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3.27 AVERAGE
3.27 AVERAGE
This was my first foray into the books of 007. Even though it's a bit dated and very non-PC. I still really enjoyed it. Bond seems more human in the book than in most of the movies I've seen.
Not a great from a literary standpoint, but a fun, action-packed read.
Not a great from a literary standpoint, but a fun, action-packed read.
This book has really not aged well. It’s chock full language and tropes that range from dull to ethnically questionable in the modern age, and the spy story at its heart is not particularly interesting enough to carry it through. It was so rough to get through that it has me questioning whether I even want to continue reading these books, considering also I’ve already seen (and for the most part adore) all the films.
Barracudas taking chunks outta folks left right and centre.
I didn't think this was overall quite as good as Casino Royale. There were points in the middle where I kind of forgot what the main objective and plot driver of the story was. That being said, it's still wildly entertaining just following Bond around, and just when my interest was starting to wane here, the ending climax was excellent. What Casino Royale lacked in tension and suspense, Live and Let Die had plenty of. The chapter where Bond had to scuba dive to the enemy boat was some serious white knuckle reading! Everything from that point on was more intense than anything in the series thus far. Much better than the movie, which didn't really seem to capture the aura of Mr. Big nor take advantage of the big set pieces in the book.
I always enjoy a mystery and adventurous story and 007 gives all that and more. What I enjoy about the James Bond films especially are the global locations and missions to be completed. The viewer and reader never quite know where the story will transport them around the world, through gadgets, crimes, and accomplices "Live and Let Die" doesn't disappoint.
This was weaker than Casino Royale, although that may be partly because of the cultural differences between 1954 and 2017. There were definitely parts that made me uncomfortable due to racist tones, but when this book was written those parts were totally normal, and they must be taken in the context of the time. That wasn't all of it, however. I felt that the story was weaker, more contrived, than Casino Royale. I am still looking forward to reading Moonraker.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes