The Bourne Ultimatum

A Novel

By: Robert Ludlum

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 29 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

The world's two deadliest spies in the ultimate showdown.

At a small-town carnival two men, each mysteriously summoned by telegram, witness a bizarre killing. The telegrams are signed Jason Bourne. Only they know Bourne's true identity and understand the telegram is really a message from Bourne's mortal enemy, Carlos, known also as the Jackal, the world's deadliest and most elusive terrorist. And furthermore, they know that the Jackal wants: a final confrontation with Bourne.

Now David Webb, professor of Oriental studies, husband, and father, must do what he hoped he would never have to do again: assume the terrible identity of Jason Bourne. His plan is simple: to infiltrate the politically and economically Medusan group and use himself as bait to lure the cunning Jackal into a deadly trap, a trap from which only one of them will escape.

©1993 Robert Ludlum (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"Vintage Ludlum." ( The Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Disappointing! The vulgar language was too much!

To much vulgar language and the story was pretty much all about failure after failure... Carlos was made out to be the better assassin.

Way to long

This was a good book, but it would have been better if divided into two or three books.

ok

Nothing like the movies although it had the movie picture on cover. The Story seemed exaggerated like there was a word quota to hit. I really like Robert Ludlum but felt he tried to hard on this one.

Long winded

This book was a little long-winded at times. There were many details, which were great, however kept the story from moving on at a decent pace. In addition, there was excessive and unnecessary use of the Lord’s name in vain. It served no purpose and didn’t really fit the story or The character.

Perfect end to the trilogy

If you enjoyed the movies you should read all three in this trilogy but beware the books are quite different and don't follow the same story line, character development, actions and locations as the movies. Nevertheless this book, which is almost 30 hours long was an excellent and engaging read and the best of the series.

"The Real Jason Bourne"

I've read and seen them all (at least 4x's). The "real" Jason Bourne - So much better than the others and the movies!! The "real" Jason Bourne was devised to kill "Carlos the Jackal"!!

Keeps getting better...

You are a tag along with Jason Bourne. Seeing, feeling, hearing, smelling and tasting everything; brilliant. Reader is amazing. 6 stars.

Good - To much detail - Narrator very slow

I have read / listned to the Identity, Supremacy and Ultimatum in the space of about 4 weeks. This by far had much more (too much more) detail. There were points that were driven home 5 times, in 5 chapters, when once would have done (especially given the history in the 2 previous books). That said I liked the book. Not as good as the first 2, but I liked it and would recommend it. I put my MP3 Player on 2X speed. Made the slow talking narrator easier to handle. I couldn't have done it other wise. Narrator talks way to slow.

Definitely worth more than 1 star.

I wasn't going to review this book, but after reading the 1st review, I just have to speak up. It's Bourne, Robert Ludlum and Scott Brick!!! That is more than enough for listening entertainment. I was going to give it 4 stars but I'm doing what I can to right a 1 star travesty. Not as good as "Identity" and "Supremacy" but still a GREAT listen. I'm glad to have this third book of the trilogy, even at 2 credits.

a little over dramatized.

I liked the story but by the end of the book I was getting tired of every line be delivered so dramatically. the series is great and I will continue with it but I find I need a break between books .