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Jason Bourne #11
Robert Ludlum's (TM) The Bourne Retribution
Jason Bourne has been pursued by powerful governments - and escaped, hunted by the most skilled assassins in the world - and outsmarted them, and targeted by terrorists - and defeated their plans for global chaos, but now, Bourne wants only one Retribution.
Bourne's friend Eli Yadin, head of Mossad, learns that Ouyang Jidan, a senior member of China's Politburo, and a major Mexican drug lord may have been trafficking in something far more deadly than drugs. Yadin needs Bourne to investigate. Bourne agrees, but only because he has a personal Ouyang Jidan is the man who ordered Rebeka - one of the only people Bourne has ever truly cared about - murdered. Bourne is determined to avenge her death, but in the process he becomes enmeshed in a monstrous world-wide scheme involving the Chinese, Mexicans, and Russians.
Bourne's increasingly desperate search for Ouyang takes him from Tel Aviv to Shanghai, Mexico City, and, ultimately, a village on China's coast where a clever trap has been laid for him. Bourne finds himself pursued on all sides and unsure whom he can trust. As he moves closer to Ouyang, closer to avenging the woman he loved, he also moves ever closer to his own death...
Bourne's friend Eli Yadin, head of Mossad, learns that Ouyang Jidan, a senior member of China's Politburo, and a major Mexican drug lord may have been trafficking in something far more deadly than drugs. Yadin needs Bourne to investigate. Bourne agrees, but only because he has a personal Ouyang Jidan is the man who ordered Rebeka - one of the only people Bourne has ever truly cared about - murdered. Bourne is determined to avenge her death, but in the process he becomes enmeshed in a monstrous world-wide scheme involving the Chinese, Mexicans, and Russians.
Bourne's increasingly desperate search for Ouyang takes him from Tel Aviv to Shanghai, Mexico City, and, ultimately, a village on China's coast where a clever trap has been laid for him. Bourne finds himself pursued on all sides and unsure whom he can trust. As he moves closer to Ouyang, closer to avenging the woman he loved, he also moves ever closer to his own death...
Paperback
First published December 3, 2013
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About the author
Eric Van Lustbader
153 books1,215 followersEric Van Lustbader was born and raised in Greenwich Village. He is the author of more than twenty-five best-selling novels, including The Ninja, in which he introduced Nicholas Linnear, one of modern fiction's most beloved and enduring heroes. The Ninja was sold to 20th CenturyFox, to be made into a major motion picture. His novels have been translated into over twenty languages.
Mr. Lustbader is a graduate of Columbia College, with a degree in Sociology. Before turning to writing full time, he enjoyed highly successful careers in the New York City public school system, where he holds licenses in both elementary and early childhood education, and in the music business, where he worked for Elektra Records and CBS Records, among other companies.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/ericva...
Mr. Lustbader is a graduate of Columbia College, with a degree in Sociology. Before turning to writing full time, he enjoyed highly successful careers in the New York City public school system, where he holds licenses in both elementary and early childhood education, and in the music business, where he worked for Elektra Records and CBS Records, among other companies.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/ericva...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
December 3, 2013
Brace yourself for the ultimate showdown in this Jason Bourne thriller that has a deeply personal touch to a story that spans Mexican drug cartels, the Chinese Politburo, and the Mossad.
In The Bourne Retribution, a month after Rebeka’s funeral Jason Bourne is still mourning her death. Rebeka’s death throbbed like an internal wound that refused to heal. When the director of Mossad, Eli Yadin, asks him to investigate the rumor of Ouyang Jidan, a senior member of China’s Politburo, and Mexico’s drug cartel trafficking something deadlier than drugs, he finds the opportunity to fulfill a brutal vendetta: to kill the man who ordered the killing of Rebeka.
Bourne is assigned to work alongside Eden Mazar, Mossad’s anti-terrorist specialist, and Carlos Danda Carlos, the newly appointed chief of Mexico’s anti-drug enforcement agency. A fearless reformer, Carlos is determined to free his country from the death grip of the deeply entrenched corruption and the powerful drug cartels. It was at his specific request that Mossad steps in.
But when Eden Mazar and two of his bodyguards were killed in Las Penas in a deceitful betrayal by Carlos, a wounded Bourne realizes that he is treading on treacherous ground. It also forces him to have a relook at his life, and how he can always fall back on resuming his professorship at Georgetown University where he teaches comparative linguistics. But he cannot let Rebeka’s death go unavenged. Shaking off the blackness he spring back to life, to work as it was meant to, and finish his unaccomplished mission. Bourne also has to contend with the deadly Maricruz Encarnacion who is out to unite the drug cartels. She is equally determined to avenge the death of his father and brother at the hands of Bourne.
Criss-crossing cities, countries and continents – from the Middle East to Mexico, and to China, The Bourne Retribution continues the saga of one of the most popular and compelling characters in modern fiction. Eric Van Lustbader masterfully writes a tale of loss, betrayal and vengeance. He has managed to write a fast-paced, highly entertaining and explosive plot. He is a worthy writer to keep the Bourne legacy alive.
In The Bourne Retribution, a month after Rebeka’s funeral Jason Bourne is still mourning her death. Rebeka’s death throbbed like an internal wound that refused to heal. When the director of Mossad, Eli Yadin, asks him to investigate the rumor of Ouyang Jidan, a senior member of China’s Politburo, and Mexico’s drug cartel trafficking something deadlier than drugs, he finds the opportunity to fulfill a brutal vendetta: to kill the man who ordered the killing of Rebeka.
Bourne is assigned to work alongside Eden Mazar, Mossad’s anti-terrorist specialist, and Carlos Danda Carlos, the newly appointed chief of Mexico’s anti-drug enforcement agency. A fearless reformer, Carlos is determined to free his country from the death grip of the deeply entrenched corruption and the powerful drug cartels. It was at his specific request that Mossad steps in.
But when Eden Mazar and two of his bodyguards were killed in Las Penas in a deceitful betrayal by Carlos, a wounded Bourne realizes that he is treading on treacherous ground. It also forces him to have a relook at his life, and how he can always fall back on resuming his professorship at Georgetown University where he teaches comparative linguistics. But he cannot let Rebeka’s death go unavenged. Shaking off the blackness he spring back to life, to work as it was meant to, and finish his unaccomplished mission. Bourne also has to contend with the deadly Maricruz Encarnacion who is out to unite the drug cartels. She is equally determined to avenge the death of his father and brother at the hands of Bourne.
Criss-crossing cities, countries and continents – from the Middle East to Mexico, and to China, The Bourne Retribution continues the saga of one of the most popular and compelling characters in modern fiction. Eric Van Lustbader masterfully writes a tale of loss, betrayal and vengeance. He has managed to write a fast-paced, highly entertaining and explosive plot. He is a worthy writer to keep the Bourne legacy alive.
December 12, 2014
Jason Bourne is back for his eleventh adventure, ready to impress readers, but perhaps disappoint series fans. Bourne is called into action by Mossad to look into a secretive joint effort between member of the Chinese Politburo and some powerful cartels to rid him of his rivals. Still pained from a death close to his heart, Bourne will stop at nothing to earn retribution against one of his long-standing nemeses, infiltrating closed-circles with his ability to elude all those who get too close. Bourne is determined to avenge this death, taking him from Tel Aviv to Shanghai, Mexico City, and, ultimately, a village in China. As always, Bourne never knows who he can trust and whether his actions may lead to his own death. As the series limps along, Bourne never loses his taste for thrills and action, no matter the cost.
Should the reader take a look at the book on its own merits, it is highly entertaining. An interesting cross-section of characters from all over the world, their nuances laid out in wonderful detail. Van Lustbader tells a great tale and does not let up until the closing pages, so he has some abilities. That said, one cannot ignore that this book is one in a series; a brick in a larger wall. Looking back at the collection of Bourne novels, which I read over the December 2012-February 2013 period, I needed a stiff drink once van Lustbader took over. After completing this novel, some of the same issues remain: a complete lack of understanding about Bourne's age progression, no real arc ties to self-discovery, and the permanent elusive floater, a la Jack Reacher, but with less interest. Yes, I agreed to steer clear of this series, but sometimes you just need to peek under the cover to see if anything has changed. Alas, van Lustbader still suffers from Patterson Syndrome (using past greatness to sell less than stellar works), with no hopes of abating. Perhaps he ought to look at some of the other Ludlum continuation novelists for inspiration and leave his pedestal for a while.
Shame, Mr. van Lustbader. While this book on its own was good, you cannot ignore your responsibility to the Ludlum Estate and keep Robert's name from dragging in the mud.
Should the reader take a look at the book on its own merits, it is highly entertaining. An interesting cross-section of characters from all over the world, their nuances laid out in wonderful detail. Van Lustbader tells a great tale and does not let up until the closing pages, so he has some abilities. That said, one cannot ignore that this book is one in a series; a brick in a larger wall. Looking back at the collection of Bourne novels, which I read over the December 2012-February 2013 period, I needed a stiff drink once van Lustbader took over. After completing this novel, some of the same issues remain: a complete lack of understanding about Bourne's age progression, no real arc ties to self-discovery, and the permanent elusive floater, a la Jack Reacher, but with less interest. Yes, I agreed to steer clear of this series, but sometimes you just need to peek under the cover to see if anything has changed. Alas, van Lustbader still suffers from Patterson Syndrome (using past greatness to sell less than stellar works), with no hopes of abating. Perhaps he ought to look at some of the other Ludlum continuation novelists for inspiration and leave his pedestal for a while.
Shame, Mr. van Lustbader. While this book on its own was good, you cannot ignore your responsibility to the Ludlum Estate and keep Robert's name from dragging in the mud.
June 17, 2016
The Review Can Also Be Found Here!
With a new Jason Bourne movie on the horizon I thought it would be probably a good idea to read as many of the novels in the character’s series as possible in order to prepare. I’ve read four so far including The Bourne Retribution and I’ve yet to find anything in the series that matches up to the quality of Robert Ludlum’s original novel which shouldn’t really come as any surprise. But it’s becoming clear that Lustbader is gradually getting better in his role, and it was interesting to see where he took Bourne given by book eleven, he’s done pretty much everything short of going into space at this point.
Here, Bourne is mourning Rebeka when he’s pulled back into a mission that could lead him to the man who was responsible for her death. It’s a revenge driven narrative that takes him to various locations along with Mexico’s newly appointed Chief of the anti-drug enforcement agency, Carlos Danda Carlos and their anti-terrorist specialist Eden Mazar. But Bourne can trust nobody, and as twists and turns are pulled throughout the novel, you’ll be left on the edge of your seat as you race to find out what happens next.
The book moves along like a video game with bad guys who seemingly get harder to fight each time the novel goes on, and manages to remain accessible to anyone who’s at least seen the movies regardless of what may have happened before, and it’s fairly obvious to figure out where everybody stands. It’s easy to see who’s out for the titled Retribution, and while you know that Bourne will eventually emerge on top because well, he’s Jason Bourne, The Bourne Retribution is still a solid, escapist thriller that fans of the series will enjoy.
There isn’t anything new that goes on in The Bourne Retribution that hasn’t already been covered before, with plenty of clichéd action sequences throughout. But it is a solid entertaining Summer read that Bourne fans will enjoy, even if you probably should go back and read Ludlum’s novels before reading this one from Lustbader.
Fans of the genre will get the most out of this but if you don’t like thrillers then obviously, stay clear of The Bourne Retribution. For those who do like it prepare for a fairly formulaic, but well-paced and entertaining read that further expands the adventures of the well-traveled character.
With a new Jason Bourne movie on the horizon I thought it would be probably a good idea to read as many of the novels in the character’s series as possible in order to prepare. I’ve read four so far including The Bourne Retribution and I’ve yet to find anything in the series that matches up to the quality of Robert Ludlum’s original novel which shouldn’t really come as any surprise. But it’s becoming clear that Lustbader is gradually getting better in his role, and it was interesting to see where he took Bourne given by book eleven, he’s done pretty much everything short of going into space at this point.
Here, Bourne is mourning Rebeka when he’s pulled back into a mission that could lead him to the man who was responsible for her death. It’s a revenge driven narrative that takes him to various locations along with Mexico’s newly appointed Chief of the anti-drug enforcement agency, Carlos Danda Carlos and their anti-terrorist specialist Eden Mazar. But Bourne can trust nobody, and as twists and turns are pulled throughout the novel, you’ll be left on the edge of your seat as you race to find out what happens next.
The book moves along like a video game with bad guys who seemingly get harder to fight each time the novel goes on, and manages to remain accessible to anyone who’s at least seen the movies regardless of what may have happened before, and it’s fairly obvious to figure out where everybody stands. It’s easy to see who’s out for the titled Retribution, and while you know that Bourne will eventually emerge on top because well, he’s Jason Bourne, The Bourne Retribution is still a solid, escapist thriller that fans of the series will enjoy.
There isn’t anything new that goes on in The Bourne Retribution that hasn’t already been covered before, with plenty of clichéd action sequences throughout. But it is a solid entertaining Summer read that Bourne fans will enjoy, even if you probably should go back and read Ludlum’s novels before reading this one from Lustbader.
Fans of the genre will get the most out of this but if you don’t like thrillers then obviously, stay clear of The Bourne Retribution. For those who do like it prepare for a fairly formulaic, but well-paced and entertaining read that further expands the adventures of the well-traveled character.
April 12, 2016
Would I have liked the book nearly as well had I not seen the movie first? Probably not.
May 25, 2015
Escapist spy/action thriller. Not much to say. It's the movie version Jason Bourne wreaking havoc on all sorts of bad guys - Mexican cartel, Mossad turncoats, Chinese hegemonists. The large cast of characters is a must since Bourne kills quite a number of them.
The secrets and mysteries are what keep the narrative going, otherwise its just a series of Bourne fights and escapes. I haven't read any of the previous books but the references are not too hard to figure out. Bourne fell in love, someone killed her, and now Bourne is out for the entitled Retribution, and woe to anyone who stands in his way. There's an interesting twist in the end that really wraps all the story lines together.
Sure it felt like a video game full of contrived encounters with ever more difficult bosses. But there was enough mental candy to keep me involved. I guiltily admit, I enjoyed it.
The secrets and mysteries are what keep the narrative going, otherwise its just a series of Bourne fights and escapes. I haven't read any of the previous books but the references are not too hard to figure out. Bourne fell in love, someone killed her, and now Bourne is out for the entitled Retribution, and woe to anyone who stands in his way. There's an interesting twist in the end that really wraps all the story lines together.
Sure it felt like a video game full of contrived encounters with ever more difficult bosses. But there was enough mental candy to keep me involved. I guiltily admit, I enjoyed it.
August 25, 2017
Somehow I missed this book in the Bourne series so I went back to finish up. As long as the author continues to keep Jason Bourne alive, I will stick with him. He is smart, ruthless, admirable, and deadly. I felt that this book had some great action sequences (cliffhangers at the end of chapters are standard), but was way too violent, even for the series. I guess the shock value was the author's intention, but why introduce so many characters if they're probably going to be killed in some creative fashion? A pleasant twist at the end, but no giveaways here.
January 19, 2014
Though the book starts off badly in my opinion, it picks up pace and settles down into a fairly good thriller. But the initial part of the book was very bad. Characters were ill-defined and doing illogical stuff and some of the things were incredulous. But then that's Bourne series. Overall, a good read finally.
July 19, 2021
This book is my choice for the worst book ever written.
October 17, 2021
These books are so confusing. So many characters and the names are so hard to connect with let alone understand who they are. I prefer Robert’s work.
February 11, 2023
Sometimes in these books, I am not happy with who turns out to be a "bad guy" and who is "good" and how it all resolves, but not this time!
Read
December 29, 2023Already Read
May 3, 2020
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: Lustbader gives us a new version of Bourne in this fantastical spy tale that has retribution written all over it. Despite the twists, thrills and adventures, it felt a pale versio of Ludlum's Bourne.
The Bourne Retribution is the eleventh book in the spy action thriller series Jason Bourne, written by Eric Van Lustbader, published in December of 2013. The character was originally created by Robert Ludlum, however after his death, Lustbader picked up the character and continued the series.
Having not read all the books between the fifth book, The Bourne Betrayal (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), and this one, I had to briefly read the synopsis of all the books in between to get an idea where Jason Bourne had landed in the weaving of various plots that Lustbader had spun for him. This current book begins after the events in the 10th book The Bourne Imperative.
Jason Bourne is mourning the loss of his friend, Rebeka, a Mossad agent. And now his closest friend, Eli Yadin, Director of Mossad, warns him of his enemies looking for him, making him vulnerable and open to anyone else who might want a piece for himself. Eli suggests to confront them instead. But wherever Bourne goes, he leaves death in his wake, be it of someone he loves or someone he hunts.
This time around Lustbader takes into a thick conspiracy woven by the Mexican Cartels, Chinese and Russians. Bourne in his hunt to find the one who killed Rebeka, finds himself in the middle of turf war between the Mexican cartals; a political war between the Chinese parties; and smuggling and forgery all mixed in along with the deep hatred each country has for each other.
There is a continuation from the previous book, The Bourne Imperative. Without reading that book, I would have had trouble understanding some of the conversations, if not for the bits and pieces of that plot that Lustbader brings in.
In The Bourne Legacy (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), the first book Lustbader wrote in the series, brought back Joshua Webb to life while in The Bourne Betrayal (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...) he killed Marie, Jason's second wife, and has his kids - Jamie and Alison - living with Marie's father and sister in Canada. It was very clear that Lusbader had intentions to take Bourne into a different direction, thus giving closures to the past that Ludlum had created.
With this book, the only thing familiar of Ludlum's Jason Bourne seen in Lustbader's is that he is amnesiac, and had been rescued by a fisherman's boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Oh I forgot, one of the antagonist is named Carlos, a homage to Bourne's first nemesis Carlos in the very first book, The Bourne Identity. Other than that both Bournes are poles apart.
Bourne is still tough as nails, as he was in the beginning of the series. However, Lustbader keeps putting Bourne in situations that go against his paranoia nature. Also the plot paled considerably to his first two books he had written in the series. At least one saving grace was that his best friend, Eli Yadin, understood Bourne perfectly, though that saving grace comes with a glaring mar.
Contrary to how Ludlum had written the first three books, Lustbader changed the format for his books. He made the entire book into sub-books - Book One sets the stage to all the players involved taking Bourne slowly deeper into the center of the chaos; Book Two brings Bourne into the Mexican cartel turf war; Book Three has Bourne turning the tides against the conspirators; Book Four giveives the grand finale.
As much as Lustbader had stepped in Ludlum's path and has taken Bourne further, this book takes too far from the original trail and leaves us with a new kind of Jason Bourne. Some might like him but I felt him a pale shadow of the original one, despite the twists, thrills and adventures. And a fast read too. Yet, not a bad one to pick up for those who want to go on a thrill ride.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Lustbader gives us one of the Chinese Martial Arts, Wushu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wushu_(...) , in this. Interesting one.
b. Maria Elena, Maricruz's father Maceo's cook, is poisoned by Maceo and killed. She is Maceo's mistress. Their daughter Anunciata is a established hacker. She seems to have had a child with her father Maceo who had seduced her into bed. She adopts a 7-yr old Mexican, Angel, along with her step-sister Maricruz.
c. Retzach, the Mossad mercenary, has a child of his own.
d. Lustbader mentions that human excrement being used as fertilizer in Mexican farms. Looks like it is indeed true, except unprocessed human feces could cause more harm than good. More about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_soil
e. Eli thinks Yue could make a great secret agent.
f. Rebeka is alias for Sara Yadin, daughter of Eli Yadin. Towards the end of the plot it is revealed that she is indeed alive and had been in hospital healing. It looks like Bourne and Sara are engaged in the end, but it is unclear.
g. In the very first book The Bourne Identity, we see that Carlos escapes in the end from Bourne, and that he is only one who knows how Carlos looks like. This character hadn't been expanded since. Lustbader however references to Carlos again in The Bourne Legacy. But having one of the protagonist named as Carlos, seems like that character is getting a closure now, never to surface again.
2. Sub-Plots:
a. Conspirators behind the chaos: Carlos Danda Carlos, newly appointed chief of Mexican's anti-drug enforcement agency; Ouyang Jidan, a Chinese Minister; Quan, wushun master; Colonel Sun; Maricruz Encarnacion, wife of Ouyang & daughter of Maceo and his mistress Constanza Comargo; Agent Wu Lin; Go Han, a school official; Retzach, a Mossad mercenary; Los Zetas Mexican Cartels (Felipe Matanoros, official head; Octavio Luz; Juan Ruiz; Diego de la Luna; ); Patriarch Deng Tsu; Kai; J. J. Hale, the armorer;
b. Various Agency people some pro and some against Bourne: Eli "Memune" Yadin. Director of Mossad; Amir Ophir, head of Mestada; Dani Amit, head of Collections at Mossad; Avi Brun; Reuben Yadin, Eli's father and ex-Director of Mossad; Leonid, an FSB operative from Russia;
c. Local Law Enforcement and other support people: Sergeant Rivera; Captain Lim; Lieutenant Rios; Ambassador Liu;
d. People on Bourne's side: Yue; Tak Sin, owner of an apothecary; Sam Zhang; Apter Ben Asher, a forger and a jewelry maker; Security Guards Tigger, Estefan & Julio; Constanza Comargo; Manny, Constanza's bodyguard;
e. Lustbader has Eli Yadin appreciate the painting with letters done by Alighiero Boetti thinking it could have some kind of cryptic message hidden in it. Interesting thing I want to further check on.
f. In the end of The Bourne Legacy plot, Spalko is shot and is thrown into the icy ocean in Iceland. However, it is not revealed that his body has been found. So will he resurface again?
g. Some of the books and media Lustbader mentions along the plot:
i. Shakira's Addicted To You plays in the cantina that Maricruz and the cartels meet.
ii. Sam Zhang loves American movies such as Clint Eastwood's A Fistful of Dollars; 1984 Glengarry Glen Ross (specially the character Blake in it because of his ABC quote);
iii. Yadin thought of his father as the unnamed fisherman from The Old Man and the Sea.
3. Grammatical / Character / Location / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On Pg. 424, Line 7 from bottom, shouldn’t it be "…he felt it a moment…"
Recommendation: Lustbader gives us a new version of Bourne in this fantastical spy tale that has retribution written all over it. Despite the twists, thrills and adventures, it felt a pale versio of Ludlum's Bourne.
The Bourne Retribution is the eleventh book in the spy action thriller series Jason Bourne, written by Eric Van Lustbader, published in December of 2013. The character was originally created by Robert Ludlum, however after his death, Lustbader picked up the character and continued the series.
Having not read all the books between the fifth book, The Bourne Betrayal (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), and this one, I had to briefly read the synopsis of all the books in between to get an idea where Jason Bourne had landed in the weaving of various plots that Lustbader had spun for him. This current book begins after the events in the 10th book The Bourne Imperative.
Jason Bourne is mourning the loss of his friend, Rebeka, a Mossad agent. And now his closest friend, Eli Yadin, Director of Mossad, warns him of his enemies looking for him, making him vulnerable and open to anyone else who might want a piece for himself. Eli suggests to confront them instead. But wherever Bourne goes, he leaves death in his wake, be it of someone he loves or someone he hunts.
This time around Lustbader takes into a thick conspiracy woven by the Mexican Cartels, Chinese and Russians. Bourne in his hunt to find the one who killed Rebeka, finds himself in the middle of turf war between the Mexican cartals; a political war between the Chinese parties; and smuggling and forgery all mixed in along with the deep hatred each country has for each other.
There is a continuation from the previous book, The Bourne Imperative. Without reading that book, I would have had trouble understanding some of the conversations, if not for the bits and pieces of that plot that Lustbader brings in.
In The Bourne Legacy (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), the first book Lustbader wrote in the series, brought back Joshua Webb to life while in The Bourne Betrayal (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...) he killed Marie, Jason's second wife, and has his kids - Jamie and Alison - living with Marie's father and sister in Canada. It was very clear that Lusbader had intentions to take Bourne into a different direction, thus giving closures to the past that Ludlum had created.
With this book, the only thing familiar of Ludlum's Jason Bourne seen in Lustbader's is that he is amnesiac, and had been rescued by a fisherman's boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Oh I forgot, one of the antagonist is named Carlos, a homage to Bourne's first nemesis Carlos in the very first book, The Bourne Identity. Other than that both Bournes are poles apart.
Bourne is still tough as nails, as he was in the beginning of the series. However, Lustbader keeps putting Bourne in situations that go against his paranoia nature. Also the plot paled considerably to his first two books he had written in the series. At least one saving grace was that his best friend, Eli Yadin, understood Bourne perfectly, though that saving grace comes with a glaring mar.
Contrary to how Ludlum had written the first three books, Lustbader changed the format for his books. He made the entire book into sub-books - Book One sets the stage to all the players involved taking Bourne slowly deeper into the center of the chaos; Book Two brings Bourne into the Mexican cartel turf war; Book Three has Bourne turning the tides against the conspirators; Book Four giveives the grand finale.
As much as Lustbader had stepped in Ludlum's path and has taken Bourne further, this book takes too far from the original trail and leaves us with a new kind of Jason Bourne. Some might like him but I felt him a pale shadow of the original one, despite the twists, thrills and adventures. And a fast read too. Yet, not a bad one to pick up for those who want to go on a thrill ride.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. Lustbader gives us one of the Chinese Martial Arts, Wushu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wushu_(...) , in this. Interesting one.
b. Maria Elena, Maricruz's father Maceo's cook, is poisoned by Maceo and killed. She is Maceo's mistress. Their daughter Anunciata is a established hacker. She seems to have had a child with her father Maceo who had seduced her into bed. She adopts a 7-yr old Mexican, Angel, along with her step-sister Maricruz.
c. Retzach, the Mossad mercenary, has a child of his own.
d. Lustbader mentions that human excrement being used as fertilizer in Mexican farms. Looks like it is indeed true, except unprocessed human feces could cause more harm than good. More about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_soil
e. Eli thinks Yue could make a great secret agent.
f. Rebeka is alias for Sara Yadin, daughter of Eli Yadin. Towards the end of the plot it is revealed that she is indeed alive and had been in hospital healing. It looks like Bourne and Sara are engaged in the end, but it is unclear.
g. In the very first book The Bourne Identity, we see that Carlos escapes in the end from Bourne, and that he is only one who knows how Carlos looks like. This character hadn't been expanded since. Lustbader however references to Carlos again in The Bourne Legacy. But having one of the protagonist named as Carlos, seems like that character is getting a closure now, never to surface again.
2. Sub-Plots:
a. Conspirators behind the chaos: Carlos Danda Carlos, newly appointed chief of Mexican's anti-drug enforcement agency; Ouyang Jidan, a Chinese Minister; Quan, wushun master; Colonel Sun; Maricruz Encarnacion, wife of Ouyang & daughter of Maceo and his mistress Constanza Comargo; Agent Wu Lin; Go Han, a school official; Retzach, a Mossad mercenary; Los Zetas Mexican Cartels (Felipe Matanoros, official head; Octavio Luz; Juan Ruiz; Diego de la Luna; ); Patriarch Deng Tsu; Kai; J. J. Hale, the armorer;
b. Various Agency people some pro and some against Bourne: Eli "Memune" Yadin. Director of Mossad; Amir Ophir, head of Mestada; Dani Amit, head of Collections at Mossad; Avi Brun; Reuben Yadin, Eli's father and ex-Director of Mossad; Leonid, an FSB operative from Russia;
c. Local Law Enforcement and other support people: Sergeant Rivera; Captain Lim; Lieutenant Rios; Ambassador Liu;
d. People on Bourne's side: Yue; Tak Sin, owner of an apothecary; Sam Zhang; Apter Ben Asher, a forger and a jewelry maker; Security Guards Tigger, Estefan & Julio; Constanza Comargo; Manny, Constanza's bodyguard;
e. Lustbader has Eli Yadin appreciate the painting with letters done by Alighiero Boetti thinking it could have some kind of cryptic message hidden in it. Interesting thing I want to further check on.
f. In the end of The Bourne Legacy plot, Spalko is shot and is thrown into the icy ocean in Iceland. However, it is not revealed that his body has been found. So will he resurface again?
g. Some of the books and media Lustbader mentions along the plot:
i. Shakira's Addicted To You plays in the cantina that Maricruz and the cartels meet.
ii. Sam Zhang loves American movies such as Clint Eastwood's A Fistful of Dollars; 1984 Glengarry Glen Ross (specially the character Blake in it because of his ABC quote);
iii. Yadin thought of his father as the unnamed fisherman from The Old Man and the Sea.
3. Grammatical / Character / Location / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On Pg. 424, Line 7 from bottom, shouldn’t it be "…he felt it a moment…"
July 23, 2016
Criss-crossing cities, countries and continents – from the Middle East to Mexico, and to China, The Bourne Retribution continues the saga of one of the most popular and compelling characters in modern fiction. Eric Van Lustbader masterfully writes a tale of loss, betrayal and vengeance in this latest Bourne novel.
In The Bourne Retribution, the story begins a month after Rebeka’s funeral and Jason Bourne is still mourning her death. Rebeka’s death throbbed like an internal wound that refused to heal. When the director of Mossad, Eli Yadin, asks him to investigate the rumor of Ouyang Jidan, a senior member of China’s Politburo, and Mexico’s drug cartel trafficking something deadlier than drugs, he finds the opportunity to fulfill a brutal vendetta: to kill the man who ordered the killing of Rebeka.
Bourne is assigned to work alongside Eden Mazar, Mossad’s anti-terrorist specialist, and Carlos Danda Carlos, the newly appointed chief of Mexico’s anti-drug enforcement agency. A fearless reformer, Carlos is determined to free his country from the death grip of the deeply entrenched corruption and the powerful drug cartels. It was at his specific request that Mossad steps in.
But when Eden Mazar and two of his bodyguards were killed in Las Penas in a deceitful betrayal by Carlos, a wounded Bourne realizes that he is treading on treacherous ground. It also forces him to have a relook at his life, and how he can always fall back on resuming his professorship at Georgetown University where he teaches comparative linguistics. But he cannot let Rebeka’s death go unavenged. Shaking off the blackness he spring back to life, to work as it was meant to, and finish his unaccomplished mission. Bourne also has to contend with the deadly Maricruz Encarnacion who is out to unite the drug cartels. She is equally determined to avenge the death of his father and brother at the hands of Bourne.
Brace yourself for the ultimate showdown in this Jason Bourne thriller with a deeply personal touch as Bourne seeks to avenge the death of Rebeka, his love. The Bourne Retribution is an explosive story that will take you inside the walls of China, the conspiracy theaters of the Mexican drug cartels and into a world of intrigue with Mossad. If you love the earlier Bourne novels, this one is not to be missed!
In The Bourne Retribution, the story begins a month after Rebeka’s funeral and Jason Bourne is still mourning her death. Rebeka’s death throbbed like an internal wound that refused to heal. When the director of Mossad, Eli Yadin, asks him to investigate the rumor of Ouyang Jidan, a senior member of China’s Politburo, and Mexico’s drug cartel trafficking something deadlier than drugs, he finds the opportunity to fulfill a brutal vendetta: to kill the man who ordered the killing of Rebeka.
Bourne is assigned to work alongside Eden Mazar, Mossad’s anti-terrorist specialist, and Carlos Danda Carlos, the newly appointed chief of Mexico’s anti-drug enforcement agency. A fearless reformer, Carlos is determined to free his country from the death grip of the deeply entrenched corruption and the powerful drug cartels. It was at his specific request that Mossad steps in.
But when Eden Mazar and two of his bodyguards were killed in Las Penas in a deceitful betrayal by Carlos, a wounded Bourne realizes that he is treading on treacherous ground. It also forces him to have a relook at his life, and how he can always fall back on resuming his professorship at Georgetown University where he teaches comparative linguistics. But he cannot let Rebeka’s death go unavenged. Shaking off the blackness he spring back to life, to work as it was meant to, and finish his unaccomplished mission. Bourne also has to contend with the deadly Maricruz Encarnacion who is out to unite the drug cartels. She is equally determined to avenge the death of his father and brother at the hands of Bourne.
Brace yourself for the ultimate showdown in this Jason Bourne thriller with a deeply personal touch as Bourne seeks to avenge the death of Rebeka, his love. The Bourne Retribution is an explosive story that will take you inside the walls of China, the conspiracy theaters of the Mexican drug cartels and into a world of intrigue with Mossad. If you love the earlier Bourne novels, this one is not to be missed!
April 11, 2014
Eric Van Lustbader was given the arduous task of continuing the legend of Robert Ludlum's indestructible amnesiac hero, Jason Bourne. I had given the Jason Bourne series a bit of a rest as there has been 7 Bourne adventures since Ludlum's passing-- with each thriller having the Van Lustbader intricate plotline. "The Bourne Retribution" does not disappoint. This is definitely one of those thrillers that grabs you by the throat and makes you burn the midnight oil just to see what is beyond the next page and the next and the. . .It neatly ties in previous Jason Bourne books but "The Bourne Retribution" can just as easily stand alone. Recovering in Israel from a Mexican security detail gone awry, Bourne is relentlessly hunted by other powerful governments including Russia and China. Fighting old enemies as well as ambitious new ones, Bourne battles drug dealers and powerful crime syndicates so he can get his retribution for the woman he loved and lost. And, while he's trying to survive, someone buried deep in Mossad, is doing his best to discredit and shorten Bourne's time on earth. I highly recommend this latest Jason Bourne thriller.
December 8, 2013
Eli Yadin the head of Mossad and Bourne's friend learns
that Oujang Jidan a senior member of China's Politburo is
a major Mexican drug lord and maybe trafficking in something
more deadly than drugs. He cons Bourne into investigating
and Bourne agrees only because Jidan killed Rebeka one of
the only people Bourne cared about and Bourne is determined
to avenge her, but he becomes enmeshed in a worldwide
scheme involving Chinese, Mexicans and Russians. This takes
him, from Tel Aviv to Shanghai to Mexico City and finally
to a village on China's coast where a trap is awaiting him.
As he gets closer to Jidan he is also moving closer to his
own death. This is another book in the Bourne series written
by Eric Lustbader. He has written a few of them and done an
outstanding job. This one is no exception. It is a little
difficult though trying to keep track of all the characters.
that Oujang Jidan a senior member of China's Politburo is
a major Mexican drug lord and maybe trafficking in something
more deadly than drugs. He cons Bourne into investigating
and Bourne agrees only because Jidan killed Rebeka one of
the only people Bourne cared about and Bourne is determined
to avenge her, but he becomes enmeshed in a worldwide
scheme involving Chinese, Mexicans and Russians. This takes
him, from Tel Aviv to Shanghai to Mexico City and finally
to a village on China's coast where a trap is awaiting him.
As he gets closer to Jidan he is also moving closer to his
own death. This is another book in the Bourne series written
by Eric Lustbader. He has written a few of them and done an
outstanding job. This one is no exception. It is a little
difficult though trying to keep track of all the characters.
April 30, 2019
I wish I could say (it would be so much easier) that I read another great Bourne story, but that just wouldn't be true. To this date this is the "best" Bourne story of all. I was gripped from the very beginning not by the adventure but by the sorrow that had invaded Jason's life. The story movies with a lightning fast pace, yet is never confusing or lost in explanations. The characters almost stand out as much as Jason does, each with their strong back stories and impending revelations not just to us (the reader) but to themselves as well ... All in all my favorite of the series
August 9, 2015
At this point, VonLustbader has more than twice the history with Jason Bourne as Robert Ludlum had. In some ways the legend reads as fan fiction, in others it stretches so far from origins to be nearly unrecognizable. Take it for what it is and you'll happily go along for the ride. Bourne is older and wiser now, yet we never quite know how much he's the puppet or the puppeteer. One note: you won't get half as much out of the story if you haven't kept up with the series.
August 31, 2025
#Binge Reviewing my previous Reads #Spy Thriller
Eric Van Lustbader’s The Bourne Retribution is where the series takes a deep, personal turn, one that makes Jason Bourne’s legendary spycraft feel even more human. If the earlier novels were about conspiracies, governments, and shadow wars fought behind layers of deception, this one burns with vengeance.
At its core, this installment is Bourne’s personal reckoning with grief and betrayal, and it feels almost Shakespearean in its sweep of blood, honour, and consequence. The premise kicks off with something we’ve rarely seen affect Bourne so directly: the murder of his closest friend. This isn’t just another mission pulled from Langley’s files, nor a twist of hidden agendas—this is raw, personal, and primal. For a man who has built his identity on constant reinvention, on survival above all, the idea of retribution brings a different kind of tension. It’s not about surviving the system anymore; it’s about paying a blood debt.
Van Lustbader handles this tonal shift with his usual cinematic urgency, but what makes it stand out is how Jason’s cold efficiency as a field operative is constantly at war with the human side he has tried for so long to bury.
You feel the weight of loss driving him forward, but also how vengeance can unbalance even a master of discipline. The book darts across the globe, naturally—China, Europe, the shadowy corners of espionage networks—but it is less about a wide-angle map of intrigue and more about zeroing in on the thin line between justice and revenge.
In comparison with earlier Bourne novels, this one feels less like a chess game and more like a bare-knuckle brawl. Ludlum’s original trilogy was about amnesia, identity, and reclaiming one’s self from a labyrinth of lies.
The later Van Lustbader novels often widened the frame, tying Bourne into geopolitical nightmares and sinister cabals. The Bourne Retribution, though, collapses the grand scale back into something painfully intimate: what happens when a ghost of the underworld finally loses someone who mattered? That makes it different from, say, The Bourne Objective, which revelled in historical conspiracies and codes, or The Bourne Dominion, which escalated with full-blown wars of espionage factions. Here, Bourne is fuelled less by duty and more by heartbreak, making it one of the more emotionally resonant entries in the later canon.
Stylistically, Van Lustbader delivers the same adrenaline bursts—brutal fights, sudden double-crosses, high-tech espionage—but there’s a sharper melancholy beneath it all. Bourne’s encounters with allies and enemies alike feel like reflections of his own fractured morality. Can a man whose life has been nothing but killing really find solace in avenging a single death? Or does the act of retribution only prove how cyclical violence is? That philosophical edge gives this book a weight beyond its gunfire and chases.
When compared with similar flicks and novels in the spy-thriller universe—think John le Carré’s quieter, morally grey Smiley tales or Daniel Craig’s revenge-heavy Bond in Quantum of Solace—The Bourne Retribution occupies a middle ground. It keeps the pace of an action thriller but injects just enough existential dread to remind us that Jason Bourne is not invincible. He bleeds, he grieves, and in this book, he rages.
By the end, you’re left with a Bourne both more dangerous and more vulnerable than ever, a paradox that has always defined him. The Bourne Retribution doesn’t reinvent the series, but it sharpens it, giving the spy thriller an almost tragic undertone.
If you’ve been bingeing the series, this one hits differently—it feels less like a mission log and more like a confession.
Eric Van Lustbader’s The Bourne Retribution is where the series takes a deep, personal turn, one that makes Jason Bourne’s legendary spycraft feel even more human. If the earlier novels were about conspiracies, governments, and shadow wars fought behind layers of deception, this one burns with vengeance.
At its core, this installment is Bourne’s personal reckoning with grief and betrayal, and it feels almost Shakespearean in its sweep of blood, honour, and consequence. The premise kicks off with something we’ve rarely seen affect Bourne so directly: the murder of his closest friend. This isn’t just another mission pulled from Langley’s files, nor a twist of hidden agendas—this is raw, personal, and primal. For a man who has built his identity on constant reinvention, on survival above all, the idea of retribution brings a different kind of tension. It’s not about surviving the system anymore; it’s about paying a blood debt.
Van Lustbader handles this tonal shift with his usual cinematic urgency, but what makes it stand out is how Jason’s cold efficiency as a field operative is constantly at war with the human side he has tried for so long to bury.
You feel the weight of loss driving him forward, but also how vengeance can unbalance even a master of discipline. The book darts across the globe, naturally—China, Europe, the shadowy corners of espionage networks—but it is less about a wide-angle map of intrigue and more about zeroing in on the thin line between justice and revenge.
In comparison with earlier Bourne novels, this one feels less like a chess game and more like a bare-knuckle brawl. Ludlum’s original trilogy was about amnesia, identity, and reclaiming one’s self from a labyrinth of lies.
The later Van Lustbader novels often widened the frame, tying Bourne into geopolitical nightmares and sinister cabals. The Bourne Retribution, though, collapses the grand scale back into something painfully intimate: what happens when a ghost of the underworld finally loses someone who mattered? That makes it different from, say, The Bourne Objective, which revelled in historical conspiracies and codes, or The Bourne Dominion, which escalated with full-blown wars of espionage factions. Here, Bourne is fuelled less by duty and more by heartbreak, making it one of the more emotionally resonant entries in the later canon.
Stylistically, Van Lustbader delivers the same adrenaline bursts—brutal fights, sudden double-crosses, high-tech espionage—but there’s a sharper melancholy beneath it all. Bourne’s encounters with allies and enemies alike feel like reflections of his own fractured morality. Can a man whose life has been nothing but killing really find solace in avenging a single death? Or does the act of retribution only prove how cyclical violence is? That philosophical edge gives this book a weight beyond its gunfire and chases.
When compared with similar flicks and novels in the spy-thriller universe—think John le Carré’s quieter, morally grey Smiley tales or Daniel Craig’s revenge-heavy Bond in Quantum of Solace—The Bourne Retribution occupies a middle ground. It keeps the pace of an action thriller but injects just enough existential dread to remind us that Jason Bourne is not invincible. He bleeds, he grieves, and in this book, he rages.
By the end, you’re left with a Bourne both more dangerous and more vulnerable than ever, a paradox that has always defined him. The Bourne Retribution doesn’t reinvent the series, but it sharpens it, giving the spy thriller an almost tragic undertone.
If you’ve been bingeing the series, this one hits differently—it feels less like a mission log and more like a confession.
January 17, 2015
A surprisingly agile and flexible tale, spanning the globe - several times. Involving the Mexican drug cartels, the Chinese, the Israelis and, of course, Jason Bourne caught in the middle, just trying to mind his own business, Well, obviously not minding his own business - though he does seem at times to have caught a tiger by the tail and knows he really should let go. Anyway, that’s what I’ve liked about EvL’s Bourne, he’s made Bourne almost self aware. Though, maybe with the films in mind, ‘Bourne’ is never physically described, however there is enough of his mental turmoil is described, or hinted at, to make him an always interesting continuing creation.
‘Retribution,’ is perhaps not quite in ‘can’t put it down’ territory, but it's not far off. I liked the Chinese element, I thought that worked very well indeed. The Mexican, not quite so. Mexican drug cartels are all a bit ten-a-penny. Yes, they’re nasty, they do unspeakable things, but I’ve got no frame of reference for them, outside films and they’ve been done before. The Mossad angle is always interesting. There’s almost an old-world charm to Mossad. Coming from the ‘Old World’ as they did and all. Ruthless and relentless. Always above all other intelligence agencies. Many stories are going nowhere until the Mossad angle is brought in to solve a loop-hole, or just to be worse, more relentless than anyone else on the scene. Though one has to suspect Mossad and Rebekah in particular, are in the new Bourne tales as a homage to Van Lustbader’s fave rave ‘Ziva,’ the ex-Mossad agent from TV’s ‘Navy CIS.’ The programme which, as everyone but EvL knows, is bollocks. Plot: Someone, Navy-related, dies. No one can figure it out. Gibbs shouts at people. They figure it out. Using programmes on their computers that find everything out, but the like of which you’ve never seen, used or seen being used in real life. Gibbs says nothing more. To anyone. Maybe he says ‘Abby!!’ to get her to find out the un-find-out-able quicker. Gibbs’ lines take half an hour to learn. The whole series. Next week. Gibbs gets angry. People solve even quicker…and so on. Mind-numbing rubbish.
It’s perhaps not quite as break-neck as others have been, but not worse for that. There’s still the feeling that Robert Ludlum himself, would have done it slightly different - not necessarily better, just different. But Bourne is now totally Eric’s and it’s not right to keep comparing back to the books Ludlum worked on. There are some holes, some minor irritations - people still have to ‘punch’ numbers into phones, to indicate or stress the urgency, or their anger. As we all, even international terrorists, assassins and fugitives have touch-screen smartphones, shouldn't that be 'tapped'? Doesn't carry the urgency, the drive, sense of life and death purpose though. But something else than “punched" eh? There are a couple of other irritations along the way. It could be because I read an American version, helicopters are constantly referred to as ‘helo’s. There’s a dotted line under it as I type it here. I’m guessing that is edited/laughed out of the UK version. Then, people still only deal with emotions of 100% or nothing. No one is maybe, slightly, possibly affected by something or someone. Rebekah, for instance, has her affect on Bourne “Without his fully knowing it, Rebekah had pierced his Bourne armor, penetrating to the core of him.” Calling somewhere in your body a ‘core’ only ever appears in US or US-wannabe, novels. Typical American overstatement. Why not 'had penetrated deeply'? As, I’m sure, a British writer would have put it. And, what must have seemed really good when first typed in - “Such black thoughts were not typical of his psyche, which had been hardened in crucible after crucible until he had been quite nothing could affect him for long, or even at all.” I have no idea what I’m supposed to think about that.
Some of his analogies, similes and/or comparisons can be a bit hit and miss (“Maricruz bit off each word as though it were the head of a fish."), but he does also show he is a master of the 'less is more effective' principle that marks a top-notch thriller writer.
P318/9: ""What? This is my wife we're talking about. Who would dare - ?"
"He's waiting for you." Kai pointed to an enormous armored limousine. "There."
"I don't have time for this Kai."
“Make time, Jidan.""
Perfect.
You will have to at least consider taking a believability pill a couple of times underway. That Bourne can, with make-up no matter how skilfully applied, look Chinese enough (on his father’s side is the excuse) and with no identification other than 'there's been a change of plan,' convince the Chinese ambassador to Mexico, when returning in an official jet to the Party conference, that he is first the new chauffeur, then a bodyguard who needs to be not only on the plane as well, but the ambassador's bodyguard while attending the aforementioned conference, really is pushing the believability envelope to the limit. Nor does it raise any (Chinese) eyebrows when Bourne as chauffeur, chats, in perfect street Russian, to the agent the plane picks up in Moscow. Still, I've read similar in other books. And not all in Bourne books. But then, the Bourne books are more based in reality than your average James Bond film, so that's ok.
I think, if there is a message amongst the deception, double-crossing and death, it is along the lines of when secret services become too powerful and hide themselves even from their own governments and people, they become corrupt. They believe they can get away with whatever they want to get away with. They deliberately forget whose security they are keeping secure. The People's, or their own. See the CIA before, during and after Kennedy. Mossad can be compared with the Chinese security agencies. Both believe they are invulnerable and thus are vulnerable to individuals working for their own agenda.
A good one - now for the next...
‘Retribution,’ is perhaps not quite in ‘can’t put it down’ territory, but it's not far off. I liked the Chinese element, I thought that worked very well indeed. The Mexican, not quite so. Mexican drug cartels are all a bit ten-a-penny. Yes, they’re nasty, they do unspeakable things, but I’ve got no frame of reference for them, outside films and they’ve been done before. The Mossad angle is always interesting. There’s almost an old-world charm to Mossad. Coming from the ‘Old World’ as they did and all. Ruthless and relentless. Always above all other intelligence agencies. Many stories are going nowhere until the Mossad angle is brought in to solve a loop-hole, or just to be worse, more relentless than anyone else on the scene. Though one has to suspect Mossad and Rebekah in particular, are in the new Bourne tales as a homage to Van Lustbader’s fave rave ‘Ziva,’ the ex-Mossad agent from TV’s ‘Navy CIS.’ The programme which, as everyone but EvL knows, is bollocks. Plot: Someone, Navy-related, dies. No one can figure it out. Gibbs shouts at people. They figure it out. Using programmes on their computers that find everything out, but the like of which you’ve never seen, used or seen being used in real life. Gibbs says nothing more. To anyone. Maybe he says ‘Abby!!’ to get her to find out the un-find-out-able quicker. Gibbs’ lines take half an hour to learn. The whole series. Next week. Gibbs gets angry. People solve even quicker…and so on. Mind-numbing rubbish.
It’s perhaps not quite as break-neck as others have been, but not worse for that. There’s still the feeling that Robert Ludlum himself, would have done it slightly different - not necessarily better, just different. But Bourne is now totally Eric’s and it’s not right to keep comparing back to the books Ludlum worked on. There are some holes, some minor irritations - people still have to ‘punch’ numbers into phones, to indicate or stress the urgency, or their anger. As we all, even international terrorists, assassins and fugitives have touch-screen smartphones, shouldn't that be 'tapped'? Doesn't carry the urgency, the drive, sense of life and death purpose though. But something else than “punched" eh? There are a couple of other irritations along the way. It could be because I read an American version, helicopters are constantly referred to as ‘helo’s. There’s a dotted line under it as I type it here. I’m guessing that is edited/laughed out of the UK version. Then, people still only deal with emotions of 100% or nothing. No one is maybe, slightly, possibly affected by something or someone. Rebekah, for instance, has her affect on Bourne “Without his fully knowing it, Rebekah had pierced his Bourne armor, penetrating to the core of him.” Calling somewhere in your body a ‘core’ only ever appears in US or US-wannabe, novels. Typical American overstatement. Why not 'had penetrated deeply'? As, I’m sure, a British writer would have put it. And, what must have seemed really good when first typed in - “Such black thoughts were not typical of his psyche, which had been hardened in crucible after crucible until he had been quite nothing could affect him for long, or even at all.” I have no idea what I’m supposed to think about that.
Some of his analogies, similes and/or comparisons can be a bit hit and miss (“Maricruz bit off each word as though it were the head of a fish."), but he does also show he is a master of the 'less is more effective' principle that marks a top-notch thriller writer.
P318/9: ""What? This is my wife we're talking about. Who would dare - ?"
"He's waiting for you." Kai pointed to an enormous armored limousine. "There."
"I don't have time for this Kai."
“Make time, Jidan.""
Perfect.
You will have to at least consider taking a believability pill a couple of times underway. That Bourne can, with make-up no matter how skilfully applied, look Chinese enough (on his father’s side is the excuse) and with no identification other than 'there's been a change of plan,' convince the Chinese ambassador to Mexico, when returning in an official jet to the Party conference, that he is first the new chauffeur, then a bodyguard who needs to be not only on the plane as well, but the ambassador's bodyguard while attending the aforementioned conference, really is pushing the believability envelope to the limit. Nor does it raise any (Chinese) eyebrows when Bourne as chauffeur, chats, in perfect street Russian, to the agent the plane picks up in Moscow. Still, I've read similar in other books. And not all in Bourne books. But then, the Bourne books are more based in reality than your average James Bond film, so that's ok.
I think, if there is a message amongst the deception, double-crossing and death, it is along the lines of when secret services become too powerful and hide themselves even from their own governments and people, they become corrupt. They believe they can get away with whatever they want to get away with. They deliberately forget whose security they are keeping secure. The People's, or their own. See the CIA before, during and after Kennedy. Mossad can be compared with the Chinese security agencies. Both believe they are invulnerable and thus are vulnerable to individuals working for their own agenda.
A good one - now for the next...
March 9, 2024
I have been reading Robert Ludlum's books since the beginning and have enjoyed his style of suspense in each. Those who have taken up the Jason series have continued the suspense with the capeless Superman, Jason Bourne. Jason, still in search of his past places himself in China, Israel, Mexico, and the Middle East, facing near death looking for the "killer" of the one whose "Star of David" he wears around his neck. As always, he faces near death often, leaving a list of those he has maimed or killed while he is always alone and unsure if he has a single friend. At the end of this read, while in a hospital getting himself patched up, he finds a lady with whom he can share the "Star of David" necklace.
November 28, 2016
With this particular installment of the Jason Bourne series, my interest in Eric Van Lustbader's spin on the Jason Bourne character has been fairly well refreshed. I had grown a bit tired of the reworking of many of the old characters with the invention of new scenarios just to connect the ends of the story line such that the door to the next book was open, but the life of the players just went boringly on. Now, at the conclusion of The Bourne Retribution, only a FEW players are poised for new exploits with the potential for a definitive change in plot and story line. I am very much looking forward to picking up with Jason and Sara in The Bourne Ascendancy.
September 8, 2018
This was a very good read and one of the best storylines so far in the series. To be honest, I was starting to tire of this series until I read this book. The story moved very quickly and I didn’t want to put it down. This is somewhat surprising since the story was a carryover from the prior book in the series. I didn’t give it 5 stars as the ending to me was a stretch. But, I will let you read the book to find out if you feel the same way. Unlike the previous read of a Bourne novel I can’t wait to read the next edition in this series. Give it a read.
March 21, 2018
a good sequel to the 10th book, it furthered the story line of the female Israeli spy and those who had her killed, but sadly I've read the original books and I know that Jason Bourne is a very old dude in the modern age and he can not possibly do all these things at the age of 70+ . . . [just saying...]
October 7, 2018
Somehow I didn't realize that there was a whole series of these books; I thought this was the "next" one, so I'm a little out of order.
The book's fine and based on the "new" Bourne: run, fight, escape, run, fight, escape, repeat... storyline. Good enough but nothing great. There are better characters out there and there's rarely anything particularly interesting about the writing.
The book's fine and based on the "new" Bourne: run, fight, escape, run, fight, escape, repeat... storyline. Good enough but nothing great. There are better characters out there and there's rarely anything particularly interesting about the writing.
November 1, 2020
The continuation of the previous book finds Jason Bourne heading to Mexico to seek revenge for whoever killed Mosaad agent Rebekah, who died in Jason’s arms.
Information there takes him to the other side of the world where China is Involved in a power struggle for the control of the country.
In Tel Aviv there is one secret piece of the puzzle that Bourne needs to find to complete his quest.
Information there takes him to the other side of the world where China is Involved in a power struggle for the control of the country.
In Tel Aviv there is one secret piece of the puzzle that Bourne needs to find to complete his quest.
October 3, 2017
These books are getting too far fetched even for Jason Bourne. They're evolving more into love stories than kick ass action novels. Wondering if I should continue with the series or just walk away now.
December 22, 2017
Enjoyed this one because it had a bit of intrigue to it. Still full of fight scenes that, descriptive wise, tend to baffle, unless every assailant is multiple jointed like Bourne! Ties up some loose ends but the end may be a disappointment depending on your point of view...
July 13, 2020
I apparently don't have the massive education that Mr. Lustbader has.
Many of the words he uses I've only heard prehaps only once in my 80 years.
I did stick with this book till the end but it will probably be my last.
Many of the words he uses I've only heard prehaps only once in my 80 years.
I did stick with this book till the end but it will probably be my last.
August 9, 2020
Actioned Packed!!!
This one returns to the heart-throbbing action that was present in the beginning of the series. The plot is pretty good, the action is great, and the ending has a good twist.
This one returns to the heart-throbbing action that was present in the beginning of the series. The plot is pretty good, the action is great, and the ending has a good twist.
March 29, 2023
When I saw the word retribution I said "ghost ship moment." Thrills are consistent here. MC and main enemy are both competent. It's just that the reveal was a bit bleh for me, I'm not fond of those reveals. Otherwise it's an adequate thriller.
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