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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
Thunderball, the first of the Blofeld trilogy within the Bond series, derives its name from the operation that Bond and the CIA (meaning Felix Leiter) collaborate to recover two stolen atomic weapons. Wait there's more! The reader has to traverse a greatly humorous section where Bond goes to a health spa, essentially old fashioned version of detox clinic, because of M's recommendation. Of course there is some intrigue and before long Bond is back on the case (and eating red meat again).
Thunderball's interesting history and legal disputes over authorship of the screen play aside, this is a Cold War Bond outing for sure, where Bond this time instead of fighting smuggling, megalomaniacal guano miners, or Russians must save the United States from an atomic attack. There are two more novels before the reader finally figures out what happens to Blofeld, and this is a strong first showing of the villain that Bond will be up against in the future.
Thunderball's interesting history and legal disputes over authorship of the screen play aside, this is a Cold War Bond outing for sure, where Bond this time instead of fighting smuggling, megalomaniacal guano miners, or Russians must save the United States from an atomic attack. There are two more novels before the reader finally figures out what happens to Blofeld, and this is a strong first showing of the villain that Bond will be up against in the future.
Casinos, cars, pretty girls, sharks and villains working for a shadowy organisation (Spectre this time, instead of Smersh), and Felix Leiter, my favourite Bond character in the book series; this book has all the things we expect from a Bond book. But even though it lacks the glitz and glamour of the movie versions, there's no lack of excitement or good storytelling here. The Bond of the books is more human, fallible, and easily driven by his emotions than the movie version. He makes mistakes, he gets things wrong and often he even
Although some of the attitudes and such might now seem dated, I think this book can be enjoyed as much now as it would have been when it was first released.
Probably not my favourite of the series, but it's up there!
Spoiler
needs to be rescued by someone else. This time by a girl!Although some of the attitudes and such might now seem dated, I think this book can be enjoyed as much now as it would have been when it was first released.
Probably not my favourite of the series, but it's up there!
While “Thunderball” doesn’t have as much theatrical flash as “Moonraker” or “Live and Let Die” and as much aristocratic brio as “Casino Royale” and “Goldfinger” it’s very must still a “Bond” by its cleverness, thrilling nature, and bravado.
I personally thought the worst part of the novel was the beginning and the premise that sets up his mission—thought meeting a sinister agent at a health resort/retreat was a bit far-fetched but in today’s context, I’d be more apt to believe it lol.
The best part of the novel is this is the introduction of SPECTRE and the famous Ernst Stavro Blofeld from the old Bond movies. We hear his old arch nemesis, SMERSH, was disbanded by Khrushchev in 1958 and we know we’re in for a ride with SPECTRE in the following Bond novels.
Definitely a must read for anyone into the Bond canon. You wouldn’t have to have read any other Bond novel to appreciate this one. Also fun fact: you learn Bond smokes 60 cigarettes a day and drinks a fifth of alcohol every 2 days. How he manages to foil the Russians and modern science is beyond me.
I personally thought the worst part of the novel was the beginning and the premise that sets up his mission—thought meeting a sinister agent at a health resort/retreat was a bit far-fetched but in today’s context, I’d be more apt to believe it lol.
The best part of the novel is this is the introduction of SPECTRE and the famous Ernst Stavro Blofeld from the old Bond movies. We hear his old arch nemesis, SMERSH, was disbanded by Khrushchev in 1958 and we know we’re in for a ride with SPECTRE in the following Bond novels.
Definitely a must read for anyone into the Bond canon. You wouldn’t have to have read any other Bond novel to appreciate this one. Also fun fact: you learn Bond smokes 60 cigarettes a day and drinks a fifth of alcohol every 2 days. How he manages to foil the Russians and modern science is beyond me.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder
Moderate: Misogyny
Another great Bond book, best quote-“It’s just that I’d rather die of drink than of thirst.”
Bond must fly to the Bahamas to try and stop Spectre from starting World War 3 with stolen nuclear missiles. High stakes much?
This was a really gripping and enjoying story. At times you genuinely feel the tension of the characters, and the stakes feel properly high. It is a good introduction to Spectre (I believe this is their introduction, it's been several months since I read the others but I feel like those all had to do only with Russia's SMERSH), and I thought the villains were all good.
The ending was a little bit unbelievable, although I will avoid spoiling why, but all in all it was really good, and I didn't have too much trouble with suspension of disbelief.
This was a really gripping and enjoying story. At times you genuinely feel the tension of the characters, and the stakes feel properly high. It is a good introduction to Spectre (I believe this is their introduction, it's been several months since I read the others but I feel like those all had to do only with Russia's SMERSH), and I thought the villains were all good.
Spoiler
I also really enjoyed getting to see Felix Leiter again. He's my favorite of the reappearing charactersThe ending was a little bit unbelievable, although I will avoid spoiling why, but all in all it was really good, and I didn't have too much trouble with suspension of disbelief.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is the ninth book in the James Bond series by Ian Flemming. I would recommend this book and the books that came before it. In this book we are introduced to SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion) and Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Bond's new love interest Dominetta Vitali, known simply as Domino, and Largo. We are also reintroduce to Felix Leiter.
James Bond, agent 007 with Her Majesty's Secret Service, is sent to a health clinic to recover from over-drinking and over-smoking. During his stay, he tangles with a criminal who, unbeknownst to Bond, is involved in an international blackmail scheme. Soon, Bond is whisked off to the Bahamas in search of SPECTRE, a criminal organization threatening to explode stolen nuclear bombs. Bond finally foils these modern-day pirates in a spectacular underwater battle.
As Bond novels go, this one's as goofy as any of 'em, but some of the writing is particularly vivid. I liked this one and it stuck in my head as one of the more effective of Fleming's works.
So far this has been one of the better Bond books. Good plot, more realistic characters (although Fleming does wander off giving pointless details at the time). Fairly fast pace too.
A good set up. Good biographies and such, but the ending is not worth it. But I think the rest of the series makes up for it. Still, damn good to read another Bond book.