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Jason Bourne #20
The Bourne Vendetta
A love from Bourne's past seeks his help when assassins threaten her husband, but only treachery burns hotter than true love in the New York Times bestselling series.
Two years ago, Bourne knew he had to let Abbey Laurent walk away from his dangerous world. Now Abbey is back — and she’s married to a top government official. But she’s convinced someone is trying to kill her husband, and she wants Jason’s help.
Bourne follows the plot against this man into a deadly web of
conspiracy that puts them all at risk. But the deeper he descends into the violence, the more he believes that Abbey may not know who her husband really is.
Two years ago, Bourne knew he had to let Abbey Laurent walk away from his dangerous world. Now Abbey is back — and she’s married to a top government official. But she’s convinced someone is trying to kill her husband, and she wants Jason’s help.
Bourne follows the plot against this man into a deadly web of
conspiracy that puts them all at risk. But the deeper he descends into the violence, the more he believes that Abbey may not know who her husband really is.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2025
354 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
About the author
Brian Freeman
74 books3,062 followersBrian Freeman is a New York Times bestselling author of psychological thrillers, including the Jonathan Stride and Frost Easton series. His books have been sold in 46 countries and 22 languages. He is widely acclaimed for his "you are there" settings and his complex, engaging characters and twist-filled plots. Brian was also selected as the official author to continue Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne series, and his novel THE BOURNE EVOLUTION was named one of the Best Mysteries and Thrillers of 2020 by Kirkus.
Brian's seventh novel SPILLED BLOOD won the award for Best Hardcover Novel in the annual Thriller Awards given out by the International Thriller Writers organization, and his fifth novel THE BURYING PLACE was a finalist for the same award. His novel THE DEEP, DEEP SNOW was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original.
His debut thriller, IMMORAL, won the Macavity Award for Best First Novel and was a nominee for the Edgar, Dagger, Anthony, and Barry Awards. IMMORAL was named an International Book of the Month, a distinction shared with authors such as Harlan Coben and Lisa Unger.
All of Brian's books are also available in audiobook editions. His novels THE BONE HOUSE and SEASON OF FEAR were both finalists for Best Audiobook of the Year in Thriller/Suspense.
For more information on Brian's books, visit his web site at bfreemanbooks.com or find him on Facebook at facebook.com/bfreemanfans or Twitter and Instagram (@bfreemanbooks).
Brian's seventh novel SPILLED BLOOD won the award for Best Hardcover Novel in the annual Thriller Awards given out by the International Thriller Writers organization, and his fifth novel THE BURYING PLACE was a finalist for the same award. His novel THE DEEP, DEEP SNOW was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original.
His debut thriller, IMMORAL, won the Macavity Award for Best First Novel and was a nominee for the Edgar, Dagger, Anthony, and Barry Awards. IMMORAL was named an International Book of the Month, a distinction shared with authors such as Harlan Coben and Lisa Unger.
All of Brian's books are also available in audiobook editions. His novels THE BONE HOUSE and SEASON OF FEAR were both finalists for Best Audiobook of the Year in Thriller/Suspense.
For more information on Brian's books, visit his web site at bfreemanbooks.com or find him on Facebook at facebook.com/bfreemanfans or Twitter and Instagram (@bfreemanbooks).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
January 19, 2025
Welcome to the 20th Jason Bourne novel where once again as the other JB a mission has to complete. The novel could have been better called THE BOURNE WOMEN as Bourne either protects or works with them. The vendetta in this story is not aimed at Jason Bourne.
The Mcguffin in this tale is a computer program that is almost all knowing and is therefore very interesting for the various intelligence services. However this installment in this book feels somewhat flat, more a soap than a spythriller. There is no feeling of urgency in this Bourne novel that hé was going to finish his mission in this book easily, which makes the baddies somewhat less exciting.
I do hope that Brian Freeman next installment is better, because worse is not an option.
The Mcguffin in this tale is a computer program that is almost all knowing and is therefore very interesting for the various intelligence services. However this installment in this book feels somewhat flat, more a soap than a spythriller. There is no feeling of urgency in this Bourne novel that hé was going to finish his mission in this book easily, which makes the baddies somewhat less exciting.
I do hope that Brian Freeman next installment is better, because worse is not an option.
October 13, 2024
Jason Bourne is back in The Bourne Vendetta by Brian Freeman. Although it tokk me a while to get into this story , when I did it surely took off. Freeman has written another tight thrilling entry in the Bourne universe. Not only does he have to find some secret file he has five strong women to struggle with. It is as always with Freeman a well written book and I can recommend it to all fans of the character created so many years ago by Robert Ludlum. I thank Penguin Random House , G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for letting me read this advance copy.
February 25, 2025
Nonstop action.
Fast paced.
Many familiar characters return.
The ending surprised me.
I hope you like this Jason Bourne novel, too!
Fast paced.
Many familiar characters return.
The ending surprised me.
I hope you like this Jason Bourne novel, too!
March 21, 2025
Best Bourne story in years thanks to awesome author Brian Freeman.
December 10, 2024
Years ago when the original author was penning the novels in this series, I read a couple and quit even though overall I thought they were well written. Why? Reading them became tedious, and getting through one was more slogfest than enjoyment to me. The movies I watched - as long as I've read a book that gets transformed to film, I'm game, but never the other way around.
Fast-forward more years than I want to own up to, and I've once again started to read the series (most recently penned by this author). That in itself is an oddity, since once I've seen the movie(s) I never, ever, return to print. And by golly, I'm enjoying the heck out of the books. This one is no exception, although I'll say at the outset that I'm so not happy with the ending.
Once again, current and former players from the secretive agency Treadstone are interacting with each other - including Jason Bourne, a.k.a. several other names, who's forgotten most of his past. The agency's head is a truly wicked city woman called Shadow; a former agent, Johanna, gets involved in the mix. Despite having had initimate relationships with both women, Jason's long-time love is Abbey Laurent, who left him (with his blessing) because she couldn't deal with his ultra-dangerous lifestyle.
Throw into the mix something called "The Files," some kind of clandestine computer program that has ferreted out top secrets from the lives of all sorts of people. Whoever has it has the potential to earn tons of money by blackmailing those who want to protect their secrets, so several factions are doing their best (or worst) to get it their hands, including Treadstone. To help with that, Shadow calls in Jason.
Amid people getting killed and Jason trying his best not to be among them, he learns that Abbey is collecting information for a book she's writing based on a major fire at a ranch resort in which several people died. No cause has been determined as yet, but she hopes her research will ferret out the truth. He also learns she's no longer a free woman; not long ago, she married a man named Garrett Parker. Jason has very mixed feelings about that - perhaps hoping that Abbey does as well - although both deny any chance of getting back together.
But as connections between what both are working on grow stronger, meeting again becomes inevitable - as does the danger that follows Jason like a shadow encroaches on Abbey's life once again. An even bigger problem, though, is that Garrett may be involved somehow - and it may be up to Jason to save him (or not).
All in all, it's typical Bourne in action from the beginning (and no, you didn't really expect me to say why I didn't like the ending, did you)? I'll just say thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Good one!
Fast-forward more years than I want to own up to, and I've once again started to read the series (most recently penned by this author). That in itself is an oddity, since once I've seen the movie(s) I never, ever, return to print. And by golly, I'm enjoying the heck out of the books. This one is no exception, although I'll say at the outset that I'm so not happy with the ending.
Once again, current and former players from the secretive agency Treadstone are interacting with each other - including Jason Bourne, a.k.a. several other names, who's forgotten most of his past. The agency's head is a truly wicked city woman called Shadow; a former agent, Johanna, gets involved in the mix. Despite having had initimate relationships with both women, Jason's long-time love is Abbey Laurent, who left him (with his blessing) because she couldn't deal with his ultra-dangerous lifestyle.
Throw into the mix something called "The Files," some kind of clandestine computer program that has ferreted out top secrets from the lives of all sorts of people. Whoever has it has the potential to earn tons of money by blackmailing those who want to protect their secrets, so several factions are doing their best (or worst) to get it their hands, including Treadstone. To help with that, Shadow calls in Jason.
Amid people getting killed and Jason trying his best not to be among them, he learns that Abbey is collecting information for a book she's writing based on a major fire at a ranch resort in which several people died. No cause has been determined as yet, but she hopes her research will ferret out the truth. He also learns she's no longer a free woman; not long ago, she married a man named Garrett Parker. Jason has very mixed feelings about that - perhaps hoping that Abbey does as well - although both deny any chance of getting back together.
But as connections between what both are working on grow stronger, meeting again becomes inevitable - as does the danger that follows Jason like a shadow encroaches on Abbey's life once again. An even bigger problem, though, is that Garrett may be involved somehow - and it may be up to Jason to save him (or not).
All in all, it's typical Bourne in action from the beginning (and no, you didn't really expect me to say why I didn't like the ending, did you)? I'll just say thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Good one!
June 19, 2025
I waited a long time anticipating of this sequel - the most disappointing plot in the series. Not exciting or thrilling. Characters were not likable in the least. I wanted to DNF more than once but I preserved/- Just not at all for me. I hope other readers enjoy this more than I did. 2.5/5
April 13, 2025
As my favorite author continues to write Jason Bourne novels, I listen to them with one of the best narrators in Scott Brick. I don’t love espionage but his stories for this notable character series remain solid. He kept me on my toes with guessing the plot/perp amidst the tangle of Bourne relationships with the female characters. I will continue to listen to this series because I have really enjoyed everything he has written.
April 1, 2025
The Bourne Vendetta is the sixth book by Brian Freeman in the series from Robert Ludlum. Bourne is on the hunt for "The Files," a treasure trove of secrets and which said secrets are winding up on front pages, ending careers, and things are not going great. Feels familiar.
Along the way, Bourne must eat, pray, and love his way through a bevy of ladies from his past on his quest to recover the files. Looking for love in all the wrong places, Bourne must look out for number 1 and do what he does best.
Freeman's other books are excellent, but it seems he was destined to write about Bourne. He's made the character his own and has brought new life into the Bourne universe by giving him more depth and humanity. As a result, both the character and series are better for it.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with an advanced copy of The Bourne Vendetta.
Along the way, Bourne must eat, pray, and love his way through a bevy of ladies from his past on his quest to recover the files. Looking for love in all the wrong places, Bourne must look out for number 1 and do what he does best.
Freeman's other books are excellent, but it seems he was destined to write about Bourne. He's made the character his own and has brought new life into the Bourne universe by giving him more depth and humanity. As a result, both the character and series are better for it.
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with an advanced copy of The Bourne Vendetta.
July 24, 2024
And the hits keep coming!!
Another simply amazing Treadstone thriller by Freeman.
Jason Bourne is back with Treadstone operatives, past and present. Treadstone Director, aka Shadow, wants Jason to help her secure "the Files' - a stolen computer program that apparently holds damaging info on high level govt and civilian figures that could provide reasons for blackmail and assassinations. Storm, his former Treadstone lover & partner, wants him for the same reason. Only she wants the files so she can take down Treadstone and Shadow. Both think he's playing for them.
But is he?
And Abbey Laurent, his real lost love, whom he believed was safely tucked away in Canada out of harms way, suddenly shows up with a new husband who apparently is right in the thick of the intrigue, murder and mayhem surrounding the quest for the files.
Spellbinding, thrilling and filled with terrific characters, intrigue and a plot that is so twisted it just may and probably is, really close to real.
Another simply amazing Treadstone thriller by Freeman.
Jason Bourne is back with Treadstone operatives, past and present. Treadstone Director, aka Shadow, wants Jason to help her secure "the Files' - a stolen computer program that apparently holds damaging info on high level govt and civilian figures that could provide reasons for blackmail and assassinations. Storm, his former Treadstone lover & partner, wants him for the same reason. Only she wants the files so she can take down Treadstone and Shadow. Both think he's playing for them.
But is he?
And Abbey Laurent, his real lost love, whom he believed was safely tucked away in Canada out of harms way, suddenly shows up with a new husband who apparently is right in the thick of the intrigue, murder and mayhem surrounding the quest for the files.
Spellbinding, thrilling and filled with terrific characters, intrigue and a plot that is so twisted it just may and probably is, really close to real.
August 4, 2024
“Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Vendetta” written by Brian Freeman is another great thriller bringing back all our favorite Treadstone agents. It is a non stop page turner that sends Jason Bourne into a high stakes mission to recover an AI data mining program that can be used to blackmail or eliminate heads of state, criminals or anyone in a position of power. As in the other Bourne books, the fiction in this story is so close to reality that I am still thinking about the consequences of the development of this kind of technology. The plot, intrigue and cast of well developed characters (including all the past women in Bourne’s life) makes this book a great addition to this series, and the final unexpected twist at the end sets us up perfectly for the next installment. I can’t wait!
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 25, 2025
A handful of authors, including Brian Freeman, have contributed the Jason Bourne novels that have now hit twenty releases. ROBERT LUDLUM’S THE BOURNE VENDETTA is Freeman’s sixth effort with Bourne and quite possibly his best take on the series featuring deadly Treadstone agent David Webb who now goes by Jason Bourne.
Bourne is also referred to some as Cain, master killer and his subconscious does a job not only keeping his past life at bay but also allowing him to tap into a needed when the going gets tough. The first thing we see before the prologue is a congresswoman named Callie meeting up with an assassin named Johanna who goes by Storm. She informs her of the target item they are seeking and warns her that Treadstone, let by Shadow, will get in the way of retrieving the treasured item known simply as the Files.
Jason Bourne is thrown into the fray in violent fashion while on a mission in London to nab a Saudi banker named al-Najjar. He gets close but is unable to gather his target as he watches another assassin blow up al-Najjar’s limo with several people including local call girls along for the ride. Bourne has experienced failure before and is able to quickly pivot to the next place he needs to be to find the Files that Shadow seeks.
What the Files contain I will leave for the reader to discover. The fact that so many powerful and deadly people and organizations want it so badly indicates its value. Bourne has run-ins with many characters in this novel and one of the first is Johanna who has feelings for him physically and suggests they team up. She tries to persuade him to screw Treadstone and help her bring them down. Bourne only works alone and declines, although he does enjoy spending time with her.
The journey brings Bourne to Estonia in Russia, where a large and deadly assassin by the name of Cody resides. A young woman named Tati, a Russian climate scientist, is on Cody’s hit list and Bourne has made a promise to her that he will protect her. The eventual faceoff between Bourne and Cody is worth the price of admission and Cody will only refer to Bourne as Cain, for that is the reputation he held in that part of the world.
Bourne likes playing protector at this point in his career and that brings him back to Los Angeles where his ex-lover, Abby Laurent, lives with her new husband the tech wizard Garrett Parker. Garrett ends up being the one who needs the most protection as an assassin from China named Vix is hunting him down in a fit of revenge for Garret’s role in the death of her parents. Readers will definitely need a notepad to keep all the different characters and connections straight. Freeman just does a brilliant job blending them all into his dynamic fast-paced plot.
Tati is kidnapped by Cody and promises a clean exchange with Cain/Bourne if he can provide a computer with the Files on it. There is a great showdown at the Hollywood Bowl in an attempt to make a trade for the laptop with the person currently holding it. Bourne, Shadow, Storm and Vix are also all there in various locations as each has their own ulterior motive for wanting the Files.
Bourne tries to tie up loose ends and keep to his word as he meets up with Cody to make the deal for Tati’s life. Things do not go smoothly, and we are treated to another classic fight to the death. He does a lot of international travel in this novel and ends up back in LA for a wild meeting with Abby, Garrett, Vix and others. Again, when these many spies and assassins get together you just know something great is going to happen, Freeman brings all this to lifetime and time again in THE BOURNE VENDETTA and raises the bar for anyone attempting to pen their own Bourne novel.
What I loved most is how Bourne has matured as a character and an amnesiac. He has a moral code and sense of honor that now rules all he does, and he states sometimes he has to take a life but if can’t save a life then he does not know why he’s here. The bottom line is we need Jason Bourne to be in another great story and the cliffhanger ending of this novel ensures that there is much more fun still to come!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Bourne is also referred to some as Cain, master killer and his subconscious does a job not only keeping his past life at bay but also allowing him to tap into a needed when the going gets tough. The first thing we see before the prologue is a congresswoman named Callie meeting up with an assassin named Johanna who goes by Storm. She informs her of the target item they are seeking and warns her that Treadstone, let by Shadow, will get in the way of retrieving the treasured item known simply as the Files.
Jason Bourne is thrown into the fray in violent fashion while on a mission in London to nab a Saudi banker named al-Najjar. He gets close but is unable to gather his target as he watches another assassin blow up al-Najjar’s limo with several people including local call girls along for the ride. Bourne has experienced failure before and is able to quickly pivot to the next place he needs to be to find the Files that Shadow seeks.
What the Files contain I will leave for the reader to discover. The fact that so many powerful and deadly people and organizations want it so badly indicates its value. Bourne has run-ins with many characters in this novel and one of the first is Johanna who has feelings for him physically and suggests they team up. She tries to persuade him to screw Treadstone and help her bring them down. Bourne only works alone and declines, although he does enjoy spending time with her.
The journey brings Bourne to Estonia in Russia, where a large and deadly assassin by the name of Cody resides. A young woman named Tati, a Russian climate scientist, is on Cody’s hit list and Bourne has made a promise to her that he will protect her. The eventual faceoff between Bourne and Cody is worth the price of admission and Cody will only refer to Bourne as Cain, for that is the reputation he held in that part of the world.
Bourne likes playing protector at this point in his career and that brings him back to Los Angeles where his ex-lover, Abby Laurent, lives with her new husband the tech wizard Garrett Parker. Garrett ends up being the one who needs the most protection as an assassin from China named Vix is hunting him down in a fit of revenge for Garret’s role in the death of her parents. Readers will definitely need a notepad to keep all the different characters and connections straight. Freeman just does a brilliant job blending them all into his dynamic fast-paced plot.
Tati is kidnapped by Cody and promises a clean exchange with Cain/Bourne if he can provide a computer with the Files on it. There is a great showdown at the Hollywood Bowl in an attempt to make a trade for the laptop with the person currently holding it. Bourne, Shadow, Storm and Vix are also all there in various locations as each has their own ulterior motive for wanting the Files.
Bourne tries to tie up loose ends and keep to his word as he meets up with Cody to make the deal for Tati’s life. Things do not go smoothly, and we are treated to another classic fight to the death. He does a lot of international travel in this novel and ends up back in LA for a wild meeting with Abby, Garrett, Vix and others. Again, when these many spies and assassins get together you just know something great is going to happen, Freeman brings all this to lifetime and time again in THE BOURNE VENDETTA and raises the bar for anyone attempting to pen their own Bourne novel.
What I loved most is how Bourne has matured as a character and an amnesiac. He has a moral code and sense of honor that now rules all he does, and he states sometimes he has to take a life but if can’t save a life then he does not know why he’s here. The bottom line is we need Jason Bourne to be in another great story and the cliffhanger ending of this novel ensures that there is much more fun still to come!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
January 15, 2025
Brian Freeman returns with another action packed entry in the Bourne series that I found hard to put down. Earlier in the series he lost the love of his life when Abby Laurent could not live with the danger in his life. Now Bourne found an unexpected connection between his latest assignment and Abby. Someone has hacked a database that contains secrets worth killing for. Abby's husband Garrett worked on a program tied to the database. Now someone wants him dead. The two men take an instant dislike to each other and Bourne feels that Garrett is holding back information. The Files are up for sale. Bourne is up against the Russians, the Chinese and a U.S. senator who wants them for her own advancement. The head of Treadstone is holding back information as she manipulates Bourne, who has his own agenda. Someone from his past is being held by a vicious European crime boss. If Bourne wants to save her life he must trade the Files for her. The senator has hired Joanna, Bourne’s former lover, to work against him. Joanna still has feelings of him and distrusts the senator. When their paths cross feelings are rekindled and she is there for back up when he needs it.
Freeman keeps the action constant and throws in a number of twists just when you think you know where the investigation is going. He is the second author to take over the Bourne series after the death of Robert Ludlum. His stories are well written and his action sequences keep you on the edge of your seat. There are several disturbing scenes that involve excessive violence, but Freeman takes you for a wild ride, leaving the fate of the Files and Bourne’s and Joanna’s future in jeopardy. I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing this book.
Freeman keeps the action constant and throws in a number of twists just when you think you know where the investigation is going. He is the second author to take over the Bourne series after the death of Robert Ludlum. His stories are well written and his action sequences keep you on the edge of your seat. There are several disturbing scenes that involve excessive violence, but Freeman takes you for a wild ride, leaving the fate of the Files and Bourne’s and Joanna’s future in jeopardy. I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing this book.
January 29, 2025
After the previous The Bourne Shadow, this was a bit of a letdown. What's with Bourne getting mushy mushy about women and not being unable to decide which one to settle for?? That seems to have affected him as he is a little clueless throughout the book, not only unable to anticipate the pitfalls ahead but on more than one occasion, letting someone get the better of him, either in fight scenes or in chase. A little disappointing that. Maybe Gregg Hurwitz's Evan Smoak is more badass!
October 27, 2024
This was my first Jason Bourne (aka David Webb, aka Cain) novel. I read it not knowing anything about the character, his past acquaintances, lovers, associates or nemeses. The Bourne Vendetta, Book 20 of 20 and author Brian Freeman’s 6th novel in the series, did not provide much background. I am a book series addict and yes, it is distracting and annoying when the author provides details about the characters and past events that I am totally familiar with but I do understand and appreciate the need for it. As a novice to Bourne’s background, his connection to Treadstone, Treadstone itself, and characters in the series, some exposition would have been warranted.
The plot centers around a hacked database of secret information named the Files. Lives are lost and careers are destroyed because of the Files and the Americans, the Chinese and the Russians all want to get hold of it.. Assassins and contract killers are sent after the Files. Jason, working for the black ops project, Treadstone, is sent by Shadow, its head, to retrieve the files. Johanna (aka Storm), his past lover and former Treadstone agent, doesn’t want Shadow and Treadstone to obtain the Files. Abby Laurent, Bourne’s former fiancé, wanted Bourne but not his dangerous life but now needs his help when her life and her new husband's life is in danger. Does her husband have a connection to the Files? Can Johanna be trusted if Bourne teams up with her? Does Shadow want the Files for her own nefarious reasons?
The Bourne Vendetta is engaging, exciting, and provides the reader with characters to root for and characters you would like to see eliminated. The female characters are strong, flawed and enigmatic. Jason is coveted by all the women, evil and good, in his life and his affection wavers between them. He also wavers between his working for Shadow and Treadstone and his self doubts on being a part of the organization. Storm and Shadow are enemies yet Bourne is drawn to both of them while they both know of his love for Abby.
The story is open-ended regarding if the Files will continue to be used for notorious purposes and if the woman that Jason ends up with will be allowed to survive. I would have like to have had closure on this adventure and then moved on to the next escapade. Guess I will have to stay tuned.
I would like to thank NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an advance copy of The Bourne Vendetta for which I offer an honest review.
The plot centers around a hacked database of secret information named the Files. Lives are lost and careers are destroyed because of the Files and the Americans, the Chinese and the Russians all want to get hold of it.. Assassins and contract killers are sent after the Files. Jason, working for the black ops project, Treadstone, is sent by Shadow, its head, to retrieve the files. Johanna (aka Storm), his past lover and former Treadstone agent, doesn’t want Shadow and Treadstone to obtain the Files. Abby Laurent, Bourne’s former fiancé, wanted Bourne but not his dangerous life but now needs his help when her life and her new husband's life is in danger. Does her husband have a connection to the Files? Can Johanna be trusted if Bourne teams up with her? Does Shadow want the Files for her own nefarious reasons?
The Bourne Vendetta is engaging, exciting, and provides the reader with characters to root for and characters you would like to see eliminated. The female characters are strong, flawed and enigmatic. Jason is coveted by all the women, evil and good, in his life and his affection wavers between them. He also wavers between his working for Shadow and Treadstone and his self doubts on being a part of the organization. Storm and Shadow are enemies yet Bourne is drawn to both of them while they both know of his love for Abby.
The story is open-ended regarding if the Files will continue to be used for notorious purposes and if the woman that Jason ends up with will be allowed to survive. I would have like to have had closure on this adventure and then moved on to the next escapade. Guess I will have to stay tuned.
I would like to thank NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an advance copy of The Bourne Vendetta for which I offer an honest review.
February 2, 2025
I was fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity to read an ARC of "The Bourne Vendetta" by the author (Brian Freeman), his publisher (Penguin Group Putnam) and the fine folks at NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for . Beyond humbled
When we first met Jason Bourne in 1980, there was no indication that we'd still be reading....and enjoying.....this series 45 years later. Book #21 is THE BOURNE VENDETTA written by Brian Freeman under the Ludlum brand. Freeman has done an excellent job of maintaining the story line, one man against a huge corporation, while keeping the character up to date and the actions and consequences thrilling.
Years ago when the original author was penning the novels in this series, I avidly read the first three Bourne books and rapidly became a "Ludlum-phile" (I had read all of his books when I was in high school and university) and after he had passed in the early part of the 2000's (2001, to be exact) I thought that this was the end of the Bourne series (Not realizing that Eric Van Lustbader had inherited the series in 2004 and carried the series until 2017). Brian Freeman was approached by the Ludlum estate to carry on the series with his first Jason Bourne book in 2020 (The Bourne Evolution). Bourne Vendetta is his sixth work in the Bourne Universe. Freeman has reawakened my love for the character,Jason Bourne, and now that adds all of the Lustbader books, his previous Jason Bourne novels,and even the Joshua Hood Treadstone books to my TBR list (and for this, I wish to express my gratitude).
The throughline in the Bourne series is that someone is always out to get him. Maybe they want him dead. Maybe they want him in bed. And, once, he took a bullet to the head, which is the whole premise. The “nowhere man” remembers nothing of his past identity, and he works for a shadowy agency called Treadstone, the new head of which is a woman named Shadow.
The hunt for a trove of secret information forces Bourne to decide who lives – and who dies – in this latest installment in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Jason Bourne enters a deadly race to find a laptop.
A hacked database known as the Files has upended the intelligence community. Careers are being destroyed. Dirty deals are showing up on the front page. Assassinations are spreading from Europe to the U.S.
The new head of Treadstone sends Jason Bourne on a mission to find out who has the Files and get them back – or destroy them. But Bourne isn’t alone in this race. The Chinese want the Files. So do the Russians. And the only woman who may be able to help him is a treacherous spy known as Johanna – Bourne’s former lover – who sees the Files as the key to her own vendetta against Treadstone.
The elusive prize everyone seeks is a hacked database commonly referred to as the Files. The Files are filled with secret dirt about powerful people, every blackmailer’s fondest dream. Whoever controls this data could either destroy the deep state or protect it indefinitely. Everybody wants the information: the “FBI, CIA, NSA, DOJ. Plus most of our enemies overseas.” One such enemy is Cody, a Russian thug operating in Estonia. The files are on a laptop, and it doesn’t seem to occur to anybody that there could be copies in other places, but that doesn’t get in the way of a good story. Shadow wants the laptop, but so does the rogue ex-Treadstone agent Johanna. Two things the women have in common: They hate each other, and they have both enjoyed bedtime with Jason. Sex between Bourne and Johanna was “like two scorpions trying to mate.” That’s quite good, apparently, if you can get the visual out of your mind. And if you’re thinking that Jason doesn’t have enough women in his life, the Canadian journalist Abbey Laurent returns. Series fans will remember that she left him in The Bourne Sacrifice (2022) because he was too dangerous to be around. Now, she’s writing a book about a fatal fire, and she’s drawn back into his life. All three women are strong characters, but there’s also an Estonian damsel in distress named Tati, who is Cody’s prisoner. “‘Jason,’ she murmured aloud, her voice cracking, her soul praying. ‘Where are you?’” Her faith in him is complete, and completely warranted. Cody knows that Bourne has “a weakness for women in trouble.” The action starts early with the explosion of a limousine and a vivid description of what happens to its occupants, and from there the pace doesn’t flag.
Classic Jason Bourne, loaded with action, sex, and excitement.
Bourne has a rule for friends and enemies alike: Trust no one. That rule may be the only thing keeping him alive, because the hunt for the Files soon takes Bourne inside a twisted labyrinth of murder and betrayal, where everyone has a hidden agenda.
Including Bourne .
With regards to my self-detirmined five star scale, i would give Brian Freeman's "The Bourne Vendetta" a solid four stars and believe that it is bound to be a favourite of action and adventure afficiandos. Thank you for reawakening my interest in the Jason Bourne franchise.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth.
When we first met Jason Bourne in 1980, there was no indication that we'd still be reading....and enjoying.....this series 45 years later. Book #21 is THE BOURNE VENDETTA written by Brian Freeman under the Ludlum brand. Freeman has done an excellent job of maintaining the story line, one man against a huge corporation, while keeping the character up to date and the actions and consequences thrilling.
Years ago when the original author was penning the novels in this series, I avidly read the first three Bourne books and rapidly became a "Ludlum-phile" (I had read all of his books when I was in high school and university) and after he had passed in the early part of the 2000's (2001, to be exact) I thought that this was the end of the Bourne series (Not realizing that Eric Van Lustbader had inherited the series in 2004 and carried the series until 2017). Brian Freeman was approached by the Ludlum estate to carry on the series with his first Jason Bourne book in 2020 (The Bourne Evolution). Bourne Vendetta is his sixth work in the Bourne Universe. Freeman has reawakened my love for the character,Jason Bourne, and now that adds all of the Lustbader books, his previous Jason Bourne novels,and even the Joshua Hood Treadstone books to my TBR list (and for this, I wish to express my gratitude).
The throughline in the Bourne series is that someone is always out to get him. Maybe they want him dead. Maybe they want him in bed. And, once, he took a bullet to the head, which is the whole premise. The “nowhere man” remembers nothing of his past identity, and he works for a shadowy agency called Treadstone, the new head of which is a woman named Shadow.
The hunt for a trove of secret information forces Bourne to decide who lives – and who dies – in this latest installment in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Jason Bourne enters a deadly race to find a laptop.
A hacked database known as the Files has upended the intelligence community. Careers are being destroyed. Dirty deals are showing up on the front page. Assassinations are spreading from Europe to the U.S.
The new head of Treadstone sends Jason Bourne on a mission to find out who has the Files and get them back – or destroy them. But Bourne isn’t alone in this race. The Chinese want the Files. So do the Russians. And the only woman who may be able to help him is a treacherous spy known as Johanna – Bourne’s former lover – who sees the Files as the key to her own vendetta against Treadstone.
The elusive prize everyone seeks is a hacked database commonly referred to as the Files. The Files are filled with secret dirt about powerful people, every blackmailer’s fondest dream. Whoever controls this data could either destroy the deep state or protect it indefinitely. Everybody wants the information: the “FBI, CIA, NSA, DOJ. Plus most of our enemies overseas.” One such enemy is Cody, a Russian thug operating in Estonia. The files are on a laptop, and it doesn’t seem to occur to anybody that there could be copies in other places, but that doesn’t get in the way of a good story. Shadow wants the laptop, but so does the rogue ex-Treadstone agent Johanna. Two things the women have in common: They hate each other, and they have both enjoyed bedtime with Jason. Sex between Bourne and Johanna was “like two scorpions trying to mate.” That’s quite good, apparently, if you can get the visual out of your mind. And if you’re thinking that Jason doesn’t have enough women in his life, the Canadian journalist Abbey Laurent returns. Series fans will remember that she left him in The Bourne Sacrifice (2022) because he was too dangerous to be around. Now, she’s writing a book about a fatal fire, and she’s drawn back into his life. All three women are strong characters, but there’s also an Estonian damsel in distress named Tati, who is Cody’s prisoner. “‘Jason,’ she murmured aloud, her voice cracking, her soul praying. ‘Where are you?’” Her faith in him is complete, and completely warranted. Cody knows that Bourne has “a weakness for women in trouble.” The action starts early with the explosion of a limousine and a vivid description of what happens to its occupants, and from there the pace doesn’t flag.
Classic Jason Bourne, loaded with action, sex, and excitement.
Bourne has a rule for friends and enemies alike: Trust no one. That rule may be the only thing keeping him alive, because the hunt for the Files soon takes Bourne inside a twisted labyrinth of murder and betrayal, where everyone has a hidden agenda.
Including Bourne .
With regards to my self-detirmined five star scale, i would give Brian Freeman's "The Bourne Vendetta" a solid four stars and believe that it is bound to be a favourite of action and adventure afficiandos. Thank you for reawakening my interest in the Jason Bourne franchise.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
Review: I had a difficult time engaging with the story line and the characters. No depth was created for the characters even though there was plenty of time to do so with the intense movement. Some of the failed characters that stood out were Cody and Irinia, who stood at the pinnacle of Trope what with the evilly criminal that looks like Rasputin and the hottie damsel held hostage to Bourne’s weakness. Old and reused scenes from any spy novel, traipse across your eyes with ephemeral disregard.
This is one instance where movies are better than this novel. Bourne lacks the personality that made him interesting. Smart, deadly, master strategist and removed from empathy when the situation demands it. This Bourne is none of those things. He is drawn as being inept and vulnerable in all aspects which was a great let down in the old “Transport my Reality”, department.
Every chapter devoted to his old flame “Hottie novelist Douche Nozzle” pushed me closer and closer to DNFing this POS. These chapters ran like an afterthought, wholly inserted into a running story line. The whole “I am a distraught and complicated novelist searching for the truth who likes manly bulges but wants Jason….” blah dee blah.
I almost got to the end but the premise was lame as were the characters, lame-r.
DNF
This is one instance where movies are better than this novel. Bourne lacks the personality that made him interesting. Smart, deadly, master strategist and removed from empathy when the situation demands it. This Bourne is none of those things. He is drawn as being inept and vulnerable in all aspects which was a great let down in the old “Transport my Reality”, department.
Every chapter devoted to his old flame “Hottie novelist Douche Nozzle” pushed me closer and closer to DNFing this POS. These chapters ran like an afterthought, wholly inserted into a running story line. The whole “I am a distraught and complicated novelist searching for the truth who likes manly bulges but wants Jason….” blah dee blah.
I almost got to the end but the premise was lame as were the characters, lame-r.
DNF
January 27, 2025
A reasonably good adventure story about an American assassin who works for yet another secret agency and is trying to recover a set of data files which can be used to blackmail officials all over the world but especially America. The book is not self contained or self explanatory. Many, many references are made to people and events which have happened previously but are not explained in this story. This makes the story somewhat difficult to follow. The author should take a lesson from other authors who bring a reader who maybe has not read an earlier book, enlightened and up-to-date.
March 13, 2025
The book Bourne Vendetta was a great book. It took the reader into the world of Jason Bourne and it basically starts when Jason received a phone call from a former lover who is worried about her safety and needs Jason’s help to find out who is behind this.
October 27, 2025
Solid Jason Bourne novel, no surprises and well written!
January 25, 2025
Good read
I am a long time fan of Robert Ludlum and his Jason Bourne character. While this book was not written by robert, it had all the second guessing, betrayals, and mayhem that this series is known for. I loved it!
I am a long time fan of Robert Ludlum and his Jason Bourne character. While this book was not written by robert, it had all the second guessing, betrayals, and mayhem that this series is known for. I loved it!
January 18, 2025
As a long time reader of Brian Freeman and Robert Ludlum, this story took me on an adventure from start to finish. Another thrilling Jason Bourne book! One thing I love about Brian Freeman's books is how easy it is to get invested in the characters and you hope some will pop up in the next books to come. Listening to the audible, I felt like I was listening to a movie on the big screen. I could easily visualize the story that was happening. The narrator makes each character distinct and enjoyable to listen to.
January 21, 2025
Oh those Bourne woman…he is a lady killer! A top notch thriller-Congressional corruption, Russia, Chinese, Tredstone, murder, computers, AI generated data and of course the twists and turns.
December 5, 2024
Brian Freeman's latest in the Bourne saga..."The Bourne Vendetta" is a good read as Jason searches for The File; while 4 women are going to get him killed. Fast paced thriller, too much drama, and a whole lot of action/deceit.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of this novel and Published Jan. 2025.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of this novel and Published Jan. 2025.
December 11, 2024
A received an advance copy of this book to read, and I thought "oh, another Bourne writer."
About a third of the way in, it became fantastic.
Brian Freeman nailed it, a true Ludlum clone.
About a third of the way in, it became fantastic.
Brian Freeman nailed it, a true Ludlum clone.
January 26, 2025
ROBERT LUDLUM’S THE BOURNE VENDETTA is Brian Freeman’s sixth Bourne novel and quite possibly his best take on the series featuring deadly Treadstone agent David Webb, who now goes by Jason Bourne. Some also refer to Bourne as Cain, a master killer. His subconscious not only keeps his past life at bay, it allows him to tap into a need when the going gets tough.
The book opens with Callie Faith, a congresswoman, meeting up with Johanna, an assassin who goes by Storm. Callie informs Storm of the target they are seeking and warns her that Treadstone, led by Shadow, will get in the way of retrieving the treasured item known simply as the Files.
Bourne is thrown into the fray in violent fashion while on a mission in London to nab a Saudi banker. He gets close but is unable to gather his target as he watches another assassin blow up the banker’s limo with several people in it, including local call girls who were along for the ride. Bourne has experienced failure before and is able to quickly pivot to the next place he needs to be in order to find the Files.
What the Files contain I will leave for the reader to discover. The fact that so many powerful and deadly people and organizations want it so badly speaks to its value. Bourne has run-ins with a number of individuals here, and one of them is Storm, who has feelings for him physically and suggests they team up. She tries to persuade him to screw Treadstone and help her bring them down. Bourne only works alone, so he declines, although he does enjoy spending time with her.
The journey brings Bourne to Estonia, where a large and deadly assassin named Cody resides. Tati, a Russian climate scientist, is on Cody’s hit list, and Bourne has promised that he will protect her. The eventual faceoff between Bourne and Cody is worth the price of admission. Cody will only refer to Bourne as Cain, for that is the reputation he holds in that part of the world.
Bourne likes playing protector at this point in his career, which brings him back to Los Angeles where his ex-lover, Abby Laurent, lives with her tech-wizard husband, Garrett Parker. Garrett ends up being the one who needs the most protection as Vix, an assassin from China, is hunting him down for his role in the death of her parents. Readers will need to have a piece of paper on hand to keep all the different characters and connections straight. Freeman does a brilliant job of blending them into his dynamic, fast-paced plot.
Tati is kidnapped by Cody, who promises a clean exchange with Bourne if he can provide a computer with the Files on it. There is a great showdown at the Hollywood Bowl in an attempt to make a trade for the laptop with the person currently holding it. Bourne, Shadow, Storm and Vix are there in various locations as each has his or her own ulterior motive for wanting the Files. Bourne tries to tie up loose ends and keep to his word as he meets with Cody to make a deal for Tati’s life. But things do not go smoothly, and we are treated to another classic fight to the death.
I love how much Bourne has matured as a character and an amnesiac. He has a moral code and sense of honor that now rules everything he does. He states that sometimes he has to take a life, but if he can’t save a life, then he doesn’t know why he’s here. The bottom line is that we need Bourne to be in another great story, and the cliffhanger ending ensures there is much more fun still to come.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
The book opens with Callie Faith, a congresswoman, meeting up with Johanna, an assassin who goes by Storm. Callie informs Storm of the target they are seeking and warns her that Treadstone, led by Shadow, will get in the way of retrieving the treasured item known simply as the Files.
Bourne is thrown into the fray in violent fashion while on a mission in London to nab a Saudi banker. He gets close but is unable to gather his target as he watches another assassin blow up the banker’s limo with several people in it, including local call girls who were along for the ride. Bourne has experienced failure before and is able to quickly pivot to the next place he needs to be in order to find the Files.
What the Files contain I will leave for the reader to discover. The fact that so many powerful and deadly people and organizations want it so badly speaks to its value. Bourne has run-ins with a number of individuals here, and one of them is Storm, who has feelings for him physically and suggests they team up. She tries to persuade him to screw Treadstone and help her bring them down. Bourne only works alone, so he declines, although he does enjoy spending time with her.
The journey brings Bourne to Estonia, where a large and deadly assassin named Cody resides. Tati, a Russian climate scientist, is on Cody’s hit list, and Bourne has promised that he will protect her. The eventual faceoff between Bourne and Cody is worth the price of admission. Cody will only refer to Bourne as Cain, for that is the reputation he holds in that part of the world.
Bourne likes playing protector at this point in his career, which brings him back to Los Angeles where his ex-lover, Abby Laurent, lives with her tech-wizard husband, Garrett Parker. Garrett ends up being the one who needs the most protection as Vix, an assassin from China, is hunting him down for his role in the death of her parents. Readers will need to have a piece of paper on hand to keep all the different characters and connections straight. Freeman does a brilliant job of blending them into his dynamic, fast-paced plot.
Tati is kidnapped by Cody, who promises a clean exchange with Bourne if he can provide a computer with the Files on it. There is a great showdown at the Hollywood Bowl in an attempt to make a trade for the laptop with the person currently holding it. Bourne, Shadow, Storm and Vix are there in various locations as each has his or her own ulterior motive for wanting the Files. Bourne tries to tie up loose ends and keep to his word as he meets with Cody to make a deal for Tati’s life. But things do not go smoothly, and we are treated to another classic fight to the death.
I love how much Bourne has matured as a character and an amnesiac. He has a moral code and sense of honor that now rules everything he does. He states that sometimes he has to take a life, but if he can’t save a life, then he doesn’t know why he’s here. The bottom line is that we need Bourne to be in another great story, and the cliffhanger ending ensures there is much more fun still to come.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
August 31, 2025
#Binge Reviewing my previous Reads #Spy Thriller
Brian Freeman’s The Bourne Vendetta (2025) was my rainy-weekend companion, and honestly, the storm outside felt like the perfect soundtrack. If Shadow was Bourne against himself, Vendetta is Bourne against inevitability—a story where revenge, betrayal, and justice spiral into a knot only he dares to untangle.
Freeman frames this novel around one of the most primal drives in storytelling: vengeance. But it’s never straightforward in Bourne’s world. Here, vendetta isn’t just personal—it’s political, generational, and viral.
Enemies cloak themselves in causes, allies wear masks of loyalty, and Bourne once again finds himself in a landscape where trust is a currency no one can afford. The rainy mood of the weekend matched the novel’s atmosphere: a sense of dread and inevitability, where even victory feels soaked in loss.
The novel’s architecture balances two layers. On the surface: a thriller packed with betrayals, bomb plots, and Freeman’s signature precision in fight choreography. But beneath: an emotional excavation. Bourne isn’t just surviving the next assassination attempt—he’s asking why he still fights, who he still fights for, and what vengeance really buys a man who has already lost too much.
Freeman pushes Bourne deeper into moral ambiguity. In Vendetta, enemies aren’t faceless institutions but intimate adversaries, some tied to the fragments of Bourne’s past. The vendetta is as much his as it is theirs, and that’s what makes the stakes sting—he’s not just hunted, he’s implicated.
Stylistically, Freeman keeps the prose lean and relentless, but allows space for introspection. In quiet moments between gunfire and rain-soaked pursuits, Bourne reads almost elegiac—haunted but unbroken. The climax doesn’t come as a neat “mission accomplished” but as a grim recognition: in a world built on vendettas, peace is the real casualty.
The Bourne Vendetta left me feeling the same way that rainy weekend did—heavy skies, relentless tension, brief flashes of clarity, and the quiet knowledge that storms don’t end; they just move on. Bourne, scarred but defiant, moves with them.
Brian Freeman’s The Bourne Vendetta (2025) was my rainy-weekend companion, and honestly, the storm outside felt like the perfect soundtrack. If Shadow was Bourne against himself, Vendetta is Bourne against inevitability—a story where revenge, betrayal, and justice spiral into a knot only he dares to untangle.
Freeman frames this novel around one of the most primal drives in storytelling: vengeance. But it’s never straightforward in Bourne’s world. Here, vendetta isn’t just personal—it’s political, generational, and viral.
Enemies cloak themselves in causes, allies wear masks of loyalty, and Bourne once again finds himself in a landscape where trust is a currency no one can afford. The rainy mood of the weekend matched the novel’s atmosphere: a sense of dread and inevitability, where even victory feels soaked in loss.
The novel’s architecture balances two layers. On the surface: a thriller packed with betrayals, bomb plots, and Freeman’s signature precision in fight choreography. But beneath: an emotional excavation. Bourne isn’t just surviving the next assassination attempt—he’s asking why he still fights, who he still fights for, and what vengeance really buys a man who has already lost too much.
Freeman pushes Bourne deeper into moral ambiguity. In Vendetta, enemies aren’t faceless institutions but intimate adversaries, some tied to the fragments of Bourne’s past. The vendetta is as much his as it is theirs, and that’s what makes the stakes sting—he’s not just hunted, he’s implicated.
Stylistically, Freeman keeps the prose lean and relentless, but allows space for introspection. In quiet moments between gunfire and rain-soaked pursuits, Bourne reads almost elegiac—haunted but unbroken. The climax doesn’t come as a neat “mission accomplished” but as a grim recognition: in a world built on vendettas, peace is the real casualty.
The Bourne Vendetta left me feeling the same way that rainy weekend did—heavy skies, relentless tension, brief flashes of clarity, and the quiet knowledge that storms don’t end; they just move on. Bourne, scarred but defiant, moves with them.
November 12, 2024
Jason Bourne is tasked by Treadstone to find a mysterious computer program called The Files. The Files are an AI system that has collected all sorts of data from important people around the world. It knows their secrets, and whoever has the files can use that to their advantage. As Jason begin to track down The Files, it leads him to his former lover Abbey Laurent who is married to someone who may know more than he is letting on about The Files. While Jason deals with this problem, he is also trying to balance pleasing his Treadstone boss, Shadow, and save an acquaintance from an Estonian Gangster. All of this leads to a deep winding race that Jason must win.
Excellent novel from Mr. Freeman. The story is well written and all the plot lines seem to intertwine beautifully. Mr. Freeman manages to throw a few curveballs in there to keep the readers on their toes. The book is action pack and moves quickly. That makes it a fun easy read. There are a few scenes that get a little graphic, so be warned. I really enjoyed how Mr. Freeman balanced the women in Jason’s life. He was torn by his duty/loyalty to four different women, and it was an added point of excitement in the novel as you kept guessing what he would ultimately do. I also like how Mr. Freeman’s Jason Bourne isn’t infallible. He screws up, makes mistakes, and sometimes needs help. This brings a bit of reality into this charged thriller.
I highly recommend this book. If you are a fan of Mr. Freeman, you know what you are getting and you won’t be disappointed. If you have never read him before, pick up this book and get ready for a wild ride. Thank you to NetGalley, Brian Freeman, Penguin Putnam Books, and GP Putnam’s Sons for a free advance copy for an honest review.
Excellent novel from Mr. Freeman. The story is well written and all the plot lines seem to intertwine beautifully. Mr. Freeman manages to throw a few curveballs in there to keep the readers on their toes. The book is action pack and moves quickly. That makes it a fun easy read. There are a few scenes that get a little graphic, so be warned. I really enjoyed how Mr. Freeman balanced the women in Jason’s life. He was torn by his duty/loyalty to four different women, and it was an added point of excitement in the novel as you kept guessing what he would ultimately do. I also like how Mr. Freeman’s Jason Bourne isn’t infallible. He screws up, makes mistakes, and sometimes needs help. This brings a bit of reality into this charged thriller.
I highly recommend this book. If you are a fan of Mr. Freeman, you know what you are getting and you won’t be disappointed. If you have never read him before, pick up this book and get ready for a wild ride. Thank you to NetGalley, Brian Freeman, Penguin Putnam Books, and GP Putnam’s Sons for a free advance copy for an honest review.
October 7, 2024
Thank you to Penguin Group, Brian Freeman and Net Galley for allowing me to read this book.
Its been a few years since I have read a Bourne Book, but boy I need to go back and refresh the list and catch up. I love these books and this one did not disappoint.
Jason Bourne is still working for Treadstone. Shadow and Storm are also still doing their thing. This new edition is updated to include the usual characters, Russia, China, AI and nefarious things people are up to!
Jason and Storm are tasked with finding an AI generated file, both working for different entities and everyone wants this file, including a US congress person, the Russians, China and everyone else! They are initially working against each other, then they team up, then go separate again so you have to keep up with the action! Jasons past comes into play. This book definitely keeps you are your toes. The locations go from Estonia, eastern Europe and the US. There are many story lines going at the same time and it keeps you guessing on who is the bad guy and who is not, most everyone is bad at some point in this story! Adding the AI generated aspect of this story, certainly updates the series with the times and is a fascinating aspect of this book! I love spy books and this one is a spy book for 2024 for sure! It is an amazing look at what AI could do in the future and perhaps already is!
I certainly recommend this book for any Bourne fans for sure, spy thriller fans and just thriller fans in general. It is a fast-paced updated look at intelligence in the 21 century.
Its been a few years since I have read a Bourne Book, but boy I need to go back and refresh the list and catch up. I love these books and this one did not disappoint.
Jason Bourne is still working for Treadstone. Shadow and Storm are also still doing their thing. This new edition is updated to include the usual characters, Russia, China, AI and nefarious things people are up to!
Jason and Storm are tasked with finding an AI generated file, both working for different entities and everyone wants this file, including a US congress person, the Russians, China and everyone else! They are initially working against each other, then they team up, then go separate again so you have to keep up with the action! Jasons past comes into play. This book definitely keeps you are your toes. The locations go from Estonia, eastern Europe and the US. There are many story lines going at the same time and it keeps you guessing on who is the bad guy and who is not, most everyone is bad at some point in this story! Adding the AI generated aspect of this story, certainly updates the series with the times and is a fascinating aspect of this book! I love spy books and this one is a spy book for 2024 for sure! It is an amazing look at what AI could do in the future and perhaps already is!
I certainly recommend this book for any Bourne fans for sure, spy thriller fans and just thriller fans in general. It is a fast-paced updated look at intelligence in the 21 century.
February 1, 2025
This is my summary free and spoiler free review of the Bourne Vendetta by Brian Freeman based on Robert Ludlum's characters. I have read all the Bourne Books by Ludlum, Eric Lustbader and now Brian Freeman. While I gave 5 stars to Shadow, I give 4 and 1/2 stars to The Bourne Vendetta.
First Freeman has rebooted Bourne into a younger version, not the would be senior citizen of the Ludlum books, closer but not quite the same character as the Matt Damon movies. I believe that decision is what makes this sub series so good.
The villians in this book well written and the "MacGuffin" they are chasing is especially timely and interesting. The action is well written and well paced and enjoyable to read. The missing 1/2 star is that the book has some sluggish parts in the middle, but they are worth pushing through to get to the end.
If you have read all the Bourne books like me, you should read Vendetta as well.
If you read the Ludlum books but got tired of the Lustbader books, give this series a try. Start with the Bourne Evolution if you can, but If not do read Shadow first and this book builds of some of those characters.
If you like the Bourne movies but never read the books, go ahead this is 388 pages of more fun. read Shadow first then this, I think you will enjoy it.
If you do not like the Spy / action genre well stay away and there is no false advertising of which genre this is. I do hate books that pretend to be a different genre.
I await the next Freeman's 7th Bourne book!
First Freeman has rebooted Bourne into a younger version, not the would be senior citizen of the Ludlum books, closer but not quite the same character as the Matt Damon movies. I believe that decision is what makes this sub series so good.
The villians in this book well written and the "MacGuffin" they are chasing is especially timely and interesting. The action is well written and well paced and enjoyable to read. The missing 1/2 star is that the book has some sluggish parts in the middle, but they are worth pushing through to get to the end.
If you have read all the Bourne books like me, you should read Vendetta as well.
If you read the Ludlum books but got tired of the Lustbader books, give this series a try. Start with the Bourne Evolution if you can, but If not do read Shadow first and this book builds of some of those characters.
If you like the Bourne movies but never read the books, go ahead this is 388 pages of more fun. read Shadow first then this, I think you will enjoy it.
If you do not like the Spy / action genre well stay away and there is no false advertising of which genre this is. I do hate books that pretend to be a different genre.
I await the next Freeman's 7th Bourne book!
May 24, 2025
The book was somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. It has a good plot, but it starts off a little slow. The action does pick up later in the book, so it is a quick read. I rounded down to 3 stars because there were just too many implausible feats and miraculous saves. I also thought too characters made illogical decisions. But what I liked least about the book was that there was too much romantic drama. Who loves him, which of the three beautiful women does he love, etc. All that female drama is unnecessary for a book in this genre.
Cody was a savage character and some of his scenes were quite violent. Even though they are sometimes hard to read, they are expected in this genre. Those scenes were well done and had me cringing.
Abbey is as annoying as ever. I hope she just fades away and has no role in future books. She blames everything on Jason and Treadstone even when things are not their doing. She gets angry with Jason when he saves her life. Go figure. And I'm especially tired of the whole "she loves him, doesn't love him, does love him" scenario. I like Storm (Johanna) better as a character although she has her own issues.
****Potential Spoiler Below****
I thought the author put too twists into the story especially related to the laptop, the congresswoman, and Vix. Also didn't understand why Shadow wanted Storm to come back to Treadstone then threatened Jason to stay away from Storm.
The ending sets up the next book. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, though. I will definitely read the next book when it comes in 2026.
Cody was a savage character and some of his scenes were quite violent. Even though they are sometimes hard to read, they are expected in this genre. Those scenes were well done and had me cringing.
Abbey is as annoying as ever. I hope she just fades away and has no role in future books. She blames everything on Jason and Treadstone even when things are not their doing. She gets angry with Jason when he saves her life. Go figure. And I'm especially tired of the whole "she loves him, doesn't love him, does love him" scenario. I like Storm (Johanna) better as a character although she has her own issues.
****Potential Spoiler Below****
I thought the author put too twists into the story especially related to the laptop, the congresswoman, and Vix. Also didn't understand why Shadow wanted Storm to come back to Treadstone then threatened Jason to stay away from Storm.
The ending sets up the next book. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, though. I will definitely read the next book when it comes in 2026.
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