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.

A easy read that keeps your attention. Well thought out charecters. Quite topical if you have spent time in Cornwall. Read it as a 14 year old and still good to revisit 16 years later.

Good melding of Celtic myth, Arthurian Legend, and mid-twentieth century wales. Read this book in grade School, and it fired my personal play about all things Pendragon. It was good to revisit and enjoy.

Rapid shipment

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.

This book has stood the test of time for 4 decades. With that said, today's young audience will find many of the plot drivers tedious and transparent. What passed for suspense in the 1970s is somewhat passe today. The book as a whole is still an interesting and unique story about the quest for the Holy Grail, but the journey the reader takes to get there can be a bit obvious and plodding. If your young reader is not media-savvy, they may still find delight in all the twists and turns. But if your child watches contemporary TV shows and films, some boredom may set in. Just tell them to skip over those parts and to keep turning the page!!

Want a great adventure to sit with your kids each day? This is it. My 9 year old son is enjoying the adventures in each of the books as we are midway into the second.

My boyfriend loved me bringing back a memory for him :)

Very great and exciting book...especially if you've been on a holiday in Cornwall. This series was one of my favourite childhood stories and while reading it right now again it is like reopen the chamber of magic again! Definitely worth reading it twice and if you like fantastic magical adventure books 📚.

I reread this childhood favourite because of the approaching world Twitter reading #thedarkisreading - of the second in the series, The Dark is Rising. Regardless of your age, you should read this. The writing is sparkling and the adventure gripping - and there is more to come!

This is may second reading of Susan Cooper's five books on the Dark is rising. It is not only a novel for children and adults but there is a sense of mystery in the plot and the characters. She makes reference to the old ways of west country (Cornwall) traditions and has done her research very well. Recommended for anyone interested in fantasia and especially those who like anything tasting Arthurian.

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.