"The Dark is Rising" - Honest Assessment Required

[marion11111]

> bboyminn:
> Just one note of curiosity. Do I understand correctly
> that this series has a chronological order, but that
> they were not written in that order? Do you see 
> what I mean here?
> 
> It is always difficult to tell how good true
> children's books are going to be. Sometime they
> are so written 'down' that you really can't 
> stand them. 

> Now Artimus Fowl, on the other hand, while an easy
> uncomplicated read, is still a brilliant mystery
> that I can't stop reading. It is an odd combination
> of childish sillyness (though delightful) and 
> suspenseful mystery. 
> 


marion11111:
These were written chronologically.  It's not like Narnia which I 
think should be read as written, but is now numbered differently. 
Magpie listed the correct order and she's right in saying book 
number one is really not representative of the series.  In fact, I 
would recommend starting with Dark is Rising. Over sea, Under Stone 
is a little less appealing to most readers. There are two separate 
storylines that come together later on, so the order of the first 
two books don't matter. 

I first read these as a teen-ager and couldn't even find Over Sea 
Under Stone at any library.  It was published ten years earlier and 
didn't do well in the U.S.  When I finally found it as an adult I 
loved the way it introduced the story in such an old-
fashioned "Famous Five" style.  It's got such a deep, dark theme and 
to have it buried in a seaside adventure for three kids and a dog 
was amazing.  But, having said that, it might not work so well as a 
first read.

Steve - I also love Artemus Fowl! For awhile I was concerned about 
the story bogging down, but the last one has me on the edge of my 
seat waiting for the next. When these first came out there were 
rumors of a movie, but nothing ever came of it.  Just as well.

Another kid fantasy series I recommend is Gregor the Overlander.  
The Underland world is richly drawn and unexpected in so many ways.  
The main character is only twelve which makes it impossible to get 
anybody to read these.  Kids won't read "down." Yet, the story is 
really high fantasy with complex characters and should appeal to 
much older teens.  I don't know what authors are thinking sometimes.

Finally, my new favorite series.  Percy Jackson.  Our hero's father 
left when he was a baby.  His mother raised him on her own.  He 
seems "different," has trouble in school and starts to notice odd 
people around him at school.  Well, dad was Poseidon and yes, the 
gods are still coming to earth and having babies with mortals.  All 
the children of gods and goddesses are brought together when they 
are young teens and told the truth and our hero and his friends (and 
enemies) end up on various dangerous quests during the summer and 
winter holidays.  This is a fun series with references to mythology 
and yet completely modern and believable teens.

OK, this librarian is done booktalking now.