I read this when I was a child (and really enjoyed it) so I was wary of a reread now, as so often things change over time (essentially a gap of 40 years), moreso with this being a children’s book.
However I was plesantly surprised by how enjoyable it was to once again journey with Colin and Susan and their quest to return the titular stone to its rightful place.
The pace is superb, and the novel is action-packed, albeit lacking slightly in characterisation. But the Cheshire locations are wonderfully evoked and there’s a superb atmosphere to be had. I particularly enjoyed the Britishness of the myths and legends woven into the plot. A couple of the scenes – when the children were trying to escape through the labyrinthine mine tunnels, some of which were flooded – that were actually frightening and claustrophobic.
This is a great novel, one than can be enjoyed by all readers in search of a decent fantasy story.