Ian Fleming famously created James Bond in 1953 with Casino Royale, and the modern super spy appeared in 14 books before the author’s death in 1964. In the 60-plus years since there have been numerous writers contributing to the Bond continuation novels covering the original 50s and 60s setting as well as the present day. They range from William Boyd to Anthony Horowitz and Sebastian Faulks. One of the most successful has been the television comic Charlie Higson. Initially writing five Young Bond novels between 2005 and 2008, he returned to the Bond universe with the novella On His Majesty’s Secret Service in 2023 for King Charles III’s coronation and this week released his first full adult Bond novel, King Zero.
It has all the hallmarks fans look for in a Bond novel including the exotic locations, going from Italy to Saudi Arabia, The Maldives and Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s an eclectic mix of settings, many of which haven’t been explored before on page of screen. Bond is tasked with investigating another double-oh’s murder, putting him on a collision course with the titular villain. Before he gets there he encounters a movie mogul and femme fatale on a yacht surrounded by sharks, among a myriad of fascinating characters that feel straight from the Fleming playbook. There is no shortage of dramatic escapes, tough henchmen and of course a villain’s lair.
The new characters feel memorable, particularly the intriguing MI6 operative, Navy, whom Bond meets in Saudi Arabia as she gives him a run for his money and is more than the square desk agent she first appears. Moneypenny and M make appearances, in well updated forms.
While his Young Bond series explored the schoolboy bond of the 1930s, in King Zero Higson squarely presents a Bond for the present day. There are references to current events and the Saudi Arabian setting feels timely. For the most part, the transition to the 2020s is seamless with this still recognisably Bond. There are more than a few Easter Eggs sharp eyed fans will spot, including multiple nods to theme songs in an initially clever plot device that does eventually become grating. There are also references to plot points, dialogue and characters from the original Fleming novels and particularly the Connery films. These references can at times prove distracting from what is an engrossing central story that feels well thought out and timely, with AI playing a part.
This is a love letter to the series as a whole with the descriptions and characterisation keeping Bond relevant for a contemporary audience and setting. It underlines how well Higson understands the character and his literary roots and that he has been able to smoothly make the transition from a Bond aimed at a younger audience to one for adult readers. There are shades of horror with a surgical robot hacked mid-procedure, causing all kinds of gruesome mischief.
King Zero, is a globe-trotting, fast-paced adventure that is what all good Bond stories should be at their core: fun. It’s an enjoyable romp. With the closing James Bond will return credit, it begs the question of whether this is Higson’s last foray in this world or if we will see more perilous adventures for his adult version of the character.
Also see our top 10 spy movies and shows of the 1960s, here.
Penguin Books
Print/Kindle/iBook
£10.99
CFL Rating: 4 Stars
