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Comments
/10
1. Style – 7
2. Pace – 8
3. Villains – 8
4. Heroine – 9
5. Supporting Characters – 10
6. Action – 10 (love the keel hauling)
7. Intrigue – 8
8. Romance – 7
9. Benign Bizarre – 10
10. Bond – 9
86/100
86%
The same as Casino! Funny, I do prefer CR.
/10
1. Style – 10
It's Fleming, and he's very much on top of his game here. What I so love is that he's not using any formuleac writing, which so many thriller writers do (it seems mandatory these days). Even though I've read the books before, you still wonder what's coming next.
2. Pace – 8
Nice and steady. Just rolls on, with the tension always at the same level, except for the final fishing bit.
3. Villains – 9
The Big man is menacing, other worldly, and very intelligent. So sure of himself it's freightening. And of course he has the Fleming oddity as well.
4. Heroine – 7
The most beautiful girl Bond ever saw. Well I suppose that says something. Still, her easyness to change sides, or be so confident in Bond as beeing her saviour, is a bit odd.
5. Supporting Characters – 9
Leiter rocks. TeeHee, Whisper. Both are fun and odd as well.
6. Action – 10
The fight amongst the fishtanks, the fight in Harlem, the train attack and of course the keelhauling and limpet mine, but the pusfeller and barracuda as well. plenty of blood i'd say.
7. Intrigue – 7
Well the whole operation is quite ingenious of course, but there's little pretending to be different or backstabbing, except for Solitaire's actions.
8. Romance – 7
Well, our hero was held back a bit by his pinky. But there was plenty of 'intend'.
9. Benign Bizarre – 10
The Big man himself, the whole voodoo cover, Solitaire's gift. The drums, of course. Plenty, indeed.
10. Bond – 8
This mission is rather straight foreward, so many of Bond's later doubts are not part of the story here. still, he's a ruthless man with the right intend.
That's 76/100
or
76%
Pity I missed CR. No worries, I'll try to keep up here, as I am currently re-reading all the novels and just finished LALD.
Good show chaps!
allright then, Casino Royale:
/10
1. Style – 10
It's Fleming. His style sure makes you read on and on and on.
2. Pace – 8
It's nicely set. And as the story is quite ingenious and 'different' it's the right speed to keep the plot going.
3. Villains – 8
Le Chiffre, the cypher', as he is only a number (aren't we all). Menacing, cold. Not too much personality though.
4. Heroine – 9
Vesper. You really do understand Bond, as he falls in love. I must say that, after reading CR again, she was fantastically portrayed by Eva Green.
5. Supporting Characters – 8
Mathis, of course, who keeps our hero on the right track, and Felix as well. Both are nicely described characters.
6. Action – 6
The card game may be suspensefull, it isn't really 'action'. Of course his 'fall'is but it's just a small part of the game. The explosion with the red and blue case was just a bit... I don't know. It seemed a bit childish to me.
7. Intrigue – 9
Well, Bond had just been playing red Indians, whilst there was so much going on. There's a lot of espionage going on, from the Muntze's upstairs to Vespers betrayal (and fear of SMERSH).
8. Romance – 9
Vesper, lovely, fascinating, unstable Vesper. What can one say. Their love is so obvious, so intense, so well-written. Bond may be quick with his intend on marrying her, but it's a book from the fifties, so it fits the time.
9. Benign Bizarre – 6
There isn't much yet, imo. Maybe the way the attempt on his life is made, or Le Chiffre's henchman trying to kill Bond with a walking stick-gun.
10. Bond – 10
He warms to Vesper but regrets it and turns professional again, then relenting when the job seems to be done, falling in love. Then getting tortured in a most gruesome way, and surviving. But he isn't undamaged and he starts to doubt, untim Mathis puts him right again. His love returns and then, after finding out her betrayal, he's back in the game: cold as ice, professional. 'was, dammit, she's dead now'. This is the true Bond: fallable, but strong of mind and body. A true human hero.
which makes for 83 out of a possible 100,
or 83%
Which I didn't see coming, I'd have thought LALD to end higher. Just goes to show what a good writer Fleming is.
2. Pace – 7 (a bit draggy in spots, the train from NY to Florida, in particular)
3. Villains – 9 (Mr. Big is a Fleming archetype that we will see again in future novels)
4. Heroine – 9
5. Supporting Characters – 10 (excellent, just like the movie. Leiter becomes a real presence in this one)
6. Action – 10 (Bond's shootout with the Robber is classic, as is Mr. Big's death)
7. Intrigue – 8 (I really like Mr. Big's operation in Harlem, and Whisper "talking to the town")
8. Romance – 8
9. Benign Bizarre – 10 (LALD has it in spades, the voodoo "curse" note left for Bond on the train is chilling)
10. Bond – 10 (already, in Fleming's second novel, Bond becomes a fully formed character)
LALD 91%
CR 89%
Crazy, because I generally rate CR much the better novel. I guess that's why these "by the elements" surveys are fascinating.
Mid week alert - LALD results will be posted this weekend!
Actually reflects this. :) as for how the rest turn out, I've no idea. ;)
As Casino Royale had a couple of latecomers to our little party, the new score is – 83.3%
And to the score on Live and Let Die -
r65- 89/100
jobo- 79/100
dr- 82/100
dd- 82/100
bs- 92/100
vill- 74/100
may- 86/100
cr- 76/100
pk- 91/100
751/900 = 83.44%
Oh, so so close. LALD pips CR only by the smallest of small margins!
Live and Let Die, 1954 – 83.44%
Casino Royale, 1953 – 83.3%
As always -
What do you think of Live and Let Die?
This is where Mr. Fleming came into his own. A superb read. Fleming's style and descriptive are really rather excellent; in particular the underwater passages. And Voodoo and Bond? Just ingenious!
What do you think of it's cinematic adaptation?
I like the film very much, but it's nothing compared to how much I love the novel. Still, the literary source was vindicated by its inclusion in FYEO and LTK.
Is the community score higher or lower than your own?
Lower, but meh, I'm happy.
Reactions are always welcomed!!
See you tomorrow for Moonraker!!!
Let us continue with...
Moonraker, 1955
/10
1. Style – 8 (Blades is a particular highlight)
2. Pace – 8
3. Villains – 8
4. Heroine – 8 (does not even end up with Jim!)
5. Supporting Characters – 7 (special mention to Ronnie Vallance)
6. Action - 8
7. Intrigue – 7
8. Romance – 7
9. Benign Bizarre – 7 (apart from the mustaches, I canne remember much else)
10. Bond – 10
78/100 = 78%
A quite precipitous drop from the other two. I like Moonraker more than my score would suggest, but not a whole lot more.
R65 Ratings
Live and Let Die, 1954 - 89%
Casino Royale, 1953 - 86%
Moonraker, 1955 - 78%
/10
1. Style – 10
2. Pace – 9
3. Villains – 9
4. Heroine – 8
5. Supporting Characters – 7
6. Action - 8
7. Intrigue – 10
8. Romance – 7
9. Benign Bizarre – 7
10. Bond – 10
85/100
85%
This was where Fleming really hit the mark. Expected a higher score actually...
Moonraker 85%
Casino Royale 79%
Live And Let Die 79%
/10
1. Style – 10
2. Pace – 10
3. Villains – 9
4. Heroine – 9
5. Supporting Characters – 9
6. Action - 10
7. Intrigue – 9
8. Romance – 7
9. Benign Bizarre – 8
10. Bond – 10
91/100
91%
One of my absolute favourites.
1. Style – 9
2. Pace – 9
3. Villains – 10
4. Heroine – 8
5. Supporting Characters – 9
6. Action - 9
7. Intrigue – 9
8. Romance – 7
9. Benign Bizarre – 7
10. Bond – 10
87/100. = 87%
LALD = 82%
CR = 80%
1.Style = 9 (IF really found his form with this one)
2.Pace = 9 (never flagged - the casino scene moved like lightening).
3.Villains = 10 (uniquely frightening, uniquely believable).
4.Heroine = 7
5.Supporting characters = 9 (great role for M and Vallance was a welcome addition).
6.Action = 7
7.Intrigue =10
8.Romance=7
9.Benign Bizarre = 9
10. Bond = 10
MOONRAKER = 88/100 or 88%. LAD= 78%, CR= 77%.
A fabulous novel and one of my top three Bonds. A great story with a chilling villain that ticked all the boxes. Also a book that provided some character development for both Bond and M. Also unique insomuch as he never left our shores.
1.Style =7
I have some quelms with the start, but when he gets in his stride (the cardgame itself) IF rocks.
2.Pace = 9
same as with the above, it's just the first chapter. It feels like Fleming was just warming up. But as soon as he goes, he goes like a rocket.
3.Villains = 7
Quirky he is, but somehow it feels too easy for me. Drax beeing that much a stereotype. He even drives a Mercedes.
4.Heroine = 8
The lovely Galatea Brand. She's gorgeous, strong, and belieable. Maybe even a bit feminist in character, as she fights stereotypes of weak women.
5.Supporting characters = 6
M is fine, but Valance I think isn't that strong a character, and perhaps too easy on the deal.
6.Action = 8
Krebs beeing kicked, the car chase, the rocket launching. There's quite a bit. Tallon's death too, almost forgot that one.
7.Intrigue =10
What can you say?
8.Romance=6
There are two kisses shared, and though Bond may fantasise a bit here and there, and in the end (some fantastic writing there!) they do have feelings for eachother, but there's no consumation or real getting together.
9.Benign Bizarre = 7
the moustaches, bold heads, Drax's back story, the personality of the 'persuader'Krebs.. There sure is some, but it isn't by far close to LALD
10. Bond = 10
Well, this is Bond. Bored before the game at Blades, interested in the oddball Drax. Strong willed, always time to appreciate the beauty of a lady. It's all there.
MOONRAKER = 68/100 or 68%.
Moonraker, 1955 - 84.62 %
Live and Let Die, 1954 – 83.44%
Casino Royale, 1953 – 83.3%
Well by gum, it has done it!
As always -
What do you think of Moonraker?
Despite my lowish scores for Moonraker, I have great respect for this novel. Bond and M relationship really is the focus during the early part of the novel. Also, its a very atypical novel from Mr Fleming. So that's a bonus.
What do you think of it's cinematic adaptation?
I have growing appreciation for the film, but I vastly prefer the novel.
Is the community score higher or lower than your own?
Higher. I didn't expect it to beat Casino Royale. Then again, I would have put money on CR beating Live and Let Die, so...
Reactions are always welcomed!!
See you later today for Diamonds Are Forever!!!
Updated for @DarthDimi votes
Moonraker :
1. Style – 9
2. Pace – 8
3. Villains – 8
4. Heroine – 7
5. Supporting Characters – 8
6. Action - 9
7. Intrigue – 9
8. Romance – 8
9. Benign Bizarre – 8
10. Bond – 10
84/100
Diamonds Are Forever, 1956
/10
1. Style – 7
2. Pace – 8
3. Villains – 7 (Wint and Kidd are excellent but the Spang brothers..)
4. Heroine – 10
5. Supporting Characters – 8 (Shady Tree!)
6. Action - 7
7. Intrigue – 6
8. Romance – 9
9. Benign Bizarre – 8 (Hunchbacks and Spectreville)
10. Bond – 10
80/100 = 80%
Wow, I expected DAF to be dead last.
R65 Ratings
Live and Let Die, 1954 - 89%
Casino Royale, 1953 - 86%
Diamonds Are Forever, 1956 - 80%
Moonraker, 1955 - 78%
/10
1. Style – 9
2. Pace – 9
3. Villains – 7
4. Heroine – 9
5. Supporting Characters – 8
6. Action - 7
7. Intrigue – 7
8. Romance – 9
9. Benign Bizarre – 7
10. Bond – 9
81 %
/10
1. Style – 8
2. Pace – 5
3. Villains – 4
4. Heroine – 8
5. Supporting Characters – 7
6. Action - 5
7. Intrigue – 5
8. Romance – 8
9. Benign Bizarre – 9
10. Bond – 8
66%
One of my least favourite Flemings.
/10
1. Style – 7
2. Pace – 5 (Regretfully I have to say this noe is a drab at times...)
3. Villains – 5 (Fleming's weakest main villain)
4. Heroine – 7 (I like her backstory. An interesting Case...)
5. Supporting Characters – 8 (Wint and Kidd, Felix Leiter... not too bad at all)
6. Action - 7 (The final action scene on the boat is great. The rest... not so much)
7. Intrigue – 5 (Not the most compelling...)
8. Romance – 8
9. Benign Bizarre – 7
10. Bond – 8
67/100
67%
That is as low as my ratings will og I think...
1.Style - 8
2.Pace - 6
3.Villain - 5
4.Heroine -8
5.Supporting Characters - 8
6.Action - 5
7.Intrigue -4
8.Romance -8
9.Benign/Bizarre -7
10.Bond -5
DAF = 64% CR = 77% L&LD = 74% MR = 88%
For me, this was always the weakest of his books. Surprisingly for IF, the central plot just doesn't cut it. Ian was a fan of Chandler and Spillane and I think he wanted to write an American gangster novel and this was his attempt.
Frankly he shouldn't have bothered. Bond just doesn't work in this environment.
I remember reading it as a boy and being dreadfully disappointed. I re-read it years latter to see if I'd missed anything and concluded that I hadn't.
I enjoyed the much derided TSWLM more because although it was a complete departure, it worked.
2. Pace – 10 (does not flag even when Bond is snooping around the rocket works)
3. Villains – 10 (Drax may be Fleming's best, and that's saying a mouthful)
4. Heroine – 8 (a typical Fleming heroine)
5. Supporting Characters – 9 (Krebs and Walter are outstanding, and a nice little piece from the World Without Want pub owner)
6. Action - 10 (superb, Atta Boy, the conclusion, heck even the card game comes over as action)
7. Intrigue – 10 (tops, Bond scents Drax's devilment but is utterly conflicted by the context and history)
8. Romance – 8 (good, what with Bond's rare thwarted yearning)
9. Benign Bizarre – 9 (the flashing Shell sign, the pub shooting of Talon and a general air of mystery and menace)
10. Bond – 10
94/100 = 94%
What do you think of Moonraker? One of the four unquestioned Fleming classics. Rarely has a better thriller been written.
What do you think of it's cinematic adaptation? Fun in its own way, but not a patch on the original. I am still awaiting a faithful adaptation. Perhaps I'll never see it.
Is the community score higher or lower than your own?
Lower. Considerably.
Live and Let Die, 1954 – 83.44%
Casino Royale, 1953 – 83.3%
Updated for @Perilagu_Khan's vote
Over my fifty plus years of literary Bond fanaticism I have read multiple 'best of' lists and I have to say that it is only relatively recently that this literary gem has worked its way to the top of lists.
Could it be that it's credibility was damaged by a movie that had little to do with it?
Or, maybe Craig's success as a grittier 007 has lead to new readers discovering the books for the first time?
Whatever the reason - it has to be good news for literary Bond!