I found the last Bond book to be slower and less captivating. I was pleased that this one picked up the pace again, crafting an interesting and twisting narrative that kept my attention. The main lady was fairly bland in this one and the antagonists were less fleshed out but I found the story itself more even and the action more engaging.

Felix remains one of my favorites and I was glad he appeared in this one as well. Fleming has a gift for making you care about random side characters who you know you'll probably never hear of again.

One of the less racist and sexist Bond books. Although that's partially because it's comprised predominantly by white dudes, it's a genuine improvement over the last couple.

Overall, I must admit that I've been pleased that Bond is actually much less of a cocky playboy in the books than the celluloid iteration everyone knows. Fleming gives him more depth, internal conflict, and real fear than you usually see on screen. I look forward to reading the next.