Book info

• Title On Her Majesty's Secret Service
• Author Ian Fleming
• Year 1963
• Genres Thriller, Espionage

Ernst Stavro Blofeld, head of the terrorist organization SPECTRE, is holed up in his Alpine base, conducting research into a terrifying biological weapon. 007's mission is to gain access to Blofeld's icy retreat and gather information vital to guaranteeing world safety. A new alliance with the troubled daughter of the head of the French mafia offers 007 the chance to bring down his nemesis once and for all - but will Bond be prepared to pay the ultimate price for victory?

Thoughts

After short stories and a book in which Bond barely featured, we’re back to the best with our favourite spy having to battle to save the world from a terrible fate. I really liked this, I listened to the audiobook which was read by David Tennant, so of course that’s already a step up in terms of enjoyment. He read it so well, dipping in to his Scottish lilt when required.

In terms of the story, this is one that really aligns so closely with the film you can almost picture every scene, and it’s such a good adventure. I also thought Bond’s decision to marry was so interesting, this is probably one of the least fleshed out women of the series and this is who he chooses to attach himself too, I think it says a lot more about Bond at this time in his life. But that brutal ending was just as harrowing to get through as it was in the film. Great book.

Rating: 5 / 5