2121 replies to this topic

[dlb007]

I hope the car is simply on loan. As far as gadgets go, I hope they are limited to OnStar like someone posted earlier, or a blue-tooth extension for a phone. If we get anything resembling one of Benson's vehicles I'll give up on this project completely. Anyway, just my two cents.

[Jack Spang]

While the thought of footballers driving Bentley's puts me off this car a little, it just can't be helped. I'm sure there are some footballers or/and annoying young pop stars driving Aston Martin's too. Unless Bond owns a classic Bentley from the 50's or 60's - one of the ones he drives in the Fleming novels, then I hope he owns this new Continental GT and that it is in battleship grey. The only kind of gadgets I wouldn't mind seeing in the car are a hidden compartment for a gun or something like that. Real subtle stuff you know. Plus, I think Bond should be atleast 32, which if you go by the date John Pearson stated Bond was born - 1920, that was how old he was in the very first Bond book - Casino Royale.

[marktmurphy]

While I applaud choice of the Bentley - Flemingian and all that. But no gadgets please: this is a James Bond NOVEL, not a Pierce Brosnan movie - it is guardedly so.

In the UK, the only folk of 28 years of age who drive Bentley Continentals are footballers. Hence, the relatively chavy image the cars have over here. And we don't want James Bond associated with that, do we???

I hope it's just a hire car in Dubai, myself. It's too gaudy and chavvy for Bond to own (I don't care that the old Bond had a Bentley- this is a very different car with a different image), but such a car is perfect in Dubai. Low-key, even.

Otherwise, have him buy a second-hand one (they have been making them for eight years, believe it or not; and he could pick one up for £35K, which isn't crazily impossible) and then have him customise it completely- strip it of all the gaudiness, make it ugly and more of a racer. Even then it wouldn't make much sense.

[OmarB]

I hope the car is simply on loan. As far as gadgets go, I hope they are limited to OnStar like someone posted earlier, or a blue-tooth extension for a phone. If we get anything resembling one of Benson's vehicles I'll give up on this project completely. Anyway, just my two cents.

I don't mind the car having some special features. It's gotta have GPS and all these other trappings of a modern car, I don't know how teched out and stuff Bentleys get but it's a pretty ritzy brand so I expect when it's fully loaded you get a whole lot. Backwards facing cameras is always cool.

As for stuff he's added, maybe run flat tires, light armoring, the hidden compartments for weapons and gear.

[Simon]

There does seem to be an assumption that the illustrated white exterior / red interior car is The James Bond Car of The Novel.

Are we sure this is the case as there may be just a little bit of jumping to conclusions?

"While James Bond’s new car may be better suited for a secret agent in understated tones, the author of the book admired a less inconspicuous model."

This would tend to suggest Deaver is just fooling around with a car he came across in Dubai with those colours, but that Jim's car is perhaps less gaudy.

Or am I missing the point?

[smudge76]

I hope the car is simply on loan. As far as gadgets go, I hope they are limited to OnStar like someone posted earlier, or a blue-tooth extension for a phone. If we get anything resembling one of Benson's vehicles I'll give up on this project completely. Anyway, just my two cents.

I don't mind the car having some special features. It's gotta have GPS and all these other trappings of a modern car, I don't know how teched out and stuff Bentleys get but it's a pretty ritzy brand so I expect when it's fully loaded you get a whole lot. Backwards facing cameras is always cool.

As for stuff he's added, maybe run flat tires, light armoring, the hidden compartments for weapons and gear.

To be honest Omar i doubt we will see any those xtras in the vehicle in the new novel if what Deaver says is true. Maybe the run flats but i doubt the rest. he is setting the novel on more realistic basis so i get feeling there be little added extras except compartment for pistol, and run flats but doubt the armour.

[sharpshooter]

I hope it's just a hire car in Dubai, myself.

Probably a good idea. Like how Bond borrowed the DBS in Blood Stone, if I can use that as an example. I'm keeping myself relatively spoiler light, but didn't Deaver say Bond partakes in street racing or something? It's most likely to do with an escape sequence, but you never know. As for gadgets, I'm not totally against them. I'd be fine with none. But if so, they just need to be restrained and not pushing the advantage too far into Bond's favour.

[smudge76]

I hope it's just a hire car in Dubai, myself.

Probably a good idea. Like how Bond borrowed the DBS in Blood Stone, if I can use that as an example. I'm keeping myself relatively spoiler light, but didn't Deaver say Bond partakes in street racing or something? It's most likely to do with an escape sequence, but you never know. As for gadgets, I'm not totally against them. I'd be fine with none. But if so, they just need to be restrained and not pushing the advantage too far into Bond's favour.

I agree think the vehicle just been hired is maybe the best idea. In the days on strict cuts effecting the services and this 007 meant to be more realistic and back to basics assasin etc it would be weird if he was given a bentley by mi6 does not ring true and even stranger if it had ejecter seats and missiles from headlights. No i agree with point you made.

[David Schofield]

While I agree with those who suggest Bond should have an older, less ostentatious Continental GT, he will of course he able to afford of brand new one at manufacturers list price, won't he????

He's still going to be an orphaned, snobby, louchy, old Etonian with a private income who just drifted into government service after recruitment by MI6, isn't he?

Or has he become some oiky, double-hard"I left comp at 16 'cos I was thick but I like a fight so I joined the army" chavy super-commando ("where there's been a war that involved British interests since (pick a date) James Bond has been there") now?

Because we can get plenty of the later elsewhere, can't we?

Might PROBABLY be more realistic (for this modern take on Bond TM ) , but it isn't much to do with Fleming, I'm afraid.

Just a thought.

[smudge76]

While I agree with those who suggest Bond should have an older, less ostentatious Continental GT, he will of course he able to afford of brand new one at manufacturers list price, won't he????

He's still going to be an orphaned, snobby, louchy, old Etonian with a private income who just drifted into government service after recruitment by MI6, isn't he?

Or has he become some oiky, double-hard"I left comp at 16 'cos I was thick but I like a fight so I joined the army" chavy super-commando ("where there's been a war that involved British interests since (pick a date) James Bond has been there") now?

Because we can get plenty of the later elsewhere, can't we?

Might PROBABLY be more realistic (for this modern take on Bond TM ) , but it isn't much to do with Fleming, I'm afraid.

Just a thought.

David i was one those thick oiky chavy (not commando however) paratrooper type s you remark to. I do not think i am thick or a chav nor do i think anyone else in British armed forces is a chav so not sure your point on this one if not its bit insulting mate. Thats all i think i did a good job for this country or so i belive.

[marktmurphy]

While I agree with those who suggest Bond should have an older, less ostentatious Continental GT, he will of course he able to afford of brand new one at manufacturers list price, won't he????

There's been much moaning of the thought of him doing that, as well.
Anyway, Fleming's Bond mostly bought his Bentleys second-hand.

[David Schofield]

While I agree with those who suggest Bond should have an older, less ostentatious Continental GT, he will of course he able to afford of brand new one at manufacturers list price, won't he????

He's still going to be an orphaned, snobby, louchy, old Etonian with a private income who just drifted into government service after recruitment by MI6, isn't he?

Or has he become some oiky, double-hard"I left comp at 16 'cos I was thick but I like a fight so I joined the army" chavy super-commando ("where there's been a war that involved British interests since (pick a date) James Bond has been there") now?

Because we can get plenty of the later elsewhere, can't we?

Might PROBABLY be more realistic (for this modern take on Bond TM ) , but it isn't much to do with Fleming, I'm afraid.

Just a thought.

David i was one those thick oiky chavy (not commando however) paratrooper type s you remark to. I do not think i am thick or a chav nor do i think anyone else in British armed forces is a chav so not sure your point on this one if not its bit insulting mate. Thats all i think i did a good job for this country or so i belive.

Smudge, I am sure you did a wonderful job for this counntry, and I wouldn't denegrate anyone who has served. Nor would I expect to be similarly denegrated myself.

However, from personal experience, I knew a few lads who joined the army because they were pretty incapable of many other jobs beyond manual labour and because they liked a fight; military service not only taught them discipline, but educated as well. However, it is this desire to fight, being a bit rough round the edges, and being a bit stupid at age 16 - pre service - I made as a way of parodying what Deaver's New Age Bond might be like, compared with the upper middle, louchy Etonian of Fleming's books

The chavy reference was not about squaddies. It was to those who drive Bentley Continental GTs, particularly those age 28.

[Loomis]

but it isn't much to do with Fleming, I'm afraid.

I don't want CARTE BLANCHE to be anything to do with Fleming. I'm serious. It would be like demanding that my wine should have the taste of beer.

I'm looking forward to Deaver's Bond and his own unique take on the character. I'll be gravely disappointed if he's constantly genuflecting at Fleming and shoehorning in "Flemingian" elements because the dear old fans can't be expected to cope without them (although I fear that that's exactly what in we're store for, sadly).

I want something fresh and unique. Doesn't necessarily mean it'll be good, but it will, at least, be, erm, fresh and unique. I've already got my Flemings and COLONEL SUN, thanks, to let's see what Deaver has to offer that's new, if anything.

[David Schofield]

but it isn't much to do with Fleming, I'm afraid.

I don't want CARTE BLANCHE to be anything to do with Fleming. I'm serious. It would be like demanding that my wine should have the taste of beer.

I'm looking forward to Deaver's Bond and his own unique take on the character. I'll be gravely disappointed if he's constantly genuflecting at Fleming and shoehorning in "Flemingian" elements because the dear old fans can't be expected to cope without them (although I fear that that's exactly what in we're store for, sadly).

I want something fresh and unique. Doesn't necessarily mean it'll be good, but it will, at least, be, erm, fresh and unique. I've already got my Flemings and COLONEL SUN, thanks, to let's see what Deaver has to offer that's new, if anything.

Thought of picking up the latest Andy McNab then, Loomy?

If Deaver isn't going to give us the flavour of Fleming and Bond as a privately wealthy old Eton, hardly seems worth it, IMO, of course.

[Loomis]

Thought of picking up the latest Andy McNab then, Loomy?

Nope. Such books don't interest me in the slightest. Andy McNab is different to Fleming, certainly, but "different to Fleming" does not, of course, automatically equal "good".

If Deaver isn't going to give us the flavour of Fleming and Bond as a privately wealthy old Eton, hardly seems worth it, IMO, of course.

I'm tired of inferior Fleming imitations and of continuation authors halfheartedly ticking all those obligatory boxes. If Deaver mentions Bond's "comma of black hair" or "an unfortunate incident involving one of the boys' maids", I think I'll throw up.

Fleming will never be mimicked successfully or resurrected. For me, the only point is if an author takes James Bond (by which I mean the basic idea of the character) by the scruff of the neck and truly makes him his own.

[Jump James]

Has there been any indication as to where Jeffery Deaver got the inspiration for the title "Carte Blanche"?

[marktmurphy]

Andy McNab is different to Fleming, certainly, but "different to Fleming" does not, of course, automatically equal "good".

I think that's a point that David and yourself both agree on!

[solace]

Thought of picking up the latest Andy McNab then, Loomy?

Nope. Such books don't interest me in the slightest. Andy McNab is different to Fleming, certainly, but "different to Fleming" does not, of course, automatically equal "good".

If Deaver isn't going to give us the flavour of Fleming and Bond as a privately wealthy old Eton, hardly seems worth it, IMO, of course.

I'm tired of inferior Fleming imitations and of continuation authors halfheartedly ticking all those obligatory boxes. If Deaver mentions Bond's "comma of black hair" or "an unfortunate incident involving one of the boys' maids", I think I'll throw up.

Fleming will never be mimicked successfully or resurrected. For me, the only point is if an author takes James Bond (by which I mean the basic idea of the character) by the scruff of the neck and truly makes him his own.

I suspect the Fleming society expect a great deal of cap doffing to the original books as part of the writing deal.

[OmarB]

Thought of picking up the latest Andy McNab then, Loomy?

Nope. Such books don't interest me in the slightest. Andy McNab is different to Fleming, certainly, but "different to Fleming" does not, of course, automatically equal "good".

If Deaver isn't going to give us the flavour of Fleming and Bond as a privately wealthy old Eton, hardly seems worth it, IMO, of course.

I'm tired of inferior Fleming imitations and of continuation authors halfheartedly ticking all those obligatory boxes. If Deaver mentions Bond's "comma of black hair" or "an unfortunate incident involving one of the boys' maids", I think I'll throw up.
Fleming will never be mimicked successfully or resurrected. For me, the only point is if an author takes James Bond (by which I mean the basic idea of the character) by the scruff of the neck and truly makes him his own.

I suspect the Fleming society expect a great deal of cap doffing to the original books as part of the writing deal.

That's what I expect. We will have a couple hundred pages of pure Deaver, I'm sure they will throw in the occasion tip of the hat to Ian, and the type of avid researcher Deaver is I would not be surprised to see the other author's worked in somehow.

[Triton]

We have already had the cap doffing with Kingsley Amis, John Gardner, Raymond Benson, and Sebastian Faulks. I strongly believe that Jeffrey Deaver is going to reboot the literary canon. The smoking is out, probably the drinking too. Perhaps the character will be entirely reworked and bear little resemblance to the original character.

[Major Tallon]

Perhaps the character will be entirely reworked and bear little resemblance to the original character.

What's the point of doing that? Readers would be left with a Deaver-created adventure story that just uses the Bond name to sell books. Mr. Deaver can reboot him if he must, but if he's not James Bond at his core, the book's central character is merely an imposter.

[David Schofield]

Perhaps the character will be entirely reworked and bear little resemblance to the original character.

What's the point of doing that? Readers would be left with a Deaver-created adventure story that just uses the Bond name to sell books. Mr. Deaver can reboot him if he must, but if he's not James Bond at his core, the book's central character is merely an imposter.

In complete agreement with Major Tallon.

Pulp the bloody book now if Deaver's going to give us James Bond in name only.

[Jump James]

Perhaps the character will be entirely reworked and bear little resemblance to the original character.

What's the point of doing that? Readers would be left with a Deaver-created adventure story that just uses the Bond name to sell books. Mr. Deaver can reboot him if he must, but if he's not James Bond at his core, the book's central character is merely an imposter.

In complete agreement with Major Tallon.

Pulp the bloody book now if Deaver's going to give us James Bond in name only.

Id be shocked if this was the case. He does seem to know have an understanding of his predecessors work. Although I am only judging this by his Casino Royale introduction.

Edited by Jump James, 04 March 2011 - 09:34 PM.

[Goodnight]

Does anybody know of any further information regarding the launch of the book? Will it be in London, and if so when will it be?


Thanks

[Jump James]

Does anybody know of any further information regarding the launch of the book? Will it be in London, and if so when will it be?


Thanks

Jugging by the last one, I would imagine Waterstones in London Piccadilly will hold some sort of event with Deaver on launch day. They might do a limited edition CB also £50 on the day rising to £500 on eBay. So sleeping bags at the ready for it. Although nothing has been announced yet, I’d put money on there being a big launch as Jeffery Deaver is such a big name, bigger than Faulks.

[Goodnight]

Does anybody know of any further information regarding the launch of the book? Will it be in London, and if so when will it be?


Thanks

Jugging by the last one, I would imagine Waterstones in London Piccadilly will hold some sort of event with Deaver on launch day. They might do a limited edition CB also £50 on the day rising to £500 on eBay. So sleeping bags at the ready for it. Although nothing has been announced yet, I’d put money on there being a big launch as Jeffery Deaver is such a big name, bigger than Faulks.

Thankyou JJ.

I wasn't aware that limited edition ones sell for that much! Is anybody planning to go to the launch? It would be great to meet other fans.

[zencat]

UK paperback coming Sept 1st?

http://www.thebookbo...-paperback.html

[OmarB]

Man would I love to read just one sample page, any random page in the book will do. Just something.

[TheREAL008]

It's my sincere hope that Bond will be earning his first two kills on this assignment. Have Carte Blanche be his fgirst assignment but end the novel with him earning Double O status.

[Jump James]

It's my sincere hope that Bond will be earning his first two kills on this assignment. Have Carte Blanche be his first assignment but end the novel with him earning Double O status.

So kind of like a Casino Royale? I hope it's just a new mission and does not get too bogged down trying to explain it in all in the first two chapters. If he doesn't smoke and drink as much or even smoke at all, do we really need it to be explained? I felt it got bogged down to much at the beginning of License Renewed with the explanations at the beginning. But LR really took off after.