Members with This Book
Most Helpful Reviews
see all reviews
Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “To be what started it all, it was an odd book. It was nothing like I thought it would be. I just re-read a few years back as the movie was coming out. It still amazes me that this started one of the most famous franchise of books and movies ever. The story is great. The characters are great....” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “James Bond, the name that comes to the everyone's mind when they hear the word spy. I can see why that name is not "Ian Fleming." Not especially well written, with choppy chapters and boring explanations about the intricacies of card games and organizations that left me with a very vague idea...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
see all reviews-
“Book 1”
Chuck H wrote this review 7 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The first book and possibly the last to be made into a film, not counting the 67 spoof. A tough, misogynist Bond sent on a mission to outplay LeChiffre at baccarat (we get a tutorial for free) so that Smersh will take out LeChiffre in turn. There are no gadgets, no Q and a scarcity of witty one liners. Rightly so, this is intended to portray a hard-drinking and chain-smoking Bond, rough at the edges, but gets the job done. Craig Daniel did a marvelous job in his first outing, despite protests and hate-mail from fans of Pierce. The movie was also a true rendition of the book, unlike most of the previous Bond movies. The book is best read at one sitting, as it is fast-paced and tightly written towards the end.”
Ken W wrote this review Saturday, November 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“haven't read since grade school; must re-read”
Jasmine T wrote this review Wednesday, October 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“James Bond, the name that comes to the everyone's mind when they hear the word spy. I can see why that name is not "Ian Fleming." Not especially well written, with choppy chapters and boring explanations about the intricacies of card games and organizations that left me with a very vague idea of what was going on, Casino Royale is a rather lethargic read. Adding to my case is the fact that Bond it seems is the only character that Fleming truly cares about to the slightest degree, and clear signs of sexism show in nearly every chapter. My conclusion, Ian Fleming was not a talented author, he was just a man with a great idea. I never thought I would say this, but go see the movie instead.”
Chris L wrote this review Thursday, October 15 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“The first and one of the best Bond books. A great read that introduces one of the most famous characters in modern fiction and pop culture.”
Saul P wrote this review Friday, October 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“First Bond novel - James Bond is sent to beat KGB agent at casino table, is tricked and trapped, graphic torture scene, betrayed by the girl but escapes with his life to see another adventure- cold outlook”
Jane H wrote this review Friday, October 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Read all these novels when about 11 years old.”
Robert B wrote this review Sunday, October 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“it was full of suspense and logical explanation. It is one of the first 007 and it is also the best. i think this is one of the many best book I've ever read.”
Mickey T wrote this review Thursday, October 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“As the first book in the series, it answers some questions you may not get in later volumes. In the book, it explains how James Bond did his first two kills in cold blood, requirements to get a 00 number. I'd always wondered what he did during the war.
David P wrote this review Wednesday, September 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I wondered how the story would be able to do very much if it was centered all in the casino. I think that as a movie, it would be a bit of a bore.
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I did think that something was strange with Vesper, I just didn't expect what happened in the end. The British Intelligence Services, like the American ones, have had many (some complete) penetrations by the Soviet Union.”
