Even though this is technically #2 in the series, I'm always going to think of it as the first book. I like the story of Simon, Jane, and Barney, but in my brain it's a companion to and expansion on the main story of Will (and later Bran).

I love these books so much. This one in particular always feels quaint and out-of-time to me, because it seems vaguely modern, (not obviously history-locked like Narnia) but at the same time is old enough to lack all the technological trappings of life that I'm used to. The setting of an English village with a manor also contributes to the effect of taking normal life and tilting it just a bit sideways.

You would think, being a person whose general motto is "I wish there was less mystery here," that I would be irritated by the way nothing is really explained in these books. (Who is the Black Rider? Who is the Lady? Who is the unnamed dead king whose byre hides the last Sign? How does any of this work?) But I'm really not irritated -- the lack of explanation just works somehow, doesn't lose your interest or confuse you, and even adds to the mysterious feeling of the book.

I love the inlay of the great spiritual battle between Dark and Light with Will's everyday life. Also the general King Arthur theme! Last time I read this was years ago, and I didn't notice the Book of Gramarye's reference to the Eagle of Gwernabwy, or know anything about the Wild Hunt, so that was cool to notice this time.