Daren
Bond #9.
I went in with low expectations - in 2026 general consensus is that Fleming's Bond has not aged well.
With expectations set low, and having only seen movies, never read a Bond novel, i came out in an ok place. There was plenty of action, and more explanation and background to the story than I had expected. Yes Bond bedded one woman too many than a modern story would sustain, but that was not unexpected.
Before the story really starts, Bond is sent by M to a wellness retreat, where dieting and exercise replace drinking and smoking. This is an amusing interlude, and while technically related to the main storyline is somehow not proven to be by 007.
The first of the Bond novels to feature SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion) the global terrorist organisation. In this case they have stolen a plane with two atomic bombs, which they use to blackmail the US and UK governments to giving them one hundred million pounds (in gold).
M, on a hunch based on some flight data speculates that the stolen plane in in the Bahamas, which is where Bond is sent to snoop around. A millionaire with a hydrofoil boat, who claims to be a treasure hunter raises some suspicion in 007, and his 'niece' Dominetta Vitali who raises er, more than suspicion.
An amusing read that in no way puts me off reading more Bond.
3.5 stars.
Bond #9.
I went in with low expectations - in 2026 general consensus is that Fleming's Bond has not aged well.
With expectations set low, and having only seen movies, never read a Bond novel, i came out in an ok place. There was plenty of action, and more explanation and background to the story than I had expected. Yes Bond bedded one woman too many than a modern story would sustain, but that was not unexpected.
Before the story really starts, Bond is sent by M to a wellness retreat, where dieting and exercise replace drinking and smoking. This is an amusing interlude, and while technically related to the main storyline is somehow not proven to be by 007.
The first of the Bond novels to feature SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion) the global terrorist organisation. In this case they have stolen a plane with two atomic bombs, which they use to blackmail the US and UK governments to giving them one hundred million pounds (in gold).
M, on a hunch based on some flight data speculates that the stolen plane in in the Bahamas, which is where Bond is sent to snoop around. A millionaire with a hydrofoil boat, who claims to be a treasure hunter raises some suspicion in 007, and his 'niece' Dominetta Vitali who raises er, more than suspicion.
An amusing read that in no way puts me off reading more Bond.
3.5 stars.