Ms. Baites created an interesting narrative, combining it with informative information and fascinating characters
Colonel Sun by Robert Markham is the first novel featuring British secret agent James Bond, 007, not written by Ian Fleming, the original author
James Bond: Black Box by Benjamin Percy (art by Rapha Lobosco) is a solid entry into Dynamite’s Bond library even though the plot is weak and predictable, but well written
The novel is not unreadable, it is enjoyable for the Bond fans, but it is far from being one of the best in the series
I truly enjoyed Ms. Mantel’s writing, it is sharp, distinct and lively. The portrayal of the characters is excellent and they all come to life in her hands
The story was written after the film Dr. No was released, literary 007 gotten some of cinematic Bond’s persona.
The story has many surprises and some twists which kept up my interest to the end.
The author writes about the challenges of living in the region for both Jews and Arabs, especially for young people who struggle with identity and family.
James Bond, agent 007 of British Secret Service, returns to London from a vengeance mission in Helsinki and resumes the boring duties of the 00 section. Soon enough he gets a new mission, this time in Berlin to break a drug trafficking cartel.
The story is, of course, dated and some of it seem downright laughable or cringe worthy if not keeping in mind the attitudes at the times towards women and minorities.