Bodyguard: Hostage (Book 2) - Softcover

Bradford, Chris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1524736996 ISBN 13: 9781524736996

Publisher: Philomel Books, 2017

Synopsis

A new action-packed adventure series for young fans of Alex Rider and Jason Bourne--with the first four books publishing simultaneously. Binge read for summer!

Following the nail-biting cliff-hanger of Bodyguard 1: Recruit, the action resumes in Hostage as martial arts expert and trained bodyguard Connor Reeves battles to protect the US president’s daughter, Alicia, from mortal danger . . . even if it means putting his own life at risk.

Connor is her last line of defense—an invisible shield kept secret from everyone, including the First Daughter herself. Yet danger lurks around every corner, and the terrorist plot to kidnap Alicia is already under way, the net tightening as the enemy prepares to strike.

Combining pulse-pounding action, diabolical enemies, and an insider's knowledge of the tricks of the trade, the BODYGUARD series is the perfect target for fans of Alex Rider, James Bond, 24, and Jason Bourne.

Praise for BODYGUARD

“Breathtaking action . . . as real as it gets.”—Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series

"The training sequences are detailed and realistic, and Connor is relatable and likable. Featuring intense action sequences and strong friendships, this series starter will appeal to reluctant readers and fans of the 'Alex Rider' books."—School Library Journal on Recruit

About this title

About the Author

Chris Bradford (www.chrisbradford.co.uk) is a true believer in "practicing what you preach." For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard. His bestselling books, including the Young Samurai series, are published in over 20 languages and have garnered more than 30 children's book award nominations internationally. He is a dedicated supporter of teachers and librarians in their quest to improve literacy skills and provides free Teachers' Guide to his books on his website. He lives in England with his wife and two sons. Follow Chris on Twitter @youngsamurai

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Ensuring he was alone in the rear kitchen, Malik switched on the untraceable cell phone he’d acquired from his con­tact. Then he dialed the number he’d committed to memory. It was answered on the fourth ring, and there was a burst of high-pitched squealing and electronic chatter as the scram­bled signals synchronized with one another.
 
A digitally enhanced robotic voice spoke. “Answer?”
 
“All war is deception,” replied Malik, quoting the Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu, as dictated by his contact instructions.
 
“Proceed with your update.”
 
Malik had no idea of the identity of the person on the other end. Nor did he ever want to know. Anonymity was critical for the isolation of each cell—and even more so for the central cell. They had contacted him first. They had proposed the plan. And they had given him the means to carry it out. But he would be the one to receive all the glory. He would be seen as the leading light. And the rest of the Brotherhood need never know of their existence or the part the central cell had played. That had been the deal.
 
“Eagle Chick unexpectedly flew the nest,” Malik reported. “We almost had her in our net. But the sparrows flocked be­fore we could grab her.”
 
“What about your plan to clip Eagle Chick’s wings while on the move?”
 
Malik had put a great deal of time, effort and resources into snatching the president’s daughter on her school run. But the severely restricted time window, the presence of so many armed agents and the rush-hour traffic had presented too high a casualty risk for his men and hampered their chances of making a clean escape.
 
“I have a better, bolder plan,” he replied.
 
“When will this new plan be ready to execute?” The contact’s voice sounded irritated.
 
“The egg is about to be laid in the nest. It’ll be ready to hatch in a couple of days,” Malik replied confidently. “All units are set to go.”
 
There was a pause on the end of the line.
 
“Has the operation been compromised in any way?” asked the robotic voice.
 
“No,” said Malik with absolute certainty. “The sleeper has not awakened.”
 
“Then execute operation without delay.”
 
Malik’s hand holding the phone began to tremble in an­ticipation. The time had come to make history.
 
“One question,” he said, sensing the receiver about to hang up. “My final payment?”
 
Another pause. “When the operation succeeds, you’ll be justly rewarded.”
 
Malik grinned at the thought.
 
“Is that all?” said the voice, a trace of impatience detect­able in its manipulated tone.
 
“Yes.”
 
“Then this will be our last communication.”

Edition details

• Publisher: Philomel Books
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1524736996
• ISBN 13: 9781524736996
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 224