This is the fourth book in the sequence. After the previous blend of adventure story with fantasy and the Drew children's return, we are back with Will and out and out fantasy.

Will is sent to Wales to recover from a serious illness. This illness not only weakens him physically but also makes him forget that he is an Old One, the last of that mysterious group who serve the Light and oppose the rising of the Dark. At first, he is unaware that he has to undertake a quest to regain another object of power to help the Light prevail. He must do this without the help of his mentor, Merriman Lyon. However, a boy with whom he forms a precarious friendship plays an important role in helping him succeed.

Bran, who turns out to be the Raven Boy from the poem Will memorized at the end of book 3, is an albino and a loner. His only close friend is his father's sheepdog, Caffal. Will meets them when he begins to explore the hills, having had a slight stir of memory about what he is supposed to be doing there. The dog restores his lost sense of self. But they are opposed not only by the supernatural forces of the Grey King, a major force among the Dark, but also by human stupidity and vengefulness.

In some ways, this is a much more adult book than the rest of the series due to the thread concerning the relationship between Bran's mother, his father, and the local villain. Will has to deal with issues far beyond his eleven and a half years, although not beyond his greater Old One self. Yet he has sympathy for Bran's difficulties. There is tragedy for Bran, though perhaps not as moving as it could have been since it was foreshadowed long before the event. But in some ways, it is the human story about Bran that is the most touching part of the book. The fantasy elements are, in some ways, a bit tacked on and artificial. The sequence when the boys have to answer the riddles posed by the three "kings" and figure out their real identities is a prime example. It is also rather strange that a major plot device involves a wildfire. The eponymous book that introduced Will shows that he can start and put out fires, but here he never even thinks to try extinguishing this one, and yet he is supposed to be a powerful wizard. I liked the book, but I didn't love it, so I give it a 3 rating.

Normally, The Grey King would be my absolute favourite among the five books that form this sequence.

There is something truly captivating about the setting in Wales. The loneliness and arrogance of Bran add an interesting layer to the story. And of course, the connection with Arthuriana is enticing. What's more, it starts to introduce some moral ambiguity when John Rowlands questions the coldness at the heart of the Light.

Somehow, this time around, I didn't love it as much as I usually do. Perhaps it's because I had just spent a significant amount of time debating the merits of Greenwitch with various people. As a result, when reading this one, I missed some of the outstanding aspects of that book. Greenwitch has more involvement of female characters, more mysteries like the various hauntings in Cornwall, and contact with the Wild Magic. In contrast, The Grey King is more straightforward in some ways.

If you've read the series before, then there's not much mystery about who Bran is and what role he has to play.

Still, it's a beautiful book. Susan Cooper has her usual deep understanding of people and a lyrical way of describing things. The sound of the words is an essential part of the experience for me. The relationship between Owen and Bran, especially that lovely section near the end, is touching. The different levels that can be seen, particularly in depicting Owen and in the character of John, add depth to the story. The touches of mystery, like the issue of the Grey King himself, are as wonderful as ever. This must be at least my tenth reread, and probably more than that.

And, of course, there's Cafall. The courage, loyalty, and heartbreak associated with Cafall are truly moving. That whole section brings a lump to my throat every single time.

In this fourth installment of the series, Will embarks on his very first solo quest.

The beginning is rather mysterious. Will has been extremely ill and is thus dispatched to his relatives in Wales to recover. The issue is that he can't remember! In fact, there is something of utmost importance that he knows, but he can no longer recall it either.

Upon arriving in Wales, he not only learns the language (which was a delight for a linguist like me!), but also quickly befriends Bran, another boy.

Soon enough, dark forces start to stir, and unsurprisingly, it turns out that this is all related to one of the Things of Power that Will and the other Old Ones are gathering: the harp.

Although I didn't appreciate the negative portrayal of foxes (as I adore them), the adventure was highly enjoyable. I suppose the combination of the new surroundings and the disorientation caused by the amnesia created a very thrilling backdrop for another magical journey, filled with the author's signature blend of folklore and mythology - this time from Wales, which also entailed a slightly different set of rituals.

It was a nice change while still maintaining the familiarity. The addition of the dog was a very nice touch that added the right amount of oomph.

The rest was as magical as I have come to anticipate from this author by now. I am now firmly in the grip of electrifying anticipation, as there is only one more Thing of Power they require, if I counted correctly, and then there is the final battle (I assume the Sleeper will be awakened).

Just one more book to go - woohoo!

Set in the deepest, darkest Wales, this story is truly a captivating one. It is filled to the brim with magic and mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Wales, with its rolling hills, ancient castles, and rich history, provides the perfect backdrop for such a tale. The author has done an excellent job of bringing this enchanting land to life.

And let's not forget about the Welsh pronunciation! It adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story. While it may seem a bit challenging at first, once you get the hang of it, it becomes part of the charm.

This book is definitely my favourite of the series so far. It has everything I love in a story - a great plot, interesting characters, and a setting that makes me want to visit Wales myself. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

Series is picking up steam now.

It has been gradually gaining momentum and attracting more and more attention. The storylines are becoming increasingly engaging, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.

The characters are also evolving and developing in interesting ways, making them more relatable and likable.

The production values are top-notch, with high-quality cinematography, editing, and special effects.

All of these factors combined have contributed to the series' growing popularity.

As it continues to air, it is expected to attract an even larger audience and become one of the most talked-about shows of the season.

Whether you're a fan of the genre or just looking for a great new show to watch, this series is definitely worth checking out.

So don't miss out on the excitement and start tuning in today!

She somehow managed to work a Welsh pronunciation guide into the story without it being boring.

It is truly remarkable how she accomplished this feat. I have no idea how she did it, but I am extremely impressed.

The way she seamlessly integrated the pronunciation guide into the narrative is a testament to her creativity and skill as a writer.

It not only added an interesting and unique element to the story but also made it more engaging for the reader.

I can only imagine the amount of research and planning that went into this.

It is clear that she put a great deal of effort into ensuring that the pronunciation guide was both accurate and accessible.

Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with her work and look forward to seeing what else she has in store.

As a child growing up in the 90s, I had an intense passion for The Grey King. It was so strong that I would eagerly await my once-weekly opportunity to use the computer.

During those precious moments, I would visit the only Welsh learning website I could discover and painstakingly print out worksheets. However, despite my efforts, I ended up learning precisely nothing.

Fast forward twenty-five years, and upon rereading this book, it still ignites within me a burning desire to learn Welsh. It remains my absolute favorite from what is undoubtedly one of the greatest children's series ever penned.

The magic and allure of The Grey King continue to captivate me, even after all these years. It serves as a reminder of the power of literature to inspire and fuel our curiosity, no matter how much time has passed.

I find myself longing to explore the Welsh language and culture, perhaps hoping to uncover the same mysteries and wonders that the characters in the book experienced.

Who knows, maybe this time around, with a newfound determination and a wealth of resources at my disposal, I will finally succeed in learning Welsh and truly immerse myself in the enchanting world of The Grey King.

Ah, I truly liked this so very much more than the first one. It's simply astonishing. I just can't believe that Susan Cooper was the one who invented the white-haired anime boy. It's such a remarkable and unique creation. The white-haired anime boy has become an iconic figure in the world of anime. His appearance is both captivating and mysterious. With his flowing white hair and piercing eyes, he seems to have a charm that draws in viewers from all over. Susan Cooper's imagination and creativity in bringing this character to life are truly to be admired. It's amazing how a single character can have such a profound impact on the anime community and beyond. I can't wait to see what else Susan Cooper has in store for us in the future.

I understand that my view might not be the prevailing one among enthusiasts of The Dark is Rising sequence. In fact, I have a preference for the books that involve the Drews rather than just focusing on Will Stanton. However, this particular installment was still an excellent read.

I'm truly thankful for the small Welsh pronunciation lesson that Bran provided to Will. Without it, I would have been completely off when it came to pronouncing the names correctly.

My only gripe is that there wasn't enough of Merriman in this book. Nevertheless, overall, it was an extremely exciting read. I'm now eagerly anticipating starting the final volume of the series.

I'm curious to see how the story will conclude and how all the loose ends will be tied up. I have high expectations for the final book and I'm confident that it will not disappoint.

I'm looking forward to immersing myself in the world of The Dark is Rising one last time and seeing how the characters' journeys come to an end.

2018 Review
The Grey King by Susan Cooper is a captivating installment in her Dark is Rising series. It is either the third or fourth book, depending on the edition. Will Stanton, a key character, must continue his arduous quest to locate the Things of Power. This is crucial as it will aid the Light in its battle against the Dark. A severe illness forces Will to seek recovery at his uncle's sheep farm in Wales. There, he encounters Bran, an enigmatic boy, and Cafall, his loyal canine companion. Both prove to be vital to Will's mission.

Although I have a deep affection for this book, I approach it with a certain dread due to a tragic event that occurs within its pages. Despite knowing what is coming, I read with a glimmer of hope that perhaps this time the story will unfold differently, sparing the characters from their anguish. Alas, it is not to be. However, this is precisely what I admire about Susan Cooper. She does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities. While the overarching battle between Light and Dark takes center stage, the theme consistently revolves around human choices and our obligations to one another and the world we inhabit.

This book introduces new and interesting characters. Merriman Lyon, Will's Master, has a relatively minor role in this particular installment. It marks Will's first solo quest, although he receives assistance from Bran and Cafall. Among the new characters, my favorite is likely John Rowlands, a neighboring sheep farmer. He is aware of the existence of the Light and the Dark but has no desire to become embroiled in their struggle. Nevertheless, in the final book, Silver on the Tree, he finds himself reluctantly playing a crucial role. John Rowlands is a wise, kind, and deeply humane man. He is empathetic yet brutally honest. His words to Will, as he explains his reluctance to engage with the affairs of the Light, are thought-provoking:

I am not at all sure what it is that is going on all around us, Will bach, or where it is leading. But those men who know anything at all about the Light also know that there is a fierceness to its power, like the bare sword of the law, or the white burning of the sun. At the very heart, that is. Other things, like humanity, and mercy, and charity, that most good men hold more precious than all else, they do not come first for the Light. Oh, sometimes they are there; often, indeed. But in the very long run the concern of you people is with the absolute good, ahead of all else. You are like fanatics. Your masters, at any rate. Like the old Crusaders—oh, like certain groups in any belief, though this is not a matter of religion, of course. At the centre of the Light there is a cold white flame, just as at the centre of the Dark there is a great black pit bottomless as the Universe (115).

Will, as a member of the Light, holds a different perspective but does not dispute John Rowland's assessment.

Throughout the story, Will must face numerous small encounters with the Dark and its minions, which he must overcome. However, the most formidable challenge comes in the form of the High Magic, which is neutral. It guards the gold harp that Will requires. To obtain it, he, along with Bran and Cafall, must enter the realm of High Magic and endure a series of tests. Cooper's writing is exquisite. Her description of the boys' experiences is truly captivating:

The long flaring tail of the comet moved gradually out of sight, down over the horizon of their nameless world and time. Still in the black hemisphere the stars blazed and slowly wheeled; beneath them, Will felt so infinitesimally small that it seemed impossible he should even exist. Immensity pressed in on him, terrifying, threatening—and then, in a swift flash of movement like a dance, like the glint of a leaping fish, came a flick of brightness in the sky from a shooting star. Then another, and another, here, there, all around. He heard Bran give a small chirrup of delight, a spark struck from the same bright sudden joy that filled his own being. Wish on a star, said a tiny voice in his head from some long-departed day of early childhood: Wish on a star—the cry of a pleasure and faith as ancient as the eyes of a man (68).

The Grey King is yet another outstanding addition to this remarkable series. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all fans of fantasy and adventure.

Older Review

I have a special affinity for this book as it is set in Wales. In fact, my fascination with Wales can be traced back to reading this very story. It holds a particular allure for me, yet it is also a rather sad tale, which is why I don't revisit it as frequently as the other books in the series.

A brief jewel of a book!

Here, Cooper masterfully blends Arthurian legend with rural adventure.

Using young Will Stanton as a voice, he vividly portrays the high-level fight between Good and Evil.

In this captivating story, Will not only gains a deeper sense of the value of his fight but also begins to understand how this battle distances him from the human world.

He discovers that the human world is a complex mix of petty viciousness and wonderful goodness, all of which lies outside the concerns of legend and lore.

This book is filled with an abundance of wisdom.

Moreover, the last paragraph is so exquisitely written that it truly took my breath away.

It leaves a lasting impression, making the reader reflect on the profound themes explored throughout the story.

Overall, it is a remarkable work that combines elements of fantasy and reality in a seamless and engaging way.

I'm like, I feel I'm too old for this series now. However, I still need to read them all because I own them.

The premise of the book, which is based on Welsh legends, is very creative. And Susan Cooper is really great at writing a suspenseful plot.

It makes me sad that there is violence with the dogs in the story. I understand that it might be necessary for the development of the plot, but it still tugs at my heartstrings.

Overall, despite my age, I'm still enjoying reading these books. The combination of Welsh legends and a thrilling plot keeps me engaged. I'm looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds in the remaining books of the series.