Licence to Kill

The story, without spoilers

After CIA agent Ed Killifer delivers Bond's friend to the crime boss Sanchez, Bond goes after the people responsible. M withdraws his Double O status, but that does not stop the pursuit. Q becomes an important ally as Bond tries to enter Sanchez's criminal operation.

This is Gardner's novelisation of the 1989 film, rather than another original assignment in his continuation sequence. Its attraction is the revenge premise and the chance to experience that screen story in prose, with Bond operating outside his normal authority.

Can I start here?

Yes if you want the film's story in novel form. It is optional alongside Gardner's fourteen original novels. Readers starting an original continuation series should choose Licence Renewed instead.

What stands out

The loss of official authority makes this a particularly personal mission. Keep the film connection in mind when comparing it with Gardner's other books: the underlying story comes from the screen adventure.

Who wrote it

Gardner had created the comic spy Boysie Oakes before the Fleming estate invited him to bring Bond into the 1980s; he later wrote Licence to Kill. His run contains fourteen original novels and two film adaptations.

Where it fits in Bond’s life

Licence to Kill follows its film’s story and screen continuity. Read this author’s film adaptations separately from Fleming’s originals.

Content notes

Adult readers. Revenge, severe violence, organised crime and threats to Bond’s friends.

Setting

• The film’s fictional Central American republic Fictional

Main characters

James Bond, M, Q, Franz Sanchez, Ed Killifer.