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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
Classic Bond.
The only Bond element that is not prominent is the gambling scene.
The only Bond element that is not prominent is the gambling scene.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
Continuing my journey through the James Bond chronology, I listened to this audiobook edition of Thunderball during a cross-country journey covering the distance between Cheyenne, Wyoming and Salt Lake City, Utah. The book itself is boilerplate Bond, with author Ian Fleming's views on race and women sometimes spoiling the beautiful locales and thrilling action.
But what I really want to draw attention to is Simon Vance, who according to a cursory glance at his website has won 15 Audie Awards and 70 Earphone Awards for his work in the field of narration. He appears to have lent his talents to the entirety of Fleming's Bone series, but this is the first I've heard him read and he is WILD. Emilio Largo sounds like Count Chocula. Felix Leiter doesn't sound like Foghorn Leghorn, but he doesn't not sound like Foghorn Leghorn either. M sounds far less authoritative than he does elderly. Vance does a rather good job elsewhere, but some of these accents, man...
But what I really want to draw attention to is Simon Vance, who according to a cursory glance at his website has won 15 Audie Awards and 70 Earphone Awards for his work in the field of narration. He appears to have lent his talents to the entirety of Fleming's Bone series, but this is the first I've heard him read and he is WILD. Emilio Largo sounds like Count Chocula. Felix Leiter doesn't sound like Foghorn Leghorn, but he doesn't not sound like Foghorn Leghorn either. M sounds far less authoritative than he does elderly. Vance does a rather good job elsewhere, but some of these accents, man...
Bond in rehab? Bond in the ocean? Bond with a girl? What more could you ask for. A light and okay read, ideal for holidays and such.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A very enjoyable book and a great way to continue the series. The Bond from the books is so different from the Roger Moore movies I grew up with.
Once again, any book that features Bond and Felix Leiter teaming up, is going to just be that little bit better than the novels that don't match them.
The movie of Thunderball can sometimes divide Bond fans and casual watchers. Personally, I always enjoyed it well enough, though I totally understand complaints that too much of the movie takes place underwater. Given the plot of the novel, I think movie-goers got off lightly.
It's still a great plot and moves along very quickly. Felix plays skeptic to Bond's theories, a relationship that works well, and tempers some of the wilder leaps of imagination between acts.
Largo is a great villain, by turns charming and funny with an edge that chills, especially later in the novel, when he turns his cigarettes into torture weapons in a scene that thankfully happens off screen.
I'd definitely rate this novel as better than the movie adaptation.
The movie of Thunderball can sometimes divide Bond fans and casual watchers. Personally, I always enjoyed it well enough, though I totally understand complaints that too much of the movie takes place underwater. Given the plot of the novel, I think movie-goers got off lightly.
It's still a great plot and moves along very quickly. Felix plays skeptic to Bond's theories, a relationship that works well, and tempers some of the wilder leaps of imagination between acts.
Largo is a great villain, by turns charming and funny with an edge that chills, especially later in the novel, when he turns his cigarettes into torture weapons in a scene that thankfully happens off screen.
I'd definitely rate this novel as better than the movie adaptation.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced