'SilverFin' Makes The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide

Charlie Higson’s debut Young Bond novel, SilverFin, has been named one of the 50 books “so good everyone will want to read” in The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide.

Books Alive is an Australian Government initiative that “aims to encourage all Australians to experience the joys of reading”. As part of the initiative, an annual campaign is run to ignite the Australian public’s passion for reading, which includes the publication of the Great Read Guide each August.

A substantial advertising campaign accompanies the publication of this guide, with selected bookstores across the country displaying extensive promotional material for the 50 chosen reads, many of which boast discounted prices (as part of this campaign, SilverFin now retails half-price – AU$8.95 – in participating bookstores). Additionally, for a limited time, each selected book comes with a free novel by Australian author Peter FitzSimons.

The 2007 Books Alive Great Read Guide describes SilverFin as a “sensational, action-packed adventure” that will leave readers “shaken and stirred” (the SilverFin write-up can be found on page 45 of the guide).

An independent panel of book industry experts from right across Australia carefully selected each of the books from a range of genres and styles, including crime, travel, history, thrillers, biographies and teen fiction, where SilverFin placed.

Meanwhile, The Young Bond Dossier today carries photos from arguably Charlie Higson’s most arduous mission yet – personally signing the 1,500 copies of his new book, Hurricane Gold, which will be sold exclusively through independent booksellers throughout the United Kingdom.

Each signed copy of the novel is also numbered – so yes, there is an elusive “007” copy out there somewhere. White gloves were used by all involved, including Higson himself, to avoid fingerprints winding up on the golden novels, which are due in-store on 6 September.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest Young James Bond news.

Pre-order the UK hardback edition of Hurricane Gold from Amazon.co.uk.

Pre-order the UK audiobook edition of Hurricane Gold from Amazon.co.uk.

Discuss this news article in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the Internet.

Young Bond Goes 'Gold' In London

Subscribers to the Young Bond Danger Society newsletter will find the latest issue in their inboxes today, with details about the launch of Charlie Higson’s new book, Hurricane Gold.

To celebrate the novel’s release on 6 September, Waterstone’s Piccadilly are throwing an all-gold party featuring themed activities, gold food and a reading by Charlie Higson. A public signing of the new book – gold-themed itself, with a gold cover featuring debossed lettering and gilt-edged pages – will follow the event. Attendees are even encouraged to wear gold to the event.

The party kicks off at 6:30pm on 6 September and is a ticketed event. However, tickets are free and can be reserved by phoning Waterstone’s on 020 7851 2400. The Danger Society Newsletter also notes that it may be possible, though not guaranteed, to reserve signed copies of the book if you are unable to attend. Contact Waterstone’s for details.

Earlier this year, Waterstone’s Piccadilly hosted the launch party and title announcement for Higson’s third Young Bond novel, Double Or Die.

You can subscribe to the Danger Society Newsletter at the official Young Bond website. Keep watching CBn for all the latest Young Bond news leading up to the release of Hurricane Gold.

Order the UK hardback edition of Hurricane Gold from Amazon.co.uk.

Order the UK audiobook edition of Hurricane Gold from Amazon.co.uk.

Discuss the UK audiobook of ‘Hurricane Gold’ in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the Internet.

Looking Back: 'Never Dream Of Dying'

The CBn ‘Looking Back…’ series now moves onto Raymond Benson’s fifth original James Bond novel, Never Dream Of Dying. First released in May of 2001, this was Benson’s final novel of the Union Trilogy. CBn takes an indepth look back at Never Dream Of Dying. Included are publication details, trivia notes about the book and CBn Forum fan reactions…

In Raymond Benson’s chilling new James Bond novel, Bond comes face to face at last with the most cunning criminal mastermind he has ever fought–the blind genius behind the brutal organization called the Union.

It begins at a movie studio in Nice where a police raid goes horribly wrong, killing innocent men, women and even children. It continues in an English prison, where a dead man discloses an intriguing secret about the brutal criminal organisation called the Union. The trail leads James Bond to Paris, where he meets the tantalising movie star Tylyn Mignonne and embarks on a voyage of sensual discovery.

But Tylyn is in mortal danger. Her husband, a volatile French film producer, has not forgiven his glamorous wife for ending their troubled marriage–and he is connected to the Union’s thugs.

Meanwhile Bond’s friend, French agent Mathis, has disappeared while tracking down the Union’s mysterious leader, Le Gérant. Bond’s journey takes him to a thrilling underwater brush with death, a chase through the Corsican wilderness, a surprise encounter with an old friend–and a final confrontation with a twisted criminal genius.

UK First Edition Hodder & Stoughton Hardback

Trivia

Never Dream Of Dying is the final book of the Union trilogy–the other two being High Time To Kill and Doubleshot.

Unlike some previous James Bond novels by Raymond Benson, Never Dream Of Dying was the author’s original choice for the title.

The US G.K. Hall Large Print hardback edition of Never Dream Of Dying shares the same cover as the US Putnam hardback.

The name ‘Tylyn’ is taken from a Playboy playmate that was a friend of Raymond Benson.

While being promoted to the Captain status in later John Gardner James Bond novels, here 007 is a Commander once again.

The author’s fifth original James Bond novel (he’s also adapted two of the recent big-screen adventures) is classic Bond. Here we have a larger-than-life villain (the mysterious leader of the Union, an international terrorist organization), a diabolical plot (yes, it involves world domination), lots of action, and plenty of snappy Bond dialogue…

The Booklist

What sets this book apart from its two predecessors in the Union series, however, is not just a better constructed and more gripping plot, but also the humanisation of Bond… he has rediscovered the mood and psyche of the self-assured and, at times, humorous assassin… Bond is human, after all, and Benson has him looking deep within himself.

The Journal

Release Timeline

• 2001: 1st British Hodder & Stoughton Hardback Edition
• 2001: 1st American Putnam Hardback Edition
• 2001: 1st British Coronet Paperback Edition
• 2001: 1st American G.K. Hall Large Print Hardback Edition
• 2002: 1st British Windsor/Chivers Press Large Print Hardback Edition
• 2002: 1st American Jove Paperback Edition

Forum Reviews

***WARNING***: Some of the following reviews contain major spoilers regarding this novel.

I loved Never Dream Of Dying, and if they were to only make one of the continuation novels into a film, this would probably be the one that I would choose to adapt.

CBn Forum member tdalton

Whilst I cannot say Never Dream Of Dying is my favourite Benson (Doubleshot is my favourite, followed closely by Zero Minus Ten), I still loved it! Of course, the Union and their leader return, so naturally I was excited to read their next adventure (as I read the trilogy as soon as each novel was released and therefore obviously in order). My only disappointment with the novel is the fact that Le Gérant may be dead. However, Benson saved himself beautifully, by allowing his return.

I was also surprised with his treatment of Draco, though I wasn’t necessarily annoyed with it. Raymond, himself explained to me, in one of the interviews I did with him, that Draco is a villain, pure and simple (he’s head of the Union Corse!). So it’s quite reasonable that he should turn on Bond, especially after Bond got his daughter involved with Blofeld in the first place!

The locations in the novel are also beautifully mapped out and described by Benson. Such as France and Corsica…

The novel also has some extremely tense moments, such as the early scenes in France, as well as Bond’s animal dream. This passage is particularly impressive and well thought out.

Overall, it’s still a strong novel. Great villain, interesting Bond girl, the return of Mathis, a torture sequence, a confrontation with Le Gérant and the return of Draco. Benson does it again for me.

CBn Forum member James Boldman

Benson took on a bit more than he could chew by incorporating Draco. The Draco “twist” actually takes over the majority of the book really and leaves Le Gérant in the dust. Honestly, he didn’t need to incorporate the second wife and child being killed into this. Revenge over Tracy was enough even with the significant time difference.

CBn Forum member Willowhugger

Never Dream Of Dying is my #1 favorite Benson book.

CBn Forum member zencat

Not my favorite of Benson’s, mostly due to the Draco issue, but I do believe it has the best torture and escape sequence of any of the Benson novels. Made me flinch. Hell, makes me flinch just thinking about it right now.

CBn Forum member clinkeroo

It’s quite a good read, but not as well-crafted or enjoyable as The Man with the Red Tattoo (Benson’s best, in my opinion) or Zero Minus Ten. Much better than the dire High Time To Kill, though. A fun timekiller.

CBn Forum member Loomis

This was the first Benson book I read last year, before moving backwards down the line (I had been a hold-out thinking no one could really match Fleming’s Bond) and I absolutely loved this book. It was a great set up and I just couldn’t put it down. By far, the best of Benson’s novels.

CBn Forum member Agent 0011

I liked Never Dream Of Dying very much. It is very interesting and it is hard to stop reading, but it doesn’t really seem Bond. I don’t like that the movie things are involved and the climax at Cannes… if it had not been for that it would have been a masterpiece. Well, the book is better than High Time To Kill, but not better than Doubleshot.

The ending on Corsica when attacking the Union is great! But I would have enjoyed it more if Bond and Le Gérant had a bigger fight with each other…

CBn Forum member Kronsteen

'Hurricane Gold' Audiobook Cover Art Unveiled

The Young Bond Dossier has once again dug up Gold… Hurricane Gold! Today, the website brings us a first look at the cover artwork for the UK audiobook edition of Charlie Higson’s fourth Young Bond novel.

As with the UK audiobooks of SilverFin, Blood Fever and Double Or Die, Hurricane Gold will be read by Charlie Higson himself. This abridged audiobook is due for release on 6 September, the same day as the UK hardcover edition.

To have a gander at the artwork, head on over to The Young Bond Dossier.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest breaking James Bond news.

Order the UK hardback edition of Hurricane Gold from Amazon.co.uk.

Order the UK audiobook edition of Hurricane Gold from Amazon.co.uk.

Discuss the UK audiobook of ‘Hurricane Gold’ in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the Internet. Thanks to Qwerty.

Media Marks Passing Of John Gardner

The world’s media has begun to mark the passing of James Bond author John Gardner by publication of several obituaries.

The Stratford-upon-Avon Herald – where Gardner worked as a theatre critic in the 1950s and 1960s – published a lengthy biographical obituary with some fascinating insight into the writer’s lengthy career. The obituary quotes a 2005 interview with Gardner, in which he discussed his appointment as a 007 continuation author.

In 1979 John was approached to take on the writing of a set of new Bond novels. “Like a fool I said yes,” John told the Herald in 2005. “I was writing my own books almost side by side with the Bond books. I would hate to be remembered as the bloke who took over Bond. I would probably prefer not to be remembered at all.”

The obituary also features a number of absorbing anecdotes, including the author’s very own run-in with the KGB.

When he was working for the Herald, John reported from the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, did a lecture tour of the United States and visited Moscow with the RSC with Peter Brook and Paul Scofield, where he was arrested by the KGB.

“I don’t know why I was arrested,” he said. “They decided they didn’t like my face. They told me, ‘You’re under arrest. You’re not telling the truth’. A woman with a lovely moustache said, ‘I don’t think so’, every time I kept repeating my story. Then another lady rushed in and said, ‘Journalist!’. They then said, ‘You can go back to your hotel now’.”.

washingtonpost.com also published an obituary of the James Bond author, which looks at Gardner’s own vision for Ian Fleming’s character.

Regarded as serious and thoughtful, Mr. Gardner was said to lack sympathy for Bond’s obsession with high-end brand names and luxury products or for Bond’s restrictive view of the role of women.

But Mr. Gardner said he viewed writing the new Bond series as a challenge, and “once I got the bit between my teeth, I wasn’t going to let go.”

He said that he had hoped to add depth and dimension to the character, to make him grow and to bring him out of the world of fantasy into reality. Mr. Gardner’s approach was reflected in matters such as giving Bond a concern for gas mileage and putting him behind the wheel of a sturdy and sensible Saab.

If not sacrilege, it was close, Mr. Gardner said, and “the die-hard fans wouldn’t have any of it.” Recognizing himself as an entertainer above all else, Mr. Gardner bowed to marketplace demands. Although critics sometimes looked askance, a number of his Bond books made the New York Times bestseller list.

To read the both obituaries in their entirety, each rich in detail about the author’s life and career, please visit the websites of the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald and washingtonpost.com.

Related articles

• John Gardner (1926-2007)
• Raymond Benson & IFP Remember John Gardner

To discuss this news, please visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Raymond Benson Remembers John Gardner

Raymond Benson, author of nine James Bond novels (including three film novelisations), has posted a message on his website reflecting on the life of John Gardner, who passed away on 3 August.

Benson previously critiqued the work of Gardner, who penned 16 Bond novels (including two novelisations), in his book, The James Bond Bedside Companion, before becoming a 007 author himself.

Benson’s reflections read as follows.

I was saddened to hear of John Gardner’s passing. I had my first book-signing (THE JAMES BOND BEDSIDE COMPANION) in 1984 alongside John Gardner at the Mysterious Bookshop in New York (he was signing ROLE OF HONOR). Even though I made criticisms, as well as praises, of his Bond novels in my BEDSIDE COMPANION, we became friends and stayed in touch throughout the years. I have fond memories of my visit to his Virginia home for a weekend in 1993 to write an extended piece on John and his works for 007 Magazine. I have nothing but respect for John and the legacy he left. We’ve lost an artist with true integrity.

Raymond Benson, 8 August

To view the message – which includes a photograph of both authors at a book signing in 1984 – please visit Raymond Benson’s website.

Update

Ian Fleming Publications have also paid tribute to John Gardner on their website. Their message reads as follows.

All at Ian Fleming Publications Limited were saddened and shocked to hear of the death of John Gardner on Friday 3rd August.

John was a highly respected and admired member of the Bond family and he will be great missed.

Our thoughts at this time are with his family.

Ian Fleming Publications, 8 August

Related article

• John Gardner (1926-2007)

To discuss these messages, visit this thread on the CBn Forums.
With thanks to CBn Forum Member zencat.

John Gardner (1926-2007)

John Gardner, author of 14 James Bond continuation novels, has passed at the age of 80. He died on Friday, 3 August 2007 near his home in Basingstoke from a heart attack.

According to his daughter, Alexis, John Gardner phoned her at the time: ‘He told me he’d had a bit of a turn and thought he’d fainted. Two doctors happened to be passing and–typical of him–he said he didn’t need an ambulance. Then he took a turn for the worse and was rushed to hospital.’

In a career that has spanned over 40 years and over 50 novels and short story collections, John Gardner’s adventures featured many memorable characters including Boysie Oakes and, naturally, James Bond.

Biography

John Gardner was born in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, UK on 20 November 1926. Educated at King Alfred’s School and Wantage, Gardner graduated from St. John’s College in Cambridge and did postgraduate study at Oxford. Gardner then volunteered for service in the Royal Marines during World War II.

John Gardner’s father was a clergyman in the Church of England and encouraged Gardner to follow in his footsteps. Gardner was then ordained and served as a priest for seven years before deciding he did not have the proper vocation and withdrew from the clergy.

After a career that included journalism and theatre, John Gardner eventually moved onto writing novels. In 1964, his debut work, The Liquidator, was published. The novel featured a character named Boysie Oakes who has been recruited as a British secret agent because he is believed to be the perfect candidate for the job–when in fact, Oakes shows the character traits of a coward who would much rather be someplace else. The Liquidator was published just as Bondmania was sweeping throughout the world and became an instant success. It was adapted into a film in 1965 while a further seven novels featuring Oakes followed. The final novel was Killer For A Song in 1976.

After finding success with the Boysie Oakes series, Gardner continued with spy adventures in the novels featuring Derek Torry and Herbie Kruger throughout the next three decades. Additionally, he wrote three novels featuring the Railton family in the late 80’s and two novels using the character of Professor James Moriarty (archenemy of detective Sherlock Holmes) in the mid 70’s.

It was in 1981 that John Gardner was approached by Glidrose (Ian Fleming Publications) to see if he was interested in writing some James Bond continuation novels. After discussing the matter with his agent, he accepted and the result was Licence Renewed in May of 1981–the return of the literary 007.

Licence Renewed, which was met with favourable sales and reviews was followed by a further 13 Bond adventures, culminating with the publication of COLD (Cold Fall in the US) in 1996. Gardner also penned two novelizations during his tenure as the continuation author: Licence Renewed in 1989 and GoldenEye in 1995.

It was near the end of his Bond career, that John Gardner fell ill with cancer. Living in the US at the time, he eventually moved back to the UK in order to avoid the high medical costs associated with battling the disease.

Around the same time in 1997, Margaret Mercer, his wife of 45 years, passed away. At this point, he took a break from writing until 2001 when Day of Absolution was published and met with wide praise from literary critics. A new series featuring his character Detective Sergeant Suzie Mountford followed in 2002 with the publication of Bottled Spider.

While writing the Suzie Mountford novels, John Gardner (having moved back to the UK) reignited a friendship with his university sweetheart Patricia, whom he split from in 1949. He used her maiden name for the character of Mountford and the couple were engaged for a second time in 2004.

John Gardner’s final published work was 2004’s Troubled Midnight–the fourth novel in the Suzie Mountford series. The fifth novel, entitled No Human Enemy, will be published posthumously on 27 August 2007 in the UK.

‘James Bond Is Back’

John Gardner will always be associated with his many James Bond adventures for 007 fans. Whether it was the double-triple crosses, the return of SPECTRE, or the Silver Beast, there was–and still is–always something to discuss about each of his Bond continuation novels.

Over the past three years, CBn revisited each and every one of his sixteen James Bond adventures. Featuring trivia and reactions and reviews from forum members, take a look back at…

• Licence Renewed
• For Special Services
• Icebreaker
• Role Of Honour
• Nobody Lives Forever
• No Deals, Mr. Bond
• Scorpius
• Licence To Kill
• Win, Lose Or Die
• Brokenclaw
• The Man From Barbarossa
• Death Is Forever
• Never Send Flowers
• SeaFire
• GoldenEye
• COLD

CBn wishes the best to the family and friends of John Gardner.

To discuss this article, visit this thread on the CBn Forums. With thanks to John-Gardner.com, Rodcollins.com, and The Young Bond Dossier.

Raymond Benson's 'A Hard Day's Death' Coming In Spring 2008

According to an update on the official website for Raymond Benson, a new novel entitled A Hard Day’s Death is due for release in spring 2008.

The thriller takes place in the nasty, dangerous world of rock ‘n’ roll and involves a private investigator who must solve the murder of a famous rock star. Told with tongue firmly in cheek, this humorous romp will especially appeal to readers who know their music. Real-life rock stars make cameo appearances throughout the story, and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull has already said this about the book: ‘Raymond Benson cuts a frantic dash through the world of Rock and Roll. Thrills-a-plenty and backstage passes to the magical mystery musical twilight zone…’

A Hard Day’s Death will be published in mass market paperback by Leisure Books.

007 fans best know Benson as the author of six James Bond continuation novels, three short stories and the film novelizations for Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. Click here for CBn’s four-part interview with Raymond Benson.

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest literary James Bond news.

Discuss this James Bond news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet. With thanks to K1Bond007.

Related Articles

• The Raymond Benson CBn Interview
• Raymond Benson On Writing James Bond, Splinter Cell & More
• Raymond Benson Discusses James Bond, The Casino Royale Stage Play, & More
• Raymond Benson’s ‘Sweetie’s Diamonds’ Now Shipping

Ian Fleming's 'Live And Let Die' Reprinted By The Folio Society

Literary 007 collectors take notice. Ian Fleming’s second James Bond novel, 1954’s Live And Let Die has been reprinted this year by the Folio Society.

The new hardback edition includes decorative red boards and an accompanying slipcase. Also featured are seven interior illustrations by Lyndon Hayes including a frontispiece. In addition, Ken Follett provides an introduction for this new edition. Click here to view a full set of pictures of the cover artwork and interior illustrations for this edition of Live And Let Die.

First published in 2007 by the Folio Society in arrangement with Penguin Books, this reprint of the Bond novel ‘follows the text of the first edition [Jonathan Cape] with minor emendations.’

While not listed on amazon, a few copies have been spotted on eBay and Biblio.com.

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest literary James Bond news.

Hurricane Gold's Bond Girl Name Revealed…

The Young Bond Dossier has scored an exclusive today with the revealing of the Bond girl’s name in Hurricane Gold: Precious Stone.

While that’s all that was revealed, fans won’t have to wait too much longer as Charlie Higson’s fourth Young James Bond novel hits bookshelves in the UK on 6 September.

Young Bond 4 – Hurricane Gold

Puffin and Ian Fleming Publications announce that Hurricane Gold is the title of the new book in Charlie Higson’s bestselling Young Bond series, to be published on 6th September 2007.

For the first time in the history of the series, Hurricane Gold will be published in hardback, priced £12.99. The eagerly awaited next instalment will be a special treat for Young Bond fans. In keeping with the theme of the title, it will have a gold cover with luxury debossed lettering and gilt-edged pages.

Hurricane Gold the fourth adventure in a planned series of five, is set in Mexico and on an island off the Mexican coast. A safe haven for criminals, the only way off the island is through the deadly Avenida de la Muerte. It is on this island that James finds himself trapped, among some of the world’s most evil criminals.

The Young Bond books have to date sold over half a million copies combined. The series was launched with SilverFin in March 2005 and was followed by Blood Fever in January 2006 and Double Or Die, published in January this year.

Order the UK hardback edition of Hurricane Gold from Amazon.co.uk

Order the UK audiobook edition of Hurricane Gold from Amazon.co.uk

Keep watching CBn for all the latest Hurricane Gold and Young Bond news.

Discuss this Young James Bond news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet. Thanks to CBn Forum member ‘zencat.’