This is written by BBC
Mike Craven, an English author known for his crime novels, has begun work on a new series of books about James Bond aimed at a teenage audience. This information was confirmed by the BBC.
Craven was invited by Ian Fleming Publications, the publisher responsible for works about the famous spy. He has been tasked with creating a new Bond adventure in which the main character teaches 12-year-olds the basics of being secret agents.
The character of James Bond, first created by Ian Fleming in the 1950s, became the foundation for a huge film franchise that made Agent 007 world-famous.
Although Craven has freedom in developing the plot, he must adhere to certain conditions to avoid contradicting existing works.
“That means no character whom Ian Fleming killed off – say, Goldfinger or Blofeld – can be brought back to life.”
The writer is aware that he might become a “target” for Bond fans. He has already received criticism from enthusiasts urging him to stick to the canon of the book James Bond and the Secret Agent Academy, scheduled for release next summer.
“The legacy of this character is simply astonishing. This is an image you don’t mess with – it’s part of our national identity.”
Craven also decided to create a book for children to help improve literacy among young people. He noted that only one in three children today reads for pleasure, which is quite a sad fact since reading was the main form of entertainment during his childhood.
When asked how he adapts his style for a younger audience, the writer replied that he simply uses less profanity.
It is worth noting that in 2023 Ian Fleming Publications Ltd reissued all the James Bond thrillers, but the new versions were rewritten, including the removal of passages related to racial identity.
