By Royal Command

Young Bond, Book 5

By: Charlie Higson

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Following a treacherous rescue mission high in the freezing Alps, James Bond is preparing for life back at Eton. But James is under surveillance; his every move is being watched. He alone holds the clue to a sinister plot that will bring bloodshed and carnage to his school—and his country.

Forced to flee from Eton to Austria, James must leave behind everything he knows, with only a beautiful—and dangerous—girl by his side. Soon he is trapped in a deadly war of secrets and lies, as a nightmare reunion with a bitter enemy plunges him once more into the face of death. Life for James Bond will never be the same again.

Shaken? Stirred? Listen to more titles in the Young Bond series.

©2008 Ian Fleming Publications, Ltd. (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A series with a high I.Q.” (New York Times Book Review)

One of the best.

Plot is beautifully intricate. One of Higson's best. Very entertaining. Narration excellent. Would highly recommend.

Any more in the series?

If there isn't a book #7, I will have to re-read. Or...start the Alex Rider series over again. Love these books!😉

Our little Bond is growing up.

If you could sum up By Royal Command in three words, what would they be?

Classic, Espionage, Maturing

What did you like best about this story?

By Royal Command starts to fit the mold of the traditional Bond stories. The action and suspense are good, though a little predictable at times. The story really starts to suport the older Bond's character traits, particularly his treatment of women and his disregard for regulations. During his adventures, he learns that you have to watch who you trust. Even the good guys have their own agendas. He also learns that falling in love can be even more devastating than the worst villain.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Gerard Doyle's narration is good, but not great. His proper British accent works well for the Brit characters, but not so good for the other characters. Nathaniel Parker, on the other hand, does a superb job creating unique characters voices in the Young Bond 1-3 books.

Good Read

Good story but the previous 4 books are for sure better

Grandson Didn't Like -- He's the Audiance

Would you try another book from Charlie Higson and/or Gerard Doyle?

I've tried all 5 in this series and my Grandson didn't take to any of them, so probably not.I liked the story, but my Grandson is the audience.

If you’ve listened to books by Charlie Higson before, how does this one compare?

Only this series...all the same...none interested my Grandson.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Gerald was a bit better than Nathaniel, but still a bit annoying when he changed voices...those need some work I think...at least for my Grandson. They were OK for me, but I'm not the audience.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment for my Grandson...he certainly was disappointed.

Any additional comments?

Got farther in this book than any of the others, but not sure why and my Grandson tired of it after the 4th chapter this time. I'll keep searching.

A disappointment indeed

I had such high hopes for this James Bond as i have for the others before. The first of my disappointments lies in James complete idiocity when it came to the girl he attached himself to and tried to save so many times. Despite her numerous attempts at his life he still made stupid decisions for her benefit. The first of his actions is forgivable, even the 2nd but the rest? No way. Too many. Stupidity is what it was.
The second disappointing thing was his complete disregard for common sense! He made such an effort to deliberately get into trouble that it was not longer fun to see his efforts to get out, especially since it was by shear chance he made it through most of the time, not skill and cleverness. No one ever gets lucky that much so it wasn't realistic to hear. Hope any future books will be better.