Common Sense Media Review
Classic fantasy is a bit slow, but enthralling.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Parents say the book is a captivating read that combines rich storytelling with elements of Celtic mythology, making it a favorite for both childhood and adulthood, as many reviewers pass it on to their children. However, some parents express concerns about its suitability for younger readers due to perceived violence and complexity, with a few deeming it unsuitable even for advanced readers.
- fantasy appeal
- complex themes
- childhood favorite
- suitable for older readers
- some violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 14 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Will Stanton meets his destiny on his 11th birthday. He is the Sign-Seeker, last of the immortal Old Ones, who must find and guard the six great Signs of the Light that will overcome the ancient evil that is overpowering the land. This classic fantasy is a bit slow, but enthralling.
Is It Any Good?
This second book in the series of five invites readers into an intricate fantasy world. Susan Cooper convincingly combines fantasy elements with folklore and mythology. At times, however, the time-traveling sequences are subtle and hard to follow.
The characters in THE DARK IS RISING are more fully developed than those in the first book in the series, and many readers skip the first book entirely. Will struggles with his new identity, and readers see him mature: "Will was instantly a furious Old One, so furious that he did not pause to think what he should do." Both Merriman and Will are relentless in their shared quest, and Hawkin, the tragic Walker, whose Judas-like behavior sentences him to walk the earth for centuries, painfully shows how he is a casualty of the struggle between good and evil.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about great fantasies. What are your favorite fantasy reads and why? Do they have characteristics in common? Why is the struggle of good vs. evil such a common theme?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : January 1, 1973
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 224
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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