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Which Bond novel are you currently reading?

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  • boldfingerboldfinger
    Posts: 5,767
    I´m in the middle of Goldfinger. Some people mentioned it to be one of Fleming´s weaker novels. I cannot confirm this. The book is very well written, the laid-back descriptive narrative is enwrapping, it doesn´t even matter if something happens or not. A bit style over substance perhaps, but then that´s my kind of thing ;-) .
  • QsAssistantQsAssistant All those moments lost in time... like tears in rain
    Posts: 1,812
    I'm going to start reading Carte Blanche today or tomorrow. Hope it's a good read.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    I'm going to start reading Carte Blanche today or tomorrow. Hope it's a good read.
    Be sure to post your review When you finish @QsAssistant ;-)
  • 00Beast00Beast
    Posts: 4,762
    I've just started Moonraker, the first Bond novel I've ever read. So far I like it a lot, even though I'm only on page 15! :-))
  • FideleBarbeyFideleBarbey
    Posts: 18
    I´m in the middle of Goldfinger. Some people mentioned it to be one of Fleming´s weaker novels. I cannot confirm this. The book is very well written, the laid-back descriptive narrative is enwrapping, it doesn´t even matter if something happens or not. A bit style over substance perhaps, but then that´s my kind of thing ;-) .
    It's not the best Fleming novel but very enjoyable all the same due to its style as you say and detail. It surpasses Diamonds Are Forever in my opinion although I do think the latter is the weakest novel in the series.

  • SharkBaitSharkBait
    Posts: 2,107
    Hurricane Gold.

    After a long while since I last read a Young Bond novel, partly due the fact they haven't translated any of the books after the third one in my country, I was amazed how much the beginning of the book reminded me of the actual "adult Bond" novels. It's also the only few Books (Roger Moore's autobiography, the fictional James Bond bio and not much more) I've read in the original printing language. Anyway, good so far.
  • BounineBounine
    edited October 2011 Posts: 2,599
    The Tomorrow Never Dies novelisation. I'm enjoying the sections about Carver's and Stamper's background history. Never read this book before.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Just started LALD. Can't judge it so far...
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    Blood fever. I'm rereading the YB novels and Higson either needs to start on Bond's tenure at Fettes or take over writing adult Bond.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,480
    Live and Let Die so surprised me as a young teen when I first read it because some of it happens in my sleepy old (as in elderly) hometown, St. Petersburg. That would be FL, not the exotic Russian locale. I thought it was a good read.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Live and Let Die so surprised me as a young teen when I first read it because some of it happens in my sleepy old (as in elderly) hometown, St. Petersburg. That would be FL, not the exotic Russian locale. I thought it was a good read.
    I've only just started it and already the subtle racism Fleming tossed in is quite surprising. I know why the books aren't well known to this day. Some think that there were only movies, and have no knowledge that the preceding novels ever existed. It is sad.
  • BounineBounine
    edited November 2011 Posts: 2,599
    Casino Royale. I'm re-reading all the Fleming books again in chronological order for about the sixth time. LOL.
  • thelordflasheartthelordflasheart
    Posts: 1,370
    I'm rereading the books now and just started FRWL (I'm reading them in the proper order). Loved MR and would recommend it to anyone, even someone who isn't a Bond fan. I cringed through LALD - I remember there was a lot of embarrassing stuff in it but...wow. Picks up a lot once they leave NYC but it was really hard to not quit that book.
  • BounineBounine
    Posts: 2,599
    That's what I meant - in "proper" order.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    I'm rereading the books now and just started FRWL (I'm reading them in the proper order). Loved MR and would recommend it to anyone, even someone who isn't a Bond fan. I cringed through LALD - I remember there was a lot of embarrassing stuff in it but...wow. Picks up a lot once they leave NYC but it was really hard to not quit that book.
    Exactly @thelordflashheart. I am reading LALD right now(about 90 pages in) and I am not overjoyed by any means. I was expecting the flair of writing brilliance present in CR but it is a let down. I will have to push through though. I am at the part where Bond is being taken out of New York, in fact he just got off the phone with M and is now with Solitaire . So, hopefully it all picks up.
  • Risico007Risico007
    Posts: 9,847
    Carte Blanche it's decent but am I the only one who (spoilers for those who haven't read it)


    felt if if bond just explained what he was thinking to Percey what he was thinking percey would more then likely agree and they whole ridiculousness of 3 chapters of bond acting against mi5 might have been avoided.




    Not sure where to put Deaver.... I like him better then Faulks and possibly Gardner.


    I still love Fleming and Benson and for someone coming in from the films Benson I think helped ease me into the novels and did a great job of it.

    No matter what if there is Skyfall the novel I do hope it will be written by someone besides Deaver... perhaps James Twining I loved a novel of his i read about a year ago....

    though before Benson haters get on me he was on facebook and I tried talking to him and found him to be so arrogant I nearly threw at the bond novels he wrote so I definitely don't like Benson the man.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,480
    It is a shame when the author (or celebrity) turns out to be a jerk. Leaves such a bad feeling. I don't think I've read Benson's.

    Is there a thread where I can find out which author (after Fleming) the majority of our forum really like?

    I am about to start From Russia with Love again.
  • Risico007Risico007
    Posts: 9,847
    4everbond i can answer that Kingsly Amis. many fans love colonel Sun.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,480
    4everbond i can answer that Kingsly Amis. many fans love colonel Sun.
    Thanks! I'll get Colonel Sun next. Appreciate it.

  • BounineBounine
    Posts: 2,599
    though before Benson haters get on me he was on facebook and I tried talking to him and found him to be so arrogant I nearly threw at the bond novels he wrote so I definitely don't like Benson the man.
    Is that right? Not that anyone should be arrogant but Benson has no reason to be. His writing leaves an incredible amount to be desired. Having worked in the Film/TV industry, you'll generally find the people with less talent who are lower down in the hierarchy are the arrogant, ego trippers and the very successful ones are most friendly and easier to talk to.

    Yes, Colonel Sun is popular among the fans but I find it to be on the dull side - ploddish if you will or at any rate, atleast the second half of the book. Amis is a fantastic writer but his style I think is more suited to drama instead of thrillers much like Sebastian Faulks. Having said this, I have only read Amis's CS so I shouldn't really judge but this is the impression I get from the book. Personally, I prefer Gardner's earlier Bond novels and Scorpius to CS.

  • Risico007Risico007
    Posts: 9,847
    I'm trying to get into Gardner. Honestly John Gardner and Beer are 2 things that are similar to me I get super hyped "I'm gonna like it I'm gonna like it" then I read/drink and it's like bleh. Renewed wasn't bad but predictable Never Send flowers was interesting but the finale was bland. Icebreaker was good
  • db5007db5007
    Posts: 61
    Currently reading all the Flemings in the original order - half-way through Goldfinger at the moment. LALD is cringing at times - very much shows a English white upper class pre-WW2 view of black people!

    I read Carte Blanche earlier in the year and have to say was very disappointed...

    John Gardner's first few books were very good but then he got stuck in the idea of Bond never knowing who was on his side and lots of double/triple characters and just got very boring and repetitive...
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,480
    Yes, I really did not like Carte Blanche either.
    I will try Gardner, though.

  • BounineBounine
    edited November 2011 Posts: 2,599
    I'm trying to get into Gardner. Honestly John Gardner and Beer are 2 things that are similar to me I get super hyped "I'm gonna like it I'm gonna like it" then I read/drink and it's like bleh. Renewed wasn't bad but predictable Never Send flowers was interesting but the finale was bland. Icebreaker was good
    For Special Services, Nobody Lives Forever and Scorpius are especially good. Gardner isn't everyone's cup of tea though.

    I enjoyed the story of Carte Blanche however it didn't even feel like I was reading about James Bond. Deaver just changed the character too much. Such a shame. I also got a little sick of the surprises around ever corner. I wish for that scene on the rock, Deaver had have given us a blow by blow account of what happened as it happened.

  • HASEROTHASEROT has returned like the tedious inevitability of an unloved season---
    edited November 2011 Posts: 4,399
    Currently reading all the Flemings in the original order - half-way through Goldfinger at the moment. LALD is cringing at times - very much shows a English white upper class pre-WW2 view of black people!
    i enjoyed LALD - probably more than than CR, because for whatever reason, it held my interest more..

    in terms of book's tone, and views towards blacks - I can read it, and look passed it - knowing that that was the mentality of time.. the racial under/overtones don't put me off from enjoying the novel itself.... by no means does it make it right - but it was a different world then (and when Fleming grew up) versus today.
  • BounineBounine
    Posts: 2,599
    "i enjoyed LALD - probably more than than CR, because for whatever reason, it held my interest more..

    in terms of book's tone, and views towards blacks - I can read it, and look passed it - knowing that that was the mentality of time.. the racial under/overtones don't put me off from enjoying the novel itself.... by no means does it make it right - but it was a different world then (and when Fleming grew up) versus today."

    Yeah, I enjoy LALD more. It's one of my favourite Bond books.

    In terms of your second paragraph, I am the same. I don't care at all.
  • 7777JamesBond7777JamesBond
    Posts: 26
    Casino Royale, Live and let die, From Russia with love, On her Majesty's secret service and You only live twice, because they are my favourite.
  • SaintMarkSaintMark
    Posts: 7,653

    though before Benson haters get on me he was on facebook and I tried talking to him and found him to be so arrogant I nearly threw at the bond novels he wrote so I definitely don't like Benson the man.
    Why would Benson haters get on you since you state he's arrogant. Or am I reading this wrong.
    That said I am quite sure that the story has two sides, perhaps he found you a pest or you were badgering him in his opinion. The internet is a great source for information and communication, which does not mean you have to communicate with everybody. That does not mean you are arrogant you just have to make prioreties in communicating. I am sure Benson will have had enough hassle from the fanboys that are sure that they could have done a better job. I am not saying you behaved in such a way, but perhaps you were partially responsible. On the other side he could be an arrogant basterd, that has no more time for the Bond-fans. :!!
  • BounineBounine
    edited November 2011 Posts: 2,599
    Casino Royale, Live and let die, From Russia with love, On her Majesty's secret service and You only live twice, because they are my favourite.
    Me too. Maybe I could add Moonraker to that list aswell.

  • TopGearJB007TopGearJB007
    Posts: 624
    Well, I started Thunderball, but then Carte Blanche was released so I jumped to that. I finished Deaver's novel today, so now I will go back and finish Thunderball.
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