By Royal Command

Young Bond, Book 5

By: Charlie Higson

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

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

Wow - Best of the series!!!

A really exciting story that ties together so many threads in the life of James Bond. Higson is a genius - no wonder he was chosen by the Fleming family for this.