Devil May Care (The New James Bond Novel )
by Sebastian Faulks
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Book Reviews of Devil May Care (The New James Bond Novel )
Book Review: Not quite Ian Fleming
Summary: 3 Stars
A pretty entertaining read, all in all. Fairly literary (akin to Fleming's work), but a little wrapped up in sentimentalism (a little too much reminiscing about past missions) and too influenced by the films. I felt like this was about 60% Fleming novel and 40% film. Seemingly, Bond is ready to retire but one page later he's back on a mission. Also, the US involvement in the plot makes little to no sense.
Still, the plot is pretty engaging, the villain is standard Bond-fare, and it was a fast read. There are some good action sequences and it's a breezy summer read. Personally, I'd wait until it came out in paperback or check it out from the library.
Book Review: Ok, for a start.
Summary: 3 Stars
I've read all the James Bond novels, even those not written by Flemming, and Devil May Care seems to be on the right track, but not quite there yet. Faulks starts off great, with the re-introduction of Bond back to Universal Export, but as the story drags on, the characters become more 2 dimensional, a one hopes for the end of the book, and at times, the end of the chapter.
Most of my concerns are more growing pains than they are criticisms. Unlike other Bond revival attempts, I believe that Faulks have the skill and talents to revive Britain's Most Famous Secret Agent, but it is going to take some time
Book Review: Well-done
Summary: 4 Stars
This book remains faithful to the Ian Fleming James Bond - gritty, living on the edge of the seat with minimal assistance, and above all, without gadgets. This Bond is a far cry from the much-gadgetized novels that other authors write.
There is a more real-world feel to it. Without giving away spoilers, all I can say is that you'll enjoy this novel immensely if you remain a fan of Ian Fleming, rather than Raymond Benson.
Oh, there's girl-chasing too. But that is a little forced, which is why I only gave it a 4. But otherwise, it is an entirely enjoyable novel. Highly recommended!
Book Review: Close enough for government work...
Summary: 4 Stars
For all the negative reviewers, let's take a deep breath. Perhaps you've not read a Fleming in recent years, but Sir Ian was not exactly Dostoevsky - consistently serviceable story-telling to fuel our fantasies. Faulks does a more than respectable job and the element of parody was quite in keeping with Fleming's last few Bond novels wherein he sustained the formula expected by his loyal fans and required by his spending habits. Give "Casino Royale" another read as I recently did, and Faulks comes off pretty well. Shake up a couple of Vesper Lynds, and he reads just fine.Book Review: Spectacular
Summary: 5 Stars
James Bond is back in this spectacular tome penned by the great Sebastian Faulks. Who else could deliver such action? SUch adventure? SUCH THRILLING DRAMA? All right, maybe I'm getting over excited, but this really is one spectacular tome. Set in the cold war, as is many James Bond stories, our hero travels to Iran and Russia with a....what else? A beautiful woman. You have your memorable villian, implausible escapes, and what would James Bond be without gadgets? Anyway, this is a spectacular addition to the Bonds' library and Ian Fleming would be proud!