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You Only Live Once
James Flynn believes he's an expert shot, a black belt in karate, fluent in four languages and irresistible to women. He’s also a heavily medicated patient in a Los Angeles psychiatric hospital. Flynn believes his locked ward is the headquarters of Her Majesty’s Secret Service and that he is a secret agent with a license to kill.
When the hospital is acquired by a new HMO, Flynn is convinced that the Secret Service has been infiltrated by the enemy. He escapes to save the day, and in the process, Flynn kidnaps a young Hispanic orderly named Sancho.
This crazy day trip turns into a very real adventure when Flynn is mistaken for an actual secret agent. Paranoid delusions have suddenly become reality, and now it’s up to a mental patient and a terrified orderly to bring down an insecure, evil genius bent on world domination.
Editorial Reviews
“A brilliant homage to everyone’s favorite super-spy, and a hilarious, action-packed, made-for-the-movies thriller about a man suavely dancing along both sides of the thin line between heroism and madness.” —Matt Forbeck, New York Times bestselling author of Halo: New Blood
"Orkin skillfully manages to create a story that is genuinely amusing, tenderly moving, and decidedly thoughtful. A manically funny farce both delightfully absurd and strangely plausible." - Kirkus
“Pacey and unrepentant fun, Haris Orkin’s You Only Live Once takes the James Bond mythos, gives it a swift kick in the backside and steals its wallet.” —James Swallow, New York Times bestselling author of Nomad
“Fill shaker with ice. Add equal parts Ian Fleming and Quentin Tarantino. Shake (do not stir). Garnish with Douglas Adams, and you get You Only Live Once.” —Dan Jolley, USA Today bestselling author of the Gray Widow Trilogy
“A sexy, slapstick, razzle-dazzle, rock’em-sock’em re-imagining of Don Quixote as James Bond emerging from deep cover in a mental hospital to save the world." Charles Harper Webb, award-winning author of Brain Candy
Orkin’s twist on the spy narrative is fast-paced and exciting, packed with thrilling action and close calls. This novel is incredibly well written; the action sequences are finely crafted and the descriptive passages are lovely. - Publisher's Weekly
When the hospital is acquired by a new HMO, Flynn is convinced that the Secret Service has been infiltrated by the enemy. He escapes to save the day, and in the process, Flynn kidnaps a young Hispanic orderly named Sancho.
This crazy day trip turns into a very real adventure when Flynn is mistaken for an actual secret agent. Paranoid delusions have suddenly become reality, and now it’s up to a mental patient and a terrified orderly to bring down an insecure, evil genius bent on world domination.
Editorial Reviews
“A brilliant homage to everyone’s favorite super-spy, and a hilarious, action-packed, made-for-the-movies thriller about a man suavely dancing along both sides of the thin line between heroism and madness.” —Matt Forbeck, New York Times bestselling author of Halo: New Blood
"Orkin skillfully manages to create a story that is genuinely amusing, tenderly moving, and decidedly thoughtful. A manically funny farce both delightfully absurd and strangely plausible." - Kirkus
“Pacey and unrepentant fun, Haris Orkin’s You Only Live Once takes the James Bond mythos, gives it a swift kick in the backside and steals its wallet.” —James Swallow, New York Times bestselling author of Nomad
“Fill shaker with ice. Add equal parts Ian Fleming and Quentin Tarantino. Shake (do not stir). Garnish with Douglas Adams, and you get You Only Live Once.” —Dan Jolley, USA Today bestselling author of the Gray Widow Trilogy
“A sexy, slapstick, razzle-dazzle, rock’em-sock’em re-imagining of Don Quixote as James Bond emerging from deep cover in a mental hospital to save the world." Charles Harper Webb, award-winning author of Brain Candy
Orkin’s twist on the spy narrative is fast-paced and exciting, packed with thrilling action and close calls. This novel is incredibly well written; the action sequences are finely crafted and the descriptive passages are lovely. - Publisher's Weekly
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2018
450 people are currently reading
1546 people want to read
About the author
Haris Orkin
10 books113 followersHaris Orkin is a playwright, screenwriter, game writer, and novelist, which is a fancy way of saying he has career commitment issues. Fortunately, other people don’t seem to mind. He’s a WGA and BAFTA Award–nominated narrative designer whose credits include more than a dozen video games, including Resident Evil: Shadows of Rose and Call of Juarez: Gunslinger.
He invented James Flynn because therapy is expensive. Flynn is everything Haris is not—utterly fearless, absurdly good-looking, effortlessly charming, and just a tad unhinged. (Except for maybe the unhinged part. That might be autobiographical.)
He lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife, where he enjoys movies, music, books, and the great outdoors, specifically sitting on his deck with a bourbon and admiring Grizzly Peak from a safe distance.
He invented James Flynn because therapy is expensive. Flynn is everything Haris is not—utterly fearless, absurdly good-looking, effortlessly charming, and just a tad unhinged. (Except for maybe the unhinged part. That might be autobiographical.)
He lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife, where he enjoys movies, music, books, and the great outdoors, specifically sitting on his deck with a bourbon and admiring Grizzly Peak from a safe distance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
January 6, 2024
Just found this on sale big time
"You Only Live Once" is the #1 Best Selling Espionage Thriller on Amazon right now. It's the #2 Spy Thriller on Amazon Canada.
#9 in the UK for satire.
And it's at #134 in the Kindle Bookstore.
(And that .99 BookBub deal running right now.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...?
"You Only Live Once" is the #1 Best Selling Espionage Thriller on Amazon right now. It's the #2 Spy Thriller on Amazon Canada.
#9 in the UK for satire.
And it's at #134 in the Kindle Bookstore.
(And that .99 BookBub deal running right now.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...?
July 14, 2019
This is an interesting, unique book. It's also a bit sad.
As you may have guessed from the title, it's about a James Bond wannabe - a mental patient, James Flynn, who thinks he's 007. And thereon, the book follows his escapades and his unwilling partners as he goes about a mission that isn't.
The premise is cool - and also quite precarious, because the idea of the thin line between absurb reality and insanity has been tried before, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. The titles like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and 12 Monkeys come to mind, but then, therein lies the danger. My expectations were quite high going into YOLO (geddit).
Overall the book does not disappoint, but it also does not live to its own high standards. I did wonder for a while whether the protagonist is insane or merely paranoid - y'know, but then this element of suspense went away at some point, and from then on, it becomes a classic and rather cliche spy action novel, with some rather implausible sequences and badly described weapons systems - Sidewinders aren't used against ground targets, and Apache does not have side-by-side seating, and certainly no cargo bay out of which shooters can lean out and fire. Small details but still.
There were also a bunch of typos, but the writing is solid and entertaining, and the angle is tragically funny, even though the ending is rushed and mellow. However, I really liked the element of sadness the author managed to evoke - probably because James Flynn is partially based on his own childhood (which I never liked as an idea in books, because personal duality is all too easy to pull). But at least it does convey the right emotion.
All in all, a fairly fresh title, with some good moments, decent humor, and a plot that's colorful enough if somewhat computer gamey and cliche, with an unfocused ending, because you just can't sustain the necessary level of lunacy that it needs. 5/7, recommended, would read again.
Igor
As you may have guessed from the title, it's about a James Bond wannabe - a mental patient, James Flynn, who thinks he's 007. And thereon, the book follows his escapades and his unwilling partners as he goes about a mission that isn't.
The premise is cool - and also quite precarious, because the idea of the thin line between absurb reality and insanity has been tried before, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. The titles like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and 12 Monkeys come to mind, but then, therein lies the danger. My expectations were quite high going into YOLO (geddit).
Overall the book does not disappoint, but it also does not live to its own high standards. I did wonder for a while whether the protagonist is insane or merely paranoid - y'know, but then this element of suspense went away at some point, and from then on, it becomes a classic and rather cliche spy action novel, with some rather implausible sequences and badly described weapons systems - Sidewinders aren't used against ground targets, and Apache does not have side-by-side seating, and certainly no cargo bay out of which shooters can lean out and fire. Small details but still.
There were also a bunch of typos, but the writing is solid and entertaining, and the angle is tragically funny, even though the ending is rushed and mellow. However, I really liked the element of sadness the author managed to evoke - probably because James Flynn is partially based on his own childhood (which I never liked as an idea in books, because personal duality is all too easy to pull). But at least it does convey the right emotion.
All in all, a fairly fresh title, with some good moments, decent humor, and a plot that's colorful enough if somewhat computer gamey and cliche, with an unfocused ending, because you just can't sustain the necessary level of lunacy that it needs. 5/7, recommended, would read again.
Igor
April 21, 2018
The name’s Bond, James Bond…er, I mean Flynn, James Flynn. Haris Orkin’s super spy protagonist in You Only Live Once is everything James Bond is—suave, smooth talking, charming, confident, and good at his job—but James Flynn is something Bond isn’t: deep.
When I first started reading You Only Live Once, I had a lot of fun with the simplistic throwback to the classic Bond films I always loved (and still love) watching. But very quickly the story takes a surprising twist. I won’t reveal what that is, because that’s all part of the fun, but I was genuinely surprised at how Orkin could take something so surface level like a Bondish story and blend it with a more meaningful narrative, all without ever losing the fun. If anyone asks me if I’ll read anything from Orkin in the future, I’ll give them a big Dr. Yes!
When I first started reading You Only Live Once, I had a lot of fun with the simplistic throwback to the classic Bond films I always loved (and still love) watching. But very quickly the story takes a surprising twist. I won’t reveal what that is, because that’s all part of the fun, but I was genuinely surprised at how Orkin could take something so surface level like a Bondish story and blend it with a more meaningful narrative, all without ever losing the fun. If anyone asks me if I’ll read anything from Orkin in the future, I’ll give them a big Dr. Yes!
May 12, 2020
I know I was supposed to be sucked in by the opening scene where Flynn takes great risks to get into the nurse's bed, but I'm a feminist. I don't fall for that exploitative garbage. But despite myself, I fell for Flynn. James Bond and Don Quixote make a great combination. The drug lords, and hospital administrators, and billionaires are just trying to do their respective jobs but "Flynn. James Flynn." has different ideas. Just when I catch my breath, he's gotten his friends into another crazy fix. "If you have nothing to die for, you have nothing to live for." I'll stay in my cozy chair and let James Flynn take me for an exciting ride.
August 7, 2022
I completely stumbled on this book because I was trying to find a new "Y" title for that alphabet challenge. I typed "You" into the search box for Kindle Unlimited and I scrolled.
And I scrolled.
And I scrolled a bit more.
Eventually the cover caught my eye and then the description didn't sound awful so I figured all I had to lose was some time and patience and I would go in search of another "Y" on another day.
I ended up not losing anything at all except for some calories since, after all, laughing burns calories and I cannot remember the last time I laughed at a book this hard. It was probably a Christopher Moore, Neil Gaiman or Jason Pargin book ... which puts Haris Orkin in the most excellent company.
James Flynn -- hero-extraordinaire of Haris Orkin's You Only Live Once -- is like the lovechild of James Bond and Don Quixote... if they used Catherine Tate's Nan as a surrogate.
I know.
It's still a little hard to wrap my brain around and I just read it.
It is oddly wonderful and it works so well that I'm already adding the next two books in the series to my TBR and hoping for more. I could definitely see this turning into a screenplay -- which is something that Orkin already has experience in doing. In my head I've already got Daniel Craig as Flynn (since he's not Bond anymore) and Tony Revolori as Sancho. Dulcie? I'm totally stumped so I think you need to go read it yourself and then fill in the missing name for me ...
And I scrolled.
And I scrolled a bit more.
Eventually the cover caught my eye and then the description didn't sound awful so I figured all I had to lose was some time and patience and I would go in search of another "Y" on another day.
I ended up not losing anything at all except for some calories since, after all, laughing burns calories and I cannot remember the last time I laughed at a book this hard. It was probably a Christopher Moore, Neil Gaiman or Jason Pargin book ... which puts Haris Orkin in the most excellent company.
James Flynn -- hero-extraordinaire of Haris Orkin's You Only Live Once -- is like the lovechild of James Bond and Don Quixote... if they used Catherine Tate's Nan as a surrogate.
I know.
It's still a little hard to wrap my brain around and I just read it.
It is oddly wonderful and it works so well that I'm already adding the next two books in the series to my TBR and hoping for more. I could definitely see this turning into a screenplay -- which is something that Orkin already has experience in doing. In my head I've already got Daniel Craig as Flynn (since he's not Bond anymore) and Tony Revolori as Sancho. Dulcie? I'm totally stumped so I think you need to go read it yourself and then fill in the missing name for me ...
July 14, 2022
Escape is the essential word here in describing this novel. A delightful return to a more innocent time, recalling those classic 1960's - 1970's secret agent movies, with a more modern protagonist who exhibits all the moves of James Bond but just might be insane, or at minimum, mentally challenged.
James Flynn is a quirky patient in a mental hospital who believes and/or imagines he's a licensed-t0-kill member of Her Majesty's Secret Service and the hospital is actually MI6's headquarters.
Fast-paced and easy to read, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE is a funny and entertaining introduction to this series. Writer Orkin manages to keep readers guessing right up until the very end - - - are these adventures a pure product of Flynn's imagination or are they occurring in real time? Is he really that skilled, athletic, and intuitive or just a mental patient replaying his fantasies in his waking daydreams?
I just decided to treat this like I do many science fiction, fantasy and horror novels - - put that disbelief in suspension and just go along for the ride.
James Flynn is a quirky patient in a mental hospital who believes and/or imagines he's a licensed-t0-kill member of Her Majesty's Secret Service and the hospital is actually MI6's headquarters.
Fast-paced and easy to read, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE is a funny and entertaining introduction to this series. Writer Orkin manages to keep readers guessing right up until the very end - - - are these adventures a pure product of Flynn's imagination or are they occurring in real time? Is he really that skilled, athletic, and intuitive or just a mental patient replaying his fantasies in his waking daydreams?
I just decided to treat this like I do many science fiction, fantasy and horror novels - - put that disbelief in suspension and just go along for the ride.
July 23, 2022
I enjoyed this crazy romp. Funny and often hilarious. Just enough of a plot to keep the story moving.
August 18, 2021
The Naked Gun meets the James Bond series (with a heavy helping of Don Quixote) in this explosive, irreverent, and hilarious take on the world's best-known secret agent. James Flynn is a delusional patient in a psychiatric hospital. James Flynn is a licensed-to-kill undercover operative in Her Majesty's Secret Service, battling evil geniuses hell-bent on world domination. Which of these statements is true? Haris Orkin keeps you guessing for a good quarter of the novel, past which point the answer no longer matters. You're swept up in the breakneck pace of You Only Live Once, following along as Flynn and his hapless companions face off against a villainous mastermind of the caliber of Goldfinger and Ernst Stavro Blofeld.
You Only Live Once is a fun read, full of winks and nods at James Bond fans. Haris Orkin does a great job threading a poignant storyline through the gonzo, over-the-top narrative elements. The humor is somewhat uneven, and the pieces fall into place a bit too neatly, but the book abandons any pretext of being believable early on. It wears its inspirations proudly on its sleeve while avoiding the pitfall of parody. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
You Only Live Once is a fun read, full of winks and nods at James Bond fans. Haris Orkin does a great job threading a poignant storyline through the gonzo, over-the-top narrative elements. The humor is somewhat uneven, and the pieces fall into place a bit too neatly, but the book abandons any pretext of being believable early on. It wears its inspirations proudly on its sleeve while avoiding the pitfall of parody. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
February 29, 2020
What a wild ride! Do not start this book if you are a stickler for realism, if you get pissed off at too much deus ex machina, if you like your martinis shaken....
This is fun, it’s irreverent, and a hoot and a half to read. My only complaint is that I thought the second in the series was available RIGHT NOW, but I just found out I have to wait until April. That sucks! I want more Flynn! Lots more!
This is fun, it’s irreverent, and a hoot and a half to read. My only complaint is that I thought the second in the series was available RIGHT NOW, but I just found out I have to wait until April. That sucks! I want more Flynn! Lots more!
January 3, 2024
A perfect romp into the New Year.
A genuine homage to the world of secret agents, exemplified by 007. I thought it would just be a spy spoof like those seen in Johnny English or series of comedy outtakes like movies such as Airplane and The Naked Gun.
In fact, this is a perfectly drawn thriller with a credible plot and stuffed with believable characters and action packed drama. Fans of all things James Bond will warm it. James Flynn has his “hero’s” moves, motivation and alluring mystery that seems to bewitch female participants within this story.
The writing is crisp and entertaining. It transcends this genre by imaging that sense of wonderment if one could and indeed believed one’s fantasies.
I believe there is great skill in maintaining this illusion. The story delivers since the reader becomes invested in the characters and wants the harsher realities to be suspended throughout the story. Rather than shattering a child’s dream which would be so cruel on all levels. The author is able to carry the premise in a range of situations that mirror the plot of any 007 novel. The storyline is no more far fetched than the liberties some of the Bond movies take.
Indeed all reading for pleasure can at times be seen as mere escapism. What a joy to spend time in this imagined world with a gritty dip into gangs and drug dealings and where only one individual can “save the world.”
A genuine homage to the world of secret agents, exemplified by 007. I thought it would just be a spy spoof like those seen in Johnny English or series of comedy outtakes like movies such as Airplane and The Naked Gun.
In fact, this is a perfectly drawn thriller with a credible plot and stuffed with believable characters and action packed drama. Fans of all things James Bond will warm it. James Flynn has his “hero’s” moves, motivation and alluring mystery that seems to bewitch female participants within this story.
The writing is crisp and entertaining. It transcends this genre by imaging that sense of wonderment if one could and indeed believed one’s fantasies.
I believe there is great skill in maintaining this illusion. The story delivers since the reader becomes invested in the characters and wants the harsher realities to be suspended throughout the story. Rather than shattering a child’s dream which would be so cruel on all levels. The author is able to carry the premise in a range of situations that mirror the plot of any 007 novel. The storyline is no more far fetched than the liberties some of the Bond movies take.
Indeed all reading for pleasure can at times be seen as mere escapism. What a joy to spend time in this imagined world with a gritty dip into gangs and drug dealings and where only one individual can “save the world.”
August 9, 2021
As an editor, I read serious stuff all day, so I'm always on the lookout for a FUN escape. Fellow bookworms, this is my favorite funny read of 2021! James Flynn may be missing a few marbles, but he more than makes up for it with wit, charm, brains, ability to kick ass with ease, and good taste in cars.
I haven't been this enchanted by a character since Count Alexander Rostov in "A Gentleman in Moscow." I think he and James must be distant cousins.
Truly funny fiction is hard to write, but I zipped through this book and hated to see it end. Thankfully, there's a sequel, and I hope it's the first of many.
Bravo, Haris Orkin!
I haven't been this enchanted by a character since Count Alexander Rostov in "A Gentleman in Moscow." I think he and James must be distant cousins.
Truly funny fiction is hard to write, but I zipped through this book and hated to see it end. Thankfully, there's a sequel, and I hope it's the first of many.
Bravo, Haris Orkin!
August 4, 2021
You Only Live Once: YOLO — A Review. [ 5***** ]
Haris Orkin has created a parallel universe/existence to contain the nutty mind of James Flynn. That’s good, because this universe is not up to the job.
We have here a comic parody (I know that’s a redundancy, but I need it,) where James Flynn out-James James Bond, even though he must escape an asylum to do it. With the aid of two friends, Flynn defeats drug-lords, saves the world economy and recovers quickly from serious bodily harm.
About 50-60 years ago, I was a devout fan of Ian Fleming/James Bond. That was then, this is now —and I’m a devouter fan of Orkin/Flynn. The laughter makes the difference.
Haris Orkin has created a parallel universe/existence to contain the nutty mind of James Flynn. That’s good, because this universe is not up to the job.
We have here a comic parody (I know that’s a redundancy, but I need it,) where James Flynn out-James James Bond, even though he must escape an asylum to do it. With the aid of two friends, Flynn defeats drug-lords, saves the world economy and recovers quickly from serious bodily harm.
About 50-60 years ago, I was a devout fan of Ian Fleming/James Bond. That was then, this is now —and I’m a devouter fan of Orkin/Flynn. The laughter makes the difference.
August 20, 2023
OMG I love the main characters Flynn and Sancho! Such a great, hilarious read. Harris Orkin is right up there with Dave Berry. I just purchased the 2nd book in the series and will definitely get the next two books. If you like to laugh out loud, I highly recommend this series.
PJH
PJH
October 16, 2020
James Flynn, the mental asylum casanova has decided to make his big break.
Believing to be a British spy working under Her Majesty, he hides in the orderly's car and together they hunt down a recently released patient who Flynn believes is his partner.
Leading the orderly and the patient on a wild goose chase, Flynn manages to overtake a gruff bikers club, steal upwards of $300K from the Mexican Cartel and thwart a kidnapping of world billionaires. All while believing to be a British spy.
This book was like the adult version of Amelia Bedelia. Funny, crazy and adventurous all in one!
Believing to be a British spy working under Her Majesty, he hides in the orderly's car and together they hunt down a recently released patient who Flynn believes is his partner.
Leading the orderly and the patient on a wild goose chase, Flynn manages to overtake a gruff bikers club, steal upwards of $300K from the Mexican Cartel and thwart a kidnapping of world billionaires. All while believing to be a British spy.
This book was like the adult version of Amelia Bedelia. Funny, crazy and adventurous all in one!
October 2, 2023
My October '23 book club selection. It was a quirky funny story, didn't think I would enjoy it all and was pleasantly surprised once I got into it - it was well written enough that you were looking forward to the next chapter to find out what this mental patient, who took on the persona of James Bond, would do next! I learned a few things about California's biker clubs! Ha!
I definitely could see this book as a movie - along the lines of a "Naked Gun" or a spoof of James Bond movies starring Daniel Craig.
I definitely could see this book as a movie - along the lines of a "Naked Gun" or a spoof of James Bond movies starring Daniel Craig.
April 9, 2019
3 3/4 stars. A goodreads giveaway. Every page something funny on it, some not as funny as others, yet consistent. Good idea for a story. Only problem is they were trying to stop a group from wanting to have wealth distributed more equally, yet the protagonists were saving the filthy rich that causes billions of poverty, hunger, homelessness, etc. Also poisons in the water, air, food, etc. Just so they can continue to these things.
November 20, 2021
A funny romp. I can see this made into a movie.
Flynn is a mental patient who thinks he is a secret agent like James Bond. He gets everything wrong, but it still turns out right for him, because he believes it will.
I laughed aloud several times, and smiled quite a bit at the antics in this book. Funny, exciting, and interesting. Worth the read.
Flynn is a mental patient who thinks he is a secret agent like James Bond. He gets everything wrong, but it still turns out right for him, because he believes it will.
I laughed aloud several times, and smiled quite a bit at the antics in this book. Funny, exciting, and interesting. Worth the read.
November 9, 2023
Fun escape from serious books. Have to set aside any sense of realism just like with any Bond movie.
September 3, 2022
Hilarious. For the first couple pages, you think James Flynn is actually a secret agent. But it’s quickly revealed that he is a mental patient in a hospital he considers his headquarters, where he is the only patient wearing a tuxedo, and he waits for “N” (the psychiatrist) to give him his next assignment. The fact that he is attractive, suave, and confident enables him to seduce the nurses. When “N” is replaced as administrator and simultaneously a couple fellow-patients leave, he believes his friends are in danger and he escapes to find them. Firmly believing his delusion enables him to act the part: he strolls into a seedy biker bar, orders a martini shaken, not stirred, and sends it back when the bartender stirs it. Accompanied by an orderly he essentially kidnapped and the female former patient he “rescued” against her will from her drug dealing boyfriend, he uses money taken from the dealer to buy an Armani suit, an Aston-Martin, and a gold Rolex. He drags them along on his self-assigned mission. I loved seeing how he was going to get himself out of one misadventure after another! His best line: “I fear death far less than I do an inadequate life.”
October 8, 2025
3.5.
This author openly admits it, this book is for those nerdy, overweight, pre teens who dont know how to talk to girls and fall into the world of James Bond or Tom Clancy.
It was a surprisingly nice look at mental health and the strategies we go through to cope.
Some wonderful Douglas Adams style non sequiturs and writing.
The protagonist is a mental patient who fell into the delusions to avoid the pain, the loneliness and the sadness. He believes it but its clear to his friends he's in a delusion. But this book is yet again proof that if they can write a story, so couldn't I. The sheer amount of luck needed to pull this off is written into the story. Its a known issue. The protagonists actively comment on it. Some of the comedy felt purile and juvenile but at the same time broad winking references to the franchise that it was inspired by are placed on display.
Good to finish, I didnt like the flash of the next book it felt too mean.
This author openly admits it, this book is for those nerdy, overweight, pre teens who dont know how to talk to girls and fall into the world of James Bond or Tom Clancy.
It was a surprisingly nice look at mental health and the strategies we go through to cope.
Some wonderful Douglas Adams style non sequiturs and writing.
The protagonist is a mental patient who fell into the delusions to avoid the pain, the loneliness and the sadness. He believes it but its clear to his friends he's in a delusion. But this book is yet again proof that if they can write a story, so couldn't I. The sheer amount of luck needed to pull this off is written into the story. Its a known issue. The protagonists actively comment on it. Some of the comedy felt purile and juvenile but at the same time broad winking references to the franchise that it was inspired by are placed on display.
Good to finish, I didnt like the flash of the next book it felt too mean.
November 30, 2018
This was a fun book where the MC in a mental health facility believes his delusion that he is a secret agent. He gets an orderly, Sancho, to help him find Dulci (another patient that "disappears") and Q (also another patient). A new Dr. shows up at the hospital who has replaced "N" (Dr. NIckelson) and Honeywell (his assistant). The strange things is the MC can do a lot of super spy like things so maybe you really are what you believe.
April 2, 2018
You only live once...James Bond lives again
What an wonderful story, if you are a fan of the Bond movies, you are going to love this book. I love the lead character along with the other characters.A patient at the mental institution believes he is James Bond, who works for the British Government, as a spy.. so much humor, intrigue, Suspense and just a great story!
What an wonderful story, if you are a fan of the Bond movies, you are going to love this book. I love the lead character along with the other characters.A patient at the mental institution believes he is James Bond, who works for the British Government, as a spy.. so much humor, intrigue, Suspense and just a great story!
October 20, 2018
Wonderful
I enjoy books of all genres but have never, until now, written a review. There is just something that compels me to return the favor to Mr. Orkin for the smile still on my face from this story. A blend of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, James Bond and clearly, Don Quixote ( c'mon, can't deny it... Dulcinea? Sancho? Q?) this is a light, clever and thoroughly enjoyable fast read both funny and poignant. Certainly hope to come across Mr. James Flynn again.
I enjoy books of all genres but have never, until now, written a review. There is just something that compels me to return the favor to Mr. Orkin for the smile still on my face from this story. A blend of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, James Bond and clearly, Don Quixote ( c'mon, can't deny it... Dulcinea? Sancho? Q?) this is a light, clever and thoroughly enjoyable fast read both funny and poignant. Certainly hope to come across Mr. James Flynn again.
Read
April 2, 2018What a fun read! James Flynn, the protagonist, as well as his sidekick Sancho, were a delight to get to know. There was intrigue, surprise, action, and many laugh out loud moments. I am looking forward to James and Sancho's next adventure.
July 4, 2021
Unputdownable!!!
From the very first page I was smitten. The clever riposte between Flynn and everyone, the scenario in his head juxtaposed with reality, what a ride! There were times I questioned reality, "was this real or just a fantasy ".
From the very first page I was smitten. The clever riposte between Flynn and everyone, the scenario in his head juxtaposed with reality, what a ride! There were times I questioned reality, "was this real or just a fantasy ".
October 19, 2018
Fun
Fun, impossible, fantasy. Sort of wish his shock torture had been shock therapy and freed him. Hospital is no place for a hero to live
Fun, impossible, fantasy. Sort of wish his shock torture had been shock therapy and freed him. Hospital is no place for a hero to live
May 22, 2024
Really fun read!
I was skeptical about reading this book because the description was a bit out there. Flynn was a hysterical character with Sancho, his sidekick, a nod to Don Quixote. I loved all the crazy action and Flynn's character. Add in Dulcinea, another nod to Don Quixote and you have the whole crew! Great book! The tongue in cheek Bond is terrific and very funny!
I was skeptical about reading this book because the description was a bit out there. Flynn was a hysterical character with Sancho, his sidekick, a nod to Don Quixote. I loved all the crazy action and Flynn's character. Add in Dulcinea, another nod to Don Quixote and you have the whole crew! Great book! The tongue in cheek Bond is terrific and very funny!
December 13, 2023
Absurd but entertaining.
December 29, 2023
James Flynn is a master at espionage, martial arts, high speed cars, secret weapons. He's a 00 spy in Her Majesty's Secret Service. Except he's not. He is a patient at a mental hospital in southern California and believes the hospital is headquarters.
When a new management company takes over and replaces many of the staff, Flynn is sure MI6 has been taken over by a criminal mastermind. He escapes and with the help of an orderly and another patient, he works to catch the bad guys and return headquarters to its old self.
Haris Orkin has written a superb spy spoof with all the excitement of any James Bond story. It funny, fast paced, and full of surprises. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Note that another round of editing would have caught some inconsistencies, wording, etc. that keep me from giving this five stars.
When a new management company takes over and replaces many of the staff, Flynn is sure MI6 has been taken over by a criminal mastermind. He escapes and with the help of an orderly and another patient, he works to catch the bad guys and return headquarters to its old self.
Haris Orkin has written a superb spy spoof with all the excitement of any James Bond story. It funny, fast paced, and full of surprises. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Note that another round of editing would have caught some inconsistencies, wording, etc. that keep me from giving this five stars.
September 23, 2018
There are a lot of moving parts to this novel and it did take me a bit to settle in and fully understand everything that was going on. That being said, this is a very active novel. You wont want to put it down. Even when you aren't quite sure what is going on, you will want to keep flipping pages to unravel all of the mysteries.
My favorite part of this novel was the suspense element. I think it really gave the novel another layer that sets it apart from Paranormal and Fantasy novels. There were many surprises and the way that Haris Orkin was able to keep the pacing just right really helps everything flow naturally.
On top of all of that, there is a very thick layer of humor laced throughout the novel. I always feel like the addition of wit and humor in a story like this helps to cut the tension a bit.
My favorite part of this novel was the suspense element. I think it really gave the novel another layer that sets it apart from Paranormal and Fantasy novels. There were many surprises and the way that Haris Orkin was able to keep the pacing just right really helps everything flow naturally.
On top of all of that, there is a very thick layer of humor laced throughout the novel. I always feel like the addition of wit and humor in a story like this helps to cut the tension a bit.
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