The Edge

Eight years have passed since readers met Peak Marcello, the 15-year-old son of famous mountaineers, in Peak, about the Manhattan teen's quest to become the youngest person to scale Mount Everest. In this equally action-packed (but more violent) sequel, Peak has been home from Tibet for just a few months when he joins an even riskier expedition. A secretive billionaire is planning an "International Peace Ascent," involving hundreds of teens simultaneously climbing mountains around the world, with film crews on hand. Peak's group is sent to Afghanistan, and though the narrative is loaded with information about the mechanics of climbing, the specialized gear, and the nuances of the terrain, falling into a crevasse turns out to be the least of Peak's worries. When a fellow climber attracts dangerous, criminal attention, Peak and another climber must engineer a daring rescue mission, a harrowing escape, and, finally, the symbolic ascent that was the reason for their trip. Readers familiar with the first book and newcomers alike will enjoy this trek. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Barbara Kouts, Barbara Kouts Agency. (Oct.)