Wednesday, June 24, 2020

What Treasures Await Over Sea, Under Stone?



Simon, Jane, and Barney Drew, along with their parents, are on holiday at the home of a family friend, or “Great-Uncle Merriman (or Merry), as they call him. Merry is renting an old house by the sea, and the Drew parents have let the children know not to touch anything they shouldn’t. The attic proves to hold lots of interesting knickknacks for the children. When they accidentally stumble upon a manuscript, they are intrigued by a map inside it. The map looks just like the coastline where they’re staying. And the mystery begins! After looking at the drawing and trying to figure it out the children realize it relates back to King Arthur and his knights. They decide this is information not to share with the adults. When her brothers are out boating for the day Jane does some more exploring and locates an old guide book with a similar map inside. This leads her to look for the town vicar, the man who wrote the book. Venturing out on her own Jane is not able to locate the vicar. Instead, the man as his house answers no questions but seems very intrigued by what Jane has found. When the house Merry is renting is burglarized the children decide they must tell their uncle what is going on. And what he tells them is very shocking. Now they are on a quest to find a hidden treasure. The clues will lead them to rock formations and they’ll have adventures in caves. But will they find what they’re looking for? Is there really a treasure? Was King Arthur real or is it all just stories? Who can the children trust? You’ll have to read this fast paced book to find out!

I always love a good mystery and fantasy is another favorite of mine, so when a friend told me about Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper I decided to give it a try. What an exciting read! An old house? A spooky attic? Old books and maps? Ancient mystery? Yes, please! I was biting my nails as the children had the bad guys hot on their heels at so many moments during the book. As they tried to figure out who to trust I felt worried for them. It was fun trying to piece together the clues to see if I could figure out where the Drew children needed to go. The most nerve-racking for me was when they were at the cave and the water was going up! Yikes! Caves are amazing, but the thought of getting trapped in one of them or possibly getting hurt by waves crashing me into rocks, makes me scared. I recommend this book to kids or adults in fourth grade and up who love suspense, a thrilling adventure, and anything that ties into King Arthur. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

Has anyone else read oversee Over Sea, Under Stone?  Or have you read another book by Susan Cooper? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

P.S. I missed Marvelous Middle Grade Monday this week, as we were spotlighting Elaine Kay and her book, Bad Fairy. Be sure to check out all the MMGM reviews at Always in the Middle!

34 comments:

  1. It is a wonderful series which I thoroughly enjoyed and still reread from time to time.

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    1. EC- I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Glad to hear this is one you enjoyed too. :) ~L

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  2. This sounds like a book for me! I have just been re-reading some 'Famous Five' books from my childhood, what fun! Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Valerie- I hope you like this book (and series) too! :) ~L

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  3. Hi Jess - sounds like Susan has a best seller up her sleeve here ... and what a great read for investigative children - great write up by L ... all the best - Hilary

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    1. Hilary- Definitely a best seller! A story that will captivate all audiences. :) ~Jess

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  4. I haven't read this one, but I love the cover! I'll have to put it on my to-read list. Sounds like a great story!

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    1. Sherry- I love the cover too. Hope you enjoy the story when you get to it. :) ~L

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  5. Sounds like an interesting book and series!

    betty

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  6. Oh, yes... The Dark Is Rising series is amazing. I hope you'll continue with it. Enjoy!

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    1. The Armchair Squid- I definitely plan to continue the series. Just waiting for the rest of the books- I have them on hold at my library. Can't wait to read more. :) ~L

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  7. I'm so with you. An old house, a spooky attic, old books and an ancient mystery, sounds like a winning combination to me.

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    1. Felicity- It's a magical combination for sure! :) ~L

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  8. I've read the entire series more than once. I can count on one hand the books I've read more than once. It's not common. I loved all the books in the series.

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    1. Lynda- Reading and rereading this series says a lot about it. I can't wait to get my hands on the next books. I loved the first one and can't wait to find out more. So glad to hear this is a favorite series of yours. :) ~L

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  9. I have multiple Susan Cooper books in my classroom library - always popular! :)

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    1. Jemi- This was my first one by her- but it won't be the last! Glad to hear your students enjoy her writing too. :) ~L

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  10. This sounds like fun, I love books about old houses, and an attic does sound spooky.

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    1. Brenda- If you haven't read it- I highly recommend it! :) ~L

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  11. Ah, a great mystery to solve. Interesting.

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    1. Beverly- I do also love the tie ins with Merlin and King Arthur. :) ~L

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  12. These series sounds amazing ! I love great misteries !
    I missed come here!! hugs!!!

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    1. Gloria- Mysteries are so much fun. We hope you are staying safe! Hugs! :) ~L

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  13. Sounds like another great read. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Sandra- It really kept me turning the pages! :) ~L

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  14. I'm a mystery/fantasy fan when it comes to middle grade books. Thanks for posting about this. I'm already hooked.

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    1. Lee- I think this one will grab you right away. Enjoy! :) ~L

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  15. Well I love books on mythology so I got super excited reading this centered around King Arthur. I'm not surprised you enjoyed this book because it reminds me of your book with the group of kids, mystery, and spooky house elements. It's perfect for you!
    I could not with those caves. That would freak me out reading about the water going up too. I'd probably be yelling out them to get out! đŸ˜“
    Loved the review Jess and Stephanie!

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    1. Adriana- I have to say the cave scene had me panicked. :) I would be screaming and trying to get out too! You are right- this is right up our alley with a mystery, spooky house, and a group of kids. Fairday, Lizzy and Marcus would dive right into this story and the mystery. :) Glad you enjoyed the review! ~Jess and Stephanie

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