Over Sea, Under Stone

Book 1 of The Dark Is Rising Sequence

By: Susan Cooper

Narrated by: Alex Jennings

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

On holiday in Cornwall, the three children discover an ancient map in the attic of the house that they are staying in. They know immediately that it is special. 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. And in searching for it themselves, the Drews put their lives in peril.

This is the first volume of Susan Cooper's brilliant and absorbing fantasy sequence know as The Dark Is Rising.

Listen to more in the Dark Is Rising Sequence.

©1965 Susan Cooper (P)2001 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Jennings' ability is outstanding as he slips in and out of the numerous voices with the rapid dialogue as it approaches the climax....This is an outstanding reading of a classic tale that all young listeners and adults will thoroughly enjoy." ( School Library Journal)

Great performance of a great story.

While definitely for kids I reread this series every year. This year I couldn't find my copy so I decided to listen to it. Alex Jennings does a great job of capturing the excitement and mystery of the story. Can't wait to listen to The Dark is Rising.

A good start to a good series

If you could sum up Over Sea, Under Stone in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, classic, and youthful

What did you like best about this story?

It may be written for younger readers, but it is a very good start to a great series. It does not alienate older readers.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the children gathered on the hill in the night, and the threats and mystery they faced really came to light.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

All quest in the history of good and evil.

Any additional comments?

The other books on this series start to appeal more to older readers, but that does not mean that this book should be dismissed.

An absolute classic

It's very important to reunite with great works from your youth. This is essential, maybe now more than ever.

A joy to listen to

I read this series as a child, and I was happy to see that it was also an audiobook! That's not always the case as some narrators don't click with me (I'm very picky about voices or sounds in general) but I'm happy to say that listening to Alex Jennings narrate this book was quite enjoyable and an experience worth repeating.

fantastic and very enjoyable

Enjoyed how he had individual voices for each charecter. First series I read and is fantastic brings back memories.

One of my favorite book series as a kid

Loved these books as a kid in the seventies, and I'm enjoying them again many years later!

Truly evocative of The Dark Is Rising series

I have read and shared these books many times over the years. Each can standalone on its own merits as a magically mysterious moment in the never ending battle between Evil and the Good … as a whole, the series presents a satisfying reassurance that, with selfless and desperate individual effort, ordinary people can preserve goodness regardless of the enticing temptations of the powers of darkness.
Beautifully and clearly written so as to be understandable

A Great Story

This was a book I first read in grade school, and it always takes me back to that same adventure.

Enjoyable start...

First time reading since I was a kid. Very enjoyable start to the series. Good narration.

Another wonderful adventure

I very much enjoyed this romp of mystery and the ingenuity of young people with a purpose. Cornwall is a fascinating realm to this day; a place apart from the modern metal and glass materialism of the rest of the world.