Double or Nothing is a bold new take on the world of James Bond with fresh-faced protagonists paired up with returning characters from Ian Fleming’s work.
When 007 goes missing and is presumed dead by the MI6 at large, the fate of his discovery and the safety of the larger world fall to three new 00’s, the very best and brightest of the modern MI6 with license to kill. Each with their own personal connection either to Bond or the mission, find themselves on parallel roads when a tech billionaire claims to be able to prevent the climate crisis. This enigmatic and potentially world-altering claim sends the three 00’s on globetrotting assignments with exotic dangers awaiting them. The plot thickens when the disappearance of James Bond appears to have some connection with the tech billionaire and it’s only the beginning of the unrelenting twists and turns that keep you on your toes.
Kim Sherwood weaves together missions and characters running in tandem to achieve a singular goal without any of them realizing the bigger picture till the opportune moment, which makes for a very twisty narrative that hits you unexpectedly throughout its length. Even though James Bond is present in spirit and memory of the characters as the story progresses, the focus is undeniably on the new protagonists that come from diverse backgrounds equipped with distinctive and inclusive personalities to match the modern climate. A far cry from the suave and unflinching demeanor of Bond, these new 00’s grapple with the morality and lasting emotions of their actions in profound manners that shape them further as the new generation of spies and assassins.
In addition to the cerebral nature of the narrative, Kim Sherwood augments the story with well-placed crisp action sequences that match the wild, raw, and exotic vibes of Double or Nothing. From stealth incursions to brutal fisticuffs, all the way to a very Bond-like vehicular combat, there’s plenty of excitement to go around for readers who prefer their spy stories with a dash of cinematic action.
The world-building styled prose requires some getting used to for those who are more interested in fast-paced storytelling but ultimately, Double or Nothing is a rewarding spy thriller with a sinister overtone that will surely carry over to the next book after that terrifying cliffhanger.
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