Rating: 
Summary: Amazing use of figurative images
Review: In The Matarese Circle by Robert Ludlum, figurative images (literary devices) are used much in conversation between the two rival spies, Brandon Scofield and Dimitri Talaneikov. This language much strengthens the novel. First, it gives the reader a glimpse into the main characters' professions. Second, it shows the reader how both the characters think and how similar their thoughts are. And finally, the reader sees how these two spies can send each other messages according to unique understandings.
The first way figurative images strengthen the novel is that they give the reader a glimpse into the two spies' professions. The reader learns what kind of code spies use in messages; how code words have double meanings just like a figurative image. They ultimately pull the reader in this way rather than leaving him/her confused.
The second way figurative images strengthen the novel is that they show how both of the main characters think and how similar their thoughts are. In the beginning when their meeting place is room 505, both characters are caught up in the idea that they are going to kill each other since they both realize that the number "0" must mean death. This gets the reader more in touch with the two characters, and even though they are enemies, how alarmingly similar they are.
The final way figurative images strengthen the novel is that the main characters are shown to be very alike and aware of each other's thoughts because of their ability to send each other messages based on unique understandings. Numerous times throughout the novel messages are sent to one another using figurative images instead of decipherable writing, and the recipient is able to figure out the message without blinking, because the images are related to past events in their mutual history, not on code regularly used by spies.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing use of figurative images
Review: In The Matarese Circle by Robert Ludlum, figurative images (literary devices) are used much in conversation between the two rival spies, Brandon Scofield and Dimitri Talaneikov. This language much strengthens the novel. First, it gives the reader a glimpse into the main characters' professions. Second, it shows the reader how both the characters think and how similar their thoughts are. And finally, the reader sees how these two spies can send each other messages according to unique understandings.
The first way figurative images strengthen the novel is that they give the reader a glimpse into the two spies' professions. The reader learns what kind of code spies use in messages; how code words have double meanings just like a figurative image. They ultimately pull the reader in this way rather than leaving him/her confused.
The second way figurative images strengthen the novel is that they show how both of the main characters think and how similar their thoughts are. In the beginning when their meeting place is room 505, both characters are caught up in the idea that they are going to kill each other since they both realize that the number "0" must mean death. This gets the reader more in touch with the two characters, and even though they are enemies, how alarmingly similar they are.
The final way figurative images strengthen the novel is that the main characters are shown to be very alike and aware of each other's thoughts because of their ability to send each other messages based on unique understandings. Numerous times throughout the novel messages are sent to one another using figurative images instead of decipherable writing, and the recipient is able to figure out the message without blinking, because the images are related to past events in their mutual history, not on code regularly used by spies.
Rating:
Summary: Ingenious, one of Ludlum's best
Review: It was a great book, non-stop action and surprises, and a brilliantly crafted novel.
Rating:
Summary: Somethig to Read Read and Read
Review: La historia es cautivante desde el comienzo, vale la pena dedicarle horas y leerlo varias veces, porque siempre encuentras algo nuevo en la historia.
Rating: 
Summary: Fans of the Genre will be delighted
Review: Ludlum is the master of Large-Scale intrigue. Although it is a classic Ludlum Scenario, It is a definit must read for the hard-core fans. Despite the immensity of the plot and the complexities of the story line, Ludlum guides you through every heart-stopping momment of the action.The cast of characters are extremely realistic although the vilains tend to be somewhat one-dimensional. The clues that will eventualy lead Teleniekov and Scofield to the leader of the matarese are incribly complexe but surprisingly easy to find (too easy perhaps). As always, Ludlum books come with a warning. Don't pick it up unlesse you've got plenty of time ahead of you...
Rating:
Summary: wonderfully executed story line
Review: Ludlum once again captures his audience by throwing several twists and turns in the story line. It is a fast paced story that will keep you in suspense for the entire book.
Rating: 
Summary: illogical, poorly plotted, and silly
Review: Ludlum's popularity mystifies me. Are people just impressed by anyone who can write a long book about an international conspiracy, regardless of how thin the characterizations or implausible the plot? The plot of this book was probably composed in its entirety in about 15 minutes of "thought" while Ludlum was watching a TV sitcom. Compare this self-indulgent book, with its reliance on laughably unlikely coincidences, with the wonderfully plotted books by Robert Goddard or the massively researched Tom Clancy novels. Doesn't it embarrass Ludlum to be competing with those writers?
Rating:
Summary: One of the best in the cold war espionage genre.
Review: Many novels have been written in the espionage genre using the cold war as a backdrop, but Robert Ludlum's "The Matarese Circle" is one of the best. It features two elite hit men - a Russian and an American, both regarded as the very best that their countries have produced. The Russian KGB agent Vasili Talaniekov and the American CIA agent Brandon Scofield have no love for each other because of deep grudges. But when their own countries put out execution orders for both their own men, the two arch-rivals and enemies are forced go on the run and to band together. In a remarkable alliance, they slowly uncover a global conspiracy with tentacles in Moscow and Washington. They expose the roots of this conspiracy in Corsica, where they discover the terrible secret of the Matarese: a Council of chosen ones who have power in the highest levels of government around the world, and who are unfolding their plan of world domination - starting at the very highest level in the USA. But the Matarese are faceless men, and although their dogged research imperils the lives of all they talk to, and they are constantly challenged by the hidden army of people with the secret blue Matarese circle tattooed on their chest, eventually Talaniekov and Scofield uncover the real threat and objective of the Matarese, as the identity of the Shepherd Boy who leads the Matarese is finally revealed. But how to expose this terrible truth? - for that Valienkov and Schofield have to take desperate measures, resulting in a thrilling final conclusion.Readers should expect the features that are typical of the espionage genre - there is a significant amount of blasphemy (although not much other foul language), the odd unchaste behaviour (although this is more incidental and very infrequent), and frequent deaths (although this is not described in gory detail, but more as showing the extent to which defenders of global conspiracy will go to protect their cause). Aside from this, we are treated to typical cold war espionage fare - secret phone calls between Washington and Moscow, false identities, clandestine contacts, double agents and spies, defectors, surveillance, and hitmen and men on the run. It's not always entirely believable, but who cares, it's terrifically entertaining! The twists and turns in this novel are never-ending, the excitement breath taking, and you'll find it incredibly difficult to put this book down once you've started. Ludlum is a master of suspense and intrigue. Unlike writers like Tom Clancy, it doesn't feature the techno-jargon and detailed research about fancy weapons that give more depth but bog down the plot. Don't read this book for depth of characters, espionage realism or profound literary insights, but if you want a book with an exciting and entertaining plot laden with heart-stopping tension, this is it. Many claim "The Matarese Circle" to be one of Robert Ludlum's best. But maybe it would be more accurate to say that it's one of the genre's best.
Rating: 
Summary: Exciting book but stupid plot and cliche ridden ending
Review: Most of this book is Ludlum at his best. It is action packed with two capable heroes. There is very little of the character development, which Ludlum does poorly, to get in the way of the action. The plot is a your basic B-grade spy movie plot of the international cadre trying to manipulate the world. Fortunately that doesn't detract too much from the story telling. The ending is a real letdown and is an action movie cliche. The KGB partner is killed while saving the American hero, but with his dying breath urges the hero to leave him and go get the bad guys. The American hero then puts an end to the story by machine gunning down all the bad guys. It is an easy, no-brainer conclusion.
Rating: 
Summary: His worse book ever!
Review: Really bad writing and very disapointing from a great writer.
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