The Bourne Ultimatum

by: Robert Ludlum

The final installment of the Bourne series has offcially been completed by me. For those that are not familiar with the novel series they are nothing like the films, in fact the main charecters barely even share an indentity. They entail much greater depth, more complex charecters, and so many twists and turns of govermental and otherwise espionage that your most quick witted person can easily be thrown off their rocker.

The last book ended with the completion of Jason Bourne as the first book began with the creation of Jason Bourne and his mission with Carlos the Jackol, this final poetic story of thirteen years finally came to a standoff. Bourne vs. Carlos. In the intro David Webb, Bournes original identity is discovered by Carlos and his family and friends lives are put in jeopardy. This requires Bourne to return, and DAvid Webb to hibernate. While his wife and children are ushered off to a remote Carribean island, he returns to his creator, the CIA for answers. As with it’s predessors nothing is cut and dry, who may be trusted and who may not be are never clear, and the real story behind Carlos and the old government group MEDUSA.

With his old adversary and his old creator Medusa returning, David Webb slowly begins a downward spiral in his split personality. His old creation, the assassin Jason Bourne is resurfaced in need to protect his family, but also to finally have his revenge on Carlos, whom he was porgramed to take out. Beneath the surface David Webb is always lingering, but the mad Bourne cannot be calmed, and so a mad former assassin vs. another old and mad assassin, mixed with others that have their own ulterior motives begins the most interesting and suspenseful of the novels.

The two aging men spend the entirety of the story trying to draw each other out with no concern for outside sources or the consequences for their actions. Madness ensues, and the story is pushed forward with a neverending of urgency and despair. By the end a very deep balance has been restored, but at what cost? How many lives lost? And will David Webb ever be able to return to his family or has Bourne done too much damage? Those questions aren’t answered and they don’t need to be.

If at all intrigued by the other Bourne novels this one is a most read. It’s the most in depth, plot twisting, charecter challenging, and entertaining of them all. Please read and enjoy.