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The Black Dragon (Tom Swift the Fourth, Bk 1)
The Black Dragon - Tom Swift the Fourth, Bk 1 Author:Victor Appleton In this revamped and updated version of the classic (and the first of a series), the eponymous hero battles Xavier Mace (aka The Black Dragon), a "brilliant, vengeful" scientist. Mace is after the 18-year-old's newest futuristic creation, a levitating "skyboard," and kidnaps Tom's best friend, Rick Cantwell, to learn the secret behind it. — But R... more »ick knows football, not electromagnetism. Aware that Mace won't swallow disappointment easily, Tom utilizes daring, resourcefulness and an array of inventive devices to thwart his adversary.
Although Appleton smoothly mixes the SF and action-adventure genres, he occasionally veers toward convolution - and confusion. Too, the few romantic scenes (that link girl-shy Tom with the vivacious Mandy) seem artificial. Yet these flaws may be forgiven by SF buffs who seek a hero with more brains than brawn. Ages 11-up.« less
ISBN-13: 9780671678234 ISBN-10: 067167823X Pages:165 Reading Level: Young Adult Rating: