Title: SilverFin
Author: Charlie Higson
First published March 3, 2005
352 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780786836611 (ISBN10: 078683661X)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
Journey back in time to when James Bond was just a boy. In SilverFin, he’s starting at a new school, trying to navigate the ins and outs of fitting in and facing bullies.
But little does he know, there’s something sinister lurking in the depths of the water, something called SilverFin. Join James on his first adventure as he uncovers a deadly mystery and takes the first step towards becoming the legendary spy we all know and love.
This is the first book in a thrilling series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss out on the action-packed adventure that started it all!
About the Author
Charlie Higson attended Sevenoaks School and the University of East Anglia, where he met Paul Whitehouse, David Cummings, and Terry Edwards. They formed The Higsons band, and Higson was their lead singer from 1980 to 1986.
Later on, he worked with Harry Enfield, co-writing and performing comedy. Higson gained popularity for his work on the BBC Two sketch show The Fast Show, where he was one of the main writers and performers from 1994 to 2000.
He has since worked on various television shows, including Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), Swiss Toni, and Tittybangbang.
In the early to mid-1990s, Higson published four novels with a dystopian theme that focused on characters on the margins of society. These novels were described by Time Out as being “The missing link between Dick Emery and Brett Easton Ellis.”
Higson was chosen to write a series of James Bond novels for younger readers, focusing on the character’s school-days at Eton. The first novel, SilverFin, was released in 2005, followed by Blood Fever, Double or Die, Hurricane Gold, and By Royal Command.
Higson has recently signed a deal with Puffin to pen a new series of children’s books, which he described as “action adventures, but with a horror angle.”
Editoral Review
SilverFin by Charlie Higson is a thrilling and action-packed adventure that will captivate the attention of any young reader. Higson, known for his work as a writer and producer for the James Bond franchise, delivers a fresh take on the beloved spy genre with his YA series about the early adventures of James Bond.
Set in 1930s England, SilverFin introduces readers to a teenage James Bond, who is sent to Scotland to attend a prestigious school where he encounters a group of bullies and uncovers the sinister secrets of an evil industrialist. The novel is filled with gripping action sequences, high-stakes espionage, and unexpected plot twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Higson’s writing style is both accessible and engaging, making it easy for even younger readers to follow the complex plot. The characters are well-developed, with James Bond himself portrayed as a smart, resourceful, and courageous young man with a strong moral compass.
What sets SilverFin apart from other YA spy novels is its historical and cultural significance. Higson masterfully weaves in elements of Scottish history and culture, making the setting feel authentic and adding depth to the story.
Additionally, the novel touches on themes of classism, environmentalism, and corporate greed, making it relevant to current events. One potential flaw of the novel is its slow pace in the beginning, which may make it difficult for some readers to get into the story.
However, once the action picks up, the novel is difficult to put down. Overall, SilverFin is a must-read for any young reader interested in spy thrillers or historical fiction.
It is a well-crafted novel that will entertain and educate readers with its thrilling adventure, well-developed characters, and culturally significant themes. The novel sets the bar high for future YA spy fiction and earns a solid score of 4 out of 5 stars.
