Robert Ludlum's (TM) the Bourne Sanction

Robert Ludlum's celebrated Jason Bourne series is now being taken over by Eric Van Lustbader, who attempts to recapture the intensity and originality of the seminal works--without much success. Once again, Jason Bourne finds himself desperate to escape his foggy past and live a normal life, but, of course, that proves impossible when a Russian terrorist surfaces with plans to attack the United States. Read over a cheesy and unnecessary soundtrack, the new story seems outdated and stale. Jeremy Davidson narrates in a monotone voice that from time to time shifts to fits of excitement and phony-sounding intensity. Some things are better left alone, and the Jason Bourne saga is one of them. L.B. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

August 25, 2008
Globe-trotting secret agent Jason Bourne returns in the third installment under the helm of Lustbader, who struggles to captivate as convincingly and effectively as Ludlum did in the original novels. Amid a cheesy prologue that features corny background music to set the mood, Jeremy Davidson speeds through the opening paragraphs at breakneck speed. Perhaps in an attempt to increase tension from the start, Davidson comes off sounding incredibly forced and somewhat uncomfortable. As the story progresses, he slows down but lacks any real authenticity. His characters are flat and uninspired, his performance monotonous and bland. A Grand Central hardcover.