The lost John Gardner comic strip adaptations

OO7 Magazine Online recently revealed that at least two John Gardner James Bond continuation novels, Icebreaker (1983) and Role of Honor (1984), were adapted into comic strip form, most likely to run as part of the Daily Express series. Unfortunately, these adaptations appear to have never been published.

Now thanks to OO7 publisher and editor Graham Rye (who owns the original artwork) here's a look at a panel from Role of Honor.

Click to enlarge

Courtesy of 007 MAGAZINE (to view the remainder of the exclusive images of these strips visit www.007magazine.co.uk and subscribe to 007 MAGAZINE OnLine).

Jeffery Deaver says CARTE BLANCHE has gone to EON

Jack Riccardi interviewed Bond author Jeffery Deaver on KTSA today. It's clear Riccardi is a Bond fan and this is a good interview.

A few points to note; Deaver again says he's open to writing another Bond novel should IFP want him back. He also says Carte Blanche has "gone to" Eon (the Bond film producers), and sounds optimistic about its chances of being made into a film (but so was Sebastian Faulks).

CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW

Flashback: ROLE OF HONOR, 1984

Just for fun, here's an advert from 1984 for John Gardner's fourth James Bond novel, Role of Honor. I believe this appeared in Publisher's Weekly. At the time it was thought Gardner was going to take a year break after his third Bond novel, Icebreaker, so the announcement of a new Bond book for 1984 was a great surprise!

Role of Honor will be released on July 7 as part of the Orion's special re-issuing of the classic John Gardner James Bond titles to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of License Renewed.

CARTE BLANCHE #5 on New York Times Best Sellers list

In its debute week, Jeffery Deaver's Carte Blanche has landed at #5 in the New York Times Best Sellers list for Hardcover Fiction. The list reflects sales for the week ending June 18, 2011.

While sales of Carte Blanche in the UK are not quite as strong as Sebastian Faulks' Devil May Care, it is outselling the Faulks novel in the U.S. Devil May Care only made it as high as #8 on the New York Times list.

Thanks to Ryan Rose.

Charlie Higson tweets "major announcement" upcoming

Okay, Charlie Higson has a lot of irons in the fire and a runaway success with his new Enemy series, so I doubt this "major announcement in a couple of weeks" has anything to do with James Bond. But we can still hope, right? More Young Bond? Higson writing the next adult continuation novel?

UPDATE: Charlie just tweeted his announcement. The Fast Show is coming back.

Jeffery Deaver brings CARTE BLANCHE to L.A.

Reigning Bond continuation novelist Jeffery Deaver appeared last night at the historic Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills as part of his ongoing Carte Blanche U.S. book tour. There was a good turnout for the 8pm event, which was hosted by the Rare Bird Lit.

Deaver spoke for about 45 minutes, reflecting on his process of writing, how it's a business to him, how he outlines and revises, and how he came to write Carte Blanche. In the audience were many L.A.-based Bond aficionados, including the eminent John Cork and Collin Stutz (co-author of The James Bond Encyclopedia), as well as Double O Section's Matthew Bradford.

During the Q&A session, Deaver didn't give up any secrets of what IFP might have planned next for Bond (despite our best efforts to get him to do so). He said he's turning his attention of his next Kathryn Dance novel (set in...Fresno?) and has no set plans to return to Bond. However, he did feel he set-up some things in Carte Blanche that other authors could explore if they like (presumably Steel Cartridge).

I asked Deaver about the title, which he said was suggested by his editor. Unfortunately, he didn't reveal any rejected or working titles (a particular fascination for me).

Afterwards Deaver signed all the books and generously posed for photos with all the attendees, including yours truly. Inside my own copy of Carte Blanche he wrote, "It means a lot to me that you enjoyed it!" :)

All in all, it was another terrific L.A. Bond event, and it was great to see Jeffery Deaver in person and so many of my Bond friends.

Photos by Athena Stamos, Girl From LA Photography

Ian Fleming Publications Ltd appoints Curtis Brown as new agents for Bond

Press Release: Ian Fleming Publications Ltd has appointed Jonny Geller and Curtis Brown to represent the Ian Fleming James Bond novels and future James Bond literary works, worldwide.

Following the great success of Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver, Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks and the Young Bond series by Charlie Higson, Ian Fleming Publications looks forward to providing further enjoyment for the millions of James Bond fans, both young and old, and for future generations.

Corinne Turner, MD of IFPL, said:

"In these changing times, it is important that there is a co-ordinated representation of the Ian Fleming Bond novels and our new 007 projects worldwide, and we are very excited by the prospect of working with a literary agency that combines over one hundred years of experience with such a bright, enthusiastic and forward-thinking team."

Jonny Geller, MD of Curtis Brown books division, said:

"This is a huge honour for our agency. Ian Fleming is quite simply one of the world's most successful and well –managed literary estates. The aim for us is clear: to marshall all of Curtis Brown's resources to bring a new generation of readers to Ian Fleming's work. By using the specialist skills of different agents within Curtis Brown we intend to build on the wonderful work that the Fleming company has already achieved."

Curtis Brown will also look after the James Bond novels written by Kingsley Amis, John Gardner and Raymond Benson as well as translation rights in the Young Bond series by Charlie Higson.

FIRST SET OF JOHN GARDNER 007 REPRINTS RELEASED TODAY

The first three hardcover reprints of the classic John Gardner James Bond novels are released today by Swordfish/Orion Books. The titles are License Renewed (first published in 1981), For Special Services (1982), and Icebreaker (1983). The books each feature their beautiful original cover art (above). The cover for License Renewed is done by Richard Chopping, who provided covers for many of the Fleming titles.

Rowland White, Non-fiction Publishing Director and Publisher of Swordfish says: “As I grew up in the 1980s, John Gardner’s Bond was, to a large extent, my Bond. I missed out on the chance to anticipate the publication of a new Bond from Ian Fleming. Instead I looked forward to my next fix of 007 from the hand of John Gardner. It’s a huge pleasure and privilege to now have the opportunity to publish new editions of these classic thrillers on the Swordfish list.”

John Gardner

Corinne Turner, Managing Director of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd said “We are delighted that the 30th anniversary of the first Gardner Bond novel is being celebrated with such a lovely edition. I can’t imagine a more fitting tribute to one of our longest serving and most dedicated Bond authors.”

Simon Gardner, the author's son, said "My father, John Edmund Gardner, was extremely proud to have been asked to take on the role of Bond continuation novelist, and if he were alive today he would be overjoyed to see his Bond novels back in print for a new generation of fans to enjoy. On behalf of the family, I would like to say how pleased we all are that The Orion Publishing Group are re-printing these first five novels, complete with their original jackets. It is very exciting that these will be released under Orion's new imprint, Swordfish. We all find it hard to believe it is the 30th anniversary of the publication of Licence Renewed."

Personally, I'm extremely excited about the release of these books. I also grew up with Gardner's Bond. I can recall when and where I got every book, and who I was at the time. The Gardner books are really what made me such a fan of the literary 007. I also lobbied for 30th Anniversary editions, so this is a dream come true. I'm thrilled that younger fans can now rediscover John Gardner's James Bond for themselves.

Orion will release Role of Honor and Nobody Lives Forever in July. They will then release a Box Set of all five hardcover reprints in November, and then ALL the John Gardner James Bond novels in paperback with all-new cover art throughout 2012 and 2013. For the full release timeline, visit our special Gardner Renewed page.

Original ads for License Renewed, For Special Services, and Icebreaker

Jeffery Deaver open to writing another Bond novel

Jeffery Deaver tells the Star-Telegram that he's open to the idea of penning another James Bond novel:

"It was a one-book contract, with the understanding that I had to get right back to writing my own books," he says. "I'm currently working on my next Kathryn Dance book [fourth in the series]. Then I have a Lincoln Rhyme book that is due next year for publication in 2013 [No. 10 in the series]."

That said, when it comes to Bond, Deaver will never say never again.

"If Carte Blanche were to become a publishing phenomena, if it turns into, say, James Bond and the Deathly Hallows, then I would certainly be interested in revisiting it," he says. "But I would never not write my own books. Basically, we left it pretty much in the air for now."

I, for one, would love to see Deaver return!

Jeremy Northam to read new Gardner Bond audiobooks

Jeremy Northam will read the new John Gardner James Bond audiobooks from Orion. Northam last read the audiobook for Sebastian Faulks' 2008 Centenary Bond novel, Devil May Care.

Northam's first reading, For Special Services, will be released this Thursday, June 23, along with the first three Gardner books in special hardcover reprints. License Renewed will be release on July 7.

Artwork for the audiobooks has been revealed on the Orion website. They feature the original UK cover art along with the new 007 logo. Northam's audio readings will also be available as digital downloads from audible.co.uk.

Jeffery Deaver begins U.S. CARTE BLANCHE book tour

Jeffery Deaver begins his U.S. Carte Blanche book tour today in Houston, Texas. Here is the full line-up (I'm looking forward to attending the L.A. event on Thursday):

June 19, 2011, Houston, Texas
Murder by the Book
2342 Bissonnet Street
2:00 PM, Talk, Q&A, and Signing

June 20, 2011, Centennial, Colorado
Koelbel Public Library
5955 S. Holly St.
3:00 - 4:00 PM, Talk, Q&A, and Signing

June 20, 2011, Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Tattered Cover Highlands Ranch
9315 Dorchester Street
7:30 PM, Talk, Q&A, and Signing

June 21, 2011, Scottsdale, Arizona
Poisoned Pen Bookstore
At the Scottsdale Community College, Turquoise Room, 9000 East Chaparral Road
7:00 PM, Talk, Q&A, and Signing

June 22, 2011, San Mateo, California
"M" is for Mystery
86 East Third Avenue
7:00 PM, Talk, Q&A, and Signing

June 23, 2011, Los Angeles, California
Rarebird Literary Event
Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills
8:00 PM, Talk, Q&A, and Signing

June 28, 2011, Raleigh, North Carolina
Barnes & Noble
8431 Brier Creek Parkway
7:00 PM, Talk, Q&A, and Signing

June 29, 2011, Pittsboro, North Carolina
McIntyre's Books
Fearrington Village, 220 Market Street
7:00 PM, Talk, Q&A, and Signing

July 8, 2011, New York, New York
Barnes and Noble/Tribeca
6pm, 97 Warren Street
Launch party and signing event for No Rest For The Dead, with many of the contributing authors in attendance.

Jeffery Deaver's editor presenting him with a gift from Simon & Schuster at
the Carte Blanche launch party in New York.

Link: 007 MAGAZINE wins its complaint against ‘MI6 Confidential’

Good for Graham! OO7 Magazine is a terrific publication and has been THE go-to Bond fanzine for a whopping 32 years. I'm proud to say I own every issue.

BOOK BOND REVIEW: Deaver mixes a strong Bond cocktail with CARTE BLANCHE

The last James Bond novel was 2008's Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks. A celebration of the centenary of Ian Fleming's birth, Faulks elected to write the novel as a grand pastiche, imitating Ian Fleming's style and structure, and even going as far as placing on the title page that he was "writing as Ian Fleming." While this could be seen a tribute (and I thoroughly enjoyed the novel for what it was), one could not escape the feeling that Faulks treated the assignment as beneath him -- that James Bond was not worthy of being a true "Sebastian Faulks Novel".

Happily, this is NOT the case with Jeffery Deaver's Carte Blanche. Deaver, an international bestselling thriller author, has embraced the assignment full throttle and delivered a terrific James Bond novel that respects all the franchise elements (girls, guns, cars, locales), but is also very much "a Jeffrey Deaver novel." The mix works like a well shaken martini (sorry, couldn't resist). Deaver has not only created a book that, literally, moves James Bond into the 21st century (although it is not as radical a reboot as some expected), but he's also produced a thoroughly modern thriller that I think would sit comfortably among his other bestsellers even if the main character wasn't named James Bond.

Deaver's pacing is superb (I love the short chapters), his choice of locations are original and all new to the Bond universe (hard to believe it took Bond this long to make it to South Africa), and his action set-pieces have just the right Bondian flair without going overboard (the books have always managed this far better than the films). But what makes Carte Blanche so strong apart from the pacing and evocative prose, is Deaver's pantheon of fully developed supporting characters. His three Bond Girls are each unique, compelling and sexy without being clichés. Bond's dinner with Ophelia Maidenstone (great name) I found to be particularly enjoyable, with an edge of melancholy that recalls Fleming's Bond, who didn't always get the girl. Likewise, Bond's various partners in the intelligence agencies all have shading, complexities and subplots. And his main villain, Severan Hydt, is top notch and very much in the Bondian tradition of a bizarre obsessive. I've always felt the best Bond books (and films) are those in which 007 is increasingly immersed in the villain's world - a Heart of Darkness journey into danger, violence, and perverse revelations. This is very much the case in Carte Blanche.

My only complaint is that the Dubai section -- which features Bond's traditional ally Felix Leiter -- seems to miss somewhat. This despite the freshness of the location (another first for Bond) and some real tension whether Deaver is going to "reboot" Felix's tragic injuries. Deaver seems to overplay his hand here, mentioned the ticking clock threat so many times that it starts to become obvious that it will be anything except what he is saying. But this is the only time one of Deaver's famous twists didn't utterly surprise me. These twists, by the way, multiply exponentially as the book races toward it's climax, making this, this longest James Bond novel yet written, a real page-turner.

Conceptually, Carte Blanche reminds me most of the very first James Bond continuation novel, Colonel Sun, by Kingsley Amis. It's James Bond in the hands and voice of a major writer at the top of his game. But the plot reads most like a John Gardner Bond novel, with an emphasis on real-world spycraft and threats of double-cross. Crafting a reality-based spy novel while still delivering a James Bond adventure, with all it's formula conventions and expectations, is a not an easy thing to pull off. (Faulks stuck rigidly to the formula.)

With Carte Blanche, Jeffery Deaver has delivered what I feel is certainly one of the strongest James Bond continuation novels yet written. Yes, there will always be Fleming purists who will not accept any book by another author (just as there are movie fans who only accept Sean Connery in the role), and there is a contingent who bitterly resent an American taking over the Bond mantle (some cloak their prejudice behind snarky one-star reviews on Amazon). But for those of who are happy to read a new James Bond adventure from a top writer, Carte Blanche is a delight.

It's my hope that, like 007, "Jeffery Deaver Will Return."

NORTH AMERICA GETS 'CARTE BLANCHE'

The new James Bond novel, Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver, is released today from publisher Simon and Schuster in the U.S. and Canada. Already a Bestseller in the UK, the book finds 007 in action in Serbia, Dubai, England and South Africa.

Carte Blanche is available as a hardcover, audiobook, and for the Kindle, iBook and Nook.

Here's what some critics are saying:

"The most impressive feature of Carte Blanche is the ingenuity of the breathless, blood-thirsty plot."
—The Evening Standard (London)

"Deaver's enthusiasm for Bond comes through on every page and he puts the gift for plotting that has garnered him such massive popularity to superb use here. So Carte Blanche is excellent fun, a great read and Jeffery Deaver has breathed new life into an old favourite."
—Sunday Express (UK)

"Crucially, the novel proves itself worthy of the 007 logo on its spine by presenting us with one of the most bone-chillingly creepy bad guys in history."
—The Independent (UK)

"Deaver's Bond is quite recognisably Bond, but a new, streamlined incarnation for a new generation of global fears."
—The Guardian (UK)

"It's a tightrope walk, balancing the tradition with the requirements of contemporary life, and Deaver handles it with panache."
— author Olen Steinhauer

"His creator may be long gone, but James Bond (with his gadgets, women, and suave lines) lives on in the skillful hands of a suspense superstar."
— Malcolm Jones, Newsweek Magazine, 10 Must-Read Summer Books

Jeffery Daver will start a book tour this week. He has public events scheduled in Toronto, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, California, and North Carolina. Click for full schedule.

Carte Blanche is now available in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France, Netherlands, Russia, Czech Republic, Israel, and Korea. It will be released in Spain on June 26; and in Poland on June 29.

Will BOND 23 take a page from CARTE BLANCHE?

The Hollywood Reporter recently ran a story that suggested Eon Productions are considering South Africa as a location for the next James Bond film (Bond 23). The trade paper quoted local producer, Anant Singh, as saying, "We are excited that the new James Bond film is considering locations in South and Southern Africa. Film people love to work in our country."

Of course, South Africa is a major location in Jeffery Deaver's new Bond novel Carte Blanche. The last half of the book is set in and around Cape Town, where villain, Severan Hydt, has his main Green Way facility. The book also features action set amid the scenic Twelve Apostles mountain range.

Twelve Apostles mountains in South Africa

Carte Blanche marks the first time James Bond has travelled to South Africa in a book or film. In 1971's Diamond Are Forever, Sean Connery's James Bond says, "I've always fancied a trip to South Africa." While that film does feature a scene set in South Africa with villians Wint and Kidd, 007 gets sent to Holland instead.

However, the rumored South Africa setting may be just that - rumor. Local film commissions love to claim their regions are being "considered" as a Bond location. India has also claimed to be the focas of the Bond 23 the filmmakers, something they've said of the last several Bond films.

Meanwhile, South Africa is enjoying the attention Carte Blanche is giving the country. Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, the CEO of Cape Town Tourism, says that Deaver's choice is an "acknowledgement of the inspirational setting of Cape Town."

Speaking of locations, it's worth noting that Carte Blanche has also scooped the new Mission Impossible film, Ghost Protocol, by setting action in Dubai.

Carte Blanche is out now in the UK. It will be released in the U.S. on Tuesday (Amazon.com).

Jeffery Deaver talks CARTE BLANCHE on NPR

Link: Orion Publishing Group celebrates the 30th anniversary of John Gardner's JAMES BOND titles

Click the headline above to read the just released official PREE RELEASE for the John Gardner James Bond reprints coming from Orion Books starting this month.

CARTE BLANCHE 50% off at Amazon for ONE DAY only

For those of you who haven't pre-ordered your U.S. copy of Jeffery Deaver's Carte Blanche yet, today is the day to do so! For one day only Amazon.com is offering the book at 50% off cover price.

Also, for you eBook fans, Apple is currently offering the first seven chapters as FREE SAMPLE at the iBookstore.

Carte Blanche hits the U.S. this Tuesday, June 14. Purchase at Amazon.com.

Thanks to Adam for the tip.

James Bond's other car...

Much of the publicity surrounding Carte Blanche has featured James Bond's new choice of vehicle, a Bentley Continental GT. While Bond drives the Bentley during the first third of the book set in England, he drives another car during the action in South Africa; a Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The Subaru actually sees as much action as the Bentley, and while the car is just a loaner, Bond becomes "quite found of it." So here's a look at James Bond's other car in Carte Blanche.

By the way, the short-lived Saab 9-2X was based on this very car. Some nicknamed it the "Saabaru". Could this choice of car be an inside nod to John Gardner, who memorably put Bond in a Saab in his first continuation novel, License Renewed? Or is it just coincidence?

Thanks to Brad Hansen.

"A present day version of a traditional James Bond tale."

The U.S. promotion for Carte Blanche is kicking into high gear. Check out this nicely done video in which author Jeffery Deaver talks about his new Bond novel.

Carte Blanche will be released in the U.S. in June 14. For Jeffery Deaver's U.S. book tour schedule visit his official website. 

International CARTE BLANCHE cover art

Here are some more international covers for Jeffery Deaver's Carte Blanche.

Top: Czech Republic, Isreal
Bottom: Bulgaria, The Netherlands

Visit the Ian Fleming Publications website for full list of international publishers with release dates and links.

Orion to release Box Set of first five John Gardner novels

Some cool John Gardner reprint news today! According to a new listing on the Orion website and Amazon.co.uk, the hardcover reprints of the first five John Gardner James Bond novels will be released as a BOX SET on November 3, 2011. Price is £84.95.

These new hardcovers, which all feature the original cover art, will be released individually starting this month. Visit our special Gardner Renewed page for release dates and links.

French CARTE BLANCHE website launched

An official website for the French edition of Carte Blanche has been launched. The site includes an exclusive interview with author Jeffery Deaver among other things. Even if you don't understand French, it's worth a look for the cool design and the slick French cover art from Flammarion.

www.007carteblanche.fr

Details of Jeffery Dever's L.A. CARTE BLANCHE event

Details about Jeffery Dever's Los Angeles Carte Blanche event have been revealed. Deaver will participate in a Q&A and signing on Thursday, June 23 at 8P at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Tickets are $10 without book; $30 admission with book. Click here for full details and to purchase tickets from RareBirdLit.

For Jeffery Deaver's full U.S. book tour schedule visit his official website. Carte Blanche will be released in the U.S. in June 14.

First look at the U.S. edition of CARTE BLANCHE

I just received my U.S. edition of Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver from publisher Simon and Schuster and, I gotta say, with its embossed lettering and reflective 007 logo, this U.S. edition is every bit as attractive as its UK counterpart.

Carte Blanche will be release in the U.S. on June 14. It can be pre-ordered now at Amazon.com.