Each book features the character Dark Man, a shadowy, brooding loner recruited to play a part in a secret, cataclysmic struggle between good and evil. His mission is to seek out an artefact, a Golden Cup, which can channel limitless power and energy. Opposed to him, and also seeking to find this Cup of Power, is a sinister and corrupt organisation, The Shadow Masters.

The books have strong plots to engage the reader, however reluctant, and feature dark evocative illustrations. The simple, carefully written text (under 400 words) focuses on the most common words, providing access for even the poorest readers. Books are pitched at two slightly different reading levels, with the first three books having a lower word count and slightly simpler texts.

Set 1 Books: The Dark Fire of Doom; Destiny in the Dark; The Dark Never Hides; Escape from the Dark; The Face in the Dark Mirror; Fear in the Dark.

The reading books are supported by photocopiable workbooks containing worksheets specific to each title, plus teacher's notes. Workbook tasks allow a degree of progression as they are used. Workbook 1 supports the three easier texts (use order code 399134 SU). Workbook 2 supports the more difficult titles (use order code 399135 SU).