Swords for Hire: Two of the Most Unlikely Heroes You'll Ever Meet - Softcover

Will Allen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0972488200 ISBN 13: 9780972488204

Publisher: Centerpunch Pr, 2003

Synopsis

National award winner, with foreword by Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson. The day Sam Hatcher turns sixteen he meets Rigby Skeet, a wise-cracking guard, and their adventure in the ancient kingdom of Parmall begins. They embark on an exciting search for King Olive, who was betrayed by his evil--and very strange--brother, and imprisoned in the BonemanÕs dungeon.

About this title

About the Author:

Author Will Allen wrote the manuscript for "Swords for Hire" in 1979 as a final gift for his family. Terminally-ill with melanoma, he died in April 1980 at age 22. Over two decades later, "Swords for Hire" was published by the author's brother, and has now received over twenty enthusiastic reviews and won several national awards.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5-8-Sam Hatcher is an ordinary farm boy in the kingdom of Parmall, until his father sends him off to join the elite Royal Guard. The only catch is that the 16-year-old has no military experience. He soon finds himself teamed up with the slightly unbalanced soldier of fortune, Rigby Skeet, and they set out on a mission to find the rightful monarch of Parmall, King Olive, who has been deposed by his sneaky brother, Boonder. Wacky high jinks ensue. The story moves along at a nice clip, and Sam and Rigby develop a funny bantering relationship. The only potential sticking point is the inclusion of some details that seem inappropriate for the intended age group, e.g., Boonder beating his reluctant bride into submission, and saying that he will "put [her] in the tender care of my Elite guards" if she is uncooperative on their wedding night. However, it does not detract enormously from the value of the book.
Alison Ching, North Garland High School, Garland, TX
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Centerpunch Pr
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0972488200
• ISBN 13: 9780972488204
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 168