30 replies to this topic

[Peaceful]

As it's a one off, what do you think the story will be about or more to the point what will happen at the books climax? Is it possible that IFP no longer want modern day stories of our favourite hero so this may see the death of James Bond? Or perhaps perminant retirement of James Bond 007 to make way for new blood ala Batman Beyond? (of course if this was ever to happen the next agent to take the world famous number should be female)

Your thoughts please

Regards P.F.O.D.

[zencat]

I'm sure it will be set in the time of Fleming, but what period, I don't know. I think it would be kind of cool if it was the story of Bond's first kills to become a double-oh. Maybe even call the book "007". Or I can imagine a scenario in which it's set during WWII and would kick off a new series of "Commander Bond" adventures (but this is pure speculation on my part).

[Loomis]

I think it would be kind of cool if it was the story of Bond's first kills to become a double-oh. Maybe even call the book "007".

I'd love that, if only it didn't seem that virtually every James Bond adventure nowadays (as well as virtually every other new entry in any established franchise, come to that) were some kind of prequel.

No, I'd like a good old-fashioned straightforward adventure, with no particular links to anything else, although a sequel of sorts to YOLT, with Bond

Spoiler

in the Soviet Union, an investigation into his disappearance,

and so on might be good, although

Spoiler

a brainwashed/amnesiac Bond

might risk seeming a Bourne ripoff.

Something set shortly after the events of COLONEL SUN might be an even better idea, with an ageing (but hardly elderly) 007 in the early 1970s. Otherwise, a book taking place between YOLT and TMWTGG would be my pick.

[Rectalagitation]

I hope I don't get stoned too badly for this, but I'm kind of hoping this will be kind of like a series of semi-remakes of the Fleming books. Now, you all know I love the Fleming books, (minus Moonraker. Yes, I like Goldfinger, for all its quarks.) but don't tell me it wouldn't be cool to read Dr. No or Casino Royale in a modernized version, set today. Or even Goldfinger! Or, pray tell, Moonraker!


Let the throwing begin...

[Loomis]

Actually, has it been officially confirmed that this novel will take place during the time of Fleming's Bond, or is this just an admittedly fairly reasonable fan assumption?

As far as I'm aware, the one and only bit of official info from IFP to date is that it will hit shops in 2008. That's it. Isn't it?

Although I won't be at all surprised if the author turns out to be one of the writers who contributed an introduction to last year's UK paperback Fleming reissues.

[K1Bond007]

I hope I don't get stoned too badly for this, but I'm kind of hoping this will be kind of like a series of semi-remakes of the Fleming books. Now, you all know I love the Fleming books, (minus Moonraker. Yes, I like Goldfinger, for all its quarks.) but don't tell me it wouldn't be cool to read Dr. No or Casino Royale in a modernized version, set today. Or even Goldfinger! Or, pray tell, Moonraker!

I've thought of this too. If they went this route, I don't think they'd go with "remakes" (though to be fair you said 'semi'). A re-interpretation, perhaps, but the problem here is that they would conflict or perhaps compete with the new films which kind of makes this a bad idea. Also, with IFP putting a ton of effort into the Fleming timeline right now (Young Bond, The Moneypenny Diaries), it would seem odd if they'd open up a second 'front' so to speak with a re-imagining/re-interpretation of the character in modern day times.

It's also a one-off. That much we know for sure. So if they went that route they'd probably have to start a series here. Perhaps hiring other big name authors to continue it . I don't know, but I think that's unlikely. It's hard for me to imagine that they'd celebrate and honor the life of Ian Fleming by rewriting his character/books. Doesn't that seem rather disrespectful? Maybe not. IFP did say that if this book was successful it may spawn a series.

I think the most likely scenarios are:

1. It occurs during Fleming's timeline (CR - TMWTGG)
2. It occurs immediately after Fleming's timeline (post-TMWTGG)

I don't want to rule out a pre-Fleming novel like Zencat is suggesting, but I don't think they'll go there. That's Higson territory and it seems incredibly wrong IMHO to undermine Higson while his series is going on by "interjecting" a new novel and/or series into a (at the moment) 'delicate time frame' as it may conflict with Higson. Not only that, but it would probably hurt Book 5 if they jumped that book and started a new book/series taking place after that, but before Royale (Book 5 being released in 2009). I fully expect Young Bond to continue on into that era at some point, but not now. That's post-Book5's release and I would surely hope that the author would be Charlie Higson and not another author thrown into the mix during that time frame. Consistency would be great.

I also wouldn't rule out "the end of 007." I don't think they'd go so far as to perhaps kill him off (especially since I just got done saying how it would be disrespectful to rewrite the character - well how respectful would it be to kill him off ), but I do think they could go with an aging 007 nearing retirement or perhaps just after being forced to retire. I wouldn't rule it out. It's an aspect of Bond we've never seen - unless you want to count A View to a Kill

[K1Bond007]

Actually, has it been officially confirmed that this novel will take place during the time of Fleming's Bond, or is this just an admittedly fairly reasonable fan assumption?

As far as I'm aware, the one and only bit of official info from IFP to date is that it will hit shops in 2008. That's it. Isn't it?

Although I won't be at all surprised if the author turns out to be one of the writers who contributed an introduction to last year's UK paperback Fleming reissues.

It's a fairly reasonable fan assumption as you said. Officially we know it'll be out in 2008, written by a "well-known author", it's an adult Bond novel (define adult, though), and that it's a one-off. That's it.

The more I think about the author, the more I think David Wolstencroft is a likely candidate. Just a feeling. IFP seems to like new authors. Zero Minus Ten was Benson's first, I think SilverFin was Higson's first, Wolstencroft has only written two which means he's established, but he's known mainly for being the creator and writer of Spooks (MI-5). He's my best guess at the moment.

[Single-O-Seven]

I'm really looking forward to this book. Naturally I've been playing the speculation game, too, and will continue to do so until I've read it. The biggest question on my mind, however, is who is the author? Any ideas? As for timeline, and I can see it being slid somewhere in the middle of Fleming's series, before the big character changes came with OHMSS and onward. Maybe mid-series, like between DN and GF. I can't begin to imagine what the plot will involve. As for possible locations,I'd love to see Bond in familiar territory, like New York, but something original would be great too - maybe China or Russia.

[Loomis]

Officially we know it'll be out in 2008, written by a "well-known author", it's an adult Bond novel (define adult, though), and that it's a one-off. That's it.

Well, that's two more official things than I knew about, at least (define "well-known", as well). Are they really committing themselves to a one-off, though? What if it's a runaway smash? I do appreciate, though, that any "well-known" writer would probably be reluctant to sign up for more than just one novel.

IFP seems to like new authors. Zero Minus Ten was Benson's first, I think SilverFin was Higson's first, Wolstencroft has only written two which means he's established, but he's known mainly for being the creator and writer of Spooks (MI-5). He's my best guess at the moment.

New authors? Maybe. Then again, Gardner was an old pro, and Amis had a few books under his belt - mind you, it was a different world back then (or at least I assume so). My prediction - and this isn't really based on anything other than a wild hunch - is Mo Hayder (author of the 2006 YOLT reissue intro, as well as, of course, some thrillers of her own), and I'm stubbornly sticking to it.

[zencat]

Officially we know it'll be out in 2008, written by a "well-known author", it's an adult Bond novel (define adult, though), and that it's a one-off. That's it.

Well, that's two more official things than I knew about, at least (define "well-known", as well). Are they really committing themselves to a one-off, though? What if it's a runaway smash? I do appreciate, though, that any "well-known" writer would probably be reluctant to sign up for more than just one novel.

Bookmark THIS page Loomy. Any news will show up here.

[Loomis]

Cheers, zenster. So that's one more piece of official news: they've promised us something "dark and complex" in the early Fleming style, far removed from "the gloss" of the films.*

Would it be fair to assume that it'll thereby also be far removed from anything put out by Glidrose/IFP since COLONEL SUN?

*Wonder whether this swipe at the films was written before CASINO ROYALE (the purest dose of Fleming since Fleming, as far as I'm concerned) was released. Perhaps they'd now be quite happy for the new novel to be like "007's cinematic incarnation" after all!

[zencat]

Yep, that quote is actually from August 2005 when the C novel was first announced. Interesting that they also said there would be "scope for future novels"

[Loomis]

Interesting that they also said there would be "scope for future novels"

What a surprise.

[K1Bond007]

New authors? Maybe. Then again, Gardner was an old pro, and Amis had a few books under his belt - mind you, it was a different world back then (or at least I assume so). My prediction - and this isn't really based on anything other than a wild hunch - is Mo Hayder (author of the 2006 YOLT reissue intro, as well as, of course, some thrillers of her own), and I'm stubbornly sticking to it.

Well I meant recently, which is why I only mentioned Benson and Higson.

[Peaceful]

I like the idea of a series of novels focusing on Bond's early years, during his time in the Royal Navy and WWII.

I was dead against the Young Bond novels at first but am now quite enjoying them. As Charlie Higson has, as we all know stated that he is finishing after Book 5, perhaps the next author could write about his time at Fettes (14-17 wasn't it?)and at the University of Geneva.

I think a different author covering each chapter of Bond's life would keep the series fresh, as, although I loved them, alot of fans didn't enjoy the Gardner/Benson eras.

BRING ON THE LIFE OF JAMES BOND !!!



As to the centenial by the one off author, I'd like it to be the final chapter of Bond's life.
As someone once said, nobody lives forever.

P.F.O.D.

[SecretAgent007]

The way the link is worded, "Well known and respected writer" I think it will be a author that has written a few, if not a lot of novels.

Bonds first two kills are covered in Pearson's novel, so I doubt they will rehash that again. And I don't think they will do anything pre Casino Royale (thank god). I would think it will take place after TMWTGG, not Col. Sun, since it is centennial novel celebrating Fleming's birth.

[Mister Asterix]

New authors? Maybe. Then again, Gardner was an old pro, and Amis had a few books under his belt - mind you, it was a different world back then (or at least I assume so). My prediction - and this isn't really based on anything other than a wild hunch - is Mo Hayder (author of the 2006 YOLT reissue intro, as well as, of course, some thrillers of her own), and I'm stubbornly sticking to it.

Well I meant recently, which is why I only mentioned Benson and Higson.

[mra]Higson was not a new author. Before Young Bond, Higson published four novels: King of the Ants, Happy Now, Full Whack, and Getting Rid of Mister Kitchen. And don

[K1Bond007]

Under Charles Higson. I guess that explains why when I looked for other published books, I saw none.

Whatever.... "relatively new"

[ShySmile]

I'd like to hear about the events between YOLT and TMWTGG when Bond vanished off the face of the earth and was brainwashed by the Russians. On that note, anybody know more on the subject?

[ACE]

More speculation.

I have a feeling the author will be British.

Said author will be known on both sides of the Atlantic but not necessarily really, really well known. If not famous, they will have an "angle" to promote.

Their current publisher will be Penguin/Viking or the current imprint who publishes Bond.

They may be one of the authors to have contributed a forward to the new UK paperbacks OR have won the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger thriller fiction award - be generally in the IFP gene pool.

I reckon it will probably be set in the Cold War after TMWGG (people are generally under the mistaken assumption that Bond works best in period - he doesn't, IMHO, if the writing is good enough, he is a contemporary character. That's how Fleming always saw him.)

These are people who I think may be candidates. This based purely on my waters and hunches - nothing more. I was going to be more scientific and look at the runes to predict the author but my crystal readings said today was not a good day...

Ken Follett

Jeffrey Archer

Frederick Forsyth

Gerald Seymour

Charles Cumming





Or I may be totally barking up the wrong tree.
Or just totally barking!

[zencat]

I'd like to hear about the events between YOLT and TMWTGG when Bond vanished off the face of the earth and was brainwashed by the Russians. On that note, anybody know more on the subject?

Read the second Moneypenny novel, Secret Servant. Some of what happened to Bond is in there.

[spynovelfan]

I'd love it to be a straightforward Bond story, but I wonder if the new writer will be able to resist trying to twist or subvert the previous books, by having Bond lose his mind or something - not realising that this sort of thing has bene done before. I like ACE's list there, but I'm still fascinated to see how they will square this circle of having someone well known enough to shift copies but not so well known that they won't want to polish someone else's gold. Ie an announcement that Charles Cumming will be the writer is hardly going to get the world excited, but why on earth would a multi-millionaire who has carved their own name in the genre like Frederick Forsyth be interested in the gig? The alternative is an Amis-like figure - but I can't think of any 'literary' names who are Bond fans in the same way Amis was. Well, we'll see soon enough.

[K1Bond007]

I'd love it to be a straightforward Bond story, but I wonder if the new writer will be able to resist trying to twist or subvert the previous books, by having Bond lose his mind or something - not realising that this sort of thing has bene done before. I like ACE's list there, but I'm still fascinated to see how they will square this circle of having someone well known enough to shift copies but not so well known that they won't want to polish someone else's gold. Ie an announcement that Charles Cumming will be the writer is hardly going to get the world excited, but why on earth would a multi-millionaire who has carved their own name in the genre like Frederick Forsyth be interested in the gig? The alternative is an Amis-like figure - but I can't think of any 'literary' names who are Bond fans in the same way Amis was. Well, we'll see soon enough.

They could follow the Amis path and just resurrect the Robert Markham name without all the secrecy that you usually see with a pseudonym. I mean it was no secret that Amis was Markham. I don't know. Kind of kills the point of a pseudonym when everyone knows and isn't exactly logical when you get a big name author to write a novel then use a pseudonym (though there are several editions of CS with Amis' name on the cover).

Still.. I think it would be neat at some point in the future to see the Robert Markham name used again.

[Scrambled Eggs]

More speculation.

I have a feeling the author will be British.

Said author will be known on both sides of the Atlantic but not necessarily really, really well known. If not famous, they will have an "angle" to promote.

Their current publisher will be Penguin/Viking or the current imprint who publishes Bond.

They may be one of the authors to have contributed a forward to the new UK paperbacks OR have won the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger thriller fiction award - be generally in the IFP gene pool.

I reckon it will probably be set in the Cold War after TMWGG (people are generally under the mistaken assumption that Bond works best in period - he doesn't, IMHO, if the writing is good enough, he is a contemporary character. That's how Fleming always saw him.)

These are people who I think may be candidates. This based purely on my waters and hunches - nothing more. I was going to be more scientific and look at the runes to predict the author but my crystal readings said today was not a good day...

Ken Follett

Jeffrey Archer
Frederick Forsyth


Gerald Seymour

Charles Cumming





Or I may be totally barking up the wrong tree.
Or just totally barking!

Your assumptions make sense but I can't imagine Archer being involved. A perfect example of someone with a big enough ego to mess around with the character too much.

Plus, I think (or at least I'd like to think) that noone would want Bond tainted by association with that slimy .

Edited by Scrambled Eggs, 25 March 2007 - 09:59 PM.

[ACE]

Your assumptions make sense but I can't imagine Archer being involved. A perfect example of someone with a big enough ego to mess around with the character too much.

Plus, I think (or at least I'd like to think) that noone would want Bond tainted by association with that slimy .

I agree but the above was not a wish list.
How many well known, internationally best-selling British thriller writers with hack-ish sensibilities are there?
I hope it's NOT Archer too!

[David Schofield]

I think it fascinating to specualate on what TYPE of novel we might get - gritty in the CR/FRWL sense or slightly OTT in the mad plan/mega HQ type of, say, Thunderball, GF, DN (and, dare I say it in the same breath) the movies...

I wonder how much IFP's direction for the story from this point of view my indicate the writer they'd employ, or the appeal of the project to the writer...

[eldritch00]

A possibility, which I may or may not be happy about since it's rather difficult to pull off, is to have Bond attempting to write his memoirs or something. That will further bolster parallels between the character and Fleming. It's one possibility for paying tribute to both the character and the author.

[Qwerty]

It's a fairly reasonable fan assumption as you said. Officially we know it'll be out in 2008, written by a "well-known author", it's an adult Bond novel (define adult, though), and that it's a one-off. That's it.

And, oddly, that's enough for me at the moment. I'm really looking forward to this Bond novel and I hope it stays under wraps leading up to the publication. Eventually finding out who the author will be and a brief blurb here or there is fine, but I want this to be like a Bond book one has just discovered in a used bookstore and has never heard of and/or read before.*

*May make no sense whatsoever. I suppose what I am getting at is that for me, the less speculation about this particular novel, the more enjoyable it will hopefully end up bein.

[OmarB]

Here's an idea! How about DC comic's world where it's the past, present and future all at once. A world both familiar and new at the same time. This way you can honor the work of Flemming as well as the great guys who came after. I know it's not something that can be done easily but it needs a writer with uncommon skill.

I would suggest checking out "It's Superman." It's a novel and it's author's name escapes me at the moment but it's a great example of a book firmly placed in the past yet seems current. Also, pretty much anything Batman.

[sharpshooter]

I am really warming up to a prequel book of Bond's first kills of the Japanese cipher in NYC and the knife death of the traitor. So much so, I have begun a story based on it, and even called it the mentioned name of "007".

They say it will mark a return to the dark and complex nature of Bond. Having a prequel story makes sense with this direction, as Casino Royale is generally know to be the most like this in the series.