Project X-?

zencat

The official Ian Fleming Publications website has just posted a countdown to a mysterious project codenamed “Project X.” What could this be? Honestly, I have no idea, but I’m excited!

http://www.ianfleming.com/project_x.asp

Hardyboy

Well, I just hope it's not another mediocre novel by Sebastian Faulks writing as Ian Fleming! Hmmm, being the cynic I am, I'm guessing it's probably some re-packaged stuff from the past. . .

Thunderbird 2

Well, I dinna ken about Project X Zen but thanks for the link,

I had a good look through the Bond related photo galleries. Iconic to see Sir Roger with Mr Craig, and Ms pike and Ms Arterton in the same shots!

j.blades

Hope its something to do with a continuation novel, I want more to add to my collection.

00-Agent

I too am hoping for another continuation novel despite having not liked DMC that much. My guess is that Charlie Higson will graduate from writing Young Bond novels and move on to writing the continuation novels. I will be disappointed if Hardboy's prediction is correct.

zencat

Whatever Project X is, it's not likely that Charlie Higson is involved. Check out this article on CBn. He was asked directly about it.

http://commanderbond.net/10423/so-what-is-project-x-mr-higson.html

00-Agent

Well he doesn't exactly rule it out in that article but I agree it is looking less likely. When he refers to writing a trilogy I would like to think he is talking about the continuation novels not Young Bond novels, but that may be wishful thinking on my part.

Mr_Ice

Please let it be Higson writing more.
I'm worried that it will be something not so exciting.

IMO, Higson would do a great job with an adult Bond. Things I'd like to see:
*Bond during WWII (please oh please...)
*The start of Bond's relationship with M
*The origin of the first Bently

Yes this is too much to hope for, but I need *something* to hang my hat on!

If production on 23 doesn't start up or we don't get a new book soon, I'm going to have to buy a Beretta 418 to get a Bond fix.

zencat

I also really hope it's the announcement of more continuation novels, Mr_Ice. And, yes, Charlie Higson would be the man for that job!

Hardyboy

Well, I just got an e-mail from MI6 saying Jeffrey Deaver has been named to write a new series of Bond continuation novels. If that's the case, then I guess we know what Project X is!

Loeffelholz

Hardyboy wrote:

Well, I just got an e-mail from MI6 saying Jeffrey Deaver has been named to write a new series of Bond continuation novels. If that's the case, then I guess we know what Project X is!

I got the same email. Wonder if they'll be 'modern day' or try to pick up where DMC left off...? Frankly, I'd just as soon they did present-day stories, and give up on trying to keep Bond going as being born in the '20s...If I got the gig, I'd ask permission to use the Bond Dossier^* from the Casino Royale film website as a 'jumping off' point :007)

^{* PDF file available...just send me your email in a PM!}

chrisno1

I'm sitting here waiting for the Project X announcements and was interested in what you guys just said re: Jeffrey Deaver. The reason being that way back in 2000, I worked in the retail trade, as the manager of an airport book stall, and had the fortune to be invited for a night out at a rather posh Italian restaurant in London (I forget where, sorry) by Mr Deaver's publisher and agent who wanted to thank myself and my team for achieving the highest individual store sales of his novels in 1999.
It was a very good evening. I sat next to Mr Deaver, but unfortunately due to my drinking problems at the time, the night has passed into one of my hazy memories. He likes Chianti Classico!
His books were always well received in the trade and press when I worked in the business, but I've never actually read one of his novels.
To my shame I can't recall, but isn't he an American? While not prejudiced, I do wonder if a British writer might be more in touch with James Bond, the British Secret Agent.
Having said that, look what Sebastian Faulks did...........

Mr_Ice

Rats, no Higson.
Oh well, at least we get something.

Yes he's American, but at least he's a thriller writer.

Now the interview with Charlie Higson said something about there being a project Y as well.
C'mon Project Y....

Loeffelholz

Apparently it WILL be set in the present day. I think that's a good thing -{

00-Agent

I'm glad to hear Project X is another novel! I've never read and of Mr. Deaver's work (yet) so I'm not sure what to expect from him. Anyone familar with his writings?

youknowmyname

Very good to hear that there is something more in the mix within the Bond world. Deaver will be a fine enough choice for some Bond continuation novels. I enjoyed DMC for what it was worth (although the furry hand thing...strange), but am looking forward to another round.

Personally, I hoped they would keep the continuation rolling after DMC without the modern setting, but I guess I will have to settle for a modern Bond.

I wonder if any of these novels could be turned into movies at a later date? I mean, they really are almost out of any Fleming material nowadays.

Napoleon Plural

I do wonder if the whole thing isn't a bit at odds with the film series, though if that's kaput why not? I mean, there's little chance his books will be made into films and if that's the case, well, he's just treading on the film team's' toes in coming up with lot of ideas they can't possibly duplicate without entering a legal minefield.

He does sound a bit leftfield, a bit highbrow, rather like the directors the film team are always opting for.

BRIXMIS

Deaver was on Radio 5 live this morning. Said he has been a Bond fan since reading the books starting as an 8 year old. Also stated his favourite Fleming book is FRWL. I have never read any of his books, but lets hope he make a good job of it. He admires Flemings style and particularly his use of luxury brands, not as product placement but to give a sense of place and style. Very cagey on plot, but said lots of exotic locations will appear ( eye to a film deal!!) and thire will be plot twist and turns, as his his trademark, apparantly.

Napoleon Plural

That's promising, hope it doesn't turn out to be pastiche however. Will Bond be using an iPad? Steve Jobs as Q... Mind you, the old 'Are you thinking of retiring Q?" speech might have the same poignancy bearing in mind his health problems.

zencat

Already available for pre-order! (UK edition)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Project-James-Bond-Jeffery-Deaver/dp/1444716476/theyoungbondd-21

Aston Martin DBS

BRIXMIS wrote:

Deaver was on Radio 5 live this morning. Said he has been a Bond fan since reading the books starting as an 8 year old. Also stated his favourite Fleming book is FRWL. I have never read any of his books, but lets hope he make a good job of it. He admires Flemings style and particularly his use of luxury brands, not as product placement but to give a sense of place and style. Very cagey on plot, but said lots of exotic locations will appear ( eye to a film deal!!) and thire will be plot twist and turns, as his his trademark, apparantly.

Having read the above I have have worked some magic and the Radio 5 Live interview is now available to listen to on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgAatfnPlac

I haven't read any of Deaver's novels but I really did enjoy the all of the continuation novels that were keeping the dream alive. I hope that nobody is going to complain about an American writing the Bond novels as Raymond Benson did an amazing job of keeping Bond alive in the here and now and I'm sure that Deaver will continue to do so.

zencat

Some VERY juicy (even spoilerish) revelations here:

http://shatterhand007.com/QuestionRoom/ProjectX/ProjectXJeffreyDeaver.html

00-Agent

Thanks for the link. It was nice to hear a little more about Project X. I have mixed feeling on some of the things I learned but I am hopeful it will be a great novel. Mr. Deaver definitely seems to be more suited to writing this kind of novel than was Sebastian Faulks.