david_agranoff's review against another edition
3.0
I have to admit my only prior Deaver experience was seeing the movie based on his novel the Bone Collector. I have always heard good things and it was on my list, but for one reason or another I just failed to get to it.
So when I saw this on the shelf at the library I was interested, mostly because Ian Fleming’s estate had asked Deaver to keep Bond alive in prose, just as they had in film with Casino Royale. This novel recasts Bond as a vet of Nato mission in Afghanistan.
Deaver has done a wonderful job updating the world with everything from tricked out Q-branch phones (IQphone) and agency turf wars. What makes this feel like a Fleming bond novel is the villain, more on that later.
The novel throws us into a Bond mission as he stops an attack on a train carrying dangerous chemicals. A young Serbian agent gets himself killed, but it is clear that Bond will be blamed. He is ordered back to England. When he returns he chases down evidence of a proposed terrorist attack leads to the founder of a South African based recycling company and its founder who has a fetish for looking at dead bodies.
I know nothing of Deaver’s political leanings, but making the villains liberal do-gooders like a recycler would have made my eyes roll in a Michael Crighton novel. Here he makes a perfect Bond villain, the almost tongue in cheek madmen world dominating maniac that Fleming did so well. To me this is the strongest aspect of the novel.
If there was any short coming for this novel is that I found it a little complicated, and sometimes found myself having to slow down and re-read pages. That is probably a ME problem and not the fault of the author.
I enjoyed it as a Bond novel and hope Deaver writes more. I might have to get around to his originals.
So when I saw this on the shelf at the library I was interested, mostly because Ian Fleming’s estate had asked Deaver to keep Bond alive in prose, just as they had in film with Casino Royale. This novel recasts Bond as a vet of Nato mission in Afghanistan.
Deaver has done a wonderful job updating the world with everything from tricked out Q-branch phones (IQphone) and agency turf wars. What makes this feel like a Fleming bond novel is the villain, more on that later.
The novel throws us into a Bond mission as he stops an attack on a train carrying dangerous chemicals. A young Serbian agent gets himself killed, but it is clear that Bond will be blamed. He is ordered back to England. When he returns he chases down evidence of a proposed terrorist attack leads to the founder of a South African based recycling company and its founder who has a fetish for looking at dead bodies.
I know nothing of Deaver’s political leanings, but making the villains liberal do-gooders like a recycler would have made my eyes roll in a Michael Crighton novel. Here he makes a perfect Bond villain, the almost tongue in cheek madmen world dominating maniac that Fleming did so well. To me this is the strongest aspect of the novel.
If there was any short coming for this novel is that I found it a little complicated, and sometimes found myself having to slow down and re-read pages. That is probably a ME problem and not the fault of the author.
I enjoyed it as a Bond novel and hope Deaver writes more. I might have to get around to his originals.
gretzky10's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic read. For any who have never read Ian Fleming, this book is a great little piece to pick up and adventure with. James Bond is as charming and intelligent as ever, and the book is fast paced filled with some pretty cool gadgets, great villains, and twists and turns. Get from the library or pick it up from the local bookstore, 4 stars for Jeffery Deaver's Carte Blanche :)
mpetruce's review against another edition
3.0
I remember reading a review a while back that this newish Bond novel was one of the better non-Fleming Bond novels, so I gave it a try. I enjoyed it on the whole. Some of the Bond cliches I rolled my eyes at turned out to be red herrings, which was neat. I had a small problem with two situations. There were two sections of the book, sort of near the end, with the typical "How will Bond get out of this one?" Well, Deaver gets him out of it by cheating with a flashback to a part of the book where we noticed nothing of what ultimately ended up getting him out of it. What's unfortunate is that the book does change point-of-view from Bond to others. I could almost accept the cheat if Deaver had done that, but he didn't. The Bond villain isn't the classic maniacal world-domination Bond villain, and I had to wonder about the motivation being worthy of such villainous villainy, but overall they were neat.
The audio narration is unabridged and done very smoothly by Toby Stephens. I am used to Simon Vance's readings of the Fleming Bond novels, and he's hard to beat.
The audio narration is unabridged and done very smoothly by Toby Stephens. I am used to Simon Vance's readings of the Fleming Bond novels, and he's hard to beat.
linseyr's review against another edition
3.0
I am not a James Bond fan normally but I love Deaver's books, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. It was hard to get into at first but by the time I was halfway through I was more than intrigued. Good job, Mr. Deaver, you made me a Bond fan.
jaclynday's review against another edition
2.0
Have you ever read a James Bond novel? I reviewed one on my blog about a year ago and I think I’ve read every Ian Fleming novel published.
There’s a lot I love about the old school James Bond novels: the writing style, the locations, the 60’s references. When read these books years ago, they struck me as incredibly restrained and glamorous—which was in pretty stark contrast to the very cheesy James Bond movies premiering at the time. (I love Pierce Brosnan, but come on.)
Now, Ian Fleming Productions has handed the official reins to Jeffery Deaver. Tasked with bringing Fleming’s vintage character into the modern age in a believable way, Deaver’s job was made lighter (I’m assuming) by Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Bond in recent films.
Deaver chooses a plot for his first Bond novel that feels Bond-ish enough. Rumors of a massive bombing in England drive Bond all around the world in chase of a sick-in-the-head villain and his various strong-armed henchmen. As with any Bond novel, there are several women with ridiculous names, unrealistic technological gadgets, well-made cocktails and vintage cars. Deaver hasn’t missed any steps to the Bond recipe, I guess you could say…which makes it all the more disappointing that the book felt bland, boring and (I hate to say this) almost silly.
The elements of a James Bond novel were there throughout, but it’s like Deaver missed the “It Factor” that makes a great James Bond novel work. You could have put any character’s name in for Bond’s and it would have simply morphed into a standard spy novel instead.
If you’re a fan of James Bond, it’s worth delving into this book if only to see what you think of Deaver’s modern upgrades to such a classic character. If you’re a fan of adventure novels, you may enjoy this too. But, for anyone else, I’d recommend saving your time and re-reading Fleming’s original Bond books instead.
There’s a lot I love about the old school James Bond novels: the writing style, the locations, the 60’s references. When read these books years ago, they struck me as incredibly restrained and glamorous—which was in pretty stark contrast to the very cheesy James Bond movies premiering at the time. (I love Pierce Brosnan, but come on.)
Now, Ian Fleming Productions has handed the official reins to Jeffery Deaver. Tasked with bringing Fleming’s vintage character into the modern age in a believable way, Deaver’s job was made lighter (I’m assuming) by Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Bond in recent films.
Deaver chooses a plot for his first Bond novel that feels Bond-ish enough. Rumors of a massive bombing in England drive Bond all around the world in chase of a sick-in-the-head villain and his various strong-armed henchmen. As with any Bond novel, there are several women with ridiculous names, unrealistic technological gadgets, well-made cocktails and vintage cars. Deaver hasn’t missed any steps to the Bond recipe, I guess you could say…which makes it all the more disappointing that the book felt bland, boring and (I hate to say this) almost silly.
The elements of a James Bond novel were there throughout, but it’s like Deaver missed the “It Factor” that makes a great James Bond novel work. You could have put any character’s name in for Bond’s and it would have simply morphed into a standard spy novel instead.
If you’re a fan of James Bond, it’s worth delving into this book if only to see what you think of Deaver’s modern upgrades to such a classic character. If you’re a fan of adventure novels, you may enjoy this too. But, for anyone else, I’d recommend saving your time and re-reading Fleming’s original Bond books instead.
blacksentai's review against another edition
4.0
Surprisingly good book. It dealt with social issues much much better than I expected it to. The book delves into war profiteering with a decent amount of deftness. It's also a moderately good look at post apartheid South Africa. It still has definite sexism and objectification problems, but at least this books acknowledges them and tries to examine them in some sort of critical process, which is a huge leap for the series. Overall I had a really good time with this book. It's especially good after reading Neal Stephenson's [b:Reamde|10552338|Reamde|Neal Stephenson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1305993115s/10552338.jpg|15458989] which completely failed when it came to subtlety.
Also, this book's Villains were good and villainous.
Also, this book's Villains were good and villainous.
richvar's review against another edition
4.0
Nagyon pörgős kis James Bond sztori ez, talán az egyik legjobb Fleming óta. Minden van benne egy jó Bond filmhez kell, remélhetőleg a producerek is olvassák, és nem a Quantum Csendje féle vackokat forgatnak.
go_jan's review against another edition
4.0
A gripping read, I was up till 2am to finish it! The ending had lots of plot twists, which made the denouement rather intricate, but also thoroughly enjoyable!
Great modern setting of James Bond, although the mention of modern brands felt a bit like product placement, the only downside of the book.
Great modern setting of James Bond, although the mention of modern brands felt a bit like product placement, the only downside of the book.
natedmp's review against another edition
5.0
This book took me a LONG time to read. Please don't however read into that thinking this book is crap. It's really not, I just read really slow and study hard as a film student.
Jeffrey Deaver has created a Bond that Fleming himself would be proud of. A gritty, edgy Bond with a heart but an unmistakable pride for his country.
At every turn, you think you know where you stand, and then Deaver throws you off the Mark at something you SHOULD have picked up on but probably overlooked.
It's an exciting read, and I'm very glad that someone has helped to keep Bond alive the way he should be. No gadgets, just a rugged Brit with a gun.
Jeffrey Deaver has created a Bond that Fleming himself would be proud of. A gritty, edgy Bond with a heart but an unmistakable pride for his country.
At every turn, you think you know where you stand, and then Deaver throws you off the Mark at something you SHOULD have picked up on but probably overlooked.
It's an exciting read, and I'm very glad that someone has helped to keep Bond alive the way he should be. No gadgets, just a rugged Brit with a gun.
mountie9's review against another edition
4.0
The Good Stuff
* This is my first James Bond book ever and I was seriously impressed. I love spy movies but have never been a fan of spy books, usually way too much detail and bored with all the spy stuff. But this was fabulous
* Fast paced plot with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing
* The right blend of action and intrigue for both the spy novel fan and those who usually are not keen on this sort of thing
* Stays true to the James Bond mythology but at the same time brings him into the modern age. Done without losing what makes you love Bond, fabulous cars, great gadgets, excitement and hot bond girls
* Great character names
* After reading this I am off to pick up some more Jeffery Deaver books, I really enjoy the way he writes
* Lots of intrigue and on the edge of your seat scenes - sort of like watching a Bond flick
* Writes a good Bond, sort of pictured him as a mix of Daniel Craig and Timothy Dalton with a little bit of Connery thrown in - would totally want to wake up in bed with him
* Nicely multicultural and not as misogynistic
* Interesting back history on James Bond's parents
The Not so Good Stuff
* M is a man -- I know historically he has been a Man, but I have loved that in the movies M is now a women
* Some boring spy descriptions -- now for true spy novel fans this point should go in above section, but hey I am being honest about MY particular enjoyment of the book
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"He shaved with a heavy, double-bladed safety razor, its handle of light buffalo horn. He used this fine accessory not because it was greener to the environment than the plastic disposables that most men employed but simply because it gave a better shave - and required some skill to wield; James Bond found comfort even in small challenges."
"Evil, James Bond had learned, can be tirelessly patient."
"And don't worry. My second favorite way to wake up is to the sound of champagne opening."
She responded to this with a subtle smile."
Who should/shouldn't read
* Perfect for James Bond purists and those new to the genre
* Great for fans of intrigue and spy stories
4 Dewey's
My Blog Post from the Jeffery Deaver signing
I received this from Bookalicious at the Yummy Mummy Club. Plus I bought my own copy to be signed for my hubby and me
* This is my first James Bond book ever and I was seriously impressed. I love spy movies but have never been a fan of spy books, usually way too much detail and bored with all the spy stuff. But this was fabulous
* Fast paced plot with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing
* The right blend of action and intrigue for both the spy novel fan and those who usually are not keen on this sort of thing
* Stays true to the James Bond mythology but at the same time brings him into the modern age. Done without losing what makes you love Bond, fabulous cars, great gadgets, excitement and hot bond girls
* Great character names
* After reading this I am off to pick up some more Jeffery Deaver books, I really enjoy the way he writes
* Lots of intrigue and on the edge of your seat scenes - sort of like watching a Bond flick
* Writes a good Bond, sort of pictured him as a mix of Daniel Craig and Timothy Dalton with a little bit of Connery thrown in - would totally want to wake up in bed with him
* Nicely multicultural and not as misogynistic
* Interesting back history on James Bond's parents
The Not so Good Stuff
* M is a man -- I know historically he has been a Man, but I have loved that in the movies M is now a women
* Some boring spy descriptions -- now for true spy novel fans this point should go in above section, but hey I am being honest about MY particular enjoyment of the book
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"He shaved with a heavy, double-bladed safety razor, its handle of light buffalo horn. He used this fine accessory not because it was greener to the environment than the plastic disposables that most men employed but simply because it gave a better shave - and required some skill to wield; James Bond found comfort even in small challenges."
"Evil, James Bond had learned, can be tirelessly patient."
"And don't worry. My second favorite way to wake up is to the sound of champagne opening."
She responded to this with a subtle smile."
Who should/shouldn't read
* Perfect for James Bond purists and those new to the genre
* Great for fans of intrigue and spy stories
4 Dewey's
My Blog Post from the Jeffery Deaver signing
I received this from Bookalicious at the Yummy Mummy Club. Plus I bought my own copy to be signed for my hubby and me