Rating: 
Summary: Action packed story set in Southeast Asia
Review: As promised in my review of The Bourne Identity, I reserved the higher rating of 5 for this book. (I'm currently halfway through the third installment of the Bourne series by Robert Ludlum -- The Bourne Supremacy.) There are several reasons why I liked this story better than the first. The first is that it is set in places in Southeast Asia like Hong Kong, Macao and China. Since I grew up in the Philippines and have visited these places during summer and Christmas time for roughly 18 years, it feels familiar. This sequel recaps what happens in the first novel in a very seemless, unobtrusive manner (a good thing). He reminds the user about why Bourne does the things he does and feels the way he feels. There's definitely more action and ass-whuppin' in this novel. He kills without compunction (when he has to) and his methods are, as noticed by his clone, that of a technician's. There's less of the mental anguish he felt in the first book as an amnesiac; therefore, less random ramblings in his mind. There are actually two stories happening in parallel. That of Bourne trying to reach his wife, and that of his wife trying to reach her husband.The only gripe I do have about the dialogue and the asian characters in the story is their flowery use of words and seemingly religious devotion to Christianity. I can tell you for a fact that although Christianity has its influences and followers in Asia, we do not bring in gods, spirits, and Christ into every sentence we utter. It's a symptom of the author mistranslating common colloquial sayings or metaphors. He also seems to think asians use "Aiyaa!" a lot. Grandmothers or old wenches in a marketplace might use this word when spreading gossip or haggling over prices, but typically not men -- military or civilian. I'm going to try something new in my reviews. I'm going to introduce my own criteria for ranking a book (recurring factors I seem to comment on over and over again) on a scale from 0-5, and hopefully the average will correspond to a more accurate rating for the book. I'll call it the FLAP system: * Flagpole factor (F) - In keeping with the bromide that sex, crime and violence sells, this covers the first aspect. Were there any erotic scenes?
* Use of Language (L) - How's the dialogue? Is it affected? Does it reflect the vernacular of the setting? Is it preachy?
* Action (A) - How are the action scenes described? Are they as lame as Clive Cussler's? What are the weapons used? How gory were the kills?
* Plot (P) - How predictable is the story? Is it a page turner? F:1 (there was a rape scene)
L:4 (use of local speech)
A:5 (describes tools of the trade, lots of kills)
P:4.5 (keeps you guessing)
Rating: 
Summary: An interesting concept, credibility overstretched
Review: Had the location been set in an Occidental society, it would have been great. But in xenophobic Chinese dominant environments, Jason Bourne would have stuck out as a sore thumb and would never have been able to camouflage himself from Chinese who hunt him. That aside, the author's Chinese translations were atrocious. He was savvy enough to know the people spoke mainly Cantonese in Hong Kong, but Mandarin is usually only spoken well in the north of China. Some of his swearings and curses were laughable. For example, no Chinese would use "Dong Wu" to curse someone as animals, because "Dong Wu" had no such connotation. Instead, they would use "Cu Sheng" or "Qin Shou" (meaning brutes, or beasts). The author should have researched more carefully, and get native Chinese-ethics for input and feedback.
Rating:
Summary: Holy Cowly Great!!!
Review: Do you remember me? Bourne seems to be asking this question as Ludlum introduces him yet again to us in a heart-stopping, action-packed scene-after-scene narrative. Yes, I do remember you! This is a terrifying journey into the world of espionage. Ludlum comes across as a former CIA incarnate in his detailed analysis of information---it makes me wonder what government he served...besides the Martians of course! Great story, memorable even.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book for a great series
Review: The Bourne Supremacy was a good book, even though the beginning was a little slow. The Bourne Identity defienetly had a better beginning. But Supremacy kept up the action throughout the whole book, making it a great read. I recommend this book to anyone who like thrillers, action, or espionage.
Rating:
Summary: More Thrills with Mr. Bourne!!
Review: WOW!! Assasin Jason Bourne is back and faced with multiple killings in the Far East. After his wife is kidnapped david webb becomes Jason Bourne in order to rescue her. He uncovers a plot for the Koumintang to reenter power in China and push the world into war. I just discovered Mr. ludlum after reading Bourne identity he is now one of my favorite authors! I wish they would make a movie out of this triology!
Rating:
Summary: Wow.
Review: SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: READING THIS BOOK CAN CAUSE SLEEPLESSNESS AND LOST PRODUCTIVITY -- not to mention gnawed fingernails. Bourne/Webb/Delta/et al. is not your normal "superhero", so if you like books where every character but the hero and his love interest die, stop reading right now. On the other hand, if you enjoy a psychological journey into the Far East, you'll find this one a treat. Mr. Ludlum writes darn well, and at some points could almost get a job at the New York Times. The plot does get somewhat convoluted, especially at 2 AM, but all in all, it is quite a satisfying read -- no matter what you think of the CIA, State Dept., MI-6, and their minions.
Rating:
Summary: An Exciting Book!
Review: This is another great book from Robert Ludlum. The legendary assasin Jason Bourne reenters the world stage again by way of amultiple killings in the Far East. David Webb is thrust back into the picture after his wife is kidnapped. He becomes Jason Bourne in order to rescue. He discovers a plot for the Koumintang to reenter power in China thus plunging the world into war. Jason Bourne must defeat several villains in order to finally prevail. The leader of the forces of evil is a man named Sheng who is a powerful official in the government of China.This book has a grand finale that makes this a very readable book. As it has been pointed out in other reviews this book is very hard to put down. This is further proof that Ludlum is one of the best.
Rating:
Summary: Believe-it-or-not--even BETTER than the 1st Bourne book...
Review: I rejoiced when I first heard that Ludlum had taken on the daunting task of writing a sequel to one of his all-time best novels--but I was wary of whether or not it'd be as good. I rolled the dice and I came out a winner. SOMEONE is doing a number of murders in the Far East...calling himself Jason Bourne. It sends chills up the spines of many people...especially those who know it ISN'T Jason Bourne because HE never existed... SOMEONE is trying to accomplish something, but WHAT it is, well that of course is where all the fun of this novel is--in finding out just exactly WHAT and more importantly: WHO. From the very heart of China, to Hong Kong this is a drag race to the finish line using a rocket to propel it along at an amazing pace. Ludlum IS the master of suspense and intrigue, and in 'The Bourne Supremacy' he is at the top of his form--again. As much as I enjoyed 'Identity' and felt it couldn't be topped, I have to say 'Supremacy' was even BETTER. As far as the last volume in the series goes, ('The Bourne Ultimatum') sad to say, but that one was my least favorite, and yet even IT was still a great book. Fans of Ludlum cannot be considered REAL fans unless you have read ALL of his 'Bourne' books, and this is one to savor. When it first came out in 1986 I bought it immediately and wrapped myself in it's incredible plot. I decided not long ago that I'd see if it stood the test of time and picked it up again. I am happy to say it is every bit as good the 2nd time around, and don't worry, it really DOES stand the test of time. Ludlum really IS the BEST THERE IS when it comes to spy/thrillers, and 'The Bourne Supremacy', Ludlum really IS SUPREME.
Rating:
Summary: Different, but good
Review: Bourne is back! But is it the real Bourne? This one is filled with packed action. The twists aren't as many, but the tension and action zip along at a hasty pace. A great sequel to the awesome Bourne Identity. Read it.
Rating:
Summary: Power-packed sequel!
Review: Jason Bourne is back, this time his life and recovery process from his memory loss in THE BOURNE IDENTITY is disrupted when the Chinese vice-premier is assassinated in Kowloon, and Bourne is indicted for his murder. Then his wife Marie is kidnapped and taken against her will to Hong Kong. Bourne travels out there, seeking help from Britain's MI6 and assorted Asian and American agents, and discovers a Triad plot to destabilise the Far East! In the process, he takes down several bad guys with his martial arts skills and the best in firearms from a Hong Kong dealer(a bit like Marler in a Colin Forbes book actually - he knows where to buy guns secretly!), and then Marie escapes of her own accord! Can they reunite? The trail eads Bourne to Beijing and more lethal encounters with baddie Sheng's henchmen, and the final climax detonates in Hong Kong, literally! This 700 page superthriller is one I could not put down, it is just as well-paced and action packed as the first BOURNE book. Now to read THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM!
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