Over Sea, Under Stone: Book 1 of The Dark Is Rising Sequence

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, was prescribed reading when I was in primary school, and come to think of it, it was one of my first forays into fantasy literature. I don't really remember much about the story, except that it was quite terrifying in places, and many of my fellow classmates absolutely loathed the book and found it terribly dull. I didn't mind it so much, and I think I still finished reading it in its entirety and recall quite enjoying it. Back then it was difficult to find complete series, and I didn't even know until much later that The Dark is Rising is, in fact, book two of a five-book series. Hello, pre-internet days...So, after a discussion with one of my author friends, I made it my mission to revisit this classic, this time in its entirety, from book one to five. Thankfully, the entire lot is available on Kindle (another minor miracle, IMO) – especially that it's accessible in my region, and I didn't have to trawl second-hand bookstores or import to South Africa at great expense.Over Sea, Under Stone charmingly starts with three siblings, Simon, Jane, and Barney, who go on summer vacation with their parents to visit their great-uncle Merry in Cornwall. They're renting an old sea captain's house that's full of strange rooms and artefacts, and it's not long before they discover a mysterious parchment that draws the interest of nefarious, inquisitive seekers who are on the trail of an artefact.One thing that struck me is that this book is very much a product of its time – there is a game the children play that made me cringe somewhat and would never fly if the book were to be published these days. But getting past the somewhat old-fashioned style of the setting and the writing, this is still an amazing book. The dialogue between the siblings feels authentic, like I've heard young people talk. Their concerns also feel exactly like I recall from when I was their age.At its heart, this tale is a treasure hunt, with the children and their uncle solving puzzles to find an extremely important item that many people – some of whom are rather unscrupulous – will stop at nothing to lay their grubby mitts on. Coupled with this are Cooper's wonderful descriptions of a Cornish seaside town, its people, and the landscape. I really could feel a sense of place. Unlike many contemporary YA books that feel as if the kids exist in a reality bubble completely separate from their adults, Cooper's world gives a strong sense of context. These aren't kids who're going to singlehandedly save the world from a great evil on their own. It's through teamwork and the support of their grand-uncle that they complete their quest, though they do have a fair amount of agency, which I liked.While this would be considered youth literature, I'd happily recommend this for all ages, from eight and up, if the younger end of this spectrum is already a voracious reader. While supernatural elements are implied, there is nothing outright what can be considered pure fantasy, yet. But I do recall things getting pretty wild in book two, so we'll see when we get there. I'm looking forward to what follows.

I will dispense with any sort of summary of the story; dozens of reviewers have done that quite well. I assume that you are familiar with these books, probably have read this volume, (likely more than once), but now wish to have the book available as an audio CD. Perhaps a long car trip is in the offing? Good for you.I am happy to report that, at least for me, this audio version gets high marks across the board.First, I can hear it and understand it. No mushy sound recording. No odd imbalance in volume that requires you to keep turning the volume up and then down. All of the spoken words are crisp and clear.Second, there are no sound effects or such folderol.Third, there is a single reader. This is not a play for voices and is not read by a number of different character actors.Fourth, Alex Jennings is a marvelously effective reader. His approach is dynamic but not overly dramatic. He is never coy or arch, and does not ham up any of the big scenes. In the first disc he is a bit tentative in distinguishing among the three children and is inclined to give short shrift to minor characters, but after the first chapters he settles into the various roles and adds a distinct and recognizable identity to each character.Finally, the reading is very respectful. By that I mean the book is not read as though it were just some silly children's book. It is treated as the triumphant work that it is and this adds greatly to its weight and impact.Please note that by "6 pages" the publisher actually means "6 discs". Runtime is a bit over seven hours.Enjoy.

I love this whole Pentalogy. It begins in a Cornish seaside town with all the charm Cornwall can offer. The three Drew children, on holiday with the charismatic Uncle Merry, accidentally land in an adventure emanating from early days in Briton when Arthur and his knights fought against the rising darkness of invasion of their land. 'Over Sea Under Stone' sets up the premise that 'Old Ones' from Britons's early days, still exist and continue to fight against the Dark that rises at varying times through history. It is a wonderfully romantic idea.The series draws from Welsh mythology so I was drawn in with ease. Allusions to Arthur persist, and why not? He may or may not have existed but he presents a very charismatic figure, and is a symbol of hope for things that are good. Uncle Merry's connection with the great King, and his own real status as the first of the Old Ones allows the reader to believe that the Light has the power to defeat the Dark each time it rises.Children are the real heroes in the stories (all 5 of them). While Will, who makes his first appearance in The Dark Is Rising, is also an Old One, the other three are as ordinary as any of us. And yet, they are the ones who triumph, especially Barney, the youngest one. I kinda liked that.As the set involves Welsh mythology, Welsh is used on occasion throughout. Don't be put off. In Book 4, 'The Grey King', Susan Cooper treats us to a delightful lesson in Welsh pronunciation.Susan Cooper has written a wonderful set of stories. My students have loved them. I hope you do too.

I first read this as a child and have been waiting for a re-release of the series with the same cover. This is a fantastic book which carries a timeless quality despite being written in the seventies. Even as young adult this still manages to scare me and is an excellent tale of good vs evil with an innocent yet realistic feel. I would thoroughly recommend this for ages 12-15, especially with the lovely new matching cover designs!(Photos taken after reading and include full set purchased separately)

As it was Christmas I decided I needed a good book to read for dark nights so started with The Dark is Rising which I had read in my childhood. Enjoyed it so much I then bought the remaining books. Over Sea Under Stone is a great book, just as vivid and imaginative as ever. I know readers may compare it to Harry Potter and maybe be a little disappointed, but even today this series hold their own even after 30 plus years. Am now on last book Silver on the Tree and will be sorry my journey with the forces of the Dark and the Light has come to an end. By the way if you decide to read the books, don't watch the film - it's nothing like the books and you may well be disappointed.

Fast paced and thrilling. Good story line - sets the series up really well. Looking forward to reading the next ones with my children.

I first read this book many years ago, and the follow up books that make up the "Dark is Rising Sequence". I think these books are perhaps the best series I ever read. Certainly they are the best young adult series. The series is a timeless wonderful masterpiece.This book is - in my opinion - possibly the weakest of the series. But that is not really a criticism. This book is still wonderful, exciting, fast paced classic treasure hunting adventure. Three children on holiday in Cornwall with their parents and a mysterious uncle discover an ancient treasure map lost in a secret room in the house they are staying in. The very idea is wonderfully captivating. Throw in some Arthurian legend too and it is no wonder that children and adults alike can and do love this book. This is an absolute classic.Re-reading it, I noticed a few things that irritate me as an adult reader (although I did not care when I was younger). One such thing is the slightly Enid Blyton feel, where the adults can miss the obvious and thus the kids solve all the mysteries. However, some of that is explained in later books - and where it is not explained, it does not really ruin the story.I highly recommend this book and even more highly recommend the rest of the series. Well written, wonderfully imagined and perfectly set with good characterisations, an engaging plot. I have read all this series several times. Once again, part of the best series I ever read.

This book was recommended to me at the age of 10 by the librarian in the children's section of Sale Library. I was immediately hooked, read the whole series, re-read it, continue to re-read to this day 40 or so years later. I have also read it to my own kids and bought it for others.