Ian Flemingis the most influential writer of spy fiction.
His approach resonated with readers: Bond quickly became a hit and, later, a cultural icon.
Those waiting impatiently for the next Bond film could do worse than to check out some of the books.
Image by Jefferson Chacon
Here are all of the Fleming Bond novels, ranked by the users of the book review site Goodreads.
Bond enters the scene when he stops at the motel during a mission.
Plus, there are some controversial phrases here that are truly jarring to read.
“Octopussy & The Living Daylightsis a short story collection rather than a novel.
Meanwhile, inThe Living Daylights, Bond receives a mission to protect a British agent defecting from East Berlin.
Bond tracks Scaramanga to Jamaica, where he infiltrates a lavish party and gathers intelligence on his criminal operations.
This was the last of Fleming’s Bond novels.
He died after completing the first draft, meaning that copy editors were left to ready it for readers.
As a result, it’s rougher around the edges and most of the books in the series.
Readers looking to get into the series ought not to begin with this one.
Mr. Big is also believed to be involved in voodoo, adding a supernatural element to the danger.
The plot is brisk and loaded with intrigue, nearly on the level of its predecessor,Casino Royale.
It was published in 1954, after all, and is a product of its time.
10’Diamonds Are Forever' (1956)
Rating: 3.64/5
“Nothing is forever.
Only death is permanent.”
Disguised as a courier, 007 partners with Tiffany Case, a savvy diamond smuggler with a complex past.
Their mission takes them from the depths of the criminal underworld to the glitziest Las Vegas casinos.
Once again, Fleming serves up a solid plot populated with colorful characters, especially the villains.
The writing style is also concise and clear, except for wearisome paragraphs describing gambling in detail.
There’s also a lot more filler here, with mediocre stretches between the action.
While not bad,it’s not top-tier Bond.
For example, three movies take their titles from this collection.
The plots also benefit from the short story format.
“Casino Royalewas the debut Bond novel andundoubtedly one of the best.
Bond’s gambling prowess and cool demeanor are put to the test, as danger rises at every turn.
Within a few years, Bond would become a veritable institution.
The plot is less action-packed in this one, with the focus instead on Bond’s diplomatic efforts.
Most of the scenes are simply conversations, with no shootouts or derring-do.
Notably,Doctor Nowas the first Bond novel to receive negative reviews in the UK.
They had a point.
The characterization is also undercooked.
5’Moonraker' (1955)
“‘They want us dead,’ said Bond calmly.
“‘So we have to stay alive.'”
The Moonraker missile, intended as a defense weapon, is actually designed to devastate London.
Fleming plays on all these issues with lean prose, vivid detail, and some of his best-written dialogue.
Plus, the early chapters focus a lot more on Bond’s private life, which is also enjoyable.
