Reviews - Over Sea, Under Stone

912 reviews for:

Over Sea, Under Stone

Susan Cooper

3.75 AVERAGE

cloud_kitty_cat's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous dark lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

An enjoyable adventure read. Some of the writing is of it's time (there was a character in blackface in the version I read). I enjoyed the characterisation of the siblings and the way they interacted with the world. Will probably carry on with the series.

undulateabyss5's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous dark informative mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

In the first of the “DIR” series, we follow the three Drew children and their parents who are on vacation in the England fishing town of Trewissick visiting a mysterious family friend who they call their great uncle. It isn’t long until they find a hidden old manuscript in his house and how it’s related to the legend of King Arthur and his knights. Simon, Jane and Barney will find other discoveries and occurrences that will soon it all into a quest to find the Holy Grail and learn that evil forces known as The Dark are also searching for it and will attempt to stop the three.

It’s a very thrilling fantasy that has a simple but very entertaining adventure that keeps unfolding as it goes on. The story does take its time but sure enough, it quickly brings on the surprises with a King Arthur twist. The three Drew children definitely reminded of Harry Potter and his friends’ adventures. In the end, DIR’s first entry is a wonderful start to this series as I’m more curious to see what’s next and what darkness is still out there. <b>A- (91%/Excellent)</b>

thebookdreamersalley's review against another edition

3.0

mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

readingrenbo's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

rebecca_3's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous inspiring medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

It took a bit to get going, but I love these children and their sense of adventure!

lizzie_purplephoenix's review against another edition

5.0

Reread this, a favourite from childhood. My 5 star rating is bearing in mind that this is the introductory book to the series - if it was a standalone, I would obviously want a lot more from it than we get. It is full of atmosphere and mystery, with twists and turns, and while there are a few little contrivances, it successfully manages to convey that there's a whole bigger picture that would explain the unanswered questions that we (and the kids in the book) don't have answers to yet. As long as you're willing to suspend disbelief and enjoy a classic intrepid kids-on-a-treasure-hunt adventure, with this book in addition you get creepy overtones and a sprinkling of Arthurian legend too. I loved it personally, and can't think of any major reasons to drop even half a star. I am really looking forward to continuing the rest of the series, which I don't think I ever finished.