4.15
Part of "The Dark is Rising" series
"Silver on the Tree" is the thrilling conclusion to Susan Cooper's acclaimed modern fantasy series, The Dark Is Rising. This final installment brings together the series' young heroes—Will Stanton, Bran Davies, and the Drew children—for a climactic battle against the forces of evil. Set in Wales, the story follows the group as they search for the Holy Grail, the "sign of the silver on the tree," which has the power to banish the Dark for good. The quest takes them through a series of harrowing trials, testing their courage, loyalty, and friendship. Along the way, they encounter a host of enchanting characters, including the Lady, a powerful enchantress, and Merriman Lyon, an immortal Old One. Cooper's lyrical prose and richly detailed world-building create an atmosphere of wonder and suspense, drawing readers into the heart of the story. The themes of light versus darkness, good versus evil, and the power of love and friendship are explored in depth, offering a thought-provoking and satisfying conclusion to the series. "Silver on the Tree" is a must-read for fans of modern fantasy and those who have followed the series. Its timeless themes and engaging characters make it a memorable and rewarding read for both young and old. Note: This annotation is intended for readers who have already read the first four books in The Dark Is Rising series. It contains spoilers for those books and assumes knowledge of the overarching plot...
Susan Cooper
The Dark Is Rising
If you enjoyed 'Silver on the Tree', the final book in Susan Cooper's 'The Dark Is Rising' sequence, you may want to read the series' second book, 'The Dark Is Rising'. This novel introduces the series' rich mythology and follows the protagonist, Will Stanton, as he discovers his own powers and the looming battle between the forces of light and darkness.
Learn MoreSusan Cooper
Over Sea, Under Stone
The first book in 'The Dark Is Rising' series, 'Over Sea, Under Stone', is another great choice for fans of 'Silver on the Tree'. In this novel, the Drew children uncover an ancient map and become entangled in a quest to find the grail, setting the stage for the series' epic struggle between good and evil.
Learn MoreAlan Garner
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen
If you're looking for a standalone novel with a similar blend of mythology, adventure, and English countryside, try 'The Weirdstone of Brisingamen' by Alan Garner. This novel follows siblings Colin and Susan as they discover a magical world beneath Alderley Edge and become embroiled in a battle to protect it from dark forces.
Learn MoreAlan Garner
The Owl Service
Another classic children's novel by Alan Garner, 'The Owl Service' explores Welsh mythology and the complexities of adolescence. The novel follows Alison, Roger, and Gwyn as they uncover a set of plates that seem to possess a life of their own, leading to a series of eerie and unsettling events.
Learn MoreLloyd Alexander
The Book of Three
Fans of 'Silver on the Tree' may enjoy 'The Book of Three', the first book in Lloyd Alexander's 'The Chronicles of Prydain' series. This novel follows Taran, an assistant pig-keeper, as he embarks on a quest to save his land from the evil Horned King, encountering a host of magical creatures and learning valuable lessons along the way.
Learn MoreRobin McKinley
The Hero and the Crown
If you're looking for a standalone novel with a strong female protagonist, try 'The Hero and the Crown' by Robin McKinley. This novel follows Aerin, the daughter of a king and a commoner, as she trains as a warrior and sets out to slay a dragon that has been terrorizing her kingdom.
Learn MoreD.M. Cornish
The Foundling
For a unique blend of fantasy and historical fiction, try 'The Foundling' by D.M. Cornish. This novel is set in the world of the Half-Continent, a place filled with strange creatures, elaborate machines, and a richly detailed society. The novel follows Rossamund, a foundling with a mysterious past, as he trains to become a lamplighter and uncovers a dangerous conspiracy.
Learn MoreMegan Whalen Turner
The Thief
If you're looking for a novel with a clever and resourceful protagonist, try 'The Thief' by Megan Whalen Turner. This novel follows Gen, a skilled thief, as he is coerced into stealing a legendary artifact and embarks on a dangerous journey that will test his wits and his loyalties.
Learn MoreMichael Ende
The Neverending Story
For a classic fantasy novel with a timeless appeal, try 'The Neverending Story' by Michael Ende. This novel follows Bastian, a lonely boy who discovers a magical book that seems to come to life, leading him on a journey through the fantastical world of Fantastica and forcing him to confront his own fears and insecurities.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
A Wizard of Earthsea
If you're looking for a novel with a richly imagined world and a focus on the power of language, try 'A Wizard of Earthsea' by Ursula K. Le Guin. This novel follows Ged, a young wizard, as he learns to harness the power of language and confronts the darkness within himself.
Learn MoreJ.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit
For a classic fantasy novel with a charming protagonist and a thrilling adventure, try 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien. This novel follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is swept up in a quest to reclaim a stolen treasure from a dragon, encountering a host of magical creatures and learning valuable lessons along the way.
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