The Dark Is Rising: 2 (Dark Is Rising Sequence) Paperback – 14 Nov. 2023

I bought Over Sea, Under Stone middle of this year for my 12 year old neice and she enjoyed the book so I carried on and bought this book for her. Like many people leaving reviews I also read this as a child and as a consequence of buying this for my neice I went back and re-read my own copies of Over Sea, Under Stone and The Dark is Rising. I was far too young to leave review when I first read these books and Amazon didn't exist then anyway. This book is a step up in terms of its strength of writing from the first book in the sequence and my view is it's a strong story. I was both excited and in turn extremely disappointed by the film of the book and it is to be avoided at all costs. But the book is great for kids and those of us that read it as a kid. The whole sequence of books is worthwhile and as relatively weak as Over Sea, Under Stone is, I would strongly recommend buying these sequence of books for young kids who enjoy reading. I'm so pleased I encountered these books as a kid as they shaped my further reading interests even into adulthood and they have even shaped the style of movies I go for.

I read this first when I was 10, 27 years ago, and have re-read it as an adult and lent it to friends. It's a favourite. There are 5 books in this series, this being the second one, and I'm glad I read this one first. The first book is not nearly as good (Susan Cooper was obviously still practicing there) and may have put me off reading the rest of them. So I recommend skipping the first one and going straight for this. This edition is a very nice size, slightly enlarged text and I like the cover illustration. The paper and binding seem sturdy enough for many reads and lendings-out. Better quality materials than most standard paperbacks. A good read even for the grown-up fans of folklore and legend! And if you can, read it in winter, around winter solstice/ 12 nights/ new year (that's when it's set) for best atmosphere. I've bought this edition for a friend's ten year old boy, who is an avid reader. Along with a copy of Michael Ende's The Neverending Story (forget the film, which is a joke compared to the written masterpiece and only covers the first section of the story), this series should get a chance on every child's bookshelf.

I read this kids' book some years ago( as an adult) and loved it - well written, fleshed out characters and a clever intermingling of modern life and myth. Although the end is somewhat predictable (as one of five novels in a set of the same name, one expects the main character to survive and become part of the story in some of the other books) - it's an immensely enjoyable read and Cooper makes you care about the character of Will Stanton.The first book ("Under Sea, Over Stone") comes across as being written for somewhat younger readers but this second book and the following three, although simplistic in their outlook, could be read by both adults and 'young people' with equal enjoyment. Cooper paints very sharp images - so much so, that I'd advise you to read the short section about Will's experience at night with the skylight and snow in a well lit room - creepy.Do read the rest of the series - it's worth it and, yes, we do see Will again!

One of the most inspiring children’s books I have read. It creates an atmosphere of menace, with references to ancient rituals, beliefs and chants, while set in a 20th century farmhouse. The boy at the centre of the story has the usual unassuming manner of the unexpected hero, old soul on young shoulders in a busy family. As many child hero stories, he is destined by birth to help save his present from mysterious, ancient threat. The language is entrancing, sometimes it benefits from chanting out loud. It highlights the need to keep close to nature, to protect things ways and “the old paths”, as well as the old words. A thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring book - I would have loved to read it out loud to my son I’d discovered at the right time. It raises many questions and suggests parallels to events in current history.

What a classic. Wonderfully imaginative with fluid prose throughout. This was a childhood favourite and had such an effect on me in so many ways. One to literally stay at school for when you are ill, and I did just that when English was to be the teacher reading out the final chapter. How could I miss that?! Right! On to Book 3: Greenwitch!

Should have been right up my street, given the subject matter, but felt it oddly un engaging. And dated.

It is hard to put into words the love I have for this book. I read it first forty-some years ago, and it's been in my head since. It's a straightforward kids book, but it's also full of beautiful words that capture something numinous. Read it. Or not. Your choices are your own.

This is a brilliant sequel and really sets the scene for the rest of the series, the characters tie in well with the first and I read it within a week. Brilliant characters, plot and for a children's book it is pretty scary. Very fast pace. I would thoroughly recommend this for ages 12-15, especially with the lovely new matching cover designs!(Photos taken after reading and include full set purchased separately)

Every year I re-read this book along starting the day before the solstice and going on through the holiday season along with Will Stanton. I had been doing this with the same copy of the book I’d bought 37 years ago, but it was too fragile this year, so I bought a digital copy.

Read this book sometime back and bought this as a present. But received a damaged/soiled book which cannot be given as a present.

Gekocht naar aanleiding van podcast op BBC world service. Het verhaal begint op 20 december en je kan dag voor dag meelezen. Heerlijk bij winteravonden. Nu ook nog de ander boeken van de reeks lezen !

Jag lyssnade samtidigt på dramatiseringen på BBC World Service, fantastiskt bra! Finns tillgänglig som podcast under hela 2023.

Wonderful story about the seventh son of a seventh son, Will Stanton. There is a lot of Christmas traditions and of old folklore in this book.