The Bourne Legacy

By: Eric Van Lustbader

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 18 hrs

Publisher's summary

In Robert Ludlum's ground-breaking career, no other character so captured the world's imagination as Jason Bourne. He appeared in three of Robert Ludlum's own #1 bestselling novels, his bestselling works to this day. Now, with the major motion picture adaptation of Ludlum's The Bourne Supremacy, the Ludlum estate has finally acceded to the demands of readers and listeners around the world, turning to bestselling writer Eric Van Lustbader to create a brand-new Jason Bourne novel, The Bourne Legacy.

Jason Bourne, international assassin of deadly repute, was an identity assumed by covert agent David Webb. Retired from the CIA and now a professor at Georgetown University, Webb's life is finally his own—until he becomes the target of an assassin and is framed for the murder of his two closest associates. Fighting for his life against unseen assailants, the Bourne identity asserts itself, leaving Jason Bourne in control. Barely a half-step ahead of his nemesis and the CIA, who believes he has gone rogue, Bourne finds himself a pawn in a larger, far deadlier game.

©2004 The Estate of Robert Ludlum (P)2004 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC and Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Scott Brick is one of the fastest-rising stars in the audiobook galaxy. His understated approach to each book serves him well, and whether he is handling a roomful of Russian generals or a series of dizzying scene changes, the listener stays with him for every word." (AudioFile)

Excellent action novel

Enjoyed the book a great deal. Narrator was terrific. The plot moved well and characters were believable. I highly recommend to action novel readers.

Get rid of the sound effects and music!

Any additional comments?

The good job the narrator does is completely undone by the cheesy sound effects and added ambient “mood” music which is slipped in throughout the book during selected parts. I found this very annoying and distracting. Some of the vocal distortions they add also make it hard to hear, forcing me to rewind a bit. If I wanted sound effects and music I would simply watch a movie!

The best Bourne yet

I think Eric Van Lustbader actually writes a better Bourne story than Ludlum. The main character isn't as whiny. And this novel didn't drag as some of the earlier ones. Well done.

It sure reads like a Ludlum book!

The book was wonderful! It was a perfect flow from the other Bourne books. Eric Van Lustbader has absorbed the Ludlum style so perfectly that Bourne himself wouldn't know it wasn't Ludlum. With so many different characters in the story it could easily have confused the listener if it weren't for the wonderful character development of the author, and the just as great character differentiation of the narrator. This is a MUST READ!

Not bad

This does not live up to the originals but it does keep you entertained.

Was a little lost at first!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Prolog.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Bourne's son was like him without the brainwashing. Conclins death

What three words best describe Scott Brick’s performance?

Good Clear Narrative.

Could you see The Bourne Legacy being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

It is a movie, and the trailer looks a little like book. I hope no series. Matt Damon was just here a few weeks ago working on something, a few of the locals got picture with him. I like him and I hope he comes back.

decent

This book was alright, it had alot of action that kept you entertained, but there were a huge amount of characters that all have little roles and it is hard to remember who they are and what they do because they are only mentioned in the book every other hour. The book jumps around alot and if you aren't listening carefully enough you will find yourself 10 mins later completely confused about what is going on because you didn't know the plot went to a different set of characters.

Wow; what a ride!

What did you love best about The Bourne Legacy?

Well-written with many clever twists in the plot. Lots of action and intrigue. My interest was held from start to finish...and I was not disappointed. Great book!

Compelling narration, middling story relative to prior trilogy

The story is clearly not written by the original trilogy's author as the tone shift was drastic. Bourne is still an interesting protagonist, and Brick's narration is still stellar but the story's beats just felt off and forced at times relative to prior books. This title cannot stand on its own merits, though fans of the trilogy will appreciate it still.

Full of the twists you expect from Ludlum

A great stand-alone venture even if you've not read the previous Bourne books. He explains enough background as required to fill in the gaps. Ludlum twists and turns are always enjoyable and Van Lustbader stays in tune with it. Scott Brick is always the perfect narrator for a read involving a lot of characters. Bourne is a more fallable character here than in the movies and the books are always more complex. Enjoyed this as I did Demille's, The Lion's Game.