a very traditional Bond

As the saying goes "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Deaver has embraced the standard Flemming blue-print for a Bond wholeheartedly. In an age where the general populus are well aquainted with MI5 and MI6, Bond is part of a more covert organisation. The plot was engaging and politically bang up to date. The super-sexy voice of Toby Stephens added the extra snarl that Bond needs. The book reminded me very much of Casino Royale as an introduction to Bond in a new time. I did find myself wondering whether there was some product placement in the book, though a friend who works for one of the car companies mentioned was overjoyed that Bond was in one of his cars!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Much better than expected

Although I've read lots of Jeffrey Deaver and possibly all the other versions of Bond books, I still hesitated to buy this book, but I'm glad I did. I usually read while walking to and from work and I found myself slowing down so I could listen longer. The audio equivalent of not being able to put the book down!
The reason for not giving it 5 stars was that although Mr Deaver really respected the character, sometimes it felt like he was trying too hard to make him British but I thought that he successfully brought Bond into the 21st century. I also enjoyed Toby Stephens' reading which was well paced.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Better than Fleming.

Really enjoyed this; it's better than the Fleming books, which I have listened to with growing irritation!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

"Bond .......... James Bond"

Would you listen to Carte Blanche again? Why?

Plenty of twists and turns and surprises - worth another listen to try and keep up better next time.
Need decent period of wait to forget the real plot outcomes.

What did you like best about this story?

Unpredictability of the outcomes although this became predictable in itself by the end!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The combat scene descriptions were exciting and convincing.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Mind the rubbish doesn't leave you starving

Any additional comments?

A neat thriller with great locations and plenty of action. James Bond is back.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Where have all the good Bond villains gone?

Where does Carte Blanche rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was good although not up among the best. i felt it started well and i was enjoying it but as the story progressed i felt it was struggling to maintain that standard.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

As with any Bond, the villain is most important. They used to be after world domination but in this case it's just a business venture with a weird fetish thrown in to spice things up

Have you listened to any of Toby Stephens’s other performances? How does this one compare?

i haven't heard any other performances from Toby Stephens but i'd be happy to hear more. i think he's suited for a Bond story

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

no - it's a James Bond book i don't think they're aiming for you to be moved

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The Best of Bond

A supberb plot maintaining tension throughout. Containing Jeffery Deaver's trademark twists and turns at key points in the action. A brilliant narration by TS has created one of the best Bond stories ever.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Good narration

Classic James Bond action in Europe and S.Africa with a plot of double crosses, red herrings and flirtatious encounters

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Bond grows up

Its exciting, its witty and Bond has a conscience. Deaver gives Bond a history and morality that makes him a modern man. Twists and turns in the plot follow the tradition of Bond novels and a few gadgets.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Mmm the jury is out

Enjoyed the narration by Toby Stephens.

I like Jeffrey Deaver's writing and I have read a fair few of his novels, however this just did not do it for me.

If you are a James Bond fan you will of course love it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

An really enjoyable Bond story

Although a fan of the films, I’ve never read a bond book before so I have nothing to compare it against, but this was a really enjoyable story.

Narrated brilliantly, fast paced and plenty of plot twists you’d expect from 007. Would certainly recommend.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!