Greenwitch (1974)

I liked ‘Greenwitch’ but not as much as the first two novels in the series. I was glad to see the three Drew siblings return. Although I like Will, I find the sister and two brothers more endearing and entertaining. They’re vivid and believable characters.

So, like with Book One, the plot revolves around the Holy Grail, which is stolen at the beginning of this story, and a parchment needed to understand the Grail’s secret. The Drews, Will, and Merriman set out to reclaim the Grail and thwart the Dark who try to stop them. ( )

Susan Cooper writes a wonderful story and The Dark is Rising series is among her best work. I find the characters relatable and engaging but she truly shines in her storytelling which draws you into both the current story and all the back story too. ( )

The third of the Dark Is Rising books. Will meets the Drew siblings back in Cornwall, and they rescue the Grail from the Dark

(Main review on Silver in the Tree) ( )

The third installment of the Dark is Rising series, and the direct sequel to Over Sea, Under Stone and The Dark is Rising, sees both the Drew children and Will Stanton on the Welsh coast, seeking the scroll that was lost during the Drew children's first outing that can decode the cypher on the Grail.

It has come into the possession of the Greenwitch, a British folk tradition wicker-woman tossed each year into the sea since time immemorial- the Greenwitch is a creature of the Wild Magic, as is her mother, Tethys- the Light, the High, the Dark, and the Wild being the major powers in Cooper's mythology. Who will convince the Greenwitch to give up her prize, and decode the mystery of the Grail prophecy?

This is my least favorite entry in this series. It just never spoke to me. The writing is up to Cooper's usual standards, and it really does read like a cross of the first two entries in the series- but somehow I didn't connect with it. There is a strong emphasis on feminine connection in this book, as well- although it is not a feminist work.

It is a fine book, and it can be read as a stand-alone with little hiccup. It just didn't turn me on like the other four entries did. ( )

Simon, Jane and Barney (from Book 1) combine forces with Uncle Merry and Will Stanton (from Book 2), returning to seaside to seek recovery of the chalice stolen from the British Museum. Instead, Jane gets very involved with local women's folklore surrounding the Greenwitch a mystical being thrown in the water. Jane's kindness to the spirit produces an unexpected, surprising result in the battle between good and evil. ( )