The Forest of Swords: A Story of Paris and the Marne

** "The Forest of Swords: A Story of Paris and the Marne" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a historical novel that shows the tough times of World War I, following John Scott and Philip Lannes as they deal with the war near Paris. The book looks at bravery, love for one's country, and the hard feelings that come with fighting a strong enemy. Early in the story, John Scott and Philip Lannes walk around Paris, talking about how bad things are as German soldiers get closer. They talk about their worries and dreams for France, watching people leave the city. The story gets more exciting when they talk about how important their country is and the impact of people from the past like Napoleon. John becomes friends with a brave young man named Pierre Louis Bougainville, who wants to fight for France. As the story goes on, the two men are in the middle of the war's chaos, facing danger from both the enemy and problems within their own side, setting the scene for an exciting story of courage. **