The Bourne Ultimatum, the third and final book in Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne series, follows the ultimate showdown between Jason Bourne, also known as David Webb, and his nemesis Carlos the Jackal. The plot involves Bourne assuming his deadly identity once again to confront Carlos, the world's deadliest terrorist, in a deadly trap. The book is filled with twists, turns, and intertwined plots that span multiple countries, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as fast-paced, furious, and engaging, with a focus on action and a complex narrative that reveals more about the conflict between Bourne and Webb.

Characters:

Characters display complexity, particularly Jason Bourne with his dual identity, while Carlos and others add intensity but may feel underdeveloped.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is often criticized for being overly elaborate and ineffective, with some reviewers noting a lack of depth in dialogue and character interactions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features an intense chase between Jason Bourne and his nemesis, Carlos the Jackal, involving complexity from new characters and lingering issues from Bourne's past.

Setting:

The setting is global, ranging from Europe to tropical locales, contributing to the international espionage theme.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with sections dragging on while others maintain tension, leading to mixed feelings about the overall flow of the story.

The cacophony spun out of control as the crowds swelled through the amusement park in the countryside on the outskirts of Baltimore. The summer night was hot, and nearly everywhere faces and necks wer...

Notes:

The Bourne Ultimatum is the last book in Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne trilogy.

Many readers found the dialogue in the book to be poorly written.

The character of Carlos the Jackal was described as becoming more of a caricature in this book compared to earlier ones.

Some readers noted that the plot felt overly complicated due to the introduction of new characters and locations.

Common criticisms included the lack of detailed descriptions and the use of simple adjectives.

The book was considered too long by several reviewers, leading to boredom and confusion.

There is a clear divergence between the book and movie adaptations of the series, with some readers preferring the films.

Readers found the pacing inconsistent, with some portions dragging on too long.

Despite mixed reviews, some found enjoyment in the character development of Jason Bourne throughout the series.

The series highlighted the theme of dual identities, especially with the struggles of David Webb and Jason Bourne.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include violence, death, psychological distress, and themes of espionage and trauma.

Has Romance?

There are elements of romance as the protagonist deals with personal relationships, particularly with family and past love, though it is not the main focus.

From The Publisher:

For use in schools and libraries only. David Webb must once again assume the identity of assassin Jason Bourne as he matches wits with his mortal enemy, Carlos, a deadly and elusive terrorist known as "The Jackal.

Ratings (7)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (9)
Currently Reading (1)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
The Bourne Ultimatum?

Gone Girl
Gillian Flynn
dysfunctional marriage
psychological thriller

About the Author:

Robert Ludlum was the author of twenty-one novels, each a New York Times bestseller. There are more than 210 million of his books in print, and they have been translated into thirty-two languages. In addition to the Jason Bourne series-The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum-he was the author of The Scarlatti Inheritance, The Chancellor Manuscript, and The Apocalypse Watch, among many others. Mr. Ludlum passed away in March, 2001.

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The Bourne Ultimatum

Robert Ludlum

Book 3 in the series:Jason Bourne