'By Royal Command' is 'a great way to finish off the series'

Following up the announcement of By Royal Command as the title of Charlie Higson’s forthcoming fifth Young James Bond adventure, the author took some time to discuss the novel with the Young Bond Dossier.

Having just completed writing the book last week, Higson said: ‘I have tried to give it some emotional depth. Bond’s choices are not so clear cut. The book asks what is right and what is wrong, and Bond doesn’t always necessarily make the right decisions. It’s a great way to finish off the series, and at the end of it we really feel that James is poised for the next phase of his life.’

The author also revealed that the title is an echo to Ian Fleming’s 1963 novel, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, which saw 007 battling Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the Swiss Alps as well as get married–and widowed–at the conclusion.

Labeling By Royal Command a love story, Higson stated: ‘There is a definite echo … there is a lot of stuff in the book about the secret service, and it sows the seeds for a lot of what happens in James’s later life. There was always a plan to have this book involve the royal family and as it’s a slightly more grown up book, it has a slightly more grown up title.’

Higson also discussed the fact that this novel marks the conclusion of the Young Bond series, which first began with the publication of SilverFin in 2005.

‘I’ve lived with Bond for a few years now and it’s been great fun,’ said Higson, ‘but writing 5 books back to back is a strange and draining experience. It will be good to take a break and do something else. I am not saying I won’t return to Young Bond in the future, but for now these 5 books will stand as a set.’

‘The graphic novel is out in September (it’s going to be fabulous), and if that does well there will be more to follow, so I hope to be involved with Young Bond in one way or another for many more years to come.’ [CBn Note: It appears that the graphic novel has been delayed to 2 October].

Head on over to the Young Bond Dossier for much more, including some brand new plot details that will feature in the novel.

The By Royal Command hardback is due for release in the UK on 4 September 2008, retailing for £12.99.

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