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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Better than I had anticipated
I have been reading Christopher Pike's books for over 10 years now and read about this book well before it was released. I read the description and was quite disappointed that Pike had strayed beyond his standard horror genre and seemed to be catering to a different audience than his original books. I was not happy that he had given into the pressure to conform to this...
Published on February 2, 2005 by Meredith

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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Back and (not quite) better than ever...
Something happened to the dude and he started writing really bad books. 'The Blind Mirror' was beyond awful. But it seems as though Pike has recovered from what I can only assume was a bout with some mysterious mental illness, at least enough to tackle a brand new genre.

Familiar themes include neglectful parents, giving humanity another chance, and...
Published on October 4, 2004 by Crystal C. Reich


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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Back and (not quite) better than ever..., October 4, 2004
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This review is from: Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) (Hardcover)
Something happened to the dude and he started writing really bad books. 'The Blind Mirror' was beyond awful. But it seems as though Pike has recovered from what I can only assume was a bout with some mysterious mental illness, at least enough to tackle a brand new genre.

Familiar themes include neglectful parents, giving humanity another chance, and betrayal. Pike seems to like to put his protagonists in impossible situations and then getting them out of said situation. That was very familiar, as it happened several times in this book, rather than once or twice. It was like reading a cross between a fantasy story and a Pike one. Something which makes for an unusual combination, but also some fascinating reading. Fantasy is my favorite genre and Pike is my favorite writer.

Things that were missing from this book included witty dialogue, visceral description, and interesting characters. The plot, was Pike at his best. However, I kept getting the distinct impression that I was reading an outline, rather than a story. There seemed to be a lot of words missing. His writing style was incredibly impersonal, and most of the time I felt like I was watching what was happening from far away. One of the things I remember loving about his books when I first started reading, was that I didn't feel talked down to. His treatment of the kids in this books was very condescending, and I didn't feel like he was describing the teenagers in a realistic way.

Even so, Pike managed to keep me on the edge of my seat and as usual, the ending didn't disappoint, although if you've read his books too, the final showdown between Ali and her betrayer was hardly surprising or new. At some point, Pike started treating his main character almost as a real person and the reading got a lot easier.

I can't wait for part 2, hopefully Pike will continue to improve after his bout with whatever it was...He's a mysterious guy.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars ...An O.K. book by my favorite author..., August 16, 2005
This review is from: Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) (Hardcover)
I've been reading and rereading Christopher Pike books since I was 11 years old. Now I'm 18, I own most of them, and I would never have expected this.

First, I feel that I should say that this IS Christopher Pike and the man IS a genius, so anything he writes is going to be worth the time to read. But, I've gotten so used to his books being GREAT that to read one that's just good sort of bothered me.

The plot is creative and appealing, but it isn't his usual style. Traditionally, the supernatural occurances in his novels have been subtle, however this story is a complete fantasy. It seems a bit rushed, which makes it read like a children's book, but I'm ready and willing to accept that the reason for this is the exciting followups Mr. Pike is undoubtedly planning and anxious to get on with writing. The characters are likeable, but unrealistic. I suppose the author wouldn't know much about the mind of a 13 year old girl seeing as he is a fully grown man himself, but I think that the kids in the story are awfully calm, accepting, and mature to be 13.

Again, I have to say that Christopher Pike is a genius. I'm looking forward to book two.

If you are a fan, read the book. It's likeability really varies from person to person.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Better than I had anticipated, February 2, 2005
By 
Meredith (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) (Hardcover)
I have been reading Christopher Pike's books for over 10 years now and read about this book well before it was released. I read the description and was quite disappointed that Pike had strayed beyond his standard horror genre and seemed to be catering to a different audience than his original books. I was not happy that he had given into the pressure to conform to this genre, brought on by books such as Harry Potter, and had resigned myself to having to wait all the longer for the sequel to The Cold One. I originally had no intention of reading this book, thinking the storyline silly and did not even pick it up when it came out.
Then, in the midst of Christmas shopping at the book store, I decided to take a second look. And I decided, "What the heck?" and bought it. I started it Sunday and finished it 3 days later. It was so much better than I had anticipated and I had to force myself to put it down every night so I could go to sleep for work in the morning. I thoroughly enjoyed it and despite the occasional almost forced comments made by Ali, mostly in the beginning (obviously being used with the intention of reminding us she is a 13-yr-old girl and not the age generally associated with Pike's characters), the book was wonderful.
Pike has demonstrated the range his talent really has. He can write enthralling horror, science fiction and fantasy, even on his first attempt. I wouldn't have believed it 10 months ago that I would be pining for this sequel as much as the sequel to The Cold One, but what can I say? I am.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars engaging coming of age fantasy targets the Potter crowd, September 29, 2004
This review is from: Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) (Hardcover)
In Breakwater, California, thirteen year old Alison "Ali" Warner knows her protesting the cutting down of trees means nothing to the lumber industry, but feels she must do so anyway. After Ali buys a sub to take with her on her trek up the mountainside, three foot Paddy O'Connell accosts her trying to sell her all sorts of items that he obviously has no idea what they do. She says no, but gives him her sandwich only to realize later that he picked her pocket stealing her money.

On the mountain, monsters attack Ali, who finds shelter only to have cave-in trap her. She barely escapes, but soon learns why she has become the focus of weird beings who want her dead. Ali has learned her heritage from her deceased mother is that she is a fairy princess whose two worlds are in peril from dwarves and elves. Besides that threat, if she wants to gain her fairy powers, which she needs to survive, she must pass the tests of seven deadly challenges and meet head-on the Kings of the Dwarves and Elves.

This engaging coming of age fantasy is targeted towards the Harry Potter crowd. Ali is a delightful protagonist who feels obligated to help improve life around her so makes the ideal teen to take on the mantle of saving two realms. The mythological races seem genuine whether they rally around their champion heroine or try to kill her as an enemy threat to invasion plans. Though the tale slows down in between major events (feels padded perhaps to have enough pages for the advertised older crowd), young readers will enjoy the antics of the younger Buffy-like heroine.

Harriet Klausner
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Alosha-interesting and fun, January 10, 2005
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) (Hardcover)
To me this story is too interesting i love it!Usually when i start reading a book i would read 1-2 pages and then put it down. But this book when i started i thought it would be a drag like other thick books with a boring front page. But when i came to the middle part of the book i started enjoying it and i couldn't wait to turn to the next page to find out what happens after.

To all readers i strongly encourage this book at first it can be a bit boring but after a while you will realise that it gets interesting by the second, the next thing you know you won't put it down. 5 shining stars. i can't wait for the next book "the Shaktra" To Christopher HURRY WITH THE NEXT BOOK or else i'll drive myself CRAZY!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Alosha-captivating,sweet, dramatic, and more!, December 2, 2004
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) (Hardcover)
Alosha, as my title suggested is a captivating, witty, sweet, and dramatic book. Pike weaves hidden mysteries into 'Alosha.'

It is a curious book-in this case, judging a book by it's cover really does help. I have always placed interest into fantasy books, REAL fantasy books. However, before I even see the inside of a book, I always notice the cover. The cover of 'Alosha' looks like some magical relam. It helped me notice the book, and pick it up.

Also, the title. .. 'Alosha.' What did it mean? Another helper which made me more curious about this book. You soon find out.

This book is captivating. (as I said before) My family planned a trip to Paris, and my Mother instructed me to buy a book or two to read on the airplane. I picked up the book, and started reading it in the bookstore. I couldnt force myself to put it down. By the middle of our airlane flight, I had finished it, so I read it again, just for the pure joy.

Now, sweet-You really can care about this book. You can find youself feeling Ali's feelings. I loved being pulled into this book like that-it really is a good written piece of work.

Dramatic-Definetly. Once you assume something about the book, another knew thing happens that completly throws your own assumption out the window. New events keep happening(sometimes a bit too often, but nothing bad),and you find yourself lost in the book. You are scared when bad things happen in this book-you hate bad characters, the story is surprising and it unveils new secrets about the book.

My only complaint is that the book goes by too fast. Thankfully, it is one of those books that you can read over and over and still not get tired of it.

I reccomend it strongly. Five stars. Be sure to tell Christopher Pike to hurry up and write 'The Shaktra,' before I die of curiosity(just kidding)
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good., March 23, 2006
By 
Heidi Huston (San Antonio, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) (Hardcover)
Even though I'm not a teen anymore I still like Christopher Pike's books. I read "The Last Vampire Series" in high school, and I still like them. I like Alosha too. I think it's a good fantasy book.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars An Adventure For All Ages, April 27, 2005
This review is from: Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) (Hardcover)
Alosha captures the kind of magic that reminds you of the days of J.R.R Tolkein. The characters are very realistic considering their age, and they all create a great combination of humor and seriousness. However, I would only recommend Alosha to those who enjoy a good sci-fi/fantasy/adventure book. But if your one of those very eclectic readers you should have no problem finding a place in your head-board for this great book.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Awsome!, February 20, 2005
This review is from: Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) (Hardcover)
I thought this book was great! I was at the Library trying to find something to read, I have read almost every book in the children and teen sections and some adults. When I spotted this new book I thought, what the heck. So I took it home and finished the book in about 2 hours. I can't wait to read the next ones. Although I love his horror books, I feel this is the best book Pike has written! And I recomend it to all who want something new!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Alosha, January 10, 2005
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) (Hardcover)
this is a book that you would never want to put down no matter what . Usually when i read a book i won't even bother to read it,i would just read one or two pages and put it down but when i started this book i just couldn't stop reading it i read it for hours . I think everyone should read it.And i am also eagerly looking forward for the next book in the series "The Shaktra". i can't wait!
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Alosha (Alosha Trilogies)
Alosha (Alosha Trilogies) by Christopher Pike (Hardcover - October 1, 2004)
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