4.07
Part of "The Dark is Rising" series
"The Dark Is Rising" by Susan Cooper is a classic work of children's fantasy literature that has captivated readers for generations. First published in 1973, the novel is the second book in Cooper's five-book series, "The Dark Is Rising Sequence," but it stands alone well and is often read independently of the other books in the series. The story follows the adventures of Will Stanton, a seemingly ordinary 11-year-old boy who discovers on his birthday that he is actually the last of the Old Ones, a group of powerful immortals who have been charged with protecting the world from the forces of the Dark. As the winter solstice approaches, Will must embark on a quest to find six magical signs that will help him and the other Old Ones to defeat the Dark and prevent it from taking over the world. Cooper's writing is rich and evocative, bringing to life a world that is both familiar and strange, grounded in the rural English countryside but also filled with magic and wonder. The novel explores themes of good and evil, light and darkness, and the power of friendship and loyalty, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its thrilling plot and vivid characters. "The Dark Is Rising" has won numerous awards and accolades, including the Newbery Medal in 1974, and it remains a beloved classic of children's literature. Its timeless themes and gripping story make it a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure, and its exploration of the power of good in the face of darkness is as relevant today as it was when the book was first published...
Susan Cooper
Over Sea, Under Stone
The first book in the Dark Is Rising sequence, this novel introduces readers to the world of British mythology and folklore, where ancient magic and modern-day adventure collide. A great choice for those who want to delve deeper into Cooper's series.
Learn MoreAlan Garner
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen
This classic children's fantasy novel, set in the English countryside, follows two siblings who discover a magical world beneath Alderley Edge. Fans of The Dark Is Rising will enjoy Garner's exploration of British mythology and the struggle between good and evil.
Learn MoreLloyd Alexander
The Book of Three
The first book in the Chronicles of Prydain series, The Book of Three introduces readers to Taran, an assistant pig-keeper who becomes embroiled in a quest to save the enchanted kingdom of Prydain. This novel shares the epic scope and mythological underpinnings of The Dark Is Rising.
Learn MoreJ.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit
A classic of children's literature, The Hobbit follows Bilbo Baggins, a quiet hobbit who embarks on an unexpected journey to reclaim a dwarven kingdom from a fearsome dragon. Readers who enjoyed the blend of adventure, mythology, and coming-of-age themes in The Dark Is Rising will find much to love in Tolkien's world.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
A Wizard of Earthsea
In this classic fantasy novel, a young wizard named Ged must confront the consequences of his own pride and ambition, as well as the dark forces that threaten his world. Le Guin's exploration of the balance between good and evil, and the importance of self-knowledge, will resonate with fans of The Dark Is Rising.
Learn MoreRobin McKinley
The Hero and the Crown
This Newbery Medal-winning novel tells the story of Aerin, a princess who must prove herself as a warrior and a leader in order to save her kingdom from a fearsome dragon. Fans of The Dark Is Rising will appreciate McKinley's richly detailed world-building and her exploration of the hero's journey.
Learn MoreMichael Ende
The Neverending Story
This beloved children's fantasy novel follows Bastian, a young boy who discovers a magical book that draws him into a fantastical world of adventure and self-discovery. Readers who enjoyed the imaginative scope and mythological underpinnings of The Dark Is Rising will find much to love in Ende's world.
Learn MoreT.H. White
The Sword in the Stone
This classic children's novel, the first in White's The Once and Future King series, tells the story of a young King Arthur, who is mentored by the wizard Merlin and learns the values of chivalry, honor, and leadership. Fans of The Dark Is Rising will appreciate White's richly detailed world-building and his exploration of the hero's journey.
Learn MoreKelly Barnhill
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
This Newbery Medal-winning novel tells the story of a young girl who is accidentally imbued with moon magic and must navigate a world of danger and wonder in order to find her place. Readers who enjoyed the blend of mythology, adventure, and coming-of-age themes in The Dark Is Rising will find much to love in Barnhill's world.
Learn MoreMaggie Stiefvater
The Raven Cycle
This four-book series follows a group of teenagers who become embroiled in a centuries-old quest to find a long-lost Welsh king. Fans of The Dark Is Rising will appreciate Stiefvater's richly detailed world-building, her exploration of mythology and folklore, and her nuanced portrayal of complex characters.
Learn MoreMaggie Stiefvater
The Scorpio Races
Set on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland, this standalone novel tells the story of a young woman who enters a deadly race involving mythical water horses. Fans of The Dark Is Rising will appreciate Stiefvater's richly detailed world-building, her exploration of mythology and folklore, and her nuanced portrayal of complex characters.
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