Pike, Christopher. The Shaktra.

PIKE, Christopher. The Shaktra. (Sequel to Alosha.) Tor. 334p. c2005.0-765-34961-2. $6.99. JSA 

Ali Warner has recently discovered that she is the Queen of the Fairies and not just an ordinary teenager. Now she sets out into the Elemental worlds to find her imprisoned mother. She and her unusual entourage--a troll, a leprechaun, and a boy from Africa--soon learn that the home of the fairies is besieged by a destructive force known as the Shaktra. Drash, a larval-stage dragon, joins their forces. They must travel to the largest of the floating ice islands in the sky above fairyland. While there, All learns of the connection between the Elemental worlds and Earth and also the true identity of the Skaktra.

Of course, the story quits there and sets you up for the sequel, called The Yanti, which refers to the unusual medallion All was given at the end of the first installment, which she has been trying to learn to wield throughout this volume. Great marketing on Pike's part--once you get through this installment, you will need to read the next to see what is going to happen! This offers a fast-paced storyline and unique and compelling characters, plus a real gotcha at the end. Sherry Hoy, Lib. Media Spec., Tuscarora JHS, Mifflintown, PA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools were there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT'S usefulness in public libraries.