The Grey King (by Susan Cooper)

‘The Grey King’ is fourth in Susan Cooper’s five-book series, ‘The Dark is Rising’. I don’t recall whether I read this before, I know I read some of the series over twenty years ago, and that my sons liked them very much as teenagers. But it’s so long ago that I had entirely forgotten the storylines, and it’s possible that I have never previously read this particular volume.

‘The Grey King’ mainly features Will, a young teenager who was introduced in the second of the books, which (like the entire series) is called ‘The Dark is Rising’. Will learns that he is the last of the ‘Old Ones’, people designated as part of the ‘Light’ whose role is to overcome the dark forces that threaten to overwhelm the world.

In this book, Will has to undertake a dangerous quest on his own. His only guidance is a poem which he had committed to memory. But he’s just recovering from a very serious illness, and has forgotten all but a few snippets. He’s sent to Wales to stay on a farm with some family members to recuperate, and gradually realises that it’s no coincidence: this location is the setting for what he must do.

One of the first people Will meets is a boy about his age called Bran. Bran lives with his rather dour father, and has been motherless from babyhood. He is albino, and considered a freak both for his appearance and for some of his quirks. But Will quickly learns to trust him, and although their friendship is marred by several problems, they make a good partnership. The reason I think I probably never read this book before is that I had no recollection at all of who Bran is, something that doesn’t become clear until the final chapters.

It’s a good story, well-written with plenty of tension but nothing too stressful, other than some distressing scenes relating to animals. It’s probably intended for children of about nine or ten and upwards; my sons were about ten and twelve when they first read and liked these books. There isn’t all that much character development, but it’s a plot-driven book so it doesn’t matter all that much. It meant, though, that I read it without emotional involvement, or any identification with the characters.

It could stand alone, but is best read after at least ‘The Dark is Rising’, and ideally as the fourth in the entire series. Each one builds on the previous ones to some extent although different minor characters are involved.

Recommended if you like teenage fiction with an element of fantasy.

Review copyright 2020 Sue's Book Reviews