After months and months of waiting for eager literary 007 fans around the world, the newest instalment in Charlie Higson’s Young Bond series, By Royal Command, is published today by Puffin in the UK.

Plus, get your first look at the eye-catching cover artwork accompanying this release that keeps in line with the ‘royal’ theme of the novel.

The official press announcement follows:

Cover Artwork For Charlie Higson’s Fifth Young Bond Book Revealed:
BY ROYAL COMMAND

Wednesday 3rd September sees the publication of By Royal Command, the fifth instalment of the globally popular Young Bond series and the eagerly anticipated unveiling of its cover. In keeping with the royal theme of the novel, the artwork is in striking red, black and silver with an embossed union-jack and regal-red edged pages.

By Royal Command sees James Bond thrown into the midst of a dangerous, spy-ridden plot that threatens to put both 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. Not only are his bravery and loyalty on trial, but the arrival of a pretty, young maid at Eton also teaches him a lesson of the heart.

The Young Bond books have to date sold over three quarters of a million copies in Britain alone and have been translated in to 24 different languages. The series was launched with SilverFin in March 2005 and was followed by Blood Fever, Double or Die and Hurricane Gold.

Charlie Higson’s By Royal Command

Higson’s By Royal Command is currently available in hardback and audiobook format, retailing for £12.99 each. Amazon.co.uk ordering links are also available:

• Order the UK hardback edition of By Royal Command from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the UK audiobook edition of By Royal Command from Amazon.co.uk

In addition, Young Bond fans can partake in the currently running alternate reality game, The Shadow War.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for a review of By Royal Command and continued coverage of the literary James Bond.