JAMES BOND AND THE SECRET AGENT ACADEMY

The spin-offs keep coming! Over the weekend, Ian Fleming Publications announced James Bond and the Secret Agent Academy by M.W. Craven. This is the first in a news series of books aimed at young readers. While James Bond appears in this book, his role is somewhat different. Below is the description.

Bond’s licence to kill has ended. His licence to teach has only just begun...

Ian Fleming Publications announce a new blockbuster adventure in the James Bond literary franchise. JAMES BOND AND THE SECRET AGENT ACADEMY by bestselling crime writer M.W. Craven will kick-off an action-packed new series for readers aged 8-12.

Simon Ward, Publishing Director, bought UK BC rights in a two book deal from Viola Hayden and Ciara Finan at Curtis Brown, representing Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, and David Headley at the DHH Literary Agency, representing M.W. Craven.

JAMES BOND AND THE SECRET AGENT ACADEMY will be launched in June 2026 with a dynamic marketing, publicity and events campaign; reaching existing Bond fans and recruiting a new generation of spy thriller readers. The book will be published in paperback original, eBook and audio by Ian Fleming Publications, the in-house publishing arm of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd.

JAMES BOND AND THE SECRET AGENT ACADEMY is the first in a brand-new series, taking the world’s most beloved secret agent to a place of dread, weirdos and strange food: school. A new generation of young heroes, mentored by 007, have entered the Secret Agent Academy to see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the Double O's. Together with Bond can they defeat a deadly foe lurking in the shadows – and, more importantly, can they pass their exams?

Amanda Douglas, the new managing director of IFP, says: "This series represents a new and imaginative chapter for 007, introducing the world’s most famous secret agent to the next generation of readers - seen for the first time through children’s eyes. It’s a fun, fast-paced adventure that remains true to the spirit of Bond, featuring a cast of original characters who get to experience Bond not just as a legend, but as their teacher. The story opens the door for younger readers to engage with the legacy and excitement of the "Bondiverse."

Author M.W. Craven

I wish everyone luck with this news series, but as I said in my recent interview on the To Live and Let Die in LA podcast, I'm eagerly awaiting the announcement of a straight-ahead James Bond 007 novel. I'm finding it hard to get excited about these spin-offs until we have at least the promise of a new book in our future. 

In the meantime, I guess we're going back to school!