The Bourne Ultimatum

A Novel

By: Robert Ludlum

Narrated by: Scott Brick

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.

©1993 Robert Ludlum (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"Vintage Ludlum." ( The Cleveland Plain Dealer)

The best and most memorable of the trilogy

Ludlum and Scott Brick capture the perfect balance of plot, cast, pace, narration, and captivity. You tend to really get to know each of the characters and develop a fond familiarity with good characters and a mixture of hate and respect for the evil characters. Although I recommend listening to the other books first, this book does a good job of filling you in on the past events from the previous books. Great action throughout the book in many different areas of the world.

Perfect!

Bourne is amazing and this story has you on the edge the whole time. Brick has got to be the best narrator of all time. He makes any book come alive.

Incredible

All I have is praise for Jason Bourne, le caméléon. Amazingly written out and the reader is positively impressive! A must read for anyone and I never do reviews....

so. much. better. than. the. movies.

I'm beginning to wonder if there are any other readers at Audible... this is my third book (counting the series as a single book) read by him. No complaints, really. He's clear, and does a good job. I'm just amused by how often I see his name in my library.
Also, the book is good as well. I will never understand why they bothered to purchase the rights for the movies as they really have nothing to do with the books. Movies = mindless "CIA is bad" action flicks with some truly amazing fight choreography. Books = very involved and twisted plots of a brilliant man and his even more brilliant wife struggling to understand and overcome the twists and turns of covert affairs.

After reading the books the movies are a joke

Wow if they only would have made the movies using the books materials. the movies are a joke the books are phenomenal

Sad dumbed down finale

The Bourne Identity was great! The Bourne Supremacy was pretty good though not near as good as the first. The Bourne Ultimatum was a sad finish to what started out great. The author dragged out the book by way too many "almosts" and by sadly dumbing down Bourne. The Bourne/Webb tumult seemed a little overdone and for some unknown reason everyone was super concerned about good manners when he was yet again trying to save the world. A more succinct two book serious would have been much better.

No let-up in excitement from start to finish.

What a writer. We lost one of the best without him writing any more. Each story adds to what you know about Jason Borne and you never want to stop listening. There aren't many who can keep you going like Robert Ludlum. Scott Brick is superb in his story telling.

Super Agent with Dementia and a Walker

I was really looking forward to this book especially after Born Supremacy was so good. Somehow this book jumps from Supremacy into Jason Bornes elderly years and he spends half of the book fighting himself, the affects of old age and a master Nemesis who has a legion of devout followers who will not hesitate to die. Why does Carlos's men die for the Jackal you ask? No idea. They have no ideals and don't think of the Jackal as a messiah. Carlos just paid their rent for the past 20 years. I'd be like thanks Carlos, peace out. Then Carlos has an intelligence network that is on par with Mossad, CIA and KGB all put together and even then Carlos knows things he just couldn't know. Very unrealistic and Jason Borne loses his mind, it's very frustrating. I won't be moving onto the next 5 or so books to find out how it goes for him in a Nursing home.

Great Ending to a Great Trilogy

What did you love best about The Bourne Ultimatum?

I really like Alex and Morrise. They seem like the most real characters and they play important roles in assisting Jason Bourne Hunt down the Jackel.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, overall it was a very fast-paced but it does have slow moments (usually with Marie).

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

He did amazing with all the languages and different characters.

Any additional comments?

It is confusing and a second listen will make it more clear but a very good story. I think it beats the movie hands down.

Not as goof as the movie

I found it good, but not great. At times it was just not that believable, losing credibility and suspension of disbelief.