From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming

Why read the book?

In Ian Fleming’s James Bond series, the fifth book, From Russia with Love, takes Bond on a thrilling espionage mission. The Soviet organisation SMERSH sets a deadly game in motion, and Bond’s mission is to get a secret device called the Lektor. Tatiana Romanova, a defector, promises Bond a way to get the Lektor, but it’s all a trap set by the evil Rosa Klebb and chess master Kronsteen. Bond travels from the luxurious Orient Express to a brutal confrontation with the psychotic Red Grant. This spy thriller is filled with seduction, betrayal, and the intense tension of the Cold War.

Favourite quote

This is a game that moves as it is played, and we are the pieces.

What I Loved

This book takes the Bond series to new heights with its thrilling plot and stunning settings—Istanbul’s exotic charm and the intense train ride are unforgettable. Tatiana Romanova is a standout Bond girl, showing vulnerability while also being incredibly strong. Grant’s chilling performance as an assassin really steals the show. Fleming’s talent for combining high-stakes action with deep psychological insights makes this one of the best Bond books ever.

Key Takeaway

In a world of deceit, trust can be a powerful tool—and outsmarting the cunning ones is the key to survival.