The Chief

Lipsyte fans will be delighted to discover that the final installment in the trilogy begun by The Contender is worthy, in every way, of the fine novels that preceded it. The language, concise and powerful, moves the story along at a seemingly effortless clip; its staccato cadences are guaranteed to raise more than a few goosebumps. Sonny Bear, the half-Moscondaga, half-white protagonist of The Brave , is back, eking out a meager living on the professional boxing circuit. Also making a return appearance is aspiring novelist Marty Witherspoon, Sonny's old friend and the tale's narrator, who finds himself acting as publicity manager for the aspiring heavyweight champ on an impromptu trip to Las Vegas. Marty's angling lands Sonny in a glitzy and highly publicized match, which indirectly leads him into the hands of a bunch of Hollywood agents who want to make him the country's next TV idol. Before the glamour can take too much of a toll on him, violent events call Sonny back to the reservation, where a newly built casino threatens to destroy the soul of the Moscondaga Nation. Dramatic doings, terse and thrilling language and deftly sketched characters produce a heart-pounding read. Ages 12-up. (May)