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TL;DR: On the eve of his eleventh birthday, in the middle of winter, Will Stanton discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, an ancient order sworn to fight the forces of the Dark. Guided by the wise Merriman Lyon, Will must find six magical Signs before the Dark rises in full strength, while snow traps his village and danger comes closer every day.
Table of Contents
The Dark Is Rising at a Glance
| Author | Susan Cooper |
| First published | 1973 |
| Type | Fantasy |
| Best for | readers who want a classic, atmospheric fantasy rooted in British legend |
The Dark Is Rising is the second book in Susan Cooper's sequence of the same name, published in 1973. It was a Newbery Honor book in 1974. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes frightening magic, storms, floods and threats to children.
Main Characters
- Will Stanton: A boy who discovers he is an Old One.
- Merriman Lyon: A wise Old One who guides Will.
- The Rider: A powerful servant of the Dark.
- Hawkin: A man from the past who betrays the Light.
- The Lady: An ancient, powerful figure of the Light.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A strange birthday
Will is the seventh son of a seventh son, living in a big, loving family in the English countryside. On the day before his birthday, animals act strangely, and a sinister Rider appears. Will wakes on his birthday morning to find his world changed. He walks into a snowy landscape from the past, where he meets Merriman.
The Old Ones
Merriman tells Will that he is the last of the Old Ones, immortal guardians of the Light. His task is to find the six Signs, circles made of iron, bronze, wood, water, fire and stone. Together they will help hold back the Dark. Will learns that he can move through time and use old magic.
The Signs
Will finds the Signs in different times and places, guided by old rhymes and memories. He receives the Book of Gramarye, a book of ancient knowledge. The Dark tries to stop him with cold, fear and tricks. The Rider tries to tempt Will and his family. Will must keep his secret from those he loves.
Betrayal
Will learns the story of Hawkin, Merriman's servant from long ago, who once betrayed the Light out of anger and ambition. The Dark uses people's weaknesses, including Hawkin's. A long, deep winter traps the village under snow. Then a sudden thaw brings floods. Will's sister is kidnapped by the Dark.
The rising
In the final battle, Will gathers the six Signs and joins them into one. With the help of the Old Ones and an ancient hunt from legend, he drives back the Dark. His sister is saved. Winter breaks, and life returns to normal. Will knows his task is not over and that more battles will come.
5 Key Takeaways
- Ordinary people can be called to great tasks.
- Good and evil can be close together.
- Loyalty matters deeply.
- Old stories carry wisdom.
- Growing up means taking responsibility.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Secrets can be heavy to carry.
- Courage grows when we accept our role.
- The past and present are connected.
Who Should Read The Dark Is Rising?
Read The Dark Is Rising if you enjoy classic fantasy, British legends and winter stories. It suits ages 10 and up.
About Susan Cooper
Susan Cooper (born 1935) is a British-born American author who studied at Oxford, where she attended lectures by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The Dark Is Rising sequence includes Over Sea, Under Stone, Greenwitch, The Grey King and Silver on the Tree. The Grey King won the Newbery Medal in 1976.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Dark Is Rising:
- Why is Will chosen as an Old One?
- What makes Hawkin betray the Light?
- How does winter add to the story's mood?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Dark Is Rising is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Dark Is Rising, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is eerie and atmospheric, perfect for winter reading.
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What to Read Next
- Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper: the first book in the sequence
- The Grey King by Susan Cooper: the Newbery Medal-winning fourth book
- The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner: another classic British fantasy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Dark Is Rising about?
A boy discovers he is an ancient guardian and must find six Signs to fight the Dark.
Who wrote it?
Susan Cooper, in 1973.
Who is Will Stanton?
The last of the Old Ones.
What are the Signs?
Six magical circles made of different materials.
Who is Merriman?
Will's guide among the Old Ones.
Is it a series?
Yes, the second of five books.
Do I need to read the first book?
No, it stands alone well.
Did it win awards?
Yes, a Newbery Honor.
Is there a film?
Yes, The Seeker (2007), but fans say it changes a lot.
What age is it for?
10 and up.
How long is it?
About 230 pages.
Is it scary?
It has eerie moments.
When is it set?
During the deep midwinter weeks that begin on Will's eleventh birthday.
Is The Dark Is Rising worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a classic, atmospheric fantasy rooted in British legend. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.