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King Zero: The James Bond Novel
Le Chiffre. Dr No. Goldfinger. James Bond has faced them all. But now the world is changing, and even 007 has no idea what’s coming for him…
It starts with a murdered agent in the Saudi desert.
Only a traitor could have known enough to bring him down.
But even James Bond can’t guess at the secret that was worth killing him to keep.
As Bond follows the trail across the globe, he doesn’t realise the countdown has already begun.
And hiding in the shadows is a man with more power than he could ever have imagined.
Prepare for a villain unlike any before.
Prepare for KING ZERO.
It starts with a murdered agent in the Saudi desert.
Only a traitor could have known enough to bring him down.
But even James Bond can’t guess at the secret that was worth killing him to keep.
As Bond follows the trail across the globe, he doesn’t realise the countdown has already begun.
And hiding in the shadows is a man with more power than he could ever have imagined.
Prepare for a villain unlike any before.
Prepare for KING ZERO.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2026
About the author
Charlie Higson
88 books1,558 followersHigson was educated at Sevenoaks School and at the University of East Anglia (where his brother has taught since 1986 and is now a professor of film studies) where he met Paul Whitehouse, David Cummings and Terry Edwards. Higson, Cummings and Edwards formed the band The Higsons of which Higson was the lead singer from 1980 to 1986. They released two singles on the Specials' 2-Tone label. Higson then became a plasterer before he turned to writing for Harry Enfield with Paul Whitehouse and performing comedy. He came to public attention as one of the main writers and performers of the BBC Two sketch show The Fast Show (1994-2000). He worked with Whitehouse on the radio comedy Down the Line and is to work with him again on a television project, designed to be a spoof of celebrity travel programmes.[1:]
He worked as producer, writer, director and occasional guest star on Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) from 2000 to 2001. Subsequent television work has included writing and starring in BBC Three's Fast Show spin-off sitcom Swiss Toni. He is currently starring in Tittybangbang series 3 on BBC Three and has appeared as a panellist on QI.
He published four novels through the early to mid 1990s which take a slightly dystopian look at everyday life and have a considerably more adult tone than his other work, with characters on the margins of society finding themselves spiraling out of control, leading him to be described by Time Out as 'The missing link between Dick Emery and Brett Easton Ellis' [2:]
In 2004, it was announced that Higson would pen a series of James Bond novels, aimed at younger readers and concentrating on the character's school-days at Eton. Higson was himself educated at Sevenoaks School where he was a contemporary of Jonathan Evans, current Director General of MI5. The first novel, SilverFin, was released on 3 March 2005 in the UK and on 27 April 2005 in the U.S. A second novel, Blood Fever, was released on 5 January 2006 in the UK and 1 June in the U.S. The third novel, Double or Die, was published on 4 January 2007 having had its title announced the day before. The next, Hurricane Gold, came out in hardcover in the UK in September 2007.[3:]In this year he also made a debut performance on the panel show QI. His final Young Bond novel, By Royal Command, was released in hardcover in the UK on the 3 September 2008.[4:]
Charlie has signed a deal to pen a new series of children's books for Puffin. According to the author, "They are going to be action adventures, but with a horror angle
He worked as producer, writer, director and occasional guest star on Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) from 2000 to 2001. Subsequent television work has included writing and starring in BBC Three's Fast Show spin-off sitcom Swiss Toni. He is currently starring in Tittybangbang series 3 on BBC Three and has appeared as a panellist on QI.
He published four novels through the early to mid 1990s which take a slightly dystopian look at everyday life and have a considerably more adult tone than his other work, with characters on the margins of society finding themselves spiraling out of control, leading him to be described by Time Out as 'The missing link between Dick Emery and Brett Easton Ellis' [2:]
In 2004, it was announced that Higson would pen a series of James Bond novels, aimed at younger readers and concentrating on the character's school-days at Eton. Higson was himself educated at Sevenoaks School where he was a contemporary of Jonathan Evans, current Director General of MI5. The first novel, SilverFin, was released on 3 March 2005 in the UK and on 27 April 2005 in the U.S. A second novel, Blood Fever, was released on 5 January 2006 in the UK and 1 June in the U.S. The third novel, Double or Die, was published on 4 January 2007 having had its title announced the day before. The next, Hurricane Gold, came out in hardcover in the UK in September 2007.[3:]In this year he also made a debut performance on the panel show QI. His final Young Bond novel, By Royal Command, was released in hardcover in the UK on the 3 September 2008.[4:]
Charlie has signed a deal to pen a new series of children's books for Puffin. According to the author, "They are going to be action adventures, but with a horror angle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 7, 2026
I've read all of Higson's Young Bond Series. Now he has moved to an adult Bond work. Of course I was going to pick it up.
King Zero is a clever imagining of James Bond in the modern world, with characters humorously struggling with modern technology, and the very serious question of what technology is capable of. Higson crafts an engaging novel of intrigue where Bond follows the breadcrumbs to greater and grater threats until we find the author of the villainy. It is typically Bond-like in that way, as well as the position of Bond always being underestimated and becoming a bit too close to someone who is thrust into the path of danger in the story.
Overall, I think I would've liked a bit more distance from the internal thoughts of Bond, as King Zero was very demystifying. But it was still an intriguing look into the brain of the most famous secret agent of literature. Charlie Higson is a great writer, and it was so much fun to join Bond as an adult after all these years.
King Zero is a clever imagining of James Bond in the modern world, with characters humorously struggling with modern technology, and the very serious question of what technology is capable of. Higson crafts an engaging novel of intrigue where Bond follows the breadcrumbs to greater and grater threats until we find the author of the villainy. It is typically Bond-like in that way, as well as the position of Bond always being underestimated and becoming a bit too close to someone who is thrust into the path of danger in the story.
Overall, I think I would've liked a bit more distance from the internal thoughts of Bond, as King Zero was very demystifying. But it was still an intriguing look into the brain of the most famous secret agent of literature. Charlie Higson is a great writer, and it was so much fun to join Bond as an adult after all these years.
October 3, 2026
A fun, engaging Bond novel. Nods to previous 007s, a classic formula, and some good development from Bond himself, King Zero is a lot of fun. Not quite as groundbreaking, nor addictive and nuanced as I was hoping, but this is a good place to start if you want to get the 007 feel.
October 5, 2026
After 5 Young Bond novels, which I own including one signed by Mr Higson he wrote a grown up James Bond 007 novel which coincided with the coronation of King Charles and thus already put 007 in our times just like Jeffrey Deaver did try previously and turned out less than succesfull. Deaver is a great writer but failed to grasp 007's literary core.
Now Charlie Higson has some literary experience with 007 and he does deliver a brilliant opening sequence that will put you off operations in hospital for the near future.
Then 007 is send of the find out why an once upon a time 00 has been killed in such a gruesome and explicit manner.
007 does his sleuthing in Sunny Arabia and soon finds himself opposed by a evil financier who should have considered annoying an 007 a poor life-choice.
Then 007 followes the crumbs toward the King Zero behind the curtains in order to save the world from random & willfull destruction.
007, M & Moneypenny are all there and play their parts, with Moneypenny playing a larger role than in the Fleming novels which is truly excellent. M looked and sounded a lot like Flemings M. James Bond is perhaps truly out of time, he is a government tool of the most violent style who has a license to kill and is aimed at targets as such. Him thinking about his role in live felt like Fleming in the ending of TMWTGG Flemings last novel.
For me the Queen bee of this tale was a bit mwah however the conclusion with King Zero left a lot to be desired. It left me somewhat flabbergasted and thus lost my interest in the conclusion. Which was a shame as Higson pulled a nice little twist I did not see coming.
Higson launched the modern 007 in his previous book and did deliver enough to pick up his next 007 novel when published.
Now we wait for Dan Jones 007 novel All in .
Now Charlie Higson has some literary experience with 007 and he does deliver a brilliant opening sequence that will put you off operations in hospital for the near future.
Then 007 is send of the find out why an once upon a time 00 has been killed in such a gruesome and explicit manner.
007 does his sleuthing in Sunny Arabia and soon finds himself opposed by a evil financier who should have considered annoying an 007 a poor life-choice.
Then 007 followes the crumbs toward the King Zero behind the curtains in order to save the world from random & willfull destruction.
007, M & Moneypenny are all there and play their parts, with Moneypenny playing a larger role than in the Fleming novels which is truly excellent. M looked and sounded a lot like Flemings M. James Bond is perhaps truly out of time, he is a government tool of the most violent style who has a license to kill and is aimed at targets as such. Him thinking about his role in live felt like Fleming in the ending of TMWTGG Flemings last novel.
For me the Queen bee of this tale was a bit mwah however the conclusion with King Zero left a lot to be desired. It left me somewhat flabbergasted and thus lost my interest in the conclusion. Which was a shame as Higson pulled a nice little twist I did not see coming.
Higson launched the modern 007 in his previous book and did deliver enough to pick up his next 007 novel when published.
Now we wait for Dan Jones 007 novel All in .
October 1, 2026
After a superb series of Young Bond novels, and a reasonably good adult 007 novella, author Charlie Higson takes on the challenge of his first full length Bond novel for adults.
King Zero opens with a brilliant chapter in which an operation is taking place on a patient. It's fast paced and full of tension, but then it all sadly heads downhill.
King Zero isn't a bad book, but unfortunately it reminds me of the film The World is Not Enough; it has all the right ingredients but it just doesn't work. On the plus side, unlike many other Bond authors, Higson avoids putting endless references and in jokes about 007 in every chapter. There are nods to the Bond books and films, but he doesn't labour the point.
If you did enjoy King Zero you'll be pleased to know that Charlie Higson has signed a two book deal and has already written half of his next 007 adventure. However, I'll be giving it a miss.
King Zero opens with a brilliant chapter in which an operation is taking place on a patient. It's fast paced and full of tension, but then it all sadly heads downhill.
King Zero isn't a bad book, but unfortunately it reminds me of the film The World is Not Enough; it has all the right ingredients but it just doesn't work. On the plus side, unlike many other Bond authors, Higson avoids putting endless references and in jokes about 007 in every chapter. There are nods to the Bond books and films, but he doesn't labour the point.
If you did enjoy King Zero you'll be pleased to know that Charlie Higson has signed a two book deal and has already written half of his next 007 adventure. However, I'll be giving it a miss.
September 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.
Charlie Higson is no stranger to Bond, over the years he has written the Young Bond series that is soon to be created into an audio drama from ‘Big Finish’.
In 2023 Higson penned ‘On His Majesty's Secret Service’ a fun short novel set during, and released to coincide with, the coronation of King Charles. This was his first foray into writing a true continuation novel.
King Zero follows James Bond during the modern day where he travels across the globe to stop an apocalyptic style catastrophe.
Higson keeps the tropes that are familiar to fans of the Fleming novels, keeping it ‘on brand’ and recognisable. However, from the first chapter Higson outlines his vision of a modern literary Bond with a very brutal opening chapter. Throughout the novel, there are events that really set this apart from the other continuation novels that I have read with moments of graphic violence that would put this on par with Licence To Kill.
We see Bond travel the world, working with his allies to uncover the plot. Early on in the novel we have the familiarity of MI6 regulars, with 007 meeting new and interesting allies along the way.
King Zero has a few over the top moments, but not in a negative way. Bond needs to have an element of escapism within it, that Higson certainly injects into the story. It gives the pacing of the story an almost cinematic feel with some great set pieces. Alongside the OTT moments, the plot feels relevant and completely believable in the time that we are living now. Which harks back to what the Broccoli family had always managed with the film series, keeping Bond relevant to real events that were happening…or could happen in the near future.
There are moments that remind me of Skyfall, with the theme of the ‘old ways being the best’ scattered throughout. One of my favourite moments is early on when a frustrated M exclaims ‘we are living in a digital hell Bond’.
The pacing of the novel is great; I didn’t find that it dragged at all. There are chapters where we see investigations, followed by gripping action sequences. At this stage I want to tell you more about the plot, but do not want to give anything away!
As we reach the finale of the story, Bond is sent to a villain's lair that is completely new to anything that we have ever seen before, which at first made me laugh as it really resonates with those of us who grew up in the English countryside. The explosive ending once again gives a real cinematic feel to the story.
Whilst reading it, and noticing a difference to the fun ‘romp’ that was OHMSS, I questioned where Higson might be going long term in the style. But a small reference to the last novel kept Bond within Higson's world. Here is hoping that Ian Fleming Publications ask him to return, although I do wonder whether he can top this.
Charlie Higson is no stranger to Bond, over the years he has written the Young Bond series that is soon to be created into an audio drama from ‘Big Finish’.
In 2023 Higson penned ‘On His Majesty's Secret Service’ a fun short novel set during, and released to coincide with, the coronation of King Charles. This was his first foray into writing a true continuation novel.
King Zero follows James Bond during the modern day where he travels across the globe to stop an apocalyptic style catastrophe.
Higson keeps the tropes that are familiar to fans of the Fleming novels, keeping it ‘on brand’ and recognisable. However, from the first chapter Higson outlines his vision of a modern literary Bond with a very brutal opening chapter. Throughout the novel, there are events that really set this apart from the other continuation novels that I have read with moments of graphic violence that would put this on par with Licence To Kill.
We see Bond travel the world, working with his allies to uncover the plot. Early on in the novel we have the familiarity of MI6 regulars, with 007 meeting new and interesting allies along the way.
King Zero has a few over the top moments, but not in a negative way. Bond needs to have an element of escapism within it, that Higson certainly injects into the story. It gives the pacing of the story an almost cinematic feel with some great set pieces. Alongside the OTT moments, the plot feels relevant and completely believable in the time that we are living now. Which harks back to what the Broccoli family had always managed with the film series, keeping Bond relevant to real events that were happening…or could happen in the near future.
There are moments that remind me of Skyfall, with the theme of the ‘old ways being the best’ scattered throughout. One of my favourite moments is early on when a frustrated M exclaims ‘we are living in a digital hell Bond’.
The pacing of the novel is great; I didn’t find that it dragged at all. There are chapters where we see investigations, followed by gripping action sequences. At this stage I want to tell you more about the plot, but do not want to give anything away!
As we reach the finale of the story, Bond is sent to a villain's lair that is completely new to anything that we have ever seen before, which at first made me laugh as it really resonates with those of us who grew up in the English countryside. The explosive ending once again gives a real cinematic feel to the story.
Whilst reading it, and noticing a difference to the fun ‘romp’ that was OHMSS, I questioned where Higson might be going long term in the style. But a small reference to the last novel kept Bond within Higson's world. Here is hoping that Ian Fleming Publications ask him to return, although I do wonder whether he can top this.
September 30, 2026
F*** me, this was AWFUL. I stopped at page 144.
When you've got Bond's inner monologue namechecking Transformers, The Incredible Hulk and David Beckham, you know something is deeply, deeply wrong.
Fleming’s Bond had class. This Bond is
packed with endless cheap pop culture references that pull you out of the story. Kendall Jenner, Pokémon, even The Power Rangers get a mention.
There’s Bond reflecting on the art of YouTube prank videos. Moneypenny referring to herself as a “stationery slut.” The list goes on.
None of this belongs in a Bond book.
The structure is weird too. An entire chapter is spent setting up a character only to kill them in the next. Pointless cuts to M’s office that do nothing to advance the plot. And some of the most cringeworthy dialogue…
Example…
“What's the matter? You're a handsome man. I've always wanted a man like you. To be with a man like you, to have you hold me, to have you ...”
“Bullshit. Who wrote your script? Chat-up GPT?”
🤮
Fingers crossed this is Higson’s last attempt at Bond.
Christ, I miss Anthony Horowitz.
When you've got Bond's inner monologue namechecking Transformers, The Incredible Hulk and David Beckham, you know something is deeply, deeply wrong.
Fleming’s Bond had class. This Bond is
packed with endless cheap pop culture references that pull you out of the story. Kendall Jenner, Pokémon, even The Power Rangers get a mention.
There’s Bond reflecting on the art of YouTube prank videos. Moneypenny referring to herself as a “stationery slut.” The list goes on.
None of this belongs in a Bond book.
The structure is weird too. An entire chapter is spent setting up a character only to kill them in the next. Pointless cuts to M’s office that do nothing to advance the plot. And some of the most cringeworthy dialogue…
Example…
“What's the matter? You're a handsome man. I've always wanted a man like you. To be with a man like you, to have you hold me, to have you ...”
“Bullshit. Who wrote your script? Chat-up GPT?”
🤮
Fingers crossed this is Higson’s last attempt at Bond.
Christ, I miss Anthony Horowitz.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a spoiler free review where I will give overall impressions and thoughts, without explicitly revealing anything about the plot which isn’t in the marketing of King Zero.
“Is this a faithful version of James Bond?”
I suspect this is the question most James Bond fans will ask. The answer is yes, and no.
Literary Bond is my favorite version of James Bond. I say this because I think any faithful adaptation or continuation of Ian Fleming’s James Bond on the page is going to be a different version than the cinematic hero a reader or fan may expect.
With this in mind, I think Charlie Higson captures most of the image and attitude of Ian Fleming’s James Bond perfectly on the page. Continuing from his work on On His Majesty’s Secret Service, I feel like Higson’s Bond is best described as a disinterested observer. He’s not passive and maintains an active role in the plot, but it feels like there’s a world of distance between Bond’s attitude and the activity of the modern characters he encounters.
The best James Bond novels know they are not a standard thriller. King Zero manages to maintain a kinetic pace and larger than life plot. The scheme manages to be unique but similar at the same time. It has a video game like feel, where James Bond moves through “levels,” in the plot getting closer to the ultimate climax of the novel. This is how most books work, but I feel the mechanics in King Zero.
There’s plenty of globetrotting and exotic locations. Intriguing characters and gorgeous set pieces for the actions sequences.
The supporting cast was brilliantly written, with the MI6 characters creating some of my favorite moments in the story.
Some of the villains of the story are very unique and entertaining, while others are generic. As mentioned by Barbara Broccoli when describing the time it takes to create a Bond script, it is a challenge to create anything truly unique for James Bond to face. Within the scope of the books and films over the decades, James Bond has fought almost every permutation of adversary. That said, Higson still keeps it mostly fresh yet familiar.
The women of the book I think would be best represented as, “Bond Women,” instead of “Bond Girls.” The difference will either improve or distract from your reading experience depending on your preference.
Higson recognizes and handles the use of AI and a digital landscape deftly, both integrating it into the story and forcing the characters to use physical and tactile means to solve problems.
Summary
This is the first truly contemporary James Bond novel since 2011’s Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver, and the world has changed a lot in that time. I went into the book curious if a contemporary James Bond adventure could still work.
King Zero not only surpassed my expectations, it entertained my thoroughly. I read it in three nights, which may be the highest compliment I can give.
King Zero is a great addition to the James Bond novels. Charlie Higson understands how to write James Bond on a thrilling spy adventure, I hope this is the first of many James Bond adventures to come from him.
Thank you Ian Fleming Publications and Blackstone Publishing (the publishing partner in the US) for providing a copy of King Zero by Charlie Higson from NetGalley.
“Is this a faithful version of James Bond?”
I suspect this is the question most James Bond fans will ask. The answer is yes, and no.
Literary Bond is my favorite version of James Bond. I say this because I think any faithful adaptation or continuation of Ian Fleming’s James Bond on the page is going to be a different version than the cinematic hero a reader or fan may expect.
With this in mind, I think Charlie Higson captures most of the image and attitude of Ian Fleming’s James Bond perfectly on the page. Continuing from his work on On His Majesty’s Secret Service, I feel like Higson’s Bond is best described as a disinterested observer. He’s not passive and maintains an active role in the plot, but it feels like there’s a world of distance between Bond’s attitude and the activity of the modern characters he encounters.
The best James Bond novels know they are not a standard thriller. King Zero manages to maintain a kinetic pace and larger than life plot. The scheme manages to be unique but similar at the same time. It has a video game like feel, where James Bond moves through “levels,” in the plot getting closer to the ultimate climax of the novel. This is how most books work, but I feel the mechanics in King Zero.
There’s plenty of globetrotting and exotic locations. Intriguing characters and gorgeous set pieces for the actions sequences.
The supporting cast was brilliantly written, with the MI6 characters creating some of my favorite moments in the story.
Some of the villains of the story are very unique and entertaining, while others are generic. As mentioned by Barbara Broccoli when describing the time it takes to create a Bond script, it is a challenge to create anything truly unique for James Bond to face. Within the scope of the books and films over the decades, James Bond has fought almost every permutation of adversary. That said, Higson still keeps it mostly fresh yet familiar.
The women of the book I think would be best represented as, “Bond Women,” instead of “Bond Girls.” The difference will either improve or distract from your reading experience depending on your preference.
Higson recognizes and handles the use of AI and a digital landscape deftly, both integrating it into the story and forcing the characters to use physical and tactile means to solve problems.
Summary
This is the first truly contemporary James Bond novel since 2011’s Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver, and the world has changed a lot in that time. I went into the book curious if a contemporary James Bond adventure could still work.
King Zero not only surpassed my expectations, it entertained my thoroughly. I read it in three nights, which may be the highest compliment I can give.
King Zero is a great addition to the James Bond novels. Charlie Higson understands how to write James Bond on a thrilling spy adventure, I hope this is the first of many James Bond adventures to come from him.
Thank you Ian Fleming Publications and Blackstone Publishing (the publishing partner in the US) for providing a copy of King Zero by Charlie Higson from NetGalley.
August 25, 2026
Review of advanced copy from NetGalley.
Straight away, the book grabs you with its X-Files-esque “pre-title” sequence, an AI, horror fuelled sequence written as if directed by Sam Raimi. It’s a superb opening, and one that instantly tells you that this is a book that’s set in modern times, and suggests that it won’t be your typical James Bond novel.
Streets smells like piss. Goons wear Nike. Bond no longer bothers to flirt with Moneypenny. From it’s bold opener to the bad guys getting their limbs broken followed by a typical Bond one-liner, it’s clear that Higson - having spent the last twenty years waiting to be fully let loose on an adult mission - is revelling in the opportunity.
Before anyone corrects me and reminds me about his Coronation celebration novella OHMSS that featured his first adult Bond, sure it’s adult Bond, but the celebratory occasion and I think the sheer pace by which it had to be produced suggested Higson still couldn’t truly let loose. But now, in this book, he’s swinging for the fences and wearing his heart for horror and violence on his blood soaked designer sleeves.
The book is fast paced, punchy and unapologetically modern. Some prior novels have tried to be vague about the setting or refrain from making too many cultural references. But here Higson compares a colleague with the Incredible Hulk, Bond curiously listens to former 007 soundtrack artists Adele and Lana Del Rey and a skyscraper is likened to Sauron’s tower in the Lord of the Rings films, the latter reference creating the unexpected image of Bond settling down to Peter Jackson’s classics whilst off mission and recovering from a day of paperwork at Vauxhall.
After some customary casino, briefing, travel and hotel room sweeping scenes the story carries on at a pace across Saudi Arabia, an interesting environment to take Bond to with lots of opportunity for commentary on the fashion and oil and industrial industries of the Middle East and of course, a complete lack of alcohol.
Other than the familiar Bond plot formula, the character really does feel like 007 too. He’s been humanised a little (suffering from a spot of cramp one evening), commenting on driverless smart cars, and ruing the day Formula One ever does a Dylan and goes full electric. Higson successfully brings the Fleming Bond into the modern era without reframing the character entirely. There’s a few hints of Bond learning some lessons from his previous antics with women and suggesting that his behaviour in the book has changed due to maturity and experience instead of changing who he is or who he was. It works. At one point he still admits he’d probably drink himself to death if he retired. This is definitely Bond. And just after a third of the way into the book you get explicit confirmation that it’s a direct sequel to Higson’s own Bond too, nicely linking to some characters from OHMSS.
What really works about this book - other than the pace - is the great teamwork dynamic with the supporting characters. Bond is often a lone wolf but I loved the interplay with Gooch (named after the cricketer which wasn’t on my bingo card!) and Navy. These supporting characters elevate the story and make the exposition consistently interesting and fun. And when we eventually get to the hunt for the villains (and M’s new oven!?) it really is a page turner of pulp action fun.
Overall the first half of the book is definitely the strongest and most enjoyable, unfortunately the earlier teases of something fresher and more gruesome in a Bond novel begin to dwindle into the recognisable and formulaic plot beats of most 007 books and movies. It’s a shame, as I don’t think many fans would lament a story which skipped one or two of these well trodden plot tropes in favour of the new elements that we’re teased with. The novel’s villains and henchman are serviceable, with the best - a sexy and dangerous yacht dwelling adversary - slightly wasted and rushed to give more page space for those that don’t work quite as well.
The action scenes are superb throughout however, and the climactic and apocalyptic ending, when it does arrive, truly is explosive and great fun. Higson shines at times with his writing in this book and he definitely deserves more opportunities to continue exploring this world and putting his own stamp on not just the character and his world, but the style and plot points too. Whilst the big bad was a unique and original villain that certainly was a surprise and very well executed, unfortunately the climactic villain’s “lair” and much of the early scenes that take place there didn’t really work for me, and the henchman was a little too cartoony, a James Bond Jr-esque character that sat at odds in a novel that also ventures to some truly dark and adult themes.
Recommended?: a strong first half loses some some momentum as Higson begins to stay a little too faithful to the well-trodden formula (repeating the Bond plot beats three times in the second half of the novel was quite repetitive, despite the changes of scenery that almost justifies it). Bond fans will certainly take a lot from this book, and it’s definitely worth your time and a purchase, but once the excitement of any new Bond book dies down, it won’t be one that has fans coming back to in a hurry I don’t think. It’s good, but could have been even better had slightly different (and braver) choices been made in the second half of the story.
Straight away, the book grabs you with its X-Files-esque “pre-title” sequence, an AI, horror fuelled sequence written as if directed by Sam Raimi. It’s a superb opening, and one that instantly tells you that this is a book that’s set in modern times, and suggests that it won’t be your typical James Bond novel.
Streets smells like piss. Goons wear Nike. Bond no longer bothers to flirt with Moneypenny. From it’s bold opener to the bad guys getting their limbs broken followed by a typical Bond one-liner, it’s clear that Higson - having spent the last twenty years waiting to be fully let loose on an adult mission - is revelling in the opportunity.
Before anyone corrects me and reminds me about his Coronation celebration novella OHMSS that featured his first adult Bond, sure it’s adult Bond, but the celebratory occasion and I think the sheer pace by which it had to be produced suggested Higson still couldn’t truly let loose. But now, in this book, he’s swinging for the fences and wearing his heart for horror and violence on his blood soaked designer sleeves.
The book is fast paced, punchy and unapologetically modern. Some prior novels have tried to be vague about the setting or refrain from making too many cultural references. But here Higson compares a colleague with the Incredible Hulk, Bond curiously listens to former 007 soundtrack artists Adele and Lana Del Rey and a skyscraper is likened to Sauron’s tower in the Lord of the Rings films, the latter reference creating the unexpected image of Bond settling down to Peter Jackson’s classics whilst off mission and recovering from a day of paperwork at Vauxhall.
After some customary casino, briefing, travel and hotel room sweeping scenes the story carries on at a pace across Saudi Arabia, an interesting environment to take Bond to with lots of opportunity for commentary on the fashion and oil and industrial industries of the Middle East and of course, a complete lack of alcohol.
Other than the familiar Bond plot formula, the character really does feel like 007 too. He’s been humanised a little (suffering from a spot of cramp one evening), commenting on driverless smart cars, and ruing the day Formula One ever does a Dylan and goes full electric. Higson successfully brings the Fleming Bond into the modern era without reframing the character entirely. There’s a few hints of Bond learning some lessons from his previous antics with women and suggesting that his behaviour in the book has changed due to maturity and experience instead of changing who he is or who he was. It works. At one point he still admits he’d probably drink himself to death if he retired. This is definitely Bond. And just after a third of the way into the book you get explicit confirmation that it’s a direct sequel to Higson’s own Bond too, nicely linking to some characters from OHMSS.
What really works about this book - other than the pace - is the great teamwork dynamic with the supporting characters. Bond is often a lone wolf but I loved the interplay with Gooch (named after the cricketer which wasn’t on my bingo card!) and Navy. These supporting characters elevate the story and make the exposition consistently interesting and fun. And when we eventually get to the hunt for the villains (and M’s new oven!?) it really is a page turner of pulp action fun.
Overall the first half of the book is definitely the strongest and most enjoyable, unfortunately the earlier teases of something fresher and more gruesome in a Bond novel begin to dwindle into the recognisable and formulaic plot beats of most 007 books and movies. It’s a shame, as I don’t think many fans would lament a story which skipped one or two of these well trodden plot tropes in favour of the new elements that we’re teased with. The novel’s villains and henchman are serviceable, with the best - a sexy and dangerous yacht dwelling adversary - slightly wasted and rushed to give more page space for those that don’t work quite as well.
The action scenes are superb throughout however, and the climactic and apocalyptic ending, when it does arrive, truly is explosive and great fun. Higson shines at times with his writing in this book and he definitely deserves more opportunities to continue exploring this world and putting his own stamp on not just the character and his world, but the style and plot points too. Whilst the big bad was a unique and original villain that certainly was a surprise and very well executed, unfortunately the climactic villain’s “lair” and much of the early scenes that take place there didn’t really work for me, and the henchman was a little too cartoony, a James Bond Jr-esque character that sat at odds in a novel that also ventures to some truly dark and adult themes.
Recommended?: a strong first half loses some some momentum as Higson begins to stay a little too faithful to the well-trodden formula (repeating the Bond plot beats three times in the second half of the novel was quite repetitive, despite the changes of scenery that almost justifies it). Bond fans will certainly take a lot from this book, and it’s definitely worth your time and a purchase, but once the excitement of any new Bond book dies down, it won’t be one that has fans coming back to in a hurry I don’t think. It’s good, but could have been even better had slightly different (and braver) choices been made in the second half of the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
King Zero is a thoroughly entertaining Bond thriller, and Charlie Higson clearly knows how to keep things moving. The opening grabs you immediately with a disturbing piece of cutting-edge technology, before expanding into a conspiracy involving espionage, AI and billionaires. From there, Bond is off around the world, getting himself into increasingly dangerous situations. The pacing is excellent, with a good balance of investigation, character moments and action.
I particularly liked the way Higson has brought Bond properly into the modern world. This is a 21st-century 007 dealing with smart cars and rapidly evolving technology. There's something slightly ironic about a Bond novel so immersed in modern technology having no room for Q, his technical know-how or the usual collection of gadgets. Despite that, Bond himself remains recognisable, and the supporting cast is strong too, with his interactions with them adding plenty to the story.
Not everything worked quite as well for me. Some of the villains felt less memorable than they might have been, and the story eventually settles into some familiar Bond territory after an opening that promised something rather different. A couple of the more exaggerated characters also felt slightly out of place.
But the action sequences are great, the plot keeps moving, and the finale delivers exactly the sort of big, explosive finish you'd hope for from a Bond adventure. Higson has given 007 a convincing modern setting without losing what makes the character recognisable.
A fast, fun and thoroughly enjoyable Bond novel. I'd happily read more from Higson.
Thanks to NetGalley, Michael Joseph/Penguin Random House and the author for an advance copy.
I particularly liked the way Higson has brought Bond properly into the modern world. This is a 21st-century 007 dealing with smart cars and rapidly evolving technology. There's something slightly ironic about a Bond novel so immersed in modern technology having no room for Q, his technical know-how or the usual collection of gadgets. Despite that, Bond himself remains recognisable, and the supporting cast is strong too, with his interactions with them adding plenty to the story.
Not everything worked quite as well for me. Some of the villains felt less memorable than they might have been, and the story eventually settles into some familiar Bond territory after an opening that promised something rather different. A couple of the more exaggerated characters also felt slightly out of place.
But the action sequences are great, the plot keeps moving, and the finale delivers exactly the sort of big, explosive finish you'd hope for from a Bond adventure. Higson has given 007 a convincing modern setting without losing what makes the character recognisable.
A fast, fun and thoroughly enjoyable Bond novel. I'd happily read more from Higson.
Thanks to NetGalley, Michael Joseph/Penguin Random House and the author for an advance copy.
October 13, 2026
Some of the characterisation of bond was a little iffy to me and the third act was a bit underwhelming, but the prologue and the villains in part 1&2 especially were 10/10.
October 1, 2026
King Zero is a breathless, page-turning thriller that also happens to bring literary James Bond firmly into the modern world. I’ve read through the Fleming books a few times and have also read my fair share of the pastiches that followed but this was the first time in a long time where I felt Bond was a living, breathing character and all those fun, meta Easter eggs were great too. I’m very excited to see this Bond return and I’ll be there waiting for the next one.
Special Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Special Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
October 15, 2026
Bond continuation novels can feel repetitive when you read too many - and only Ian Fleming can write like Ian Fleming - but damn, this one was very, very good. It is genuinely gripping, fresh, and funny in a way not all others feel. It brings 007 into the modern world fantastically well. It's begging to be made into a film.
It's a novel of three parts. After a very Stephen King-style opening (a spy dies under the operating table because an experimental AI surgical tool gets hacked...!), Bond goes off to investigate why this man had a bullet in his brain. What had he discovered? He investigates this businessman in Saudi Arabia, Jackson St. Bride, who he quickly realises is guilty as sin and arrogant enough not to even bother hiding it. Many shenanigans ensue in which St. Bride and most of his cronies end up dead. Including the woman in his imprisonment, Amirah, who Bond promised to save. Good job James.
Second act - Bond investigates St. Bride's ally, Malika Theodosia, suspected of disappearing the scientist responsible for the AI surgeon hack. He goes to the hotel she runs (front for criminal activities, obviously), just hoping that she'll take the bait and show up...with no backup if she does. (Bond makes quite a lot of stupid mistakes in this book - by his own admission.) Anyway, she does show up, she invites him on her massive boat (knowing full well who he is - obviously - because he's the worst spy ever), and then many shenanigans ensue and every villain on the boat ends up dead too. Again, great job James.
Third act - he only finds out who the arch villain is after a lucky tip-off from one of Malika's women who wanted out. King Zero, aka Martin Koenig, an ageing man in the Democratic Republic of Congo who has built an entire fake 'English' village in the heart of a forest because he's nostalgic about the past. And he's planning to use sophisticated AI systems and satellites to cause an electrical surge that will wipe out the entire planet's electrical currents. His motive is a little vague, but it's implied that it's the man's nostalgia for the pre-electronic past, desire to hold more power than God (he'll have his AI and everyone else will have nothing), and general old-age descent into madness. Bond and his fellow spies (one of whom turns out to be a reformed double agent for the villain's side who killed the spy at the beginning for personal reasons - don't worry, she does save the day in the end) successfully stop him, but do it while navigating a wildfire. This section of the book was very gripping, dramatic, and well-written. The descriptions of Bond pushing through the heat and finishing this increasingly apocalyptic mission were fantastic, and feel very apt in this climate-change-riven world.
Electrical surge resolved - and at the end, Bond realises with sadness that he will be in work for a very long time, because there will always be nutters. And he will always be alone in the darkness, fighting against them. A sad life, but one that allows other people to live.
Forgive that long plot summary, but it's a book whose plot you want to remember because it's a great story. There are dark moments of 'sex and sadism' storytelling: Malika teasing the young guy she kills (the scientist) by dangling her hair in his face and making him sneeze; the villain's henchman who slips off a wall, catches his finger on a spike and gets it torn out, leaving tendons trailing behind it; Amirah's very cruel death; Bond and Navy's sex sesh that starts with her hitting him repeatedly to get him to open up...it's a violent, cruel novel that takes no prisoners. It also speaks to modern anxieties that everything in our lives now is run by electricity, the Internet, and (increasingly) AI. If someone somehow took an axe to those power sources, we would be stuffed.
It's also one of the more interesting continuation novels in its depiction of Bond. Bond in this book is a vocal chatterbox! Stoic and silent, he is not. He is also very cynical, very wisecracking, and very sweary. It's James Bond meets Ron Weasley. As I said, he makes a lot of blunders that some might find implausible, and some of the humour might feel too modern for it to be called Fleming's Bond - but it is a very funny interpretation. I quite liked this miserable, cantankerous, foul-mouthed Bond.
There are so many one-liners that made me laugh, but here are some of my favourites:
The man really was as stupid and reckless as Gooch had said. He might as well have written a confession and posted it to MI6.
'To be with a man like you, to have you hold me, to have you...'
'Bullshit. Who wrote your script? Chat-up GPT?'
'None of this excites me. You might as well throw a bucket of cold water over me and start reading Bible passages.'
[to firefighters during the wildfire] 'You're wasting your time,' Bond shouted at them. 'You might as well use a water pistol.'
Higson's best novel so far I think!
It's a novel of three parts. After a very Stephen King-style opening (a spy dies under the operating table because an experimental AI surgical tool gets hacked...!), Bond goes off to investigate why this man had a bullet in his brain. What had he discovered? He investigates this businessman in Saudi Arabia, Jackson St. Bride, who he quickly realises is guilty as sin and arrogant enough not to even bother hiding it. Many shenanigans ensue in which St. Bride and most of his cronies end up dead. Including the woman in his imprisonment, Amirah, who Bond promised to save. Good job James.
Second act - Bond investigates St. Bride's ally, Malika Theodosia, suspected of disappearing the scientist responsible for the AI surgeon hack. He goes to the hotel she runs (front for criminal activities, obviously), just hoping that she'll take the bait and show up...with no backup if she does. (Bond makes quite a lot of stupid mistakes in this book - by his own admission.) Anyway, she does show up, she invites him on her massive boat (knowing full well who he is - obviously - because he's the worst spy ever), and then many shenanigans ensue and every villain on the boat ends up dead too. Again, great job James.
Third act - he only finds out who the arch villain is after a lucky tip-off from one of Malika's women who wanted out. King Zero, aka Martin Koenig, an ageing man in the Democratic Republic of Congo who has built an entire fake 'English' village in the heart of a forest because he's nostalgic about the past. And he's planning to use sophisticated AI systems and satellites to cause an electrical surge that will wipe out the entire planet's electrical currents. His motive is a little vague, but it's implied that it's the man's nostalgia for the pre-electronic past, desire to hold more power than God (he'll have his AI and everyone else will have nothing), and general old-age descent into madness. Bond and his fellow spies (one of whom turns out to be a reformed double agent for the villain's side who killed the spy at the beginning for personal reasons - don't worry, she does save the day in the end) successfully stop him, but do it while navigating a wildfire. This section of the book was very gripping, dramatic, and well-written. The descriptions of Bond pushing through the heat and finishing this increasingly apocalyptic mission were fantastic, and feel very apt in this climate-change-riven world.
Electrical surge resolved - and at the end, Bond realises with sadness that he will be in work for a very long time, because there will always be nutters. And he will always be alone in the darkness, fighting against them. A sad life, but one that allows other people to live.
Forgive that long plot summary, but it's a book whose plot you want to remember because it's a great story. There are dark moments of 'sex and sadism' storytelling: Malika teasing the young guy she kills (the scientist) by dangling her hair in his face and making him sneeze; the villain's henchman who slips off a wall, catches his finger on a spike and gets it torn out, leaving tendons trailing behind it; Amirah's very cruel death; Bond and Navy's sex sesh that starts with her hitting him repeatedly to get him to open up...it's a violent, cruel novel that takes no prisoners. It also speaks to modern anxieties that everything in our lives now is run by electricity, the Internet, and (increasingly) AI. If someone somehow took an axe to those power sources, we would be stuffed.
It's also one of the more interesting continuation novels in its depiction of Bond. Bond in this book is a vocal chatterbox! Stoic and silent, he is not. He is also very cynical, very wisecracking, and very sweary. It's James Bond meets Ron Weasley. As I said, he makes a lot of blunders that some might find implausible, and some of the humour might feel too modern for it to be called Fleming's Bond - but it is a very funny interpretation. I quite liked this miserable, cantankerous, foul-mouthed Bond.
There are so many one-liners that made me laugh, but here are some of my favourites:
The man really was as stupid and reckless as Gooch had said. He might as well have written a confession and posted it to MI6.
'To be with a man like you, to have you hold me, to have you...'
'Bullshit. Who wrote your script? Chat-up GPT?'
'None of this excites me. You might as well throw a bucket of cold water over me and start reading Bible passages.'
[to firefighters during the wildfire] 'You're wasting your time,' Bond shouted at them. 'You might as well use a water pistol.'
Higson's best novel so far I think!
October 2, 2026
Charlie Higson's first "proper" Bond novel is a strange beast. It revisits the Goldfinger tropes - briefing by M, physically unusual henchperson, beating the baddy at their own game, car chase etc - with little added beyond Bond being against sexual harrassment and the baddies being quite techie. Then it's split into 3 parts that are more like For Your Eyes Only short stories than plot threads that weave together, and each have new characters that have to be introduced. The tone is also rather downbeat and scatological; a 007 novel has never paused because the villain stepped in cat shit before. After the brilliant Kim Sherwood trilogy, this reboot was more like old boots.
August 29, 2026
The various action scenes are really quite exciting and dramatic and overall the story is interesting. I found at times that the dialogue was a bit clunky but the real difficulty was in dialogues that involved a female character. In those instances the conversations came across as arch, unnatural and toe-curling. It is apparent that the author wishes to present his 007 as a more modern man than the original and there’s nothing wrong with that. Nevertheless surely I can’t be the only one who, after he bursts into tears (twice!), found himself muttering “I don’t expect you to cry Mr Bond”.
It is of course inevitable that you compare this Bond novel against those of Ian Fleming and for me it comes up rather short. This doesn’t just apply to the Bond character but also his principal adversaries. The original Bond villains were an absolute match for 007 but this lot are so bonkers that you can’t see how they managed to reach any position of authority. I also found the original novels introduced me to a range of foods and alcohol that were unknown to me. Perhaps now they are not all as exotic but I suspect that at the time of writing they probably were. So when this Bond expresses his liking for Whispering Angel rosé which- if I were so minded - I could pick up from the local Waitrose, it just highlights that this new James Bond as a man is just a little bit dull.
Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for the review copy.
It is of course inevitable that you compare this Bond novel against those of Ian Fleming and for me it comes up rather short. This doesn’t just apply to the Bond character but also his principal adversaries. The original Bond villains were an absolute match for 007 but this lot are so bonkers that you can’t see how they managed to reach any position of authority. I also found the original novels introduced me to a range of foods and alcohol that were unknown to me. Perhaps now they are not all as exotic but I suspect that at the time of writing they probably were. So when this Bond expresses his liking for Whispering Angel rosé which- if I were so minded - I could pick up from the local Waitrose, it just highlights that this new James Bond as a man is just a little bit dull.
Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for the review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advance copy featuring a cold war relic, a man who when shaken will be stirred into action, a man who never stopped being hot, never cold, a spy who many loved, brought into the world of today, full of devices, and computer crimes, and a little bit of Double 00 action.
My father was the one who started me on the adventures of James Bond. ABC used to have Sunday Night Movies, and many of these were the classic James Bond movies featuring Sean Connery. Always on a school night, I was allowed to stay up til 11:25 pm, and watch them. Of course sleep was far away, thinking about cool gadgets, pretty women, and action, action action. From him I have the soundtracks on vinyl, a few early adventures in book form, and a love of spy stories, that while faded, still makes me smile. I even have two copies of Colonel un, the first of many further adventures not written by Ian Fleming, of which they books since the death of Bond's creator far outnumber the original stories. One of my favorites was the Young Bond series. Set in the 30's, during Bond's Eaton days, these were stories that set the narrative for what Bond grew up to face in the 50's and 60's. Even though they were for younger readers, I enjoyed them, and felt the author has a grasp on Bond that many did not have. That same author has brought Bond up to our time, in a story that seems in many ways taken from the headlines. King Zero: A James Bond Novel by Charlie Higson features a Bond who feels out of sorts with the changing world, a world with killing by computer, death loving MMA fighters, billionaires with dreams of domination, and a shadowy woman behind the scenes controlling it all.
The book opens in an operating room with a doctor preparing for surgery, though he is a thousand miles away from his patient. A man lies with a bullet in his brain, and the operation will be done remotely, an experiment to save a life, and raise billions of dollars. Things go wrong, the patient is killed, as are many others. A horrible accident, except the patient was a British spy, an ex-Double 00 agent, who had information about something horrible about to happen. James Bond, Agent 007 is dispatched to Saudi Arabia to determine what went wrong. Bond's main suspect is a billionaire film producer, an Alpha male with a bodyguard who loves body modification. Bond is nearly killed after besting the man, and soon determines that the stakes are much higher than he expected. Danger flares all around him, as allies are not to be trusted, and behind the scenes is a powerful woman, with an agenda all her own.
As I said I really enjoyed Higson's Young Bond series. This was one was just fine. Nothing great, nothing bad, just fine. My biggest complaint is the padding the book seems to have. Pages on leg cramps, gristle in teeth. Unnecessary moments in Bond's head. Walks in London with Moneypenny and M. 400 pages is a lot to ask of Bond, and it just seems extra. The story is good. The technology is well described, and scarily prescient. The code that Bond uses, really well done. Plus there are a lot of Easter eggs for Bond fans. And yes Bond isn't the kind of person he was in the 50's, which was also well done.
A little long, but it never really outstayed its welcome. A could see they were setting up a Bond for now, changing attitudes towards women, looking at his constant drinking, even the psychology of all the killing he has done. This might be a talky first book, and more will be tighter, which I kind of look forward too. Though I am a fan of letting other authors mess around in the sandbox that is Bond also.
My father was the one who started me on the adventures of James Bond. ABC used to have Sunday Night Movies, and many of these were the classic James Bond movies featuring Sean Connery. Always on a school night, I was allowed to stay up til 11:25 pm, and watch them. Of course sleep was far away, thinking about cool gadgets, pretty women, and action, action action. From him I have the soundtracks on vinyl, a few early adventures in book form, and a love of spy stories, that while faded, still makes me smile. I even have two copies of Colonel un, the first of many further adventures not written by Ian Fleming, of which they books since the death of Bond's creator far outnumber the original stories. One of my favorites was the Young Bond series. Set in the 30's, during Bond's Eaton days, these were stories that set the narrative for what Bond grew up to face in the 50's and 60's. Even though they were for younger readers, I enjoyed them, and felt the author has a grasp on Bond that many did not have. That same author has brought Bond up to our time, in a story that seems in many ways taken from the headlines. King Zero: A James Bond Novel by Charlie Higson features a Bond who feels out of sorts with the changing world, a world with killing by computer, death loving MMA fighters, billionaires with dreams of domination, and a shadowy woman behind the scenes controlling it all.
The book opens in an operating room with a doctor preparing for surgery, though he is a thousand miles away from his patient. A man lies with a bullet in his brain, and the operation will be done remotely, an experiment to save a life, and raise billions of dollars. Things go wrong, the patient is killed, as are many others. A horrible accident, except the patient was a British spy, an ex-Double 00 agent, who had information about something horrible about to happen. James Bond, Agent 007 is dispatched to Saudi Arabia to determine what went wrong. Bond's main suspect is a billionaire film producer, an Alpha male with a bodyguard who loves body modification. Bond is nearly killed after besting the man, and soon determines that the stakes are much higher than he expected. Danger flares all around him, as allies are not to be trusted, and behind the scenes is a powerful woman, with an agenda all her own.
As I said I really enjoyed Higson's Young Bond series. This was one was just fine. Nothing great, nothing bad, just fine. My biggest complaint is the padding the book seems to have. Pages on leg cramps, gristle in teeth. Unnecessary moments in Bond's head. Walks in London with Moneypenny and M. 400 pages is a lot to ask of Bond, and it just seems extra. The story is good. The technology is well described, and scarily prescient. The code that Bond uses, really well done. Plus there are a lot of Easter eggs for Bond fans. And yes Bond isn't the kind of person he was in the 50's, which was also well done.
A little long, but it never really outstayed its welcome. A could see they were setting up a Bond for now, changing attitudes towards women, looking at his constant drinking, even the psychology of all the killing he has done. This might be a talky first book, and more will be tighter, which I kind of look forward too. Though I am a fan of letting other authors mess around in the sandbox that is Bond also.
September 29, 2026
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Charlie Higson is no stranger to the Bond universe. Having previously written a series of books featuring a young James Bond he has finally been given the chance to write for an adult audience.
The plot kicks off in dramatic style. The opening chapter is up there with the best of Bond, but sadly the novel does not live up to this promising start. It is very much written using the tongue in cheek quips of the Roger Moore era, and it is hard not to picture him when reading the dialogue. The book really shines in its momentum. Higson knows how to structure an action sequence – the set pieces are slick, fast paced and kept me turning pages in the first half. Having said that, the novel stumbles in its second half under the weight of its own plot twists, several of which feel like they have been used multiple times over the course of Bond history.
Bond himself is always a compelling lead, but it was disappointing that he was not written with the grittiness and intensity of Fleming’s own Bond. I never quite took him seriously as a double 0 agent in this story, and it is hard to believe that he has it in him to use his license to kill. The supporting cast also feel like they were taken straight out of a thriller cliché handbook – the villain is not up there with the many others who have come before him that strike fear into the hearts of the reader. His characterisation leans too heavily on increasingly convoluted motives and improbable coincidences. This very much undercuts much of the tension built up in the opening chapters.
King Zero is by no means a bad read – it is fun and enjoyable for any Bond fan. It is, however, far from the best of Bond and brings nothing new to the canon. With a sharper focus on character development and a less bloated third act, it could have been great rather than just okay.
Charlie Higson is no stranger to the Bond universe. Having previously written a series of books featuring a young James Bond he has finally been given the chance to write for an adult audience.
The plot kicks off in dramatic style. The opening chapter is up there with the best of Bond, but sadly the novel does not live up to this promising start. It is very much written using the tongue in cheek quips of the Roger Moore era, and it is hard not to picture him when reading the dialogue. The book really shines in its momentum. Higson knows how to structure an action sequence – the set pieces are slick, fast paced and kept me turning pages in the first half. Having said that, the novel stumbles in its second half under the weight of its own plot twists, several of which feel like they have been used multiple times over the course of Bond history.
Bond himself is always a compelling lead, but it was disappointing that he was not written with the grittiness and intensity of Fleming’s own Bond. I never quite took him seriously as a double 0 agent in this story, and it is hard to believe that he has it in him to use his license to kill. The supporting cast also feel like they were taken straight out of a thriller cliché handbook – the villain is not up there with the many others who have come before him that strike fear into the hearts of the reader. His characterisation leans too heavily on increasingly convoluted motives and improbable coincidences. This very much undercuts much of the tension built up in the opening chapters.
King Zero is by no means a bad read – it is fun and enjoyable for any Bond fan. It is, however, far from the best of Bond and brings nothing new to the canon. With a sharper focus on character development and a less bloated third act, it could have been great rather than just okay.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bond is back and kicking a**!
"King Zero" opens in present day Riyadh, with a renowned neurosurgeon about to perform a radical new procedure using a robot and VR technology. They are thousands of miles apart, but linked via the internet to allow for the remote extraction of a bullet from the brain of an unknown man. Unfortunately, the operation goes badly wrong when the robot is hacked and kills the patient.
It transpires that the patient was a 00 operative of the British security services, and so 007 James Bond is dispatched to Saudi Arabia to investigate. Quickly he is knee-deep in danger and conspiracy as he comes face to face with a megalomaniac billionaire, his body-sculpted, insane bodyguard, and a mysterious woman who has her own secrets. Slowly but surely Bond moves closer to the power behind a plan to change the world. So far, pure "Bond". There are set pieces which are glorious - a car chase across the desert in a hijacked smart car; a luxury yacht surrounded by sharks; and a mine deep in the Congo. Each is nicely realised, and Bond's trials through each are crisply and dramatically portrayed. This is still the Bond fans know and love - he gets into scrapes, he gets out of scrapes. He has a drink, then does it again, in his own way.
The narrative is definitely reminiscent of Fleming's style, and there are nice touches throughout to connect readers to the originals books - Bond's cruel mouth, his unruly comma of hair, his observations concerning the women he meets (toned down for modern readers) all echo the original books.
Fans of Charlie Higson's Young Bond books, and his recent novella, would expect Bond to be in safe hands. And the good news is - he is. Yes, Bond now exists in the 21st century, uses a smartphone, and knows what the internet is. M, we learn, was about 30 when the Berlin Wall came down, and served in the Falklands, and there's no sexist repartee with Moneypenny. But, the essential Bond is here - emotionally closed-off, driven, and (fairly) hard-drinking, and 100% focussed on getting the job done.
There are those who prefer Bond to continually exist in the 50s and 60s, and many of the continuation novels have done this. It's a dangerous thing to move him to a contemporary setting, and many die-hard Fleming fans will no doubt give this book a miss simply for that reason. That would be a mistake - Higson's Bond is as close to how Fleming's Bond would be if he were still writing. He clearly understands the character - and the final page proves he's in this for the long term - "JAMES BOND WILL BE BACK!"
Heartily recommended.
"King Zero" opens in present day Riyadh, with a renowned neurosurgeon about to perform a radical new procedure using a robot and VR technology. They are thousands of miles apart, but linked via the internet to allow for the remote extraction of a bullet from the brain of an unknown man. Unfortunately, the operation goes badly wrong when the robot is hacked and kills the patient.
It transpires that the patient was a 00 operative of the British security services, and so 007 James Bond is dispatched to Saudi Arabia to investigate. Quickly he is knee-deep in danger and conspiracy as he comes face to face with a megalomaniac billionaire, his body-sculpted, insane bodyguard, and a mysterious woman who has her own secrets. Slowly but surely Bond moves closer to the power behind a plan to change the world. So far, pure "Bond". There are set pieces which are glorious - a car chase across the desert in a hijacked smart car; a luxury yacht surrounded by sharks; and a mine deep in the Congo. Each is nicely realised, and Bond's trials through each are crisply and dramatically portrayed. This is still the Bond fans know and love - he gets into scrapes, he gets out of scrapes. He has a drink, then does it again, in his own way.
The narrative is definitely reminiscent of Fleming's style, and there are nice touches throughout to connect readers to the originals books - Bond's cruel mouth, his unruly comma of hair, his observations concerning the women he meets (toned down for modern readers) all echo the original books.
Fans of Charlie Higson's Young Bond books, and his recent novella, would expect Bond to be in safe hands. And the good news is - he is. Yes, Bond now exists in the 21st century, uses a smartphone, and knows what the internet is. M, we learn, was about 30 when the Berlin Wall came down, and served in the Falklands, and there's no sexist repartee with Moneypenny. But, the essential Bond is here - emotionally closed-off, driven, and (fairly) hard-drinking, and 100% focussed on getting the job done.
There are those who prefer Bond to continually exist in the 50s and 60s, and many of the continuation novels have done this. It's a dangerous thing to move him to a contemporary setting, and many die-hard Fleming fans will no doubt give this book a miss simply for that reason. That would be a mistake - Higson's Bond is as close to how Fleming's Bond would be if he were still writing. He clearly understands the character - and the final page proves he's in this for the long term - "JAMES BOND WILL BE BACK!"
Heartily recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have to admit that I haven't read too many of the original James Bond books but I have read the Horowitz continuations (which I did enjoy) and, although I did enjoy this book, I didn't ever quite believe in the character fully. TBH I could have been reading about any spy from any department and I found the only connection with James Bond 007 was when we had the odd snippet from M and Moneypenny to remind me! These parts also doubling up as a bit of a recap as to what was going on.
But, all that said, it was a compelling story which did hit he ground running for me and held my attention nicely all the way through. There was a good balance between action and story and it did all make sense. We start with an operation - being done remotely using extremely clever, new technology. Long story short and it's hacked and the patient dies. Later on we find out who the patient was and start to wonder what he knew, what he was about to disclose and who didn't want the information released. There's a lot of other technology peppered throughout the book, including some rather techy cars which have their own issues!
I think that maybe this new techno, smartphone, Spotify, Bond is probably why I have that disconnect with him as that character. I was also not convinced by the baddies in this book compared to some of Bond's greatest foes.
So, basically if, like me, you also fail to connect to the MC as Bond, then I wouldn't necessarily write the whole book off as it is a thoroughly decent spy thriller in itself. The characters were all, withing their story arcs, well drawn and played their parts well. The story was well plotted, fast paced and action packed, and finished strongly, leaving me fully satisfied at its conclusion.
All in all, a decent read in itself, but not really Bond. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
But, all that said, it was a compelling story which did hit he ground running for me and held my attention nicely all the way through. There was a good balance between action and story and it did all make sense. We start with an operation - being done remotely using extremely clever, new technology. Long story short and it's hacked and the patient dies. Later on we find out who the patient was and start to wonder what he knew, what he was about to disclose and who didn't want the information released. There's a lot of other technology peppered throughout the book, including some rather techy cars which have their own issues!
I think that maybe this new techno, smartphone, Spotify, Bond is probably why I have that disconnect with him as that character. I was also not convinced by the baddies in this book compared to some of Bond's greatest foes.
So, basically if, like me, you also fail to connect to the MC as Bond, then I wouldn't necessarily write the whole book off as it is a thoroughly decent spy thriller in itself. The characters were all, withing their story arcs, well drawn and played their parts well. The story was well plotted, fast paced and action packed, and finished strongly, leaving me fully satisfied at its conclusion.
All in all, a decent read in itself, but not really Bond. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
September 28, 2026
Click here to read my full review.
“‘My name’s Bond,’ he said. ‘James Bond. I work for MI6. Put your hand in mine.’”
James Bond has always belonged in the past. Don’t assume that it was the films made after the Berlin Wall fell that first questioned if Bond was a relic whose skills and values had become redundant. No, it was Bond’s creator Ian Fleming, whose novel GOLDFINGER—published in 1959, not long before the Cuban Missile Crisis—has a bureaucrat suggest that “the double-O section is redundant”.
That’s the paradox Charlie Higson confronts in creating a 21st-century Bond. Higson introduced his modernised version of the character in 2023’s ON HIS MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE, where Bond foils a plot against King Charles III’s coronation. That book was a novella whose royalties were donated to the National Literacy Trust, making KING ZERO the first full-length outing for Bond’s latest incarnation.
It’s an intriguing test for a character with a 73-year legacy: how do you modernise an anachronism?
We begin the book in techno-thriller style, with a high-tech surgical operation on a mysterious patient that ends gruesomely. Higson’s plot gets pleasingly over-the-top, featuring AI and solar flares and mad billionaires (is that a tautology?). He has a keen eye for action scenes: we get man-eating lions and shark attacks, but I especially liked a sequence where Bond challenges a rival to a driving contest, a throwback to Fleming’s fondness for having Bond play games of risk and chance. “I believe that as long as Bond can remain an outrageous fantasy he will endure,” Higson wrote in an editorial about his 2023 novel. We get exactly that...
Continue reading here...
“‘My name’s Bond,’ he said. ‘James Bond. I work for MI6. Put your hand in mine.’”
James Bond has always belonged in the past. Don’t assume that it was the films made after the Berlin Wall fell that first questioned if Bond was a relic whose skills and values had become redundant. No, it was Bond’s creator Ian Fleming, whose novel GOLDFINGER—published in 1959, not long before the Cuban Missile Crisis—has a bureaucrat suggest that “the double-O section is redundant”.
That’s the paradox Charlie Higson confronts in creating a 21st-century Bond. Higson introduced his modernised version of the character in 2023’s ON HIS MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE, where Bond foils a plot against King Charles III’s coronation. That book was a novella whose royalties were donated to the National Literacy Trust, making KING ZERO the first full-length outing for Bond’s latest incarnation.
It’s an intriguing test for a character with a 73-year legacy: how do you modernise an anachronism?
We begin the book in techno-thriller style, with a high-tech surgical operation on a mysterious patient that ends gruesomely. Higson’s plot gets pleasingly over-the-top, featuring AI and solar flares and mad billionaires (is that a tautology?). He has a keen eye for action scenes: we get man-eating lions and shark attacks, but I especially liked a sequence where Bond challenges a rival to a driving contest, a throwback to Fleming’s fondness for having Bond play games of risk and chance. “I believe that as long as Bond can remain an outrageous fantasy he will endure,” Higson wrote in an editorial about his 2023 novel. We get exactly that...
Continue reading here...
October 4, 2026
Well, I finished King Zero in three sittings as the book is conveniently split into three parts. Higson gives his Bond some pace and a few neat lines. I didn't not enjoy it and I have a sneaky suspicion it will please many readers and fans who like the modern style of interlaced narratives.
The three part structure basically allows Higson to construct three shorter stories, each with a victim, a villain, a torture, a climax, a sex scene [ish], a fight. The repetition is obvious. I don't think it works. One of the beauty's of Fleming's novels was his enhancement of a relatively straightforward plot. The enjoyment wasn't how we get there but what happens when we already know we'll get there. Dr No for instance is a prime example of this, a few highs before an extended and tension wracked finale. Higson has three finales and none satisfies. The parts, while linked, don't feel linked, and that is a really troubling narrative issue.
Sadly, everything feels Fleming-lite. I don't want to give spoilers out, but if you read King Zero, the scenarios and characters borrowed or re-imagined from Fleming are obvious. There is an awful lot of borrowed titles, sentences, phrases, reworked clichés etc which just make me think Higson is playing a not very clever game with his audience.
I liked On His Majesty's Secret Service. It had wit and a sense of easy adventure, was timely and short. King Zero is mostly flaccid, mostly overlong and longwinded and just occasionally vivid and gut-wrenching. It generally lacks tension, which I think comes from being about 30k words too long. A decent editor would sort it out, but I don't think Penguin are prepared to pay for one.
Disappointing, then. Sorry, Charlie, better luck next time.
The three part structure basically allows Higson to construct three shorter stories, each with a victim, a villain, a torture, a climax, a sex scene [ish], a fight. The repetition is obvious. I don't think it works. One of the beauty's of Fleming's novels was his enhancement of a relatively straightforward plot. The enjoyment wasn't how we get there but what happens when we already know we'll get there. Dr No for instance is a prime example of this, a few highs before an extended and tension wracked finale. Higson has three finales and none satisfies. The parts, while linked, don't feel linked, and that is a really troubling narrative issue.
Sadly, everything feels Fleming-lite. I don't want to give spoilers out, but if you read King Zero, the scenarios and characters borrowed or re-imagined from Fleming are obvious. There is an awful lot of borrowed titles, sentences, phrases, reworked clichés etc which just make me think Higson is playing a not very clever game with his audience.
I liked On His Majesty's Secret Service. It had wit and a sense of easy adventure, was timely and short. King Zero is mostly flaccid, mostly overlong and longwinded and just occasionally vivid and gut-wrenching. It generally lacks tension, which I think comes from being about 30k words too long. A decent editor would sort it out, but I don't think Penguin are prepared to pay for one.
Disappointing, then. Sorry, Charlie, better luck next time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
King Zero by Charlie Higson sees him return to the world of Bond, James Bond. This time Bond isn't the Young Bond of his most famous works, but a mature, modern Bond, a return to the contemporary following On His Majesty's Secret Service in 2023.
This latest adventure is another rip-roaring adventure - similar in tone to the late, great Ian Fleming - but given a contemporary spin into the modern age. It opens superbly, with a nightmare-ish medical procedure, carried out remotely, is turned into a bloodbath and paints a picture of sheer dread. Then Bond comes into the narrative - and it is immediately clear Higson wants to have fun, not re-invent the franchise - bones break, there are scenes of pure, pumping energy - and villains and heroes with backstory, that feel real on the page - and these things propel King Zero into something greater than some of the other Bond novels which have been written. This is no pastiche. Higson is too good for that, and it is very clear he had fun writing this - and you will have reading it. I hope the Fleming estate give him more opportunities to expand on and create more adventures for the worlds favourite spy.
King Zero is a fun, fast paced read, and the perfect antidote to the current lack of Bond on the big screen.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
This latest adventure is another rip-roaring adventure - similar in tone to the late, great Ian Fleming - but given a contemporary spin into the modern age. It opens superbly, with a nightmare-ish medical procedure, carried out remotely, is turned into a bloodbath and paints a picture of sheer dread. Then Bond comes into the narrative - and it is immediately clear Higson wants to have fun, not re-invent the franchise - bones break, there are scenes of pure, pumping energy - and villains and heroes with backstory, that feel real on the page - and these things propel King Zero into something greater than some of the other Bond novels which have been written. This is no pastiche. Higson is too good for that, and it is very clear he had fun writing this - and you will have reading it. I hope the Fleming estate give him more opportunities to expand on and create more adventures for the worlds favourite spy.
King Zero is a fun, fast paced read, and the perfect antidote to the current lack of Bond on the big screen.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
October 12, 2026
Having just read all of the Ian Fleming James Bond books earlier this year, I was very excited and intrigued to dive into the latest adventure from Charlie Higson and catch up with 007 in the modern world. There are some terrific set pieces here and the opening scene is one of the strongest out there for a Bond entry. There are some classic Bond moments as well and subtle nods to Fleming’s characterization. Bond as well being forced to spend a significant amount of time in Saudi Arabia where he can’t drink also offers interesting character exploration. And the build up with the villain himself, King Zero, is all expertly constructed. But…the ultimate payoff for all this is a pretty enormous letdown. At over 400 pages, this is double the length of some of Fleming’s books and can feel overwritten. A minor spoiler but the multiple familial relationship twist reveals, all done in rapid fire succession and in a pretty bland exposition dump format, also leaves much to be desired. King Zero himself when he at last emerges proves to be more akin to a filthy Stromberg in The Spy Who Loved Me than a Goldfinger or even Doctor No. Titling the book after the villain means the villain has to stand out, but when even incredibly minor henchmen steal the spotlight, you know the villain has amount to zero impact. King Zero has a lot to enjoy but leaves plenty more to be desired.
September 24, 2026
I really enjoyed this bit of escapism. The author has brought a more contemporary feel to the Bond genre but it doesn’t take away from all the usual thrills and spills as Bond races across the globe. The book opens in Riyadh where a surgeon is operating to remove a bullet using VR and a robot. This is a fast paced, high octane read, the violence is more graphic than previous books I’ve read in the Bond series, but not gratuitous.
Briefly, when the dead man is confirmed as a 00 agent Bond is sent to Saudi Arabia to investigate. With support from other allies Bond is soon chasing the bad guys across Jordan and the Congo.
I liked that the author didn’t try to sound like Ian Fleming. Many of the Fleming tropes remain but largely brought into the present time and not reminiscent of the 1950/60’s. However, all the things I expected from a Bond book are here; megalomaniac villains aiming to rule the world, multiple car chases, glamorous women and lots of action. The book remain true to its creator but with a modern feel - AI, self drive cars, modern technology all have their place and for me it works. A fun, entertaining espionage thriller and I’m ready for another please. 4.5⭐️
Briefly, when the dead man is confirmed as a 00 agent Bond is sent to Saudi Arabia to investigate. With support from other allies Bond is soon chasing the bad guys across Jordan and the Congo.
I liked that the author didn’t try to sound like Ian Fleming. Many of the Fleming tropes remain but largely brought into the present time and not reminiscent of the 1950/60’s. However, all the things I expected from a Bond book are here; megalomaniac villains aiming to rule the world, multiple car chases, glamorous women and lots of action. The book remain true to its creator but with a modern feel - AI, self drive cars, modern technology all have their place and for me it works. A fun, entertaining espionage thriller and I’m ready for another please. 4.5⭐️
October 14, 2026
After years of handling a Young Bond novel, Charlie Higson now takes centre stage with the fully fledged, battle-worn 007.
This is classic Bond territory. Higson is clearly a fan of the character, and the novel feels like a wholehearted homage to the franchise, one that does both Bond and his wider cast justice.
It’s thrilling and absorbing, with the action hitting all the right notes. Even the inevitable romance is handled skilfully, adding something meaningful to the characters’ arcs rather than feeling like a contractual obligation. The villain, too, is a wonderfully classic Bond creation: an egotistical antagonist whose grand ambitions and larger-than-life personality fit comfortably within the franchise’s illustrious rogues’ gallery.
It’s not revolutionary, nor does it attempt to reinvent the formula. Instead, Higson understands the ingredients that make a great Bond novel and puts them to excellent use. The result is an engaging, assured thriller that delivers exactly what you’d hope for from 007.
This is classic Bond territory. Higson is clearly a fan of the character, and the novel feels like a wholehearted homage to the franchise, one that does both Bond and his wider cast justice.
It’s thrilling and absorbing, with the action hitting all the right notes. Even the inevitable romance is handled skilfully, adding something meaningful to the characters’ arcs rather than feeling like a contractual obligation. The villain, too, is a wonderfully classic Bond creation: an egotistical antagonist whose grand ambitions and larger-than-life personality fit comfortably within the franchise’s illustrious rogues’ gallery.
It’s not revolutionary, nor does it attempt to reinvent the formula. Instead, Higson understands the ingredients that make a great Bond novel and puts them to excellent use. The result is an engaging, assured thriller that delivers exactly what you’d hope for from 007.
September 24, 2026
Bond is back with a first full length “adult” book from the author. This is topical and up to date with technology that is out of Bond’s comfort zone and we are presented with a slightly weary Bond too. Stuck with a couple of companions he doesn’t really want, he is sent to the deserts of Saudi Arabia to investigate if a very rich man might also be a very dangerous man. Plenty of Bond type action and bad guys (one is a bit of a caricature) and Bond trying to to his thing while being saddled with his unwanted companions. Bond here is slightly hard to like (he is a Government assassin after all) with a focus on the job and little interest in anything else.
I enjoyed it because it gave me a new Bond story, but I’m not entirely sure it gave us anything fresh and innovative beyond an acknowledgment of AI as something very real.
I enjoyed it because it gave me a new Bond story, but I’m not entirely sure it gave us anything fresh and innovative beyond an acknowledgment of AI as something very real.
October 11, 2026
I really enjoyed Higson’s Young Bond books and likewise his novella “On His Majesty’s Secret Service” so was looking forward to this, especially after the travesty of Kim Sherwood’s execrable trilogy.
Prepublication publicity suggested that Higson would blend the literary and celluloid versions of the character and I think he achieved that admirably.
The setting was as an area of the world largely untapped in Bond fiction, the villains and henchmen appropriately unpleasant, the plot was a modernized update on Fleming-style stories and the pace and action brisk and entertaining.
If you like James Bond fiction, I think you’ll have a good time with “King Zero.” Recommended.
Prepublication publicity suggested that Higson would blend the literary and celluloid versions of the character and I think he achieved that admirably.
The setting was as an area of the world largely untapped in Bond fiction, the villains and henchmen appropriately unpleasant, the plot was a modernized update on Fleming-style stories and the pace and action brisk and entertaining.
If you like James Bond fiction, I think you’ll have a good time with “King Zero.” Recommended.
September 24, 2026
Bond dragged into the 21st century but not totally ! It is very difficult to compare a modern take on Bond as opposed to the ones written post WW2 and during the cold war when people and things were very different. That being said , CH has conformed to modern standards whilst retaining some of the classic Bond too. We even have a "Jaws" esque character in the story.Good pace throughout especially in the first half and a solid read. I didn't read the author's previous one OHMSS so cannot compare. Overall I enjoyed the read .
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review
September 27, 2026
Absolute madness. Felt like a Roger Moore type Bond in all of the best and all of the worst ways. Some of the modernisation and dialogue felt incredibly clunky but when it worked it worked! I thought it stuck the landing very well and came together quite nicely in the end, fantastical and bombastic, which if you’re going to go for it with Bond is exactly what you should be aiming for.
October 1, 2026
Een nieuw Bond verhaal voor een nieuwe tijd. Het eerste Charlie Higson boek na een leuk kort verhaal en de Young Bond serie. Dit verhaal komt er met een knal in en heeft alle elementen van een Bond avontuur. De locaties, schurken, actie en de aantrekkelijke vrouwen. Dit verhaal heeft een goed tempo en genoeg actie. Een aanrader.
Want to Read
October 13, 2026Read the novella and played the game 007 First Light to prepare for this book. Not needed but Bond brings back good memories from childhood. Not sure why there's over a month difference in release dates between the UK and Us versions. Might as well fly to London have a drink in Mayfair and come back with the book.
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