The Dark is Rising
reviewed by Kelly Joi Phelan
Susan Cooper's epic tale The Dark is Rising is actually a series of five books based on the ancient legends of the British Isles (especially Welsh) including the myths of the Grail and King Arthur. However, these books are not just another tired retelling of the Arthurian legend. What makes them so unique is that they're set in modern times and the tale is deftly intertwined with genuine Cornish and Welsh myths, places, practices, and holidays (like Samhain & Midwinter) which sometimes makes it delightfully difficult to distinguish between what's fiction and what's not.
Like Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Lloyd Alexander, Cooper has the rare ability to write an absorbing epic tale with the classic battle between good and evil at its center. Below I've written a summary and brief review of each of the books in the series in order for you to get a better overall glimpse.
 Over Sea, Under Stone
Although some things dealt with in later books are first introduced in this book, I sometimes view this book as more of a prologue to the rest of the story; it's not really necessary to read this book in order to get a good understanding of the rest of the series. However, it's an entertaining and enjoyable read. Over Sea, Under Stone chronicles the finding of the grail by three English children and is a foreshadowing of what is to come in later books.
The Dark is Rising
This is arguably the best book in the series. It begins on Midwinter's Day, the birthday of Will Stanton, the seventh son of a seventh son. Will soon discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, a race of immortals destined to protect the world from the forces of evil known as the Dark. The time of year this book takes place in is critical: during Midwinter and the twelve days of Christmas when the powers of the Dark rise to their annual peak. From the terrifying evil of the Dark to the eerie power of the story, this book is truly fascinating.
Greenwitch
This book, which takes place in Cornwall, is named after the Greenwitch in the story-a somewhat sinister figure of leaves and branches assembled together in a mysterious and private ceremony that only women are allowed admittance to. For centuries, the Greenwitch has been thrown into the sea to bring good luck in fishing and harvesting. And now it plays a significant role in helping the Light recapture the grail.
The Grey King
This book is set in the Dysynni Valley of Wales, home of the Brenin Llywd, an unseen, sinister force. Will Stanton comes to the valley to recover from a severe illness-or so it seems on the surface. He in fact discovers that he was brought there for a reason: he must raise the six sleepers who have been slumbering deep within the Welsh hills for centuries in order to prepare for the last battle between the Light and the Dark. The Grey King is a powerful read, due to the fact that the majority of the places (the seat of Arthur and the lake where the Sleepers lie) and legends in here are real-like the legend about a boy and a dog with silver eyes that see the wind. The most interesting part is the Brenin Llywd; it's an all powerful, omnipresent force whose evil permeates the entire valley. What makes it interesting is when you read the preface, author Susan Cooper's last line is "The Brenin Llywd I did not invent."
Silver on the Tree
This last book again returns to Wales, involving everything from the final rise of the Dark, the sword of Pendragon, and a chilling hunt. Silver on the Tree is the story of the final battle between the Light and Dark that climaxes in an unforgettable tangle of ancient British myths and concludes in an ending the many of Cooper's fans believe is controversial. However, the book itself is a wonderful conclusion to the fabulous The Dark is Rising series.
You can learn more about The Dark is Rising and find out purchasing info at Amazon.com.
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