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New to Bond Novels!

hthomas20hthomas20
edited October 2013 in Literary 007 Posts: 270
Hey guys, I am new to reading Bond books. I am just finishing TMWTGG and looking forward to Solo next week. Just curious to see what other author's books I should look into. I've read some aren't so good so I don't want to waste my time.

Comments

  • BeatlesSansEarmuffsBeatlesSansEarmuffs
    Posts: 3,566
    Go straight to Ian Fleming's books. Other authors can be considered once you've actually finished the offerings from The Source. Start with Casino Royale & go through the series in order of publication.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    edited October 2013 Posts: 18,251
    Yes, certainly read the Fleming Bond novels in order as a great starting point - everything else is built on that foundation, so those should really be read after. Deciding what to read is as simple as that, really.
  • StirredNotShakenStirredNotShaken Toronto
    Posts: 2,402
    I read FRWL first, thought that was a fantastic introduction to the books. Though I would agree that the absolute best way is probably to go in order through Fleming. The continuation novels are very hit-and-miss unfortunately.
  • thelivingroyalethelivingroyale
    edited October 2013 Posts: 12,837
    I went through the Fleming books out of order and regretted it. I finished on TSWLM and I was very disappointed. Whereas I really enjoyed TMWTGG, so if I'd read them in order I could've finished the novels on a high note.
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    Posts: 13,978
    I'd suggest reading all the Fleming books. When you've done that, disregard all that you've heard about the continuation books and read all of them as well. You might just be surprised.
  • 00130013
    Posts: 1,817
    Go to Fleming and in order, @hthomas20. I also read them out of order, @thelivingroyale, and regretted it. But I did like TSWLM, I believe it's my main "controversial" opinion on Bond.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    Posts: 17,789
    Dragonpol wrote:
    Yes, certainly read the Fleming Bond novels in order as a great starting point - everything else is built on that foundation, so those should really be read after. Deciding what to read is as simple as that, really.
    I concur!
  • BentleyBentley
    Posts: 267
    1) Fleming in order.
    2) Colonel Son.
    3) The first five Gardner's in order - do NOT go further.
    4) Young Bond books in order (they are fabulous and absolutely NOT just for kids.)
    5) The Moneypenny trilogy in order. They too are amazing.
    After this lot just live with your fabulous memories and re-read ad nauseum.
    Do NOT, under any circumstances, be seduced into trying the "Bond Celebrity Trilogy Disaster" or any Gardner past the first five or any Benson drivel. You will have your dreams shattered!
    Good luck.
  • hthomas20hthomas20
    Posts: 270
    Hey guys thanks for the info. I just finished the Fleming novels last night! Going to read Solo when it comes out here in the US Tuesday.
  • BentleyBentley
    Posts: 267
    hthomas20 wrote:
    Hey guys thanks for the info. I just finished the Fleming novels last night! Going to read Solo when it comes out here in the US Tuesday.

    Prepare for dispair!
  • hthomas20hthomas20
    Posts: 270
    Bentley wrote:
    hthomas20 wrote:
    Hey guys thanks for the info. I just finished the Fleming novels last night! Going to read Solo when it comes out here in the US Tuesday.

    Prepare for dispair!


    that bad? haha
  • saunderssaunders Living in a world of avarice and deceit
    Posts: 987
    Bentley wrote:
    1) Fleming in order.
    2) Colonel Son.
    3) The first five Gardner's in order - do NOT go further.
    4) Young Bond books in order (they are fabulous and absolutely NOT just for kids.)
    5) The Moneypenny trilogy in order. They too are amazing.
    After this lot just live with your fabulous memories and re-read ad nauseum.
    Do NOT, under any circumstances, be seduced into trying the "Bond Celebrity Trilogy Disaster" or any Gardner past the first five or any Benson drivel. You will have your dreams shattered!
    Good luck.

    Fantastic post, agree with your recommendations completely, though if I was going to quibble I would suggest adding the two Christopher Wood movie novelizations TSWLM and MR to the list of recommended reads...oh and I'd be much, much more scathing towards Benson! ;)
  • MayDayDiVicenzoMayDayDiVicenzo Here and there
    Posts: 5,080
    I've just ordered the enitire vintage collection from The Book People for £15! Bargain. I will be reading DAF then TB, I think...
  • saunderssaunders Living in a world of avarice and deceit
    Posts: 987
    MayDayDiVicenzo wrote:
    I've just ordered the enitire vintage collection from The Book People for £15! Bargain. I will be reading DAF then TB, I think...

    I saw that offer from the Book People, fantastic value and the covers look really great, enjoy!

  • DB5DB5
    Posts: 408
    I would get my hands on Kingsley Amis' "Colonel Sun." One of the best Bond novels!
  • CraterGunsCraterGuns
    Posts: 618
    Gardner's LICENCE TO KILL novelization (re-released for the Kindle last year) isn't half-bad, either.
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