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jbrito's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ja_hopkins's review against another edition
4.0
When the Fleming estate decided in the early 80s to bring back new Bond book, Mr. Gardner was given the arguably unenviable task of living up to Ian Fleming’s originals.
This first book is set a few years after Bond’s last ‘proper’ case, and he is largely relegated to a desk job until M puts him on the case of Dr. Anton Murik, a billionaire nuclear physicist who is talking to terror mastermind Franco. Bond quickly discovers a horrific plot to hold the world to nuclear ransom.
It appears the novel may have influenced future films, including Murik’s dodgy Ascot winner (View to a Kill), the fight in an aircraft (Living Daylights) and nuclear disaster (multiple).
As a huge Fleming fan, this is not a bad addition to the series. In my view, there are a couple of missteps – the Saab 900 and Q’ute (the Q facsimile). However, the story moves along, and whilst a very different style to Fleming, I will likely read some of the others. Many of the Fleming originals have been on offer (in the UK on Kindle), and I wonder if the estate will do the same with these.
This first book is set a few years after Bond’s last ‘proper’ case, and he is largely relegated to a desk job until M puts him on the case of Dr. Anton Murik, a billionaire nuclear physicist who is talking to terror mastermind Franco. Bond quickly discovers a horrific plot to hold the world to nuclear ransom.
It appears the novel may have influenced future films, including Murik’s dodgy Ascot winner (View to a Kill), the fight in an aircraft (Living Daylights) and nuclear disaster (multiple).
As a huge Fleming fan, this is not a bad addition to the series. In my view, there are a couple of missteps – the Saab 900 and Q’ute (the Q facsimile). However, the story moves along, and whilst a very different style to Fleming, I will likely read some of the others. Many of the Fleming originals have been on offer (in the UK on Kindle), and I wonder if the estate will do the same with these.
el_fante's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
thomcat's review
3.0
John Gardner picks up the pen for James Bond, and does an adequate job. The second half of the book is better than the first, and fits with Fleming's fiction well. Something about the beginning, the new era or agencies, just doesn't work for me.
I think it starts with Bond's introduction to the case as a hired assassin, which doesn't fit my perspective of the spy. I see his "license to kill" as an option, one which he often takes to save England. Considering the plots he finds himself trapped in, this is often the only choice.
This beginning (and squabbling agencies) are left behind as M directs Bond to figure out what is going on and report back. From that point, the novel feels like a Bond book to me. In total, not worse that the worst Ian Fleming Bond book, but far from the best of them. I plan to read more.
I think it starts with Bond's introduction to the case as a hired assassin, which doesn't fit my perspective of the spy. I see his "license to kill" as an option, one which he often takes to save England. Considering the plots he finds himself trapped in, this is often the only choice.
This beginning (and squabbling agencies) are left behind as M directs Bond to figure out what is going on and report back. From that point, the novel feels like a Bond book to me. In total, not worse that the worst Ian Fleming Bond book, but far from the best of them. I plan to read more.
iainkelly_writing's review against another edition
3.0
Re-reading. John Gardner took up the mantle of writing Bond in the 80s and 90s and successfully managed to maintain a lot that Ian Fleming had established. The central players all feel familiar, as does the tone, style and plotting. However, it does lack that special something that made Fleming's books stand out. This first book feels plodding in places, and does have some serious mis-steps - the introduction of the female Q, Q'ute, giving Bond a Saab to drive, and some awful Scottish caricatures. 3.5/5.
kfrench1008's review against another edition
3.0
Reading Bond fiction with my son. Gardner's first wasn't bad, though there were a few plot hiccups.
jmoore65655's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this would be a load of crap, but I was amazed to find out that it's a brilliant novel. Great job of bringing Bond into the '80s from where Ian Flemming left him in the late '60s with The Man with the Golden Gun. 4.6
drewsof's review against another edition
3.0
Probably more like 3.5
A good re-entry into Bond, updated to the 80s but still retaining some of that Fleming panache.
A good re-entry into Bond, updated to the 80s but still retaining some of that Fleming panache.
whitejamaica's review against another edition
4.0
Finally, a Bond novel written by somebody other than Fleming that I actually finished. Plot ties started to unwind towards the end, but keep it up Gardner.
4/5 Stars
4/5 Stars