Review: The Name is Fleming.  Ian Fleming.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 21, 2013
Damian Stevenson's "The Ian Fleming Files: Operation Armada" is pretty much a James Bond novel whose hero is the creator of James Bond, and it's a great, entertaining read.The story is taken from the real life of Ian Fleming, who before he became a world-famous author was an agent for British Naval Intelligence in World War II (his actual actions provided the inspiration for the Bond novels).  The story centers around the fate of the French navy in the wake of France's conquest by Germany in 1940.  The question: who would take control of the powerful French fleet?  The Germans, who could use it to augment their own forces, challenge the Royal Navy and possibly invade England?  Or the Allies, who could then turn the ships against the Nazis?Agent Fleming is dispatched to France to find the commander of the French navy, with an offer.  If he turns the ships over to the British, he gets to retire in England with two million pounds and a title.  If not, the Royal Navy will send his fleet to the bottom of the sea before allowing the Nazis to get their hands on them.The mission includes all the twists and turns we'd expect from a Bond story: secret gadgets; chases and fights in cars, motorcycles, skis, and boats; and of course women who can't resist the hero's charms.The book is written in a style very reminiscent of the Bond novels.  The author has clearly done his research; details of every description fill the book and immerse the reader in Fleming's dangerous world.  As the story progresses, we see echoes of the future James Bond in Fleming's actions and his words.It's a very well-written, exciting and fun book, and (especially if you're a Bond fan) I highly recommend it!