A Bond origin story true fans will love

This is Horowitz’s second Bond continuation novel, the first was Trigger Mortis. Probably the most successful of the authors who have taken on the Bond franchise with the blessing of the Fleming estate as he captures the original novels’ eccentricities and the sheer ruthlessness of the literary Bond who was a ‘blunt instrument’ - ostensibly an assassin. The challenge is to produce an original storyline that works in the contemporary world within the strict constraints of the Bond ‘formula’ and Horowitz handles the brief with ease. As with most of the modern Bond titles, this one is set in the past - in effect it’s Bond’s ‘origin story’ - how he became 007. The narration is spot on, beautifully done. Worth looking at Horowitz’s Sherlock Holmes continuation novels, The House of Silk and Moriarty, if you liked this, they’re similarly excellent.

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Unexpectedly brilliant

I’m not a huge bond fan but I had a spare credit and it came up on recommend for you sounded interesting so I thought I’d give it a try
Totally unexpectedly brilliantly written the story line is great
Anthony Horowitz has created the perfect start for bond
He didn’t fall into the trap of trying to modernise bond he kept bond true to the era that he would have been in
There was enough twists to keep it interesting which can be difficult to accomplish in fast paced books
Lots of action which the Narrator read brilliantly
I loved the Narrator throughout he was a perfect choice for the book
I Thoroughly recommend this book even if your not a big bond fan

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007, The Beginning.

Loved this book. Pre Casino Royale and we see the development of Bond into a secret service agent with a licence to kill. Set in the 50's and in the South of France it just feels like old school Bond. Well developed story and nicely narrated. Go enjoy.

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Brilliant narration

This book keeps with Ian Flemings Bond, brilliantly written and Matthew Goode as the narrator was superb. Really felt his voice embodied everything about Bond, would love to hear more books read by him.

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Fantastic Prequel

This was a fantastic audiobook! I do love a Bond audiobook and this one, the prequel to the iconic Ian Fleming series, is brilliant! This book takes place before Casino Royale, the book that introduced the world to 007 and it’s been done so well. It’s got everything you’d expect from a Bond story, the evil mastermind with a dastardly plan, the henchman, the beautiful woman with an interesting name, a fast car and a rather slow one, plus a gorgeous location. Anthony Horowitz obviously knows the Bond books very well, as it really did feel like it was part of the series, especially how he included Bond’s infamous Martini and his favourite cigarettes. Matthew Goode’s narration was perfect, especially his portrayal of M, Bond, and Madam 16. He’s definitely being added to my favourite narrators list. I definitely recommend this to lovers of the Bond books and to new readers/listeners

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Excellent

An excellent Bond continuation novel that takes Bond back to the time, early in his career, when he first becomes a OO at the start of his career. An enjoyable listen made even better by the narrators great voice and performance. Highly recommended.

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Horowitz does Fleming justice

Ian Fleming wrote 14 Bond novels, I believe this book to be the 48th written in the series and 1st in the canon. Anthony Horowitz has adopted the Fleming style and presented a very good first outing for the newly accredited 00 agent. I liked it.

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short and simplistic plot but still entertaining

well written with a "modern bond" and modern "bond girl" that I enjoyed a lot. good read, but should be given away free as a taster of things to come, more complex story with bit more "meat".

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Are we sure Ian Fleming is dead?

This is an absolutely brilliant book by Anthony Horowitz. If I didn't know better I'd have said it was written by Fleming himself. Great characters, superb villains & a maniacal plot. Amazing. And great narration too.

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Hate James Bond films, loved this!

Brilliantly read, highly enjoyable story, only bought it as its by Horowitz as Im not a JB fan but very glad I did :)

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