This is a truly great kids' adventure story.

Thanks go to Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) for the wonderful recommendation.

She believed that it was similar to the Narnia stories, yet it had a more indistinct good vs. evil theme instead of being deliberately based on Christianity.

I was absolutely thrilled by the scenes where the kids were pursued by the bad guys.

Particularly exciting were the moments when they were stealthily creeping through caves and laboriously crawling over rocks on the Cornish coast.

It was exactly the kind of excitement that I love!

Without a doubt, I will definitely read the sequels to this captivating adventure.

I can't wait to see what other thrilling experiences await the kids in the following installments.

When Simon, Jane, and Barney found an old manuscript during their holiday, they had no inkling that it would thrust them into the heart of the eternal struggle between good and the dark. Now, they must engage in a race against time to uncover where the manuscript leads before the agents of the dark manage to find out and it is too late.

Over Sea, Under Stone is the initial installment of five books in The Dark is Rising Sequence. It is a light-hearted read targeted at elementary school-aged readers. The story features some moderately scary scenarios, such as hypnotism, withholding information from parents, and at least one instance where it is hinted that someone uttered an unkind word. There is no profanity (at least in English), sexual content, killing, or real violence.

Interesting Note: The tone and the beginning strongly reminded me of C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and there are several similarities in the early stages - although the stories are actually quite distinct.

To read more content-based reviews, visit Sarah's Reviews.

My initial encounter with this book took place when I was already an adult, and yet, I found myself completely enamored with it.

The story within its pages had a charm that transcended age, captivating my heart and imagination.

Fast forward to November 2020, and we decided to embark on a family reading adventure.

We gathered around, and as I read aloud, the kids listened intently.

To my delight, they too were thoroughly enjoying the book, just as I had.

Their eyes widened with excitement at the thrilling parts, and they giggled at the humorous moments.

It was a wonderful experience to share this book with my family, creating memories that will surely last a lifetime.

Even now, I can still recall the joyous expressions on their faces as we delved into the world of the story together.

This book truly has the power to bring people of all ages together and create a shared sense of wonder and enjoyment.

Three stars from the adult me.

When I first read and raved about this series (or as much of it as I could find when I was in middle school--I think I never got hold of Vol 5), it would have been a solid five--or perhaps 7! I was King Arthur-mad in those days, and "fantasy fiction" was a relatively new phenomenon in my environment. The story of three siblings (and a dog) who search for the Holy Grail in Cornwall, dodging bad guys as they go, was just my cup of tea in those days. I didn't remember anything at all about it when I came across it again, so it was like an unknown book, except I remembered loving it.

It's still well-written, and in its way a rattling good yarn--but. There's a definite smell of The Famous Five about it when I read it now. Mom and Dad are never around; Mom's a painter, so she's either shut up in her "studio" or off painting somewhere on the coast, and Dad? Well, Dad is just sketched-in, but mostly he's off fishing, or acting like a big kid. They even have a borrowed dog, a big bouncy mutt called Rufus who apparently "came with the house!" We're never actually told how old the kids are, I figured probably between 10 or 11 and 15, the cut-off point for getting all excited about treasure maps and legends of the Maltese Falcon sort. I suppose not stating ages would help young readers identify more? At this reading, I noticed that it's mostly Simon and Barnabas (the boys) who do the running, the dodging, the rescuing--and even most of the searching. Jane mostly thinks. Oh, she comes up with some very useful ideas and answers, that send her brothers crashing off to do stuff. But she mostly stands or sits and waits for them to come back. They need her, but in a passive tarry-by-the-stuff role. (She does go out at night a couple of times--with Simon and Uncle Merry; yeah, girls can't/shouldn't act on their own, I guess.) However, the book was published in 1965, and possibly written before then, by a woman born in 1935, so her gender-roles were probably pretty fixed. This also assures it's a good clean adventure, though the end is rather truncated, I felt. We go from the hugely exciting (for kids) adventure at sea scene to a leap into the future--how long? never told--and nothing in between.

And of course the adult me figured Uncle Merry out in the first chapter, the first time he refused to answer a direct question and put that faraway Eagle-on-a-crag look on his face.

It strikes me that I probably only read this once, back in the day. True, there were more volumes to the saga, but it says something if you're me. I enjoyed it then, but the fact that I remembered nothing at all about it tells me it made little lasting impression. It wasn't the crashing comedown that some childhood re-reads have been, though.

Over Sea, Under Stone is, in many respects, the quintessential children's adventure story. It combines a seaside holiday, cliffs, a hidden treasure, adventure, and danger. However, it has elements that set it apart and make it much more. The story begins with the Drew family - father, mother, and importantly, the three children, Simon, Jane, and Barney - arriving in Cornwall to spend their holiday with their mother's uncle, Great Uncle Merry. They discover that he has rented an old house, Grey House, where they will all stay. There is a housekeeper, Mrs Palk, and a dog, Rufus, who come with the house.

Soon after arriving, while exploring the Grey House on a rainy day, the children find an old manuscript with strange writing and a map. Simon can decipher some of it with his limited knowledge of Latin from school, but it is with the help of Great Uncle Merry, or Gumerry as Barney calls him, that they truly understand what they have found. It is a treasure map, but not an ordinary one. It will lead them to an extraordinary treasure related to King Arthur and expose them to great danger as the eternal battle between Dark and Light resurfaces.

In fact, it may have already begun, as a Mr Withers and his sister Polly, who live in the neighbourhood, have invited the family out on their yacht, and Jane feels distinctly uncomfortable around them. While Great Uncle Merry does assist and support them in their search for the treasure, it is up to the three children to decipher the map's clues and find the treasure on their own. But can they succeed? Will the Withers brother and sister catch up with them?

I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to the Dark is Rising series, which reminded me of the many Enid Blyton adventure and mystery books I loved as a child. The holiday by the sea, the treasure map, rock caves, and cliffs were common elements in Blyton's books, especially the Famous Five stories, and it was delightful to find them incorporated in this story. Typically, in these tales, the parents must be absent for the children to have a full-fledged adventure and face the kind of danger they do. Here, while Mr and Mrs Drew are present, they are often occupied with their own pursuits, believing the children's excursions to be just a game. They conveniently 'go away' when the children need to venture out at night to solve part of the puzzle.

Blyton isn't the only inspiration, as the explorations inside Grey House, with the wise professor uncle and a large wardrobe, are reminiscent of the Narnia books. What makes this book more than just a children's adventure is the historical and legendary aspects. The mysterious manuscript and treasure are related to Arthur and Arthurian lore, as are the forces of darkness that have been unleashed. Additionally, the children's discovery of the map introduces an element of destiny or prophecy, as it is clear that they are the ones who must find the treasure. Great Uncle Merry helps and protects them when needed, but never takes the lead or tries to take over the treasure hunt. The danger from the Withers and other characters representing the 'dark' is far more sinister than in an ordinary children's adventure.

Nevertheless, I liked that the book retains the feel of a children's adventure. The three Drew children, all likeable, are ordinary kids on a dangerous treasure hunt. On a side note, the fictional Cornish village setting includes a carnival and a floral dance, which reminded me of the spring festival Flora Day in Helston, as described in another book set in Cornwall. I wonder if this was the inspiration? Overall, I had a great time with this first entry in the series and look forward to reading more soon!

I have to admit that I have no clue as to how this book, which was released way back in 1965, ended up on my GoodReads to-read list.

If only I were more organized, I would be able to recall who recommended it, the reason behind the recommendation, and when it was recommended.

However, it seems that I am not as organized as I should be. All I know is that this book was on my list, and I made a decision to give equal attention to reading the books I have noted as to-read, just like the new and shiny books that catch my attention. And so, here I am with the 1965 book.

As I was reading, I found myself comparing this book to Stephen King's works as it contains many similar tropes. There is a group of young children who have a lot of free time on their hands. Somehow, they manage to a) discover a treasure map that has been lost for centuries, b) protect the map (sort of) from numerous adults with bad intentions and at least a couple of other children who are bullies and tricksters, and c) operate under the haphazard and cryptic guidance of a tall and sometimes threatening, seemingly ageless man (think Gandalf if you need a mental image). Peril follows, with clueless parents completely unaware and never being sought out for help. Murky and menacing characters make appearances and then disappear. All the classic King elements are present. But then I realized that this book was written so long ago that perhaps Stephen King read it and used it as his emotional touchstone!

Be that as it may, I started reading the book when I had an hour to spare in my car, waiting for someone. By the next morning at 10:00 am, the book was finished and ready to be returned to the library. I even chose to read this book instead of a fairly complex Hugo award-winning novel that was stretching my brain in new directions. I'm not very likely to read the next book in the series, but then again, I just might.

Revision: I see that Mark Lawrence read this, and his works are always great. This makes me think that perhaps I followed his review?

[Re-read from many years back, for nostalgic reasons. Happy to see my opinion didn’t change.]

Susan Cooper’s Newbery Medal-honored five-volume series The Dark Is Rising holds a special place as one of the most enduring works of young adult fantasy in the latter 20th century. Cooper’s mythic tales are a distinct homage to the legends that inspired them, especially those of King Arthur and the Mabinogion. Her deep reverence for this lore permeates these captivating adventures, yet it doesn't burden them with a sense of self-importance.

Over Sea, Under Stone serves as a prequel to the main series. The Drew siblings - Simon, Jane, and Barney - are on vacation with their parents in the coastal village of Trewissick in Cornwall. While exploring the musty attic of the Grey House, the imposing ancient home they have rented for their holiday, the kids come across a cracked and mysterious map that seems to depict the local coastline and nearby areas. Their Great-Uncle Merry, Merriman Lyon, a traveling “professor” of sorts who neatly fills the role of the wise old sage, deciphers the obscure Latin and Old English text on the map. They learn that it indeed hints at a lost treasure dating back a thousand years to the days of the original King Arthur, who valiantly fought against the forces of darkness that ultimately overcame him. An ancient prophecy attached to the shriveled map foretells that a new Arthur will one day find this treasure and resume the age-old battle against evil. (Continued...)

Books become classics for a very good reason. At the beginning, the pace might be a bit slow, and indeed, the dialogue and middle-class situations can seem a little like something out of The Famous Five, which might put off some readers. However, this book quickly became one that I simply couldn't put down. I have a great affection for books that give you a sense of unease, where ordinary people are concealing dark motivations and no one can truly be trusted. I also really enjoy books that incorporate legend, folklore, and myth into (almost) contemporary settings, just as Alan Garner does so skillfully in The Owl Service and Elidor. So, to read a book centered around Arthurian legend was truly perfect. As a budding author, this was both inspiring and educational, and as a reader, it had me completely captivated.

“You can search and search, in a quest, and in the end you may never get there at all.” — Barney

“You can search and search, in a quest, and in the end you may never get there at all.” — Barney

In the late 1960s or early 70s, when I first read this, I was actively seeking stories about quests for the Holy Grail in modern times. It joined works like Charles Williams’ 'War in Heaven' (1930), Arthur Machen’s 'The Great Return' (1915), Alan Garner’s 'Elidor' (1965), and others, some better forgotten. These examples showed how the concept of the grail, as both a cup and a symbol, could inspire a plethora of different tales of quests and trails pursued by those in search of it.

A more recent second reading revealed more subtleties than I recalled, and now a third reading has elevated the novel even higher in my estimation. Its pacing is excellent, its verisimilitude (despite being a fantasy) is remarkable, and above all, its characterization of the three siblings at the core of the fiction is outstanding.

Among other things that struck me was the fact that, apart from one or two details firmly anchoring it in the sixties, this narrative has scarcely dated. This means it can be perfectly enjoyed by today’s readers, regardless of their age.

The Drew children – Simon, Jane, and Barney – have just stepped off the train at St Austell in Cornwall, ready for their August holiday. Met by their Great Uncle Merry and a resident dog named Rufus, they and their parents, Dick and Ellen, are taken to the Grey House above the town of Trewissick, an ancient dwelling owned by an absent sea captain.

It is in the Grey House that the adventure truly begins, with an exploration that leads to a modern quest for the grail. Author Susan Cooper manages to reference various of her predecessors and their adventure stories while making us believe in her three young protagonists. There are hints of Edith Nesbit’s 'Five Children and It' set near the Kent coast, Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and Kirrin Island, and even C S Lewis’s 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', especially with an enigmatic Professor and an old house with a mysterious wardrobe leading to hidden spaces.

I really took a liking to the three Drew children. Simon, as the eldest, was both bossy and superior, yet also fiercely protective of his sister and brother. Jane was proactive, if not quite the archetypal tomboy, and her reluctance to join a fishing expedition or enter a dark cave was perfectly understandable and not at all girly. Finally, there’s Barney, who, though the youngest, is equally proactive and imaginative, and his love of the Arthurian legends proves crucial in answering many of the questions raised by their quest.

But this is a fantasy where Light is pitted against the Dark, and it is very possible that three youngsters may not be able to withstand the older, stronger, and to some extent more supernaturally powerful adversaries arrayed against them. Cooper manages to maintain a sense of both the existential and psychological threats faced by the Drews as the narrative weaves its way to the final crisis.

She also has some fun with words and names. The Drews are well named, as their mother is an artist, and a sculptor friend predicts Barney will be one too. Professor Merriman Lyon’s own name hides a not unexpected secret; there’s even an oblique reference to Narnia’s Pevensie siblings with a sinister clergyman called Hastings, after the town near Pevensey beach; and the author has done her historical research, as seen in the backstory to the novel’s relic and the name-checking of literary and other scholars among the group of archaeologists at the end.

Just one more point I might add for now: the fictional Trewissick is clearly inspired by the real Mevagissey, but it borrows freely from other Cornish ports and their folk traditions. I once made the mistake of trying to identify the locations in Cooper’s town too closely with real promontories, buildings, and beaches, but the results don’t bear close inspection. Still, it’s certainly a fun exercise – even if, as Barney says, “in the end you may never get there at all.”

In these incredibly anxiety-plagued final days leading up to USA’s Election Day, I found myself in desperate need of a comforting read. So, I decided to pick up a book hoping it would provide the solace I craved. And in some ways, it obliged.

The book is sweetly written,描绘了一群可爱且机智的孩子们，他们竭尽全力去解决谜题并躲避坏人。然而，出乎意料的是，书中出现了一些过时的、令人不适的种族主义陈词滥调，而且它的节奏比我期望的要慢一些。

I’ve heard that the later books in this classic children’s fantasy series are much more accomplished. And indeed, there is enough whimsy and heart in this one to encourage me to explore further and see if that’s the case. But I did wish that this particular installment had a bit more heart-stirring magic in it. As it stands, it wound up being only mildly diverting, not quite the captivating escape I had hoped for during these tense times.

Nevertheless, I remain curious about the potential that lies within the rest of the series and look forward to uncovering more of its secrets and charms in the future.

I wanted to like this story, but unfortunately, I just couldn't fully engage with either the plot or the characters.

Jane, Simon, and Barney accompany their parents to Cornwall to visit their Uncle Merry. The three children explore the old grey house and stumble upon an ancient map that sets them on a thrilling quest for the Holy Grail. However, they are not alone in their pursuit. The forces of Dark also desire the map for its limitless power. With the help of Uncle Merry, it becomes a frantic race to see who can find the map first.

The threesome often finds themselves in dangerous situations, not entirely sure who is good or bad. Their innocent trust sometimes leads them astray. What I did like about the characters was that they were typical kids with short attention spans. They would forget about their quest when distracted by a carnival or the desire to soak up the sun. Their vivid imaginations would at times interfere with their focus, which was both endearing and a way to diffuse potentially scary moments. However, some might find this annoying as it slows down the plot. As a reader, you might find yourself frustrated, wondering what they are thinking and urging them to hurry before the bad guys arrive.

What really bothered me was the overuse of the tension technique where the kids or adults would deliberately mislead the three children or there would be miscommunications. This happened far too often and I have a bias against such devices. For example, Jane should have told Uncle Merry, Simon, and Barney about the vicar's interest in the map, but she didn't think it was important. Given that she is quite bright throughout most of the story, this reasoning didn't sit well with me. Later, when she makes the connection, it becomes clear that this was just a device to move the story forward. This same pattern repeats with other characters like Barney and Mrs. Palk, and after a while, it felt contrived and dull.

The setting is described beautifully, making it easy to picture the village on the harbor. However, the villains are rather one-dimensional. They represent the Dark and sometimes appear nice and fun to the kids, serving as a good reminder that not everyone can be judged by their outward appearance. The parents in the story seem completely oblivious to what is happening with their kids and the quest. I was also a bit confused as to why one villain had more power over his flunkies. Maybe the sequel will shed more light on their relationships.

Jane comes across as a more stereotypical girl from the 1970s. She objects to her brother's dirty hands, wants to please those around her, is a bit of a scaredy-cat on the adventure and has to be carried, carries a spool of thread in her jacket, and wants to tell her parents about the old manuscript. The mother is also presented as the stereotypical flaky artist. I did enjoy the characters' voices with their Cornish accents, especially when they would say "midear."

Overall, the plot was predictable and the clues weren't very engaging. Although the fantasy elements are present in the book, it just didn't manage to capture my interest. Nevertheless, I'm going to read book 2 since it won a Newbery award. I'm hoping that Cooper did a better job with that one!

An adventure that was interesting all along the way. How could it not be? There was a charming seaside town with its narrow winding streets, as if leading to countless mysteries. The dusty attic held a hidden old manuscript, perhaps the key to uncovering a buried treasure. The King Arthur legend added a touch of magic and mystery to the whole setting. And then there was a furry dog, full of energy and charm, accompanying the protagonist on this adventure. The old Vicarage stood as a silent witness to the events unfolding. During carnival time, the town came alive with colors and sounds, adding to the excitement. And let's not forget the exciting chase that had the reader on the edge of their seat.

This series is truly captivating. I will continue on with it, eager to see what new adventures await.

In September 2023, I give it 5 stars again. Just like the above review, this story was not only interesting but also very atmospheric and magical. It's a great escape story that allows you to visit Cornwall from the comfort of your chair. Highly recommended for those who love a good adventure with a touch of magic and mystery.