The best part about any of the original James Bond novels is the fact that there is no “Q” (other than being mentioned peripherally, “Q Branch” and alThe best part about any of the original James Bond novels is the fact that there is no “Q” (other than being mentioned peripherally, “Q Branch” and all that). That’s to say, the novels aren’t as gimmicky as the films. This is important, since it elevates the story above the zany pop culture status of the films. There is at least some gravitas here, which is as it should be in a spy thriller.
And yet, the novels are every bit as entertaining as the films.
Thunderball was recommended to me by my wife. In fact, it was part of our annual “must read” agreement. I believe it is her favourite, just edging out Live and Let Die, which I also read on her recommendation previously.
Thunderballdoes contain all the ingredients we have come to expect: exotic location – check, undersea adventuring – check, beautiful Italian girl with catchy name – check, memorable bad guy – check, atomic bombs – check… I could go on, but I think you get the idea. This novel also has the distinction of being the one to introduce Blofeld and Spectre, so its importance in the Bond canon is cemented.
If you’re a Bond fan, you certainly have read this by now. If not – for shame! ...more
This novel was published in 1980, and the primary antagonist (who just happens to be a real life person) was left out of the 2002 film, no doubt becauThis novel was published in 1980, and the primary antagonist (who just happens to be a real life person) was left out of the 2002 film, no doubt because he was apprehended and, to some extent, demystified, in the 1990s. The fact that this person is central to the plot of the novel, but does not appear in the film, inevitably drives a contextual wedge between the two mediums, even though the central amnesia theme remains the same. There is also a 1988 TV-film, which I haven’t seen.
All in all, it’s a very good novel. Robert Ludlum had a unique voice, and The Bourne Identity is the grand-daddy of the modern espionage story, with its high tech (for the time) thrills and spills. If I had any complaints about the novel it would probably have something to do with the relationship between Jason Bourne and Marie St Jacques (she is a French-Canadian here, who holds a doctorate in economics). Stockholm syndrome to the max, which in itself isn’t anything new, but I didn’t find the progression entirely convincing.
If you’re looking for an espionage thriller with more than a little intrigue and a hefty dose of high octane action, this is one of the best places to start. ...more
Killer Whales? Seriously? Even in a society desensitized by the escapades of James Bond, this kind of thing seems rather excessive in an action thrillKiller Whales? Seriously? Even in a society desensitized by the escapades of James Bond, this kind of thing seems rather excessive in an action thriller, although I must say the scenes in question were pretty scary in a “Jaws” kind of way. Oh, and of course, giant seals. Par for the course in this kind of fiction, eh?
The book’s pacing is frenetic, which helps, since all the “not so good” bits flash by so fast that you almost don’t realise they’re even present. Just how over the top is this book? Ha. Read it and see. Shane “Scarecrow” Schofield might be a Marine, but he would not be out of place in a superhero comic, wielding his maghook with a finesse that will make Batman green with envy. Ribs crack, blood spills and limbs are lost, but the heroes in this outing keep on coming back for more. Oorah!
…at some point in the proceedings I became aware of the fact that I was enjoying myself, even though all reason or common sense had long since fled. You can’t take a book like this too seriously, and that is perhaps a saving grace. Stick with it, laugh, cringe, enjoy! It’s more akin to playing a video game than reading a novel, but you might well end up buying the sequel too.
In the end I’m not sure where to classify this book. It’s certainly an action novel, but there are smatterings of Science Fiction and Horror (albeit of the B-grade kind) as well. Conspiracy Theory. Murder Mystery. Hell yeah! It was actually quite a bit of fun, all told. Another plus: the villains in this book aren’t from Eastern Europe, Africa or the Middle East, which was kind of refreshing.
This book is for people who like big explosions, ridiculous coincidences and a Chuck Norris approved protagonist. Read it if you dare. ...more
These books are violent and exciting. They also read very quickly. What’s not to like if you’re a boy?
Th The stuff that teenage memories are made of.
These books are violent and exciting. They also read very quickly. What’s not to like if you’re a boy?
This particular novel is one of the earlier entries in the series (which now encompasses 600 or so novels), and was still actually written by Don Pendleton. Goodreads currently shows the Mack Bolan series as different series’ such as The Executioner, Mack Bolan – The Executioner & Super Bolan, but it’s all part of the same thing. Super Bolan? Is it just me or does that sound a bit corny?
A variety of writers have been writing the books over the years, even though the Don Pendleton name still appeared on the covers. Vegas Vendetta contains a lower body count than some of the others I’ve read, but it is a lot of fun. All in all, it’s still exactly what you would expect from an Executioner novel – not rocket science, just rockets. ...more
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