Do you like action and spy novels? Then these books are for you. Here are some of the best James Bond novels by Ian Fleming.
Ian Fleming, a naval intelligence officer, turned novelist, gathered literary acclaim for James Bond’s father. He wrote “thrillers designed to be read as literature” and, in the process of publishing over a dozen books. Cracked open a universe of exotic adventure, ultimate babes, gadgets, and equipment. Ultimately shaping the spy genre as we all realize it today.
Even though Fleming and his writing come with a fair share of negative pulls (Don’t know exactly what we’re talking about? Here’s an overview). There’s no denying the impact of his world and characters. We’ve put together a listing of Ian Fleming’s best James Bond novels and what makes them live and let die. Let’s have a look.
Best James Bond Novels
1. Live and Let Die (1954):
The 2nd best book in the James Bond novels series, Fleming absolutely tortures Bond’s novel. It’s gripping to envision the effortless and unbeatable spy crumble, then equally as hoorah-worthy when he bounces back.
Bond babe and fortune-teller Solitaire is ensnarled with the Voodoo Baron of Death. Mr. Big, who sits atop SMERSH (aka a fictional Russian intelligence agency) and leads Bond down a dark and dangerous journey through the Everglades, Harlem, along with other moody haunts.
Be forewarned:
1) the configurations are somewhat drab.
2 ) this book’s major flaw is its racist language. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t indicate a reprint with this language removed. Much like Huck Finn, it’s eye-opening to see the cultural climate the writer was writing in.
2. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1963):
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service are Fleming’s 11th best James Bond novels and a surprisingly tender twist for the traditionally lust-filled secret agent. Bond’s guard is let down, and we get a genuine sense of the man grieving behind the Beretta.
It’s a twist in itself to see Fleming write about love and loss, but in turn, we miss out on several elements beloved to these books: i.e., sex, action, and intrigue.
3. You Only Live Twice (1964):
Following Bond’s wife is murdered towards the end of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, we’re thanked for a climactic bang between the broken-down 007 and Ernst Stavro Blofeld, probably the most iconic villains from the James Bond series.
Book 12 delivers a dénouement, almost closing up the SPECTRE trilogy as Bond gets to kill the man who murdered his wife. This last fight scene is wicked cool and set in a Japanese castle. Then again, it’s not really worth owning a $25,000 initial edition.
4. For Your Eyes Only (1960):
Book eight in the 007 catalogs, For Your Eyes Only is really a collection of short stories such as “Quantum of Solace,” “Risico,” and “The Hildebrand Rarity.” Anticipate wild romps, from assassinations to heroin rings. And a good deal of sinister ladies.
The 007 books are fairly short anyway. But these shorts are amazingly gratifying and complete if you don’t have time for a full spy novel. Not much to complain about here. But additionally not as beefy as one completely formed book. A plus? You don’t have to know the acronyms and backgrounds of any Bond baddies to understand what’s going on.
5. Dr. No (1958):
Dr. No, one of Fleming’s many vivid novels, sweeps you away to the humid island of Jamaica and carries you along for the covert ride as 007 investigates the suspicious Dr. Julius No. Rather than exotic globe-trotting, this story is localized and romantic (a success probably due to Fleming writing the novel in his Goldeneye property in Jamaica).
The book also has an unforgettable torture obstacle course that Dr. No subjects Bond to, such as electric shocks and wrestling a giant octopus. It’s straightforward, an excellent pleasure to read one of the sexier books that despised in the UK.
6. Thunderball (1961):
Fleming served in the Navy, and this knowledge-set arrived in the clutch when writing the aquatic spy tale, Thunderball. This engaging and octane rating adventure makes for one of Fleming’s best works.
Bond babe Domino is a killer, headstrong, and driven by revenge to kill Largo (who killed her brother). She ends up harpooning him.
Thunderball also introduced the aforementioned iconic Bond villain, Ernst Blofeld, who returns in two more novels. The writing itself is sharp and human anatomy piercing, and the Bahamas setting jumps off the page.
7. From Russia With Love (1957):
Move over Fifty Shades of Grey because Fleming is at the sheets. From Russia With Love is a sexy, sexy Bond book, so expect to feel flushed with Tatiana Romanov first meets James.
The format is also fresh and inventive a broad jump for Fleming, who had written four 007 novels before this. Bond doesn’t appear in the first 3rd of the book as Fleming sets the stage and plan of the Soviet Union plot.
It had been a mature and dangerous move that indicated a sterile pivot from the status quo. Fleming also captures our attention with believable and robust characters and exotic creative thinking, taking Bond from Istanbul to Paris.
8. Moonraker (1955):
The third time’s the allure because Fleming hit on his 007 strides with Moonraker. Considered the origin of the spy novel genre, this Bond book revolves around an atomic bomb threat.
Bond is coupled with among the best heroines of Fleming’s writing, officer Brand, that works for Scotland Yard and never drops for James’ charms and seduction. Many will argue it’s the only best James bond novels Fleming ever wrote and the only one you need to read.
9. Casino Royale (1953):
The entire world was introduced to James Bond upon Casino Royale’s release, starting probably the most iconic and productive spy show in history. I can’t logically advise starting your 007 reading list with almost any novel other than Casino Royale, where Fleming paints the entire world and man down to each bit of information.
The pages are rich and dense with detail. However you could inform Fleming put his blood, perspiration, and time into this novel. He built a formula that all of the following levels would adopt so that it’s exciting to see it unfold with fresh eyes.
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