Published between 1965 and 1977, Susan Cooper’s The Dark Is Rising sequence is a fantasy series for children and teenagers that blends Arthurian and Celtic mythology with the trappings of contemporary life. In addition to its first installment, Over Sea, Under Stone (1965), the series also includes The Dark Is Rising (1973), Greenwitch (1974), The Grey King (1975), and Silver on the Tree (1977). Together, the books chronicle the ongoing battle between the forces of the Light and those of the Dark as new heroes and foes emerge in the 20th century. Guided by the ancient mage, Merlin, the main characters follow in the footsteps of King Arthur to overthrow the forces of evil and herald the return of Arthur’s heir, the Pendragon.

Over Sea, Under Stone sits slightly apart from the rest of the series because its main purpose is to lay the groundwork for the rest of the narrative. Although this first installment does not include explicit supernatural elements, it does hint at the magical and mythical aspects that the series later explores. Great-Uncle Merry, for instance, is depicted merely as an eccentric old man, and only at the end of the novel does Barney finally realize that his great-uncle is actually the legendary magician, Merlin.

Some of the books focus on different protagonists, who meet over the course of the series and eventually come together during its climactic conclusion. The first novel follows Simon, Jane, and Barney Drew, who only reappear twice in later installments. In The Dark Is Rising, Will Stanton is introduced as a new protagonist and subsequently meets Bran Davies, King Arthur’s son, who has been tasked with defeating the Dark. At the end of the series, Merlin aides the five children in their struggle to defeat the forces of evil, after which they all continue to live as friends and guardians of the world.

Cooper’s work has been praised as a significant contribution to children’s literature and has earned several distinctions. In particular, the Dark Is Rising sequence has earned critical acclaim for its depiction of Celtic and Anglo-Saxon mythology. Additionally, The Grey King won the 1976 Newbery Medal, and both The Grey King and Silver on the Tree won Tir na n-Og Awards for their depictions of Welsh folklore. Since its original publication, Cooper’s series has gained enduring popularity and has become a significant cultural legacy in children’s fantasy literature.