Behind the Sorcerer's Cloak

Martha Lamon is a freelance writer and researcher based in Huntsville,
Ontario.

Book 4 of The Summer of Magic Quartet is the dramatic and imaginative
culmination of the exciting adventures of the magic children Owen,
Holly, Chantel, and Adam. In each book of the series, the youngsters
have a task they must accomplish. This time Myrrdin, the children, and
their friend Mr. Smythe all work to restore the necessary balance
between Light and Dark. Adam has been taken hostage by the Dark Being
who, with her evil forces, is threatening to conquer Earth. Holly must
return a bead to the sleeping Lady’s magic necklace. It is Holly who
understands the need for balance between Light and Dark, and who
navigates the final phase of the conflict.

The turmoil in the universe caused by the growing power of the Dark
Being is reflected in the tensions among the humans on Earth. As the
Dark forces are conquered and a balance between Light and Dark is
regained, the struggles the children were facing in their personal lives
are resolved.

The novel takes place on the Isle of Mann, where author Andrea Spalding
spent holidays each summer in her youth. Spalding’s familiarity with
and love for the island are evident in the novel. She weaves the Celtic
lore, geography, and history of that island into a story that will be
savoured by elementary-school readers.

Behind the Sorcerer’s Cloak is best read as part of the series.
Highly recommended.