In preparing for this review, I decided to repeat the actions of my review of Moonraker by reading the Amazon.com summary of the plot of the Diamonds are Forever film. The only thing I came away with from said exercise is the fact that I cannot believe whomever owned the Bond rights at the time allowed this film to be made. Could they have even read the book? Unlike Moonraker, this film does seem to represent a few more actual plot points from the book…just a few. The experience I had with this book is similar to that I have had with the others…I came away with a healthy respect for the writing talents of Ian Fleming.
There is perhaps nothing more gratifying than when a novel exceeds your expectations; when you turn that last page, close the book, and smile contentedly. That is exactly the experience that I have just had with the third book in Ian Fleming’s James Bond canon, Moonraker.
The reboot of the James Bond franchise in Casino Royale was one of Hollywood’s pleasant surprises last year. I left the movie with an appreciation for the character that I hadn’t previously possessed and a desire to give Ian Fleming’s novels a try. I purchased and quickly devoured Casino Royale, finding the book a gripping, tightly written adventure story. I determined then and there to try to get through all the Ian Fleming 007 books this year. The second on the list, Live and Let Die, has nearly derailed that uberlist goal.
Neil Gaiman, Bram Stoker, Patricia A. McKillip, Harry Harrison, Edgar Allan Poe…in its two years of existence, this blog is littered with comments about said authors. These are the authors whose works I tend to devour and who frequently find their way on to my re-read list. Although I have read a number of astounding books by other authors in my lifetime, it is these 5 particularly whose novels are significant signposts marking memorable points along my reading journey. I believe I am ready to annoint John Scalzi as a member of this pantheon of my literary heroes.
*Updated post from yesterday: The Review! (No spoilers)*
It is finished! My first completed book of 2007, and a rolicking good time it was. It has been a long time since I have stayed up past the witching hour to finish a book, but what better time to be reading about vampires?
