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Looking Back: Scorpius John Gardner's seventh James Bond novel

Very nice writeup as usual, Devin.

Thanks Genrewriter!

This book has a special place in my heart because a) it was the first Bond novel I ever read; and I read it during my first solo transcontinental trip to Bellingham/Seattle, Washington in 1988. I was reared on the movies and did not know of the literary Bond. I'm the type of bloke who will give something a shot and if the first time doesn't hook me, I won't try any subsequent efforts. "Scorpius" hooked me. I loved the book.

I was kind of surprised to see how negative the majority of reactions were to Scorpius when I put together this article from the forum members. It's nice to see some now positive reviews as well.

Good to hear from a Scorpius fan. It's fun to connect memories to each of the books, I can remember exactly when and where I was when I read each and every continuation novel from LR up (I was doing jury duty in the summer of 88 when I read Scorpius). I find the circumstances of my own life sometimes color my reactions to the book that year.

Welcome to CBn, Kalel577.

I am currently reading all the Gardners in order for the first time. I seem to like the ones nobody likes! I am 3 chapters from the end, but I am really enjoying it. Scorpius is a great villain, the story quite prescient and flows well, the tone even...I think it is the second best after NLFE. Everybody tells me it is all downhill from here, but as ever...I will find out for myself!!!

I recommend the book. A very fast read. Think I will finish it tonight!!!

It amazed be how disliked this book was on CBn. Looking back now, I think it was the least liked book of all the Gardner novels (judging by the reviews I collected for all of the articles).

Bumping this up as its the current book in the .

Oh yeah, Scorpius, damn great book! John Gardner yet again kicking all over the place.

Bond trapped by a cult leader, I love that. I love when Bond is put in those can't win situations like trying to escape Scorp's lair. Oh, and Scorp was a great bad guy, two identities, awesome!

Yet another great argument for a reissue of Gardner's series. Yes, i know I'm begining to sound like the local Gardner nut.

Vladimir Scorpius sounded like a classic James Bond villain. Linked with religious cult leader Father Valentine (clever name), Gardner was capturing the Zeitgeist in 1988. The corrupted TV evangelist was the villain du jour (Tom Mankiewicz wrote and directed the 1987 film version of Dragnet using Christopher Plummer in a similar role). I had heard that a similar character would appear in the upcoming Bond film, Licence Revoked (Prof. Joe Butcher anyone?) and liked the idea.
The book itself was a change in pace - sort of Moonraker mixed with Dr No. The mainly UK locations and pacing worked well for me. Gardner conjured a sense of atmosphere and mystery. The opening car chase from the SAS base was fantastic and the SAS character, Pearlman was the first successful supporting character in the Gardner books. Harriet Horner was a fun character. Things went downhill when the plot moves to Hilton Head Island - it is too silly. Fun, but silly. The downbeat ending is good. Scorpius is built up but does nothing and has no real presence. However, it was a continuation of the development of Gardner's Bond who by this time had sort of come into his own. A special intelligence operative who trains with Special Forces, drives a Bentley, uses an ASP 9mm, a renewed sense of the characters at SIS. All in all, there was a confidence about the writing that held sway.

I'm just about to read the last chapter of this book. I think it's one of Gardners best and has that lovely nod towards Sean Connery. I think his books, particularly the earlier ones, are a better read now as they fit in with tougher Bond than what was on the screen at the time.

Welcome to the CBn Forums, Pete.

Be sure to post your reviews of the Gardner novels in the if you like.