Casino Royale Audiobook By Ian Fleming cover art

Casino Royale

A James Bond Novel

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Casino Royale

By: Ian Fleming
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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Read by Richard Armitage

JAMES BOND PLAYS A DEADLY GAME OF CHANCE IN IAN FLEMING’S LEGENDARY FIRST 007 NOVEL

“Le Chiffre” is a ruthless operative and the accountant for a soviet SMERSH cell in France, but he’s on the verge of disaster after gambling away his client’s money. Taking the last of his stash, he lures a dozen wealthy players to a high-stakes baccarat game, hoping to hustle his way whole.

The British Secret Service would like to see this red thorn plucked from the hide of Europe, and sends their best card sharp, James Bond, to bankrupt Le Chiffre for good.

With the cards running against him and SMERSH operatives threatening to kill him and his beautiful ally, Vesper Lynd, 007 needs his luck to turn before he wagers away their lives.

©1953 Ian Fleming Publications Ltd (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Action & Adventure Classics Espionage Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense
Classic Spy Fiction • Engaging Thriller • Excellent Narration • Timeless Tale • Intricate Details • Solid Foundation
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Don’t censor bond, this has some censorship compared to the print book. But still an amazing read/listen.

My first Bond book

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Ian Fleming gets the Armitage treatment and it's another must listen. Get your ears ready.

Armitage. Richard Armitage.

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Richard Armitage is an absolute delight to listen too. The story is fantastic, but the way he reads it makes it all the better.

Richard Armitage

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Enjoyable story on the whole. however the last numbers or chapters do drag on longer then I feel they need to. and bonds thoughts on woman in this book do not always match up with modern senceabilies so may offend some

a simpler time a roughter man

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I’m not a Bond connoisseur but decided to get this to understand his origins. Some parts were exceptional, especially the baccarat scene. Not my favorite spy novel ever, but Bond fans should find it interesting for what it is.

Good intro to James Bond

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the original James Bond story. dip your toes and immerse yourself in the story that started a world wide phenomenon. you won't regret it, still I've of the best even after all these years

the original

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Ive seen the movies more tumes than I can count. I was curious on how different they would be from the book. I think the book is much better. Im slowly reading the Ian Fleming Bonds and have only dine his short stories so far. The short stories are completely different. This novel seems closer to the latest movie.

Lived the movies and this was so much better

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I've seen the movie, loved it. Listened to the book, loved it. definitely worth the time.

Still a classic

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Best served chilled in a Cold War context

I have watched all of the various television and film interpretations of the #jamesbond series and, while the #danielcraig reboot was closest to the novel, the book really stands up as a post-war tableau. Having served in World War II in Military Intelligence developing expertise in gambling working for the British Secret Service working with their the French counterparts, Deuxieme Bureau shutting down a gang of Romanian casino cheats in Monte Carlo. This unique skill set for the post War British assassin, denoted in the Double O designation which he cynically dismisses as a dubious distinction for someone willing to kill someone in cold blood, finds him being assigned by MI6 to play the part of a wealthy Jamaican merchant with a gambling penchant in order to destroy a Russian operative with a gambling habit spent fed by Soviet funds at the tables of a fading seaside French Casino.

For the assignment he is partnered and supported by French cohort Rene Mathis, CIA operative Felix Leiter and MI6 agent Vesper Lynd. The outcome of the game, the sexual encounters, the torture and violence are well presented in the Craig version however, in the novel, the story station the Northern French Coast with Bond's smoldering and murderous resolve.

The great advantage of this recently produced #audible was the excellent read by #richardarmitage was well paced save a few narration glitches such as "colt point four five" but that is easily forgiven. Te Fleming Family Estate really should consider a period based series that are rigidly based on the novels. It would be amazing to loyal fans and a new generation of streaming binge watchers.

Best served chilled in a Cold War context

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Even though I have seen the movie, the book kept me very entertained.

The only t thing I don't like about this book is the torture, I can't believe this was written 71 years ago. It makes still cringe today.

A great story that started it all.

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