{"product_id":"bodyguard-hostage-book-2-isbn-9781524736996","title":"Bodyguard: Hostage (Book 2)","description":"\u003cb\u003eA 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!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollowing the nail-biting cliff-hanger of \u003ci\u003eBodyguard 1:\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eRecruit\u003c\/i\u003e, the action resumes in \u003ci\u003eHostage\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConnor 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCombining 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for BODYGUARD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Breathtaking action . . . as real as it gets.”—Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"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.\"—\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e on \u003ci\u003eRecruit\u003c\/i\u003e“Breathtaking action . . . as real as it gets.”—Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"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.\"—\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e on \u003ci\u003eRecruit\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003eChris Bradford\u003c\/b\u003e (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 @youngsamuraiEnsuring 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. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e A digitally enhanced robotic voice spoke. “\u003ci\u003eAnswer?\u003c\/i\u003e” \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “All war is deception,” replied Malik, quoting the Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu, as dictated by his contact instructions. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “\u003ci\u003eProceed with your update.\u003c\/i\u003e” \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003ci\u003eThey \u003c\/i\u003ehad contacted him first. \u003ci\u003eThey \u003c\/i\u003ehad proposed the plan. And \u003ci\u003ethey \u003c\/i\u003ehad given him the means to carry it out. But \u003ci\u003ehe \u003c\/i\u003ewould 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. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “Eagle Chick unexpectedly flew the nest,” Malik reported. “We almost had her in our net. But the sparrows flocked be­fore we could grab her.” \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “\u003ci\u003eWhat about your plan to clip Eagle Chick’s wings while on the move?\u003c\/i\u003e” \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “I have a better, bolder plan,” he replied. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “\u003ci\u003eWhen will this \u003c\/i\u003enew \u003ci\u003eplan be ready to execute?\u003c\/i\u003e” The contact’s voice sounded irritated. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “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.” \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e There was a pause on the end of the line. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “\u003ci\u003eHas the operation been compromised in any way?\u003c\/i\u003e” asked the robotic voice. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “No,” said Malik with absolute certainty. “The sleeper has not awakened.”\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “\u003ci\u003eThen execute operation without delay.\u003c\/i\u003e” \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Malik’s hand holding the phone began to tremble in an­ticipation. The time had come to make history. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “One question,” he said, sensing the receiver about to hang up. “My final payment?” \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Another pause. “\u003ci\u003eWhen the operation succeeds, you’ll be \u003c\/i\u003ejustly \u003ci\u003erewarded.\u003c\/i\u003e” \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Malik grinned at the thought. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “\u003ci\u003eIs that all?\u003c\/i\u003e” said the voice, a trace of impatience detect­able in its manipulated tone. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “Yes.” \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “\u003ci\u003eThen this will be our last communication.\u003c\/i\u003e”","brand":"Philomel Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46301911318757,"sku":"NP9781524736996","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781524736996.jpg?v=1767722909","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/bodyguard-hostage-book-2-isbn-9781524736996","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}