James Bond enters the eighties in "License Renewed", John Gardner's first Bond book. Although Gardner's novels have had a fair share of criticism, "License Renewed" is a good read and fairly exciting, as Bond goes up against a madman who also happens to be a nuclear physicist. Although not a perfect book (the requisite Bond girl is a little bland), it is a good one, and a wonderful way to pass the time while waiting for the next James Bond movie to come out.

I love this aabook. they need to make it a movie.

This book ranks high and even higher than some Ian Fleming novels. 007 battles the Laird of Murcaldy with the help of his girl and Q'ute. A novel that can't be missed. John Gardner succeeded with this book.

I think that this book is very good for the people wno likes to be in suspense. It gets you inside of the story and surprises you each chapter. One of the things I most liked about this book is that James Bond gets personally involved. What surprised me about me about James Bond was how much he cares about inocent people diying. I think that this book is different from the other books about James Bond because the other books have more action and I think this change is because it wasn't written by Ian Fleming.I liked this book because when you read the first two chapters you can't stop reading it because you want to know what is going to happen next.It gives you information about the characters chapter by chapter and I like that because you can imagine everything that is happening.This book makes you think alot because you have to remember what happened in last chapter in order to know what is happening and you also start to imagine what is going to happen next.The first couple of chapters were my favorites because you start thinking about all possible resolutions and you start liking the book. I didn't like Sukie Tempesta's character because she was kind of predictible.One of my favorite parts of this book is the end and the phrase were it says "This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end.But it is,perhaps, the end of the beginning" because it makes you think.Finally,I think that every James Bond's fan should read this book, and even if this is the first book about James Bond that you will read I am sure you will find it very interesting.

I believe that this is a very good book for people who like suspense, because this edge of your seat thriller keeps you involved every chapter. In this sotry James Bond gets involved sentimentaly because he thiks that his girl friend was killed, later he found that she wasn not dead. She betrays him. One of the things I liked the most about this book, is that each of the caracters are described in detail. I think this bood is different from the other James Bond's books, because it was written by John Gardener. I think that James Bond's boss shouldn't assign this mission to him because he knew that James Bond will get personally involved. This book was good, but some ot the parts were a little confusing because you had to remember perfectly what happend in the last chapter's to understand what was going on. I didn't like that character of Sukie Tempesta, it was very predictible since chapter 2 and in chapter 23 you realize that she wasn't as good as she seemed to be. I think that the other stories I have read have more action than this one, and James Bond cares more about inocent people dying. James Bond continues to be very smart like in the other stories.

Slam bang action. This adventure hits the USA and Washington DC! Bond is sent to take charge! And that is what he does in this great Bond adventure! Great reading! Loved the ending!

For Ian Fleming, writing was an escape from the restraints of real life. One spring in 1952 he sat down at his typewriter and began 'Casino Royale', first of the James Bond thrillers. He drew upon his six years of wartime service as personal assistant to the director of naval intelligence in Whitehall. Research followed the initial burst of writing; he was not shy about consulting experts. Over the next eleven years he wrote a book a year. Gradually the lifestyle he prescribed for himself and his hero -- 60 cigarettes a day, whiskey or gin -- took its toll, and he saw the beginning of real success just about the time he succumbed to "the iron crab" -- heart disease. The books took real incidents, real places, and real parts of his own personality and turned them into enduring fantasies -- popular not just with people familiar with these settings but with those for whom they seemed realistic in detail but far removed from personal experience.

This book is the best account of the author of the James Bond novels, Ian Fleming's, life yet. Written in 1965-1966, it is the one and only biography of Fleming that was written with true research by the author. Pearson's biography is also drawn on personel expiriences (he worked with Fleming on the Sunday Times for many years). Many excerpts of interviews with people who knew Fleming, or stayed at his house Goldeneye, have been included, and statements by close friends are plentifull. This book is to be read for pleasure, other biographies of Fleming (e.g. Andre Lycett's Ian Fleming: the man behind James Bond) are to be navigated through using an index. An excellent book.

This book was written while Fleming's wife Anne was still alive, so out of respect for her, many details of his affairs during their marriage were left out. Otherwise, this is a fantastic account of the life of this amazing man, the details of his career in Naval Intelligence during WWII are fascinating. The little points you see here and there that are later reflecting in one of his Bond novels are always neat to pick up on.

It is basically a book of DiLeo's opinions but the beauty of the book is all the fun you can have with other Bond fans comparing your opinions with his. You might disagree or agree and the discussions go on from there. In some cases I couldn't believe his picks and in others I agreed totally. In any case another Bond fan and I had a great time going through the entire book.Try it you'll like it!

This book is terrific fun! It should be enjoyed by serious and casual Bond fans alike. Bond fans are always making lists of their favorite this or that from the series and author DiLeo has a "best of" list for just about every category you can think of. My favorites -- "Why Don't They Just Shoot Him?," and "Helicopter Explosions." Priceless! I don't agree with all of his reviews of the films (I wouldn't rank "Licence to Kill as high as he does), but he does make solid arguments for his choices. All in all, an enjoyable read for any Bond enthusiast. Some great photos as well.

O.K. all you James Bond lovers, here's a treat you won't want to miss. Michael DiLeo's book takes you on a ride that Ian Fleming himself I am sure would have enjoyed. From Connery to Brosnan, the villians, the girls, the cars and gadgets, DiLeo's is masterful in capturing the pulse of the James Bond mystique. You don't have to agree with his choices to enjoy the book you just have to be a fan.

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Raymond Benson's version of 007 is adequate. This time 007, in order to save the world, must find a deadly virus. This virus is a highly altered version of the West Nile virus.

Benson takes you through the beautiful country of Japan and its nearby provinces. You'll learn about the Japanese mafia. You'll be intrigued by some unusual customs practiced their. This was a bare bones thriller. Fast-paced and quick to read.

Recommended for the hardcore Bond fan

Raymond Benson usually writes fast-paced novels that are easy to read. This novel is good, but is slow moving and tedious at points. If the reader can get past that, they ensure themselves a good read. If you are Bond fan, you enjoy rich detail, or if you enjoy a good read THE MAN WITH THE RED TATTOO is a must have.

James Bond has been given an assignment to babysit the prime minister at a G8 conference in Japan. Meanwhile, he is to investigate the death of an English businessman. This investigation will take Bond on a slow journey all over Japan, and ultimately a good one. Bond fans know that 007 has deep emotional roots in Japan, and can appreciate Benson's choice of Japan as a locale for the novel. The addition of Bond's old friend Tiger Tanaka is also quite welcomed.

Benson's writing has a few flaws this go around. It is slow moving and tedious at times. This is a direct contradiction from Benson's usual style. Also, it is obvious that Benson tries to write as an English author would. Sometimes, he fails in that quest with words like "stuff" and "whatever". However, it must be said that you are immersed in Japanese culture as you read and the vilain's motivations are chillingly genuine. That being said, if you enjoy good reads, buy Benson's THE MAN WITH THE RED TATTOO today.

In an era of contrived attempts to "personalize" Bond's missions or "peal back the layers" of Bond's psyche, it's refreshing to have a straightforward Bond-on-a-dangerous-assignment-in-an-exotic-locale adventure, and that's what Raymond Benson delivers in THE MAN WITH THE RED TATTOO, his best stand alone Bond thriller to date. This time, Mr. Bond, it ISN'T personal. Halleluiah! Even the return of the Walther PPK seems to be Benson's way of saying, "Let's just use what has always worked and enough with the self-conscious 'updating' of the character." In this way I think RED TATTOO is well ahead of the curve (and just reinforces the fact that Benson is the best of all the post-Fleming Bond authors).

But a straightforward plot doesn't mean RED TATTOO is lacking complexity of character. Just the opposite is true. Japan holds dark memories for Bond, and that aspect is not ignored. Whereas John Gardner might have given a passing reference to Bond's legendary ordeal in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, Benson uses the "ghosts" of Bond's past as a full-fledged complication. Fans will not be disappointed in how Benson weaves elements of the Fleming masterpiece into this current book, nor will they be disappointed in the action. Gunfights and fistfights abound in RED TATTOO. It's probably Benson's most violent book to date -- the body count is quite high -- but this seems to be in keeping with the Asian action movie milieu the book frequently evokes. The methodology of the villain's master plan is ingenious and is the best conceived caper we've had, book or film, in quite some time. And speaking of films, have I mentioned that RED TATTOO would make an amazing Bond movie? Well, it would.

For the seasoned Bond fan THE MAN WITH THE RED TATTOO is the perfect book at the perfect time. For those who have yet to read a Benson book and are looking for a classic cocktail of Bondian action, suspense, and exotic locales, you would be well advised to start right here.

Why do most of John Gardner's James Bond novels seem like screenplays? I think that is what was always missing from his writings. Because they were similar to screenplays they read like movie scripts, not novels. It just leaves the reader so uninvolved. Detail and flavor for the settings are always noticeably absent from his Bond novels. This one is no exception. I suppose we all lose!

Like the other reviewers here, I don't much care for John Gardner's James Bond novels. Gardner just doesn't seem to be in touch with Ian Fleming's classic character or the special world Fleming created for him. The only reason I am reading Gardner's Bonds is that I want to read those by Raymond Benson...

However, although it gets off to a slow start, I would have to say that (so far) "Win, Lose or Die" is arguably a highlight of the Gardner books. It is also the only one that I feel could actually work as a Bond film. The characters are a bit more respectable than most of Gardner's creations, especially his usual cookie-cutter villains. The book also carries some of the wonderful, sinister, almost supernatural imagery that Fleming was so fond of, portraying Bond and the other characters as players in a strange spiritual plane that seems to stretch beyond Earthly bonds.

Now, if only Gardner could have learned to do away with all those...one-liners he has Bond spout after he does something. This is supposed to be Fleming's Bond, not Roger Moore's. Furthermore, the book continues to slip with the horrid scenes in which Bond interacts with M and Bill Tanner. In Fleming's books, M was a man of few words, and when he said something, it was to the point and deadly serious. Unfortunately, Gardner again sinks to the level of having Bond and M trade barbs, if you will. Fleming's Bond would NEVER smart off to his boss the way Gardner's does.

However, once you get past the tepid first third of the novel, the narrative really picks up. This book actually has enough high points to outweigh the low points. The section where Bond is used as bait at the Italian villa is almost up to Fleming's speed. And the climax aboard the hijacked carrier is absolutely spellbinding.

"Win, Lose or Die" is one of the few Gardner Bonds that those of us "Fleming purists" can get through without rolling our eyes darn near every page.

This novel has screenplay written on it. It is fairly simple and would translate to the screen well. Good as a started Bond book for the casual suspense reader.

Cold Fall's plot isn't terrible, but John Gardner did a shoddy job of writing. There were a bunch of discrepancies that a diehard Bond fanatic would notice. Bond's character did a few things he has never done before, like ordering beer instead of a martini. Like loving two women he had sex with. Like not being the hero because he called in "the cavalry" at the end of the book. Gardner is past his prime. Many of his Bond books have been enjoyable, but Cold Fall signals the demise of John Gardner. I can only hope it doesn't signal the demise of James Bond.

Even though others say that John Gardner's James Bond novels do not stand up to Flemmings or even Bensens, I think that he did a spectacular job of continuing the Bond tradition in his own way. His last book, Cold Fall was no exception. John Gardner takes you on a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. He starts you off in the past and then relates it to the present. I think Cold Fall is excellent, way better than any Benson book. Of course nobody does it better than Flemming but Gardner comes close. I suggest to any real Bond fan that they read all of Garnders books.

After reading some of the previous reviews, I thought I was in for a big letdown. It just goes to show you that you can't believe everything you read! READ THE BOOK! Cold Fall is an espionage masterpiece and I totally enjoyed it! I have been reading John Gardner's James Bond series for over ten years now and I never grow tired of them, although the last two installments (SeaFire & Never Send Flowers) were not up to par with some other the earlier ones. Cold Fall features not one, but FOUR Bond women, a really nasty megalomaniacal villian, plus all of the usual cloak & dagger action that makes James Bond a favorite literary character!

The only problem I have with Cold Fall is that it ended too soon! What will happen to James Bond and the newly reorganized British Secret Service? Will Gardner write another installment? One can only hope so.

I havent read any of gardner's books. but from what i hear leming rules all bond novels. I say stick with fleming forget gardner. Benson's allright.

This was the first John Gardner 007 book that I read. I really enjoy James Bond stories and movies as well. However, in the books and movies that I have seen, James Bond was more of a ladies man and was free from commitment. In this book, James is pretty much tied down and very much in love with one woman. This was something that I did not particuarly agree with, coming to know James Bond as a bachelor is how I would much rather keep it. Neverheless, I did enjoy reading this book and getting into the story.

I thought this was one of the best Bond books I have read in a while! It is a little boring at the beginning for about two chapters, but it gets a lot better after that. I could not stop reading it at the end, because it is so EXCITING! Other people say John Gardner doesn't write very good books, but a disagree. This book is very good, and I recommend it to people that like action packed James Bond novels!

This was my first experience with the "modern' James Bond. I strongly suspect that the only people who like Gardner (or Benson) are the ones who have never read Fleming. This one dimensional book had a weak villian, the 2 key plot elements had no apparent connection, and an uncharacteristically dumb action by Bond which led to the deaths of 2 allies. This last was only a plot device to prolong the novel. And Bond falling in love with some incompetent woman he just me, get real. This Bond is just a poor copy. At least the movies are fun.

Ian Fleming's James Bond is the gold standard. To me, From Russia with Love is the finest novel in that distinguished, exciting series. But Fleming is gone, and we are fortunate to have John Gardner to continue the stories for us.

Gardner's stories suffer from two basic weaknesses: He doesn't have the full range of Cold War enemies to work with and his doesn't have the same hard edge to his characters and writing.

Death is Forever veers back toward the Fleming books by involving Wolfgang Weisen, onetime director of East Germany's Security Service. He makes for a truly fascinating villain. Fleming would have made him even more fascinating, but you will enjoy him and his plot to destabilize the West. Although the Cold War is over in this book, Gardner finds a way to create an extension of the Cold War. That is good for all of us readers.

In all other ways, the book is a typical Gardner offering -- serviceable plot and relentless Bond.

If you have a choice between reading a Fleming novel and a Gardner one, you should always read a Fleming one first. If you have read and liked all of the Fleming books, you will be pleased with this Gardner offering. Enjoy!

I'm not a "die-hard Bond fanatic" but I've seen the movies and read some of the novels, and after reading some of the other comments, mostly negative, about Gardner and his novels I thought I'd set down some thoughts on DEATH IS FOREVER. For me Gardner is as close as anyone's ever gotten to Fleming and not that far behind. DEATH IS FOREVER was an enthralling novel and the best Gardner I have read (with SCORPIUS a close second). Gardner's Bond, like Fleming's, is not a super-hero with rocket-boats and submarine cars never at a loss for humorous one-liners every time he kills a guy. He's a flesh-and-blood human being as vulnerable as anyone else who survives by using his head. Of all the movies, the two that are most faithful to Fleming's original conception of the Bond character are "From Russia with Love" and "Licence to Kill." In my opinion, needless to say, the two best Bond films. And this is the Bond of DEATH IS FOREVER and the Gardner novel series. As for the Benson novels, I've never understood why the head of the James Bond fan club was chosen to succeed Gardner as Bond writer and not an actual published novelist.