Susan Cooper

My little brother is incapable of reading Susan Cooper’s two-time Newbury Award-winning The Dark Is Rising series without giving this whiny speech about how none of the books’ suspense actually works because the series’ ending is predetermined. I notice that this complaint doesn’t stop him from re-reading this series every few years, though, which proves that he's not a total idiot--Ms. Cooper’s books are a gorgeous blend of fantasy, suspense, and mythology (in this case, Welsh legends and Arthurian myths) enjoyable for both children and adults.

Aftertaste:
None (unless you’re my little brother). This is awesome stuff.

Availability:
Everywhere.

Other Recommendations:
The Harry Potter books, by J. K. Rowling

The His Dark Materials trilogy, by Philip Pullman

The Chronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis

Summerland, by Michael Chabon

The Prydain Chronicles, by Lloyd Alexander

Website:
http://www.thelostland.com/ -