The best of the period continuation novels.

Every Bond fan has their opinions about the continuation novels and I will not delve much into those discussions. As of this review, since 2008, three authors have written new Bond novels largely set within the original Fleming period of the 1950s and 60s; this one being set in 1969 (five years after Fleming's death and roughly a year after the events of "Colonel Sun," the first continuation book.). William Boyd wisely uses his own experiences and crafts them into a worthy Bond novel with a plot that differs a bit from Fleming's ideas. I especially enjoyed the action in Africa and London and found the book to be suitably detailed and entertaining. While no one will match Mr. Fleming, I appreciate that Mr. Boyd keeps Bond in his own wheel house and does not particularly attempt to "update" the character for the "modern" reader. If anything, Bond's consumption of spirits caused many reviewers to wonder if Bond had a sober moment during the course of the story. People, let that stuff go. This is escapism and let's enjoy the ride. Bond gets to do the things we only wish we could get away with... Thank you Mr. Boyd for a laudable addition to the canon.

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More Please!

Great story that takes place in the correct timeline from Fleming's original books. Dominic West is a great narrator; highly recommended,

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The perfect continuation of Fleming’s Bond

This is the best Bond continuation novel I’ve found. If you enjoy Fleming’s Bond you’ll like this book.

Classic Bond

Great story, with everything you expect from a James Bond story: seduction, intrigue, debonair style, judicious application of violence. Very enjoyable!

Intricate plot and story, well performed Audible

Dominic West does a brilliant job performing the Audible version of Solo, by novelist William Boyd. West succeeds is capturing dialects of a white Rhodesian mercenary, the smooth then edgy tone of James Bond and his boss, M. He also modulates his voice to a young energetic British woman, an American thirtyish actress, the various dialects of black west African men: mercenaries, taxi drivers, clerks, witch doctor, and the dialect of a German-Dutch-Anglo millionaire. So West is asks to lend voice to many characters, to bring them to life. He does this with great alacrity and adds a depth of texture to one’s experience to this interesting and entertaining novel with good dialogue that West displays his talent.

Great race - last fence fall!!

Very enjoyable and well read, but the story finale has annoying loose ends. Deliberate? Sequel?

Poor research

Decent story but poorly researched, especially regarding firearms. A pistol has a magazine for feeding cartridges into the barrel. It does not use clips. Misnomer. Also, it is much more difficult to acquire a firearm in the United States as opposed to “how easy” the wither made it seem to be. This is very dishonest, and shoddy writing.

Solid Bond novel that leaves room for a sequel

You'll get your money or credits worth with Solo. A standard issue Bond adventure that lives up to the name of the franchise. The narrator is excellent and shows his versatility with accents and different voices. He also sounds as if he's Bond which adds to the immersion. The end leaves some things open for a sequel.

Very good, in the true spirit of Fleming

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, if you are a true Bond Person this is a good one.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Solo?

Character development, Bond at 45 years old faces his age, turning a chapter in his life.

What about Dominic West’s performance did you like?

Paying attention to detail and "connecting the DOS". Writing a Plausible scenario and not interjecting implausible persons or acts.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Last chapter, Bond comes clean and is off for another adventure.

Any additional comments?

He should be charged with writing another Bond book.

Book, good book.

What made the experience of listening to Solo the most enjoyable?

It's Bond, James Bond. Another good read/listen in what I hope is a never-ending series.