Casino Royale

by Ian Fleming
Casino Royale cover
Good Books rating 3.75
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £20.00
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  • ID: 9069
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Editorial Department · 2025-02-11
mixed 3.00

The novel lacks the typical James Bond tropes and has a disjointed structure, but it remains an engaging read. The story is compelling despite its flaws.

The reviewer notes that 'Casino Royale' is a departure from the typical James Bond novels, lacking gadgets and car chases. The story structure is somewhat disjointed, and the mission doesn't span the entire book. However, the narrative is still engaging and keeps the reader interested. The reviewer appreciates the unique approach but acknowledges that it might not be for everyone. The lack of typical Bond elements is both a strength and a weakness, making the book feel fresh but also somewhat incomplete.

Quick quotes

    A James Bond novel without a book-spanning mission, a somewhat disjointed story structure, no gadgets, no car chases, and a dearth of tropes.

    The story is compelling despite its flaws.

    The narrative is still engaging and keeps the reader interested.

Atticus Books · 2023-07-28
good 3.50

The novel is a good spy thriller but suffers from shallow characterisation and outdated attitudes. It's enjoyable but not groundbreaking.

The reviewer finds 'Casino Royale' to be a solid spy thriller with a good pace and engaging plot. However, they note that the characterisation is shallow and some attitudes are outdated. The book is enjoyable and provides a good read, but it doesn't stand out as groundbreaking. The reviewer appreciates the historical context and the thrilling moments but feels that the characters could have been developed more deeply. Overall, it's a good book but not a great one.

Quick quotes

    Overall, Fleming's novel is a good spy thriller, hampered by shallow characterisation and outdated attitudes.

    Is it better than the film? The reviewer appreciates the historical context and the thrilling moments.

    The book is enjoyable and provides a good read, but it doesn't stand out as groundbreaking.

Ruined Chapel · 2021-12-17
excellent 4.00

The novel is praised for its clear and well-written account of heroic actions during the war. It's a gripping read that captures the essence of the post-war period.

This review highlights 'Casino Royale' as a gripping read that captures the essence of the post-war period. The reviewer praises the clear and well-written account of heroic actions during the war, noting that truth can be stranger than fiction. They appreciate the novel's ability to transport readers to a different time and place, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes that while the novel may be slightly outdated, it's still a good read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    Dalzel-Job gives a clear, well-written and extremely humble account of his heroic actions during the war.

    Truth is stranger than fiction, they say.

    It's a gripping read that captures the essence of the post-war period.

The Guardian · 2006-11-25
excellent 4.50

The novel is enormous fun and essential for understanding postwar imaginative life. It's a must-read for Bond fans.

The reviewer describes 'Casino Royale' as enormous fun and a crucial read for understanding the imaginative life of postwar Britain. They highlight the book's engaging narrative and its importance in the James Bond series. The reviewer appreciates the book's historical context and its role in shaping the spy genre. They believe it's a must-read for fans of the series and anyone interested in postwar literature. The book's charm and historical significance make it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    Aside from being enormous fun, Ian Fleming's Casino Royale is essential for a complete picture of the imaginative postwar life of this country.

    The book's engaging narrative and its importance in the James Bond series.

    The book's charm and historical significance make it a standout read.

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