Helpful Score: 3
This is the fourth book in the Bourne series, and the first written by Eric Van Lustbader. If you're considering the series as a whole, you should know that beyond the concept of a skilled assassin who has no memory, there is very little similarity between the books and the movies. The first three books (by Robert Ludlum) were very good. In this book (and the subsequent books written by Van Lustbader), though, there is no continuity with the earlier books in the series. Van Lustbader takes the name Bourne and a little bit of the history, but changes everything else to write the novel he wants. Major characters are killed off just because he doesn't want to deal with him, Bourne has moved to a different city just for convenience to the novel's plot, he seems to be much younger despite the fact that this novel is set many years after the first three, etc. Everyone has their own opinion, and I'm sure there are many people who love Van Lustbader's Bourne books, but my recommendation would be to read Ludlum's original Bourne trilogy, and then stop. Reading Van Lustbader's books is just frustrating because he ignores so much of what is built in the original trilogy.
Helpful Score: 3
I had some trouble getting into this one but once I got about a quarter of the way it was a page-turner. The end was fairly predictable but the many twists and turns along the way kept it interesting. I could have done with less of the fight scenes.
Helpful Score: 3
New book (fourth in series), new author but true to the original first three. GREAT read and can't wait for the movie. Lots of action, reflection and intrique (sp)
Helpful Score: 1
Wish I had read the first one first. This one was good!
Helpful Score: 1
A different sort of Bourne book by Eric Van Lustbader. It's even different for the author. Much more character development and perspective on the hearts and minds of terrorists as well as that of international assasins.
In the larger context of an international symposium between east and west regarding working together to deal with terrorism, there is the exploration of the motives behind hate, killing, and the possibility of redempton. Of course there is the usual foe for Bourne to deal with. There is also the highly ranked international assasin hired to kill him, who just might be his own son.
In the larger context of an international symposium between east and west regarding working together to deal with terrorism, there is the exploration of the motives behind hate, killing, and the possibility of redempton. Of course there is the usual foe for Bourne to deal with. There is also the highly ranked international assasin hired to kill him, who just might be his own son.
