From Publishers WeeklyThe literary faults and stylistic excesses that characterized The Icarus Agenda , The Gemini Contenders and other of Ludlum's works are present in his latest mammoth thriller, but fans will nonetheless cheer the return of his most popular character, David Webb, aka Jason Bourne, the assassin who never was. When the international terrorist known as Carlos the Jackal penetrates his civilian identity, Webb must again assume the Bourne persona to protect his wife and small children. In their renewed struggle, the two master assassins uncover the revived existence of Medusa, the sinister alliance that originally led to the establishment of the Bourne identity. In action that moves from the U.S. to Montserrat to Paris before concluding in Moscow, Bourne and his allies prove incredibly inept, barely escaping the Jackal's traps and failing in their repeated attempts to ambush him. The Ludlum trademarks are present: improbable bloodbaths, repetitive action, stilted and off-the-point conversations and--most annoying--the use of italicized words or entire paragraphs to simulate passion. This is formula writing that delivers even less than its meager promise. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. Vintage Ludlum.The Plain DealerFrom the Publisher"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. "Vintage Ludlum." -- The Cleveland Plain Dealer what are some cool gadgets The Bourne Ultimatum: Jason Bourne Book #3
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Terrible, Sad to see after the first two good ones.By Jurie BothaAwful book, as much as it pains me to say it. I love the Bourne character, and Identity and Supremacy was brilliant. I don't know what ludlum was thinking when he wrote this - or even if he really wrote this - but it is a complete disappointment and disaster. I would have preferred a 200 page brilliant story to this 600+ page abomination.I am currently on page 279, and am seriously considering just ditching it. Bourne's decisions and actions leads you to believe that he's a drooling retard, who cannot catch an apparently dying Carlos (I say apparently since in the one encounter they've had so far Carlos seemed to be much more proficient than his 10 years younger nemesis.)Do NOT buy this book. You will be disappointed. A serious waste of money.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Stellar Finish for the Gospel According to St. BourneBy Deon C. MixonI struggle to declare this final installment of Ludlum's masterful trilogy the best of them, but I will not hesitate to conclude that it was the most hilarious! Yup, the comedy was a plus towards the intertwining journeys of Jason's many foes and friends. It made the entire adventure less agonizing and more welcoming to plow through. This final arc of the famous chameleon was definitely a ride to wait for. With powerful storytelling, despite the overdrawn formula of intense detail, fulfilling action, and a plethora of surprises to verify those, unfortunately, already verified gaps, this ultimatum, the gospel according to St. Bourne, was still a stellar finale.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Bridge Too FarBy A. SarkThe third instalment of the Bourne trilogy has little to recommend it. After reading the best part of 1000 pages in the first two offerings, one has about enough of the flashbacks in Jason Bourne's mind and the constant failures to kill or capture the Jackal seem increasingly forced. One finally understands why Hollywood departed so dramatically from Ludlum's text in dramatizing the series. Frankly, and with all due respect to Mr. Ludlum for some more masterful efforts like the Rhineman Exchange and the Matarese Circle, he appears to be trying to reach a page count in the Bourne Ultimatum rather than revealing intriguing story layers.