What does it take to become the greatest secret agent
the world has ever known? In this thrilling prequel to the adventure of James
Bond, 007, readers meet a young boy whose inquisitive mind and determination set
him on a path that will someday take him across the globe, in pursuit of the
most dangerous criminals of all time.
When we first meet young James, he's just started boarding school at Eton in the
1930’s, and from there, the action moves to the Highlands of Scotland, where
Alfie Kelly, a local boy, has gone missing. James teams up with the boy’s
cousin, Red, to investigate the mystery, and they soon discover that Alfie’s
disappearance is linked to a madman and his sinister plot for global power.
Acclaimed British author Charlie Higson has written a brilliantly crafted tale
that reveals the unknown story of a boy who grew up to become one the most
iconic figures of our time. SilverFin is an edge-of-your-seat thriller
that will mesmerize readers of all ages.
Silverfin, the first in a planned 5 part series, has received relatively poor media reveiws. A number comment that there isn't enough of the adult bond in the 13 year old James. To that I say, what a relief! I don't think I could have put up with a thirteen-year-old who was that smooth and self-assured. The young Bond is an orphan who doesn't follow the crowd and is more than comfortable spending time alone, but equally he knows a good friend when he sees one and sticks by the ones he makes; he's an exceptional athlete in some areas and speaks multiple languages, but has never thought of these as talents to be proud of. The bottom line is he's an all round nice, unassuming sort of chap, and thoughtful to boot. (Reviewed by BookBrowse Review Team).
Publishers Weekly
Sadly, there's no hint of the bon vivant James later becomes, but there is a blond, green-eyed beauty named Wilder Lawless who comes to his rescue on horseback. The steed's name? Martini.
School Library Journal - Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert
The book may appeal to serious Bond fans, but for students who are looking for mystery and adventure, Anthony Horowitz's "Alex Rider" books (Philomel) are a better choice.-Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert
Sunday Times (UK), Nicolette Jones
What is unexpected about this James Bond prequel is that its hero is so ordinary.....With careful between the wars detail and clear prose, it reads rather like a well written manual, even when the dangers escalate and a mad, Mendel admiring millionaire threatens James's life and the future of the world, which is more the sort of action we expect.
Philip Ardagh
This is a most enjoyable, well-written book which is well worth a read even if you're not a James Bond fan.
Recent Reader Reviews
Rated of 5
by Tyler Maass SilverFin This is an amazing book. A great read for those 10 and up who love a good, exciting book. Close to the end, I was so wraped up in my book, my mom had to shake me for five minutes before I became aware. I would totaly recomend this book to anyone I... Read More
Rated of 5
by super spy a great read I am 13, and red about Silverfin in a magezine. I had never really thought about what Bond was like as a kid until I read about this book. It looked good enough so I read it. I know what you might be thinking; The author doesn't know anything about... Read More
Charlie Higson is a well-known British comedy writer, producer, and actor,
particularly well known for writing and performing on the hit 1990s comedy
The Fast Show. His novels include the Young Bond series and four blackly
humorous novels for adults: Getting Rid of Mister Kitchen (1996), Full
Whack (1995),
Happy Now (1993), and King of the Ants (1992).
The Young Bond series to date:
1. Silverfin (2005)
2. Blood Fever (2006, January in UK, June in USA).
Interesting link:
Ian Fleming's impression of James Bond, drawn by an unknown artist (it would seem that out of all the movie Bonds, Pierce Brosnan is the closest to what Fleming envisaged.
By the way, did you know there's a new Bond movie, Casino Royale, with a new Bond, coming this Fall?
Casino Royale was the first of Fleming's books and was made into a spoof in 1967 but, until now, has never been made into a serious movie (not that 'serious' is perhaps the best way to describe any Bond...
Teen spy Alex Rider survives a bullfight, a high-speed bicycle chase through Amsterdam, and even being the target in a human video-game, in order to save the world - again.
These are 2 of the 8 readalike suggestions for Silverfin. Members have full access to all readalikes. If you are a member, please login. To find out more about membership, click here.
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Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
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Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
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British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
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School Library Journal - Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert
Philip Ardagh
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