Heart of the Hill

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

In Book 1 of the Summer of Magic Quartet, The White Horse Talisman,
Adam, Chantel, Holly, and Owen set out on a quest to help Equus (the
great white horse and friend of the Wise Ones) find his mate and foal
and magical talisman; along the way they must contend with a terrifying
dragon. In Book 2, Dance of the Stones, the youngsters must retrieve
Ava’s circlet, which is buried deep in the ancient stone circle of
Avebury, so that they can hold back the evil Dark Being.

In Book 3, Heart of the Hill, Adam, with the help of the other
children, the professorial Mr. Smythe, and his friend Mervin (Myrddin in
human form), must retrieve Myrddin’s staff, which is buried inside
Glastonbury Tor. To accomplish this, the children are transported back
to medieval Glastonbury, England, where they communicate through thought
with the Wise Ones and the Dark Being. The staff is important because it
will help the Wise Ones in their struggle against the Dark Being.

Spalding does not disappoint in this latest magical adventure. Her
writing is dramatic, imaginative, and graceful. Her story, which weaves
Celtic history, mythology, and symbolism with the children’s
contemporary lives, is engaging. Her depictions of the life challenges
the children face are realistic; the turmoil brewing in the magical
realm reflects the turbulence in their lives. What young readers will
particularly enjoy is how the young protagonists are imbued with the
power to influence both events and magical beings.

Heart of the Hill is best read as part of the series. Highly
recommended.