Finally he is able to ask and face those questions that were previously unspeakable. For Bran the boundaries surrounding ‘his story’ have been tightly controlled by his father. As we learn more of his story themes of separation, roots and belonging emerge. Will, recuperating from hepatitis and staying with his Welsh uncle and aunt overcomes the Dark evil with the help of Bran, a young boy whose origins are clouded in mystery.

This quote reflects the book, a mix of myth, legend and humanity.Set in the mysterious Welsh countryside this is a story woven with myth and Arthurian legend. ‘For a moment he seemed no more than an uncomplicated small boy, caught up in bubbling wonder by a marvellous sight’. It was nominated for a Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel and a Ditmar Award, but did not win. Silver on the Tree received a Tir na n-Og Award in 1978. Kirkus Reviews was critical of the book's climax, saying 'to the end the discrepancy between her grand scheme and the particulars of the story is unbridged, giving a morally and intellectually hollow ring to the whole.' Rebecca Fisher of praised Cooper's subtle writing, but criticized the book's pacing choices and lack of suspense. The Children's Literature Review criticized elements of the book's plot, such as the use of time travel, but praised its setting and descriptive writing. Nevertheless, she called it a 'solid ending' for the series. Mari Ness of Tor.com praised it for being 'beautifully and lyrically written', but was critical of its ending and its use of the damsel in distress trope. However, it still received generally positive reviews. The book was compared less favorably to earlier installments in the series, with particular criticism towards its final battle. Significant mythical elements in the book include the bard Taliesin (under his alternate name Gwion), King Gwyddno Garanhir and the Drowned Hundred, the Welsh tradition of the Mari Llwyd, and the Ritual of oak and mistletoe.

They ally with Bran, a Welsh descendant of King Arthur, and the three Drew children, to form the Six who are prophesied to triumph over the powers of the Dark. Will Stanton and his mentor Merriman, two of the last Old Ones, gather allies and magical objects to help defeat the rising Dark. It is the final entry in the five book Dark Is Rising Sequence. Silver on the Tree is a contemporary fantasy novel by Susan Cooper, published by Chatto & Windus in 1977.

The Grey King by Susan Cooper