What does it take to become the greatest secret agent the world has ever known? In this thrilling prequel to the adventures 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 1930s, 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 of the most iconic figures of our time. SilverFin is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will mesmerize readers of all ages.
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"Even though this was written for the 14-18 year old set, I liked the way it went from one problem to another, with flashbacks into people's lives that made them seem real. It's a perfect set-up for the real James Bond because it is all the adventures the young James had growing up. "
— April (4 out of 5 stars)
“British actor Parker’s crisp delivery and quick pacing will hold readers rapt.”
— Publishers Weekly“Charlie Higson’s novel is skillfully and dramatically read by Nathaniel Parker, who gives every character a distinct voice.”
— School Library Journal“Delivering numerous accents, including upper-class British, as well as Scots, Midwestern American, and German, Nathaniel Parker proves his ability to transition from nationality to nationality, often in the same scene. Parker also executes Bond’s voice with the precise amount of emotion every time, whether the lad is feeling brazen, fearful, lonely, or angry.”
— AudioFile“A believable thriller about the boy behind Agent 007.”
— Orlando Sentinel" An exciting and involving and very fast-paced story. I have already requested the next two titles from my local library. I wish my childhood had been this exciting....ah well "
— Gillian, 6/6/2011" This book is slow to start but a MUST read for James Bond fans. It really explains his past history and why he does some of the things he does as an adult. Well written from the history perspective. Of course there are no gadgets. <br/> "
— Tony, 5/31/2011" It starts out slow, barely leaving the reader with a reason to continue. It is not easy to read because it suffers from wordiness. The suspense does not build up and is hardly considered high-octane. "
— Rob, 5/30/2011" I was 11 at the time<br/>But i did enjoy this book "
— Mekkemi, 5/19/2011" I was very excited to read this as it puts a unique spin on the classic James Bond story. I was not dissapointed. Anyone who likes backround stories on your favorite characters or super heroes will LOVE this book. "
— TikiPaws12, 5/10/2011" This is not one of those typical books; let's just say it's very original. "
— Christina, 3/24/2011" i think this book was pretty good. The only thing I didn't like about it was how slow starting it was and how long it took for it to really get going. All in all, it was a pretty good book. "
— Will, 2/21/2011" Apparently, as a young man, James Bond attended Eton, and fought pulp villains on the hols. Who knew?<br/><br/>I really need to read some of the original Flemings, but this seems like a good start to a fun series. "
— Daniel, 1/31/2011Charlie Higson is the author of the bestselling Young Bond series and a well-known writer of screenplays and adult thriller novels. He’s also a performer and cocreator of the BBC hit comedy The Fast Show.
Nathaniel Parker has appeared in several films, including The Bodyguard, Wide Sargasso Sea, and Hamlet, while his theatrical roles include Wellbred in Every Man in His Humour, Kudryash in The Storm, Florizel in The Winter’s Tale, and Don Pedro in The Rover. Among his television credits are A Village Affair, David, Absolute Hell, and the part of Gabriel Oak in Far from the Madding Crowd.