Susan Cooper is a highly regarded author, and indeed, any book penned by her holds significant value and is worthy of being read.

However, in the case of this particular work, which delves into the realm of an alternate universe and presents a fantasy/allegory centered around the profound themes of Life and Death, the execution feels somewhat heavy-handed.

The use of capital letters for these concepts emphasizes their importance, but perhaps in a way that is a bit too blatant.

While the exploration of such weighty themes is admirable, the story might have benefited from a more nuanced approach.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that different readers may have varying opinions on this matter, and some may find the directness of the presentation to be engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, despite its slight flaw, this book still has much to offer and is likely to appeal to fans of Susan Cooper and those interested in the exploration of deep and meaningful themes within the context of a fantastical world.

Cally is gradually coming to terms with the harrowing possibility of losing her parents when, all of a sudden, she is catapulted into another world.

In this strange new realm, she encounters Westerly, who is around the same age as her and also hails from a different world. The two decide to team up and embark on a journey through this mysterious land.

However, their path is constantly blocked by the powerful Lady Taranis, who seems determined to stop them at every turn. On the other hand, they receive aid from the mysterious Lugan.

Their journey has such a dreamlike and fable-like quality to it that it almost gives the impression of weightlessness. Although the tension does build up at times, there is a sense that at every stage, they will probably manage to get through and someone will come to their rescue, as this has happened time and again.

Overall, I quite enjoyed reading about their journey, but I would have really liked a bit more depth and detail, especially towards the end. It felt as if the story could have been developed further to provide a more satisfying conclusion.

Perhaps there could have been more exploration of the characters' emotions and motivations, or a more in-depth look at the world they were traveling through. Nevertheless, it was an interesting and engaging read that left me with a sense of wonder and curiosity.

If you have read this author's "Dark is Rising" books, you will find that this story is completely different. It is a strange, original, and unpredictable one. At its core, it is a story of teenage love, taking place in a strange and unforgettable other world.

I have to admit that I liked it so much that I read my copy again. However, it also raised some questions in my mind that the novel failed to answer. Although it is not a long book, it is still very engaging.

The unique setting and the complex emotions of the characters make this story stand out. It makes you think about love, friendship, and the meaning of life.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about strange and wonderful worlds, and who enjoys a good love story. It may not be perfect, but it is definitely worth reading.

A short and subdued novel, Seaward, holds an astonishing capacity to deliver a powerful emotional impact. Its remarkable journey of growth and (self-)discovery makes it seem like a kindred spirit to The Neverending Story. At times, it appears younger, perhaps more naïve and full of wonder. Yet, at other moments, it展现出 an older and wiser side, with a deeper understanding of the human experience.

The story takes readers on a captivating adventure, filled with twists and turns that keep them engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and relatable, their struggles and triumphs tugging at the heartstrings.

For a more in-depth exploration of this remarkable novel, be sure to check out the full review at https://choveshkata.net/forum/viewtop....

Like many other readers, I first became acquainted with Susan Cooper through her remarkable The Dark is Rising sequence. This initial encounter led me to explore two other of her works as well.

When it came to Seaward, I was drawn to it for two main reasons. Firstly, it was written by Susan Cooper, whose previous works I had greatly enjoyed. Secondly, the plot synopsis seemed captivating.

The first few chapters of the book managed to pique my interest, but unfortunately, my enthusiasm began to wane a little before reaching the halfway mark.

Coincidentally, I fell ill during that time. I'm not entirely sure if my illness caused me to be too distracted to fully grasp the story's nuances, its subtle metaphors, and its moral lessons. However, I do know that I just couldn't immerse myself in the book as deeply as I had hoped.

This was a disappointment for me, especially considering how much I had loved the other Cooper books I had read. That being said, I don't want to imply that the book was bad. On the contrary, it was well-written and did convey some valuable lessons.

I think perhaps the issue was that I simply wasn't in the right frame of mind or mood to fully appreciate this particular type of book when I read it. Maybe if I were to revisit it at a different time, I would have a more positive experience.

This is an extremely lovely, truly enchanting book.

The tone and caliber of the writing bear a remarkable resemblance to Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising sequence. However, in certain aspects, it appears to be more mature than that renowned sequence.

It is the first book in quite some time that had such a hold on me that I simply couldn't put it down once I began. I even stayed up late into the night to finish reading it. Fortunately, it is a relatively quick read, so that didn't cause too much of a problem.

Moreover, it is the first book in a very long time that made me think that I simply couldn't visit Cardiff without taking it along with me. That way, I could时不时 pick it up and reread a favorite part to bring a smile to my face.

I have a deep affection for the relationship between West and Cally. Somehow, within the confines of such a short book, Susan Cooper manages to construct a love story that I truly feel and am eager to follow. The gradual build-up of awareness between them is masterfully done, even in such a limited space.

And the ending is simply beautiful – the knowledge that they will ultimately find each other. In a sense, it is enough. I would love to read more, and indeed I do desire more, but I feel that it concludes on precisely the right note, neither too early nor too late.

The world of the story is filled with magic, drawing inspiration from Celtic myth and also creating a unique mythology of its own. I adore the descriptions of the world – the captivating chess game, the imposing tower, Snake, Peth, and more.

I will most definitely be revisiting this book. Likely on many occasions.

This is a younger book, yet I have a deep affection for it.

The story within its pages is engaging and filled with elements that capture the imagination. It takes the reader on a journey through a world that is both familiar and unique.

The characters are well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and traits. They face challenges and overcome obstacles, which makes them relatable and inspiring.

The writing style is simple yet effective, making it accessible to readers of all ages. Despite its simplicity, the book manages to convey profound messages about life, love, and friendship.

Overall, this younger book is a hidden gem that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good read. It has the power to transport you to another world and leave you with a sense of wonder and joy.

This book was not what I expected it to be based on reader reviews.

However, despite my initial expectations, the book ended really well.

The ending was a bit unexpected, which, in my opinion, is a good thing.

I was unable to predict how the story would come to a conclusion, and this left me with much to think about after finishing the last few pages.

I won't spoil the ending for you here, but I can definitely say that it wrapped up the story in a satisfying way.

It didn't leave me desiring more, but rather made me reflect on life in general.

The unexpected twist at the end added an element of excitement and made the reading experience even more memorable.

Overall, although the beginning of the book didn't meet my expectations, the ending more than made up for it.

It was a pleasant surprise that left a lasting impression on me.

I would recommend this book to others who enjoy a good story with an unexpected ending.

This one truly astonished me. It was like a strange concoction between a fever-dream and a living metaphor. And, in my opinion, it was all the better for it.

I did come across a review that pointed out Seaward as having a sense of being "unrooted." This description is quite apt. However, this unrootedness is often a blessing rather than a drawback.

My only gripes would be that this lack of rootedness sometimes detracts more from the overall atmosphere than it adds. Also, there are a few instances that feel a bit dated rather than timeless, unlike the rest of the story.

But strangely enough, it is moving, deep, and lovely. I never expected to read something that would feel so cathartic at this moment. I'm truly glad that I picked this up when I did.

More than 25 years have passed, and yet I still vividly remember certain parts of this book. It's truly remarkable how those memories have endured for so long. The book must have made a profound impact on me back then. However, I find myself afraid to reread it. What if doing so ruins the precious memories I have? What if the reality of the book doesn't match the idealized version that exists in my mind? I'm reluctant to take that risk. *g*

"Seaward" is an enchanting coming-of-age story that unfolds in a captivating land of pure imagination.

It takes readers on a journey filled with奇幻的 adventures and unique experiences. However, upon closer examination, I noticed that the events within the story often had a somewhat dreamlike quality. They seemed to lack a clear and significant purpose, which might leave some readers, especially those seeking a more profound and meaningful narrative, a bit disappointed.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that this story is specifically targeted towards the younger reader, in the age range of 8 to 12. For this audience, its charm lies in the vivid and imaginative world it creates, as well as the relatable experiences of the protagonist as they navigate the challenges of growing up.

Overall, "Seaward" is a decent story that offers entertainment and escapism for its intended age group, but may not fully satisfy the expectations of more mature readers.

2017 update: still a very good read.

"Whatever happens, believe that the journey is worth taking, and then you will reach its end."

I initially picked this up because when Catherynne M. Valente tells you a book was "formative," you pick that book up. It was truly brilliant and I devoured it in under three hours.

So, Seaward. Seaward is what occurs when Irish mythology invites Diana Wynne Jones, J.M. Barrie, the Brothers Grimm and every bit of magic remaining on earth over for tea and philosophy.

Cally's sick parents have gone away to a hospital by the sea; Westerly is fleeing from the people who killed his mother. Out of desperation, fear and loneliness, they both manage to pry open doors into the Country of Life and Death. Once there, with little to rely on except gut feeling and the kindness (or cruelty) of strangers, they both commence journeying west, seaward.

Westerly's mother told him he could trust a girl with selkie hands; the tea leaves told Cally she would meet a boy in a boat. It seems as good a reason as any to travel together. And their journey is strange, incredible and, without a doubt, worth taking.

Seaward is an astonishingly complex and beautiful book about loss, guilt and finding the will to carry on, and is perfectly suitable for the 13+ crowd - proving, once again, that YA is the genre to beat when you want to discuss the big stuff.