DANCE OF THE STONES

Four modern children find the second of four hidden talismans to bolster the magical forces of Light in this conventional but smoothly plotted import. Knowing that the Dark Being approacheth, a trio of Wise Ones speaks telepathically to British children, Holly and Owen, and their visiting Canadian cousins, Adam and Chantel, sending them to the huge prehistoric stone circle at Avebury in search of a certain buried circlet. They find it (there was never any doubt), but only after exploring the area, traveling back in time to witness pivotal events, and encountering elemental spirits both malign and friendly. Spalding gives the young folk back stories and personal issues (Adam and Chantel have been sent to England while their parents get a divorce), and if the plot is unsuspenseful, at least it’s capped by a surprisingly exhilarating climax. Fantasy fans who prefer knowing what to expect will scoop this up and be eager for the next episode. (maps, afterword) (Fiction. 10-13)