Raymond Benson uses the action, excitement, and master story-telling that he has used in his other James Bond novels to create the thrilling novel adaptation of The World is Not Enough. It is a must for fans of the movie, the novels, or just of James Bond in general to read this book.

Benson adds interesting background narrative padding out necessary scenes but alas not over developing the familiar characters. By adding the missing, opening and important scene he explains why M sends 007 to Bilbao to collect King's money. Strangely, it is not until towards the end when he looks into the Renard and Elektra kidnap relationship and explains why the terrorist is so devoted to her. Actor Robert Carlyle who played Renard stated in an interview that he made the character's nationality Bosnian but here he is Russian. Meanwhile, Zukovsky's assistant, 'The Bull,' due to his gold teeth has become a 'Jaws' baddie with his height increased to 7 feet !

The book also explains that Q Branch sent James his old DB5 as back-up to the disposable Z8 for his travels around the Caspian Sea and this helps locate him ( with satellite tracking ) for the final love scene in Istanbul which isn't made too clear in the movie. A light and enjoyable read which recreates the movie's success and is worth a visit to the library or book shop.