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adambroud's review against another edition
3.0
I'm realizing that what The Dark is Rising series does well is it relates to kids on their level and taps into what they find frightening. When things get messy for the kids, adults are nowhere to be found. Dreams are meaningful and affect reality. I know that when I was a kid, dreams always felt so important, and the idea of having to depend on only myself was both exciting and terrifying. Reading these as an adult, I'll say that the stakes are less relatable, so it doesn't grab me as much, but for kids, I think this is a great spooky story.
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
I always thought this was the weakest in the series, and this well-done reading did not change my mind. The Greenwitch never worked for me as a character, although the ritual around her was intriguing.
Read it this time around (2021) and liked it a bit more than I did before. The Greenwitch is a wonderfully realized character, and Jane is of course a favorite.
Read it this time around (2021) and liked it a bit more than I did before. The Greenwitch is a wonderfully realized character, and Jane is of course a favorite.
danahuff's review against another edition
5.0
I'm guessing about when I read this book. See my review for The Dark is Rising.
countessjess's review against another edition
3.0
I was debating whether this book deserved a three or four star rating, but decided on three in the end. It was better than the second book in the series, and really quite similar to the first. While I enjoyed Over Sea, Under Stone, this was essentially the same sort of thing, except that now Will joined Merriman and the children in Trewissick, trying to reclaim the grail from the Dark.
There were a few scenes in this book that came off as quite creepy, which is an improvement over The Dark is Rising. Susan Cooper writes in a very descriptive manner that immerses you in the scenery of the novel, which is nice without being flowery nonsense. I was glad that the dog Rufus appeared in this one again - he’s a cute little guy.
I really don’t know what else to say, though: it's better than The Dark is Rising, and not as good as Over Sea, Under Stone because it all seemed a bit too similar. A decent book, but nothing to go crazy over.
There were a few scenes in this book that came off as quite creepy, which is an improvement over The Dark is Rising. Susan Cooper writes in a very descriptive manner that immerses you in the scenery of the novel, which is nice without being flowery nonsense. I was glad that the dog Rufus appeared in this one again - he’s a cute little guy.
I really don’t know what else to say, though: it's better than The Dark is Rising, and not as good as Over Sea, Under Stone because it all seemed a bit too similar. A decent book, but nothing to go crazy over.
jennjohnson's review against another edition
5.0
I used to think this was my least favorite of the series, and was glad that it was the shortest volume. But, after this rereading, I don't know what I've been thinking.
Will Stanton meeting the Drew kids, and all of them hating him. And he doesn't care, because he has an Old One's objectivity and perspective and is both younger and far older than the Drews. Simon's one-sided rivalry with Will. Barney's enthusiasm and impatience.
And Jane's part, which shapes the entire plot. Participating in the weirdness of the Greenwitch ritual, her private interactions, what she does and says that are generous and feminine and ancient and intuitive and quietly done, this is Jane's book.
And how it perfectly sets up for the next book, which is definitely my favorite, but ultimately it is a gem among gems. This is such an excellent series.
Will Stanton meeting the Drew kids, and all of them hating him. And he doesn't care, because he has an Old One's objectivity and perspective and is both younger and far older than the Drews. Simon's one-sided rivalry with Will. Barney's enthusiasm and impatience.
And Jane's part, which shapes the entire plot. Participating in the weirdness of the Greenwitch ritual, her private interactions, what she does and says that are generous and feminine and ancient and intuitive and quietly done, this is Jane's book.
And how it perfectly sets up for the next book, which is definitely my favorite, but ultimately it is a gem among gems. This is such an excellent series.
lbeaslie's review against another edition
3.0
I always remembered this as my least favorite of the 5 books. I always want Will in it more. Still a good little book.
jobinsonlis's review against another edition
4.0
Greenwitch is mostly doing legwork to set up the big events in the next two books but I like it on its own merits anyway. Jane Drew gets some good moments and it’s fun to see Will from the perspective of regular children. He’s more approachable than the other Old Ones but that just makes his competency stand out more, which I liked after he was largely led around in his first book.
diamondolc's review against another edition
3.0
I appreciated the return to the Drew kids and Cornwall (I personally prefer the Drews over Will Mary-Sue Stanton) but I can’t help but feel like nothing much happened in this book. And I’m still frustrated by how 2-dimensional “the Dark” is as a villain. There is no clear reason why the Dark is bad and the Light is good other than because Merriman says so. I mean I know these are kids books but still, all villains should have motives and clear reasons why they are bad as opposed to the protagonists and there is just none of that here.
jaredpence's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite in the series so far, although this book would be confusing if I hadn’t read the first two books. I like the Drew children as main characters much more than Will Stanton. They seems to have more personality, and their choices make a difference to the plot (Will is empty of any interesting character traits and seems dominated by fate and destiny—not choice). The magic in this book was also the most intriguing so far. The ceremony around the greenwitch was fascinating and a little spooky.
hawkelf's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0