Swords for Hire: Two of the most unlikely heroes you'll ever meet (Paperback)

by Will Allen (Author), Nancy Cartwright (Foreword) "The cell was deep and the cell was dark..." (more)
Key Phrases: golden worm, sword for hire, King Olive, Rigby Skeet, Royal Guard (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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.

Review
"Rollicking," "hilarious" and "delightful" are adjectives that keep popping up in reviews of this comic adventure tale. -- Associated Press

Hate the bad guy, love the good guys, cheer for the rescuers. How much more can you ask for? -- American Booksellers Association

Readers will revel in the charm, humor, and twists and turns. This book will delight children, teens, and adults alike. -- Foreword Reviews

Reluctant readers will find a page-turner, while older readers will delight in the humorous twists throughout the story. -- Voya Magazine

Swords for Hire is silly, gross, juvenile, highly improbable, and very much fun to read. -- Fearless Reviews

This will appeal to fantasy readers of all ages. There's something for everyone in this humorous page-turning adventure. -- The Best Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Centerpunch Press; 2nd edition (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972488200
• ISBN-13: 978-0972488204
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #683,674 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and funny, May 12, 2005

By	Dan "Longsword" (USA, Florida) - See all my reviews

Farm boy Sam Hatcher has just turned 16, the age of "manhood." Having a serious heart to heart talk with his father, Sam leaves the safety of his farm to join the Royal Guard.

The next day Sam is interviewed by Captain Clerret of the Royal Guard. Due to his youth and inexperience the captain refers Sam to Rigby Skeet for his education and training. Rigby Skeet is the kingdoms resident Sword for Hire. Eccentric and quick with the puns Rigby takes Sam under his wing.

King Olive has been dethroned and imprisoned by his scheming brother Boonder. Boonder has employed the evil Boneman to hold his brother prisoner while he enjoys the distinction of being King. King Olive has thought of only two things during his years of captivity, his escape and his hatred for Boonder.

A smuggled note in King Olives' writing reaches Rigby and Sam and it's now their mission to find and return their beloved King to his rightful throne.

SWORDS FOR HIRE is a charming and funny, wholesome and entertaining story from beginning to end. Being fast paced and engaging SWORDS FOR HIRE will keep the interest of any child.. My own children took one look at the cover and couldn't wait to get their hands on it. Listening to my kids giggle and hearing them quickly turn pages is a testimonial to this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do yourself a favor: Swords is good medicine, July 2, 2004

By A Customer

Swords is sublime. Smart, quick, funny and unexpected -- you'll gulp it down and then wish you had made it last longer. You'll share it with everyone you know just so you can talk about it again and again.

Get at least two copies; one to keep and some to share. Swords stirs up classic adventure with offbeat characters and waggish dialogue to deliver a hearty, crowd-pleasing read. After I finished the book, I read it to my 2nd grade son. He was hooked at the opening line and begged, "Please just one more chapter!" Several friends' kids from 8 to 17 have quickly devoured Swords as soon as I passed it on, choosing it for book reports and telling friends about it. My first copy still hasn't made it back to me I'm told it's been read by an entire household and is making its way through another. Few books have the potential to be a favorite among multiple generations, but Swords for Hire seems to have enough magic for everyone.

Though Swords is the first we've seen from the young late Allen, don't think you're getting lightweight writing with this book. Swords may be fresh and witty but it exhibits the sophistication and craftsmanship of a seasoned novelist. I found it no surprise to learn that Allen wrote for most of his short life: his Swords is an unconventional classic that can stand with the best. You'll be proud to say you read it and loved it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting cross-country adventure, March 10, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Swords For Hire: Two Of The Most Unlikely Heroes You'll Ever Meet by Will Allen is a rollicking, clever, novel for young readers ages 8 to 14. Sam Hatcher grew up on a farm with his parents. When Sam turned 16 he meets Rigby Skeet and the two of them uncover a plot that has thrust the rightful king into a "Boneman" guarded dungeon and placed the king's evil brother upon the throne. To free the king and expose the plot, Sam and Rigby embark on an exciting cross-country adventure complete with evil guards, a magical sorcerer, ambushes, and a beautiful girl held captive against her will. Swords For Hire is a terrific read, one of those heroic action fantasy novels that are so easy to pick up and so hard to put down!