This short book was truly a great and quick read.

It is not only thought provoking but also rich in content.

However, at the beginning, when the main characters were first meeting each other, there were moments that made me have to suspend my sense of reality a little bit.

Despite that, I still enjoyed it immensely.

It was a wonderfully relaxing read that allowed me to unwind and get lost in the story.

The author did a great job of creating engaging characters and a captivating plot.

Even though it was a short book, it managed to pack a punch and leave a lasting impression.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and enjoyable read that will also make them think.

Overall, it was a great find and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it.

While reading most of the book, I was initially planning on giving it four stars.

To be honest, the writing isn't exactly of the top-tier caliber. It has its flaws and could have been more polished in certain aspects.

However, then came the ending. Oh my goodness, it blew me away completely!

That was hands down the most incredible ending I've come across in a long time. I was not expecting it at all.

What's more, it coincidentally fit PERFECTLY with some themes that I've been dwelling on lately. It was almost as if the author had written it specifically for me.

I just recently finished the Lockwood&Co books, and the vibes of this book are very relevant and in line with that series.

I was truly and pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this book, especially after my initial somewhat lukewarm impression. It just goes to show that sometimes, a book can have a hidden gem of an ending that can completely change your perspective on the entire thing.

Just like the statues of Taranis, I have two faces regarding this book.

On the one hand, I really enjoyed a lot of aspects. Susan Cooper is truly talented in the art of writing. Her style is poetic and mature, which is a refreshing change from what I often see in many newer children's books. The descriptions of the fantasy settings are lush and vivid, bringing each scene to life in my head. The side characters are the absolute best part of the book. Ryan, Lugan, Snake, and my favorite Peth are all incredibly charming and uniquely drawn. Taranis is terrifying in a way that makes sense for who she is. The mythological elements are also well done and seamlessly woven into the story. The foreign-ness of Taranis's world, with its alien yet strict rules, makes the whole thing feel like a strange and familiar fairy tale. Overall, it's a very fun and quick fantasy read!

On the other hand, I had some problems with it. Cally and West are not the most compelling main characters. I think this is partly due to the author's seeming unwillingness to expand on their backstories or place them firmly in a specific time and space. Cally comes across as a generic white girl tomboy, probably American or British, with very little information given about her life aside from the trauma with her parents. West is supposed to be from "another country," but we only get tidbits about this unnamed country, which seems to be from the global south. However, he often acts and speaks like someone from America or Europe. It's also a bit odd that he doesn't seem to be from an area with Celtic influence, yet the book only has Celtic myth. This is further jarring when, towards the end, real country names are listed for random people going through the gates. Additionally, Cally and West feel like they are being guided through the story by a cast of much more interesting side characters. Their characterizations are not as vibrant as those of Ryan or Peth, making them both seem somewhat generic. By the end, I was far more invested in what happened to Lugan or Ryan's backstory. Then there's the romance. I thought about this a lot, and while I've encountered pairings I disliked more, in this book, I just didn't find the relationship all that compelling. The two characters don't have any really strong reasons for liking each other, and they don't seem to get to know each other beyond a surface level. They barely feel like they've made friends, much less fallen in love, aside from the narration mentioning Cally blushing and West having a boner. Unfortunately, the ending is somewhat reliant on this relationship, so it feels a bit abrupt and not quite up to the level of the rest of the writing. Finally, maybe this is a personal thing, but sometimes I felt like this book was supposed to be longer and for some reason got cut or the author just stopped writing more. We get an entire list of things in West's pack, and the only thing that actually gets used again is the green bottle. There are multiple mentions that imply West is interested in drawing, but this is never actually explored.

I think, for me, this book feels a bit like what would have happened if The Grey King had just been the part where Bran and Will go to the lost kingdom. It's a fun (and somewhat trippy) time, but it's missing all the things that made The Grey King so good, and Bran and Will's relationship so endearing. Bran and Will aren't even canonically a romantic pair, and I still find them far more compelling as a couple, in part because they are allowed to have time to become friends, to have meaningful interactions, and to get to know each other better than anyone else. The Grey King also has an entire series to help build up to that point, so the story itself feels more rooted and meaningful.

Seaward is by no means a bad book. I honestly still quite enjoyed it! I just wish it had gotten a little more development and maybe had more time to focus on all the things it wanted to cover.

Cally is in a state of terror as she is haunted by an endless, unearthly voice. In a desperate attempt to escape, she pushes herself through a mirror. Meanwhile, Westerly is also on the run from his pursuers. He manages to find a hidden doorway and disappears through it.

Both Cally and Westerly soon discover that they have entered another world. In this strange place, magic and thought hold powers that are beyond their wildest imaginations.

This story is a thrilling coming of age adventure, filled with heart-pounding chases and narrow escapes. The author has used such beautiful language to describe the events and the countryside that I found myself completely engrossed. I couldn't help but re-read the descriptions, marvelling at the vivid imagery and the wonderful use of words.

It is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, and leave you with a sense of wonder and excitement.

I still re-read this one.

This simple statement holds a world of meaning. It implies that there is something special about this particular piece that keeps drawing me back.

Maybe it's the beautiful prose, the engaging story, or the profound ideas it presents.

Each time I re-read it, I discover new details, gain a deeper understanding, and am reminded of the emotions it initially evoked.

Re-reading this one has become a source of comfort and inspiration for me.

It's like visiting an old friend, someone who always has something new to share and yet remains familiar and dear.

I cherish these moments of re-reading, and I look forward to many more in the future.

This one will always hold a special place in my heart and on my bookshelf.

In this rather odd little book, Cooper deliberately blurs the details of the story. Instead of presenting a typical fantasy novel, it leans more towards being a fable or an allegory. Here, we have a generic boy and a generic girl who embark on a journey to an unspecified dream reality. There, they are enlightened about life truths by brother life and sister death.

The writing in the book is quite strong. Many of the profound ideas imparted to the children by their guides within this dream reality are well-expressed and are perfectly suited for a young teen. However, my personal inclination lies in the immersive specificity of a more contemporary style of storytelling. In such a style, the characters don't have all the important information spoon-fed to them in a summary at the end of each chapter. Instead, they uncover the truths themselves through their own choices and actions, much like in Cooper's earlier Dark is Rising series.

This difference in storytelling styles makes me view this particular book with a somewhat divided opinion. On one hand, I can appreciate the strength of the ideas and the unique fable-like nature of the story. On the other hand, I can't help but compare it to the more engaging and interactive style that I prefer.

The Dark Rising series by Susan Cooper is an incredibly engaging and captivating work.

It is a story that is richly filled with myth, legend, and mystery. Westerly and Cally, the main characters, find themselves suddenly thrust into an unknown and enchanting world.

Both have endured the loss of their families and have entered this new, mysterious realm alone. However, as their paths cross, they decide to continue together on a perilous quest for the sea.

Throughout their journey, they face numerous dangers as they traverse through dense forests, vast deserts, and towering mountain peaks.

Guided by Lugan, tested by Taranis, and befriended by the loyal Peth, Cally and Westerly learn to navigate the complex emotions and experiences of life, death, love, hate, courage, romance, and fear.

The question that lingers in the reader's mind is: what will they discover when they finally reach the sea?

This story is a real page-turner that keeps the reader hooked until the very end. Susan Cooper has masterfully crafted a wonderful tale that leaves the reader imagining and speculating about what the future holds for its beloved characters.

It is a story that will surely appeal to fans of fantasy and adventure alike.

A narrative that is less widely known yet holds a slightly bittersweet charm, this story follows a journey towards the sea, which gives the novel its title. As the story progresses, this journey takes on an increasingly poignant meaning, especially by the conclusion of the novel. It offers a unique and engaging reading experience that is sure to captivate those who are already familiar with Cooper's "Dark Is Rising" series. The author's skillful use of language and ability to create a vivid and atmospheric setting draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end. Whether you are a fan of Cooper's other works or simply looking for a new and interesting read, this novel is well worth a look.

SEAWARD is a relatively unknown novel by Susan Cooper.

It validates her assertion that she doesn't deliberately write for children. She simply writes, and it's her editors who determine the appropriate age group for her books.

This novel combines a child's or teenager's fantastical adventure story with certain adult themes, encompassing everything from sex to the most profound kind of loss.

It's truly strange to read this book again for the first time since childhood. Although it may not be as captivating and unputdownable as the books in The Dark is Rising sequence, it is imaginative in a more distinct and unique manner.

It offers a different kind of reading experience, one that blurs the boundaries between the worlds of children and adults, and takes the reader on a journey that is both exciting and thought-provoking.

Despite its lesser-known status, SEAWARD has its own charm and appeal, and is well worth exploring for those who are interested in Susan Cooper's work or in novels that offer a unique blend of adventure and adult themes.

Two young individuals, West and Cally, are mysteriously transported from their ordinary worlds into a strange and fantastical land. West is sent through a door, while Cally enters via a mirror.

Both are on a quest to reach the sea in hopes of finding their missing parents. West searches for the father he never knew, and Cally looks for her mother and father who left due to illness.

In this land, they must face the capricious Lady Taranis, who seems determined to stop them from completing their journey. However, they also receive help from various figures such as Lugan, Ryan/Rhiannon, and the ancient and lovable Peth.

After many hardships, West and Cally finally reach their destination. There, they discover the true nature of the land and the identities of those they have encountered. But the question remains: what path will they take now that they have found their way seaward?

As a girl, I adored Susan Cooper's "The Dark Is Rising Sequence." When I looked for other books by her, I discovered "Seaward." I remember reading it and enjoying it, but the details escaped me. It didn't make as strong an impression as her other books.

Now, upon rereading, I find it immensely engrossing and deeply moving. It is a more mature story than "The Dark Is Rising," as the two protagonists are on the verge of adulthood and develop an incipient love for each other.

Perhaps I was too young to appreciate these aspects when I first read it. This time, I found much to enjoy, from the mythological underpinnings to the relationship between Cally and West. I am astonished that I forgot Peth, as his character is so beautifully realized. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys myth-infused fantasy fiction.

My best friend in junior high and high school had me read this probably almost two decades ago now.

I always remembered it fondly, because I loved it when I read it. I didn't quite get everything then (I know more about mythology and whatnot now), but it stayed with me.

And I've looked for it for years. And then, last year, Ann C. bestowed upon me the copy she'd found in WA. And I just now reread it. It was very satisfying.

I still enjoyed it, and it's such a peculiar little book. I still love Peth best too. Oddly, I like Westerly less than I used to. And Calli more. But I digress.

Basically, this slightly trippy little book is about two kids who end up in an alternative, Celto-mythological (hah, I made that up) world. They have to find their way to the sea, where they presume they'll find their parents. And crazy stuff happens along the way. There are strange creatures, mysterious landscapes, and unexpected challenges. The kids must use their wits and courage to overcome these obstacles and reach their destination.

It's a fun and engaging read that takes the reader on a wild adventure. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy and mythology.

Strange, beautiful, somewhat frustrating.

These words seem to encapsulate a complex and rather mysterious experience. It makes one wonder what exactly lies beneath this description.

Could it be a place, an event, or perhaps a relationship? The ambiguity leaves room for speculation and imagination.

I really do wonder if this had any influence on Will and Lyra.

Were they affected by this strange, beautiful, and frustrating something?

Perhaps it shaped their decisions, changed their perspectives, or added a new layer of complexity to their already intertwined lives.

The thought of it lingers in the mind, creating a sense of curiosity and anticipation.

What might have been the consequences of this influence?

Would it lead to new adventures, unexpected discoveries, or maybe even a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them?

Only time will tell, but for now, the mystery remains, waiting to be解开.