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67th out of 488 books
—
441 voters
The Prometheus Deception
The ultimate spy. After fifteen years as a brilliant master spy, Nick Bryson has disappeared into anonymity as a professor at an exclusive college in western Pennsylvania-- until he's suddenly lured back into the game.
The ultimate threat. Recruited by the CIA, he's been commissioned to track the moves of the Directorate. Once, the ultra-secret intelligence agency was Bryso...more
The ultimate threat. Recruited by the CIA, he's been commissioned to track the moves of the Directorate. Once, the ultra-secret intelligence agency was Bryso...more
Paperback, 576 pages
Published
October 14th 2001
by St. Martin's Paperbacks
(first published 2000)
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Ludlum is an acknowledged master of spy thrillers and intrigue, another favorite genre of mine. I haven’t read any for several years, but got started on this one, and became caught up in the levels of deception. Nick Bryson is a top agent for a super-secret agency called the Directorate. He is retired after a deep-cover operation goes awry and is given a new identity as professor in a small college. Several years later, his former agent instincts still intact, he realizes he is being shadowed by...more
I had a mixture of feeling when I read this book. Initialy I thought this is a thinking mans book with all the CIA, FBI, Directorate secret department within the CIA etc. The main character Nick is put out to grass from the Directorate, having been a hugely experienced spy character. In his new job role as a teacher he is suddenly placed back into his old days and acquaintances from worldwide espionage and a catalogue of disguises. This is a book like James Bond, without the beautiful women. Unf...more
Okay, so Ludlum is in the category of "guilty pleasure" for me. I pick him up once or twice a year when I need some Adventure-ish escape, preferably in some exotic place and with a Conspiracy Theory attached.
This one satisfied all the above requirements, though in the end I thought there were some plot holes and dangling story threads. The double-twist was predictable and the female characters, in true Ludlum style, remained underdeveloped. Still, though hardly in the category of the whip-cracki...more
This one satisfied all the above requirements, though in the end I thought there were some plot holes and dangling story threads. The double-twist was predictable and the female characters, in true Ludlum style, remained underdeveloped. Still, though hardly in the category of the whip-cracki...more
Jul 23, 2010
Ash
added it
I had to give it one star as I couldn't give it a half star!
This one must be by far Ludlum's WORST book I have read (in this case listened to). If I hear "God Damn" or "cacophonous" one more time, I think I will stab someone in the eye!!!
All it has are some big words that give the model of a gun, European places, and a story (or the lack of) that is absolutely abysmal. I want the hours of my life back that I had spent listening to this horrible "book". A secret govt. department, hiring on the be...more
This one must be by far Ludlum's WORST book I have read (in this case listened to). If I hear "God Damn" or "cacophonous" one more time, I think I will stab someone in the eye!!!
All it has are some big words that give the model of a gun, European places, and a story (or the lack of) that is absolutely abysmal. I want the hours of my life back that I had spent listening to this horrible "book". A secret govt. department, hiring on the be...more
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I have enjoyed Ludlum's books as a whole, but after so many of them, they all start to be the same. the only differences are that the main character has a different name as is involved with a different government agency (how many can there possibly be?) The guy is still tall, dark and handsome, is filthy rich, can jump over tall buildings and stop speeding locomotives. He can probably catch a bullet in his teeth, although I've not read that in any of Ludlum's books so far. The plot is similar to...more
I love novels that remind me of movies, specifically espionage styles. This book travels the world many counrtires over. All of the characters are intertwined, and yet you discover this throughout the entire story rather than within only the first few pages. I believe the pace is perfect, as you are engaged for the whole duration. His character development allows you to become one with the individual and take his journey with him. You, too, are seeing the sights in the Middle East, Paris, and th...more
Currently in paperback for only $7.99 is Robert Ludlum’s The Prometheus Deception. Ludlum returns once again to what he does best, as the master of the spy-novel world. Nick Bryson has quit the spy world and has disappeared into anonymity, but fifteen years have passed and Bryson has now been called back into service. Recruited by the CIA, he is commissioned to watched the moves of the Directorate, originally an ultra-secret intelligence agency through which Bryson was trained. With terrorist co...more
Aug 04, 2011
Larry Johnson
added it
Since I recently started reading Ludlum books this is one of the best ones yet. I admit that when I started reading it I thought it seemed similar to the Alias TV series which I loved. As the story progressed though I found it even better and even wondering if this was non-fiction. The details of the technology and "Big Brother" society on a global scale and references to the WTC as this was written a year before 9/11 could really make those that are paranoid even more fearful. The action is fas...more
This is the first of Ludlum's books I have actually read. I do have the Bourne Legacy on tape that I have listened to and really enjoyed. And of course there is the trilogy of Bourne movies that are great, though I understand that a movie is no where near as good as a book can be.
Those things being said, I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the book and the way it was just left hanging at the end. I do enjoy the fact there was so many twists and turns in the book you were kept guessing, t...more
Those things being said, I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the book and the way it was just left hanging at the end. I do enjoy the fact there was so many twists and turns in the book you were kept guessing, t...more
I read this ten years ago when it was first released, but still found it entertaining the second time. It's very Bourne-like, the main character was sort of brain washed--nurtured and manipulated from his teen years to become an operative for a deep, deep cover spy jop for what he thinks is a patriotic US govt. agency. Then he's forced out for reasons he doesn't quite understand, then he's drawn back in to fight that same agency--that it seems was never a real government agency in the first plac...more
This was a pretty good spy novel (more 2 1/2 stars), fast paced with enough intrigue and plot twists to keep it interesting. I was bogged down in the minute descriptions of the weaponry and hyper detailed fight scenes...the writers attempt at sexy talk...blah blah blah "her exquisite breasts"? Reminds me of the succulent flesh in the last book I read...eh boys. Maybe this vernacular does something for them. I'll remember that for my next sexy letter to my husband.
Several F bombs, war/terrorism/t...more
Several F bombs, war/terrorism/t...more
I usually enjoy the author's trivial descriptions, such as describing the inner workings of a handgun and the proper technique for discharging same weapon. However, coupled with how quickly certain plot points and reunions were glossed over, it seemed misplaced and frustrated this reader. Additionally, it seemed a little hokey that a veteran spy would so easily (re)associate with certain characters, with seemingly, so little suspicion. I have to say this book is pretty average, especially when c...more
Oct 08, 2012
Richard
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
thriller,
action-adventure
5.5/10
A mixture of feelings on this one. It was good in places and bad in places. It read like a generic spy thriller with the hero pretty much being invincible.
I don’t mind this type of novel for a bit of escapism. I wouldn’t have watched every episode of 24 if I didn’t like one guy taking on the world sort of stories. But this was just a little too long. Coming in at over 600 pages I thought a vast chunk could have been chopped out of this. 400 pages would have been better with a few less des...more
A mixture of feelings on this one. It was good in places and bad in places. It read like a generic spy thriller with the hero pretty much being invincible.
I don’t mind this type of novel for a bit of escapism. I wouldn’t have watched every episode of 24 if I didn’t like one guy taking on the world sort of stories. But this was just a little too long. Coming in at over 600 pages I thought a vast chunk could have been chopped out of this. 400 pages would have been better with a few less des...more
The Prometheus Deception,is by far, one of the most intriguing and interesting books I have ever read. This was my first go at a book whose author has been acclaimed by adult readers. It did have drawbacks to its name, by being quite long, and the reader assuming that the book would never end. But if patience assists the reader, I feel the reader would truly love the book.
The book revolves around Nick Bryson, a kind of spy working for an agency called the Directorate. The book starts with his bo...more
The book revolves around Nick Bryson, a kind of spy working for an agency called the Directorate. The book starts with his bo...more
Ludlum’s protagonist Nicholas Bryson, a former most important spy with an extremely secret intelligence agency known as The Directorate, secretly disappeared for his protection and became a professor at a small college. He is lured out of this pseudo-retirement when the powers that be fear that The Directorate has “gone rogue,” with a worldwide dominance agenda to be achieved via international terrorism. As Bryson investigates, he encounters many of his once fellow employees from the agency. He...more
The plot of the Prometheus Deception reminded me of the idea behind the Bourne Trilogy. The similarities between Nick Bryson, who has to discover the truth about his past life, and Jason Bourne, who has to reconstruct his past following amnesia, are indeed striking. Both protagonists are lone fighters entangled in a web of conspiracies and their adversaries seem at first glance far more powerful. These motifs permeate most of Ludlum’s plots and the Prometheus Deception is no exception. Ludlum on...more
Robert Ludlum just does not write bad novels. Entertaining! Excellent plot idea! Parts are particularly chilling when you consider that this was written in the late 90's prior to 9/11 and its aftermath. However, I was somewhat disappointed in how the plot was executed and ultimately resolved. The protagonist becomes too much of a superman for my taste. Also, some unnecessary and unexplained twists at the very end that I think take away from the thrust of the novel. On the whole, and enjoyable re...more
I love Ludlum's novels and was surprised to find one I had not read. The plot is very complicated and I did get a little tired of the twists and reverses towards the end. As was true to Ludlum's plots, he leads the reader to a set of characters and then kills them off and then reinstates other characters. His details about weapons were outside my interest zone, so I skipped past those. I can still say I enjoy his writing, primarily because he keeps the action moving.
This was my very first Robert Ludlum novel, and it freaked me out! I read it in 2002, and all of the terrorism stuff just hit way to close to home. I was shocked by all the references to hijacked airplanes, anthrax and bombs in a book that was published in 2000. It seemed at the time like Ludlum was foretelling the future. I have been a fan ever since, even reading the Bourne novels that other authors have continued after his death, just to get a glimpse into what homage they pay to his talent.
Byzantine predictability. Nope, not an oxymoron, just an accurate description of the plot of this novel. Even with the constant plot twists and red herrings the book's conclusion was still obvious. If you are a Ludlum fan you'll probably enjoy the book. If not, please read another of his novels before reading this one, it wouldn't be fair to judge him based on this particular one. It's not a bad book, I just hoped for more base on my enjoyment of other Ludlum novels.
reading this really was like watching an action movie, but better because i didn't have to sit in one place for two hours! it was particularly exciting reading sentences such as "madness!" and "it was insanity!"
ultimately though it got slightly repetitive. also, so many plot points that were identical to alias! are there really such a limited number of action tropes?
add: just found out that alias premiered after this book was published! jj is a thief!
ultimately though it got slightly repetitive. also, so many plot points that were identical to alias! are there really such a limited number of action tropes?
add: just found out that alias premiered after this book was published! jj is a thief!
UGH. I wanted to read this book because people rave about Ludlum, but it's such a MAN book. Every female character is described in painful detail as being impossibly attractive objects. At random times characters are liberally given random skills (speaking a dialect only spoken in a tiny village in the Italian Alps, miraculous nursing skills, etc). It's a surprise I could make it all the way through with all the eye-rolling I was doing...
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Bought this for my Atlanta trip. It's decent action-thriller fluff. Where I think it falls down is that it takes itself very seriously. There are a few parts where the characters basically do soliloquies about privacy and corporate power. Also Ludlum sucks at dialogue, especially when the characters are romantically involved. This wouldn't stop me from picking up anothernof his books next time I feel like fluff.
A great thriller from Robert Ludlum. Certainly not his best work but among some of the best that I have come across from his pen. A dive into the thrilling world of espionage, betrayal, deceit, secrets and lies. A gripping story that begs you to keep the midnight lamp burning till the wee hours of the subsequent morning. On a recommendation scale, I'd say 3.5/5 for book lovers.
this book has just one headline action.if you love action this absolutely the book for you.i loved it ,its incredibly fast-paced,mysterious and a definite page-turner.start reading and you`ll never get what you expect.the main character nick bryson is also my favourite.absolutely the best thriller i`ve ever read.robert ludlum is a genius.
The ultimate spy. After fifteen years as a brilliant master spy, Nick Bryson has disappeared into anonymity as a professor at an exclusive college in western Pennsylvania-- until he's suddenly lured back into the game.
The ultimate threat. Recruited by the CIA, he's been commissioned to track the moves of the Directorate. Once, the ultra-secret intelligence agency was Bryson's training ground. Now it's a multinational terrorist conspiracy bent on global domination.
The ultimate deception. But to e...more
The ultimate threat. Recruited by the CIA, he's been commissioned to track the moves of the Directorate. Once, the ultra-secret intelligence agency was Bryson's training ground. Now it's a multinational terrorist conspiracy bent on global domination.
The ultimate deception. But to e...more
Typical, but below-average, Ludlum fare. There were a few times when I didn't want to put the book down. There were also times when I was bored and considered abandoning the book.
Not the worst book I've ever read. Probably not the worst Ludlum book I've ever read. Still, the plot was predictable, and the identities of the villains were telegraphed.
I guess it was nice to read something that required no brain power, but now I'm ready to read something with a little heft.
Not the worst book I've ever read. Probably not the worst Ludlum book I've ever read. Still, the plot was predictable, and the identities of the villains were telegraphed.
I guess it was nice to read something that required no brain power, but now I'm ready to read something with a little heft.
THE PROMETHEUS DECEPTION, published in hardback in 2000 and in paperback a month after 9-11 basically offers a narrative blueprint for the WAR OF TERROR.
He lays out in this book how to run a mostly Cyber War (a Surveillance War in the name of corporate profit and world domination) where there is no real enemy but the ghostly figures who're set up for specific terrorist events around the world ... sound familiar to anyone?
Robert Ludlum implied that his knowledge of the way the insanely convoluted...more
He lays out in this book how to run a mostly Cyber War (a Surveillance War in the name of corporate profit and world domination) where there is no real enemy but the ghostly figures who're set up for specific terrorist events around the world ... sound familiar to anyone?
Robert Ludlum implied that his knowledge of the way the insanely convoluted...more
A great spy story. It took about 25-30 pages to really start, but once it got going, it became difficult to stop reading. Ludlum knows how to create damn good suspense and maintain that element throughout an entire novel. Many have tried to duplicate his talent, but few can manage the feat.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inherent Problem In The Plotline | 3 | 27 | Jan 11, 2013 03:41am | |
| Another Masterpiece!!! | 1 | 8 | Nov 27, 2012 03:45pm |
Robert Ludlum was an American author of 25 thriller novels. There are more than 290 million copies of his books in print, and they have been translated into 32 languages. Ludlum also published books under the pseudonyms Jonathan Ryder and Michael Shepherd.
Some of Ludlum's novels have been made into films and mini-series, including The Osterman Weekend, The Holcroft Covenant, The Apocalypse Watch,...more
More about Robert Ludlum...
Some of Ludlum's novels have been made into films and mini-series, including The Osterman Weekend, The Holcroft Covenant, The Apocalypse Watch,...more
Jun 10, 2012 10:19am