is a novelty, for the most part, in juvenile fiction, I suppose.

A book written for young people but filled with adjectives, adverbs, and multi-clause sentences must be pretty serious stuff.

Anyway, the story was weak and didn't have much impact.

The premise, at least in how it was explained, had some disturbingly racist (and strongly monarchist) overtones, with noble white Brits having fended off waves of dark-skinned invaders for so many centuries, and so on.

It's interesting to go back and see which of my favorite books from my youth still hold up and which ones don't.

I pulled this off the shelf because I had rather hazy memories of it being an Arthurian book. Well, it might be an Arthurian series, but this particular book has almost no connection with the legends at all. Instead, it presents a much colder story than I recalled.

Not just the winter aspects - I've always remembered those vividly. This is truly a winter book, filled with a sense of chill, dread, and snow. (I once read that Cooper wrote parts of this book on a beach, which is quite astonishing.) But it's also the tale of someone realizing that he is less than human and being constantly reminded of it. Will wants to run to his mother but is informed that it's a trap, and then he doesn't even bother to come to Mary's assistance. There are causes that are greater than individuals, you see. It's a rather chilling concept.

“Come, Old One,” he said softly, “remember yourself. You are no longer a small boy.”

“No,” said Will. “I know.”

Merriman said, “But sometimes, you feel how very much more agreeable life would be if you were.”

“Sometimes,” Will said. He grinned. “But not always.”

This is something I didn't anticipate finding during this reread - the bleakness of this quest. Will doesn't really develop as a character. He grows into the role of an Old One, I suppose, but only in the sense that he discovers things in his mind that assist him in doing what he needs to do. Does he actually seek any signs, or do they all come to him through fortuitous portents and conveniently timed rituals?

There is this one perfect moment, right at the beginning of the communal waiting-out-the-storm at the Manor.

“Funny,” Will said, as they picked their way through. “Things are absolutely awful, and yet people look much happier than usual. Look at them all. Bubbling.”

“They are English,” Merriman said.

“Quite right,” said Will’s father. “Splendid in adversity, tedious when safe. Never content, in fact. We’re an odd lot...”

The most memorable part of this book is how the cold impacts people. But the Light and the Dark, using the world to wage their separate battles? That might be the coldest of all.

2025 Review

I'm not entirely certain when I completed this book. I'm sure I noted the dates in my updates, but with this lousy new GR design, I can't access my past update history. Nevertheless:


The Dark is Rising holds a special place in my heart as a classic due to its profound exploration of the age-old theme of good versus evil. Will, an 11-year-old boy, experiences the weight that comes with possessing power as he grapples with the challenge of balancing his life as a son and brother with the responsibilities thrust upon him as the last born member of the Old Ones of the Light. This ancient race of beings has the sole purpose of safeguarding humanity from the opposing power of the Dark.


Each time I revisit this novel (and the entire series), I uncover something new that I either overlooked before or a fresh perspective on the story, which is a testament to the book's excellence. Recently, I made the error of reading some other reviews of this book. While I anticipate diverse opinions, I was truly irked by one particular review that, aside from suggesting that the reader lacked a basic comprehension of the story and perhaps should have actually read the novel instead of listening to an audio book while likely engaged in other activities, labeled the book as anti-Christian.


*Sigh* Why is nearly every fantasy novel accused of being anti-Christian? It's so tiresome. Just because a fantasy novel doesn't have characters openly declaring their loyalty to Jesus and a Christian god doesn't mean the book is anti-Christian. These are fictional worlds. Why must they incorporate a Christian God? This reviewer had no evidence to support their claim (do they ever?), just snide remarks. Look, Christians, if you're offended by fantasy novels, don't read them. I don't fault fantasy authors for not wanting to blend Christian religious fantasy fiction with their own. Let's not complicate matters.


Stepping down from my soap box. For a more in-depth review of the book, read below.



2017 Review

I typically have the urge to read this book (if not the entire series) approximately once a year. There are very few books that I read as a child and still find myself drawn to as an adult. This book is one of those rare gems. There's an enchanting quality to the story and the locations (England and Wales). My longing to visit England and Wales can be directly attributed to this series.


Will Stanton is an ordinary 10-year-old, the youngest in a family of nine. The day before his birthday, strange occurrences start to unfold: the family dogs cower in fear of him, the radio emits a shrill static when he passes by, and the rooks attack a tramp. After a terrifying night, Will wakes up on his 11th birthday to a morning that is completely different from what he's accustomed to. He discovers that it is his destiny to become the last of the Old Ones, beings who are distinct from humans. Their mission is to vanquish the Dark, creatures that desire to rule over all of Earth and humanity.


The plot, centered around the age-old conflict of good versus bad, light versus dark, may not be overly original. But then again, what plots truly are? The theme of good versus evil is universal and inescapable. What sets Susan Cooper's book (and the series as a whole) apart from other fantasy books is her remarkable talent as an author. Despite being written in the 1970s, the books don't feel dated. Cooper refrained from mentioning popular culture and (most) slang, giving the books a curious sense of being out of time. It also helps that they are set in England and Wales, regions rich in history and ancient myths. The author is somewhat ambiguous regarding the beginnings of the Dark and the Light (aka the Old Ones), but this seems appropriate to me. If there is darkness, there will always be its counterpart, the light. Of course, they will engage in battle. It's not as if they were once friends and then one day the Dark was disrespectful to the Light's girlfriend and, boom! Eons later, they're still fighting. The lack of details regarding the origins of these two forces and how Will acquires his powers is part of the book's allure. Those details aren't crucial; the books focus on the people involved and the choices they make.


That theme of choices is what continuously draws me back to the books. Will is a child who is no longer a child. He must set aside his love for his friends and family and make decisions that may cause him great anguish, but it's for the greater good. Sometimes he makes mistakes. The other books feature characters (both Old Ones and those who willingly assist the Old Ones, such as the Drew children) who are also faced with difficult choices. What Cooper does exceptionally well in these books is illustrate the burden of power; that the flip side of having power is the overwhelming sense of responsibility. Will, despite his newfound knowledge, is still a child. He has to mature rapidly and make wise decisions—something that the adults around him often fail to do.


The Dark is Rising and the series of the same name are books for readers who don't require all the details to be explicitly spelled out for them. They may not be flashy by today's standards; there won't be any toys or mass-produced merchandise based on their characters. However, that is precisely part of their charm and enduring appeal.



(Older review)

I've read this book numerous times, along with the rest of the series. I believe I first read it in 6th grade. I absolutely adore it. I still firmly believe that this series is a million times better than Harry Potter or any other children's fantasy series. The writing is superb, and the stories are captivating. Susan Cooper doesn't patronize the reader or her characters; they often have to make truly difficult decisions.

Ask any Minnesotan - most will whisper that the first winter snowfall is magical as it veils the world in glittering white stillness. Six months later, that changes, but hey, it's a dazzling start to the winter marathon. Christmas is special too, as families feast around lighted trees nestled in warm houses.

Susan Cooper not only captures the childhood magic of the first snow, Christmas, caroling, and more, but also the magical alternate world Will Stanton falls into. He discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, protectors of the Light with the power to control time and weather. As an adult, this type of writing stirs a certain nostalgia inside me as I slip into Cooper's fantastical world and experience the magic of my childhood.

While some might not like the simplicity of Will's character, whose quest is predestined and whose struggles are more external than internal, I found the references to past myths and legends marvelous. There is enough tension through fear to hold my interest, and the various themes create an extremely satisfying story.

Will Stanton discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is the last born of the Old Ones, immortals with supernatural powers who fight the Dark. The Old Ones, led by Merriman and the Lady representing the Light, struggle against the Dark Rider who wants the forces of the Dark to take over the world using fear, chaos, and deceit. Will must vanquish them by collecting six Signs before the twelve days of Christmas are over when the Dark is most powerful.

Will's powers manifest the day before his birthday. Animals are afraid of him, a farmer gives him a mysterious iron, and a tramp is attacked by rooks. When he notices his brother forgetting the incident of the tramp in an unnatural way, he knows something is not right with the world. That night, a fear comes upon Will that terrifies him. The word repetition and the creepy personified floorboard are a taste of the terrific tension Cooper uses to describe how evil attacks Will by playing on his emotion of fear.

Rich in symbolism and allegory, this book is an amalgamation of many different classics, legends, folklore, and myths. Narnia came to mind a few times, along with Dickens. There is no Fezziwig, but there is a Merriman like Merlin, a Lady like the Lady of the Lake, Hawkin like a leprechaun, the name Mitothin which is another name for Loki, a Ragnarok-type battle between chaos and order or evil and good, Herne the Hunter and Wayland the Smith from folklore. Religious symbolism is also scattered throughout.

Will gets dropped right into the action, and the author slowly peels back the plot. The tension comes from not knowing what is going on and feeling the confusion that Will is going through. Will's character is not flawed, nor does he struggle much in recovering the six Signs. His path is predestined by Fate, with Merriman providing guidance when possible. I didn't find the tension so much in the quest as in the author's intentional technique of omitting facts and focusing on Will's attempt to overcome fear.

Themes of fear, loneliness, and betrayal are emphasized by Will's isolation. He can't talk to anyone about his quest. His siblings react in horror after witnessing his defeats of evil, and their minds are "erased" of events. Will discovers that rather than getting the freedom he thinks comes with adult responsibilities, he has burdens. His coming-of-age shows that problems don't go away when children grow up; instead, they learn to deal with them in their own unique way.

The character, Hawkin, is the tragic element who chooses evil because he is deceived. He points the finger at Merriman and doesn't understand why he would consider sacrificing him for the Light. I did wish it was explained how the Light forced him to serve them and Maggie's role. Perhaps the next books will shed light on these unexplained plot points. When Hawkin realizes he has been blaming Merriman for his choice, it is poignant. This is a good fantasy story for a young reader with high reading skills. I highly recommend it.

The second book in the series initially frustrated me a little when I first read it (oh, so long ago, as if through the hazy mists of time). This was because it introduced a new protagonist.

Not only that, but the protagonists from the first book didn't make an appearance at all, and their existence was only hinted at. My ten-year-old self really didn't like this.

However, perhaps because I was expecting it this time around, my forty-four-year-old self didn't mind the protagonist switch one bit. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this book and can say with confidence that I enjoyed it more this time than when I first read it as a young child. It's a great fantasy based on British folklore, the kind that I just can't get enough of! I am, as always, a complete sucker for a magical quest.

Now, it's time to move on to book three!

It has been a wonderful 5 years since I first read the book Over Sea and Under Stone in this series. However, from what I can remember, this installment is a fresh start of the series with very little continuity.

You can effortlessly begin the series right here without getting confused or lost!

This is an exciting and rather dark children's book that features an interesting urban (or rather rural) fantasy world with its own unique system. I truly adored the way different realities were overlaid on one another and switched seamlessly, which added an atmosphere of general unease and mystery to the story.

At times, it did give me a bit of a headache, so it might pose a challenge for some children.

Will and his large family are engaging characters, as are the friends and foes he encounters along his journey. It is very enjoyable, even for an adult reader like myself. I will definitely pick up the next book in the series much quicker than I did this one!

Moreover, this book is set during Christmas! I was not aware of this when I started reading, and reading it on cold November nights really put me in the festive spirit!

This is a truly lovely seasonal read.

It's quite astonishing how I managed to miss it during my growing up years. I can't help but playfully blame my parents for this oversight.

What makes it even more special for me is the fact that I completed reading it on a key date.

It feels as if the stars aligned just right for this to happen.

The story within the pages has a certain charm that captured my attention from the very beginning.

It transported me to a different world, filled with the essence of the season.

As I turned each page, I was immersed in the vivid descriptions and engaging plot.

Now that I've discovered this gem, I'm eager to share it with others and let them experience the same joy and wonder that I did.

Perhaps they too will find it to be a memorable and enjoyable read.

Getting my brother (12) to read is like an uphill battle. It's as difficult as getting a cat to take a bath, a high-schooler to go to school, or a cheerleader to go to computer club. All those really tough things in life seem easy compared to this.

I read this series myself about a year or two ago. So, when he needed a book for literature in his homeschool, I suggested he pick this one and I'd do it with him. He moaned and groaned, hating the idea of having to do something as awful as reading. I just shrugged and told him to suck it up and move on.

We started reading, and the first chapter went exactly as I expected. We took turns reading out loud, two pages at a time. Each time his turn was over, he handed the book to me as if it had burned him to touch it, let alone read it. But then, something changed. After we reached the end of the second chapter or so, I noticed that he started to enjoy it. He began sneaking in an extra page once in a while, 'accidentally' skipping my turn. Towards the end, he was reading 10, 20 pages in one sitting by himself (out loud, mind you) as I sat and worked on my knitting. Now, it's a struggle to get him to stop reading long enough for us to discuss the questions.

When we finished the book and he took the final test, he stole my copy and read it again. And again. And again. I began to lose hope of ever getting my book back. But one day, I found him his own set in the thrift store. Maybe he'll actually move on to the next book in the series now. *laughs* Anyways, I love this book and this series. A friend of mine actually recommended it to me many, many years ago, but I never read it. For some reason, the name stuck in my mind. I'm so happy it did, because now I have another great series that I can read and reread, just like my brother. ^^

On 12/15/16, I continued my Christmas reading. This time, I was deeply impressed, more so than when I was a teen, by how extremely bleak Cooper's universe of Light and Dark is. The Old Ones, even though they come from human families (presumably, as Will Stanton seems to be representative), are not at all human. Light and Dark clash in ways that pay no attention to individual men and women. Their battle is not for the sake of human salvation but for things and forces that are far, far beyond human concerns. This is most明显 in Silver on the Tree, but it comes up repeatedly throughout the sequence. And now, I'm not so sure that I like this aspect. Merriman Lyon says noble things about man's gift of free will, but that comes at the end, after he has already shown a more dismissive attitude towards the ordinary humans in the story. So this time, I'm conflicted.

On 12/22/15, I had a lovely afternoon of re-reading. One of the things I love about it is its portrayal of a large family. As the oldest of nine children, this always seems very believable to me. The contrast between the very small concerns of an 11-year-old boy and the very large concerns of the last of the Old Ones, who is tasked with a great quest, makes this story come alive.

Read on 12/18/11, I always enjoy re-reading this around Christmastime. It's one of my all-time favorites.

This one is truly magical.

Much of the writing in this title comes astonishingly close to the realm of poetry. I firmly believe that the quality of the writing here surpasses that of J K Rowling, despite my great love for Harry Potter. This installment is, without a doubt, the best of the series.

Will discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones and comes into his powers. He has the arduous task of finding the five signs and protecting them from the clutches of the Dark.

The series is rooted in English folktales of Arthur and Merlin. I surmise that the reason this series never achieved the same level of popularity as Harry Potter is that Will is a well-adjusted boy from a loving family with present parents, and although he is very important, he is also just the last and youngest of the Old Ones.

This story flows beautifully, moving from one prophecy to another, revealing each of the three verses gradually as Will learns about his new position, powers, and duties.

When the Dark comes rising, six shall turn it back,
Three from the Circle, three from the track;
Wood, bronze, iron; water, fire, stone;
Five will return, and one go alone.

While Cooper clearly drew inspiration from old English legends for the foundation of this fantasy tale, she crafted a story that is uniquely her own, a product of her wondrous mind.

I had the great fortune to meet Susan Cooper once at ALA and the honor of having a brief chat with her while she graciously autographed paperback editions of the series. However, I cherish my hardback editions from the mid-1970s and early 1980s. Back then, publishers didn't hound authors to produce books annually, and Cooper was able to take her time to meticulously craft this series.

My copy of Dark Is Rising is the 4th printing from 1975, when I was fourteen. I must have pleaded with my parents to buy it for me after I first read it in the small El Retiro Library branch. I still had to patiently wait for each of the subsequent books to be published. Nevertheless, I loved this series so deeply that I endured the wait for each book in turn.

What magic lies within this series, both in the fantastical elements and the words and language used to bring the fantasy to life! It received the 1974 Newbery Honor Award.

This is one of my all-time favorite books. I read it the year it was published. I found it in the library and then convinced my parents to purchase it for me. I still possess that copy, although the beautiful cover is now in a sorry state.

This book embodies the essence of the magic of gorgeous writing.

I read the last page, sighed contentedly, and then read

Here ends

The Dark is Rising….the third book will be called Greenwitch. There will be five books.

Wait: WILL be? It isn't out yet? I raced to check! To make a long story short, I patiently awaited each book in turn. I loved the series so much that I never forgot it, even though I was only 12 at the time. My patience was handsomely rewarded with this poetic series. And when I had the opportunity to meet Susan Cooper at ALA many decades later!

My only gripe was that this title merely received a Newbery Honor Award in 1974. I acknowledge that Slave Dancer was good, but this one was simply superb!

Highly recommended. Excellent writing is excellent, regardless of whether it is officially intended for youth or adults.