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jameyanne's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first two books. A lot of cool stuff happened, but I felt like the kids didn’t do much. The narration was very distant, and yeah, it didn’t feel like anyone did much and things just happened. It feels like a transition book, so if the rest of the series is great (like the first two books), I’ll forgive this book. Otherwise I will be back to lower its rating.
timburbage's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this.
This third book in The Dark is Rising sequence sees the protagonists from the first two books, the Drew family (Simon, Jane and Barney) and Will Stanton come together for a trip to Cornwall.
Everything about this feels eerie and pagan and everlasting. The magic through painting shown by The Dark, the painter is such a menacing villain without really doing much. The wild magic that flows throughout the town and shows periods from history. For me the star is the Greenwitch herself.
She is like the Wickerman but in a childrens book. She is really intimidating and foreboding in her presence, and wild and childish in her personality. Jane really shines here in her relationship with the Greenwitch, and that helps them win.
The book is very short, and at a pretty good pace. I found the magic much easier to understand. The prose was evocative and slightly menacing.
The only thing holding it back from a 5 stars is that Will was definitely a side character in this, as the Drew children were the main protagonists. I thought it would be a bit more split from the opening of the book, but Simon Jane and Barney are the main players.
This has been my favourite book in the series so far.
This third book in The Dark is Rising sequence sees the protagonists from the first two books, the Drew family (Simon, Jane and Barney) and Will Stanton come together for a trip to Cornwall.
Everything about this feels eerie and pagan and everlasting. The magic through painting shown by The Dark, the painter is such a menacing villain without really doing much. The wild magic that flows throughout the town and shows periods from history. For me the star is the Greenwitch herself.
She is like the Wickerman but in a childrens book. She is really intimidating and foreboding in her presence, and wild and childish in her personality. Jane really shines here in her relationship with the Greenwitch, and that helps them win.
The book is very short, and at a pretty good pace. I found the magic much easier to understand. The prose was evocative and slightly menacing.
The only thing holding it back from a 5 stars is that Will was definitely a side character in this, as the Drew children were the main protagonists. I thought it would be a bit more split from the opening of the book, but Simon Jane and Barney are the main players.
This has been my favourite book in the series so far.
basbleu_dans_labiblioteque's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mrsdragon's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the Greenwitch and Jane's relationship with her. I found it maddening how the Drew children were left out of things even though they could see the Significant Looks and are not stupid. Hopefully this will be addressed in future books, especially for Jane who clearly has some sense of it all.
ros77uk's review against another edition
5.0
The sea, Cornwall, and magic - aaah, what a wonderful combination! Add to that a novel written by Susan Cooper...is it any wonder nobody can wrest away my attention?
jscarpa14's review against another edition
4.0
Okay first I have to say I loved the ending on this, the way she tied it up with characters not really heard from before, with such a chilling story prior to this the ending made me smile.
The third novel in The Dark is Rising Sequence ties together the first two books in the series, uniting young Will Stanton with the first novel's trio of siblings Simon, Jane and Barney. Oddly while they're together because of Will's status as an Old One they don't really connect in the way I'd hoped they would should they ever meet, but it was delightful to see them all in one story, in the place where it all began all the same.
The high tension and fast paced action of the second story is fortunately carried over into this third novel with scenes that at once draw you with a sort of confusing interest and chill you in their vivid imagery. My favorite of these scenes are Jane's dreams where she encounters the Greenwitch. Additionally the Greenwich itself as a character was an entertaining addition to the story.
While all the stories are linked each one is an extremely different journey with all together different elements from the prior novels which I find kind of unique. The first novel only hints at the super natural without really exposing the reader to too much of it, in the second we're taking to a place outside time and encounter full on forces of the Dark and the Light. This novel is filled with bits of supernatural but weaves them into the original setting and bounces too much between characters to really give us as much exposure to those oddities of the Old Ones we just began to learn about in the second novel. It's a great story, but I can't help but wish it was written more recently in the close third or first person styles that are more popular of late rather than the distant third person voice found in most older novels. There's so much more about this world and these characters that I've love to know that I don't think I'm going to find because of when the story was written. However for it's time period it's a true gem of a novel that I'd definitely recommend.
The third novel in The Dark is Rising Sequence ties together the first two books in the series, uniting young Will Stanton with the first novel's trio of siblings Simon, Jane and Barney. Oddly while they're together because of Will's status as an Old One they don't really connect in the way I'd hoped they would should they ever meet, but it was delightful to see them all in one story, in the place where it all began all the same.
The high tension and fast paced action of the second story is fortunately carried over into this third novel with scenes that at once draw you with a sort of confusing interest and chill you in their vivid imagery. My favorite of these scenes are Jane's dreams where she encounters the Greenwitch. Additionally the Greenwich itself as a character was an entertaining addition to the story.
While all the stories are linked each one is an extremely different journey with all together different elements from the prior novels which I find kind of unique. The first novel only hints at the super natural without really exposing the reader to too much of it, in the second we're taking to a place outside time and encounter full on forces of the Dark and the Light. This novel is filled with bits of supernatural but weaves them into the original setting and bounces too much between characters to really give us as much exposure to those oddities of the Old Ones we just began to learn about in the second novel. It's a great story, but I can't help but wish it was written more recently in the close third or first person styles that are more popular of late rather than the distant third person voice found in most older novels. There's so much more about this world and these characters that I've love to know that I don't think I'm going to find because of when the story was written. However for it's time period it's a true gem of a novel that I'd definitely recommend.
ntembeast's review against another edition
4.0
And thus ends the third book in the Dark is Rising series: Greenwitch. In a way, although this is the shortest book out of the five in the series, this book is also one of the books that I enjoy the most and have always remembered the most. It smooths into the gaping space and distance the first two books had from each other and melds them simultaneously and with such naturalness that you barely even notice that it's done before you've gotten to the end of the book and are wishing--eagerly and impatiently--for more. I tell you: with each book I read of this series, I gain more and more respect for the author, Susan Cooper. The difficulty of doing what she accomplishes in this series with the naturalness of breathing is hard to take for granted when you're reading this series the second time around and have the chance to actually sit back and look over its progression in awe of how well it's all put together. Her writing, if it was to be described in a few of words, would be multilayered, intricate, and seamless. If you've even dabbled in the series' first two books so far, you'd absolutely have picked up on that before even coming to Greenwitch. Her talent, like her creativity, speaks for itself.
To change the subject a little bit, lets move on to the characters. This time around, we've got probably one of the MOST exciting things yet! This is the first time in this series that our first two books MIX! We get not only Simon, Jane, and Barney Drew--our heroes from Over Sea, Under Stone--but we ALSO have Will Stanton from The Dark is Rising join us as well! ...all... in one... book!!! I don't know how thrilled you are with that, but I was PSYCHED!!!! I flipped out! I was so eager! AUGH! <3 The joy! The delight! THE EXCITEMENT. Getting to see all these characters that we've been introduced to separately, each playing their own big and super-enjoyable parts in this story, come together for the first time? EEEEE! It's like taking the idea of a crossover between two of your favorite stories and making it happen! Except it's better because it's EXACTLY like that without it being a crossover at all! WHAT A BRILLIANT AUTHOR WE HAVE! Susan Cooper, you are GENIUS. <333
Continuing on though, I still find it surprising to me that each time I read more of this series, the amount that I enjoy reading things from Simon, Jane, and Barney's perspectives is probably one of the things that sticks out to me most. In the midst of all this magical element, they're the one constant that I can rely on, and I can't deny that I love each and every single one of those three. Their reactions, their efforts, their thoughts and opinions are a constant delight to me! It's not that I don't like Will. I find him a reassurance, and a constant source of insight throughout any book that he's involved in. But there's a charm that comes with normal people being involved with supernatural things that really draws me close to the other three children. Just reading their conversations and the way their minds work both together and apart is a pleasure in and of itself. Few things can beat that, in my opinion. Reading their interactions is a part of the books that I relish! I hope I'm not the only one who feels that way. *Chuckles* But if I am, that won't change a thing of how I feel about them.
I don't have much else to say about this little bridge of a book. I am happy that it was included in the series, because it's more necessary than anyone can quite imagine at first glance. It bridges book one and book two, and it connects the first part of this epic quest with the second part that we're about to move into in the reading of The Grey King. Without this book here, everything would be in discord, and a lot of what's to happen next wouldn't be half as much fun or as exciting as it's going to get. And if the entire point is to enjoy what you read, then thank you, Susan Cooper, for this interlude!
On a final note, Greenwitch also did a spectacular job of portraying the personalities even further of the kids that we've come to love and look forward to adventuring with. Will was seen a lot more from an outside perspective, and his eager, good-willed, but gentle and kind nature showed through in a way that we perhaps didn't get a chance to really see in the midst of all the chaos in The Dark is Rising. Likewise, we got to see another side of Simon and Barney in Greenwitch, when for the first time they have someone else introduced into their midst--not a girl, but a boy to challenge their superiority as the men in the group of kids on this quest. In addition to that, we're beginning to see the parts of importance that everyone played is also going 'round to Barney, the youngest, who played a bigger role this time around and developed or showed us gifts that we didn't think we'd be seeing in him. I think it was Jane, however, who won me over with her understanding and empathy in this book. She shows more of it later on, I believe, if I'm remembering correctly across the decade I haven't read this series. But it was her selfless and loving desires, even in the midst of strange and frightening wonders, that won my heart in a way few do. She was amazing, even though what she did might seem so very small or simple. But isn't that the greatest part? How she, just a girl, normal and magicless, was able to change the path of this quest with just her own smallest actions. That is what makes this book so magical, and perhaps why I love the Drew kids even more than I can say.
With all these thoughts done, I think I'll wrap it up just about now, and continue on with the reading. *Smiles and waves curtly* I'll see you all in The Grey King. I'm rushing forward to it... to meet someone I've dreamed about for ten long years, and who has never quite left me... since the first time I met him. And that... is enough to sway any man.
I hope you join me.
To change the subject a little bit, lets move on to the characters. This time around, we've got probably one of the MOST exciting things yet! This is the first time in this series that our first two books MIX! We get not only Simon, Jane, and Barney Drew--our heroes from Over Sea, Under Stone--but we ALSO have Will Stanton from The Dark is Rising join us as well! ...all... in one... book!!! I don't know how thrilled you are with that, but I was PSYCHED!!!! I flipped out! I was so eager! AUGH! <3 The joy! The delight! THE EXCITEMENT. Getting to see all these characters that we've been introduced to separately, each playing their own big and super-enjoyable parts in this story, come together for the first time? EEEEE! It's like taking the idea of a crossover between two of your favorite stories and making it happen! Except it's better because it's EXACTLY like that without it being a crossover at all! WHAT A BRILLIANT AUTHOR WE HAVE! Susan Cooper, you are GENIUS. <333
Continuing on though, I still find it surprising to me that each time I read more of this series, the amount that I enjoy reading things from Simon, Jane, and Barney's perspectives is probably one of the things that sticks out to me most. In the midst of all this magical element, they're the one constant that I can rely on, and I can't deny that I love each and every single one of those three. Their reactions, their efforts, their thoughts and opinions are a constant delight to me! It's not that I don't like Will. I find him a reassurance, and a constant source of insight throughout any book that he's involved in. But there's a charm that comes with normal people being involved with supernatural things that really draws me close to the other three children. Just reading their conversations and the way their minds work both together and apart is a pleasure in and of itself. Few things can beat that, in my opinion. Reading their interactions is a part of the books that I relish! I hope I'm not the only one who feels that way. *Chuckles* But if I am, that won't change a thing of how I feel about them.
I don't have much else to say about this little bridge of a book. I am happy that it was included in the series, because it's more necessary than anyone can quite imagine at first glance. It bridges book one and book two, and it connects the first part of this epic quest with the second part that we're about to move into in the reading of The Grey King. Without this book here, everything would be in discord, and a lot of what's to happen next wouldn't be half as much fun or as exciting as it's going to get. And if the entire point is to enjoy what you read, then thank you, Susan Cooper, for this interlude!
On a final note, Greenwitch also did a spectacular job of portraying the personalities even further of the kids that we've come to love and look forward to adventuring with. Will was seen a lot more from an outside perspective, and his eager, good-willed, but gentle and kind nature showed through in a way that we perhaps didn't get a chance to really see in the midst of all the chaos in The Dark is Rising. Likewise, we got to see another side of Simon and Barney in Greenwitch, when for the first time they have someone else introduced into their midst--not a girl, but a boy to challenge their superiority as the men in the group of kids on this quest. In addition to that, we're beginning to see the parts of importance that everyone played is also going 'round to Barney, the youngest, who played a bigger role this time around and developed or showed us gifts that we didn't think we'd be seeing in him. I think it was Jane, however, who won me over with her understanding and empathy in this book. She shows more of it later on, I believe, if I'm remembering correctly across the decade I haven't read this series. But it was her selfless and loving desires, even in the midst of strange and frightening wonders, that won my heart in a way few do. She was amazing, even though what she did might seem so very small or simple. But isn't that the greatest part? How she, just a girl, normal and magicless, was able to change the path of this quest with just her own smallest actions. That is what makes this book so magical, and perhaps why I love the Drew kids even more than I can say.
With all these thoughts done, I think I'll wrap it up just about now, and continue on with the reading. *Smiles and waves curtly* I'll see you all in The Grey King. I'm rushing forward to it... to meet someone I've dreamed about for ten long years, and who has never quite left me... since the first time I met him. And that... is enough to sway any man.
I hope you join me.
klambson's review against another edition
4.0
Fun, children fantasy books. I love the mystery and sense of wonder that these books inspire.
litdreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
charlesc_n's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0