The Grey King

In Wales, there is a famous tale about immortals, a riddle, a magical golden harp and the Grey King. Susan Cooper wrote The Grey King, which tells of this legend. The story takes place in the mountains and sheep farms in Wales to Pleasant Lake and Bird Rock, the only place in the world where seagulls nest inland.

Will Stanton appeared to be a typical 15-year old English boy; tall, thin, and polite, but he actually was the youngest of the Old Ones, immortals sent to protect Earth from the dark. The dark was ruled by the Grey King, who could take any form and possess anything. Bran Davies seemed to be a Welsh schoolboy, who lived with his father and large white dog, Cafall. Bran had white hair, very pale skin and golden eyes, but maintained a powerful presence. He later learned he was really the son of Guinevere and King Arthur and had been brought into the future by his mother to keep him safe.

As the youngest of the Old Ones, Will was given a riddle, which held the clues that would allow he and Bran to find the means to fight the Grey King. It was the riddle that led Will to Bran. While at Bird Rock, an opening in the mountain appeared and once they were inside, was gone. They were asked questions and their answers were rewarded with a golden harp. While it was played, it allowed no harm to come to them. Will and Bran eventually found and freed the 6 elite members of the King’s army, called Sleepers, who had been held captive by the Grey King. They went to fight the final battle with the dark as soon as they received their orders from their King, who turned out to be Bran.

I did not like this book. It was too unrealistic, and I found it boring. I would only recommend this book to people who love legends and pure fantasy.