"Under Fire For Servia" by Colonel James Fiske is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the tensions leading to World War I, the story follows a young American boy named Dick Warner, who seeks to confront a deceitful former business partner of his deceased father in the politically charged environment of Semlin, Hungary. The plot intertwines themes of bravery, friendship, and the struggle for justice as Dick's journey becomes entangled with the looming threat of war. At the start of the novel, Dick arrives in Semlin and confronts the American consul, sharing his determination to take on Mike Hallo, the man he believes cheated his family. Dick's plucky nature shines through as he insists on staying in town despite being warned of dangers from the local police, potentially working for Hallo. The consul expresses concern about the unraveling conflict in the region, where tensions between Austria-Hungary and Servia are escalating. As Dick navigates this treacherous territory, he encounters allies such as Stepan Dushan, a local Servian boy, whose shared values and perspective deepen their friendship as they prepare for the impending war while also strategizing to confront Hallo. This initial setup indicates a blend of adventure and historical drama as the characters grapple with personal and national stakes in a world on the brink of change. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
These books are free to read. Each is in the public domain in the United States; check your own country's rules before you copy or share one.
