《恶魔之剑》

    This book is written for young readers. Author Douglas E. Richards has the ability to develop interesting and fast moving plots with twists and turns. Readers can easily identify with the characters.

    There are two intersecting* plots. One focuses on two arms dealers who want to get possession of a new weapon developed by the United States Government called “The Devil’s Sword” because of its power. They are certain that they can sell the weapon to other nations, such as Iran and North Korea, and get billions of dollars. They discover where the weapon is located, hire mercenaries* to help them, and rush to snatch it.

    The second plot focuses on 12-year-old Kevin from two years earlier. He is repeatedly harassed* and mocked by his older brothers because he still hasn’t grown as tall as them and is not interested, as they are, in sports.

    But Kevin discovers fencing, takes lessons, and becomes very skilled in the sport. He meets two friends, a boy his own age and a girl a year older. Both are very good fencers, but not as good as Kevin. All three kids are very smart and are able to think and act quickly and decisively. Kevin also has skills in playing Internet war games. Two years later, when Kevin is age 14, the two plots intersect and Kevin and his two pals’ lives explode* into an exciting drama.

    When Kevin goes to his first national tournament* at Nellis Air Force Base, he and his friends are kidnapped* by two mercenaries who plan to use them to steal “The Devil’s Sword.”

    Each of the chapters is introduced by a clever and true statement about war and struggles by important people, such as Winston Churchill.

    The book is available at online bookstores such as jd.com.

    (SD-Agencies)