James Bond Novels by Ian Fleming

[Stephen of Borg 2]

I have been a fan of Bond on and off for years, but never really became what would be called a fan until I watched Goldeneye when it was released on video in the mid 90s. That being said, I only just recently have started to read the Bond novels written by Ian Fleming.

 

I am right now about 50 pages away from finishing Casino Royale which is really good, but also really different from the movie. People meet, and things happen differently than what is seen in the film. Overall, I really enjoy the read. So, for those who have read them, what is your favorite book in the Ian Fleming series?

 

I say that because others have written Bond novels, but I’m only interested in the ones written by Fleming, who created the character. I can’t vote yet since I'm only about finished with book one, but I’m curious which is the best out of all for those who have read them. If you have only read one of the books and enjoyed it, you can vote for that.

[Guest Ktrek]

I have enjoyed most of the Fleming novels but my favorite would be From Russia With Love. None of the movies follow the books to the letter and some hardly even resemble the original novels they came from.

 

At one time I had all the Bond novels written by Ian Fleming, Kingsley Amos, John Gardner and Raymond Benson. Of them all I have only kept the Raymond Benson novels. I really enjoy reading them as they are top notch thrillers and quick reads. Each novel he wrote he got better and better as a storyteller and writer. They probably keep more to the spirit of the movies and have a movie feel to them but it does not detract from the stories at all. Gardener also wrote some exceptional stories.

 

The one thing I would say about Bond books is that the real James Bond character is much darker than the movies have portrayed him, with the exception of the two Timothy Dalton films and the latest Casino Royale. If torture scenes make you squeamish you probably should best avoid most of the books because it seems Bond is always getting tortured.

 

BTW...here is a cool website that reviews the various Bond novels:

 

http://www.klast.net/bond/nov_flem.html

 

 

Kevin

Edited May 16, 2007 by Ktrek

[Stephen of Borg 2]

you didn't know it, but you mentioned my favorite movies. Before Daniel Craig and Casino Royale, my favorite Bond was Timothy Dalton and his movies were my favorites in the Bond series. Those are my three favorite Bond movies.

 

Thanks for the link btw, glad to see another person who has read the novels :P

[Sheikhengku 0]

I have voted live and let die...

[Healer T'Lynne 0]

*snip*

At one time I had all the Bond novels written by Ian Fleming, Kingsley Amos, John Gardner and Raymond Benson. Of them all I have only kept the Raymond Benson novels. I really enjoy reading them as they are top notch thrillers and quick reads. Each novel he wrote he got better and better as a storyteller and writer. They probably keep more to the spirit of the movies and have a movie feel to them but it does not detract from the stories at all. Gardener also wrote some exceptional stories.

 

The one thing I would say about Bond books is that the real James Bond character is much darker than the movies have portrayed him, with the exception of the two Timothy Dalton films and the latest Casino Royale. If torture scenes make you squeamish you probably should best avoid most of the books because it seems Bond is always getting tortured.

 

BTW...here is a cool website that reviews the various Bond novels:

 

http://www.klast.net/bond/nov_flem.html

 

 

Kevin

 

 

I agree with you about my uncle's books . . .

[Wishfire 2]

I'm not sure. I read most of them, but that was back when I was in 7th grade, which was like 16 or so years ago, so I can't really recall.

[star_rose 0]

perhaps Moonraker, but I have seen only the movie...

Edited January 6, 2008 by star_rose