here's how the setence goes.

"So the army will be able to open a portal also" Bill asked,Still staring at Avery, waiting for the answer. "No" she replied, catching bill off gaurd, that was'nt the answer he expected."The book has been boobytrapped, the next time it is used it will destroy itself".Turning away, Avery walked from the room.

i didnt like using the word boobytrapped, is there another name that would fit to show that the book will destroy itself the next time it is used.
jim

Trap, set-up, tampered with?

I personally like tampered with. : )

how about this

"So the army will be able to open a portal also" Bill asked,Still staring at Avery, waiting for the answer. "No" she replied, catching bill off gaurd, that was'nt the answer he expected."The book, shall we say has been tampered with, it will self destruct if used".Turning away, Avery walked from the room.

does that sound any beter.
jim

Sabotaged, Tampered, Messed with, Set to self-destruct, Trapped.
That's all I got, and I even looked in a thesaurus.

i like the tampered with myself think i will stick with that. great advice.
jim

just 'the book will self-destruct if opened' is all you really need there... what you have is too wordy, regardless of whether you use booby-trapped or another term...

so you think the reader will understand thats its been tampered with if you cut that part out and just say it will self destruct if opened.

How about:"No, the book is triggered to destroy itself the next time it is used," Avery replied.

you guys are awesome, thats the best one yet cogito,