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BooksadventureThe Dark is Rising
Cover of The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
№ 2 · The Dark Is Rising

The Dark is Rising,

by Susan Cooper

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Rating4.0/ 5
Ratings144
Pages320
Reading Hours7h
Published1965
LanguageEnglish

§Synopsis

01

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 enabee the Old Ones to triumph over the evil forces of the Dark.

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§Genres
adventure1apple ii (computer)1children1classics1cornwall (england1fantasy1juvenile fiction1
§Moods
adventurous1dark1mysterious1tense1
§Tags
#diverse characters1#loveable characters1#plot driven1#strong character development1

§About the Author

Susan Cooper

1 books in catalog

Speculative fiction and children's literature were permanently enriched by the five-book sequence The Dark is Rising, a landmark series incorporating contemporary fantasy, Arthurian legends, and Welsh folklore. Author Susan Cooper created this multi-award-winning work alongside a versatile writing career spanning journalism, theater, film, picture books, and adult literature.

Career & Background

Born Susan Mary Cooper in Burnham, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1935, she spent much of her childhood in air-raid shelters during World War II. She earned a degree from Somerville College, Oxford, and subsequently worked as a reporter and feature writer for the London Sunday Times before moving to the United States in 1963. Over the following decades, her creative output extended across multiple media, including novels for children and adults, a Broadway play, feature films, and Emmy-nominated screenplays. Her non-fiction writing for adults includes The Magic Maker, a portrait of Revels founder Jack Langstaff. In recognition of her lifelong contributions to teen and fantasy literature, Cooper was honored with the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 2012 and the World Fantasy Award for life achievement in 2013. She currently lives and writes in Marshfield, Massachusetts.

Writing Style & Themes

Cooper's signature approach combines British mythology, Welsh folk history, and deep-seated legend with modern everyday settings, exploring fundamental conflicts between light and dark. Her works range from high fantasy to historical fiction, frequently depicting young protagonists discovering ancient magical roots embedded in familiar landscapes. In addition to her epic fantasy sequences and historical novels, Cooper has maintained a vibrant output for younger readers, publishing middle-grade novels such as The Boggart Fights Back alongside acclaimed picture books including The Word Pirates and The Shortest Day, both published in 2019.

Major Works

  • The Dark is Rising — A classic five-book fantasy sequence combining British legend and contemporary fiction. The series earned a Newbery Medal, a Newbery Honor Award, and two Carnegie Honor Awards.
  • The Magic Maker — An adult biographical work offering a detailed portrait of Jack Langstaff, the founder of Revels.
  • The Boggart Fights Back — A children's novel continuing her popular fantasy series featuring traditional Scottish folklore spirits in modern settings.
  • The Shortest Day — A 2019 picture book adapting her celebrated poem celebrating the winter solstice.
  • The Word Pirates — A 2019 picture book illustrating her imaginative storytelling for early readers.

§Featured Series

The Dark Is Rising

Cover of The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

The Dark is Rising

Susan Cooper, 1965

§Editions

Cover of The Dark Is Rising

The Dark Is Rising

eng388 pgs
Penguin Random House19739781849412704
§Genres
adventure1apple ii (computer)1children1classics1cornwall (england1fantasy1juvenile fiction1
§Moods
adventurous1dark1mysterious1tense1
§Tags
#diverse characters1#loveable characters1#plot driven1#strong character development1

Metadata

ISBN-139781849412704
ISBN-101849412707

Editions and availability

Find The Dark is Rising Susan Cooper in PDF, EPUB, ebook, audiobook, print, or library editions.

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