You Only Live Twice

by Ian Fleming
You Only Live Twice cover
Good Books rating 2.67
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £20.00
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Technical
  • ID: 9063
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780099578048
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In 'You Only Live Twice,' James Bond is shattered by the murder of his wife at the hands of Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Given one last chance by M, Bond must infiltrate and destroy the Castle of Death, a sinister fortress atop a rocky Japanese island. To succeed, he must learn the skills of ninja warriors and face his ultimate enemy in a battle to the death. The novel explores themes of revenge, redemption, and the psychological toll of Bond's missions, set against the backdrop of Japanese culture and espionage. This thrilling installment in the James Bond series showcases Ian Fleming's signature blend of action, intrigue, and vivid description. The Castle of Death serves as a chilling and atmospheric setting, while Bond's internal struggle adds depth to the character. Jeffrey Deaver praises Bond as 'a hero for all time,' highlighting the enduring appeal of this iconic spy.

Reviews
hoodcp.wordpress.com · 2022-02-04
mixed 2.50

The novel is described as convoluted and less exciting, with notable plot holes. Despite this, it offers a unique setting and cultural exploration.

This review highlights the novel's flaws, particularly its convoluted plot and lack of excitement compared to other Bond stories. The reviewer points out significant plot holes that detract from the overall experience. However, they appreciate the unique setting in Japan and the cultural elements that Fleming brings to the story. It's a mixed bag, but the cultural exploration is a standout aspect.

Quick quotes

    They are two completely different stories that happen to share the same title.

    Overall no, simply due to the more convoluted, less exciting and plot-holed.

    Very interesting to see it set in Japan and deal with the culture.

supposedlyfun.com · 2016-09-05
disappointing 2.00

The review criticizes the novel's high-stakes games as laughable and unconvincing. It also notes the lack of the typical Bond excitement.

This reviewer finds the high-stakes games in the novel, such as rock, paper, scissors, to be laughably unconvincing compared to the intense casino showdowns in other Bond stories. They miss the typical excitement and thrill that Bond novels usually offer. The review suggests that this particular installment falls short in delivering the usual Bond experience, making it less engaging and more mundane.

Quick quotes

    This is a Bond novel that laughably pretends rock, paper, scissors can be a high stakes game like Bond's casino showdown with Le Chiffre in Casino Royale.

    It's not a bad book, but it's not a great one either.

    The lack of typical Bond excitement is noticeable.

berniegourley.com · 2013-04-02
fun 3.50

The novel is described as delightfully campy and entertaining, though it was not intended to be so. It offers a unique and enjoyable read.

This reviewer finds the novel to be delightfully campy and entertaining, even if it wasn't meant to be that way when it was first published. They appreciate the unique and enjoyable aspects of the story, making it a standout in the Bond series. The review suggests that the novel's campy nature adds to its charm and makes it a fun read, despite its flaws. It's a refreshing take on the Bond series that offers something different.

Quick quotes

    You Only Live Twice is an entertaining read, but it's best described as delightfully campy.

    However, it wasn't meant to be camp when it came out.

    It offers a unique and enjoyable read.

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