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.
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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