James Bond Book Series

A Comprehensive Review of the James Bond Book Series

The James Bond series, created by British author Ian Fleming, has become a cultural phenomenon that has captivated readers and moviegoers alike for decades. The charismatic secret agent 007, with his suave demeanor, incredible gadgets, and thrilling adventures, has left an indelible mark on the world of espionage fiction. This comprehensive review examines the literary legacy of the James Bond book series, discussing its origins, the various authors who have contributed to it, and the chronological order of the novels.

The Origins: Ian Fleming’s Creation

Ian Fleming, a former naval intelligence officer, introduced the world to James Bond with the publication of “Casino Royale” in 1953. Fleming’s firsthand experience with the world of espionage and his vivid imagination culminated in the creation of a character that would become a global icon. During his lifetime, Fleming penned a total of 12 novels and two short story collections featuring James Bond:

  1. Casino Royale (1953)
  2. Live and Let Die (1954)
  3. Moonraker (1955)
  4. Diamonds Are Forever (1956)
  5. From Russia with Love (1957)
  6. Dr. No (1958)
  7. Goldfinger (1959)
  8. For Your Eyes Only (1960) – Short Story Collection
  9. Thunderball (1961)
  10. The Spy Who Loved Me (1962)
  11. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1963)
  12. You Only Live Twice (1964)
  13. The Man with the Golden Gun (1965)
  14. Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966) – Short Story Collection

Fleming’s novels are renowned for their exotic locations, fast-paced action, and memorable villains. He also established many of the character traits and narrative conventions that continue to define the series.

Continuing the Legacy: Other Authors of the James Bond Series

Following Ian Fleming’s death in 1964, several authors have been commissioned to continue the James Bond series. While each author brings their own unique flair to the character and his adventures, they have all strived to honor Fleming’s original vision. Notable authors who have contributed to the series include:

Kingsley Amis

Under the pseudonym Robert Markham, acclaimed British author Kingsley Amis wrote “Colonel Sun” (1968), the first James Bond novel published after Fleming’s death. Amis added his own literary style to the series while maintaining the essence of Fleming’s original creation.

John Gardner

John Gardner wrote a total of 14 original James Bond novels and two novelizations of films between 1981 and 1996, making him the most prolific author of the series after Fleming. Gardner’s novels include:

  1. Licence Renewed (1981)
  2. For Special Services (1982)
  3. Icebreaker (1983)
  4. Role of Honour (1984)
  5. Nobody Lives Forever (1986)
  6. No Deals, Mr. Bond (1987)
  7. Scorpius (1988)
  8. Win, Lose or Die (1989)
  9. Licence to Kill (1989) – Novelization
  10. Brokenclaw (1990)
  11. The Man from Barbarossa (1991)
  12. Death is Forever (1992)
  13. Never Send Flowers (1993)
  14. SeaFire (1994)
  15. GoldenEye (1995) – Novelization
  16. Cold (1996)

Gardner modernized the series, introducing new technology and a more grounded approach to the character while retaining the core elements that made Bond a beloved figure.

Raymond Benson

Raymond Benson, an American author, continued the Bond legacy with six original novels, three novelizations, and three short stories between 1997 and 2002. Benson’s novels are:

  1. Zero Minus Ten (1997)
  2. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) – Novelization
  3. The Facts of Death (1998)
  4. The World Is Not Enough (1999) – Novelization
  5. High Time to Kill (1999)
  6. DoubleShot (2000)
  7. Never Dream of Dying (2001)
  8. The Man with the Red Tattoo (2002)
  9. Die Another Day (2002) – Novelization

Benson’s contributions to the series are marked by a return to the more fantastical elements of the early Bond novels, while still incorporating contemporary themes and technology

Sebastian Faulks

In celebration of Ian Fleming’s centenary in 2008, British author Sebastian Faulks wrote “Devil May Care” as a tribute to Fleming’s original style. Set in the 1960s, the novel aimed to emulate the atmosphere and narrative techniques of the original Bond books.

Jeffery Deaver

In 2011, American author Jeffery Deaver contributed to the series with “Carte Blanche,” a modern-day reboot of the character. Deaver’s Bond is a former Royal Naval Reserve officer who becomes an agent for a new British security organization.

William Boyd

British author William Boyd wrote “Solo” (2013), a Bond novel set in the late 1960s. Boyd’s contribution to the series captures the spirit of the original novels while providing a fresh take on the character and his adventures.

Anthony Horowitz

Anthony Horowitz, a renowned British author, has written two James Bond novels to date: “Trigger Mortis” (2015) and “Forever and a Day” (2018). Horowitz’s novels are set in the 1950s and incorporate previously unpublished material by Ian Fleming, ensuring continuity with the original series.

The James Bond book series has evolved through the contributions of various authors, all of whom have added their unique touches while honoring Ian Fleming’s original creation. The series remains a must-read for fans of espionage fiction and those who appreciate a captivating, action-packed narrative. The enduring appeal of James Bond, with his iconic status and thrilling adventures, ensures that the series will continue to captivate readers for generations to come.

There have been no official announcements regarding future James Bond novels. However, given the enduring popularity of the character and the series, more novels may be commissioned in the future.

The James Bond franchise has proven to be a versatile and adaptable entity, capable of evolving with the times and maintaining its appeal across different mediums, including literature and film. The willingness of the Ian Fleming Estate and its licensors to collaborate with various authors and filmmakers suggests that the character’s legacy may continue to grow through new stories and adventures.

It is worth keeping an eye on announcements from the Ian Fleming Estate and publishers and authors who have previously been involved with the James Bond series for any updates on future novels.

Here’s a list of the James Bond Books in Order of Publication, along with the author of each book:

Ian Fleming

  1. Casino Royale (1953)
  2. Live and Let Die (1954)
  3. Moonraker (1955)
  4. Diamonds Are Forever (1956)
  5. From Russia with Love (1957)
  6. Dr. No (1958)
  7. Goldfinger (1959)
  8. For Your Eyes Only (1960) – Short Story Collection
  9. Thunderball (1961)
  10. The Spy Who Loved Me (1962)
  11. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1963)
  12. You Only Live Twice (1964)
  13. The Man with the Golden Gun (1965)
  14. Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966) – Short Story Collection

Kingsley Amis (as Robert Markham)

15. Colonel Sun (1968)

John Gardner

16. Licence Renewed (1981)

  1. For Special Services (1982)
  2. Icebreaker (1983)
  3. Role of Honour (1984)
  4. Nobody Lives Forever (1986)
  5. No Deals, Mr. Bond (1987)
  6. Scorpius (1988)
  7. Win, Lose or Die (1989)
  8. Licence to Kill (1989) – Novelization
  9. Brokenclaw (1990)
  10. The Man from Barbarossa (1991)
  11. Death is Forever (1992)
  12. Never Send Flowers (1993)
  13. SeaFire (1994)
  14. GoldenEye (1995) – Novelization
  15. Cold (1996)

Raymond Benson

32. Zero Minus Ten (1997)

  1. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) – Novelization
  2. The Facts of Death (1998)
  3. The World Is Not Enough (1999) – Novelization
  4. High Time to Kill (1999)
  5. DoubleShot (2000)
  6. Never Dream of Dying (2001)
  7. The Man with the Red Tattoo (2002)
  8. Die Another Day (2002) – Novelization

Sebastian Faulks

41. Devil May Care (2008)

Jeffery Deaver

42. Carte Blanche (2011)

William Boyd

43. Solo (2013)

Anthony Horowitz

44. Trigger Mortis (2015)

  1. Forever and a Day (2018)