Thunderball

by Ian Fleming
Thunderball cover
Good Books rating 2.67
Thriller/Suspense
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £20.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9066
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • Published: 1961-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In THUNDERBALL, Ian Fleming's James Bond is pitted against the sinister SPECTRE organization, which has stolen two nuclear warheads. Bond, now a member of the top-secret service, is tasked with recovering the warheads before they can be used for nefarious purposes. The stakes are higher than ever, and Bond must use all his skills and cunning to outwit his enemies and save the world from destruction. /n/n The novel is a classic example of Fleming's ability to blend action, intrigue, and suspense. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, THUNDERBALL captures the tension and paranoia of the era. Bond's character is further developed, showcasing his intelligence, bravery, and charm. The book is a must-read for fans of the spy genre and anyone who enjoys a thrilling adventure.

Reviews
Fantasy Literature · 2025-05-09
positive 4.50

The novel is considered one of the best in the James Bond series, with a compelling narrative and strong character dynamics. The reviewer praises the book's action and scene-setting.

Fantasy Literature highlights 'Thunderball' as one of the standout books in the James Bond series, praising its compelling narrative and strong character dynamics. The reviewer particularly enjoys the action sequences and the vivid scene-setting, which bring the story to life. The relationship between Bond and Felix Leiter is noted as a highlight, adding depth to the novel. The overall sentiment is positive, with the reviewer appreciating the book's strengths and recommending it to fans of the series.

Quick quotes

    "Thunderball is, for me, one of the best of the bunch."

    "The novel's action sequences and vivid scene-setting bring the story to life."

    "The relationship between Bond and Felix Leiter adds depth to the novel."

Coffee Addicted Writer · 2021-10-05
mixed 2.50

The reviewer appreciates the writing but finds the story tiring due to familiarity with multiple adaptations. The novel is well-written but lacks freshness for those who have seen the films.

The reviewer at Coffee Addicted Writer acknowledges the quality of Fleming's writing in 'Thunderball' but expresses fatigue with the story, having seen both the 1965 film and 'Never Say Never Again' multiple times. While the novel is well-written, the familiarity of the plot makes it less engaging. The reviewer appreciates the effort but finds it difficult to enjoy the story due to its repetitive nature. The overall sentiment is mixed, with a recognition of the book's strengths tempered by a sense of weariness.

Quick quotes

    "While it's well written, I am tired of the story."

    "I've seen both the 1965 film and 'Never Say Never Again' multiple times."

    "The familiarity of the plot makes it less engaging."

Leigh Turner's Blog · Leigh Turner · 2020-11-21
critical 1.00

The novel is seen as a significant factor in Ian Fleming's declining health, with its lengthy and dull narrative being particularly criticized. The reviewer highlights the visible roots of Fleming's death in this work.

Leigh Turner delves into the impact of 'Thunderball' on Ian Fleming's life, suggesting that the novel's lengthy and dull narrative contributed to his declining health. Turner describes the book as 'long and immensely dull,' echoing Fleming's own words. The reviewer notes that the novel's weaknesses are evident, and it stands out as a less engaging entry in the James Bond series. Turner's analysis provides a critical perspective on the book's role in Fleming's life and work.

Quick quotes

    "The roots of Ian Fleming's death are visible in the 8th James Bond novel, published in 1961."

    "Even he described it as 'long and immensely dull'."

    "The novel's weaknesses are evident, and it stands out as a less engaging entry in the James Bond series."

Appears in Lists