The Enemy

The Enemy by Charlie Higson

First book in a new series by the bestselling author of Young Bond.
This book has been written for teenagers about my age. I did enjoy this book but I was a bit unsure about the plot. The book was mainly about every adult over fourteen turning into a zombie that feeds on the human population that’s left. This means that only children are left and they are fighting for survival. Many groups of kids have joined up in supermarkets and buildings that have defence mechanisms built in already. The group we read about is living in a Waitrose that has automatic gates at the front of the store. They then get news that Buckingham palace has lots of children that are safe and are eating good and home grown food. They then set off across London to get to Buckingham Palace. On this journey they encounter many adults and lose a lot of small kids. I am giving it 6/10 as I don't personally like zombie stories.

MB

I was not sure about this book when I first picked it up. However Charlie Higson as always is a masterful story teller and tells a tale of horror and a post apocalyptic world where all of the adults have been infected by a virus or infection which turns them into thoughtless zombies who roam the streets eating anything they encounter. Children on the other hand are not infected and spend their time avoiding the adult zombies. This is not a new concept and a number of books and films have dealt with this type of story in the past. However Charlie is able to direct this effectively at the audience he is aiming for making it relevant and interesting. I did enjoy this story and was impressed with the detail. I am not sure that there is a main character in this story however that does not detract from the quality of the writing. I give this a 7 out of 10 and will be reading the next one when it comes out.
JB
Overall 6.5/10

By Royal Command

By Royal Command by Charlie Higson

Fifth in the 'Young Bond' series

This book is not the best from the series but it still kept you on your toes. (Set just before WWII.)After his last adventure in Mexico, James is back at Eton. He then goes on a skiing trip saving his own life and another pupil. When he gets back from Switzerland he meets his old friends and falls in love with a maid. They have a picnic together and she introduces her brother. This brother seems to be nice but is he? He then tries to kill James and the King with one bomb but James gets out of it and stops the bomb and the brother. But now the Police want James' love, and he will not let that happen. They leave the country taikng money and a passport from a friend. They quickly get into Switzerland where they were ambushed by Soviet Union troops. They lock him up in a castle where he finds out that the maid is with the Russians and he has been led into a trap. He escapes, only to get caught in a battle between red Russians, white Russians and The British Secret Service. He survives but is not allowed back to Eton. he has to go to another school where one of is old friends are. I am giving this book 7/10 because it isn't the best Young Bond book I have read.

MB

I enjoyed this book and again like the one before it delivered a pacey and exciting story. James is once again in difficulty and having to deal with not only growing up but also relationships and friendships. The premis for the story is as described above by Matt however Charlie Higson manages to pull together the historical events that were occuring and weave them with the pure fanatasy of the James Bond story. You get a sense of how the James Bond we know from the many books and films became the spy and secret agent. There is lost youth and the grown up world all mixed into one. This is an excellent book for kids and adults who want a bit of escapism. I highly recommend this book and give it an 8 out of 10

Overall score of 7.5 out of 10

JB