Thunderball (with Interview)

Hello to Jason Isaacs!

Sorry...



I could listen to this narrator for a long time, Great story and perfect narration. Probably my favourite narration so far, I'm listening to these Audio Go releases in order of the original releases.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

an enjoyable, albeit dated,romp

I don't recall the film so there are no comparisons here. Bond is surprisingly rich as a character. For those with particular sensibilities they will find Fleming's language and attitudes dated. Remembering the time it was written it gives a flavour for the contemporary attitudes and language. Like others I find the book surprisingly satisfying in terms of both the hero, his accomplices and the villains. The last of these being far more plausible than the films suggest.
This is the first time I have heard Jason Isaacs read and would listen to him again.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Dark Bond

Having never read the books and only watched the movies, I was surprised at how dark and cynical this novel was. It is well narrated and worth listening to, but it is also a novel of its time too.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The best Bond yet!

Exceptionally well written & performed. My favourite bond so far. Jason Isaacs does a terrific reading too.

The quintessential Bond Story

Being English I was brought up on the Bond Films but i confess i had never read the books. Well i'm putting that right now, I've been on a Bond Binge and it's been great. Fleming is a really great writer especially his powers description. There are criticisms Fleming is a bit too keen to show off his knowledge of good restaurants and hotel rooms and yes he is a product of his time, there are words and opinions that you should prepare yourselves for.
This really is the closest to being a bond film I've read so far Fleming really manages to conjure up the Romanticism of Bond's world and even if the villain is just OK it's exciting and sexy and fun and i highly recommend it.

Hello to Jason Bond

Brilliant story brought to life by Jason Isaacs’ silky baritone. Hugely enjoyable. Thoroughly recommended particularly if you’re new to the Fleming books.

A more vulnerable Bond

I found this book just as good as the others. Some parts fast paced and other where Bond is more thoughtful and introspective. Will certainly read the entire Ian Fleming series eventually

A thrilling ride - Bond-style

This is a truly exciting - gripping really - Bond take, with a surprising twist at the end. Great characters, very interesting plot and, of course, an iconic villain. Only spoiled for me by the fact Jason Issacs must have had a cold when he narrated it - cos he sounds very blocked up!

Great performance by jason Isaacs.

Great performance by jason Isaacs. Interesting interviews at end but quite short. Much better story and characterisations than the films

Solid but not the best Bond

Would you consider the audio edition of Thunderball (with Interview) to be better than the print version?

I'd put the audio and print versions about level. I think it is read slightly slow for my taste but I think both the character voices and the tension Isaacs puts into certain scenes very good.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think Felix was my favourite character. I think he's strong and comical at times but mainly he is loyal to Bond. Even on crazy hunches and ideas, Felix always trusts in and goes along with Bond and Bond can always rely on Felix. They also have a great relationship and genuinely enjoy working together.

Which character – as performed by Jason Isaacs – was your favourite?

Isaacs' Blofeld was probably my favourite. Every attribute Blofeld possesses came across in the voice. His confidence, his intellect and his cruelty.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Felix made me laugh many times. His turn of phrase rather than particular jokes. As always with Fleming, many sections make me laugh almost out of disgust. Horrendous racism and sexism is always expected and does not sit well when read more than 50 years on. But it must be ignored as just a terrible sign of the times.

Any additional comments?

Overall, I thought this was a solid entry in the Bond series and is certainly middle of the pack. The only real problem for me was a sense of anticlimax in the last couple of chapters. The partnership of Bond and Felix is easily the strong point through a great chasing-down of the unknown baddies.