This children's book remains one of the most challenging and thought-provoking reads I've ever had. Cooper's talent for elaborate word smithing and intricate prose is truly remarkable. She weaves a web of words that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. I find myself constantly amazed by her ability to create such a rich and detailed world within the pages of a children's book.

I'm eager to see how the story ends. Will the characters overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals? Or will they face unexpected challenges along the way? These questions keep me turning the pages, eager to discover what lies ahead.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and engaging read. It's a testament to the power of good storytelling and the importance of well-crafted prose.

This was my absolute favourite when I was a child. And it seems that I still have a great affection for a touch of Welsh broodiness. It's enough to make me overlook the massive plotholes and Will's total Mary-Sue-ness. I truly love Bran and Cafall and John Rowlands. However, it would have been nice to have a bit more of Jane being sensible.

Sometimes, when I think back to this story, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia. The Welsh setting added a certain charm and mystery to the tale. Although there were flaws in the plot, the overall atmosphere and the characters managed to capture my imagination.

Bran was a particularly interesting character, with his courage and determination. Cafall, his faithful dog, was also a beloved part of the story. John Rowlands brought a sense of wisdom and experience. And while Will's Mary-Sue-ness could be a bit off-putting at times, there was still something endearing about him.

As for Jane, her lack of sensibility was a bit frustrating. But perhaps that was part of her charm as well. Overall, this story holds a special place in my heart, and I will always cherish the memories it has given me.

Huh.

This book was not that good.

I was initially intrigued by the Welsh-ness of the book, which added an interesting cultural backdrop. However, the plot was rather rough.

Will, the main character, was an empty shell who lacked clear motivations and a distinct personality. He seemed to be just going through the motions without any real depth or purpose.

The supposed connections to King Arthur were also a bit of a letdown. While they were presented as being crucial to the story, they didn't actually contribute much in the end. They felt more like a gimmick rather than an integral part of the narrative.

The climax of the book was really weird and didn't quite make sense. It felt rushed and forced, as if the author was trying to wrap things up quickly without properly resolving all the loose ends.

Overall, the book ended with a lot of things unresolved, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and disappointed. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.

Book 4 in the Dark is Rising Series is probably my favorite of the series so far.

This installment truly stands out with its captivating plot and well-developed characters. The story takes readers on an exciting adventure filled with mystery, magic, and danger.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a vivid and immersive world that draws you in from the very beginning.

The main character's growth and transformation throughout the book are especially engaging, making you root for them every step of the way.

Additionally, the supporting characters add depth and complexity to the story, each with their own unique personalities and motives.

The Dark is Rising Series as a whole is a must-read for fans of fantasy, but Book 4 is definitely a standout and a book that I would highly recommend.

Oh man oh man,

even though I’ve read this book multiple times, I’ll still have to think on it for a long while before I share my deeper thoughts.

I think everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, should give this series a chance, particularly the books: The Dark is Rising and The Grey King.

It is middle grade fiction as it is written about children, but I truly believe that anyone of any age can learn something from its pages and also be simply enchanted by its storytelling, just as children should be.

There is such profound darkness in these books, yet at the same time, the light can be shown in an even greater intensity.

There is also a deeper magic, one that is related to nature and the things that just exist.

It’s an all-time favorite book of mine, and one that I’ll read and reread for years and years to come. I’ll share it with my family, friends, nephews, and maybe one day, my children. And I wholeheartedly recommend it to you to do the same!

This part of the series has truly solidified my pre-existing bias towards Newberry Award winners. So far, it stands as my least favorite installment in this particular series. There is simply a great deal happening within its pages. Will embarks on a quest, the ever-present specter of the Dark is rising (as if it ever ceases to do so), and there is a rather deranged sheep farmer who seems to be allowed by all the other adults to be an utter jerk without any intervention. I have a hunch that a great deal of these seemingly disparate elements will come together neatly in the final book, much like how the first and second books converged in the third. Despite my overall dissatisfaction, I did find enjoyment in the vivid descriptions of the land and the people. Additionally, it is refreshing to note that this is a children's book that respects its young readers and does not condescend to them.

It remains to be seen how the story will ultimately conclude and whether my initial impressions will be completely overturned or further reinforced. Only time will tell as I continue to explore this series.

Back on track with my long-lived Newbery Challenge.

I took a break for a specific reason. I had the desire to read the books in The Dark is Rising Sequence in the correct order. And as it turns out, the fourth book in this sequence is the one that won the prestigious Newbery.

I'm truly glad that I made this choice. As I have been progressing through the series, I have found myself liking it more and more.

The Grey King, in particular, stands out. It draws deeply from Welsh folklore and Arthuriana. However, it does so in a way that feels extremely organic. It's as if these elements have always belonged in this story, seamlessly integrated to create a rich and engaging narrative.

It's been a wonderful journey getting back into this challenge and exploring the world of The Dark is Rising Sequence. I can't wait to see what else lies ahead in this captivating series.

This was really a 3.5 for me.

This is the continuing story of Will Stanton in his quests to acquire the Things of Power in order to defeat the Dark and save the world.

The author has done a great job in crafting this tale. The plot is engaging and full of excitement as Will faces numerous challenges and obstacles on his journey. However, I must admit that I found myself wishing that the lengthy descriptions of the scenery and the various magical happenings weren't quite so long.

While these descriptions do add depth and detail to the story, they sometimes seemed to slow down the pace and take away from the overall momentum. I would have preferred a more balanced approach, with perhaps a bit less emphasis on the descriptive elements and more focus on the action and character development.

Overall, though, it's still a good read and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in Will's adventures.

This book is truly excellent. It represents a significant step up from the preceding books, which were also good. The author has managed to take the story to a whole new level, adding depth and complexity that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The writing is smooth and flowing, making it an easy read despite the density of the content.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoyed the previous books in the series or for those who are looking for a great new read. It is a testament to the author's talent and creativity and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

Meh. Overall, this book earns a 3-star rating instead of 2 mainly because I managed to finish it, and it wasn't an absolute disaster to read.

Good aspects: I had a certain fondness for the Welsh setting. The snippets of Will being taught Welsh, or at least how not to butcher the pronunciation completely, were quite interesting. The sheepdogs also added a nice touch. Another plus was that it was perfectly readable even without having delved into the rest of the books in the series. It was an easy read, and I breezed through it in just a couple of hours, which makes sense considering it's targeted at kids. I also liked that Will was recovering from an illness and that this had real and tangible consequences for him, such as not being able to run as he was accustomed to and having to take frequent breaks while climbing a mountain.

Parts I disliked: However, Will as a character really didn't click with me. I had a mild affection for him when he still had no memories and was essentially a regular boy getting better from an illness. But as soon as he remembered his so-called "destiny," his personality did a complete about-face, and I quickly grew bored of him. In fact, in general, the book failed to make me truly care about either the characters or the central conflict. I was also extremely uninterested in the whole born-to-be-special trope. For example, when Bran and Will go to meet the Council and it's mentioned that only those with the right blood can enter while everyone else would be incinerated. That's a trope that has long lost its appeal for me. Additionally, it was painfully evident how male-focused the book was. The only female characters were Will's aunt, who existed solely to fulfill a motherly role, and Bran's mother, who was merely a device to drive the male character's actions and was promptly "fridged." Oh, and of course, she was Guinevere from the Arthurian past, just because. It turns out I have great difficulty caring about books where women are reduced to a side note and serve only as a backdrop to the far more engaging male lives. I also, though this was a relatively minor point for me, didn't like that the loyal sheepdog had to die.

Weird element: The mention at the beginning that Will's sister had also gone to Wales to recover after having Mumps led me to wonder for at least 10 minutes what era this book was set in. Otherwise, it was a completely generic pre-internet 20th-century setting.

Bran Davies, my dearest heart,

You are like a bright star shining in my life. Every moment spent with you is precious and fills my heart with joy. Your smile can melt away all my troubles and make me forget everything else in the world.

I remember the first time we met, it was as if fate had brought us together. Since then, our relationship has grown stronger and deeper. You are not only my lover but also my best friend, someone I can always rely on and share my secrets with.

Bran Davies, I want to tell you that I love you more than words can say. I will always be by your side, through thick and thin, supporting you and loving you unconditionally. Let's create more beautiful memories together and build a future full of love and happiness.

1/26/24 - I have an absolute passion for this series, and this particular installment is truly excellent.

However, I find myself unable to award it the five stars that it undoubtedly merits. There are certain reasons, you see. Reasons that are spoilery and that reduced me to a crying, messy state.

It's quite difficult for me to bestow a five-star rating upon a book that contains - ahem - specific occurrences that I simply cannot cope with. (This is perhaps why I have such a profound love for John Wick and wholeheartedly approve of his scorched earth response to certain events.)

The audiobook reading is truly fabulous. I am amused when I think about the way that my younger self no doubt mispronounced the Welsh words during my very first reading. :) It's these little details that add an extra layer of charm to the overall experience.