Description:

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"And Where the Midsummer Tree Grows Tall by Pendragon's Sword the Dark Shall Fall."

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The Dark is rising in its last and greatest bid to control the world. Six individuals have come together to drive it back for good: Will, the Sign seeker; Bran, the raven boy; Jane, Simon, and Barney, the grail seekers; and Merriman, the wise mentor who unites them all. Together they stand ready to face the Rider and the full force of the Dark.

But the last object of power must first be found. A sword of legend magically forged of pure crystal remains hidden in the Welsh hills. Without it, the Light has no hope against the Dark. Will and his companions must travel through time and space in an epic clash of magical powers that will decide the fate of us all.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8 This dramatic reading of Silver on the Tree (Atheneum, 1977) concludes Susan Cooper's five book fantasy sequence, The Dark Is Rising. With the Arthurian legend as its core, it presents the classic myth culminating with the battle of good against evil. The Drew children, Merriman, and Bran, their Welsh friend, try to outwit the schemes and strategies of the Dark. British actor Alex Jennings provides a stunning vocal performance, sliding in and out of voices so easily that listeners will soon forget that there is only one narrator. From the rich, resonant Merriman to the lilting Welsh brogue of Bran, the voice variations achieved for the multitude of characters is outstanding. The rapid narration adds intensity and urgency to the unfolding events. In order to understand the story, it is important to follow the series in sequence. The audio versions of the previous four titles in the series are available from Listening Library. The richness of the story and the excellent reading will sate those who revel in this format and delight those who are new to it. -Tina Hudak, St. Bernard's School, Riverdale, MD
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Psychology Today "Susan Cooper is one of the few contemporary writers who has the vivid imagination, the narrative powers, and the moral vision that permit her to create the kind of sweeping conflict between good and evil that lies at the heart of all great fantasy. Tolkien had it. So did C.S. Lewis. And Cooper writes in the same tradition."