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jake_alexander's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
katykelly's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not a Bond fan but was hoping to see the source material and enjoy it after seeing it on the WBN 2013 list.
It was not at all what I expected, in both a good and not so good way. Bond still isn't very sympathetic. Still contains the same ingredients I dislike about the films - treatment of women, lack of likeable hero.
There wasn't much to the story - card game, torture, mushy love/twist part. Not even much of a sense of humour to enjoy.
Glad I have now read one but it hasn't changed my opinion of the franchise.
It was not at all what I expected, in both a good and not so good way. Bond still isn't very sympathetic. Still contains the same ingredients I dislike about the films - treatment of women, lack of likeable hero.
There wasn't much to the story - card game, torture, mushy love/twist part. Not even much of a sense of humour to enjoy.
Glad I have now read one but it hasn't changed my opinion of the franchise.
lurker_stalker's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it was a fairly fun book to read. I've never read a Bond book before and think I've only seen one or two movies and remember nothing about them. If it weren't for the horrible, absolutely terrible sexism, I would have likely loved it. Yes, I completely understand that it must be taken in context of the time and the sort of man Bond is and his profession. I get all of that but it still took away from my enjoyment of the book.
I don't think I'd read another but I'm glad I read this one. I don't know. Maybe I would read another. Maybe.
I don't think I'd read another but I'm glad I read this one. I don't know. Maybe I would read another. Maybe.
jcart10's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
envy4's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this far more than I expected, even with the sexist remarks. Having seen the Daniel Craig film many times and being a huge fan, I enjoyed the similarities. Once I really got into the book, I could not stop. I love that Bond's first book is about his heartbreak. It says so much about him, at least in my opinion. My favorite thing about reading this book was discovering how many quotes I recognized from the movie. Highly recommend.
hmvonk's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
crisinho's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
agentnk_'s review against another edition
5.0
probably i did a mistake by watching the movie first. well this is my 2nd Fleming's book written under 007 series. after reading "For Your Eyes Only" i felt something missing n decided to start from the first book from 007 series. and its a worthy investment !
looking forward for next book
looking forward for next book
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Book on CD read by Simon Vance.
“The name is Bond, James Bond.” And this is the book that started it all.
Bond is in France, on a mission to foil the Russian operative known as “le Chiffre” at the Baccarat table. The hope is that Bond will bankrupt the Russian, forcing his Soviet leaders to “retire” him. He’s not entirely happy when he’s sent a woman as back-up, but apparently, she makes a good cover. What could be more natural than for a wealthy Jamaican playboy to pick up a pretty girl at a casino?
It’s still a fast-paced, spy thriller, that entertains. I first read this back when I was a teenager, vacationing with my best friend and her parents in Puerto Rico. I think we read six or seven of the books out on the beach or by the pool. We were taken by Bond’s good looks and sophistication. Not to mention the danger, and the sex. Now I’m a bit appalled by his attitude towards women. But he’s a product of his time, and of the genre.
Simon Vance is one of those audio performers who can do no wrong in my book. He’s marvelous narrating this audio book.
“The name is Bond, James Bond.” And this is the book that started it all.
Bond is in France, on a mission to foil the Russian operative known as “le Chiffre” at the Baccarat table. The hope is that Bond will bankrupt the Russian, forcing his Soviet leaders to “retire” him. He’s not entirely happy when he’s sent a woman as back-up, but apparently, she makes a good cover. What could be more natural than for a wealthy Jamaican playboy to pick up a pretty girl at a casino?
It’s still a fast-paced, spy thriller, that entertains. I first read this back when I was a teenager, vacationing with my best friend and her parents in Puerto Rico. I think we read six or seven of the books out on the beach or by the pool. We were taken by Bond’s good looks and sophistication. Not to mention the danger, and the sex. Now I’m a bit appalled by his attitude towards women. But he’s a product of his time, and of the genre.
Simon Vance is one of those audio performers who can do no wrong in my book. He’s marvelous narrating this audio book.