When The Dark is Rising started I was very confused. It was supposed to be the second book in a series, right? But, it starts with completely different characters and in a different village than Over Sea, Under Stone. Only as time goes on, do we see the connection.
Will Stanton is the seventh son of a seventh son and just about to turn 11 years old. Up until that point, he is a normal kid who has no idea there is anything special about his eleventh birthday.
Where Over Sea, Under Stone was subtle with its magical hints, this books throws you right into it. On his birthday, Will finds out he is an “Old One”. This is some kind of immortal force of the Light who can travel through time and protects the world from the Dark. Will is the youngest Old One and he is set on an important quest for a weapon to help the Light in what will be the final battle with the Dark.
When Will learns all about what he is, we get all the explanation that was only hinted at in Over Sea, Under Stone. It sets things up nicely to start bringing the bigger story together and it becomes clear that the series will draw on a lot of myths and legends from around the British Isles, not just the Arthurian ones.
Read the rest of my review at Loopy Ker’s Life.
I had no idea this was actually the 2nd book! The Dark is Rising is what got me hooked on the series.
Ah…I loved Over Sea Under Stone when I first read it (maybe in 6th grade?) I don’t know why I never read any more of the books. Thanks for this review, I may just have to go back and start all over!
I love this series. I’m not sure what the deal is with Over Sea Under Stone, but I also started reading this series with the Dark is Rising (actually my mom read it to me) and I did not know that Over Sea Under Stone even existed until after I had graduated from college as our box set only had the last four books. I also think there is a pretty significant jump in reading/intended age level between Over Sea Under Stone and the other four books. I’m currently reading the books to my son and love how much he is enjoying them so far.
I’m excited to read the rest of your reviews of this series. I loved it as a kid, especially this one and The Grey King.
I finally posted them. Sorry it took so long.