The book I just "read" via audiobook is an interesting one. The quote "“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.”" sets an air of mystery. I gave it a rating of about 3.5 stars. I'm not an experienced audiobook listener, but I loved the first book Over Sea, Under Stone which I also "read" via audiobook with the same narrator. However, something didn't click with this one.

The story had elements of darkness and doom, with the fate of the world at stake between good and evil, which should have made for a great read. But Will, the 11-year-old protagonist who discovers he's part of another world and that everything depends on him, accepts his quest with an almost unbelievable pragmatism. Also, the forces of evil didn't seem as menacing as I'd hoped. So overall, it was a bit of a "meh" experience for me.

I did, however, really like the quote "“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.”" It gives a bit of an insight into the characters. I'm now looking forward to reading the third book in the series Greenwitch. I know the characters from the first book will come together with Will, but I'm not sure what they'll do yet. I have a feeling, though, that I'm going to enjoy this one more than the second.

Overall, I would assert that I have a greater preference for stories centered around heroes who evolve and become heroic rather than those who are simply chosen.

However, if the author decides to rely on the element of fate, what better approach could there be than to introduce time travelers and incorporate all the rich myths of the British Isles?

The compressed time period of the winter holidays functions quite effectively. I appreciate the fact that Will has a close-knit and involved family, with his parents included. This aspect is so well-developed that the author had to remove him from the normal flow of time in order to place him in any real danger.

The story is paced extremely well, the villains are delightfully ambiguous, and the entire narrative is an enormous amount of fun. From the winter solstice to Twelfth Night, and filled with snow, it comes across, and I truly mean this in the most positive sense, as a Christmas episode of Dr. Who.

Library copy.

The second story is relatively dark and shorter than the first book in the series. It presents a completely different narrative.

Just like in the first one, I adored the narrator's voices for the characters. They added a unique charm and brought the story to life.

However, I do have a slight concern. I know that these books are targeted at middle grade readers, but the children's abilities to solve problems seem to come a little too effortlessly. It makes me wonder if it's a bit too simplistic.

Despite this, I'm still eager and willing to see what the third story has in store. I'm curious to discover how the plot will unfold and what new adventures and challenges the characters will face. Maybe the author will surprise me and offer a more complex and engaging storyline in the next installment.

I’m attempting to consider how many other books’ sequels are more remarkable than the original books themselves.

The Dark is Rising is the second book in the sequence. However, it was the one that got adapted into an ostensibly terrible film, and it was the one that gave its title to the entire series. I surmise I can understand why. Among the first two books, it more stereotypically adheres to the monomyth and has that “epic” quality that one desires in “epic fantasy”. Over Sea, Under Stone is firmly a juvenile adventure, whereas the threats and dangers in The Dark is Rising are more potent and terrifying. I griped about the lack of such terror in my review of the first book, but I can’t make that complaint here.

Will Stanton is turning eleven years old. He discovers that he is the last Old One, a group of incredibly powerful, immortal beings who fight against the Dark in the name of Light. Much like the recent era of Doctor Who, The Dark is Rising takes delight in using its title as a catchphrase. We are repeatedly cautioned that the powers of Dark will be at their strongest soon. Will can defeat them, but only if he finds the six signs required to complete the “circle”. Merriman Lyon (Great-Uncle Merry from the first book) appears and disappears to assist Will and offer him some guidance, but it’s mostly Will’s show. Sort of.

Gamers like to refer to some video games as having sequences “on rails”, which means an action sequence where the player has little to no control over their movement but full control over their weapons (for example, being on a moving train that takes them along a pre-determined route while they fight off bad guys). These sequences have threats, and often failure modes if the player can’t react fast enough or eliminate enough baddies within a certain time limit. Thus, rails sequences aren’t inherently bad, and they don’t necessarily squash the enjoyment or tension in a video game. But they can be tricky to do well, and they can often be frustrating.

The Dark is Rising feels like one big story on rails, for both Will and the protagonist. The threats are manifested in a way they weren’t in Over Sea, Under Stone. But the fortuitous outcome all seems so obvious, so pre-destined, that the tension is almost zero. Will seems to recover the signs without much effort on his part. I don’t mean to underestimate him, because he does have moments of autonomy that make him shine. For the most part, though, Cooper doesn’t want to remove the training wheels on her hero. Will only makes the mistakes he is allowed to make, the perfect mistakes for a young, untrained hero to make. And the result is character development that feels very artificial and formulaic.

If there is any fulfilment to be had here, then it’s in the inevitable empathy one must have for Will. He is thrust out of his depth quite quickly, and he has to start running immediately. Say what you will about Harry Potter, he had it relatively easy. He got the guided tour of Hogwarts. Will turns eleven, is told he is an Old One, and within a few days he has to save the world from the near-infinite power of the Dark. And he can’t talk to anyone about it. Harry had Ron and Hermione. Will only has Merriman, who is at best an inconstant presence. He can’t tell his siblings why the farmer’s daughter is evil; he can’t explain that the horrendous snowstorm the countryside is experiencing is a result of evil’s growing power. Will is completely alone.

Will’s adversaries, the Rider and, later, the Walker, prey upon that chink in his psychological armour. They bring out the age-old “you can never hope to defeat the power of the dark side” speech, and it starts to wear Will down. He perseveres every time, and he succeeds every time--and as I said above, it’s not surprising he does. But it’s still enjoyable to watch him struggle against the emotional toll this is taking. This is particularly true at the climax of the book, when it seems that Merriman has abandoned him and Will has to choose between vanquishing the Dark or saving his sister.

The Dark is Rising is undoubtedly better than Over Sea, Under Stone, though the latter has plenty of merits. Neither, though, has convinced me that it’s worthy of being called a classic. The story and characters have changed, but there is still an overwrought, painfully obvious quality to the writing--the discordant sounds of Cooper trying so very hard. Great writing isn’t effortless, by any means. But mediocre writing is usually very hard indeed.

My reviews of the Dark is Rising sequence:

← Over Sea, Under Stone | Greenwitch →

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The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper is the second book in the Dark is Rising sequence.

It is a truly fascinating blend of fantasy and adventure that serves as a perfect reading companion during the Christmas holidays.

Cooper has masterfully woven a captivating tale filled with ancient prophecies, powerful magic, and the eternal struggle between light and dark.

The atmospheric descriptions she provides and the well-developed characters she creates immerse the reader in a world where the ordinary seamlessly intersects with the extraordinary.

As the protagonist, Will, gradually discovers his destiny, the narrative unfolds with a palpable sense of mystery and tension.

Although some readers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, the rich mythology and the evocative prose more than make up for it.

This book is a timeless and rewarding read for those who have a deep appreciation for classic fantasy literature.

It offers a unique and enchanting experience that will transport you to a world filled with wonder and excitement.

This was a reread inspired by the BBC World Service audio play adaptation.

The adaptation was truly a delight, and so was this book - once again!

I had completely forgotten how instantly dark and sinister Will's world becomes.

Will Stanton's 11th birthday marks his plunge into a world of Dark and Light, where he becomes a key player in the eternal battle between Good and Evil. As an "old one," Will's role as the sign-seeker leads him to undertake numerous challenges in order to find the 6 signs that will assist in forcing back the Dark.

The entire setting, from midwinter to the twelfth night, is incredibly atmospheric. Susan Cooper masterfully conjures the elemental power of nature to instill both fear and wonder into the reader. The unyielding snow, the pervasive cold, and the powerful flood all add to the sense of foreboding. The signs themselves are elemental - iron, bronze, wood, stone, fire, and water - representing the power of nature and the ingenuity of man.

I adored everything about this book. It has tension, emotion, fear, nostalgia, love, sorrow - the entire gamut of emotions.

It's difficult to summarize everything I loved about this book, but I'm extremely delighted to have reread it, and the accompanying radio show was the perfect addition. It's a true classic, whether for children or adults alike!

We are currently enduring a heatwave in the UK that is breaking all records. The scorching temperatures have been unrelenting, causing discomfort and challenges for many.

As I was experiencing this intense heat, I couldn't help but remember a particular quote. It seemed to resonate with the situation at hand.

The image accompanying this text shows a scene that perhaps captures the essence of the heatwave. The compressed photo on the Goodreads website depicts a landscape that might be affected by the extreme weather.

Despite the discomfort, there is something about this heatwave that makes me reflect on the power of nature and our vulnerability to its forces. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for such events and taking steps to protect ourselves and the environment.

As the heatwave continues, I wonder how long it will last and what further impacts it will have. Only time will tell, but for now, we must do our best to stay cool and safe.

How could I have forgotten how truly wonderful this one is?

I don't know the reason why I never re-read it. It has been sitting on my shelf for what seems like forever. I always looked at it with a warm gaze, and in fact, often said aloud, "Oh, I LOVE that book." However, I always passed it by.

Maybe I remembered how extremely scary it is - and indeed, it is. The writing is simply brilliant, of absolutely top-notch quality. There isn't an extra word wasted, and the words that are there have been crafted into new, glittering shapes that are both malevolent and benignant.

The characters are similarly familiar, beloved, and revered. And of course, there's Herne.

This is a perfectly splendid book. It embraces Myth Incarnate and makes one understand and remember that all the stories we tell ourselves are, in some way, true. It's a book that has the power to transport us to another world, to make us feel a range of emotions, and to leave a lasting impression on our hearts and minds.

Forget (almost) all about book one, this is a fresh start (seemingly)! Will is on the cusp of turning eleven on Midwinter's Eve, and strange phenomena are occurring around him. He discovers that he is an Old One, endowed with rather remarkable special powers, and has a crucial quest to undertake to prevent the forces of Darkness from prevailing. He faces numerous obstacles, such as the harsh winter weather and the fear of the people, but he also receives assistance from others like him.

I have an absolute passion for the magical quest that is inspired by British folklore. The symbolism, the entire atmosphere crafted by the season, the weather, and the animals is simply enchanting. It is both utterly cozy and yet captivating and thrilling from the very beginning.

And the writing itself! Not least the rhymes, riddles, and rituals. It truly feels like snuggling under a favorite blanket. Equally, the characters are all extremely lively, diverse, and highly memorable. No wonder so many people hold this book (indeed the entire series) in such high regard!

Now, I must make a confession: I saw the movie adaptation. I recalled it quite promptly. Of course, the book is superior, but I had no inkling just how much better it would be (I mean, the movie had Ian McShane)! So yes, I am most definitely charmed and cannot wait to explore the rest. Especially since it will be fascinating to determine if all 5 books are only loosely connected through the magic or if the story will continue with these characters this time.

The second book in the sequence undergoes a significant transformation, shifting gears from the previous installment to an epic and prose that borders on the mythic. Will Stanton, on his 11th birthday, makes a startling discovery - he is the last of the Old Ones.

With this newfound knowledge, he must now strive to gain command of his powers and embark on a quest for the Signs of the Light. The urgency is palpable, as the Dark势力 is lurking, ready to put these Signs beyond his reach.

Fortunately, Will has the guidance of Merriman Lyons and the support of the Circle of Old Ones around the world. But the question remains: can he grow up fast enough to prevent the Dark from rising?

This book is a very different creature compared to the first installment, Over Sea Under Stone. While it may be a bit simplistic at times, much like its predecessor, it is important to remember that it is aimed at 10-11 year olds.

Nevertheless, it is a brilliant work in its own right. Filled with hope, determination, and spine-chilling scares, it effectively blends English myths with high adventure.

For a more in-depth exploration of this book, check out the full musings over here: https://t.co/zTqh8Y5Nht

The story is very fascinating and although fifty years have passed since its publication, in my opinion, it has a much more literary and refreshing atmosphere.

It would have been much better if I had started the book with a basic knowledge of English folklore. The background that this book has created is a solid platform for creating a fantasy world with a specific mythology that is the food of most of us.

This story takes the reader on a journey through a world filled with magic, mystery, and wonder. The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end.

Even after all these years, the book still holds up and is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy and mythology. It has inspired countless other works and continues to be a beloved classic in the genre.

Okay. Wow.

I should definitely have read this when I was younger. It is truly a pity that I allowed my feelings for the ridiculous movie adaptation to cloud my desire for reading the actual book. The movie, with its flaws and inaccuracies, somehow managed to turn me away from what could have been a wonderful literary experience. However, now that I look back, I realize that I missed out on so much by not giving the book a chance earlier. I am very sorry for this oversight. I hope that in the future, I will not let such external factors influence my decisions regarding reading. I will be more open-minded and willing to explore the original works, regardless of any previous movie adaptations.