What do You think about SilverFin (2005)?
Some might say those who survive in the end are the strong, but that just was not specific enough for me. I ask, do they mean physically forceful ‘strong’, motivational determination ‘strong’, or even the power to manipulate things ‘strong’? Imagine a documentary that follows three people each with a set of different strengths. Some might do better than others at some things and others might excel in other things, but in the end there has to be one person who comes out more successful.Silverfin, an adventurous novel, written by Charlie Higson, is what fixed my personal belief on my own self controversy over the quote, and who they really mean by ‘the strong.’ Charlie Higson’s book Silverfin is a take on James Bond’s life only he is still a schoolboy at the age of 13. James goes to Eton (a famous English school in London) where he find himself bored despite his impressive grades. He soon finds out he is a red apple in the midst of a bowl of green apples. His uniqueness doesn’t come by good with a school bully, George Hellebore son of the rich and powerful Lord Hellebore. When school ends for the semester, he ecstatically takes the train down to his aunt and uncle hoping to relieve himself from school. His aunt and uncle which look after him as legal guardians because of a drastic sudden death of his parents in Austria while hiking, live in a small village up in the middle of Scotland. James finds out that the school bully lives nearby in an overly protected castle with his dad. James’ uncle’s suspicion came about when he heard of the heavily armed guards defending the castle. He strongly believes that Lord Hellebore is up to no good, but is much too weak and old to hike up there himself. James and a new friend 'Red Kelly' agree to hike up to the castle to investigate. What they discover is beyond reality, leading them into a horrible mess that is near impossible to get out of. Their lives rest on their inexperience but little discouragement to survive. Silverfin alternates mood rapidely, almost too quick, slapping the reader in the face if not fully paying attention at the time of the transition. I dislike the ending because of the predictability and dullness that came forth with it, leaving an unsatisfied effect. Silverfin teaches a lesson, one that is not to forget if read. The strong are those who believe, disregarding their competition, solely determined to succeed.
—Theo Douwes
I got this on audio book from the library and was intrigued by the idea of a young James Bond. I thought maybe this would appeal to my boys (12 and 14). While listening to it in the car, I found that my 12-year-old was not quite ready for the straight forward gory details. My 14-year-old was the only one really interested in knowing what was going on. I have since listened to the first, second, and almost the entire third books on audio. The narrator is very good... lots of accents, great pacing, and I find his comedian skill set being used in its fullest. I also love the British jargon.The writing seems predictable, but there's still plenty to be surprised by. Even though you know the evil Lord what's-his-name is involved nefariously, you find his actual crime to be not-so-predictable. The people that need killing get their own in a rather surprisingly and satisfying way. At least, there's a sense of justice even when the outcome cannot be changed for some characters.Other characters are great getting to know. I have wondered if there's a grown up version of any of them in the movies. Either way, it is interesting learning what drives a young boy to develop his spy skills to become the super power we know to be James Bond.
—Trish
With many consecutive action scenes, throughout Silverfin, Charlie Higson, succeeded in keeping readers at the edge of their seats, eager to keep turning the pages. The story starts in London, where young James Bond attends boarding school. Their he meets two friends, Pritpal, and Tommy. He also encounters a school bully, George Hellebore. When summer starts, James travels to his aunts house in Scotland. On his way he meets Red Kelly. Red is traveling to Scotland, to investigate on his cousins disappearance. In the small Scottish town, James understands that a landlord lives in a castle, on a hill overlooking a lake. The lake is a well known fishing ground, until the landlord, Hellebore, the bullies father, closes it to the public. As the story proceeds, James helps Red Kelly investigate on the disappearance of his cousin, which was last seen fishing in the lake. The boys manage to get on the property, and pass the armed guards. James ventures into the castle and discovers a lab, researching on creating a serum which will give inhuman strength powers, by using eels. James understands theta the lake was closed as it was breeding eels. Eventually, the landlord is killed by his brother, and the boys destroy the lab. However Red's cousin was never found, as his body was used to help create the serum. One can see that Silverfin is a very interesting plot, with great suspense and action.
—Malek Gallichio
