Blackstone Publishes King Zero Bond Novel to U.S.
Charlie Higson's new James Bond thriller arrives in American bookstores and audio formats on November 17.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Books
Blackstone Publishing will release King Zero, a new James Bond novel by Charlie Higson, in the United States on November 17, 2026. The book was first published in the United Kingdom on September 24, 2026, and the novel opens with the murder of a British intelligence agent in the Saudi Arabian desert.
Why it matters
The release brings Higson's first full-length adult James Bond novel to American readers, extending a series that has continued through new authors since the Bond films shaped its popular profile. The U.S. launch in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats gives readers several ways to access the story.
King Zero became an instant Sunday Times bestseller following its UK launch, and The Times named it Thriller of the Month for September 2026. U.S. sales and reader reception have not yet been reported.
The players
Charlie Higson
Higson is a British author best known for writing the Young Bond series and earlier the Fast Show-era comic fiction for young readers, and King Zero is his first full-length adult James Bond novel.
Blackstone Publishing
Blackstone Publishing is an American independent publisher that issues audiobooks and print titles across several genres, and it is bringing King Zero to the U.S. market.
Peter Serafinowicz
Serafinowicz is a British actor and comedian who narrates the King Zero audiobook.
The details
Bond launches an international investigation after evidence suggests the murder of a British intelligence agent in Saudi Arabia was an inside job. Higson previously wrote the Young Bond novels, beginning with SilverFin in 2005, and the 2023 novella On His Majesty's Secret Service.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: King Zero debuts in the United Kingdom.
September 2026: The Times names King Zero its Thriller of the Month.
November 17, 2026: King Zero releases in the United States in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats.
Legacy Context
King Zero extends Charlie Higson's Young Bond series, which began with SilverFin in 2005, into a full-length adult novel. It follows Higson's 2023 novella On His Majesty's Secret Service, placing him among authors continuing the Bond franchise in print.
Readers in the United States can preorder King Zero now in hardcover, ebook, or audiobook format for release on November 17. The audiobook is narrated by Peter Serafinowicz, giving listeners an additional way to access the story.
The takeaway
Readers who follow the Bond series can compare Higson's adult novel with the Young Bond titles he wrote earlier. Preordering in the format you prefer ensures access on the November 17 release date.
What happens next
King Zero releases in the United States on November 17, 2026, in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats.
Further reading
Explore more new titles in our Books section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ScreenRant.
