The Bourne Legacy

By: Eric Van Lustbader

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 18 hrs

Publisher's summary

In Robert Ludlum's ground-breaking career, no other character so captured the world's imagination as Jason Bourne. He appeared in three of Robert Ludlum's own #1 bestselling novels, his bestselling works to this day. Now, with the major motion picture adaptation of Ludlum's The Bourne Supremacy, the Ludlum estate has finally acceded to the demands of readers and listeners around the world, turning to bestselling writer Eric Van Lustbader to create a brand-new Jason Bourne novel, The Bourne Legacy.

Jason Bourne, international assassin of deadly repute, was an identity assumed by covert agent David Webb. Retired from the CIA and now a professor at Georgetown University, Webb's life is finally his own—until he becomes the target of an assassin and is framed for the murder of his two closest associates. Fighting for his life against unseen assailants, the Bourne identity asserts itself, leaving Jason Bourne in control. Barely a half-step ahead of his nemesis and the CIA, who believes he has gone rogue, Bourne finds himself a pawn in a larger, far deadlier game.

©2004 The Estate of Robert Ludlum (P)2004 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC and Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Scott Brick is one of the fastest-rising stars in the audiobook galaxy. His understated approach to each book serves him well, and whether he is handling a roomful of Russian generals or a series of dizzying scene changes, the listener stays with him for every word." (AudioFile)

Jason Bourne finds a son!

So many characters in this story have their lives intertwined with each other. Very enjoyable.

Full of the twists you expect from Ludlum

A great stand-alone venture even if you've not read the previous Bourne books. He explains enough background as required to fill in the gaps. Ludlum twists and turns are always enjoyable and Van Lustbader stays in tune with it. Scott Brick is always the perfect narrator for a read involving a lot of characters. Bourne is a more fallable character here than in the movies and the books are always more complex. Enjoyed this as I did Demille's, The Lion's Game.

At least as good as Ludlum's writing

This one may even be a little better than the first books. It does require careful attention to the story line because it can change rapidly from a back story to a parallel one. I found it best not to try to listen to this while driving. It requires too much concentration and can become a distraction when driving. Over all a terrific story and as with many of the Nelson DeMille books Scott Brick does a masterful job of bringing all the characters to life.

Captivating Bourne Story

I was consistently enthralled with the twists and turns in this story. A new take on the Bourne character that I thoroughly enjoyed.

great book typical JB

Loved it great narrator all the twists and turns make this a great listening experience

More details from movie won't be found here.

This is a GREAT novel, BUT if you're looking to flesh out more details from concepts portrayed in the movie (as I was), you won't necessarily find them here. You'll have to find such in the screenplay, perhaps.

I was hoping to read more about the drugs that made Jason Bourne and his fellow agents into the physically and mentally super agents they were; but alas, I didn't find anything about that in this novel.

Bourne again

Rollicking action - chases aplenty - shootups, punchups, cockups - Freud meets Fundamentalists. This ain't great literature, but it's good escapist stuff, which rolls out at a frantic pace. Just the thing to make you wish your commute was longer. The narrator, Scott Brick, is one of a kind. If you like this, and want to hear him narrate a superb spy masterpiece, download Robert Littel's 'The Company'.

Bourne Supreme

Such enjoyment and intrigue was derived from this book. We really enjoyed listening to it whilst on 6 hour drive to Sydney. It fills in a lot of gaps about Jason Bourne but equally creates more gaps about him. Really enjoyable reading.

Is Ludlum Back?

It is fortunate that the Ludlum heirs agreed to Eric Van Lustbader's proposal to revive Jason Bourne through "The Bourne Legacy". I believe Ludlum's faithful readers have been given a huge favor. Once the book began to flow, which took only a few pages, I found myself forgetting that Van Lustbader was at the helm and not the old master himself.

Bourne does live again, in all his lethalness and complexity and the reader needs only to hang on as Van Lustraden drives the plot at high speed around the globe, pursued by the horror of personal tragedy, a worldwide sanction on his life, and a ghostly assassin out of his deep past.

The plot is truly Ludlumesque, the pace hot and furious, and the conclusion wild, and ultimately satisfying. I heartily recommend this book to all the Ludlum fans who truly know Bourne, and all the newcomers who have met Jason only through the movies. Enjoy!

Great twist from the movie

Love the detail. Can't wait to read the set one. Wish the movies stuck to the book. If you think you know the story don't be fooled. Start from book one and see how different they are