Scan barcode
shermanberry's review
3.0
This is really a 3.5 to be fair. Almost a 4 but that would be James Bond bias kicking in.
You know exactly what you’re in for with James Bond stories. This one is no exception with exotic locations, villainous masterminds, cameos from old friends, gadgets and tension galore.
I’m a big fan of Jeffery Deaver’s thrillers and he does his reputation no harm here. He takes on the James Bond mantel with respect and panache giving us a modern tale with plenty of his trademark twists.
You know exactly what you’re in for with James Bond stories. This one is no exception with exotic locations, villainous masterminds, cameos from old friends, gadgets and tension galore.
I’m a big fan of Jeffery Deaver’s thrillers and he does his reputation no harm here. He takes on the James Bond mantel with respect and panache giving us a modern tale with plenty of his trademark twists.
mbpartlow's review against another edition
4.0
I confess, I've never made it all the way through a James Bond movie of any vintage. They're one of the few movies that don't appeal to me in any way.
But when Jeffery Deaver was at the Pikes Peak Writers Conference, I picked up a signed hardback for my brother and a signed paperback for myself. Deaver rebooted the series at the request of the Ian Fleming estate.
Wow, Bond as a human being with a backstory. Bond not acting like a slut. I could like this Bond.
Bond's history was masterfully woven into the current story, and the plot twists show up in both story lines.
I thought it was a wonderful ride, a thriller that was never boring but also didn't veer too far into "that could never really happen" territory.
But when Jeffery Deaver was at the Pikes Peak Writers Conference, I picked up a signed hardback for my brother and a signed paperback for myself. Deaver rebooted the series at the request of the Ian Fleming estate.
Wow, Bond as a human being with a backstory. Bond not acting like a slut. I could like this Bond.
Bond's history was masterfully woven into the current story, and the plot twists show up in both story lines.
I thought it was a wonderful ride, a thriller that was never boring but also didn't veer too far into "that could never really happen" territory.
alnicholl77's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sutoscience's review against another edition
3.0
An enjoyable read even though the characters aren't very likeable and the plot is choppy and dull in spots. The action scenes are very well done.
bumsonseats's review against another edition
1.0
I think I would have enjoyed this book if it had not had the James Bond label slapped on. But taking the characters and doing what Deaver did just didn't work for me. Bond, for me, is not this action hero without much depth. And I wish he wouldn't pretend to be ready for a relationship with Philly. What if she didn't like fast cars? No chance then?
jrobles76's review against another edition
3.0
I feel bad giving this 3 stars, but as I continued to think about the book, the more I found wrong with it. If I could give it 3 1/2 stars that would be more accurate. I read the Ian Fleming books, and then I read the John Gardner ones while I was a teen, I tried the Raymond Benson ones but couldn't get into them. This one I read and wanted to keep reading. But I got tired of all the "I'm soooo much smarter than you" moments. Bond is constantly outwitting his opponent, but it just got to be too much. It was like watching that scene from Princess Bride where Wesley and the Sicilian are trying to decide which goblet has the poison. However, I still enjoyed it for the most part. I'm looking forward to other books in this series. This is also the first Deaver book I've read so I can't really compare it to his other works, though I am interested into what those are like.
I don't think I could recommend it to Bond fans, but thriller fans might enjoy it. A good "beach read".
I don't think I could recommend it to Bond fans, but thriller fans might enjoy it. A good "beach read".
ericbuscemi's review against another edition
4.0
Whenever I read Ian Fleming Bond stories, I picture Daniel Craig as 007. I know I should be picturing Connery or Moore, or even Brosnan, and not the "Blonde Bond", but I can't help it -- Casino Royale was the first Bond film that engaged me. Previously, I had only seen a few minutes of a Brosnan Bond flick with an ice castle that only left me thinking how stupid the whole franchise must be. So after reading [b:Quantum of Solace: The Complete James Bond Short Stories|3261447|Quantum of Solace The Complete James Bond Short Stories|Ian Fleming|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348216869s/3261447.jpg|3144256] and [b:Doctor No|3757|Doctor No (James Bond, #6)|Ian Fleming|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1311648202s/3757.jpg|3131771], I'm excited to see a modern day literary take on 007, where the image of the rebooted Bond Daniel Craig belongs.
It seems that it took a while for Jeffery Deaver -- this is his first Bond novel -- to get comfortable writing 007. The first few chapters are a bit stilted and tentative, but once Deaver settles in, the book begins to flow into a great globe-trotting thriller that keeps to the spirit of the original Ian Fleming character, and features guest spots by M, Q, Miss Moneypenny and Felix Leiter.
I don't really understand the low ratings for this book. I would highly recommend it to fans of espionage, thriller and Bond stories, and look forward for further Bond tales from this author.
It seems that it took a while for Jeffery Deaver -- this is his first Bond novel -- to get comfortable writing 007. The first few chapters are a bit stilted and tentative, but once Deaver settles in, the book begins to flow into a great globe-trotting thriller that keeps to the spirit of the original Ian Fleming character, and features guest spots by M, Q, Miss Moneypenny and Felix Leiter.
I don't really understand the low ratings for this book. I would highly recommend it to fans of espionage, thriller and Bond stories, and look forward for further Bond tales from this author.
mnm2's review against another edition
3.0
As my first read of a Bond novel this was entertaining and an easy read. Was missing a few of the signature Bond moments, but overall a good read.