The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper - this is the 2nd volume in the "Dark is Rising" series. However, while it is nice to have read the first volume, Over Sea, Under Stone, it isn't necessary. DiR follows young Will Stanton over Midwinter Day, his 11th birthday. As the day progresses, he discovers that he has a special gift - as a seventh son and as the youngest born Old One - and it is his fate to join the eternal battle to defeat "The Dark". Will is plunged first into a quest to find the six signs, and then to battle over the twelve days of Christmas as The Dark seeks to claim the world as its own.
Will is a fabulous character. He's a believable 11 year old, but he's also a wise soul with a nearly ageless way of looking at the world. He faces the developments of the story with awe, delight, terror and determination. Like anyone, he has moments of doubt, and makes good resolutions only to nearly fail at critical moments. This story interweaves Celtic mythology, modern life, and even some Arthurian legends into a great story.
Later volumes in the series (Greenwitch, The Grey King, Silver on the Tree) tie the characters from the first book (Over Sea, Under Stone) in to this tale and raise the stakes as Will, Merriman Lyon, Simon, Jane and Barney, and Bran Davies all join forces against the Dark. This is a series I LOVED as a teen, as much for the beautiful poetry and the use of myth and folklore as for the characters. Read and enjoy!
Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - one of the finest Conan Doyle novels, and one of only 4 novels about the famed Sherlock Holmes.
I've always loved this story. It is clever, spooky, very readable, and believable. Sherlock is his usual arrogant self, but Watson gets to play a major role, and even the semi-competent Lestrade is entertaining. The villain is a true villain, and yet believable, too.
The story revolves around the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who died under mysterious circumstances on the moor near his home. His heir, Sir Henry, soon arrives, and the local doctor, Dr. Mortimer, is convinced that Henry's life is in danger. He appeals to Sherlock Holmes for aid, citing the mysterious footprints of a large hound that he saw near the body as a point of interest. He also brings up the legend that the family is cursed by the actions of their evil ancestor, Sir Hugo Baskerville.
I won't go into the rest of the plot, but suffice to say that Sherlock and Watson have a hard time and must follow many twisting clues and red herrings before discovering who the true villain is, and why Sir Charles has been killed.
Read On!
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