I got to page 49 and simply couldn't go any further. The book is a real struggle. Where it isn't boring or confusing, it's just maddening.

On page 4, an 11-year-old boy uses the word 'Hark' to his older brother and isn't mercilessly ridiculed for it. Seriously, what 11-year-old boy uses that word seriously and not in jest? It's quite unbelievable.

Then on pages 32 - 33, our young protagonist with an ancient vocabulary encounters two doors. They are fully described for almost a full page, yet the important detail that they are double doors in one doorway is left out. This is a crucial detail, especially when he opens both and steps through one opening. At first, I thought there were two separate doors and he opened both at the same time and went through one without looking or choosing.

On page 46, we have a deus ex machina moment. We encountered something similar before with the horse coming out of nowhere to save him. Now he trips before he can do something dumb, but then he does something dumb anyway three pages later! You would think he would remember how doors can be bad to open when the bad guys are outside, but clearly he missed that memo the second time.

I'm so done with this sequence. I really tried, but it's just not for me. My boss said this book in particular got her son, who is now a lawyer, to read. Maybe if I had read it as a kid, I would have loved it. But as an adult, I don't like it at all. I won't be reading any more books by this author.

This is my third or fourth time reading this remarkable piece, and I still find myself completely enamored with it!

The links to Arthurian legends add a layer of mystery and allure, while the myths and timeless storytelling make it a captivating read for both adults and younger readers alike.

Alex Jennings' narration is truly perfection. It is haunting and the voices he uses are just right, enhancing the overall experience.

I find myself fearing that I'll have to speed up my re-reading of the series now, as I'm way too anxious for the pleasures that come with the whole story unfolding.

I never pass up an opportunity to reread a favorite, and this one has truly stood the test of time. Since it was published in 73, I first read it as an adult and have always loved this series.

Well, this and Grey King and maybe The Silver on the Tree, as the others really are a bit too young for my taste. It proves the timeless appeal of many fantasy titles.

The intriguing quest amidst terrible trials, the interesting characters, and the image-rich backstory all combine to make this an excellent diversion.

4.5 ⭐

This piece of work is as lyrical and wonderful as ever. It has a certain charm that immediately grabs the reader's attention. The language used is so beautiful and flowing that it seems to dance on the page. Each word is carefully chosen to create a vivid and enchanting picture in the reader's mind. The author's skill in weaving together words and phrases is truly remarkable. It's as if they have a magical touch that makes the story come alive. Whether it's the description of a scene, the emotions of the characters, or the overall atmosphere, everything is presented in a way that is both captivating and engaging. This is a work that will surely be enjoyed by anyone who has a love for beautiful language and great storytelling.

There is truly nothing that I didn't cherish about this reread. It was a combination of the hazy, warm fondness of nostalgia and the pure delight that the story itself brought.

Oh, Will Stanton. I adore him at thirty just as much as I did when I was ten. I love how palpable both his fear and wonder are. And I love his family. Sorry, Drews; the Stantons are simply superior. I love the ebb and flow between Will as the Old One and Will as the youngest Stanton. The contrast between the Wise Magical Dude and the little boy always manages to bring joy.

This, I find, is the real introduction to this series. It's the book of learning and revelation. In some ways, I feel that "Over Sea Under Stone" is like the "Magician's Nephew" of this series. Sure, it may occur first chronologically, but I think reading it first is rather unwise (and that's only a little bit because I started with this book myself). This is the book that invites the reader into the realm of secret knowledge, just as Will does.

And, for me, that's the core reason why I like Will (and Bran, later on) more than the Drews. While the Drews offer the human perspective on mystical things and are a touchstone for those of us outside the Light and Dark, that's not what I desire. I, especially ten-year-old me, didn't want the normal kids. I wanted to identify with the boy plucked from the ordinary and wholeheartedly welcomed by magic. (I suppose one could also say the same about Harry Potter, but Will had my heart first.) I wanted to know more about the kid who discovers he has Phenomenal Cosmic Powers yet still messes up from time to time because, after all, he's eleven, and the magic is both amazing and terrifying. "Tomorrow will be beyond imagining" still sends shivers down my spine.

Merriman and Hawkin broke my heart all over again.

I'd also forgotten just how much I love the setting of the story - the small town, the mysterious manor house, the familiar (for Will; the English countryside was a delightful foreign prospect for me at ten) suddenly filled with significance and meaning, Christmas, and the snow. It makes me want to curl up under a blanket, drink something warm, and reread it all over again.

And, oh! The music! More so than in the other Dark is Rising books, the music was a constant presence here. I think this is partly because it's set at Christmas-time, so I was more familiar with the songs used (and could therefore 'hear' them better in the context of the story), in addition to the Special Music Of The Light. Will and James singing together! (And Merriman's predictions about their voices!) Paul and his flute!

Which just reminds me of the first of many memory-based heartbreaking moments in this series - when Will wants to confide in Paul, tries, but it doesn't work, so he has to make him forget. I'm okay with this in this book (check back with me in "Silver on the Tree" omg), particularly because I like how Cooper balances the distance and logic of Will-the-Old-One with the disappointment and loneliness of Will-the-little-boy who is realizing just how separate from his family he's now become.

Also, Merriman is pretty much Morgan Freeman in my head. It makes his grand intonations and proclamations even better! Just thought I'd share.

It has been a long time since I last delved into this series. The second part of the series is truly remarkable. If reading the first book was like a journey back to an earlier era and structure (and, as I noted, not a bad thing at all), this book has advanced by leaps and bounds.

It is well-written, with evocative and vivid descriptions that significantly enhance the tone and atmosphere. The pacing is excellent, with tension arising from a variety of situations, especially Will's family. The world-building is solid, with enough background and story to create a world that intersects with ours in a meaningful and purposeful way.

In comparison to Riordan's Olympus books, this story, like most of Riordan's works, occurs within a very short time-frame, yet the significance of the events gives it great weight. However, unlike Riordan's books, there is no manic rushing around that, while entertaining, offers little in terms of character development.

Compared to "Wrinkle in Time," the character development and world-building here are much deeper.

Unlike the typical tropes for this type of book, Will is not an orphan or away at school. His adventures have an impact on and are affected by his family, of whom he is aware and cares deeply for. He is in the midst of a warm and loving family.

In contrast to "Harry Potter," it took several rather lengthy and under-edited volumes of "Harry Potter" to reach a similar tonal level. This is not a light-hearted adventure but has a certain weight and weariness, introducing the complexity of human emotions, choices, and costs.

What I think is particularly well-executed is that Will has just turned 11 and is entrusted with considerable power and abilities. Most books create tension by juxtaposing the impetuosity of youth with either the learning to control or apply the powers, or the wisdom in using them. Here, the author handles the learning curve in a rather novel way, infusing the weight of the Old Ones into Will, making him older than his years while still remaining a boy. This allows him to be aware, compassionate, angry, and afraid in ways that readers of all ages can identify with.

As for the second book in the series, we encounter Uncle Merry again, albeit more formally, and we learn a bit more about this mysterious character. We also discover that there are four Things of Power, and we know that the Grail was found in the first book. How exciting it is that there are four things and five books, suggesting a certain complexity of plot to look forward to.

For the #DarkIsReading challenge, I'm reading this for the second time ever. I had forgotten a great deal of it. For example, it takes place between the Winter Solstice and Twelfth Night. I remembered that it was Will's 11th birthday, but not the significance of the date/s.

It has been really interesting to read it now, with a community. I can see how many people were influenced by this book and series. I can also observe how it has had an impact on modern middle grade fantasies.

Reread/Read aloud 2024: The language of this book is so beautiful! It's wonderfully descriptive. I really wonder if, had Cooper shopped this around in 2024, publishing might have turned up its nose at such high falutin' language. Maybe they would have thought it was too elaborate or not in line with the current trends. But to me, it adds a special charm and makes the story come alive in a unique way. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful and impactful writing can stand the test of time, regardless of what the publishing industry may think at a given moment.

Second in the Dark is Rising sequence, The Dark is Rising (1973) by Susan Cooper takes us into a very different territory and introduces us to entirely different characters than the first book.

If I found the darkness and danger palpable in that one, in this book it is far more intense and disconcerting.

The story opens in the Stanton home where young Will lives with his family. It's nearly the winter solstice, which is also Will's birthday.

As he steps out with his brother on the evening before his birthday, strange things start to happen. The animals are uneasy, and Will himself feels a strong sense of fear.

He is given an ornament by Mr Dawson, and the next morning, he discovers he is one of the 'old ones' with special powers and a great burden to fight the rising forces of darkness.

Will is the sign seeker, tasked with finding the six signs of light. The path is difficult, involving hard tasks and tests, and facing the forces of darkness that might endanger his family.

He is guided by other 'old ones', like Merriman Lyon. How will Will discharge this heavy burden?

When I read the first book, Over Sea, Under Stone, I enjoyed it, but some readers said the later books were better.

After reading The Dark is Rising, I found that while the first book was good, this one takes things to a whole new level.

Cooper's descriptions create a sense of fear and unease from the start, and we experience the same as Will.

Alongside the fear, she also makes us feel the fluidity of time as Will searches for the signs.

To balance the unsettling feelings, there is Christmas at the Stanton home, which is described beautifully.

The book is rich in folklore and legends, which not only enrich the story but form the frame on which it is built.

Cooper gives us an excellent story with an exciting quest, terrifying enemies, good friends, and a satisfying end.

At the end of the book, there is an interview with Susan Cooper where she mentions the idea of the sequence and the connection with the first book.

This book has left me very keen to see how the two sets of characters meet and what forms the dark takes on next.

A really wonderful read!

A reread with AnnaBookBel:

The act of rereading a book can be a truly magical experience. It allows us to rediscover the hidden gems within the story, to notice details that we might have missed the first time around. And when it comes to "The Dark is Rising" by Susan Cooper, a reread is like embarking on a new adventure.

This classic children's novel takes readers on a journey through a world of magic and mystery. The story follows Will Stanton, a young boy who discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, a group of ancient beings with the power to fight against the forces of evil. As Will uncovers the secrets of his heritage, he must face many challenges and overcome powerful enemies.

Rereading "The Dark is Rising" with AnnaBookBel is sure to be a fascinating experience. Her insights and analysis will bring new life to the story, and help us to understand the deeper themes and messages within the book. So, if you're looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read, be sure to check out AnnaBookBel's reread of "The Dark is Rising". You can find her blog post at http://perfectretort.blogspot.com/202....

The story placed on the Christmas shelves was just the right thing to read during the Christmas season. I first read this series when I was in elementary school. Since then, there have been several rereads over the years. I would now read it in Finnish nostalgically, but I didn't have it! There was only the English version on my shelf. The situation must be corrected if these can still be found anywhere. I apparently only own two parts in Finnish.

What was read before the Potters? Well, I at least read Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea, Diana Wynne Jones' Witch's Brother, and then this Cooper series. And all of these still enchant.

It's interesting to look back on the books that shaped our reading experiences as children. Each of these series has its own unique charm and has left a lasting impression. The Christmas season seems like the perfect time to revisit these beloved stories and perhaps discover new ones.

Maybe it's time to search for the Finnish versions of these books and add them to the collection. Or perhaps explore other works by these talented authors. The world of literature is vast and full of wonderful treasures waiting to be discovered.

Whether it's the magic of Earthsea, the adventures of the Witch's Brother, or the charm of Cooper's series, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, let's embrace the joy of reading and let these stories transport us to different worlds and times.

Happy reading!

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper is a captivating young adult fantasy novel that was first published in 1973.

It is the second book in the series of the same name. Interestingly, the first book, Over Sea, Under Stone, was written for a younger audience and functions more as a prequel rather than a traditional starting point.

This book delves into the story of Will Stanton. On his eleventh birthday, he discovers that he is an Old One, a member of a group endowed with magical powers who stand for the Light and oppose the members of the Dark. Cooper weaves together colorful Celtic and Britannic legends and lore to construct a vivid world where Will must gather signs of power to combat the forces of the dark. Additionally, Cooper incorporates elements of time travel, which further enhance this imaginative and skillfully written fantasy.

Overall, it is a good read, although it is clearly targeted at a younger crowd.

Reread.

I saw the trailer for the upcoming movie, and more importantly, I witnessed Darcy's furious reaction to the trailer. It dawned on me that I didn't remember these books well enough to be equally furious. I had read the first two in the series, albeit in the wrong order, when I was much younger. However, I didn't recall being overly engaged by them, which was why I never continued. I thought that rereading them as an adult, I would see the error of my ways.

Sadly, that wasn't the case. I still don't find these books very captivating. Over Sea Under Stone is, as even Darcy concedes, just average. The setting is great, with the rambling old Cornish house, the standing stones on the cliffs, and the sea-cave. At least one of the siblings, Barney, is spunky and entertaining. Yet, the treasure hunt plot is strangely slow, and the conclusion is completely unsatisfactory in my opinion. (They give the grail to a museum and get 100 quid? Barney has his \\"Dude! Merlin!\\" revelation? Yawn.) I thought The Dark Is Rising would be better, but it didn't do much for me either. There's a lot of portentous stuff, but I felt that every scrape Will gets into, he gets out of either through the intervention of an adult or due to a deus ex machina. Meanwhile, the Dark Rider and the Dark in general seemed oddly unthreatening to me, while being an agent of the Light did not seem particularly exciting or pleasurable. I never wished I was there. With the Narnia books, I wanted so badly to go through a wardrobe or a painting of my own, even if it was dangerous. But being an Old One mostly seems dull and chant-y to me, to the point that if the position were offered on craigslist, I think I might pass. What is wrong with me?

Because I really do feel, having this reaction, that there must be something wrong with me and not the books. So many people, and people whose opinions I trust, love them. Oh well. I suppose I didn't like The Lord of the Rings either.

I remember having a deep love for this book. As a child and then as a teen, I read it countless times.

Nowadays, I have truly enjoyed the writing. I have relished in the nostalgia and the joy of being able to recite the verses along with the narrator from my distant memories. Some of the characterization is beautifully crafted. The achievement of making nine children in one family, along with their parents, distinguishable from each other and even a little developed and given color is no small feat. The exploration of how an 11-year-old boy feels upon being drafted into an ages-old fight is quite well done. However,

Towards the end, there is a part where Will basks in the pride he feels from Merriman. But why? Will is set on a quest to find six symbols - wood, bronze, iron, water, fire, stone. And spoiler alert - he does almost nothing to obtain these six. The first one is literally handed to him. After that, either he is again given the quartered circle or is told precisely what he has to do to get it. Compared to nearly every quest I've ever seen outside of a beginner's level D&D game, there are no real stakes. I never felt that anyone or anything was truly at risk. So and so is gone? It's okay. They'll be back. There is no effort, no real quest. I have no idea what the big deal is with Will here. He just didn't do that much.

Nobody seems to do that much. The agents of the Dark seem to put in a bit of effort, but they could have been much worse. They were rather lame, all shadow and fog. And the agents of the Light basically looked stern, joined hands, and something happened. Will doesn't even have to study hard to become an Old One. He reads one book and *wham*, he's all set. No instruction needed. Even the Wild Hunt, which is supposed to be bloodcurdlingly terrifying, was rather weak.

It bothered me a little that all the animals were afraid of Will when the change was coming over him. It also bothered me that the vicar and his faith and church were pretty much discounted. Even though religion should have been an agent of the Light or at least helpful in this world. I don't know if the latter would have bothered me as much before I read a friend's review that pointed out some jabs at Christianity. Yes, it would have, because I was quite annoyed with the "vicar" being a bad guy in Over Sea, Under Stone. And the Old Ones were rather condescending.

This almost felt like an abridgment. I wanted more of everything. More of Will's family life, his internal struggle with his "Yer a wizard Harry" transformation, and more of the work that should have gone into getting each of the signs.

Oh well. Not everything holds up. Still, the narrator was absolutely wonderful. And I see he doesn't narrate The Grey King. Well, that's too bad.