NateJul 29th, 2007 - 08:09:08

I'm a big fan of the Bourne novels and feel that Lustbader did an excellent job with 'Legacy,' but this latest offer is way too convoluted with questionable occurrences and stretches of the imagination. Bourne would never allow the brain experiment in the opening moments. Additionally, Lustbader's look into the CIA makes them less than a top-notch spy agency; seemingly easy to infiltrate and compromise. And, maybe it's just me, but who can keep all these Arab names clear as to who they are and their relationships to one another and the plot?

Is this book about Bourne or a supercriminal named Fadi?

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JasonNov 16th, 2007 - 15:48:35

I agree with Nate. I just listened to Legacy - which I really liked - but this seems to be of a far lesser caliber. Bourne is too smart not to have checked before seeing a specialist and the the technology I assume they'll be using seems way out out of Sci-Fi.

Why too does the James Bond-esque stigma of 'the agent never being able to keep a woman for more than one episode' ideal stuck with?

I admit I have yet to finish, but am rather disapppointed thus far.

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kyleNov 27th, 2007 - 03:23:03

me too, disappionted. ludlum wouldn't have killed of marie and conklin. liked the movies better.

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MattApr 29th, 2008 - 04:39:30

Also the time doesnt make sense. Bourne should be atleat between 55 and 60 and Soraya is mid-late thiries. If Bourne worked with her before he lost his memory that had to be when she was early 20's yet that would put that mission in the early 90's atleast 10 years after Bourne lost his memory and you know this book at least takes place a after 2004 because they mentioned stuff like 9/11.

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RichMay 16th, 2008 - 21:36:36

Very let down by this recent book -- Lustbader can not hold a candle to Ludlum. Why do writers think that their charactors must be or should be masters of all knowledge? Here Bourne can fly a plane, speak every possible language on the face of the planet -- with no accent, and even be expert on Islamic religious practices (he even knows how to tell the quality of an Islamic prayer rug).

If Bourne has nothing to do with CI, other than having a relationship with the DDCI, how did he become the central figure to the bad guys plans?

All in all, the plot does not hold up, the charactors are not credible and the story is strung out too long.

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JohnJun 26th, 2008 - 00:58:18

It took me 3 weeks to read this book, I usually take about 3-5 days depending how much free time I have. The book seemed like it was written as if a Hollywood movie script, there were many times I was like 'blah yeah whatever Jason Bourne'. Like mentioned on past comments, the beginning when he lets a doctor mess with his mind without him not knowing even the most mundane details like that Doctor's opening hours, sure goes against his always paranoid nature. Many times he shows traits of almost super-human instincts, yet other times he gets into situations that makes you think if he's stupid. Some of the characters were very bland while others left you wanting more. For example, Deron was a character that's intriguing, yet you only hear from him briefly and then later on he takes off to Florida and you don't hear from him until on the later chapters when Bourne asks him for yet another favor. Instead, you're left with a very uninspiring black guy raised on the slums of DC, Tyrone. Lustbader completely overdoes trying to give Tyrone a 'brotha from the hood' character by typing one of the worst ebonics I have ever read, the guy starts every sentence with yo and almost always ends it with yo. The fake Lindros infiltrates the CIA and somehow he fools Lindro's lifelong friends like Bourne. I mean no matter how good is the disguise, anyone that knew Lindros would at least notice something weird.

I felt forced to read the whole thing hoping that the ending would make up for the mediocrity but it didn't. Is it a bad book? No, it's entertaining, but any Ludlum fan can be easily disgusted with Lustbader's offer.

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CameronJul 31st, 2008 - 00:06:17

Jason Bourne...please kill me!!!

So bad that somebody should hire an international assassin to take out the author...

*Race to prevent a nuclear bomb being detonated...check
*Cliched unrealistic, movie situations...check
*Killing of all of the major characters from the series because an intelligent plot couldn't be thought of...check
*Lack of understanding of any of the situations or events that are written about...check
*No mention of Bourne's age, despite that fact that he's got to be pushing fifty yet gets stabbed, shot, beaten, etc...and still keeps on trucking without a problem...check
*Ridiculous technology (miniature nuclear bombs? Makeup that makes you a total clone of the person you are trying to impersonate - even their body shape!)...check
*Realistic characters (doctors that study psychology AND miniaturization - please!)...check

Lustbader demonstrates his ability to have his computer's spellchecker write another Bourne novel. This series has been killed as effectively as Jason Bourne's earlier memories...

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IrekNov 13th, 2008 - 03:43:49

I'm ready to go back to Chapters to ask for money back...Can't force myself to finish chapter 6.

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