Solo
By William Boyd
- Release Date: 2013-10-08
- Genre: Fiction & Literature
Description
One of our most acclaimed authors takes on a legendary literary character, James Bond -- producing a smart and stylish narrative of international espionage, conspiracy, and war
It’s 1969, and, just having celebrated his 45th birthday, British agent James Bond -- 007 -- is summoned to headquarters to receive an unusual mission. Voltazia, a troubled West African nation, is being wracked by a bitter civil war, and M directs Bond to squash the rebel forces threatening the established regime. Bond senses that he’s not getting the full story about Britain’s interest in the outcome.
His landing in Voltazia begins a feverish mission to discover the forces behind this brutal war -- and Bond realizes the situation is far from straightforward. The beautiful and brilliant Ellie Ogilvy-Grant, his intelligence liaison on the ground, seems to be Bond’s best weapon -- until the two are captured by rebel forces and her allegiances become unclear. Bond escapes and returns home alive, but as he pieces together the real story behind the violence in Voltazia, he knows his life is in danger. The conspiracy extends further than Bond ever imagined, and only by crossing the Atlantic can he connect the dots between a dying African military leader, British and American intelligence forces, and a humanitarian aid group whose intentions are far from innocent.
Moving from rebel battlefields in West Africa to the closed doors of intelligence offices in London and Washington, this novel is at once a gripping thriller, a tensely plotted story full of memorable characters and breathtaking twists, and a masterful study of power and how it’s wielded -- a brilliant addition to the James Bond canon.
Reviews
Solo
5By kate and nates tunesFine continuation to the 007 saga. Written with style and humanism. The Bond I'd like to know.the story line was fresh and had plausible twists and turns..Solo
5By BcdksuGREAT STORY!!! Loved the fact that it was set in 1969 and Bond was in his mid 40s.Welcome back, Commander Bond.
5By Nei-BombLove it! Been reading Ian Fleming's James Bond OO7 books repeatedly since I was 15. Must confess that "Solo" is indeed a rare treat. Keeps moving with a strong pace in the narrative. Interesting story and a great car (Jensen Interceptor II). Bond is back in action at an interesting time in history in one of the most interesting places in the world. And the women, don't get me started...solo
2By stevoo872nice tryBravo
5By ScherbExceptional 007 novel!Solo
3By DaveWhitt64This is not Ian Fleming's James Bond. This one is more introspective and more prone to make mistakes. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the book. But, I enjoyed it like an early Clive Cussler - a diet thriller. I'll likely buy the next one, assuming there is one, but if carries on with the same wispy plot and character, it will be the last 007 of his for me.
