Young Bond : By Royal Command Synopsis
By Royal Command, the fifth book in the best-selling Young Bond series, sees James Bond thrown into the midst of a dangerous and intricate plot that will put King and country at risk. Set between the two World Wars and moving between Eton and the chilling slopes of the Austrian Alps, By Royal Command sees the young James Bond put to the test as never before. However, when a pretty, young maid arrives at Eton, he will also learn a lesson of the heart.
The action opens as James Bond is on a school trip skiing in the Alps. He and a fellow Etonian find themselves in a perilous situation, forcing James to attempt a treacherous rescue mission. After a narrow escape, the boys end up in hospital where James happens upon a delirious patient, injured beyond recognition, muttering a seemingly nonsensical German phrase...
Back at Eton, James is under surveillance - someone is watching his every move and it soon becomes clear that no one around him can be trusted. As his world threatens to explode, he goes on the run. With only a beautiful and dangerous girl by his side, James is forced to choose between friendship and duty.
By Royal Command sees the return of the Russian grandmother, Babushka, and an unexpected reunion with a bitter enemy from James’s past as our hero is inextricably drawn into the dark world of international espionage. More than ever before, James must keep his wits about him in an unforgettable adventure filled with secrecy and lies.
Alongside publication of By Royal Command, a groundbreaking new Young Bond alternate reality game, The Shadow War, has just launched on www.youngbond.com. This is the first alternate reality game made specifically for children around books. It is a gripping interactive online game which will put Young Bond fans in the shoes of a British SIS agent or a Soviet OGPU spy, and lead them through a story that spans seven missions over seven weeks.
Players around the world will use a range of media, including the Young Bond books themselves and the worldwide web, to complete the missions and influence the outcome of the game. The game culminates on 8th October with a live event, hosted on the game site and featuring Charlie Higson, in which players will be able to ask questions and influence the end of the game. Set within the Young Bond world, the game will allow fans to explore familiar locations and see memorable characters from the series – including James Bond himself.
The Shadow War is an innovative combination of reading, story-telling and online gaming. It is designed for children aged 9 plus but can be enjoyed by adults too, and is played free of charge.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780141384511 |
| Publication date: |
3rd September 2008 |
| Author: |
Charlie Higson |
| Publisher: |
Penguin Books Ltd |
| Format: |
Hardback |
| Suitable For: |
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| Other Genres: |
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| Recommendations: |
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About Charlie Higson
Charlie Higson is a well-known writer of screenplays and novels, including the phenomenally successful Young Bond series. He is also a performer and co-creator of 'The Fast Show' and Radio Four's award-winning 'Down the Line' series - recently made into a popular BBC2 sketch show, 'Bellamy's People'. Charlie is a big fan of horror films and is now hoping to give a great many children sleepless nights with his The Enemy series.
The Young Bond books have, to date, sold over a million copies in the UK and been translated into 24 different languages. The Young Bond titles are included in a recent list of books complied by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the School Libraries Association to encourage school boys to read (www.boysintobooks.co.uk).
After studying at the University of East Anglia, Charlie formed a band, The Higsons. He then became a decorator before turning to the world of television and going into partnership with his friend Paul Whitehouse. Their successes included 'Saturday Live', the 'Harry Enfield Television Programme', 'The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer', 'Shooting Stars', 'Randall and Hopkirk, Deceased', the film 'Suite 16', 'Swiss Toni' and 'The Fast Show'.
Most recently Charlie and Paul co-produced, and performed in, the controversial and award-winning spoof radio series Down the Line for BBC Radio 4. This later became the television comedy series Bellamy’s People, on BBC 2, inspired by the Radio series.
Charlie is also a successful adult novelist and has written four thrillers, King of the Ants (1992), Happy Now (1993), Full Whack (1995) and Getting Rid of Mr Kitchen (1996).
Charlie lives in London with his wife and three sons.
Questions for Charlie Higson:
What was your inspiration for The Enemy?
George Romero’s early zombie films – Night of the Living Dead & Dawn of the Dead mostly. But there are bits of Lord of the Rings, fairy tales and the tales of the Greek heroes.
Which character was the most fun to write?
Small Sam and the Kid. They’re a good double act.
Are any of your characters based on real people?
I use my own kids and their friends for inspiration, but there is no one character
that is based on one particular person.
What was the last film that blew you away?
Pan’s Labyrinth was amazing. Special effects and fantasy are used for more than just pretty pictures.
Who would you choose to be if you could be a celebrity for the day?
That idea is just too scary to contemplate. My God, imagine !
Click here to read more Charlie Higson Q&A.
Charlie Higson loves what could be THE debut of 2011, Undead by Kirsty McKay: 'A kick-ass teen-action zombie-fest. Fast, furious, freaky, funny and seriously sick. Oh, and did I mention it kicks ass ?'
Author photo: Andy Paradise
More About Charlie Higson
