The Dark is Rising

The Dark is Rising is the critically acclaimed second book in Susan Cooper's 'The Dark is Rising Sequence,' a foundational work of contemporary fantasy. It introduces Will Stanton, an ordinary boy who, on his eleventh birthday, awakens to his destiny as the last of the Old Ones, an ancient lineage sworn to protect the world from the malevolent forces of the Dark. Will embarks on a perilous quest to gather six magical Signs, drawing upon British folklore, Arthurian legends, and a profound sense of good versus evil. Parents should know this is a rich, complex narrative with deep philosophical undertones, suitable for readers ready for an immersive, suspenseful adventure. It was a Newbery Honor Book, celebrated for its lyrical prose and intricate world-building.

On his eleventh birthday Will Stanton discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, destined to seek the six magical Signs that will enable the Old Ones to triumph over the evil forces of the Dark.