Funk Rating: 8 out of 10
It never ceases to amaze me how few people have actually read the original James Bond books by Ian Fleming. For such an incredible, iconic character, most only know Bond through the movie screen. But in my mind, Fleming is one of the most talented writers of 20th century thriller fiction. Fleming had an ability to bring a story alive through scenery and characters that was unique. And the books were tight, short, and full of fun.
I have to say that Faulks did a great job in bringing Bond back some 50 years later and being true to the actual Fleming legacy. If you want to compare this book to current thrillers and to the movies, forget it. You're missing the point. Fleming didn't do books with italics like Ludlum, he didn't do plot flips and mind-benders like Jeffrey Deaver, and he didn't do redemption stories like Archer.
Fleming wrote good guys vs. bad guys. With enough action, unique locations, quick-thinking, and just plain fun that it let you escape from your current existence. It let you fantasize that maybe, just maybe, you could be Bond. But probably not.
If you've never read Fleming, this won't float your boat. But if you read all the originals, twice or more, you will find this a worthy successor. It's not Fleming, but it's nice and close. And it's fun.
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