This could be the start of a wonderful book-friendship.

Siblings Simon, Jane, and Barney are on vacation in Cornwall with their great-uncle. They are staying at Grey House, where they discover something that appears to be a map. However, it is so much more. Just like that, the three get caught up in a grail quest to stop the forces of darkness.

This is one of those books, and maybe series, that I wish I had found sooner. I can just feel it. Don't get me wrong: I don't believe in the nonsense about this or that book only being for this or that type of person. However, I bet there might have been an additional layer of magic to reading this if I had discovered it at a younger age. Oh well, better late than never!

I think I was around 11 when I first read an Arthurian story. I've been hooked ever since. There are so many angles to explore about King Arthur and his knights, the downfall of Camelot, and the magical parts of the world (sword, high priests, and Avalon).

Here, we get a slightly different take that feels like a "children-find-the-door-into-a-magical-land" tale was in the mix as well. In the best of ways. The children are quite cool. They are real children (not an adult trying too hard to appear to be describing one), having fun exploring, but very well behaved and self-reliant - what a breath of fresh air! The low-key magic making a cautious appearance was just the icing on the cake.

Pretty cool, and I'm looking forward to reading the entire series this month.

The Drew children are currently on holiday in Cornwall. They have rented the old Captain's house during his absence.

They explore the dusty attics of the house and come across what seems to be an ancient map with the name Arturus Rex. This discovery leads them to embark on an exciting adventure to recover a lost treasure that holds the true story of King Arthur. However, they are not the only ones in search of this treasure. There are others with nefarious purposes who are also after it.

The children's Great-Uncle Merry warns them about the constant battle between good and evil and tries his best to protect them as they search for the treasure.

I have a deep love for this first book in the series. I have read and reread it numerous times, and I am always thoroughly delighted with the plot, the characters, and the writing.

The plot is not only mysterious but also deep, as the children follow the ancient clues that take them along the paths where King Arthur once walked.

I really enjoy how the Drew children interact with each other. I have a particular fondness for stories about siblings. These children bicker and tease one another, yet they know that they can rely on each other when it truly matters. Each of them has a distinct personality, with different strengths and weaknesses. It is clear throughout every step of the adventure that it will require all of their combined talents to solve the clues.

The writing is extremely powerful and immersive. I love how, with just a few words, the author can transport the reader right into the middle of the scene, making you feel exactly what the characters are feeling. I actually found myself out of breath while reading about the characters running, and I could almost feel the heat on my skin when one character got a sunburn.

I also appreciate how the story incorporates Arthurian legend into the adventure, giving us a whole new perspective on ancient times and the age-old struggle between good and evil.

I absolutely adored this!

It is a wonderful, old-fashioned children's fantasy/mystery that is set in Cornwall and is equally delightful for adults.

The story is exquisitely written, with enchanting descriptions of the Cornish scenery that transport the reader right into the heart of the setting.

The plot is fast-paced and completely gripping, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The characters are instantly likeable, except for those on the dark side, where the author has a remarkable talent for instilling fear through her words.

I must mention that this serves as a poignant reminder for me of those carefree days of freedom, especially for children, which have unfortunately been lost over the past fifty years.

It definitely deserves five stars and is a favorite of mine. I'm already迫不及待 to move on to the next book in the series!

“Over Sea, Under Stone” had a distinct feel of being a prologue. The sequence of titles itself hints at this, given that “The Dark is Rising” is actually the second book in the series. In this story, we follow Simon, Jane, and Barney as they embark on a “holiday” in Cornwall with their parents and Great-Uncle Merriman Lyon. While exploring their vacation house, the kids come across a centuries-old map that is said to lead to the Holy Grail. At first, “Over Sea, Under Stone” starts off similar to the Narnia Chronicles, with British siblings on vacation meeting their mysterious old uncle. (There’s even a wardrobe that has a more significant role than just storing clothes.) However, the similarities don’t last beyond the initial premise. Unlike “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” which is mainly set in a fantastical land, “Over Sea, Under Stone” is a low fantasy centered around old Arthurian legends and ancient, primordial forces. Although this book doesn’t have direct Christian allegories, the themes are very black and white (literally, Dark and Light).

Overall, “Over Sea, Under Stone” was rather lackluster. For most of the book, it was the kids searching for clues, wandering around town, and chatting with Merriman Lyon. Given that the series revolves around the eternal struggle between the forces of light and dark, I was expecting more supernatural elements. There were no ghost knights or invisible bridges protecting the grail. I did enjoy the Arthurian lore and the fact that it takes place in England. Additionally, these kids were, to be honest, quite naïve. Their dog seemed smarter than them combined. I do give them some leeway as they are young—their ages aren’t clearly stated, but I’d estimate they were around eight to twelve years old. As for the twists, I guessed who the “bad guys” were as soon as they were introduced. The foreshadowing wasn’t very subtle. Hint: if one of the kids has a slight feeling of distrust towards a person, they’re evil. That last implication at the very end, though, took me by surprise. Like, wait, really?

For my first book of 2021, it wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t outstanding either. Could this be a sign of things to come?

Over Sea, Under Stone brings to mind that long line of '80s and '90s movies with brave groups of child protagonists outsmarting clumsy adult villains. The Goonies is perhaps the most well-known example, but there are others. The children face real danger and use a combination of courage and clever planning to defeat the bad guys and save the day. In this story, Simon, Jane, and Barney work together to decode a medieval treasure map that could lead to the Grail of Arthurian legend. They encounter a limited cast of characters, all determined to obtain the Grail for unspecified, but surely evil, reasons—and they don't hesitate to threaten children.

Cooper clearly understands what it takes to capture a child's imagination. This is evident in the way her characters speak and the way she describes their environment. From the start, the story has a wonderful, Narnia-like quality: an old house that isn't theirs, with a hidden world (in this case, a room) behind a forgotten wardrobe. The children find an ancient manuscript and decide it must be a treasure map, a deduction later confirmed by their elusive Great-Uncle Merry, who keeps disappearing at the worst times. The children begin working to decipher the clues on the manuscript and follow the trail to find the Grail; meanwhile, they have to work hard to avoid the antagonists who are constantly on their heels. Each chapter is filled with adventure and a hint of danger.

The mythology of a Celtic King Arthur permeates the story, which is set in 1950s Cornwall. However, it would be a mistake to pick up this book only for this reason. Cooper uses the mythology as a backdrop and a motivation for the quest, but she doesn't explain it in detail as much as she points to it. Familiarity with Arthurian legend is neither helpful nor necessary, and aside from the romanticism that such allusions allow, any historical connection would have done just as well. I was disappointed that Cooper couldn't find a more engaging way to integrate the legends.

What impressed me more was Cooper's focus on deductive reasoning and methodical planning by the children. Too many books aimed at young adults have shallow, even dull plots that require little originality or problem-solving from the protagonist. The adventure usually consists of a series of physical feats, and the mental challenges, if any, are tired and repetitive. Here, the children face a number of obstacles that they overcome through careful reasoning and ingenious innovation. For example, at one point they use a ball of cotton thread that Jane has to try to measure the depth of a hole they find. In another scene, they reason out how the relative placement of three standing stones on a slope affects their apparent heights, and thus the heights of the shadows they cast. By including these details and showing the children's thought process, Cooper introduces her younger readers to deductive reasoning. I loved juvenile mystery series as a boy—Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and Encyclopedia Brown were among the best—and I could see myself enjoying this aspect of Over Sea, Under Stone.

Alas, much like the movies this book resembles, the unwavering, positive portrayal of the children and their adventure is far from satisfying. Every setback is quickly turned into a victory; every apparent defeat is actually a hidden victory upon further thought. Although there is a hint of danger, it never really materializes. I can understand the appeal of this type of storytelling to younger readers, but I'm not overly fond of it. And I firmly believe it's important to scare kids once in a while. Although I can't say that Cooper left out the conflict in this book, I wish it had been more fully developed. I wish the children hadn't succeeded so easily. There is definitely a plot here, in the form of adventure, but the story itself leaves a lot to be desired.

I'm reading this as part of The Dark is Rising Sequence omnibus. As I write this, I've read both this and The Dark is Rising. I'm not in a hurry to add this to my nephew's future reading list. Which doesn't mean the books are bad, or boring, or even particularly unimpressive. I enjoyed them. But they don't reach the intense heights or agonizing depths that I expect from my books, whether they're for young adults or not. I can't say whether younger me would have had a less critical view of them, sorry. And perhaps, at the time when they were published, this was innovative and inspiring. As it is, I think the market and genre have expanded to the point where there are definitely more worthwhile stories for children to immerse themselves in. But if there aren't, then I suppose this would do in a pinch.

My reviews of The Dark is Rising sequence:
The Dark is Rising →

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The Dark is Rising sequence by Susan Cooper is a classic. The first novel, Over Sea, Under Stone, was published in 1965 and has been dramatized by David Calcutt. The story follows siblings Simon, Jane, and Barney as they have a curious discovery in a cluttered attic while holidaying with their great-uncle in Cornwall. What was supposed to be an ordinary summer in Trewissick turns into something extraordinary and frightening. In Episode 2, a treasure hunt under a full moon leads them deeper into danger from dark forces. Episode 3 sees a carnival twist through the winding streets as the powers of the dark close in and Barney becomes isolated. In Episode 4, the children near the end of their quest, but it's not just the tide closing in. The cast includes Ronald Pickup as Great Uncle Merry, Naomi Kerbel as Jane, Ben Gutteridge as Simon, Edward Clarke as Barney, and Struan Rodger as Hastings. The music is composed and performed by Martin Allcock, and it's directed by Nigel Bryant.

From TIA:

First of Susan Cooper's classic sequence of novels collectively entitled "The Dark is Rising" - Over Sea, Under Stone was first published in 1965. Dramatised by David Calcutt.



Episode 1 - The Parchment

Holidaying with their great-uncle in Cornwall, siblings Simon, Jane and Barney make a curious discovery in a cluttered attic.

What they expected to be an ordinary summer in the village of Trewissick turns into something very unordinary - and frightening...



Episode 2 - The Standing Stones

A treasure hunt under a full moon leads Simon, Jane and Barney deeper into danger from dark forces.



Episode 3 - The Furry Dance

A carnival twists through the winding streets, as the powers of the dark close in, Barney becomes isolated.



Episode 4 - The Trust of Logres

The children near the end of their quest, over sea and under stone, but it is not just the tide closing in.



Stars Ronald Pickup as Great Uncle Merry, Naomi Kerbel as Jane, Ben Gutteridge as Simon, Edward Clarke as Barney and Struan Rodger as Hastings.

With Sandra Berkin, Christopher Scott, Struan Rodger, David Stevens, Kathryn Hunt Anna Keene, Gerry Hinks and Duncan Law.

Music composed and performed by Martin Allcock.

Dramatised by David Calcutt.

Directed by Nigel Bryant.




https://archive.org/details/OverSeaUn...

I vividly remember reading this series with great enthusiasm when I was a child. To this day, I still possess the original copy that I devoured during my youthful days. Although I haven't revisited these books in many years, they remain firmly etched in my mind as some of the very best, if not the absolute best, series of "fantastic" novels for children.

Let's take a moment to revel in the beauty of children's literature before it was overshadowed by film adaptations, annoying cartoon rabbits, and the overbearing insertion of social messages that often lead to literary mediocrity.

The story follows three English kids who embark on a holiday to Trewissick in Cornwall (a fictionalized version of Mevagissey). They stay in a remarkable place called The Grey House and befriend their mysterious Great-Uncle Merry. During their stay, they stumble upon an ancient map and are soon drawn into a thrilling quest to find an ancient relic of power. However, they are not alone in this pursuit as the insidious local vicar and some other malevolent individuals are also vying for the same relic.

The series is filled with countless memorable elements. There's the carnival that serves as a trap, all the fascinating Arthurian references (and really, what else could the source of an ancient relic of power in Cornwall be?), and a truly great ending. The introduction to the series, while perhaps not as exciting and strange as the other installments, is still outstanding in its own way. It sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure that will capture the imaginations of children and adults alike.

I've been desiring to read this series for numerous years. The book serves as a perfect means of escaping from the stressful university studies.

I truly relished the brisk and engaging writing style that vividly depicted this charming part of England. More than anything, I longed to follow Barney, Jane, and Simon as they journeyed from the harbour to the rocky outcrops and then to the little bays and beaches in their pursuit of the Grail.

It is beneficial if you are acquainted with the Arthurian legend. However, in reality, anyone can delight in this timeless adventure story. And let's be honest, any book that features a group of children, a rented holiday house, and a dog is bound to have one or more adventures.

If you have read an excessive number of Bookclub tomes or simply wish to rediscover your inner child, step in here and enjoy.

This is an outstanding children's book. In fact, I'm truly astonished that I have never read it before. Now, I have an intense desire to complete the entire series.

It presents a rather typical narrative where the children come across a treasure map and embark on a journey to reach it. However, it also delves into a more serious aspect, namely a battle against evil, which is intertwined with the history of King Arthur and his struggles. I am also a devotee of Arthurian legend, so it was fascinating to have this element incorporated into the story as well.

The aspect that truly made me appreciate this book was the fact that I actually felt worried for the characters. I found myself shouting at the kids in the book to lower their voices or hide the map, as I was extremely concerned that the malicious individuals in pursuit of the treasure were in close proximity. In my opinion, that is the hallmark of a great book, especially considering my current non-young adult age.

My 8-year-old son, I'm certain, would have assigned a higher rating to this book.

He seems to possess more patience than I do. However, for some reason, I struggled to get through this book.

From the overly drawn-out events that took place in the story, to the exasperating manner in which the children repeatedly and foolishly did the exact wrong thing, and to the author's attempt to completely inundate the readers with adverbs...

I was eager for this book to end when we were only halfway through. That being said, it wasn't an especially BAD book.

It simply squandered numerous ripe opportunities to be more thrilling than it actually was! As it stands, I'm afraid I found it rather dull.

My son is insistent that we complete the series, so I suppose we will. But I don't hold high expectations of being enthralled by the subsequent books any more than I was by this one.

Perhaps I'm just not the right audience for this particular style of writing.

Nevertheless, I'll try to approach the remaining books with an open mind and see if they can surprise me.

A Slight But Winning Intro into a Phenomenal Series

This opening book takes us on a thrilling adventure with the Drew children during their summer holiday in Cornwall.

With an ancient map in hand and the promise of Arthurian treasure, they race breathlessly from one place to another, skillfully evading the forces of evil.

This is perhaps my third or fourth time reading this book, and this particular reading left me more amused than impatient.

Once upon a time, long ago, I began this series with The Dark Is Rising. After the intensity of that classic, Over Sea, Under Stone initially seemed unimpressive.

However, perhaps enough time has passed. The swift pace, uncluttered prose, and the nonchalant realism of how the children interact with each other all add to the charm.

The process of discovering the clues on the map, the mysterious Grey House, and the pleasant atmosphere of Cornwall itself make for an engaging read.

I also appreciate the often ambiguous menace of the forces threatening the protagonists, especially the idea of Evil wearing a pleasant, cheerful face while bringing sandwiches or tucking you in for bedtime.

This book also features Rufus, a not just good but smart dog. He senses when something bad is happening, like when owls hoot during the day. And he can control his barking when needed, such as when Evil is searching for him and the children as they hide in the grass. Good Rufus!

How can one not be enamored with the search for King Arthur and Merlin? I have been in love with this legend ever since my teenage years.

It seems like such a long time ago!

The three Drew children are spending a month-long holiday in Cornwall. While their parents are off pursuing their own interests, Gumerry (Great Uncle Merry) is keeping them entertained with captivating stories of King Arthur and the lost grail.

As the children eventually discover, Gumerry is actually on a quest of his own to find the grail, all while being pursued by the forces of evil who will stop at nothing to learn its location.

I read this book many years ago and had fully intended to read the rest of the series but somehow never got around to it. However, now I am determined to do so.

I am eager to once again immerse myself in this enchanting world of knights, magic, and adventure.

Who knows what new mysteries and excitement await me as I continue this literary journey?