The Dark Is Rising

It is worth reading Over Sea, Under Stone at least once to get the complete story; however in my view it doesn’t stand up to rereading as well as the others. It’s a simple children’s adventure story, whereas all the other books are far more layered and complex.

This sounds good. I am enjoying cararal trilogy at the mo.

@Howeverdoyouneedme it is actually really worth reading them in order, it puts everything into context and there are linked characters. I have all 5 in a single volume, which makes reading the whole thing through easier. The Grey King is hands down the best, though also the most bleak.

I’ve just bought Over Sea, Under Stone (or the other way round..?). I can’t believe I never read as a child- should I start with that one or is it not necessary?

Thank you for the reminder. I need to go find my copy now but I think my son may have it. For atmospheric winter stories I'd also shout out for The wolves of willoughby chase and The Box of Delights.
I subject my kids to the BBC adaptation of this latter every year, and book or TV it remains brilliant!

Pure joy

Yes, what is it about this book that makes it such a pleasure to sink into as the year wanes to the longest night? It's so atmospheric.

@BookWorm45 I have that edition too, but I still very fondly remember the 70s paperback editions of my childhood that I inherited from my older siblings.

I really need a copy of The Giant Under the Snow now. (Can lay hands on my Susan Cooper books any time).

Another one who has to read each winter. Am sitting with no heating due to a water problem...I think I might get a few candles lit and go and get it, it could add something to the situation!

Don't worry: that never happened. Fact. <gavel>

Just don’t mention the film…

Simon McBurney, the producer and co-adapter of the show, will be talking about it on Start The Week, Radio 4, this morning. From 9.am.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001g2xg

My parents have a framed photo of me aged about 9, engrossed in "The Dark is Rising." Those books were a huge part of my awakening as a young reader.

I loved these and read them as a child in the 1970,s . Although my DS was a huge bookworm, I never introduced them to him strangely. I’ll have to wait for grandchildren now!
the cover shown in the Guardian article linked was the copy I had and brought back memories.

Very excited about this as a huge fan of both Susan Cooper and Robert McFarlane! I reread TDIR every Christmas, starting on 21st December, so the radio version will be a great companion piece to this year’s reading.

Yes! This is my copy! Love this illustration; it really fits the story. I think it was published in the 60s but it seems timeless. I never get tired of it.

Such a timely reminder! I love this book (and the whole series) and particularly like to read it at Christmas.

So many things from that book have stuck in my mind particularly the leather men and flying. This is my cover.

Eerie is the perfect word to describe the atmosphere of The Dark Is Rising. Amongst all the cosy Christmas prep at his home, only Will can sense that there is something very, very wrong - everyone else is oblivious. It's the creepy juxtaposition of the mundane Vs. the horrific - the familiar, friendly farm girl is actually a witch. The softly falling snow slowly becomes destructive, trapping people in their homes. Merriman isn't always the noble, Lord of Light - he callously sacrifices Hawkin, even though Hawkin loved him and was loyal. Nothing is as it first seems.

Ooh, I love that they are going to broadcast it in real time as it were. The Dark is Rising (and the rest of the series) are some of my favourite books

I love The Dark Is Rising. It's perfect reading for Christmas. I have it as an audiobook as well as book. Really looking forward to the new adaptation.

I haven't read The Dark is Rising but it sounds similar to The Giant Under the Snow by John Gordon; I loved this as a kid and still have my battered paperback copy! It's set in winter and is very atmospheric; I recommend it if you want a creepy winter read.

Ahh this is so wonderful! I loved these books and re-read Dark Is Rising every year. It started a thumping in my 8 year old heart that's never slowed down when it comes to the old magic. This time of year you can really feel it in the stillness. I love midwinter ❤

Ooh, thank you for this! I didn’t know.

<irrelevant but heartfelt story alert>

i bid on these books on ebay for my daughter not long ago. The seller messaged me after i’d won 2 and said he could see i’d bid on the others, so he was happy to just end the auction and send them to me as a bundle at the beginning price. I was so grateful and explained they’d been my favourite and i wanted to pass that on to dd. When the bundle came it had a wonderful magical lenticular picture with it that suited the books and a note from the seller saying they were his favourite too and he thought any child who liked them would like the picture too. Dd (and the 7 year old in me) LOVED it. Conclusion - people who like these books are the best.