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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
A genuine and emotional James Bond story. The difference here from the other books is that James Bond finds real love in Tracy only to lose her in the end. However, like the other books in the series it can be very dated and sexist at times.
Listened to this one and David Tennant read it and was surprisingly did not like him as a narrator. Might have to get a copy and try "reading" it again some time.
I really enjoyed the eleventh Bond book. I admit that this is one of my favourite of the official movies, and there was one aspect that I was worried about going into this: how would I feel about the relationship between Tracy and Bond? The character in the books doesn’t seem to be the marrying type at all, so I was intrigued about how that would develop.
And the truth is it doesn’t. One minute he’s not interested, and then as a result of her helping to rescue him he suddenly realises that this is someone he could spend his life with. It shouldn’t work, but it does.
There are bits of the book that I don’t remember being in the film - the girls at the ski resort are a much more important part of the plot than I recall - and all in all it’s another great story.
And of course, if you know what’s coming, you know how it’s going to end. And it’s even more devastating in print than it was on screen. It is a testament to how well written that moment is that the dialogue is almost word-for-word transposed from the book to the film. I really can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, because the Sceptre storyline is far from over…
And the truth is it doesn’t. One minute he’s not interested, and then as a result of her helping to rescue him he suddenly realises that this is someone he could spend his life with. It shouldn’t work, but it does.
There are bits of the book that I don’t remember being in the film - the girls at the ski resort are a much more important part of the plot than I recall - and all in all it’s another great story.
And of course, if you know what’s coming, you know how it’s going to end. And it’s even more devastating in print than it was on screen. It is a testament to how well written that moment is that the dialogue is almost word-for-word transposed from the book to the film. I really can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, because the Sceptre storyline is far from over…
TW: conversion therapy and (again with) women's 'subconscious desire to be raped'.
This is my final James Bond. I've got to the stage where I'm reading (listening to) them with my critical intellect rather than my suspension-of-disbelief reader's enjoyment.
This is my final James Bond. I've got to the stage where I'm reading (listening to) them with my critical intellect rather than my suspension-of-disbelief reader's enjoyment.
This book does have a specific allure that is very of it's time. James Bond is not really the most likable character - he is charming and endlessly resourceful, but his treatment of women leaves much to be desired and he can be rather judgmental. But the adventures he gets up to, and the thrill of the suspense is really addicting, so even if I was shaking my head at various points, I really enjoyed the gripping story.
The piecemeal way in which Bond tries to get at the sinister and equally resourceful Blofeld made for an interesting plot structure. Pure luck and basic detective works helps him infiltrate Blofeld's home base, and Bond's undercover work as Sir Hilary was pretty ingeniously done. The cleverness of the story and the way Bond handles the dangers that comes his way is the highlight of this book. Although his easy manipulation of women is really a bit depressing!
This book features Teresa di Vicenzo or Tracy (and later Tracy Bond). As this is the only book where Bond gets married, I was expecting Tracy to be much more of a stand out character. Although after Bond's seemingly impetuous proposal, he does think over why he would like to marry her, it seemed pretty flimsy reasoning to me and I was hoping for a stronger female character in Tracy. Her only redeeming point it seems is that her driving skills are excellent. Which must be very important to Bond according to the many descriptive passages about cars (and alcohol, and card playing) in this book.
I'm definitely planning to read more Bond stories as this is the first one I've ever read, and it was really enjoyable despite my grousing over characters. The fun is in the suspense and the danger and in Bond's wry commentary. This particular book had a very heartbreaking ending as well which was surprisingly emotional given how much I was not taken with the romance.
The piecemeal way in which Bond tries to get at the sinister and equally resourceful Blofeld made for an interesting plot structure. Pure luck and basic detective works helps him infiltrate Blofeld's home base, and Bond's undercover work as Sir Hilary was pretty ingeniously done. The cleverness of the story and the way Bond handles the dangers that comes his way is the highlight of this book. Although his easy manipulation of women is really a bit depressing!
This book features Teresa di Vicenzo or Tracy (and later Tracy Bond). As this is the only book where Bond gets married, I was expecting Tracy to be much more of a stand out character. Although after Bond's seemingly impetuous proposal, he does think over why he would like to marry her, it seemed pretty flimsy reasoning to me and I was hoping for a stronger female character in Tracy. Her only redeeming point it seems is that her driving skills are excellent. Which must be very important to Bond according to the many descriptive passages about cars (and alcohol, and card playing) in this book.
I'm definitely planning to read more Bond stories as this is the first one I've ever read, and it was really enjoyable despite my grousing over characters. The fun is in the suspense and the danger and in Bond's wry commentary. This particular book had a very heartbreaking ending as well which was surprisingly emotional given how much I was not taken with the romance.
adventurous
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The last of the audiobooks from my cross-country trip, and certainly the best. This might also be my favorite of the Bond novels so far, in no small part due to the narration of David Tennant. Tennant has tremendous range as an actor, a quality he brings to his narration of Ian Fleming's taut thriller. By comparison to so many of the novels in the original series, the misogyny and racism is virtually nonexistent, and the story is all the better for it.
I REALLY enjoyed this one - in fact this might be my favorite of the Bond novels I've read so far! I can't recall if I've ever seen the movie or not, but the story seemed fresh to me. Due to a tip from the musty ol' College of Arms, 007 has the first solid lead on Blofeld in months. Bond has been itching to get a hold of Blofeld to make him pay for his crimes and involvement in Spectre and Thunderball and now he may finally have a chance. Bond prepares to go undercover to determine if their tip is legit and to see what Blofeld is really up to hiding out in the alps. Ski chases, lots of steamy romance (Bond actually falling for a girl?!?), intrigue, and the usual Bond swagger - this 007 novel does not disappoint.