Casino Royale
Casino Royale
Book Brief
188
Novel • Fiction
France • 1950s
1953
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming is a spy thriller about James Bond, who, on his first mission for MI-6, is tasked with defeating the Russian agent Le Chiffre in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale to prevent him from recouping lost Soviet funds. Bond is assisted by his allies Vesper Lynd, Mathis, and Felix Leiter and faces deadly challenges, ultimately questioning his commitment to the life of a spy. The plot includes instances of violence and torture.
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Gritty
Adventurous
Dark
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Casino Royale, Ian Fleming's debut Bond novel, is lauded for its thrilling plot and intricate spy craft, establishing James Bond as an iconic character. Critics praise its suspenseful narrative and rich detail. However, some find the pacing inconsistent and question certain dated elements. Overall, it remains a seminal work in the spy fiction genre.
Who Should Read Casino Royale?
A reader who enjoys Casino Royale by Ian Fleming likely appreciates fast-paced, high-stakes espionage thrillers with a charismatic protagonist. Fans of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré or The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum will find this book engaging due to its blend of sophisticated intrigue and action.
Casino Royale, published in 1953, was Ian Fleming's first novel and introduced the world to the iconic British secret agent, James Bond, with the code number 007.
Fleming was inspired to create James Bond partly by his experiences and acquaintances in the British Naval Intelligence during World War II, notably drawing from individuals like Dušan Popov, a real-life spy.
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The title Casino Royale was suggested to reflect the risky world of gambling and espionage, although Fleming initially considered titles such as The Double-O Agent and The Grand Game.
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188
Novel • Fiction
France • 1950s
1953
Adult
18+ years
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