Moonraker (1955)

The third book in the series and my third Bond book read. I'm starting to see all the quirks that make this character intriguing. In this book, we have more scenes with cars and more gentlemen's parlor tricks. Also, we have our first truly global catastrophe. The villain's are getting better and, consequently, more greedy and domineering in their chaotic and vengeful schemes.

One other thing about these books that make it interesting is that Bond is sort of an anti-romantic. Bond has the impulsive nature of a romantic but the resilience to move on quite quickly. Bond doesn't dwell, but Bond also doesn't superficially feel. Of course, there have been hints of Bond's distaste for relationships, and the movies have certainly made Bond to be a player of women. But I daresay that there is something of the romantic about Bond, as if Fleming were scared to admit that Bond, although a hardened secret agent and killer, has all the gentlemanly qualities and even the ones that are considered "unmanly." ( )

My edition Canada: General Books (ISBN 0 7736 7211 7), 1989 ( )

The usual Bond story. Entertaining, but no variation of the theme. The novel is way different from the movie, but that is not surprising considering when it was written. As with all Bond novels so far, I enjoyed, in fact it was a compelling read, but I never expect to re-read. ( )

I ordered four of the original James Bond thrillers to have a matched set replacing old worn out paperbacks. The books are much more exciting and believable than the gadget filled overglossy charactered movies. The story lines are more subtle. Those that prefer the movies cannot be true readers. ( )

Bond's third outing under the pen of Fleming and I have to say each book gets better.

Anyone familiar with the film will not find a lot in common here, there is no space battle or metal toothed baddy Jaws. However we do find the evil genius Hugo Drax and his Moonraker rocket a plan to devastate.

It all starts off with M asking Bond to investigate Drax and his inexplicable winning streak at cards. Bond immediately falls foul of Drax good side and receives a deadly warning.
At the moonraker plant a rocket has been developed to safeguard the UK’s future, Drax is the man behind the project and become a national heroes. However when a strange murders committed Bond is assigned in the dead mans place. Can he foil the plot with the help of the beautiful Gala Brand?

A well written novel that allows the reader to see a different side to Bond than at the cinema. This is a gritty world where not even the great James Bond always gets the girl. ( )