I read the Dark is Rising sequence way back when I was in school, but reading Re-Enchanted made me want to re-read this series (especially since I remember liking it). So I borrowed a copy of this from the library and settled in for a rollicking ride.

In Over Sea, Under Stone, Simon, Jane, and Barney are on holiday to Cornwall with their parents and Great Uncle Merry. While exploring the holiday house, they come across an old map. Up to this part, the story sounds very much like a Famous Five type of story but the introduction of strange and sinister characters (hidden behind a veil of normalcy) tell us that this is quite a different story from the Blyton books…

What I liked about Over Sea, Under Stone was that it hit some of the key children’s fantasy tropes for me:

• Detailed descriptions of food? Check (Barney manages to enjoy a sandwich even in dangerous situations)
• A battle of good vs evil? Check
• A magical mentor? Check (though the children might not yet realise it)
• Children working together? Check

Listing it out, it really seems like Over Sea, Under Stone combines Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia with Blyton’s Famous Five series while adding an Arthurian background! Honestly, I was here for it, especially given the fast pace of the book – once the children find the map, there’s no going back from it.

Another thing I enjoyed was the realism of Simon, Jane, and Barney’s interactions. 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. The way they interacted felt realistic and it helped me to enjoy the story even more.

I enjoyed my return to the Dark is Rising sequence! I’m starting to worry that I’m starting one too many series – I still have to read Chrestomanci and my TBR list never stops growing, but I hope to continue on to book 2 of this series soon.