Dark is Rising

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, 1974 McElderry Books

     On his eleventh birthday Will Stanton discovers he is an Old One--one of the ancient and immortal forces of the Light. He embarks on a journey between Midwinter's Night and the twelfth night of Christmas to find and join the six Signs of Light. Along the way Will must discover how to use his new found power and have the confidence to use them. He still tries to fit into his normal family life, but finds it more and more difficult as he changes and grows into his powers. Will's quest is only one step in the sequence to banish the Dark forever.
     The fantasy world Cooper created in her Dark is Rising Sequence blends into the contemporary world of the Stanton family. The Old Ones have the capability of living outside of time and are the only force able to truly drive away the Dark. While Cooper's forces of the Dark must abide by certain rules, they were able to manipulate both the Old Ones and mortal men to their nefarious purposes.
     Will is reminded over and over throughout the story that the only thing he had to fear (because of the limits placed on the Dark) was fear itself. The only thing to prevent the success of Will's quest was Will himself and his fear of the quest's success. The story helps to build confidence as Will realizes he can succeed and has no reason to be afraid.
     Dark is Rising is the second book in the Dark is Rising Sequence, following Over Sea, Under Stone and followed by The Grey King, Greenwitch, and Silver on the Tree.