Pike, Christopher. Alosha.

PIKE, Christopher. Alosha. Tor. 314p. c2004. 0765-34960-4. $6.99. JS

Thirteen-year-old Ali Warner thinks she is a typical teenager in small-town Breakwater. Her mother was killed on Ali's 12th birthday and her long-distance trucker father is seldom home. While protesting the logging of a nearby forest, she is attacked by what she thinks is Bigfoot: she and her friends set out to prove it. Ali soon learns that she is the "reincarnation" of the fairy queen Geea and must climb the 14,000 feet to the top of nearby Pete's Peak to claim the Yanti, a magic gate Lord Vak, king of the elves, and Lord Balar, king of the dwarves, plan to use to invade human Earth. Ali and her friends face many challenges on the way to the top: they befriend a troll named Farble and a leprechaun named Paddy. Ali must deal with Karl Tanner/Drugle, a traitorous former advisor posing as one of them, but actually in league with the queen of the dark fairies. Ali/Geea does reclaim the Yanti and prevent the dark elementals from crossing over at present. She also learns that her mother did not die in the crash, but is held captive by Drugle. Which all leads to the preview of the sequel, Shaktra, appended. This is not typical of Pike's teenage vampire stories and other thrillers, but it's an excellent start to a unique saga. While it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the plot twists and lesser characters, even Farble and Paddy are given their own personalities. Good escapist fare for YAs. Sherry Hoy, Libn., Tuscarora JHS, Mifflintown, PA