Carte Blanche cover art

Carte Blanche

A James Bond Novel

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Carte Blanche

By: Jeffery Deaver
Narrated by: Toby Stephens
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About this listen

The face of war is changing. The other side doesn't play by the rules much anymore. There's thinking, in some circles, that we need to play by a different set of rules too....

Fresh from Afghanistan, James Bond has been recruited to a new agency. Conceived in the post-9/11 world, it operates independent of Five, Six and the MoD, with its very existence deniable. Its aim: to protect the Realm, by any means necessary.

The Night Action alert calls Bond from dinner with a beautiful woman. GCHQ has decrypted an electronic whisper about an attack scheduled for later in the week: casualties estimated in the thousands, British interests adversely affected. And 007 has been given carte blanche to do whatever it takes to fulfil his mission.

©2011 Ian Fleming Publications Limited (P)2011 Hodder & Stoughton Audiobooks Espionage Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Suspense Exciting War

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All stars
Most relevant  
As the saying goes "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Deaver has embraced the standard Flemming blue-print for a Bond wholeheartedly. In an age where the general populus are well aquainted with MI5 and MI6, Bond is part of a more covert organisation. The plot was engaging and politically bang up to date. The super-sexy voice of Toby Stephens added the extra snarl that Bond needs. The book reminded me very much of Casino Royale as an introduction to Bond in a new time. I did find myself wondering whether there was some product placement in the book, though a friend who works for one of the car companies mentioned was overjoyed that Bond was in one of his cars!

a very traditional Bond

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Although I've read lots of Jeffrey Deaver and possibly all the other versions of Bond books, I still hesitated to buy this book, but I'm glad I did. I usually read while walking to and from work and I found myself slowing down so I could listen longer. The audio equivalent of not being able to put the book down!
The reason for not giving it 5 stars was that although Mr Deaver really respected the character, sometimes it felt like he was trying too hard to make him British but I thought that he successfully brought Bond into the 21st century. I also enjoyed Toby Stephens' reading which was well paced.

Much better than expected

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Really enjoyed this; it's better than the Fleming books, which I have listened to with growing irritation!

Better than Fleming.

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Would you listen to Carte Blanche again? Why?

Plenty of twists and turns and surprises - worth another listen to try and keep up better next time.
Need decent period of wait to forget the real plot outcomes.

What did you like best about this story?

Unpredictability of the outcomes although this became predictable in itself by the end!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The combat scene descriptions were exciting and convincing.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Mind the rubbish doesn't leave you starving

Any additional comments?

A neat thriller with great locations and plenty of action. James Bond is back.

"Bond .......... James Bond"

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Where does Carte Blanche rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was good although not up among the best. i felt it started well and i was enjoying it but as the story progressed i felt it was struggling to maintain that standard.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

As with any Bond, the villain is most important. They used to be after world domination but in this case it's just a business venture with a weird fetish thrown in to spice things up

Have you listened to any of Toby Stephens’s other performances? How does this one compare?

i haven't heard any other performances from Toby Stephens but i'd be happy to hear more. i think he's suited for a Bond story

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

no - it's a James Bond book i don't think they're aiming for you to be moved

Where have all the good Bond villains gone?

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A supberb plot maintaining tension throughout. Containing Jeffery Deaver's trademark twists and turns at key points in the action. A brilliant narration by TS has created one of the best Bond stories ever.

The Best of Bond

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Classic James Bond action in Europe and S.Africa with a plot of double crosses, red herrings and flirtatious encounters

Good narration

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Its exciting, its witty and Bond has a conscience. Deaver gives Bond a history and morality that makes him a modern man. Twists and turns in the plot follow the tradition of Bond novels and a few gadgets.

Bond grows up

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Enjoyed the narration by Toby Stephens.

I like Jeffrey Deaver's writing and I have read a fair few of his novels, however this just did not do it for me.

If you are a James Bond fan you will of course love it.

Mmm the jury is out

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Although a fan of the films, I’ve never read a bond book before so I have nothing to compare it against, but this was a really enjoyable story.

Narrated brilliantly, fast paced and plenty of plot twists you’d expect from 007. Would certainly recommend.

An really enjoyable Bond story

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