'Blood Fever' Officially Released in the UK

After a few copies trickled out of Amazon.co.uk and a handful of other retailers, Charlie Higson’s second James Bond novel, Blood Fever has now been officially released. The novel can ordered from online retailers such as Amazon.co.uk or purchased in-store… with added bonuses!

Waterstones, who released a limited numbered edition of SilverFin, have an exclusive offer with Blood Fever. Waterstones stores are giving away a silver-foiled envelope containing a selection of Young Bond trading cards with each of the first 10,000 copies sold. There are seven cards to collect, each featuring a different character from Blood Fever.

Ottakar’s, meanwhile, whose stores are hosting three Higson appearances next week, are giving away an exclusive Young Bond lapel pin with the first 5,000 copies sold through their stores.

Also, the official Young Bond website, YoungBond.com has been given an overhaul, with several exciting new features. The site’s interface remains similar, but with some added bonuses. Visitors can register at the site and receive an exclusive “Danger Society ID”, which will be used for a forthcoming games on the site. Fans can also subscribe to a monthly newsletter titled Danger Society News, delivering official Young Bond news to their email inbox. The site promises more updates over the coming days and months.

Also coinciding with the arrival of Blood Fever is the release of PlayerOne’s first mobile phone game (based on Higson’s first novel, SilverFin) and an exciting competition to be held at Eton College (the school Bond attended) today. Blood Fever is also accompanied by a massive marketing boost and a number of book tours by Charlie Higson.

Higson’s yet-to-be-titled third Bond novel is due for release in 12 months’ time.

The ‘Fever’ is spreading! Discuss this news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond forum on the web.

Young Bond Goes to School with PlayerOne Mobile Game

In early November 2005 CBn revealed that there would be a Young Bond mobile phone game available to download in January 2006. That game is available today, January 5th to coincide with the release of Blood Fever, the second Young Bond book by Charlie Higson. Player One Limited is excited to announce the release of the first ever Young Bond themed mobile game.

Young Bond – SilverFin the game takes a look at an embryonic spy just embarking on a life of espionage which ultimately leads to his vocation as MI6’s top secret agent. Based on the best-selling book SilverFin by Charlie Higson, the game features 15 puzzle filled levels set over three locations with a variety of enemies to avoid. Can Young Bond’s stealth action help him avoid the guards and stop him from being captured?

To download the Young Bond – SilverFin game simply text GO PLAY 17 to 83055 or visit playeronemobile.com.

Young Bond – SilverFin costs £4.50 and is compatible with Nokia Series 40, Series 60 and all popular Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and Sharp Java phones.

To discuss this game visit this thread on the CBn Forums. The SilverFin mobile game is created under license from Ian Fleming Publications Ltd and Fleming Media.

James Bond Marathon on AMC TV in January

Following hot on the heels of the Spike TV 007 in December marathon, Bond fans will get another dose of James Bond films from AMC starting 8 January.

Starting with the women of 007 documentary, Bond Girls Are Forever on 8 January, the marathon continues on through the final showing of From Russia With Love on 14 January. The first 007 film, Dr. No will be getting a special treatment on the opening day of the marathon. Scheduled at 5:45 and 8 PM (EST), the second showing of the film will be in the letterbox format. It will also be enhanced with DVD-TV features such as an accompanying trivia track. The full schedule follows:

AMC TV’s James Bond Marathon

8 January

• Bond Girls Are Forever: 9AM (EST)
• Diamonds Are Forever: 12:30PM
• Thunderball: 3PM
• Dr. No: 5:45PM
• Dr. No: 8PM
• A View To A Kill: 10:15PM

9 January

• Moonraker: 1AM (EST)
• The Spy Who Loved Me: 3:45AM
• Moonraker: 6:30AM
• Diamonds Are Forever: 9:15AM
• Thunderball: 11:45AM
• The Spy Who Loved Me: 2:30PM
• A View To A Kill: 5:15PM
• Goldfinger: 8PM
• You Only Live Twice: 10:15PM

10 January

• The Man With The Golden Gun: 12:45AM (EST)
• A View To A Kill: 3:30AM
• Bond Girls Are Forever: 6:15AM
• On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: 7:15AM
• A View To A Kill: 10:15AM
• Dr. No: 1PM
• Goldfinger: 3:15PM
• You Only Live Twice: 5:45PM
• Never Say Never Again: 8PM
• Octopussy: 10:45PM

11 January

• The Spy Who Loved Me: 1:30AM (EST)
• Bond Girls Are Forever: 4:15AM
• Octopussy: 5:15AM
• Bond Girls Are Forever: 8AM
• The Spy Who Loved Me: 9AM
• The Man With The Golden Gun: 11:45AM
• Never Say Never Again: 2:30PM
• Octopussy: 5:15PM
• For Your Eyes Only: 8PM
• Live And Let Die: 10:45PM

12 January

• Never Say Never Again: 1:15AM (EST)
• Moonraker: 4AM
• The Man With The Golden Gun: 6:45AM
• Never Say Never Again: 9:30AM
• You Only Live Twice: 12:15AM
• Live And Let Die: 2:45PM
• For Your Eyes Only: 5:15PM
• The Living Daylights: 8PM
• Licence To Kill: 10:45PM

13 January

• Bond Girls Are Forever: 1:30AM (EST)
• On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: 2:30AM
• Licence To Kill: 5:30AM
• Octopussy: 8:15AM
• Live And Let Die: 11AM
• Bond Girls Are Forever: 1:30PM
• The Living Daylights: 2:30PM
• Licence To Kill: 5:15PM
• Thunderball: 8PM
• Diamonds Are Forever: 10:45PM

14 January

• For Your Eyes Only: 1:15AM (EST)
• Octopussy: 4AM
• Live And Let Die: 6:45AM
• For Your Eyes Only: 9:15AM
• Diamonds Are Forever: 12PM
• Thunderball: 2:30PM
• Goldfinger: 5:15PM
• From Russia With Love: 7:30PM

To discuss this marathon visit this thread in the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum in the world. With thanks to DLibrasnow

The CBn Dossier, December '05

Welcome to the December 2005 CBn Dossier, a wrap-up of all the 007 news and rumours for the month. In this month’s column, we brace ourselves for an onslaught of news as Casino Royale is set to begin filming, we take a look at the latest Young Bond developments (including the release of Blood Fever) and we examine the news that EA’s next 007 game will be based on the next Bond film!

This month’s CBn Dossier is delivered by CBn’s Matt Weston (who apologises for the fact it’s three days late due to some New Year’s Eve, ahem, festivities). Enjoy!

The calm before the storm

What should have been the last quiet month before Casino Royale turned out to be not so quiet after all.

With the next 007 flick set to begin filming in the New Year, fans can expect an onslaught of Bond news over the coming weeks. Of course the most anticipated announcement is that of casting. With a new James Bond locked in, fans (and the media) have now turned their attention to the supporting cast, including Bond Girl, Vesper Lynd; Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron and, most recently, Naomi Watts, are the names that have been tossed around this past month. British pop singer, Seal, has also been rumoured to play a henchman named “Solari”. Hmm.

Speaking of Casino Royale‘s cast, the two confirmed cast members (007 and “M”) have been dropping hints as to what we can expect from the new movie. Dame Judi Dench gave a timeframe on her future as “M” and solved one 007 mystery when she revealed why she seemed adamant that Pierce Brosnan would return as James Bond (turns out she read it in the media, took it as fact and got in a spot of trouble when she spouted off to the press accordingly! Tut-tut!). New Bond Daniel Craig, meanwhile, broke his Royale silence. In an interview with MTV, Craig revealed that Casino Royale will be “a Bond movie first and foremost”, ending speculation Sony were planning to adapt Ian Fleming’s novel as a comedic farce starring Peter Sellars, Woody Allen and Orson Welles. Pity.

CBn was also invited back to Club Aston for an exclusive look at what is expected to be Bond’s new car in Casino Royale. If anyone wants to get me a late Christmas present, I have an idea…

Oh, and German paper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung claim location scouting is taking place at a series of impressive locales throughout the Czech Republic. With Michael G. Wilson claiming Casino Royale will be a location-heavy flick, I’d say here is a good place to start!

Meanwhile, congratulations are in order for ex-007, Pierce Brosnan, who recently earned himself a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination for his role in The Matador. Miramax have held back on the film’s release to have it fall in “Oscar season”, so who knows how far this indie film could take Pierce.

‘Casino Royale’ offers gaming

Speaking of Casino Royale, CBn revealed early in December that the next Bond flick will serve as the basis for EA’s next Bond game, expected to hit current-gen consoles.

EA’s Casino Royale will be a third-person title, akin to Everything Or Nothing and From Russia With Love. The game is already in pre-production and will feature the likeness of Daniel Craig (and presumably whoever else is cast). Predictably, the game is expected to hit shelves coinciding with the release of the filmic version late this year.

In other gaming news, Sean Callery’s score to Everything Or Nothing is now available to purchase. And the PSP adaption of From Russia With Love is up for pre-order at Amazon.com.

Young Bonding again

Charlie Higson’s second Young Bond novel is just a couple of days away from its formal release, despite Amazon.co.uk letting a few copies slip through in mid-December.

Expect the Young Bond marketing machine to crank up very soon, with a number of very cool promotional tricks planned to market James’ second teenage adventure. Most exciting is the competition due to be held on Thursday that will give 10 lucky fans the opportunity to Be Young Bond for a Day (at Eton College, no less)! The winner, as chosen by Charlie Higson and a professional stunts team, will appear as a character in not only the next Young Bond novel, but also the next Young Bond mobile phone game. It’s fantastic to see some oomph back into marketing the literary Bond!

Author Charlie Higson will also kick off a series of promotional appearances over the next couple of weeks at Ottakar’s and Heffers stores in the UK. Any chance you’d swing by Australia, Charlie?

Meanwhile, the U.S. edition of Blood Fever has been delayed an extra month and will now hit shelves in June.

Early copies of the book to slip through have confirmed Book 3 is due for release in January 2007.

Also this month, signed stock of Kate Westbrook’s The Moneypenny Diaries: Guardian Angel has emerged and is available to purchase from Amazon.co.uk. Get in quickly, as this offer is unlikely to last!

Bits ‘n’ pieces

A series of exciting events were announced in December, including the inaugural Boats of Bond exhibit at the New York National Boat Show. Amongst the Bond boats to put in an appearance are Blofeld’s bath-o-sub from Diamonds Are Forever and the Q-Boat from The World Is Not Enough. As if that’s not enough, the Boat Show will hold “Bond Day” this Thursday (4 January), where attendees who come dressed as 007, a Bond Girl or villain receive a discount off entry and will be in the running for some special prizes.

The UK charity, Little Havens Childrens Hospice will host a Diamonds Are Forever-themed ball on 18 March, 2006 at Braxted Park. Tickets are available now, with all proceeds going towards a very worthwhile cause.

BBC Radio 4 will broadcast a brand new radio play entitled From Father With Love based on the relationship Ian Fleming had with his son, Caspar. To be aired 13 January, 2006, this sounds like a must-listen for Fleming aficionados.

And former Bond author, Raymond Benson filed a report with CBn about his promotional trip to Italy to market the first of the Italian re-issues of his 007 novels.

A personal note

There comes a time in every Bond fan’s life when he has to jetset around the world. For me, that time has come, and I am stepping aside from CommanderBond.net to live the high life throughout Europe over the next year (and who knows, maybe visiting a Casino Royale location or two!).

Thanks to all those who have offered company, leant support and listened to my undying (and totally justified) love for Die Another Day.

2006 is set to be a very exciting year for 007 fans – – enjoy it!

Ciao for now…

To discuss this month’s CBn Dossier visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Related links

• The CBn Dossier, November ’05
• The CBn Dossier, October ’05
• The CBn Dossier, Special Edition (‘Casino Royale’ media conference)
• The CBn Dossier, September ’05
• The CBn Dossier, August ’05
• The CBn Dossier, July ’05
• The CBn Dossier, June ’05
• The CBn Dossier, May ’05
• The CBn Dossier, April ’05
• The CBn Dossier, March ’05
• The CBn Dossier, February ’05

Pre-Order 'From Russia With Love' on Sony's PSP

Electronic Arts’ (EA) Sony PSP adaption of From Russia With Love is now available to pre-order from Amazon.com.

The game is an adaption of EA’s most recent 007 effort and marks James Bond’s first appearance on Sony’s handheld console (EA’s GoldenEye: Rogue Agent appeared on Nintendo DS). From Russia With Love is based on the classic Bond film and marked Sean Connery’s “return” to the role of 007 (the actor supplied all-new dialogue and his 1963 likeness).

The PSP version of From Russia With Love is due for release on 14 March, 2006 in the U.S. A UK release date is expected shortly afterwards.

EA’s press release follows.

EA Announces From Russia With Love Videogame for the PSP; Sean Connery’s James Bond to Make His First Appearance on the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable)

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nov. 7, 2005–Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced plans for a PSP(TM) version of the latest installment in the widely successful James Bond(TM) videogame franchise, From Russia With Love(TM), starring Academy Award(R)-winner, Sir Sean Connery. The highly anticipated game is scheduled to ship this fall on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube(TM) under the EA(TM) brand. The announced PSP version is scheduled to ship in early 2006.

From Russia With Love, the videogame, will be based on the classic Bond film but also will feature new plot twists, gadgets and characters. Sir Sean Connery, appearing in his first-ever videogame, lent his voice and likeness to the project.

From Russia With Love(TM) for the PSP(TM) system gives players the opportunity to experience the timeless fiction of the classic James Bond movie on the go. Invest in your character and customize Bond for a whole new level of gameplay options.

Officially licensed by MGM Interactive, From Russia With Love is being developed by EA’s Redwood Shores, Calif. Development studio. This game has not yet been rated by the ESRB. For more information about the PSP game, visit www.007.ea.com.

Pre-order ‘From Russia With Love’

• Sony PSP: Amazon.com

Buy ‘From Russia With Love’

• Microsoft Xbox: Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
• Sony PlayStation 2: Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
• Nintendo GameCube: Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

'Everything Or Nothing' Soundtrack Now Online

As promised, Electronic Arts (EA) have begun making their videogame soundtracks now available via Digital Service Providers (DSPs) around the world.

The first of EA’s James Bond soundtracks to go online is Sean Callery’s score to 2004’s Everything Or Nothing. The 21-track album is part of EA’s recent announcement it will roll out more than 3,000 minutes of original music from the company’s videogames for distribution online.

Each track from Everything Or Nothing is available to purchase from Rhapsody for $0.99, or the whole album can be bought for $9.99.

The track listing is as follows.

1. James Bond Theme
2. Russian Liar
3. Bond Jumps Through Glass
4. Collecting Stuff in New Orleans
5. Bond Escapes Fortress
6. Crash into Lobby
7. Entering the Train
8. Save Katya
9. Graveyard at Night
10. Jaws
11. Mine Facility Fight
12. Plantation Hand to Hand Combat
13. Rooftop Bike Chase
14. Quick Action
15. Russian Tank
16. Sneaking Around the Train Cars
17. Train Chase
18. The Crematorium
19. Tank Battle 2
20. Bond in Sneak Mode
21. Winning the Trophy

Sean Callery is the Emmy Award-winning composer for Fox’s real-time thriller series, 24.

Online soundtrack releases of Paul Oakenfold’s GoldenEye: Rogue Agent score and Christopher Lennertz’s From Russia With Love score are forthcoming; keep watching CBn for details of these as they come to hand.

Charlie Higson Spreads 'Blood Fever'

After a number of tours across the UK and U.S. to promote his debut James Bond novel, SilverFin, author Charlie Higson is at it again!

His second novel, Blood Fever is just three days from its formal release date (a few copies slipped through Amazon.co.uk a bit over a week prior to Christmas) and details of his first appearances to promote the book have emerged.

Higson will appear at three Ottakar’s stores and one Heffers store to read from his new book, discuss Young Bond, take questions from 007 fans and sign copies of Blood Fever. Details are as follows:

Ottakar’s – Guildford
6:30pm, 9 January, 2006
Cost: £2 (redeemable against purchase of Blood Fever)
For further information, phone 01483 536366

Ottakar’s – Milton Keynes
6:30pm, 10 January, 2006
Cost: £2 (£1 of which is redeemable against purchase of Blood Fever)
For further information, phone 01908 395384

Ottakar’s – Norwich
6:00pm, 11 January, 2006
Cost: £2 (£1 of which is redeemable against purchase of any Young Bond title)
For further information, phone 01603 767292

Heffers – Cambridge
6:30pm, 12 January, 2006
Free entry, but tickets must be ordered beforehand
For further information, phone 01223 568573

For more information on the 9-11 January appearances, visit the Ottakar’s website.

Blood Fever is officially due for release 5 January, 2006.

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest Young Bond news.

To discuss this tour, visit this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond forum on the web.
With thanks to CBn Forum Member, 003.5.

A First Look at Bond's New Wheels

CBn was invited back to Club Aston this month for a special viewing of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The V8 Vantage is reportedly going to be the new James Bond car in Casino Royale (2006).

Do you think Daniel Craig can handle this baby?

Click here to view the CBn V8 Vantage Gallery

The V8 Vantage is a hand-crafted sports car that offers electrifying performance and outstanding agility. The most affordable of all Aston Martins, it fuses traditional Aston Martin style and everyday usability. The result is the world’s most desirable sports car.

To discuss the V8 Vantage visit this thread on the CBn Forums.
Pictures by & copyright Athena Stamos.

'From Father With Love' on BBC Radio 4

Written by: Ajay Chowdhury

“From Father With Love” is a new play about Ian Fleming’s relationship with his son, Caspar, will be broadcast during ‘Afternoon Play’ on BBC Radio 4 on Friday, 13th January 2006 at 2:15pm GMT.

The broadcast is a Pier Production and has been written by Mark Burgess and directed by David Blount. In a wonderful touch, husband and wife team, Simon and Lucy Williams will play Ian and Anne Fleming. Lucy Williams is Ian Fleming’s niece.

The play will chart the tender yet distant relationship of Ian with his only child, Caspar. Caspar was on 12th August 1952 in London and went on to Eton and New College, Oxford.

James Bond creator Ian Fleming died on 12th August 1964, Caspar’s 12th birthday. Ian adored his son. When recuperating in the London Clinic from a heart attack, Fleming’s friend, Duff Dunbar, suggested Ian write up the story he would tell Caspar at night. The result was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, published in 1964 and made into a film produced by Albert R Cubby Broccoli in 1968.

Fleming’s death had a large impact on Caspar who had somewhat of a troubled youth, having been expelled from Eton and leaving Oxford early. Caspar visited Goldeneye in August 1974 where he discovered a whole other side of his father’s life. Ian Fleming’s only son and heir committed suicide by drugs overdose on 2nd October 1975.

Mark Burgess, after having burst on to the UK acting scene as Gordon Collins on the Mersy soap, Brookside went on to write and perform “The Man With The Golden Pen” which toured the UK in 2000-2001.

To discuss this radio play visit this thread on the CBn Forums. Ajay Chowdhury is the editor of ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’, the new publication of the James Bond International Fan Club.

"The Boats of Bond" 2006

The New York National Boat Show is giving attendees the chance to see five authentic super spy vessels straight out of 007 films from December 31 to January 8. The Show’s first-ever “Boats of Bond” Exhibit, presented in association with the Ian Fleming Foundation, will showcase memorabilia and actual boats from James Bond films.

To celebrate the “Boats of Bond” Exhibit, the New York National Boat Show will host “Bond Day” on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006. Attendees who come in costume as Agent 007, a Bond Girl, a Bond Villain or other principal characters from the five movies with boats represented at the show will receive $2 off admission. Costumed attendees can also enter to win prizes. Judging will take place at 7:00p.m. at the “Boats of Bond” Exhibit. A special prize will be given to the Bond-alike who best delivers the famous line: “The name is Bond, James Bond.“

The Boats of Bond to Be on Display w/ 007 Memorabilia

Thunderball: Tow Sled (1965)
The underwater tow sled was used by James Bond and the villain Largo. There were 14 boats originally built for the production company. Today, there are only two known to exist. The original builder, Jordan Klein, owns the other remaining sled.

For More 007 vehicle photos visit the CBn IFF Image Gallery

Diamonds Are Forever: Bath-O-Sub (1971)
The underwater bath-o-sub is one of two originally featured in the film and was used by 007’s nemesis, Blofeld, to escape from the oil-drilling platform that doubled as his headquarters. It can be seen as Blofeld climbs inside and is lowered over the side of the oil platform.

Moonraker: Glastron Amazon Chase Boat (1979)
This sleek Glastron Amazon chase boat is often compared to the Aston Martin DB5. With its hidden rocket launchers, floating mines and escaping hang-glider, it was as lethal as its earth bound counterpart. All of the gadgetry seen on this boat actually worked.

For Your Eyes Only: Neptune Submarine (1981)
This Neptune submarine is one of two originally built by the film’s production company. This is the actual working wet submersible that was seen throughout most of the film. It had to be operated by stunt men using scuba gear.

The World Is Not Enough: Q Boat (1999)
Major Boothroyd’s famous Q boat. Fifteen boats were originally built for the production. Today only 8 survive. The Q Boat that performed the barrel roll stunt seen on the screen will be on display.

New York National Boat Show
Javits Convention Center
35th St. & 11th Av.
New York City, NY 10001

Hours:
Saturday (Dec. 31) 10am-3 pm
Sunday (Jan. 1 & Jan. 8) 11am-6pm
Saturday (Jan. 7) 10am-8pm
Monday-Friday (Jan. 2-6) noon-8pm

Ticket prices:
Adults $15
Youth 13-15 $8 (with adult admission).
12 and under FREE (with adult admission)
A special Two-Day Discounted Ticket is $25
Elite Fleet Club ticket (w/ VIP lounge, free drink coupon and hors d’oeuvres) one-day membership $35; two-day membership $60

After the NY National Boat Show, the “Boats of Bond” Exhibit will be at the Atlanta Boat Show from Jan. 11-15, the Baltimore Boat Show from Jan.21-29 and the Atlantic City International Power Boat Show from Feb. 1-5.

To discuss this event visit this thread on the CBn Forums.
Thanks to Carrie Waible.

Related Articles

• Bond Vehicle Restoration Weekend