The world's two deadliest spies in the ultimate showdown. At a small-town carnival two men, each mysteriously summoned by telegram, witness a biz...
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reviews
Apr 04, 2008
Kevin
rated it: 
After three grueling months I finally finished reading this book. You may ask yourself: "If it was so grueling, why did he finish it at all?" Good question! After reading the first two books in the Bourne trilogy, I felt compelled to finally see the final confrontation between Jason Bourne and Carlos the Jackal. Now I will admit that The Bourne Ultimatum was not nearly as boring and convoluted as its predecessor, The Bourne Supremacy. However, I'm fairly certain that Robert Ludlum
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Aug 31, 2007
Erin
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What can I say? It was intense - a little too intense for me. By about the middle of the book, I wanted to shoot Carlos myself just so that the insanity would end. The plot in this book seems even more complex than in the other two and is impossible to comprehend. Nevertheless, I cared about Jason Bourne enough as a character to stick out the whole grueling story with him, but I felt almost as beat up and emotionally raw as he did by the time it was over. Overall, not a pleasant reading exp
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Jan 05, 2011
Brian
rated it:
9/2/04 - 4/10
The Bourne Ultimatum is based on another dumb premise - why would the Jackal come after Bourne 10 years later? This was a pretty annoying book to read. Lot of things about it ticked me off: the Bourne vs Webb (again), putting Marie on a giant pedestal, Jason and Marie totally abandon their kids. There were tons of annoying plot holes with faulty logic or reasoning. I just kept reading and asking myself, why would that happen, or why would they do that? There was abosultely no depth More...
The Bourne Ultimatum is based on another dumb premise - why would the Jackal come after Bourne 10 years later? This was a pretty annoying book to read. Lot of things about it ticked me off: the Bourne vs Webb (again), putting Marie on a giant pedestal, Jason and Marie totally abandon their kids. There were tons of annoying plot holes with faulty logic or reasoning. I just kept reading and asking myself, why would that happen, or why would they do that? There was abosultely no depth More...
Oct 30, 2009
Not Up To The Usual Standards: Following the successful Matt Damon films, based loosely on the first 2 novels, we have a reissue of the third. Do not expect the story that appeared in the films. They have been updated and reinvented and only loosely follow the books.
This third book finds Bourne again on the trail of the Jackal and follows him from the Caribbean to France and to Russia. It introduces the new Medusa organisation that has known mutated from a Vietnam assassination squad to a corpor
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Feb 01, 2012
Ruthie
rated it: 
This was a hard book for me to get through. I read the first book in the trilogy without too many problems, the second book was eh, and by the time I got to this one it was painful. I'm not sure how much of that was that the writing style changed (it's too long since I read the first two) and how much of that is my awareness of what I was reading changed. I do know that I have been noticing details about what I'm reading much more as my health improves (so I can pay more attention) and because I
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Jul 25, 2009
Sarah
rated it: 
I was looking forward to reading the final book in the Jason Bourne trilogy but after having suffered through it, I wish I had stopped after The Bourne Supremacy. The book fails in every way that the first two books succeed. The quick pace here is unnecessary and silly; Bourne is out of character; the political arena has changed too much to make the plot possible.
The original book and the one that followed were written at the height of the cold war. They take place in a time were the More...
The original book and the one that followed were written at the height of the cold war. They take place in a time were the More...
Dec 10, 2008
John
rated it: 
I recommend this book to the old youth it’s a really disturbant book and it would not be good for a child to read it. The line at the end of the book was tight it went “and I will be born one’s again” I felt scared because I didn’t know if somebody would ever want to kill me when I have no idea that I did something bad to somebody. Mrs.Trice was the reason I was reading this book because I have to graduate and she will give me a really bad greade and I will not pass so therefore I would have to
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Dec 02, 2011
Alex
rated it:
The last book I read this first trimester was The Bourne Ultimatum-written by Robert Ludlum in 1990. It is the third book in a trilogy following protagonist Jason Bourne. The series of books installed a diehard fan base, and were popular enough to be made into a trilogy of films. Robert Ludlum is an experienced author, but also a controversial one. He is unafraid when writing about real life terrors: such as the Vietnam War and terrorist cells in China.
If you have ever read a “Bourne” nov More...
If you have ever read a “Bourne” nov More...
Dec 17, 2009
Diane
rated it:
Well, I finished the series, just to finish it. It took me nearly 2 1/2 weeks to finish this book. I was motivated simply to finish it, not because I was interested, really. I was disappointed, once again, in the language, too thick of a plot, violence, and sexual innuendos. My husband bought me the first and third books of the series for my Birthday, before I'd read either of them. Now that I'm done, I'm donating them to the library. I know I'll never read these again.
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Dec 17, 2009
Lisa
rated it:
Finally. Okay, so the book was good but I have to say it really could have been wrapped up in about 250 pages instead of the 663 it took. So many misses that were just frustrating. All the integral plot points tied up in the end and it definitely didn't leave any questionable loose ends. While I'm glad I read the books as they are SO different from the movies, I'm also glad that I'm done with the series.
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Jun 21, 2010
Shane
rated it: 
This is the 2nd book of the series of 'Bourne' books that are entitled exactly as the movie-tie-ins. Someone had told me that the books do not follow the movies very well and I agree. I loved the movies. There is something about the scenery; the almost believability of Jason Bourne's character/ability to be super-human yet he shows emotion as he chooses to grasp at the areas of his person that have been brain-washed away. That last sentence was in reference to the movies. About the books -
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Aug 24, 2011
Adam
rated it:
I am a stubborn, anal-retentive completionist when it comes to books. If I start it, I finish it. That being said - this is the first novel I have ever started & then given-up on. It really is that bad. I read The Bourne Identity & its sequel, The Bourne Supremacy & while neither was spectacular, I still enjoyed them. I figured I'd finish the trilogy with Ultimatum. I had noticed the abysmal reviews on Amazon.com, but decided I had to see for myself. I just couldn't bring myself to not read the
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Jul 17, 2011
Danica
rated it:
Pretty good book with some dynamite action sequences. It doesn't actually parallel the movie AT ALL, which is both good and bad. Good because you don't feel like you are reading something that you already know, and bad because I particularly enjoyed the movies and preferred that version of Jason Bourne/David Webb. I have not read the first two in the trilogy.
The only thing that felt false to me about the book was Jason/David's relationship with his wife and family. The dialogue s More...
The only thing that felt false to me about the book was Jason/David's relationship with his wife and family. The dialogue s More...
Jan 23, 2012
Brent
rated it:
This final book of the Jason Bourne series by Robert Ludlum is all about a final showdown between Bourne and Carlos the Jackel. Bourne and the Jackel have locked horns over the years and with Carlos facing old age and failing health he seeks his final grand finale-a battle to the death with Jason Bourne. Bourne and the Jackel criss cross across the world nearly having the battle multiple times each time the Jackel miraculously escaping. The final showdown takes place in a Russian training faci
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Feb 19, 2009
Slacker
rated it:
Of the three books so far, this one is the worst.
First off, it has nothing to do with the movie. So forget that. Second it has more twists and turns than a plate of spaghetti. And it is as improbable as any. The story takes place 13 years after the first book. Jason is 50, and is doing things and tasks that he couldn't have done when he was 37. The story is obviously the last book in the series, and you can tell by the way that it is constructed that it was meant to be the last. So More...
First off, it has nothing to do with the movie. So forget that. Second it has more twists and turns than a plate of spaghetti. And it is as improbable as any. The story takes place 13 years after the first book. Jason is 50, and is doing things and tasks that he couldn't have done when he was 37. The story is obviously the last book in the series, and you can tell by the way that it is constructed that it was meant to be the last. So More...
Jan 07, 2009
BoekenTrol
rated it:
How the author did it, I don't know, but he caught me with his story and the 'adventures' of David Webb / Jason Bourne. This last book in the trilogy I find good.
It shows the dilemma of the person David, that influences the person Jason, no matter how hard the latter is fighting it.
It shows a battle of a man, in his 50's, that is going 'to war' again with his oldest enemy Carlos, to protect himself and his family. He goes all around the globe again, finding old friends / allies to h More...
It shows the dilemma of the person David, that influences the person Jason, no matter how hard the latter is fighting it.
It shows a battle of a man, in his 50's, that is going 'to war' again with his oldest enemy Carlos, to protect himself and his family. He goes all around the globe again, finding old friends / allies to h More...
Sep 20, 2010
Twharton
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Nov 19, 2011
Josh
rated it:
Wow I actually really enjoyed this book. There was a profuse amount of horrid language in it and quite a few racist things. The racial slurs I can justify simply because of the time frame it takes place in and the fact that those kinnds of references were more rampant at that time. The foul language.... well there wasn't really a need for THAT MUCH. However, the story itself kept me intrigued most of the time. The previous two books there was a lot of planning and meetings and just slow boring
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Dec 06, 2011
Scott
rated it:
In "The Bourne Ultimatum", the third and final Bourne book written by the late Robert Ludlum, the world's greatest assassin and Jason Bourne's arch-nemesis, Carlos the Jackal, is back! David Webb is living a somewhat calm life as a college professor with his wife and two children, when Carlos sends a clear message to him, his family, and the select few men in the U.S. government that he knows about Webb's alter-ego. Once again, Webb is forced to resurrect the personality of Bourne, an
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Jan 23, 2011
Gerold
rated it:
This, the third in the Bourne series was becoming a bit boring. Certainly I did not enjoy it as much as the previous two. Bourne is forced out of retirement, leaving his wife and children to (again) hunt his old nemesis, The Jackal. The hunt for the Jackal leads extends across the world (and 700-odd pages) by the end of which I was tired of the endless personality "switches" between Bourne and David - to say nothing of the "close but no cigar" between Bourne and the Jackal. S
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Oct 28, 2010
Brandon
rated it:
I really like this book. It has a good story and keeps you interested even though it may be longer. But you need to read the first two books to understand the full story. Because his fight with Carlos has been going on for years and years and its finally coming to an end with this book. The biggest reason i like this book is it has little to do with the movies so you can watch a really good movie and get one story and then read these books and get a completely different. So i suggest these book
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Jul 13, 2011
PenNPaper52
rated it:
The third installment in the Bourne series, the Bourne Ultimatum continues from before, Jason Bourne is still looking for Carlos the Jackal who has now retired. He has started a mafia like organization and Jason tries to infiltrate it and tries to flush out Carlos. The usualy Ludlum devices of cat and mouse chases, action, suspense, thriller is there. The end does bring a nice closure to the series and makes you happy. As I love firstly books that neatly end and endings with a happily ever after
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Jul 30, 2010
Carolyn
rated it:
Jason Bourne is well-worn franchise and I picked up the book, as a follow-up to a movie I had watched a couple of years ago. The story was long, complicated and focussed on an older Jason Bourne who was trying to - once and for all - put to death his long time antagonist - Carlos the Jackal - while saving his wife and children's lives, and proving that he still had a killer's/survior's edge over his enemy.
The story seemed to go in circles, as he never seemed to get out of danger More...
The story seemed to go in circles, as he never seemed to get out of danger More...
Sep 09, 2010
Pat
rated it:
Nice conclusion to the Bourne Trilogy. Takes place on US, Caribbean, and Paris soil. The books have so much more depth in terms of character development, personality, and plot complexity than the movies even suggest. However, these are 300+ page books, and you just can't replicate that in a <2 hr movie.
Nonetheless, I really enjoyed reading this series, and I am a huge fan of the franchise it inspired, both in terms of films, but also music. The soundtracks to these films are More...
Nonetheless, I really enjoyed reading this series, and I am a huge fan of the franchise it inspired, both in terms of films, but also music. The soundtracks to these films are More...
Jul 29, 2010
Tim
rated it:
A few years ago, having watched Bourne movies, I picked the Bourne Identity up from the library. It had almost no relation to the movie, but I enjoyed it in its own merit. Jason Bourne tries to deal with his amnesia while being hunted by and hunting a notorious assassin, Carlos the Jackal.
When I saw The Bourne Ultimatum at a used book sale for twenty-five cents, I picked it up. Ten years later, Jason Bourne at fifty is once again pitted against Carlos the Jackal in one final battle to th More...
When I saw The Bourne Ultimatum at a used book sale for twenty-five cents, I picked it up. Ten years later, Jason Bourne at fifty is once again pitted against Carlos the Jackal in one final battle to th More...
May 27, 2009
Bobby
rated it:
The titles are the same and the character has the same name, beyond that there isn't much else in common between the books and the movies.
Normally when sequels come out I'm hesitant to read them because so often they don't measure up. Well, many times the 2nd sequel will - but having a third is a lot of times a stretch. Not so with the Bourne books. Mr. Ludlum was indeed an amazing writer. Incredibly detailed without dragging on and amazing at developing a character. Each of t More...
Normally when sequels come out I'm hesitant to read them because so often they don't measure up. Well, many times the 2nd sequel will - but having a third is a lot of times a stretch. Not so with the Bourne books. Mr. Ludlum was indeed an amazing writer. Incredibly detailed without dragging on and amazing at developing a character. Each of t More...
Dec 17, 2009
Dana
rated it:
Maybe it's not that bad, but Lord, it sure ain't good.
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Jun 21, 2011
Danimau
rated it:
Now you're talking! Ludlum steps it up a notch in this fast-paced novel. Wicked sick action and plot. Sexy spies and evil baddies.
Yes, the world is in danger. Yes our hero keeps living through untold bullet wounds and injuries. Yes, it's slightly predictable. No, you will not be able to peel your face away from this trilogy-ender. So different from the movie, but kind-of the same pacing and action.
I like this one much better than the second book.
Check it out(from your l More...
Yes, the world is in danger. Yes our hero keeps living through untold bullet wounds and injuries. Yes, it's slightly predictable. No, you will not be able to peel your face away from this trilogy-ender. So different from the movie, but kind-of the same pacing and action.
I like this one much better than the second book.
Check it out(from your l More...
Mar 01, 2011
Crossett
rated it:
This book, the final in the original series, could've dropped about 200 pages and been both tighter and better. Ludlum had a great storyline going already with Jason Bourne, and you knew he was going to meet up (and likely kill, c'mon, how often does the bad guy get to win in spy novels?) Carlos the Jackal. So while I appreciate the introduction of some organizations, like Medusa returning, bringing the Mafia in was ridiculous, as was the homosexual angle, and the often uncharacteristic banter
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Aug 14, 2009
Barrett
rated it:
I have not yet read the first two books in this series, but I get the feeling I didn't miss anything. Ludlum is entertaining, but he is certainly no John LaCarre, where espionage novels are concerned.
This book was about 300 pages too long and the only character I really cared about was Carlos the Jackel (the bad guy). They could have easily cut straight to the end without missing anything. Ludlum's "surprises" are not ingenius, but rather predictable, and happen far too o More...
This book was about 300 pages too long and the only character I really cared about was Carlos the Jackel (the bad guy). They could have easily cut straight to the end without missing anything. Ludlum's "surprises" are not ingenius, but rather predictable, and happen far too o More...
