by. , second in a trilogy, which won the Scottish Arts Councils Childrens Book Award. I bought the book based on positive reviews from people whose opinion I respect very much. Over Sea, Under Stone. He leads the Dark members battling Merriman and the Drew children in the search for the Grail. I have also read it to my own kids and bought it for others. Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2022. This book is - in my opinion - possibly the weakest of the series. She jumped to her feet and ran after them into the sunshine, seeing in an instant what they had seen: the towering familiar figure of Great-Uncle Merry, out in the yard, waiting for them. He was a long, rangy, lean dog, and where the sunlight shafted down on his coat it gleamed dark red. They learn to read the diagram and work out the clues on the map, but they must work out of doors, where each child has a nasty encounter with the Dark and their progress is easy to observe. Splendid vehicle. Susan Cooper's latest book is the YA novel "Ghost Hawk" (2013). The sun was hot on their faces, and they felt the warmth of the stone quayside strike at their feet through their sandal soles. I really enjoyed this story. Over Sea, Under Stone (Kindle Edition) Published September 30th 2010 by RHCP Digital. The first volume of Susan Cooper's brilliant and absorbing fantasy series, The Dark Is Rising. I read this for the first time when I was seven and I was immediately pulled into the world and characters. Smashing. a slight but winning intro into a phenomenal series. And in searching for it themselves, the Drews put their . Hes just gone chasing after some stupid old tomb in a church, or something. Yes Harry Potter is amazing, The Chronicles of Prydain is exceptional, Redwall is pretty fantastic. An illustration of a magnifying glass. Over Sea Under Stone is a great book, just as vivid and imaginative as ever. As it was Christmas I decided I needed a good book to read for dark nights so started with The Dark is Rising which I had read in my childhood. The first volume of Susan Cooper's brilliant and absorbing fantasy series, The Dark. The little man shook his fist, then turned towards the quay, leaping neatly from the deck of one boat to another, until he reached the ladder in the wall and climbed up by the childrens feet. He says they got a hundred stone of pilchard last night, and theyll get more tomorrow because its going to rain. One day youll ask too many questions, said Jane. They are a largely harmonious bunch, but they will sneak in a little brag if one of them is more prepared than the other, and they will complain when tired. Her first novels were "Mandrake" and the autobiographical "Dawn of Fear," followed by the complete Dark is Rising sequence (Over Sea, Under Stone; The Dark is Rising; Greenwitch; The Grey King; Silver on the Tree). Over sea, under stone / Susan Cooper. I will dispense with any sort of summary of the story; dozens of reviewers have done that quite well. help you understand the book. Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help. It has never been made commercially available. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading. The forces of Dark want the map too for its unlimited power and with the help of Uncle Merry it is a mad race to see who can find it first. Buy from one of these Booksellers: Amazon . As for the writing style and pacing, it managed to be boring 75% of the time and reminded me of The Magic Treehouse books, but for older kids. Certainly they are the best young adult series. When Rex is invited to go along on the traditional pumpkin-picking trip with Pinky's grandparents, she doesn't feel that Pinky's cousin Abby really wants her to be part of the fun. Merriman is misdirected out of town, but the children anxiously follow their ancient guide "over sea and under stone" without him. Along his pointed finger, Jane saw the tall graceful triangle of a yacht under full sail, moving lazily in towards Trewissick. And then they would hear no more of him until the next time, perhaps months later, that he appeared at the door. I say, that oaf with the bicycle, hes going on board the yacht! Jane and Barney looked. Trewissick seemed to be sleeping beneath its grey, slate-tiled roofs, along the narrow winding streets down the hill. I read the shit out of this series when I was a kid. It's no wonder these books garnered a ton of awards because it really does stand out like a shimmering diamond in the children's fantasy genre. In the novel the physical action parallels the conflict of ideas. . But Barney, who had not been listening, turned round from where he had been peering over the edge of the quay. Up on the headland they show him the map, and he tells them that it is a copy of an even older map that shows the way to a hidden treasure and that the children are now in great danger. In a 1976 Horn Book essay, "A Second Look: Over Sea, Under Stone", Dwight Dudley Carlson argues that Cooper's superb abilities as a storyteller, the novel's clear delineation of good and evil, and the believability of the Drew children have contributed to its lasting success with young readers. The legendary and allegorical overtones emerge clearly from the story itself. Why? Wait and see. The engine gave a hiccup and a roar, and then they were away. The abstract and impersonal forces of myth and religion intersect with the precise details of the action and setting. We work hard to protect your security and privacy. If you are a fan of the Book of Three, you'll like this series. As clues lead the children to believe the object is from the age of King Arthur, their lives become endangered as the evil "dark" grows closer in a battle between the forces of good and evil that may threaten the world. The Dark Is Rising was the Newbery Honor book in 1974, and The Grey King won the Newbery Medal in 1976. It is even more than that -- the key to finding a grail, a source of power to fight the forces of evil known as the Dark. Although he was not her real uncle, but only a friend of her father, he had been close to the family for so many years that it never occurred to them to wonder where he had come from in the first place. A sombre house, painted dark-grey, with the door and windowframes shining white. Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper. They heard the rattle of rigging, very faint across the water, and the throaty cough of an engine. On holiday in Cornwall, Simon, Jane and Barney Drew discover an ancient map in . I highly recommend this book and even more highly recommend the rest of the series. And so it begins. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Film Adaptations of Young Adult Literature: The Seeker. The boy scrambled to his feet, glaring at Jane. Nesbit. Barney is kidnapped by Mr. Withers and his sister Polly, and must be rescued. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It is even more than that -- the key to finding a grail, a source of power to fight the forces of evil known as the Dark. The (former) vicarage, where Jane Drew has the first nasty encounter with Mr. Hastings, is based on the (former) vicarage Mevagissey House. Word Count: 311. A small, wizened figure popped up suddenly from a hatch in the deck and waved its arms about in fury, shouting over the water towards the boy in a surprisingly deep voice. Preview of Over Sea, Under Stone Summary: Over Sea, Under Stone is a fast-paced adventure story, full of exciting incident and perilous situations. Its sweetly written, with likable, resourceful children doing their best to solve puzzles and evade bad guys. A box of tins and packets of food had spilled from the bicycle carrier, and milk was trickling in a white puddle from a broken bottle splintered glittering in the sun. Captain Toms: Friend of Merriman, owner of The Grey House which the Drews rent, has a very smart red setter Rufus that helps the Drew children avoid danger and find the Grail. "Over Sea, Under Stone - Summary" Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults There was enough mystery and danger to keep me wanting to listen. The way they interacted felt realistic and it helped me to enjoy the story even more. Out beyond the far harbour wall, a dark shape was bobbing against the long white hull of the silent yacht. Great review, Eustacia! Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute, Another powerful story in the Logan Family Saga and companion to Mildred D. Taylor's Newbery Award-winningRoll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.With the depression bearing down on her family, there, Early readers will love joining best friends Pinky and Rex on their many adventures! Choose Expedited Shipping at checkout for delivery by, Learn how to enable JavaScript on your browser, European People, Places & Cultures - Kids Fiction, The Hunger Games (Hunger Games Series #1), The Hunger Games: The Special Edition (Hunger Games, Book One), Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: 40th Anniversary Special Edition, Pinky And Rex and the Double-Dad Weekend: Ready-to-Read Level 3, Pinky and Rex and the Perfect Pumpkin: Ready-to-Read Level 3, Invasion of the Mind Swappers from Asteroid 6! Kindle Edition, 260 pages. It is the first of five books in Cooper's The Dark is Rising series. This is hard work! He must be nuts. I bet hes right. what was the matter with him? There is even a wardrobe, albeit not one that functions as a conduit to a magical world. ${cardName} not available for the seller you chose. (3) $9.99. I first read this as a child and have been waiting for a re-release of the series with the same cover. You keep away from n. We shall, Jane said with feeling, rubbing her leg gingerly. After it was turned down by twenty or more publishers, she sent it to a friend of a friend who was reading manuscripts for Jonathan Cape, who published it in 1965."[5]. In the attic of the big Grey House they are renting from Merriman's friend Captain Toms the children find an old manuscript. off, the lot of ee, he snapped; they had never heard the word he used, but the tone was unmistakable, and Simon went hot with resentment and clenched his fists to lunge forward. Tidy old boat, thatncruisin, I suppose. And against the sky they saw nothing but lonely trees, stunted and bowed by the wind that blew from the sea, and yellow-grey outcrops of rock. 1965, UK, Jonathan Cape (ISBN NA), May 1965, hardcover (first edition), 1966, US, Harcourt, Brace & World (ISBN NA), 1966, hard (first US ed. In you get. Jane glanced regretfully back at the station entrance as she clambered in after the rest. He had been longing to come to the West Country; it gave him a strange feeling that he would in some way be coming home. One up. It was my fault really, I made her run into him, but he was beastly rude and he bashed Janes hand away andand then he went off before I could hit him, he ended lamely. It's winter; we're snowed in; temperatures will be plummeting. Over Sea, Under Stone Susan Cooper 3.85 50,342 ratings2,665 reviews Want to read Kindle $7.99 Rate this book On holiday in Cornwall, the three Drew children discover an ancient manuscript and map in the attic of the house that they are staying in. Over Sea, Under Stone (The Dark Is Rising Sequence) Paperback - May 8, 2007 by Susan Cooper (Author) 873 ratings Book 1 of 5: The Dark Is Rising See all formats and editions Kindle $7.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook $0.00 Free with your Audible trial Hardcover $19.99 13 Used from $12.90 10 New from $14.64 Paperback Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising Sequence evolved a lot over five novels and twelve years, but. Fast paced and thrilling. He might take years and years. Mother (Ellen): Simon, Jane, and Barney's Mother. Mystery, supernatural forces, and three brilliant, lovable children with a King Arthur theme and a spinetingling thriller. How are you, Ellen, my dear? He bent and aimed a brief peck at Mothers cheek. Idn no other way to get ashore from there. You know what he is. Ms. Cooper lives in Marshfield MA. The novel, however, is more than an adventure story; it is a modern fantasy, original but firmly rooted in the King Arthur stories. Am now on last book Silver on the Tree and will be sorry my journey with the forces of the Dark and the Light has come to an end. It never did. Barney begins to suspect something, reciting in his mind the name of the great-uncle Merry and eventually finding a link to Merlin. This was a really fun books, I cant wait to pick up the next one! Download the entire Over Sea, Under Stone study guide as a printable PDF! Why couldnt he have told us? I expect hell be back in the morning, Jane said. "The Dark is Rising" has a tiny bit of spotting on the top edge, and a bookplate on the front pastedown, else is in fine condiiton; the dustwrapper is not price-clipped,but has a short closed . Better written than the Harry Potter books, in my opinion (the children didn't agree with me on this one, they think Harry Potter has the edge) but with as much imagination and excitement. I assume that you are familiar with these books, probably have read this volume, (likely more than once), but now wish to have the book available as an audio CD. Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt. '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. Cautious, startled, alarmed . A tall dark-haired boy lay sprawled across the quay not far away. He asks some probing questions that arouse Jane's suspicions and she decides to return home. Over Sea, Under Stone tells the story of one of the skirmishes between good (Light) and evil (Dark) that culminates in the cosmic battle recorded in the last novel of the series, Silver on the . But even before Barney whistled, the dog had begun trotting in their direction, swift and determined, as if he were recognizing old friends. They know immediately that it is special. The children find a manuscript and a map but must battle the forces of evil to save the object of their quest. Great-Uncle Merry, coming back towards the car from the Grey House, had suddenly stopped in his tracks in the middle of the road. The action is believable because it is firmly rooted in the ordinary people, customs, and landscape of Trewissick, Cornwall. He was tall, and straight, with a lot of very thick, wild, white hair. I first read this book when I was is 8th grade, the entire series was actually part of the curriculum in the 1st semester, it opened a whole new adventure for me. Shut your own, Simon said belligerently. You havent seen it yet, said Great-Uncle Merry. The very idea is wonderfully captivating. Jane was lying on the ground with a bicycle on top of her, its front wheel still spinning round. You can search and search, on a quest, and in the end you may never get there at all. Quest my foot, Simon said irritably. The first volume of Susan Cooper's brilliant and absorbing fantasy series, The Dark Is Rising.On holiday in Cornwall, the three Drew children discover an ancient map in the attic of the house that they are staying in. Beside the Matter of Britain, the novel is rooted in Susan Cooper's childhood. She swam as well as anybody, but she was the only member of the Drew family who disliked the open sea. by Susan Cooper Alex Jennings Audiobook. Over Sea, Under Stone tells the story of one of the skirmishes between good (Light) and evil (Dark) that culminates in the cosmic battle recorded in the last novel of the series, Silver on the Tree. Request a complete Study Guide for this title! ISBN: 0020427859 Global Overview for this book. 1999 eNotes.com Search the Wayback Machine. Often on first sight it appears attractive and only later is seen as horrible. It would make a lot of sense, given the fact that the series is called "DARKNESS is Rising," and it's about the epic battle between Darkness and Light that has been raging forever, and these are the basic tenets of Manichaeism. I wish I could give this series a good review. 11 Total Resources 1 Awards View Text Complexity Discover Like Books. I thought the movie was ok with the potential to be interesting so I read the credits to find if it was based off a book, which it was. I dont care. Oh well, Simon said amiably, shoving his hands in his pockets and standing with his legs apart, rocking on his heels, in his captain-on-the bridge stance. It came out when I was a schoolgirl, and I cant imagine why I didnt come across it then, immersed as I was in John Masefield, Edith Nesbit, Tolkien, Alan Garner, CS Lewis etc. Mr. Withers and his sister Polly: Over-friendly tourists who invite the Drews on their boat; they are agents of the Dark. Cooper went on to write other well-received children's novels, including "Seaward," "The Boggart" trilogy, "Green Boy," "King of Shadows," "Victory," and "Ghost Hawk" as well as several picture books for young readers with illustrators such as Ashley Bryan and Warwick Hutton. I can't believe I read this almost 7 years ago and still haven't returned to finish the series until now. Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2016. Amazon has encountered an error. Well written, wonderfully imagined and perfectly set with good characterisations, an engaging plot. Publication date 1965 Topics Archaeology Publisher San Diego, CA : Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Will Great-Uncle Merry come? Hes going to put the car away. They set off down the road leading to the quay, beside a low grey wall with tufts of grass and pink valerian growing between its stones. I am a Christian, and I was under the impression that this series was similar to the Chronicles of Narnia. . Now look, you run and take your little sister home and wash that leg, dont know what scales and muck have got into it off here. He scuffed at the quay with his glistening boot. Am now on last book Silver on the Tree and will be sorry my journey with the forces of the Dark and the Light has come . So thats it. Coming? Course. He said, resentfully: You wait. 29.99 + 4.69 Postage. Are ee, then? Do they know you? Simon said curiously. I hadnt read this first one since my early teens. online is the same, and will be the first date in the citation. The second is the date of He bit his lip. That yachts come in, look. The harbour was almost deserted. Smashing! said Simon. Hey, he comes from the village! But as she looked up, suddenly the others were not there. Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper Novel Study. Great-Uncle Merry called: Come on, Rufus. Oh! Barney said in delight, as a flurry of long legs and wet muzzle shot through the door and knocked him sideways. This is an absolute classic. They clustered round him, chattering like squirrels round the base of a tree. Jane, Simon, and Barney, go with their parents to Cornwall to visit their Uncle Merry. I was immediately hooked, read the whole series, re-read it, continue to re-read to this day 40 or so years later. I kept reading and reading expecting for the pace to pick up, or the whole, "you have no idea how powerful you are, but you have to learn to control your fear" thing to become interesting. Enjoyed it so much I then bought the remaining books. The last date is today's The following worksheets are included in this unit: Comprehension Questions - chapters 1, 2-4, 5-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13 - Epilogue Vocabulary - chapters 1, 2-6, 7-12, 13 . The light was beginning to die, and as the sun sank behind their headland the sea was turning to a dark grey-green, and slow mist creeping into the harbour. But I did want this to have a bit more heart-stirring magic in it than it does; it wound up being only mildly diverting. Note: When citing an online source, it is important to include all necessary dates. In 1995 Armada Productions adapted Over Sea, Under Stone for BBC Radio 4 as part of its Children's Radio 4 strand, and followed in 1997 with an adaptation of its sequel The Dark Is Rising (both under their original titles). The Grail is an object of debate among the scholars there because of the unknown markings. I think these books are perhaps the best series I ever read. The children decide to keep the discovery to themselves. We are introduced to the Drew children, Simon, Jane, and Barney, while on vacation in Cornwall with their adopted Great-Uncle Merry. Susan Cooper lives on a saltmarsh island in Massachusetts, and you can visit her online at TheLostLand.com. Look. I dont. Oh yes you do. And while they may have been written for children, their appeal is universal. One such thing is the slightly Enid Blyton feel, where the adults can miss the obvious and thus the kids solve all the mysteries. . But I suppose hell belong to you three for the next month. I shall get up early and watch you come in. Believe that when I see n, said the fisherman with a twinkle. Over Sea, Under Stone Chapter One Where is he? Barney hopped from one foot to the other as he clambered down from the train, peering in vain through the white-faced crowds flooding eagerly to the St Austell ticket barrier. And while it is good, I cant wait to get the next one in the series. David Wood appeared as the storyteller, while dramatised sequences included Graham Crowden as Uncle Merry and Colin Jeavons as The Black Vicar. I know readers may compare it to Harry Potter and maybe be a little disappointed, but even today this series hold their own even after 30 plus years. In his dreams he fought imaginary battles as a member of the Round Table, rescuing fair ladies and slaying false knights. . Then he turned and went quickly back into the house, and Jane emerged thoughtfully from the car to follow the boys down the hill. He explains that some British artefact may have been hidden here long ago, and confirms that they will have dangerous grown-up rivals in its pursuit. [6], Joel Chaston writes, "Reviewers noted that the book begins as a mystery-adventure story and becomes a sort of morality tale full of mysticism and elements of Arthurian legend. Father: Simon, Jane, and Barney's Father. Even though Cooper wrote "Over Sea, Under Stone" as a entry for a publishing house competittion, she did not know at the time that it would be the first of her most famous copilation, "The Dark is Rising Series." In 1973 she wrote the second in the five book series, entitled "The Dark is Rising," published more than ten years after the first. ${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}. The children decide that it is time to confide in Great-Uncle Merry. They are quest stories, rich in Arthurian lore with bits of magic with history and artifacts thrown in. I might have known. Ever since he had learned to read, Barneys greatest heroes had been King Arthur and his knights. As they unloaded suitcases from the car, with Rufus darting in excited frenzy through everyones legs, Simon suddenly clutched Jane by the arm. Susan Cooper is best known for her acclaimed five-book fantasy sequence "The Dark is Rising," which won a Newbery Medal, a Newbery Honor Award, and two Carnegie Honor Awards. All of the main characters in the novel fight on one of these two sides, although their allegiances are not always immediately clear. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Having grown up during World War II, and having seen what for her was such a clear struggle between good and evil, Cooper is able to convincingly show in her novel how ordinary people are caught up in this struggle and forced to take sides. Jane picked one up to help. Born in England in 1935, Ms Cooper became a reporter and feature writer for the London Sunday Times--her first boss was James Bond creator Ian Fleming--before moving to the United States in 1963. There is much to like about Cooper's writing, her characters and sense of place are strong but deep within the veins of the words is this sense of a connection with our history and heritage. LIST PRICE $19.99. Cooper and Gill know this setting well; they lay out the story authoritatively and confidently. Pretty, she said, with only mild enthusiasm. a long time ago. Over Sea, Under Stone came as a response to a contest designed to honour the memory of E. Then all three disappeared, and the boat lay deserted again. This has been, and always will be, one of my favorite novels. A SuperSummary Study Guide - a modern alternative to Sparknotes & CliffsNotes provides so much more -- including chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and important quotes. The plot summaries are just an introduction to a theme. Her books accolades include the Newbery Medal, a Newbery Honor, the, Award, and five shortlists for the Carnegie Medal. All rights reserved. So begins their quest for the Grail on behalf of the Light, which they have to achieve while being harried by Mr. Withers and his sister, who are agents of the Dark, desperate to stop them at any cost. this opening book follows the Drew children on summer holiday in Cornwall as they hurtle breathlessly from place to place, ancient map in hand and Arthurian treasure awaiting them as they skillfully avoid the forces of evil. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 1, 2020, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2018, re-reading and just as good the second time round (30+ years apart! Great-Uncle Merry knows. And then, after what seemed a long time, the hills gave way to the long blue line of the sea, and the village was before them. The second date is today's They could just see the boy climbing up the side, and two figures meeting him on the deck. I wish I could give this series a good review. The Grey House? Simon said. If there are two dates, the date of publication and appearance Leave n alone, he growled. Is that what its called? It hardly seemed possible that this summer, in the house he had rented for them in Trewissick, they would be with him in one place for four whole weeks. Another thing I enjoyed was the realism of Simon, Jane, and Barneys interactions. We dont share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we dont sell your information to others. PDF. Then Great-Uncle Merry swung the wheel round, and suddenly they were driving along the edge of the harbour, past water rippling and flashing golden in the afternoon sun. The boy sullenly began picking up his spilled tins and slamming them back into the box. It begins in a Cornish seaside town with all the charm Cornwall can offer. Then they saw that the suitcase had two brown pricked ears and a long waving brown tail. Simon shook his head, and the dog licked his ear. Look. He scratched the red head, and the dog gave a throaty half-bark of pleasure. . Oh shut up, Im not going to listenand poor Jane turned and ran round the side of the mountain of fishy-smelling boxes, which had probably been having more effect on her imagination than the thought of the sea. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Book Review: Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper, Book Review: The Red House Mystery by A.A. 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