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! Teenage kickboxing champion Connor Reeves is determined to do his father, a former special forces soldier, proud. Recruited into the ranks of a top-secret young bodyguard squad known as Guardian, Connor trains in surveillance, anti-ambush exercises, hostage survival and unarmed combat. Whatever it takes to prepare him for the dangerous missions ahead. But nothing can prepare Connor for his first assignment when the US president summons him to protect the First Daughter. For not even the Secret Service knows that a terrorist sleeper cell has been activated in America. Its mission: to take the president’s daughter hostage. 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 Gr 5–7—In the world of celebrities and teen pop stars, bodyguards are a necessity. This novel introduces readers to an organization that employs highly trained teenagers to act as bodyguards for VIPs. Connor, skilled in martial arts, is recruited into this elite organization. His first assignment is to protect the president's teenage daughter, Alicia, who quickly tries to lose her Secret Service detail and has no idea fellow teen Connor is there to guard her. When a terrorist group plans to kidnap Alicia and hold her hostage, Connor's abilities are put to the test. The training sequences are detailed and realistic, and Connor is relatable and likable. The next five installments will publish simultaneously, satisfying readers who wish to binge-read the entire series. VERDICT Featuring intense action sequences and strong friendships, this series starter will appeal to reluctant readers and fans of the "Alex Rider" books.—Mary Hyson, Eyer Middle School, Macungie, PA “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 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. 1 The fist caught Connor by surprise. A rocketing right hook that jarred his jaw. Stars burst before his eyes, and he stum­bled backward. Only instinct saved him from getting floored by the left cross that followed. Blocking the punch with his forearm, Connor countered with a kick to the ribs. But he was too dazed to deliver any real power.   His attacker, a boy with knotted black hair and a body that seemed to have been chiseled from stone, deflected the strike and charged at him in a thunderous rage. Connor shielded his head as a barrage of blows rained down on him.   “GO, JET! KNOCK ’IM OUT!”   The shouts of the crowd were a monstrous roar in Con­nor’s ears as Jet pummeled him. Connor ducked and weaved to escape the brutal onslaught. But he was boxed in.   Then the ding of the bell cut through the clamor and the referee stepped between them. Jet glared at Connor, his ad­vantage lost.   Connor returned to his corner. He sported spiky brown hair, green-blue eyes and an athletic physique—the ben­efit of several years of martial arts training. Spitting out his mouth guard, he gratefully accepted the water bottle Dan held out for him. His kickboxing instructor, bald-headed with narrow eyes and a flattened nose that had been broken one too many times, didn’t look happy.   “You have to keep your guard up,” Dan warned.   “Jet’s so quick with his hands,” gasped Connor between gulps of water.   “But you’re quicker,” Dan replied, his tone firm and un­questionable. “The championship title is yours for the tak­ing. Unless you persist in e