Book description
Susan Cooper's Over Sea, Under Stone, the inaugural volume of The Dark Is Rising sequence, is a masterfully constructed work of juvenile fantasy that has garnered sustained critical acclaim for its atmospheric depth and narrative sophistication. The novel follows the Drew siblings-Simon, Jane, and Barney-as they uncover an ancient map during a holiday in Cornwall, an artifact that propels them into a perilous quest intertwined with mythic significance. This discovery functions not merely as a plot device but as the catalyst for a broader confrontation between good and evil, positioning the protagonists as inadvertent participants in a timeless struggle.
Cooper's prose is distinguished by its evocative rendering of setting and its ability to imbue the mundane with an undercurrent of the numinous. The Cornish landscape becomes more than a backdrop; it is rendered with such precision and resonance that it assumes a character-like presence within the narrative. The pacing, while deliberate, maintains a sense of mounting tension as the children navigate both physical and metaphysical dangers. The audiobook format, with its reliance on vocal inflection and auditory texture, serves to amplify the novel's atmospheric qualities, making the listener particularly susceptible to the creeping unease that permeates the story.
The thematic preoccupation with the interplay of myth and history is handled with a maturity that transcends the juvenile label often affixed to the work. The grail-like object at the heart of the quest is not merely a relic but a symbol of cultural memory and spiritual urgency. Cooper's treatment of the "Dark" as an antagonistic force is notably understated, avoiding sensationalism in favor of a more insidious and pervasive malevolence that resonates with mythological archetypes.
Critics have consistently praised the novel for its structural coherence and its ability to sustain narrative complexity without sacrificing accessibility. The character development, particularly in the early stages of the series, is subtle yet effective, with each sibling embodying distinct responses to the extraordinary circumstances thrust upon them. The audiobook narration, when executed with fidelity to the text's tonal nuances, enhances these character distinctions and reinforces the novel's thematic depth.
As an entry point into what would become a lauded quintet, Over Sea, Under Stone establishes a compelling foundation. Its enduring appeal lies in Cooper's ability to synthesize elements of British folklore with a narrative framework that is both timeless and immediate. The work's influence on subsequent fantasy literature, particularly within the juvenile genre, remains both palpable and profound.
Dakota Bliss
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Coffee
I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app โ it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ๐๐ง Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Eye Devil
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
Spunky Sphinx
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Danger Menace
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. Audiobook immersion made simple โ this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
Toxic-oxide
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment โ this app's functionality is truly impressive.
Raggedy Ann
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design.
Wildcat Talent
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. This app is my travel companion โ making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. Audiobook journey simplified โ this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Shivers
๐ Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
Spooky Electric
Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus! The appโs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Killer Merlot
๐ฑ Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward โ this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ๐๐ซ Audiobook multitasking simplified โ this app's functionality is a triumph. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
German Coach
Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Manly Reno
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ Enhancing my daily routines โ this app's design makes listening a joy. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ๐๐ง
MrOnsTr
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am.
Chicago Blackout
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ๐๐ฑ This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
ByteBard
My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
DragonBlood
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content โ it's a real game-changer. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury โ it's a convenient habit. I can't get enough of this app โ it's like having a personal library with me. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Twinkle Cocoa
With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Free Ham
Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly.
Dr. Cocktail
๐โโ๏ธ๐ Combining exercise and exploration โ this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! ๐โโ๏ธ๐ This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience