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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
I haven't read any Bond novels before but I've seen the movies, and this book reads like a movie. It's got fast paced action sequences galore. An exciting read!
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
"Trigger Mortis," a dark and riveting novel with as many twists and turns as the Grand Prix Racetrack that makes its appearance in the story, is a fine addition to the James Bond series as written by Anthony Horowitz. Rooted in the historical developments, anxieties, and desires surrounding the time of the Space Age, the book immerses the reader within the setting whilst highlighting the desperate desire of two countries with opposing political ideologies, and a third caught in the middle, to they grapple for dominance on the final frontier. The book's description of women and minorities, as well as parts of the plot, which felt slow, bogged down with detail, or simply not as good as the others within the series, justify the 0.75 deduction from the rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Genuinely feels like a Connery Bond film. It was fast paced, entertaining, fun, and everything Bond.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
I really liked the start. Bond as a race car driver was fun. I didn't like the missle stuff too much. Was an overall fun read.
This was a solid Bond novel. Horowitz captured the Fleming style almost perfectly. The general theme of the book is about keeping one’s humanity, and there’s a poignant moment in chapter 20, where I wondered if Bond hadn’t lost his. There are two moments at the start and at the end that were different from something Fleming would have chosen, but I’ve gotten used to the other authors voices in these continuing stories, that I can forgive it.
Bond in his proper element, battling SMERSH during the Cold War. This one is set in the wake of the events of “Goldfinger.” This felt more like a Fleming novel to me than most post-Fleming Bond books.
Enjoyed listening to this. The narrator took a little getting used to but improved as the story unfolded and there was more action. His voice was great for that. It was a long time since I had read an Ian Fleming book but I think Anthony Horowitz did a great job in that they were in a very similar style. Really enjoyed this and have moved on to the next one
I have to hand it to Anthony Horowitz. He captured the feel of Ian Fleming's James Bond books and the classic film adaptations pretty perfectly. That includes the problematic aspects, like casual sexism and mild misogyny. There are some attempts at inclusivity, particularly in regards to LGBTQ+ representation, but in all honesty, the scene in Skyfall where Bond suggests he's previously flirted with and/or seduced a man was more substantial than anything presented in Trigger Mortis. As this book is based in part on an outline Fleming had for a TV series, it feels a little disjointed at first. In fact, the entire first third could almost be taken out. However, when things get going properly and Bond can hone in on the actual baddie/threat, the book finds its footing and delivers an enjoyable action-packed plot. Anyone who enjoys the classic Bond films will end up enjoying this too.