Silverfin (Young Bond Series #1) by Charlie Higson

From Barnes & Noble

Young James Bond had no taste for the prim enclaves of Eton. Even as a teenager, this restless 13-year-old hated his stuffy prep school and longed for high adventure. Visiting relatives in the Scottish Highlands, he learns that a local boy has just gone missing. Jumping at the opportunity to join the hunt, the future 007 tracks clues to a medieval castle owned by Lord Hellebore, a maniacal, power-hungry aristocrat; then, with an impulsive decision that will change his entire life, he ventures into the lair of the madman. The repackaged release of a teen crowd-pleaser series.

From the Publisher

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.

Thirteen year-old James Bond cannot wait to get away from Eton, his stuffy boarding school, and visit his aunt and uncle in the Highlands of Scotland.  Upon arriving, he learns that a local boy, Alfie Kelly, has gone missing.  James teams up with the boy's cousin, Red, to investigate the disappearance.  The clues lead them to the castle of Lord Hellebore, a madman with a thirst for power.  Despite unknown dangers, James is determined to find the lost boy.  But what he discovers in the dark basement of Hellebore's estate will forever change his life.

Orlando Sentinel

A believable thriller about the boy behind Agent 007.

World

"A terrific adventure story."

Publishers Weekly

The name is Bond. James Bond. Everybody knows dashing agent 007, star of Ian Fleming's novels and the hit films. But what was James Bond like at age 14? Higson and Parker fill in some of the blanks with this vibrant recording. Listeners meet James as he's learning the ropes at the posh Eton boarding school in 1930s England. A school holiday sends him to Scotland where he spends time with his aunt and his dying uncle Max, who happens to be a former spy and who offers to teach James how to drive his classic Aston Martin. But R&R is quickly forgotten and mystery and intrigue are on the menu when James finds himself investigating the disappearance of a local boy, and a mad scientist's attempts to gain global domination via genetic experiments that include killer eels. And there's a blonde Bond beauty, too Wilder Lawless, who rides a horse called Martini. British actor Parker's crisp delivery and quick pacing will hold readers rapt, guiding them over a few overly long and somewhat predictable passages. Ages 10-up.(May) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-Meet Bond-James Bond-at 14, before he became the suave, lady-killing international spy. An orphan, he attends Eton and lives with his Aunt Charmian during school breaks. While the premise for this prequel sounds intriguing, it fails to deliver. Action, adventure, and mystery are not a part of the plot until the end. While visiting his dying Uncle Max in Scotland, James discovers that his enemy at Eton, George Hellebore, is visiting his father, Lord Randolph, who owns the castle in the same town. On the train to Scotland, James met Red Kelly and learned that Red's cousin Alphie is missing. Rumor has it he disappeared near Loch Silverfin, which is part of the Hellebore estate. It doesn't take long for James and Red to determine that Alphie's disappearance is connected to the castle. Red Kelly, Meatpacker, Wilder Lawless, and her horse, Martini, are interesting and quirky characters while James is positively dull. He is merely a part of the plot instead of a driving force. 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, Merton Williams Middle School, Hilton, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Higson sets his story in the 1930s as a young James Bond (only 14) embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of the missing Alphie Kelly. While at a boarding school in Eton, Bond first encounters George Hellebore and eventually his evil, overbearing, father. During a holiday trip to his aunt's home in northern Scotland, Bond's and Hellebore's lives become intertwined when Bond begins to suspect that something very suspicious is going on behind the gates of the Hellebore compound. Many coincidences and fortunate encounters (and some unfortunate ones) lead Bond inside the compound and to heart-pounding scenes that will keep readers turning the pages. At times, the episodes, with key characters being spotted just by chance, seem contrived, but those pass by quickly as the action moves beyond the ordinary into the action. A great read for fans of detective tales. (Fiction. 10-15)First printing of 150,000; $200,000 launch campaign

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