Devil May Care - Sebastian Faulks

Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks writing as Ian Fleming.

The first James Bond book written by Sebastian Faulks.

This is again one of my selections. I thought Matthew would enjoy this book as it follows a similar theme to the previous books. Secret agents seems to be a recurring theme in our reading. This was a much hyped return for James Bond with Sebastian Faulks writing in the style of Ian Flemming. I did get the sense of the era and the time it is set in. I did at times feel though as I imagined the pictures that I was watching a 1970's movie. The story was good and the plot also was believable (for a James Bond book) However it was nothing special and in some ways I felt disappointed. It was not the quality of the writing or the plot but somehow we had already been here before and there was nothing new, no new insight into this larger than life character. I give this a 7/10
JB

This book was quite interesting and it kept me wanting to read it even though I was unable to. It was about 007 who goes to a factory in Asia to find out if the British plane that was flying nearby is there and if they are the people who are stealing drugs into England and France. He has met this women called Scarlett and they set out to infiltrate the base but they are apprehended by a small army of men. They realise that it is the place of a secret plot is to plant drugs into England and France to make more money for themselves and throw the countries into mayhem. I enjoyed this book as i liked the style of writing but I would have much rather have read a Chronicles of Darkness book. I am giving it 7/10.
MB

Overall we give it 7/10.

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