THE PIXIE EFFECT

In this fantasy, young pixies struggle to survive in a forest of mythical beings.

Before the Age of Mankind, pixies were “plentiful” on Earth. Now, the hummingbird Atel, once a fairy in another age, wants to bring pixies back. She gathers dust and gossamer that she weaves into chrysalises, and soon a trio of pixie babes is ready to hatch—Airy, Lolly, and Poo. But dangers are quickly apparent, starting with the trolls in the wooded area near where the pixies are safely nested. Trolls consider pixies a delicacy. And then there’s Troll-Mother Ishi—who’s actually a witch—who craves pixie wings for something magical and sinister. Atel does what she can to protect the pixies, which becomes taxing after the three hatch. Mischievous pixies are notorious for brazenly taunting trolls. Meanwhile, the trio faces such powerful adversaries as shape-shifting witches (“The familiarity between a witch and her fox…was never between two separate creatures but simply the witch herself at different times of the day”). But there’s a bevy of mythical creatures and forest animals, some of whom prove to be the pixies’ allies. Deters’ tautly written novel is great fun, especially the interactions between Atel and the not-so-bright trolls. But exhilarating perils abound, as someone manages to capture Airy, Lolly, and Poo. In addition, the three pixies and Atel set out on a mission to retrieve items that Ishi stole and end up exploring a dark, rat-filled cave. The superb cast includes the pixie trio; the chef and beer-brewing troll Jag the Juggler; and Atel, a loving and whip-smart “nanny” who’s perpetually unruffled even in the most precarious circumstances. The narrative also provides surprisingly riveting backstories for a few of the supporting characters. Nevertheless, Ishi’s tale is the best—how she was essentially discarded, developed her magic, and became the Troll-Mother. Although this book is a stand-alone, the author’s world of personable creatures could lead to a series or a number of spinoffs.

An entertaining otherworldly tale with a dynamic and unforgettable cast.