This was a blast! Silverfin is a thoroughly enjoyable middle-grade thriller introducing thirteen-year-old schoolboy James Bond. Gripping, thoughtful, moving, and tidy.

Before all his gadgets and slick moves, James was just an ordinary schoolboy dodging bullies and trying to keep above water. He’s sent to Eton: a world of privileged students and esoteric vocabulary. He develops a love for long-distance running and makes an enemy of rich-kid George Hellebore.

Then a chance encounter on a train sets James on course for an adventure which almost kills him.

“I was what you might call a spy.”

“Really?” said James. “A spy? How exciting.” (Ch. 9)

Silverfin is smashing: pacy and nail-biting, but with plenty of character development and nuance too. Highlights include the detailed exploration of the petrol engine, James learning to drive a Bamford & Martin Sidevalve Tourer, the poignant conversations with Uncle Max, and the little incidents and thoughts which nudge Bond onto the road to spydom.

James gets his first gadgets: one custom-concealed for him by ally Red Kelly. He learns about controlled breathing, covering his tracks, the importance of cover stories, how to fight, and how to persevere - even when facing impossible pain or impossible odds.

The opening chapter is dark, atmospheric, and intriguing. The secondary characters are given space to move, and James is entirely winsome as the young, accidental hero on his first mission.

A terrific start to the Young Bond series by Charlie Higson.

WHAT TO READ NEXT

Double or Die by Charlie Higson - young Bond tackles a cryptic crossword

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud - misfits in a strange land