What does it take to become the greatest secret agent the world has ever known? In this thrilling prequel to the adventures of James Bond, 007, listeners meet a young boy whose inquisitive mind and determination set him on a path that will someday take him across the globe, in pursuit of the most dangerous criminals of all time. When we first meet young James, he's just started boarding school at Eton in the 1930s, and from there, the action moves to the Highlands of Scotland, where Alfie Kelly, a local boy, has gone missing. James teams up with the boy's cousin, Red, to investigate the mystery, and they soon discover that Alfie's disappearance is linked to a madman and his sinister plot for global power. Acclaimed British author Charlie Higson has written a brilliantly crafted tale that reveals the unknown story of a boy who grew up to become one of the most iconic figures of our time. SilverFin is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will mesmerize listeners of all ages. "British actor Parker's crisp delivery and quick packing will hold readers rapt."—Publishers Weekly "Skillfully and dramatically read by Nathaniel Parker."—School Library Journal ALSC Notable Children's Recording
This isn't the daring, suave, and skillful James Bond that blazes across movie screens every few years. This youthful Bond, still in high school, has insecurities, doesn't always get the girl, and isn't quite the best there is. But he is determined, resourceful, and brave as he discovers the strange machinations of Lord Randolph Halibor, the owner of the castle at Loch SilverFin. Delivering numerous accents, including upper-class British, as well as Scots, Midwestern American, and German, Nathaniel Parker proves his ability to transition from nationality to nationality, often in the same scene. Parker also executes Bond's voice with the precise amount of emotion every time, whether the lad is feeling brazen, fearful, lonely, or angry. L.E. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine