I read the first two novels in the Young Bond series by Charlie Higson and sort of lost interest but when I heard Steve Cole was taking over the series I decided to give Young Bond one last chance. I'm very glad I did because this was a very entertaining read. The story line was rather clichéd in that it depicts gangsters furthering their goals via motion pictures, but the characterization of Bond was spot on and the seeds of his future career are planted here.
For a novel targeted towards a younger audience there is a fair amount of violence on display here but I feel it is well handled by the author and not at all gratuitous. The Bond of this novel speaks only when it's necessary and prefers action, so I was definitely picturing a young Daniel Craig in the role which only served to strengthen the reading experience. Steve Cole has definitely proved he has what it takes to carry the Young Bond series and I look forward to further entries in this re-vamped series. Great stuff.
Yours in writing,
Jez Cartner
