This is only the second James Bond book I've read so far so I don't have much to compare it too in terms to James Bond books, but I have read about 3 or 4 Jeffery Deavers books. First things first, I did enjoy this book, I liked how Bond was portrayed and felt it was a great modern interpretation of the James Bond character. I enjoyed the plot and surrounding character's in the book. By his writing, if I didn't know any better I would have thought that Deavers is an English authour, which is not the case. I enjoyed how he didn't Americanize the literature and keep the sayings and spelling true to the original form. I would like to see him do another James Bond novel but I believe they have passed that honour onto another. The only thing I wish I got more out of the novel would be the side plot involving the steel cartridge and his parents.

The latest James Bond novel "Carte Blanche" starts out promisingly, where 007 is cleverly updated to today. However, it quickly descends into what amounts to another failed attempt to continue in the spirit of the creator, Ian Fleming. In fact, it reads more like a recent Daniel Craig film rather than a Bond novel. Except for Kingley Amis in 1968, all the recent Bond authors suffered from the heavy influences of the Bond movies; but, as Jeffrey Deaver is an accomplished author, I was disappointed to see not only how much his book reads like a movie, but the numerous references to film in his story (eg, Mary Goodnight resembles Kate Winslet; Bond believed that if DiCaprio and Damon could master the South African accent, then he could too). Also, there are way too many gadgets and quips. I expected Deaver to present a Bond "book" not a Bond "movie." There are too many inconsequential characters in the story, but most disappointing is the villain. Named Severan Hydt, he is built up creepily enough, with his long yellow fingernails and perverse arousal from death and decay, but the payoff is a cheat as we learn he's not the main baddie after all! James Bond of the books is not the same as the movie Bond -- and he shouldn't be. I think young readers might enjoy "Carte Blanche," but those of us who read Fleming will agree that he created the spy world of James Bond that, while certainly dated, never fails to prove that nobody does it better.

I have read many of Ian Fleming's 007 books and enjoyed them immensely. I also enjoyed Sebastian Faulks' take on James Bond, however I was overjoyed to see that Jeffrey Deaver had brought everyone's favourite secret agent into the modern era. It was a recipe for success with the latest James Bond films, starring Daniel Craig, and in my opinion it is so for this novel as well. What's more, Deaver has successfully done so while keeping much of what Flemings' fans loved so much about his work. The writing is painstakingly descriptive, yet action packed. It contains all the necessary ingredients of a bond story: weapons, beautiful women, tradecraft, technology, specialized drinks, fast cars, and of course, exotic locales. It has a very good plot, that flows quickly, with excellent character development, and a few really good twists. I couldn't put it down, but at the same time, I didn't want it to end. For me, that's the sign of a very enjoyable read. I certainly hope that this isn't a one shot deal, and that Jeffrey Deaver will write another James Bond novel, and perhaps a few more after that. I purchased the e-book version for my Kobo.

The Good Stuff * This is my first James Bond book ever and I was seriously impressed. I love spy movies but have never been a fan of spy books, usually way too much detail and bored with all the spy stuff. But this was fabulous * Fast paced plot with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing * The right blend of action and intrigue for both the spy novel fan and those who usually are not keen on this sort of thing * Stays true to the James Bond mythology but at the same time brings him into the modern age. Done without losing what makes you love Bond, fabulous cars, great gadgets, excitement and hot bond girls * Great character names * After reading this I am off to pick up some more Jeffery Deaver books, I really enjoy the way he writes * Lots of intrigue and on the edge of your seat scenes - sort of like watching a Bond flick * Writes a good Bond, sort of pictured him as a mix of Daniel Craig and Timothy Dalton with a little bit of Connery thrown in - would totally want to wake up in bed with him * Nicely multicultural and not as misogynistic * Interesting back history on James Bond's parents The Not so Good Stuff * M is a man -- I know historically he has been a Man, but I have loved that in the movies M is now a women * Some boring spy descriptions -- now for true spy novel fans this point should go in above section, but hey I am being honest about MY particular enjoyment of the book Favorite Quotes/Passages "He shaved with a heavy, double-bladed safety razor, its handle of light buffalo horn. He used this fine accessory not because it was greener to the environment than the plastic disposables that most men employed but simply because it gave a better shave - and required some skill to wield; James Bond found comfort even in small challenges." "Evil, James Bond had learned, can be tirelessly patient." "And don't worry. My second favorite way to wake up is to the sound of champagne opening." She responded to this with a subtle smile." Who should/shouldn't read * Perfect for James Bond purists and those new to the genre * Great for fans of intrigue and spy stories 4 Dewey's I received this from Bookalicious at the Yummy Mummy Club. Plus I bought my own copy to be signed for my hubby and me