Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Katya

This is probably my favourite book; it's certainly one of them, and it always surprises me that more people haven't heard of it.

Basically - Will Stanton is nearly eleven. He's got six older brothers and sisters, and yet, when they think about it, he's 'a very old eleven'. And when, on the eve of his birthday, he makes the radio go static and the normally friendly animals go wild, he realises that something strange is going on. It's the beginning of something huge; something which you want to share with Will, yet at the same time are so relieved that it's not you who has to carry the burden.

I can't really give a better summary without revealing some of the most interesting parts of the plot. But if you liked Harry Potter, and want something a little darker, with a few more references to mythology (not too many, but enough to make you feel clever!), with haunting lines that will stay with you forever and a story that will sink its claws into you and not let you go until you've finished, this is the book for you.

This isn't, technically, the first in the 'Dark Is Rising' series, but I suggest you read this one first. In my opinion, it's the best out of a series of absolutely fantastic books that really don't receive the credit they deserve.