Thunderball
Thunderball
Book Brief
Beta258
Novel • Fiction
The Bahamas • 1950s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Thunderball by Ian Fleming follows a person named James Bond, a British secret agent, as they track a missing nuclear weapon stolen by an organization called SPECTRE. The narrative includes Bond's strategic collaboration with allies and confrontations with adversaries to prevent global catastrophe. It is part of the James Bond series, blending espionage with action.
Suspenseful
Adventurous
Mysterious
Gritty
Exciting
Reviews & Readership
20,334 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Thunderball by Ian Fleming is praised for its thrilling plot and the intriguing character of James Bond. The adventurous underwater scenes and the suspenseful pacing captivate readers. However, some criticize the outdated stereotypes and predictability. Overall, it delivers excitement and classic Bond allure but may feel dated to modern audiences.
Who Should Read Thunderball?
Fans of Thunderball by Ian Fleming typically enjoy espionage thrillers filled with action and intrigue. Readers drawn to the suave, strategic elements in John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in from the Cold or Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Identity might also appreciate the calculated and adventurous James Bond missions.
20,334 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Thunderball was initially conceived as a screenplay in collaboration with screenwriter Kevin McClory and writer Jack Whittingham, but when plans for a film stalled, Ian Fleming adapted it into the novel.
The book introduces the infamous criminal organization SPECTRE, and its leader Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who became a recurring antagonist in the James Bond series.
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Thunderball faced a complex legal battle due to disputes over the screenplay rights, which affected subsequent adaptations and film productions related to the story.
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258
Novel • Fiction
The Bahamas • 1950s
2003
Adult
18+ years
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