Over Sea, Under Stone

Written by: Susan Cooper

First line: "Where is he?"

Why you should read this book: In the first book of the Dark is Rising Sequence, Simon, Jane, and Barney anticipate an exciting holiday in Cornwall with their mysterious Great-Uncle Merry, but when they find an ancient map in a hidden room in the attic, they have no idea what kind of adventure they've stumbled into. According to their uncle, it's a map to the grail, an even more ancient artifact that belongs to the forces of Light, and must be uncovered and wielded against the forces of Dark. It might sound like a fun expedition, but the forces of Dark are already on their trail, and snapping at their heels, and the Dark bites.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You're rooting for the Dark.