Santiago's Sword

Twelve-year-old Miguel Ortega embarks on a quest to recover a first-century sword in this fast-paced mystery set in 1812 during California's Early Mission Era. Legend claims that the sword enables its bearer to overcome his enemies. And Spain intends to do just that-to conquer more lands and restore her former glory.

Miguel races to intercept the sale of the sword. On every stage of his journey, threats arise from men and beast to hinder his pursuit. He also faces a conflict within: once he finds the sword, will he be able to destroy it? Revelations inspire him to press on, pointing to yet another reward: the lost treasure of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.

A treasure hunt, the legend of the sword, and biographies of explorers and saints all combine to draw the reader into the nineteenth century, before California's statehood, when she was yet untamed. The serene beauty of the Santa Barbara coast provides a bold contrast to the tensions arising among the soldiers, missionaries, and Native Americans. Santiago's Sword stirs in us a longing for the fulfillment of that ancient prophecy so relevant to modern times-that swords be beaten into plowshares.