A review by readingthroughthelists
The Dark Is Rising Sequence, Book One: Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Certainly the weakest entry in The Dark is Rising Sequence, in that it has almost nothing to do with any of the characters or themes of the later books. But also…who cares? This is a pure children’s fantasy, about children and for children. 

After all, what kid hasn’t dreamed about finding an ancient map in a dusty, old attic, about hunting for clues to an ancient treasure, about fleeing the dark and mysterious forces that threaten them?  

I suspect this would land well in a 2nd-3rd grade classroom, or with anyone who wants to relive their childhood treasure-hunting days. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings