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Young Bond #2
Blood Fever
James Bond has discovered danger. Now it's come looking for him.An Eton boy's family disappears at sea. A shadowy secret society meets in a hidden corner of James' school. And far from England, in the bandit-infested interior of Sardinia, the sinister count Carnifex has built himself a mountain fortress. Is there a connection? Young Bond is about to find out - and face a lethal group of villains beneath the burning Mediterranean sun. Blood Fever is the second book in Charlie Higson's explosive Young Bond series.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2006
140 people are currently reading
1885 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Higson
84 books1,508 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 305 reviews
June 29, 2019
I though this was a great book about young James bond. The story is very moving and the ending is fantastic. In some parts of the story it become gruesome with some blood but there are fantastic chapters about James getting in sticky situations.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books with a lot of action and a good plot to them to.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books with a lot of action and a good plot to them to.
December 20, 2023
Very enjoyable book in the Bond style. You can see this youngster becoming the secret agent he was meant to be.
July 18, 2012
James Bond is a pupil at Eton and finds life a little pedestrian with the exception of the Danger Society he is a member of. When the Society is almost discovered after a meeting, James escapes over the rooftops of Eton. He finds himself in an area he has never been in before, overhears two men speaking Latin and stumbles across a temple with the initials MM on a painting. Meanwhile in the Greek islands a boat is hi-jacked and the English army captain on-board with his crew are killed, whilst the captain’s daughter and her tutor are kidnapped. It transpires that the girl is a sister of one of James’ secret society friends and that his friend is desperate to rescue his sister.
James’ guardian is away during the summer holidays so it’s agreed that James will visit his cousin in Sardinia and then join a school trip on the island with the popular master Mr Haight. The two strands of the story join together when James realises that the kidnapped sister of his school friend is being held at an Italian counts fortress that James and his Uncle are visiting. As can be expected from a young James Bond, danger is never far away and James is soon caught up in a World of art thieves. murderers and kidnappers. Will he be able to rescue the girl and find out who are the members of the secret MM society with Etonian links?
There are a whole host of fascinating characters from ‘Smiler’ who had his face sliced for informing on his associates to Count Ugo whose Empire is built on lies and illusions and Zoltan, the Hungarian who kidnapped Amy and killed their father but has developed a strange sense of loyalty and love towards Amy.
The book is as fast paced and adventurous as an Ian Fleming novel. It was a real page-turner and I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. The characters are well formed and interesting and the plot is not sanitized. James endures some horrific situations such as being tied up and tortured by mosquitos, being beaten by the art thieves as well as an attempt to drug him and push him off a cliff. I think the book would be enjoyed by all readers, but would particularly appeal to boys who are reluctant readers – it talks to the reader as an adult. James is a brave, reckless and honourable character who would appeal to readers in Years 5 and 6.
I think the ideal way to use this book would be firstly for independent reading specifically targeting the reluctant reader. Then use for a Big Write, asking children to imagine themselves as trainee spies and to think of an adventure they could have. Encouraging them to think about how they would confront dilemmas they encountered in dangerous situations.
James’ guardian is away during the summer holidays so it’s agreed that James will visit his cousin in Sardinia and then join a school trip on the island with the popular master Mr Haight. The two strands of the story join together when James realises that the kidnapped sister of his school friend is being held at an Italian counts fortress that James and his Uncle are visiting. As can be expected from a young James Bond, danger is never far away and James is soon caught up in a World of art thieves. murderers and kidnappers. Will he be able to rescue the girl and find out who are the members of the secret MM society with Etonian links?
There are a whole host of fascinating characters from ‘Smiler’ who had his face sliced for informing on his associates to Count Ugo whose Empire is built on lies and illusions and Zoltan, the Hungarian who kidnapped Amy and killed their father but has developed a strange sense of loyalty and love towards Amy.
The book is as fast paced and adventurous as an Ian Fleming novel. It was a real page-turner and I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. The characters are well formed and interesting and the plot is not sanitized. James endures some horrific situations such as being tied up and tortured by mosquitos, being beaten by the art thieves as well as an attempt to drug him and push him off a cliff. I think the book would be enjoyed by all readers, but would particularly appeal to boys who are reluctant readers – it talks to the reader as an adult. James is a brave, reckless and honourable character who would appeal to readers in Years 5 and 6.
I think the ideal way to use this book would be firstly for independent reading specifically targeting the reluctant reader. Then use for a Big Write, asking children to imagine themselves as trainee spies and to think of an adventure they could have. Encouraging them to think about how they would confront dilemmas they encountered in dangerous situations.
May 28, 2012
Young James Bond is getting to the place where we older "kids" are use to him...he's getting looks, girls liking him, never panick and give up, and of course, surround yourself with colorful characters.
Nobody is ever how they seem. Not even your headmasters. (hint, hint)
The book blood fever is amazingly written. The suspense builds up with every turning page. James is with another enemy, his name is Count Ugo. James found out about a secret society known as the Milenaria which as he thought had long ago faded. But now his thoughts change. He thinks differently about what he had thougt before. But the biggest mystery is revealed around the end of the book whwn James finds out something that he least expected. Read through the book to find out how this book twists and turns your brain. be sure to read EVERY single page. Each page has a mystery that is revealed around the end of the story. Each detail is important because as I later found out, the least bit of information becomes the most interesting part of the book. If you push yourself to read through the few boring parts of the book, then you will find out that the overall book is very interesting. I would definitely recommend this book for any teenage readers.
Next book....
Nobody is ever how they seem. Not even your headmasters. (hint, hint)
The book blood fever is amazingly written. The suspense builds up with every turning page. James is with another enemy, his name is Count Ugo. James found out about a secret society known as the Milenaria which as he thought had long ago faded. But now his thoughts change. He thinks differently about what he had thougt before. But the biggest mystery is revealed around the end of the book whwn James finds out something that he least expected. Read through the book to find out how this book twists and turns your brain. be sure to read EVERY single page. Each page has a mystery that is revealed around the end of the story. Each detail is important because as I later found out, the least bit of information becomes the most interesting part of the book. If you push yourself to read through the few boring parts of the book, then you will find out that the overall book is very interesting. I would definitely recommend this book for any teenage readers.
Next book....
December 30, 2014
If anyone thought that a Young Bond book would lack the action, adventure, bloodshed and body count of a Fleming thriller, think again.
BLOOD FEVER continues Higson's Young Bond theme of incorporating references to the Fleming classics and the Bond character we know and love with new, enriching characters, intricate plot and synopsis, and twists and turns. Frankly, I would love to see what Higson could do with a story in Bond's later years.
Even still, his version of teenage 007 stories are incredible as they set the stage for what's to come. Furthermore, they are very emotionally-charged; I got caught up in the events of both Books 1 and 2 in key scenes in ways that many former Bond books never got me.
Another strong entry. 4 stars.
BLOOD FEVER continues Higson's Young Bond theme of incorporating references to the Fleming classics and the Bond character we know and love with new, enriching characters, intricate plot and synopsis, and twists and turns. Frankly, I would love to see what Higson could do with a story in Bond's later years.
Even still, his version of teenage 007 stories are incredible as they set the stage for what's to come. Furthermore, they are very emotionally-charged; I got caught up in the events of both Books 1 and 2 in key scenes in ways that many former Bond books never got me.
Another strong entry. 4 stars.
November 10, 2024
Lekker veel drama en actie
July 7, 2022
Second book in the Young Bond series. It's fun enough to read as a light adventure story. James Bond is spending his summer in Sardinia first as part of a archeological/history trip organized by one of his school masters. Then, visiting a distant cousin who lived there. He gets entangled with secret society with its roots in ancient Roma and a bandit turned count with delusions of empire. It's an easy read, though I wonder at how much trouble James manages tio get himself into.
March 19, 2022
So book 1 was 4 stars as it had some great elements but my biggest flaw was that the pacing was too slow and I thought certain characters could’ve been explored a bit more.
I’m pretty sure Higson looked at the feedback when he started writing this book and he got rid of those flaws perfectly.
From page 1 the pacing is great and the overall story is simply brilliant. But some elements that I’d like to highlight include subtle but excellent foreshadowing, beautiful descriptive detail (along with small history lessons too) and extremely memorable characters which especially includes the villains.
And my oh my, this book had an absolutely BRILLIANT plot twist that was so perfectly executed.
I liked Silverfin, but I LOVED Blood Fever!
I’m pretty sure Higson looked at the feedback when he started writing this book and he got rid of those flaws perfectly.
From page 1 the pacing is great and the overall story is simply brilliant. But some elements that I’d like to highlight include subtle but excellent foreshadowing, beautiful descriptive detail (along with small history lessons too) and extremely memorable characters which especially includes the villains.
And my oh my, this book had an absolutely BRILLIANT plot twist that was so perfectly executed.
I liked Silverfin, but I LOVED Blood Fever!
December 5, 2018
Good read. Pacy , action and thrills. Ready to read the next soon..
June 1, 2021
Both my Children read this series and loved it and so I am reading it as well. As I will The Dead series.
I can see why they liked it. Full of action, hard hitting and a willingness to show the grimness at times. Its a great book whichever way you look at it.
The way it is going to end is flagged early in the book but there is a twist that I was not expecting so kudos to the author for that.
This was probably not targeted at me but I found it fun and quick. I was never bored among the pages and I liked some of the nods to the later Bond cannon. It cannot have been easy to write a young bond series given the weight of the other books and films on your shoulders but the author made a good job of it.
If you have teenage Kids these are an ideal read. If you fancy some honest fun and adventure do not discount it either.
I can see why they liked it. Full of action, hard hitting and a willingness to show the grimness at times. Its a great book whichever way you look at it.
The way it is going to end is flagged early in the book but there is a twist that I was not expecting so kudos to the author for that.
This was probably not targeted at me but I found it fun and quick. I was never bored among the pages and I liked some of the nods to the later Bond cannon. It cannot have been easy to write a young bond series given the weight of the other books and films on your shoulders but the author made a good job of it.
If you have teenage Kids these are an ideal read. If you fancy some honest fun and adventure do not discount it either.
April 22, 2022
The disappearance of Sir Cathal Goodenough and his family in the Mediterranean may appear to have little to do with James Bond's school trip to Sardinia, but when he sees a corrupt mogul's mansion on top of a silver mine, he discovers that there are high end art thieves targeting families of Eton scholars.
It can be difficult to write prequels to established characters, but Higson's deft handling of the James Bond legend is accessible to younger readers and is sympathetic to the source novels.
It can be difficult to write prequels to established characters, but Higson's deft handling of the James Bond legend is accessible to younger readers and is sympathetic to the source novels.
September 4, 2017
A great book. Outstanding
September 5, 2018
Seru ternyata. Petualangan bgt ceritanya.
March 13, 2022
I very much enjoyed it.
Nice vibes, good action and the characters were well-written.
Nice vibes, good action and the characters were well-written.
September 21, 2023
the actual pain i experienced reading this book - if i ever come into contact with a sea urchin i will never return to the ocean again. don’t even talk to me about the mosquitoes, i was squirming the entire time aRGH
September 18, 2020
Exciting book with good descriptions.
May 28, 2014
Not quite as good as the first Young Bond novel, but pretty decent - I would give it 3.5 stars if I could.
One interesting (positive) element is Higson's decision to strongly hint that Bond's cousin Victor is gay. In an interview with a Bond website, Higson confirmed that this was his intent:
MI6-HQ interview
One interesting (positive) element is Higson's decision to strongly hint that Bond's cousin Victor is gay. In an interview with a Bond website, Higson confirmed that this was his intent:
MI6-HQ interview
MI6: Bond’s Uncle Victor and Poliponi seem rather close in the book. Is there something more to it? Are they ‘more’ than friends?
Higson:(Laughs) Well of course they are, I mean it’s not anything that children would pick up on but that’s there for the adult readers. They are obviously a gay couple, and why not? Ian Fleming’s best friend was Noel Coward and I think there’s a reference to him in the book. Ian Fleming moved in those circles and knew a lot of people like that. I was interested in that kind of upperclass-gay-expats group that ended up in Tangiers a lot of them in North Africa and certainly around the Mediterranean. I quite liked that weird Bohemian slightly outside of society kind of setup. I didn’t want to labour the point though. Fleming was very open minded and as I say Noel Coward was one of his best friends, but he did have a few digs at homosexuals in his books which is perhaps slightly regrettable.
November 19, 2012
WOW, what a book!
My first thought was when i saw this book how can it live up to silverfin (first book) but wow it did. Twists and turns of the plot just make you want to read on and on and on.
When i first started this book i found it really hard to get into an with its slow beginning, but i do believe that if we did not have the beginning it wouldn't totally make sense. We need to Know who Mark Goodenough is, the teacher at Eton Haight is, as he does quiet a main part to the plot but is not first very obvious and of course we want to know how James Bond is don't we?????
As soon as they get to sardinia, thats were you really want to know whats actually happening. It speed up and you can really forever and not want to put it down.
I love the fact that Charlie Higson has used the fact that we always jump to conclusions in the book.
The ending is very good and is kinda what i was expecting but it kinda wasn't. it has the happily ever after but it is also tied in with the story and it is not what you are expecting.
Overall i would say this is another good book by Charlie Higson and i can't wait to read the next one.
My first thought was when i saw this book how can it live up to silverfin (first book) but wow it did. Twists and turns of the plot just make you want to read on and on and on.
When i first started this book i found it really hard to get into an with its slow beginning, but i do believe that if we did not have the beginning it wouldn't totally make sense. We need to Know who Mark Goodenough is, the teacher at Eton Haight is, as he does quiet a main part to the plot but is not first very obvious and of course we want to know how James Bond is don't we?????
As soon as they get to sardinia, thats were you really want to know whats actually happening. It speed up and you can really forever and not want to put it down.
I love the fact that Charlie Higson has used the fact that we always jump to conclusions in the book.
The ending is very good and is kinda what i was expecting but it kinda wasn't. it has the happily ever after but it is also tied in with the story and it is not what you are expecting.
Overall i would say this is another good book by Charlie Higson and i can't wait to read the next one.
June 15, 2015
well what can you say. its James Bond
The name is Bond. James Bond . and the book is keeping up the name fortunately. I guess so in spite of the fact that i have not actually read the original Iam Flemming books but in my defence i have watched the movies and every single one of them from sean connery to now Daniel craig
The book and the plot is good and also reminded me how my brain is developed only to the level where i find books meant for 13 year olds to be perfectly in sync with my pace and understanding. Yah !! cheers to that
The book is simple with straight cut plot which means it is no maze where you have no idea who is who and what is what. The plot keeps untying on its way to end and keeps you entertained all through. The book is actually second in series where they take you into the life of James Bond when he was just a boy studying in Eton, one of the Prestigious all Boys school. The Book has got enough thrills and turns to keep in interesting
It is simple with good plot filled with enough to keep you glued to the book. After all its bond. James Bond
The name is Bond. James Bond . and the book is keeping up the name fortunately. I guess so in spite of the fact that i have not actually read the original Iam Flemming books but in my defence i have watched the movies and every single one of them from sean connery to now Daniel craig
The book and the plot is good and also reminded me how my brain is developed only to the level where i find books meant for 13 year olds to be perfectly in sync with my pace and understanding. Yah !! cheers to that
The book is simple with straight cut plot which means it is no maze where you have no idea who is who and what is what. The plot keeps untying on its way to end and keeps you entertained all through. The book is actually second in series where they take you into the life of James Bond when he was just a boy studying in Eton, one of the Prestigious all Boys school. The Book has got enough thrills and turns to keep in interesting
It is simple with good plot filled with enough to keep you glued to the book. After all its bond. James Bond
Read
October 25, 2016The gripping story lines of James Bond have always been major hits. His movies have always been great hits. The author Charlie Higson has rendered a teen series which portrays James Bond as student in Eton. In these books, James Bond falls into many precarious situations, an the stories display his wit and determination in making it out of dangerous times alive. I got the chance to read one of these books. This book is a great read and I recommend that its it is read by teens.
In this book, James Bond travels to the peaceful island of Sardinia, with suspicions of Millenaria gang members on the loose. As he spends his time there, he confronts a powerful but ill-mannered Count by the name of Ugo. As time passes he becomes even more suspicious, thus initiating a thrilling story filled with adventure. This book was amazingly written and easily painted a picture in my mind. One thing I disliked was the complex and sophisticated diction in the book. It sometimes grew boring and made me stop reading.
All in all, this book was very enjoyable. I hope to find more books in this series and I can't wait to read them all.
In this book, James Bond travels to the peaceful island of Sardinia, with suspicions of Millenaria gang members on the loose. As he spends his time there, he confronts a powerful but ill-mannered Count by the name of Ugo. As time passes he becomes even more suspicious, thus initiating a thrilling story filled with adventure. This book was amazingly written and easily painted a picture in my mind. One thing I disliked was the complex and sophisticated diction in the book. It sometimes grew boring and made me stop reading.
All in all, this book was very enjoyable. I hope to find more books in this series and I can't wait to read them all.
January 30, 2014
I grew up watching James Bond movies. My father was fond of them--so of course, I learned to love the movies too. (Really, my father influenced me a lot in movies and music. There's Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and so much more.) So when I saw this book at the book sale; I immediately bought it, not knowing that this was the second book in a novel. I just read the words; " Young James Bond" and yeah, you know the rest.
And long story short, I wasn't disappointed. The book was action packed and I liked it a lot. The characters weren't in any way exasperating and I'm thankful for that. The writing was also easy and descriptive, and the additional informations in the book were definitely helpful. I'd definitely want to finish up the rest of the series and of course, get started on the first one. I'll also be reading the rest of Higson's books; such as The Enemy. I can't wait.
And long story short, I wasn't disappointed. The book was action packed and I liked it a lot. The characters weren't in any way exasperating and I'm thankful for that. The writing was also easy and descriptive, and the additional informations in the book were definitely helpful. I'd definitely want to finish up the rest of the series and of course, get started on the first one. I'll also be reading the rest of Higson's books; such as The Enemy. I can't wait.
August 15, 2025
James is excited for the upcoming field trip his school is taking him on, giving him a bit of a break from the dangerous new club he just joined - until his relaxation is shattered by a missing family and secretive Italian Count that draw him into yet another grand adventure! Higson continues to amaze readers with this enjoyably fun and lively journey that will have readers begging for more! Things are about to become a lot more intense for Bond in the outreaches of Italy!
August 27, 2019
Blood Fever is the second novel in the Young Bond series. It depicts Ian Fleming's superspy James Bond as a teenager in the 1930s. Released in 2006 the novel, written by Charlie Higson is a follow up to his first volume, Silverfin. This was a surprise hit, with bestseller sales surpassing the first Harry Potter. Higson was a great choice. He helped to create The Fast Show; 007 was his specialist subject on Celebrity Mastermind.
Plot summary
Blood Fever begins with a prologue during which a young girl named Amy Goodenough is aboard her father's yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean sea when she becomes witness to a band of pirates under the command of Zoltan the Magyar who board the yacht. Zoltan's men ransack the vessel and in the process murder Amy's father who was unwilling to part with his priceless possessions. When Amy fails to get revenge by throwing a knife at Zoltan and hitting him in the shoulder, she is taken prisoner, but swears she will one day succeed in achieving vengeance.
Following the adventure SilverFin, James Bond is back at Eton where he is now a member of a secret risk-taking club known as the Danger Society. As summer vacation looms, James is given the opportunity to go to Sardinia on a field trip with one of his professors, Peter Haight and a colleague, Cooper-ffrench. While there Bond would also be able to visit his cousin, Victor Delacroix (a relation of Monique Delacroix, James deceased mother).
Before leaving, Bond learns of the tragedy that took place on the Goodenough's yacht from his friend, Mark Goodenough, Amy's brother who attends Eton. Bond is also witness to a mysterious group whose followers are marked on both of their hands with an 'M' (double M), which James eventually learns is the mark of the Millenaria, a defunct secret Italian society that has had plans throughout history to restore the Roman Empire.
Once arriving in Sardinia, James and his classmates begin a tour of the country to learn its history, during which Bond is poisoned (though the reader is not aware of it at the time) and almost killed. To get away and relax, Bond departs from his classmates to spend time with his Cousin Victor, his artist friend Poliponi, and his teenage servant Mauro. While there Victor is host to the Count Ugo Carnifex, a man who is later identified as the leader of the reorganized Millenaria that plans once again to restore the glory of the Roman Empire. Carnifex achieves the funding for such a task, as well as for his palace located high in the mountains of Sardinia, and his lavish lifestyle, by hiring pirates such as Zoltan the Magyar to plunder valuable items; however, Carnifex is a fraud who cannot actually afford to compensate his "employees". Additionally, when Zoltan arrives at Carnifex's palace, Carnifex declares ownership over Amy Goodenough, much to the great annoyance of Zoltan, whom during his travels to Sardinia had formed a unique and strange bond with Amy.
Later Bond is once again reunited with his classmates who are now in a town near Carnifex's palace. During one night, Bond sneaks into the palace and finds Amy's cell, but is unable to rescue her and instead informs Peter Haight. Things go bad, however, when Haight reveals himself to be a loyal servant of Carnifex and had earlier attempted to poison and kill James for asking too many questions about the Millenaria. Carnifex subsequently tortures James by allowing the mosquitoes to have a field day (Carnifex betting that at some point one of them will be a carrier of malaria while James is stripped of his shirt and strapped down, thus preventing him from escaping, killing any mosquitoes feeding and scratching itches, bringing the pain to a maximum. Bond is later rescued by Mauro's sister, Vendetta, who kisses him consistently.
Having put up with Carnifex for as long as he could bear, Zoltan turns against Carnifex by flooding his palace leaving it in ruins. Carnifex's sea plane is swept away by the water and flies straight into the count, killing him. Just prior, Bond sneaks into the palace with the help of Vendetta, much to her dismay, to rescue Amy. Vendetta is reluctant to let Bond go and attacks him. Bond convinces her not to follow and, for good measure, he gives her a kiss of his own. After the destruction of the palace, Bond and Amy return to Victor Delacroix's villa, but are ambushed on the way by Peter Haight. Bond and Amy are saved, however, by Zoltan the Magyar who gives his life for their protection in the process. The grief-stricken Amy hugs Bond for comfort.
Amy and Bond arrive at Victor's villa. After skinny dipping and lying on the beach, they go up together. However, Jana Carnifex, Ugo's sister, is waiting for them. Bond tricks her, however, by jumping off the rock, while Victor distracts her. She slips and falls into a bed of sea urchins, where she finally dies from the pain and poison. As Bond and Amy wade to the surface, Amy suddenly steps on a sea urchin. Bond knows exactly how to remove it.
As an adult reading a teen book it was predictably fast paced and adventurous. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The reason: it talks to the reader as an adult. All in all, a quick, and very enjoyable read.
Plot summary
Blood Fever begins with a prologue during which a young girl named Amy Goodenough is aboard her father's yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean sea when she becomes witness to a band of pirates under the command of Zoltan the Magyar who board the yacht. Zoltan's men ransack the vessel and in the process murder Amy's father who was unwilling to part with his priceless possessions. When Amy fails to get revenge by throwing a knife at Zoltan and hitting him in the shoulder, she is taken prisoner, but swears she will one day succeed in achieving vengeance.
Following the adventure SilverFin, James Bond is back at Eton where he is now a member of a secret risk-taking club known as the Danger Society. As summer vacation looms, James is given the opportunity to go to Sardinia on a field trip with one of his professors, Peter Haight and a colleague, Cooper-ffrench. While there Bond would also be able to visit his cousin, Victor Delacroix (a relation of Monique Delacroix, James deceased mother).
Before leaving, Bond learns of the tragedy that took place on the Goodenough's yacht from his friend, Mark Goodenough, Amy's brother who attends Eton. Bond is also witness to a mysterious group whose followers are marked on both of their hands with an 'M' (double M), which James eventually learns is the mark of the Millenaria, a defunct secret Italian society that has had plans throughout history to restore the Roman Empire.
Once arriving in Sardinia, James and his classmates begin a tour of the country to learn its history, during which Bond is poisoned (though the reader is not aware of it at the time) and almost killed. To get away and relax, Bond departs from his classmates to spend time with his Cousin Victor, his artist friend Poliponi, and his teenage servant Mauro. While there Victor is host to the Count Ugo Carnifex, a man who is later identified as the leader of the reorganized Millenaria that plans once again to restore the glory of the Roman Empire. Carnifex achieves the funding for such a task, as well as for his palace located high in the mountains of Sardinia, and his lavish lifestyle, by hiring pirates such as Zoltan the Magyar to plunder valuable items; however, Carnifex is a fraud who cannot actually afford to compensate his "employees". Additionally, when Zoltan arrives at Carnifex's palace, Carnifex declares ownership over Amy Goodenough, much to the great annoyance of Zoltan, whom during his travels to Sardinia had formed a unique and strange bond with Amy.
Later Bond is once again reunited with his classmates who are now in a town near Carnifex's palace. During one night, Bond sneaks into the palace and finds Amy's cell, but is unable to rescue her and instead informs Peter Haight. Things go bad, however, when Haight reveals himself to be a loyal servant of Carnifex and had earlier attempted to poison and kill James for asking too many questions about the Millenaria. Carnifex subsequently tortures James by allowing the mosquitoes to have a field day (Carnifex betting that at some point one of them will be a carrier of malaria while James is stripped of his shirt and strapped down, thus preventing him from escaping, killing any mosquitoes feeding and scratching itches, bringing the pain to a maximum. Bond is later rescued by Mauro's sister, Vendetta, who kisses him consistently.
Having put up with Carnifex for as long as he could bear, Zoltan turns against Carnifex by flooding his palace leaving it in ruins. Carnifex's sea plane is swept away by the water and flies straight into the count, killing him. Just prior, Bond sneaks into the palace with the help of Vendetta, much to her dismay, to rescue Amy. Vendetta is reluctant to let Bond go and attacks him. Bond convinces her not to follow and, for good measure, he gives her a kiss of his own. After the destruction of the palace, Bond and Amy return to Victor Delacroix's villa, but are ambushed on the way by Peter Haight. Bond and Amy are saved, however, by Zoltan the Magyar who gives his life for their protection in the process. The grief-stricken Amy hugs Bond for comfort.
Amy and Bond arrive at Victor's villa. After skinny dipping and lying on the beach, they go up together. However, Jana Carnifex, Ugo's sister, is waiting for them. Bond tricks her, however, by jumping off the rock, while Victor distracts her. She slips and falls into a bed of sea urchins, where she finally dies from the pain and poison. As Bond and Amy wade to the surface, Amy suddenly steps on a sea urchin. Bond knows exactly how to remove it.
As an adult reading a teen book it was predictably fast paced and adventurous. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The reason: it talks to the reader as an adult. All in all, a quick, and very enjoyable read.
September 30, 2010
Watch out for surrealists.
December 3, 2014
Well done...
This story was well written and well read, providing believable insights into James Bond's younger life.
A good read for both younger readers and older fans!
This story was well written and well read, providing believable insights into James Bond's younger life.
A good read for both younger readers and older fans!
December 8, 2016
Fast and gripping with an amazing end
November 2, 2017
Very good action packed
April 26, 2010
This is an amazing sequel of silverfinn an action packed thriller.
November 1, 2021
To keep things interesting at Eton, 13 yr old James Bond has joined the Danger Society. Against the rules and with a tough joining policy, James relishes the excitement of curfew-breaking acts. One night, he and other members must flee a meeting or be in serious trouble. Across the rooftops and in the dark, James overhears a strange conversation in Latin from below. He also discovers a strange room within the school with the symbol MM on artwork. Keen to get back to his room, he pushes it from his mind.
Mark Goodenough is a member of the Danger Society and soon after James’ scramble to avoid detection on the rooftops, he learns Mark is upset. He has just learnt that his father is dead and his sister is missing somewhere in the Mediterranean. James has to calm Mark down before he does something reckless, and vows if he can do anything to help, he will.
Summer holidays are approaching and his aunt will be away. He decides to join his friends on a tour of a Mediterranean Island called Sardinia. A popular teacher named Mr Haight is taking the tour, wanting to show his students sets of ruins he is fascinated by. It’s decided James will leave the tour half way through to stay with his cousin Victor who lives nearby.
He’s pleased to leave the school tour after a case of sunstroke nearly takes his life. Looking forward to rest, relaxation and many warm sea swims, James settles into Victor’s home full of beautiful art – both collected or painted by Victor’s famous artist house mate. One evening a Count arrives for dinner. He waxes lyrical about himself, his achievements and his wealth, but he is not all he says he is. James’ relaxing holiday is suddenly shredded by the Count’s associates – pirates and smugglers, who also have something to do with Mark Goodenough’s family tragedy. They too have the MM symbol on them.
Once again James is caught up in a terrible plot involving power, corruption and money – made any way possible. New friends are murdered, precious belongings stolen and his life put in danger again and again. He remembers his vow to his friend Mark to help if he can. Scaling walls, swimming through a dam, climbing buildings and avoiding bullets, horses hooves and even swords become the norm for this honorable, brave, rebellious Eton school boy.
A plot that twists and turns and with tons of action to the very last paragraph, this second book in this series has even more than the first. Who is real and who isn’t? Who is a villian and who is on his side? And where is Mark’s sister Amy?
James’ skills at escape, ability to keep calm in a crisis and magnetism with girls, are all developing within this episode. No punches are pulled as bullets fly, swords swish, bombs explode and mosquitoes swarm. Our hero thinks he’s done for more than once but survives on smarts and more good luck than bad. The Danger Society is going to feel a bit boring after this!
Mark Goodenough is a member of the Danger Society and soon after James’ scramble to avoid detection on the rooftops, he learns Mark is upset. He has just learnt that his father is dead and his sister is missing somewhere in the Mediterranean. James has to calm Mark down before he does something reckless, and vows if he can do anything to help, he will.
Summer holidays are approaching and his aunt will be away. He decides to join his friends on a tour of a Mediterranean Island called Sardinia. A popular teacher named Mr Haight is taking the tour, wanting to show his students sets of ruins he is fascinated by. It’s decided James will leave the tour half way through to stay with his cousin Victor who lives nearby.
He’s pleased to leave the school tour after a case of sunstroke nearly takes his life. Looking forward to rest, relaxation and many warm sea swims, James settles into Victor’s home full of beautiful art – both collected or painted by Victor’s famous artist house mate. One evening a Count arrives for dinner. He waxes lyrical about himself, his achievements and his wealth, but he is not all he says he is. James’ relaxing holiday is suddenly shredded by the Count’s associates – pirates and smugglers, who also have something to do with Mark Goodenough’s family tragedy. They too have the MM symbol on them.
Once again James is caught up in a terrible plot involving power, corruption and money – made any way possible. New friends are murdered, precious belongings stolen and his life put in danger again and again. He remembers his vow to his friend Mark to help if he can. Scaling walls, swimming through a dam, climbing buildings and avoiding bullets, horses hooves and even swords become the norm for this honorable, brave, rebellious Eton school boy.
A plot that twists and turns and with tons of action to the very last paragraph, this second book in this series has even more than the first. Who is real and who isn’t? Who is a villian and who is on his side? And where is Mark’s sister Amy?
James’ skills at escape, ability to keep calm in a crisis and magnetism with girls, are all developing within this episode. No punches are pulled as bullets fly, swords swish, bombs explode and mosquitoes swarm. Our hero thinks he’s done for more than once but survives on smarts and more good luck than bad. The Danger Society is going to feel a bit boring after this!
December 18, 2019
James Bond clearly didn't get enough of danger when he went to stay with his Aunt Charmian in the holidays, because as soon as he returns to Eton he joins the Danger Society, a group of students meeting up after curfew and performing daring acts without getting caught. One of the members of the Danger Society receives some bad news; his father has been killed whilst boating in the Mediterranean, and his sister is missing. The Danger Club realise there is nothing they can do, but they do think it's awfully exciting, while poor Mark is torn apart. After a Danger Club meeting threatening to be busted, James uncovers a secret church hidden on the school grounds, with a mysterious MM logo that keeps popping up in unexpected places. When the school organises a trip to Sardinia, James expects to have a nice relaxing time in the sun, not to find himself ill and dizzy. He breaks away from the school trip to stay with his cousin who lives in Sardinia, and finds that the mysterious MM seem to be popping up in his holiday too. When his cousin goes to the mountain Palazzio of an Italian Count, James is left in his home with the staff, and that's when they are burgled. James is convinced that there is something connecting all of these events, and he is determined to find out what. But, in traditional James Bond manner, he seems to have bitten off more than he can chew, and is soon in deep.
This was definitely the action packed James Bond read I was expecting; and I have to admit that I was reading this just to get it out of the way. There was rarely a dull moment, although I found myself skipping over a lot of the filler text just to get to the more exciting parts. This book was in-keeping with the image of James Bond, with the ladies falling at his feet, the tasks being pulled off that no normal person of that age would be able to perform, everyone singling him out for one reason or another, and ALWAYS being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Although, for the story, the right place at the right time, I suppose! There was a little bit of a plot twist to keep thing interesting, and enough detail about the scenery and characters to make them easy to visualise. There were so many situations that I myself would never know how to get out of, so it was unrealistic to see someone younger than me be able to instantly figure it out, but hey it's James Bond so it's not meant to be realistic *shrugs*. It's nice to know that there's someone (even made up) in this world that likes to save people and defeat the evil dudes. It's a nice semi-realistic, semi-fantasy read which helped me escape reality for a day, despite the few cringe worthy moments. I won't be reading this again, but it was pretty good.
This was definitely the action packed James Bond read I was expecting; and I have to admit that I was reading this just to get it out of the way. There was rarely a dull moment, although I found myself skipping over a lot of the filler text just to get to the more exciting parts. This book was in-keeping with the image of James Bond, with the ladies falling at his feet, the tasks being pulled off that no normal person of that age would be able to perform, everyone singling him out for one reason or another, and ALWAYS being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Although, for the story, the right place at the right time, I suppose! There was a little bit of a plot twist to keep thing interesting, and enough detail about the scenery and characters to make them easy to visualise. There were so many situations that I myself would never know how to get out of, so it was unrealistic to see someone younger than me be able to instantly figure it out, but hey it's James Bond so it's not meant to be realistic *shrugs*. It's nice to know that there's someone (even made up) in this world that likes to save people and defeat the evil dudes. It's a nice semi-realistic, semi-fantasy read which helped me escape reality for a day, despite the few cringe worthy moments. I won't be reading this again, but it was pretty good.
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