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Jason Bourne #22
Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Revenge
The identity of a deadly Chinese spy lies hidden in Jason Bourne’s lost memory in this latest entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Shadow – the head of Treadstone – has found evidence of massive Chinese espionage activity in the U.S. The spy running the operations is a shadowy American known only by the codename Bai Ze. No one knows who he is, but when Shadow consults the Files – the hacked AI database she stole from the Chinese – she discovers that Jason Bourne encountered Bai Ze during an operation eight years earlier.
The trouble is, Bourne doesn’t remember him.
As Bourne hunts for the elusive spy, he meets a reporter named Laney Reese who shares his strange eight years ago, Laney lost her entire memory, too. For Bourne, that can’t be a coincidence. He’s convinced that whatever happened to both of them is at the heart of the Chinese espionage operation.
With Laney at his side, Bourne follows a zigzagging trail of clues to a quirky billionaire and his ex-wife, both of whom may have ties to Bai Ze. As he gets closer to his shadowy adversary, Bourne begins to suspect that he’s walking into a trap. But it’s a trap with an almost irresistible bait – the chance to recover his forgotten memories.
Now Bourne must decide how far he’ll go to get his life back.
Shadow – the head of Treadstone – has found evidence of massive Chinese espionage activity in the U.S. The spy running the operations is a shadowy American known only by the codename Bai Ze. No one knows who he is, but when Shadow consults the Files – the hacked AI database she stole from the Chinese – she discovers that Jason Bourne encountered Bai Ze during an operation eight years earlier.
The trouble is, Bourne doesn’t remember him.
As Bourne hunts for the elusive spy, he meets a reporter named Laney Reese who shares his strange eight years ago, Laney lost her entire memory, too. For Bourne, that can’t be a coincidence. He’s convinced that whatever happened to both of them is at the heart of the Chinese espionage operation.
With Laney at his side, Bourne follows a zigzagging trail of clues to a quirky billionaire and his ex-wife, both of whom may have ties to Bai Ze. As he gets closer to his shadowy adversary, Bourne begins to suspect that he’s walking into a trap. But it’s a trap with an almost irresistible bait – the chance to recover his forgotten memories.
Now Bourne must decide how far he’ll go to get his life back.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2026
189 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Brian Freeman
63 books3,123 followersBrian Freeman is a New York Times bestselling author of psychological thrillers, including the Jonathan Stride series and multiple popular stand-alones. His books have been sold in 46 countries and 24 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 he has since published eight bestselling Bourne novels.
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 37 reviews
November 6, 2025
I am a long time fan of Jason Bourne and The Bourne Revenge by Brian Freeman is the latest installment in the series about him. Even though some details from the original has changed it is still a really good adventure. I am normally not a fan of authors picking up a character after the original author has passed but most times they do a great job. This is one of those. Bourne has once again trouble with his memory but that doesn't stop him and the deception he faces are many and hard to figure out when it comes to what is true and what isn't. Freeman is a solid storyteller and I wish I could find the time to read more of his work. I will however recommend this one and I thank Penguin Random House , G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for letting me read this thrilling adventure that hits the shelves on January 20th.
February 7, 2026
With his latest novel in the continuing Jason Bourne saga, THE BOURNE REVENGE, author Brian Freeman allows readers to slip easily back into the narrative he has now carried over eight novels since he took over the original creation of the late Robert Ludlum.
To say that Freeman takes this series to new heights would be quite an understatement. Quite frankly, he has now made it his own and this latest novel provides readers and long-time Ludlum fans with everything they could possibly want from a Jason Bourne novel. In Freeman’s hands the Bourne saga has no beginning or end, it merely moves from novel to novel leaving things open-ended and unfinished as readers eagerly wait to dive into the next adventure.
For Jason Bourne, a man who was once known as David Webb and to others the agent called Cain, we begin at an event eight years in the past. His trouble dealing with memory have been clearly outlined in prior novels and bouts of amnesia continue to haunt him. In the present day, Bourne continues to meet with his Agency therapist Mo in an effort to open up his sealed off memories. The situation eight year earlier is only the most recent situation that was troubling him and the fallout from that event was about to return in unpredictable ways.
Eight years earlier, David Webb was relaxing at a fancy Miami resort where he was approached by a bikini-clad beauty named Martine. While speaking with her, Webb noticed an Asian man who looked like an assassin he once knew as Fang. Martine is suddenly called away and taken by a group of unknown Asians to a location where she will be murdered. Webb follows this trail to a location in Wisconsin in which he has no recollection of traveling to, nor does he remember what he did or saw.
In the present day, Bourne’s overseer and occasional lover, Shadow, has made him privy to something known as the Files --- something that a Chinese operative named Bai Ze wants at any cost. It is now Bourne’s task to uncover the identity of Bai Ze and obtain the location of the Files before the Chinese spies do. Bourne, as memory addled as he may be, knows full well to not trust anyone including Shadow, and to go on his instincts that have kept him alive so far. Bourne heads back to Door County, Wisconsin, where the answers to what he witnessed eight years earlier will be found.
The CIA, led by a nemesis of Bourne’s named Holly Schultz, may be working at cross purposes with his current mission in an unknown way he needs to become aware of. While staying at the same motel he visited eight years earlier, he is approached by a local journalist named Laney Reese who, coincidently, shares the same affliction as Bourne surrounding the events there eight years earlier. She only remembers being in a car accident she has no memory of while the rest of her life prior was erased. He immediately finds kinship with Laney and shares what he can about the mission he is on while also seeking to keep her protected.
All roads lead to one of the richest men in the world, Alvin Bakk, who resides in a mansion that looks like a castle off the water that overlooks Green Bay. Bourne eventually gets an audience with Bakk who shares with Bourne that they are on the same team. Bakk indicates that the Chinese operative known as Bai Ze has infiltrated his companies and is seeking to use industrial espionage to help China thwart the work Bakk is doing --- which I will not reveal hear because it is wild and special. One thing Bakk shares with Bourne is his involvement with DARPA, who have long been involved in memory experiments and might be behind the lost events of eight years earlier that Bourne is seeking to remember.
There is much more to tell, but I do not wish to spoil anything with this deftly plotted Bourne novel from Brian Freeman. THE BOURNE REVENGE adds yet another layer on to the complex character Jason Bourne and once again leaves the door wide open for him to take on his next challenge. The mantra that Bourne lives by explains it all: ‘To be alive was to be betrayed.’ This is one of the best Bourne novels I have ever read and kept me guessing at every dynamic turn.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
To say that Freeman takes this series to new heights would be quite an understatement. Quite frankly, he has now made it his own and this latest novel provides readers and long-time Ludlum fans with everything they could possibly want from a Jason Bourne novel. In Freeman’s hands the Bourne saga has no beginning or end, it merely moves from novel to novel leaving things open-ended and unfinished as readers eagerly wait to dive into the next adventure.
For Jason Bourne, a man who was once known as David Webb and to others the agent called Cain, we begin at an event eight years in the past. His trouble dealing with memory have been clearly outlined in prior novels and bouts of amnesia continue to haunt him. In the present day, Bourne continues to meet with his Agency therapist Mo in an effort to open up his sealed off memories. The situation eight year earlier is only the most recent situation that was troubling him and the fallout from that event was about to return in unpredictable ways.
Eight years earlier, David Webb was relaxing at a fancy Miami resort where he was approached by a bikini-clad beauty named Martine. While speaking with her, Webb noticed an Asian man who looked like an assassin he once knew as Fang. Martine is suddenly called away and taken by a group of unknown Asians to a location where she will be murdered. Webb follows this trail to a location in Wisconsin in which he has no recollection of traveling to, nor does he remember what he did or saw.
In the present day, Bourne’s overseer and occasional lover, Shadow, has made him privy to something known as the Files --- something that a Chinese operative named Bai Ze wants at any cost. It is now Bourne’s task to uncover the identity of Bai Ze and obtain the location of the Files before the Chinese spies do. Bourne, as memory addled as he may be, knows full well to not trust anyone including Shadow, and to go on his instincts that have kept him alive so far. Bourne heads back to Door County, Wisconsin, where the answers to what he witnessed eight years earlier will be found.
The CIA, led by a nemesis of Bourne’s named Holly Schultz, may be working at cross purposes with his current mission in an unknown way he needs to become aware of. While staying at the same motel he visited eight years earlier, he is approached by a local journalist named Laney Reese who, coincidently, shares the same affliction as Bourne surrounding the events there eight years earlier. She only remembers being in a car accident she has no memory of while the rest of her life prior was erased. He immediately finds kinship with Laney and shares what he can about the mission he is on while also seeking to keep her protected.
All roads lead to one of the richest men in the world, Alvin Bakk, who resides in a mansion that looks like a castle off the water that overlooks Green Bay. Bourne eventually gets an audience with Bakk who shares with Bourne that they are on the same team. Bakk indicates that the Chinese operative known as Bai Ze has infiltrated his companies and is seeking to use industrial espionage to help China thwart the work Bakk is doing --- which I will not reveal hear because it is wild and special. One thing Bakk shares with Bourne is his involvement with DARPA, who have long been involved in memory experiments and might be behind the lost events of eight years earlier that Bourne is seeking to remember.
There is much more to tell, but I do not wish to spoil anything with this deftly plotted Bourne novel from Brian Freeman. THE BOURNE REVENGE adds yet another layer on to the complex character Jason Bourne and once again leaves the door wide open for him to take on his next challenge. The mantra that Bourne lives by explains it all: ‘To be alive was to be betrayed.’ This is one of the best Bourne novels I have ever read and kept me guessing at every dynamic turn.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
January 26, 2026
What a great book to watch the snow fly outside! Amnesia, AI, Chinese, “Trust No One”, Shadow, memories gone, our hero-Jason Bourne in a tight spot, action, thriller, page turner and then “how does it all fit”! Awesome read. Enjoy
October 20, 2025
Fabulous next edition in the Jason Bourne saga.
Jason is still trying to find his past when Shadow, the Treadstone director, who he never trusts completely, seeks his help in finding and outing the head of a Chinese espionage ring with possible ties to the US govt.
The ring is tied in with Jason's past and as he looks for clues to the ringleader's identity, he cones face to face with someone who has ties to his own past and most recent loss of memory.
Non stop suspense, intrigue and riveting mystery.
Another excellent installment in the Bourne story and possibly, one step closer to the key.
Great read.
Jason is still trying to find his past when Shadow, the Treadstone director, who he never trusts completely, seeks his help in finding and outing the head of a Chinese espionage ring with possible ties to the US govt.
The ring is tied in with Jason's past and as he looks for clues to the ringleader's identity, he cones face to face with someone who has ties to his own past and most recent loss of memory.
Non stop suspense, intrigue and riveting mystery.
Another excellent installment in the Bourne story and possibly, one step closer to the key.
Great read.
January 21, 2026
The identity of a deadly Chinese spy lies hidden in Jason Bourne’s lost memory in this latest entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Shadow – the head of Treadstone – has found evidence of massive Chinese espionage activity in the U.S. The spy running the operations is a shadowy American known only by the codename Bai Ze. No one knows who he is, but when Shadow consults the Files – the hacked AI database she stole from the Chinese – she discovers that Jason Bourne encountered Bai Ze during an operation eight years earlier.
The trouble is, Bourne doesn’t remember him.
As Bourne hunts for the elusive spy, he meets a reporter named Laney Reese who shares his strange affliction: eight years ago, Laney lost her entire memory, too. For Bourne, that can’t be a coincidence. He’s convinced that whatever happened to both of them is at the heart of the Chinese espionage operation.
With Laney at his side, Bourne follows a zigzagging trail of clues to a quirky billionaire and his ex-wife, both of whom may have ties to Bai Ze. As he gets closer to his shadowy adversary, Bourne begins to suspect that he’s walking into a trap. But it’s a trap with an almost irresistible bait – the chance to recover his forgotten memories.
Now Bourne must decide how far he’ll go to get his life back.
A taut, fast‑moving thriller packed with intrigue and tension. Bourne is sent to track down the elusive spy Bai Ze, a mission complicated by a mysterious encounter eight years earlier—one he can’t remember. In a world where allies turn out to be enemies and trust is a dangerous luxury, Bourne follows a twisting trail of clues all the way to a brutal, explosive finale, capped by a revelation that hits with real force.
The story is sharply written, populated by a vivid cast, with Shadow—Bourne’s superior and occasional lover—stealing more than a few scenes. Freeman delivers a tightly crafted narrative that never drags, maintaining a smooth, engaging pace from start to finish.
Thanks to Net Galley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC of this great read.
Shadow – the head of Treadstone – has found evidence of massive Chinese espionage activity in the U.S. The spy running the operations is a shadowy American known only by the codename Bai Ze. No one knows who he is, but when Shadow consults the Files – the hacked AI database she stole from the Chinese – she discovers that Jason Bourne encountered Bai Ze during an operation eight years earlier.
The trouble is, Bourne doesn’t remember him.
As Bourne hunts for the elusive spy, he meets a reporter named Laney Reese who shares his strange affliction: eight years ago, Laney lost her entire memory, too. For Bourne, that can’t be a coincidence. He’s convinced that whatever happened to both of them is at the heart of the Chinese espionage operation.
With Laney at his side, Bourne follows a zigzagging trail of clues to a quirky billionaire and his ex-wife, both of whom may have ties to Bai Ze. As he gets closer to his shadowy adversary, Bourne begins to suspect that he’s walking into a trap. But it’s a trap with an almost irresistible bait – the chance to recover his forgotten memories.
Now Bourne must decide how far he’ll go to get his life back.
A taut, fast‑moving thriller packed with intrigue and tension. Bourne is sent to track down the elusive spy Bai Ze, a mission complicated by a mysterious encounter eight years earlier—one he can’t remember. In a world where allies turn out to be enemies and trust is a dangerous luxury, Bourne follows a twisting trail of clues all the way to a brutal, explosive finale, capped by a revelation that hits with real force.
The story is sharply written, populated by a vivid cast, with Shadow—Bourne’s superior and occasional lover—stealing more than a few scenes. Freeman delivers a tightly crafted narrative that never drags, maintaining a smooth, engaging pace from start to finish.
Thanks to Net Galley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC of this great read.
December 5, 2025
A good addition to the Bourne series with a lot of deception and action. The mystery of the book, who is Bai Ze and can Jason stop him? The cast of characters is really good, the plot is fast paced, and the ending will have you saying WTF!! Looking forward to the next installment of the Bourne saga. The book might have 5 stars, but the author kept telling the reader about Jason's memory loss and it seemed like almost every other chapter he brought it up. I got it the 1st time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC. Book release on Jan. 20, 2026 and I totally recommend reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC. Book release on Jan. 20, 2026 and I totally recommend reading it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I recently had the opportunity to read an ARC of The Bourne Revenge, Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Revenge, written by Brian Freeman, is published by Penguin Publishing Group (including imprints like G.P. Putnam's Sons in the US and Penguin Random House Canada) and Bloomsbury Publishing (Head of Zeus imprint in the UK/Australia) for different markets, with a general release around January 2026. I had received the ARC copy of the novel from the fine folks at NetGalley.com, and for that, I am grateful.
I had been fortunate enough to have been able to read the previous two entries in the Bourne Universe (The Bourne Vendetta and The Bourne Escape), which had been released earlier this year (January 2025), written by Brian Freeman. Imagine my surprise when I open my email and the publisher has reached out and asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing the latest entry, The Bourne Revenge, in the Bourne-Universe. This book is scheduled to be released on 22 January 2026.
"Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Revenge," the 22nd book in the Jason Bourne series written by Brian Freeman, continues the fast-paced, action-packed narrative fans expect.
_______________________
I had been introduced in the latter half of the 1980s when I saw the cover for Robert Ludlum’s “The Bourne Identity”, which was a spy thriller, originally written in 1980, that centered on an amnesiac man who must uncover his true identity while evading a global conspiracy and the world's most dangerous assassin, Carlos the Jackal.
In the original Robert Ludlum books, Jason Bourne's real name is David Webb, a career Foreign Service Officer and a specialist in Far Eastern affairs. The "Jason Bourne" identity was an alias created as a cover for a covert operation.
His past as David Webb includes a personal tragedy: his wife and children were killed in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. This led him to join an elite Special Forces unit known as "Medusa," where he was called "Delta One".
Years later, a black ops CIA program called Treadstone Seventy-One created the "Jason Bourne" identity as a fictional assassin named "Cain" to draw out the terrorist known as Carlos the Jackal. David Webb was chosen to embody this alias for the mission. The first novel begins when Webb, operating as Bourne, is found with amnesia, unaware of his true identity and mission.
Bourne is a series of spy novels originally written by American author Robert Ludlum, featuring the fictional spy Jason Bourne. Ludlum wrote the first three novels: The Bourne Identity (1980), The Bourne Supremacy (1986), and The Bourne Ultimatum (1990).
Regretfully, I had thought that the Bourne series was finished with the death of Robert Ludlum (and I had missed a large chunk of the series, only picking it back up recently in 2025)
After Ludlum's death on 12 March 2001, the series was continued by author Eric Van Lustbader, who wrote several additional novels expanding the character’s story. Van Lustbader departed the series in 2019 while working on a planned novel titled The Bourne Nemesis, which was ultimately abandoned.
Following Van Lustbader’s departure, the Robert Ludlum literary estate selected author Brian Freeman to continue the series. Brian Freeman’s venture into the Bourne-verse began with The Bourne Evolution in 2020, and has continued through his latest, the eighth novel, “The Bourne Revenge”.
_______________________
In Brian Freeman's eighth novel, Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Revenge, Jason Bourne's quest for vengeance after the murder of his lover, Johanna, entwines with a high-stakes search for a powerful Chinese spy as the plot forces Bourne to confront secrets buried in his own fragmented past.
Synopsis
The story begins as Jason Bourne is on a boat with his lover, Johanna, seemingly at peace, when an explosion rips through their location, killing Johanna. Overwhelmed by grief and a familiar darkness of memory loss, Bourne vows revenge and is drawn back into the world of espionage.
Concurrently, Shadow, the current head of Treadstone (the agency that trained/created Bourne), has discovered evidence of a massive Chinese espionage ring operating in the United States, led by a mysterious American spy code-named Bai Ze. The spy running the operations is a shadowy American known only by the codename Bai Ze.
No one knows who he is, but when Shadow consults the Files - a Chinese AI software engine that collects trillions of data points on just about everything and will convey unlimited power to its possessor – that had been stolen from the Chinese (strangely, there is only one irreplaceable copy—what, no backups?) in a previous edition in Freeman’s version of the Bourne-verse (and now the Chinese will do anything to get it back, and Bai Ze intends to get it) – and discovers that Jason Bourne encountered Bai Ze during an operation eight years earlier. We learn that Bai Ze is an agent for the Chinese espionage group Volt Typhoon, which spies in the U.S.
The trouble is, Bourne doesn't remember him.
Shadow dispatches Bourne to hunt down Bai Ze and retrieve or destroy the Files. As Bourne follows the trail, he meets Laney Reese, a journalist who, coincidentally, also lost her memories in the same town eight years ago. Convinced their shared amnesia is at the heart of the conspiracy, Bourne and Laney team up to uncover the truth.
Soon, Bourne is back in the Midwest (as the bulk of the story occurs in Fish Creek, WI), trailing his quarry and trying to stay alive as he puzzles out the mystery of his amnesia. Aiding him in his search is Wisconsin journalist Laney Reese, who’s guarding a game-changing secret of her own.
Their investigation leads them to a reclusive billionaire and his ex-wife, both potential links to Bai Ze. As Bourne gets closer to his target, he realizes he is walking into a trap with the promise of recovering his lost memories as bait. The narrative escalates into a high-stakes chase where Bourne must utilize his skills to expose the web of lies and murder, all while deciding who to trust in a world where everyone has a hidden agenda, including his own handler, Shadow.
On my self-determined five-star scale, I would rate Brian Freeman’s latest offering, The Bourne Revenge, worthy of the vaunted five star rating.
The Bourne Revenge by Brian Freeman (part of the Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne series) is best enjoyed by readers who are fans of action-packed espionage thrillers, spy fiction, and psychological suspense, as ultimately, the book explores the themes of memory, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to for the truth and revenge.
Specifically, this novel appeals to:
Fans of Robert Ludlum's original Bourne novels: The book is written in a style that aims to match the authenticity and tone of Ludlum's work, building on the established lore and characters.
Readers who enjoy non-stop action and high stakes: The narrative is known for its relentless pacing, vivid action sequences (car chases, shootouts), and intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Espionage enthusiasts: The story immerses readers in a world of international intrigue, covert operations, CIA plots, double agents, and political conspiracies.
Those interested in psychological thrillers: A core theme in the Bourne series is the protagonist's struggle with identity, memory loss, and betrayal, adding a personal and psychological depth to the action.
Newcomers to the series: While it is part of a larger series, the book is written to stand alone, providing enough character details and backstory for new readers to jump right in without feeling lost.
Fans of similar authors: Readers who enjoy the works of Vince Flynn (Mitch Rapp series), Brad Thor (Scot Harvath series), Mark Greaney (The Gray Man), and Daniel Silva (Gabriel Allon series) will quickly appreciate the fast-paced, high-stakes style of Brian Freeman's Bourne books.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents’ worth.
I had been fortunate enough to have been able to read the previous two entries in the Bourne Universe (The Bourne Vendetta and The Bourne Escape), which had been released earlier this year (January 2025), written by Brian Freeman. Imagine my surprise when I open my email and the publisher has reached out and asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing the latest entry, The Bourne Revenge, in the Bourne-Universe. This book is scheduled to be released on 22 January 2026.
"Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Revenge," the 22nd book in the Jason Bourne series written by Brian Freeman, continues the fast-paced, action-packed narrative fans expect.
_______________________
I had been introduced in the latter half of the 1980s when I saw the cover for Robert Ludlum’s “The Bourne Identity”, which was a spy thriller, originally written in 1980, that centered on an amnesiac man who must uncover his true identity while evading a global conspiracy and the world's most dangerous assassin, Carlos the Jackal.
In the original Robert Ludlum books, Jason Bourne's real name is David Webb, a career Foreign Service Officer and a specialist in Far Eastern affairs. The "Jason Bourne" identity was an alias created as a cover for a covert operation.
His past as David Webb includes a personal tragedy: his wife and children were killed in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. This led him to join an elite Special Forces unit known as "Medusa," where he was called "Delta One".
Years later, a black ops CIA program called Treadstone Seventy-One created the "Jason Bourne" identity as a fictional assassin named "Cain" to draw out the terrorist known as Carlos the Jackal. David Webb was chosen to embody this alias for the mission. The first novel begins when Webb, operating as Bourne, is found with amnesia, unaware of his true identity and mission.
Bourne is a series of spy novels originally written by American author Robert Ludlum, featuring the fictional spy Jason Bourne. Ludlum wrote the first three novels: The Bourne Identity (1980), The Bourne Supremacy (1986), and The Bourne Ultimatum (1990).
Regretfully, I had thought that the Bourne series was finished with the death of Robert Ludlum (and I had missed a large chunk of the series, only picking it back up recently in 2025)
After Ludlum's death on 12 March 2001, the series was continued by author Eric Van Lustbader, who wrote several additional novels expanding the character’s story. Van Lustbader departed the series in 2019 while working on a planned novel titled The Bourne Nemesis, which was ultimately abandoned.
Following Van Lustbader’s departure, the Robert Ludlum literary estate selected author Brian Freeman to continue the series. Brian Freeman’s venture into the Bourne-verse began with The Bourne Evolution in 2020, and has continued through his latest, the eighth novel, “The Bourne Revenge”.
_______________________
In Brian Freeman's eighth novel, Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Revenge, Jason Bourne's quest for vengeance after the murder of his lover, Johanna, entwines with a high-stakes search for a powerful Chinese spy as the plot forces Bourne to confront secrets buried in his own fragmented past.
Synopsis
The story begins as Jason Bourne is on a boat with his lover, Johanna, seemingly at peace, when an explosion rips through their location, killing Johanna. Overwhelmed by grief and a familiar darkness of memory loss, Bourne vows revenge and is drawn back into the world of espionage.
Concurrently, Shadow, the current head of Treadstone (the agency that trained/created Bourne), has discovered evidence of a massive Chinese espionage ring operating in the United States, led by a mysterious American spy code-named Bai Ze. The spy running the operations is a shadowy American known only by the codename Bai Ze.
No one knows who he is, but when Shadow consults the Files - a Chinese AI software engine that collects trillions of data points on just about everything and will convey unlimited power to its possessor – that had been stolen from the Chinese (strangely, there is only one irreplaceable copy—what, no backups?) in a previous edition in Freeman’s version of the Bourne-verse (and now the Chinese will do anything to get it back, and Bai Ze intends to get it) – and discovers that Jason Bourne encountered Bai Ze during an operation eight years earlier. We learn that Bai Ze is an agent for the Chinese espionage group Volt Typhoon, which spies in the U.S.
The trouble is, Bourne doesn't remember him.
Shadow dispatches Bourne to hunt down Bai Ze and retrieve or destroy the Files. As Bourne follows the trail, he meets Laney Reese, a journalist who, coincidentally, also lost her memories in the same town eight years ago. Convinced their shared amnesia is at the heart of the conspiracy, Bourne and Laney team up to uncover the truth.
Soon, Bourne is back in the Midwest (as the bulk of the story occurs in Fish Creek, WI), trailing his quarry and trying to stay alive as he puzzles out the mystery of his amnesia. Aiding him in his search is Wisconsin journalist Laney Reese, who’s guarding a game-changing secret of her own.
Their investigation leads them to a reclusive billionaire and his ex-wife, both potential links to Bai Ze. As Bourne gets closer to his target, he realizes he is walking into a trap with the promise of recovering his lost memories as bait. The narrative escalates into a high-stakes chase where Bourne must utilize his skills to expose the web of lies and murder, all while deciding who to trust in a world where everyone has a hidden agenda, including his own handler, Shadow.
On my self-determined five-star scale, I would rate Brian Freeman’s latest offering, The Bourne Revenge, worthy of the vaunted five star rating.
The Bourne Revenge by Brian Freeman (part of the Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne series) is best enjoyed by readers who are fans of action-packed espionage thrillers, spy fiction, and psychological suspense, as ultimately, the book explores the themes of memory, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to for the truth and revenge.
Specifically, this novel appeals to:
Fans of Robert Ludlum's original Bourne novels: The book is written in a style that aims to match the authenticity and tone of Ludlum's work, building on the established lore and characters.
Readers who enjoy non-stop action and high stakes: The narrative is known for its relentless pacing, vivid action sequences (car chases, shootouts), and intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Espionage enthusiasts: The story immerses readers in a world of international intrigue, covert operations, CIA plots, double agents, and political conspiracies.
Those interested in psychological thrillers: A core theme in the Bourne series is the protagonist's struggle with identity, memory loss, and betrayal, adding a personal and psychological depth to the action.
Newcomers to the series: While it is part of a larger series, the book is written to stand alone, providing enough character details and backstory for new readers to jump right in without feeling lost.
Fans of similar authors: Readers who enjoy the works of Vince Flynn (Mitch Rapp series), Brad Thor (Scot Harvath series), Mark Greaney (The Gray Man), and Daniel Silva (Gabriel Allon series) will quickly appreciate the fast-paced, high-stakes style of Brian Freeman's Bourne books.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents’ worth.
November 7, 2025
The Bourne Revenge is an interesting and intriguing story which keeps the reader guessing as to who the “good “ guys and the “bad” guys are. As with all the novels in this series, there is a lot of killing, secrets and clandestine operations going on. This one is unique in that the hero with a plethora of names and identities finds another individual who has had memory completely wiped out. The book is fast paced and action filled and is recommended for anyone who enjoys this genre. I thank NetGalley and Putnam Books for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its publication.
February 9, 2026
With his latest entry in the Jason Bourne saga, Brian Freeman allows readers to easily slip back into the narrative that he has now carried for eight novels since he took over the original creation from the late Robert Ludlum.
To say that Freeman has taken this series to new heights would be a huge understatement. Quite frankly, he has made it his own, and THE BOURNE REVENGE provides us with everything we possibly could want from a Bourne novel. In Freeman’s hands, the saga has no beginning or end. It merely moves from book to book as we eagerly wait to dive into the next adventure.
Bourne’s memory issues have been clearly outlined in prior installments, and bouts of amnesia still haunt him. He continues to meet with his therapist, Mo Panov, in an effort to open up his sealed-off memories.
Eight years ago, Bourne was relaxing at a fancy Miami resort where he was approached by a bikini-clad beauty. While speaking with her, he noticed an Asian man who looked like an assassin he once knew as Fang. The young lady was suddenly called away and taken by a group of unknown Asians to a location where she was murdered. Bourne followed this trail to Wisconsin but has no recollection of traveling there, nor does he remember what he did or saw.
In the present day, Bourne’s overseer and occasional lover, Shadow, has made him privy to the Files, a hacked AI database that she stole from the Chinese. Bai Ze, a mysterious American spy who runs Chinese espionage operations in the US, wants it back at any cost. It is Bourne's job to uncover Bai Ze's true identity and prevent him from seizing control of the Files. As memory-addled as he may be, Bourne knows full well not to trust anyone, including Shadow, and to go on his instincts that have kept him alive so far.
While searching for the elusive spy, Bourne is approached by journalist Laney Reese, who, coincidentally, has the same affliction as he does. She only remembers being in a car accident eight years ago, while her life preceding it has been erased. He immediately finds kinship with Laney and shares what he can about his mission while also seeking to protect her.
All roads lead to one of the richest men in the world, Alvin Bakk, who tells Bourne that they are on the same team. He indicates that Bai Ze has infiltrated his companies and is seeking to use industrial espionage to help China thwart the work he is doing --- which I will not reveal here because it is wild and special. Bakk shares with Bourne his association with DARPA, which has long been involved in memory experiments and might be behind the lost events that Bourne is seeking to remember.
There is much more to tell, but I don’t want to spoil anything. THE BOURNE REVENGE adds yet another layer to the complex character of Jason Bourne and once again leaves the door wide open for him to take on his next challenge. This is one of the best Bourne novels I have ever read as it kept me guessing at every dynamic turn.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
To say that Freeman has taken this series to new heights would be a huge understatement. Quite frankly, he has made it his own, and THE BOURNE REVENGE provides us with everything we possibly could want from a Bourne novel. In Freeman’s hands, the saga has no beginning or end. It merely moves from book to book as we eagerly wait to dive into the next adventure.
Bourne’s memory issues have been clearly outlined in prior installments, and bouts of amnesia still haunt him. He continues to meet with his therapist, Mo Panov, in an effort to open up his sealed-off memories.
Eight years ago, Bourne was relaxing at a fancy Miami resort where he was approached by a bikini-clad beauty. While speaking with her, he noticed an Asian man who looked like an assassin he once knew as Fang. The young lady was suddenly called away and taken by a group of unknown Asians to a location where she was murdered. Bourne followed this trail to Wisconsin but has no recollection of traveling there, nor does he remember what he did or saw.
In the present day, Bourne’s overseer and occasional lover, Shadow, has made him privy to the Files, a hacked AI database that she stole from the Chinese. Bai Ze, a mysterious American spy who runs Chinese espionage operations in the US, wants it back at any cost. It is Bourne's job to uncover Bai Ze's true identity and prevent him from seizing control of the Files. As memory-addled as he may be, Bourne knows full well not to trust anyone, including Shadow, and to go on his instincts that have kept him alive so far.
While searching for the elusive spy, Bourne is approached by journalist Laney Reese, who, coincidentally, has the same affliction as he does. She only remembers being in a car accident eight years ago, while her life preceding it has been erased. He immediately finds kinship with Laney and shares what he can about his mission while also seeking to protect her.
All roads lead to one of the richest men in the world, Alvin Bakk, who tells Bourne that they are on the same team. He indicates that Bai Ze has infiltrated his companies and is seeking to use industrial espionage to help China thwart the work he is doing --- which I will not reveal here because it is wild and special. Bakk shares with Bourne his association with DARPA, which has long been involved in memory experiments and might be behind the lost events that Bourne is seeking to remember.
There is much more to tell, but I don’t want to spoil anything. THE BOURNE REVENGE adds yet another layer to the complex character of Jason Bourne and once again leaves the door wide open for him to take on his next challenge. This is one of the best Bourne novels I have ever read as it kept me guessing at every dynamic turn.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
November 19, 2025
This was a gripping, fast-paced story in the Jason Bourne series.
Plot summary: David Webb is at a Miami hotel when he spots a Chinese assasin. He follows him, but then time blurs and he wakes up in the hotel in Miami with no recollection of the past few days.
Eight years later, an AI program discovers that David, now Jason Bourne, was in Wisconsin. He heads over to try to reconstruct what happened there and ends up in the middle of a spy ring. Who wants him dead? What happened eight years ago? And can he get his memory back?
This was easy to follow, but you never know what's going to happen next. Who's on Bourne's side? Who's against him? As his company motto goes, Trust no one.
I was a huge Ludlum fan back in the day, but I haven't read any other books in this series that he didn't write. So I know to keep my expectations in check going in. I enjoyed reading this and wanted to know what happens next, but it wasn't quite the same Ludlum experience. I didn't find the spy stuff super compelling. Bourne is meant to be this top spy, but he seemed to evade capture and killing more by luck than smarts. Most of the things he found out should have been discovered by the enemy first. The ending was excellent, though, and I did not figure out who the head spy was.
I didn't love some objectification of women, with unclothed or nearly unclothed women throwing themselves at him.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam Books, and Brian Freeman for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.
Plot summary: David Webb is at a Miami hotel when he spots a Chinese assasin. He follows him, but then time blurs and he wakes up in the hotel in Miami with no recollection of the past few days.
Eight years later, an AI program discovers that David, now Jason Bourne, was in Wisconsin. He heads over to try to reconstruct what happened there and ends up in the middle of a spy ring. Who wants him dead? What happened eight years ago? And can he get his memory back?
This was easy to follow, but you never know what's going to happen next. Who's on Bourne's side? Who's against him? As his company motto goes, Trust no one.
I was a huge Ludlum fan back in the day, but I haven't read any other books in this series that he didn't write. So I know to keep my expectations in check going in. I enjoyed reading this and wanted to know what happens next, but it wasn't quite the same Ludlum experience. I didn't find the spy stuff super compelling. Bourne is meant to be this top spy, but he seemed to evade capture and killing more by luck than smarts. Most of the things he found out should have been discovered by the enemy first. The ending was excellent, though, and I did not figure out who the head spy was.
I didn't love some objectification of women, with unclothed or nearly unclothed women throwing themselves at him.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam Books, and Brian Freeman for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This latest installment in the Jason Bourne series opens with a flashback to eight years ago. After a grueling mission, Jason is on a company mandated vacation at a Florida resort. While there, he spots a wanted Chinese agent and follows him all the way to Door County, Wisconsin. But after the pursuit, Bourne suddenly wakes up back in his Florida hotel room, his memory of the past few days completely erased.
Fast-forward eight years, Shadow, the enigmatic head of the secret spy agency, orders Bourne to track down the same Chinese operative. The hunt takes him back to Door County, where Jason struggles to piece together the missing fragments of his past while closing in on his target.
Brian Freeman delivers another fast-paced, twist-filled Bourne thriller that’s nearly impossible to put down. The plot is sharp, the suspense relentless, and the surprises keep coming. This novel dives deep into Bourne’s memory loss, making it a central element of the story. Freeman uses this theme brilliantly, weaving it into the action and intrigue.
The dynamic between Bourne and Shadow, his boss and lover, adds an extra layer of complexity and tension, enriching the narrative. Freeman has done an exceptional job revitalizing the Jason Bourne franchise, and The Bourne Revenge is no exception. Thank you to NetGalley, Brian Freeman, and GP Putnam and Sons for a free advance readers copy for an honest review.
Fast-forward eight years, Shadow, the enigmatic head of the secret spy agency, orders Bourne to track down the same Chinese operative. The hunt takes him back to Door County, where Jason struggles to piece together the missing fragments of his past while closing in on his target.
Brian Freeman delivers another fast-paced, twist-filled Bourne thriller that’s nearly impossible to put down. The plot is sharp, the suspense relentless, and the surprises keep coming. This novel dives deep into Bourne’s memory loss, making it a central element of the story. Freeman uses this theme brilliantly, weaving it into the action and intrigue.
The dynamic between Bourne and Shadow, his boss and lover, adds an extra layer of complexity and tension, enriching the narrative. Freeman has done an exceptional job revitalizing the Jason Bourne franchise, and The Bourne Revenge is no exception. Thank you to NetGalley, Brian Freeman, and GP Putnam and Sons for a free advance readers copy for an honest review.
November 4, 2025
4* My 2nd read by this author featuring Jason Bourne, giving me more of an insight into the character and his personal mission.
This is a fast-paced read picking up where the previous left off, but, I think, some 6 months later. There's still the major 2-way 'I don't trust you' with Shadow/Marlen and JB, totally understandably given their past and his memory removal.
The identity of the Bae-Wotzisname character, when it was mentioned that he was American and had a huge knowledge database at his fingertips, and was using Chinese memory-removal practices, pretty much became apparent. It took JB a long while to figure it out, and sadly, it was a huge betrayal.
The other betrayer I hadn't at all seen coming. But, the storyline felt believable. I was glad that both got what they deserved.
There's a touch of sadness that JB-Marlen is over, but they really can't be anything else with the distrust and handler-agent relationship. Plus her Shadow-side's ruthlessness and power quest.
The billionaire billionaire tech guy? A barely disguised Muskrat. Down to the last detail, other than the guy's physical fitness compared to the dough-boy Muskrat. Brave of the author, and probably freakily close to the truth. World, beware of egomaniac, megalomaniac, entitled white saddos.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Head of Zeus/Bloomsbury for my reading pleasure.
This is a fast-paced read picking up where the previous left off, but, I think, some 6 months later. There's still the major 2-way 'I don't trust you' with Shadow/Marlen and JB, totally understandably given their past and his memory removal.
The identity of the Bae-Wotzisname character, when it was mentioned that he was American and had a huge knowledge database at his fingertips, and was using Chinese memory-removal practices, pretty much became apparent. It took JB a long while to figure it out, and sadly, it was a huge betrayal.
The other betrayer I hadn't at all seen coming. But, the storyline felt believable. I was glad that both got what they deserved.
There's a touch of sadness that JB-Marlen is over, but they really can't be anything else with the distrust and handler-agent relationship. Plus her Shadow-side's ruthlessness and power quest.
The billionaire billionaire tech guy? A barely disguised Muskrat. Down to the last detail, other than the guy's physical fitness compared to the dough-boy Muskrat. Brave of the author, and probably freakily close to the truth. World, beware of egomaniac, megalomaniac, entitled white saddos.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Head of Zeus/Bloomsbury for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this as a NetGalley ARC and this review is my honest opinion of the book based on my reading it.
Brian Freeman knows the machinery of spy fiction and he moves Bourne through smart set pieces and knotty conspiracies. The book opens with loss and a search for answers and Freeman uses Bourne memory gaps to layer mystery and motive. Action sequences are vivid and kinetic and there are scenes that return to the adrenaline that made the character famous.
At times the plotting feels overstuffed with modern tech and competing agencies and certain revelations strain credulity. The pacing can wobble in the middle where explanation overtakes momentum. Still Freeman excels at voice and atmosphere and he writes credible emotional stakes when Bourne confronts grief and identity. Supporting characters are useful though some are sketchy and needed more room to breathe.
This entry will satisfy many series fans while not fully converting skeptics. It updates Bourne for a contemporary arena with intelligence trade craft social surveillance and an international cast of adversaries. I am giving it 3.5 stars for strong set pieces memorable moments and an earnest attempt to deepen a beloved figure overall even if the plotting occasionally trips itself up.
Brian Freeman knows the machinery of spy fiction and he moves Bourne through smart set pieces and knotty conspiracies. The book opens with loss and a search for answers and Freeman uses Bourne memory gaps to layer mystery and motive. Action sequences are vivid and kinetic and there are scenes that return to the adrenaline that made the character famous.
At times the plotting feels overstuffed with modern tech and competing agencies and certain revelations strain credulity. The pacing can wobble in the middle where explanation overtakes momentum. Still Freeman excels at voice and atmosphere and he writes credible emotional stakes when Bourne confronts grief and identity. Supporting characters are useful though some are sketchy and needed more room to breathe.
This entry will satisfy many series fans while not fully converting skeptics. It updates Bourne for a contemporary arena with intelligence trade craft social surveillance and an international cast of adversaries. I am giving it 3.5 stars for strong set pieces memorable moments and an earnest attempt to deepen a beloved figure overall even if the plotting occasionally trips itself up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The latest book in the Jason Bourne franchise created by Robert Ludlum. This is the 22nd book in the Jason Bourne series and the 8th by Brian Freeman. 8 years earlier Bourne, aka David Webb, went through an event of which he has absolutely no memory. A black ops CIA program called Treadstone Seventy-One ‘created’ and trained Jason Bourne. This book picks up where the previous book ended.
Briefly, Bourne is recovering after his last operation in Switzerland and the death of his lover, Johanna. He is undergoing more therapy with the Treadstone specialist Mo Panov and has recovered some memory. When Shadow, the current head of Treadstone, asks him to look into Chinese spying activities in the US it also allows him the chance to find out what happened all those years before.
In the usual high octane adventure Bourne works his way through quite a few bodies, male and female, some dead and some very much alive, until he is faced with an enormous dilemma. It offers him recovery of his memory but a sell out to his country. A fast paced and thrilling read dealing with timely issues around Chinese intelligence and the use of AI. An excellent thriller.
Briefly, Bourne is recovering after his last operation in Switzerland and the death of his lover, Johanna. He is undergoing more therapy with the Treadstone specialist Mo Panov and has recovered some memory. When Shadow, the current head of Treadstone, asks him to look into Chinese spying activities in the US it also allows him the chance to find out what happened all those years before.
In the usual high octane adventure Bourne works his way through quite a few bodies, male and female, some dead and some very much alive, until he is faced with an enormous dilemma. It offers him recovery of his memory but a sell out to his country. A fast paced and thrilling read dealing with timely issues around Chinese intelligence and the use of AI. An excellent thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
You'll have to forgive me as a reader. I read the Bourne trilogy decades ago, and then later watched the movies, so my memory is stronger about the latter. So, I was confused about this book initially given Bourne is still with Treadstone. His former employer and later enemy. But I will note, there have been a ton of books since the initial trilogy came out, that probably explains this all.
What I will say is although this book is not written by Robert Ludlum, author Brian Freeman did an excellent job of delivering a story that matched the intensity of the popular franchise.
Bourne is as sharp as a tack, despite losing his memory. Again!!
Ruthless
On guard
Calculating
But does he put his trust in others too quickly? Maybe. Because in Jason Bourne's world, or whatever name he is going by at the time, the key is to trust no one.
As I mentioned, Bourne has lost his memory again, and this book centers on the man responsible for that, known as Bai Ze. Traveling from Florida to Wisconsin, Bourne returns to the place where it was eight years prior, with no memory of what he did while there. He quickly aligns with several locals who may be the key to getting answers.
From beginning to end, this book is filled with action, new alliances, backstabbing, near misses and yes, lots of kills. Mostly at Bourne's hands. If you are a fan of the trilogy, this will be right up your alley. Make sure to check it out!
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
What I will say is although this book is not written by Robert Ludlum, author Brian Freeman did an excellent job of delivering a story that matched the intensity of the popular franchise.
Bourne is as sharp as a tack, despite losing his memory. Again!!
Ruthless
On guard
Calculating
But does he put his trust in others too quickly? Maybe. Because in Jason Bourne's world, or whatever name he is going by at the time, the key is to trust no one.
As I mentioned, Bourne has lost his memory again, and this book centers on the man responsible for that, known as Bai Ze. Traveling from Florida to Wisconsin, Bourne returns to the place where it was eight years prior, with no memory of what he did while there. He quickly aligns with several locals who may be the key to getting answers.
From beginning to end, this book is filled with action, new alliances, backstabbing, near misses and yes, lots of kills. Mostly at Bourne's hands. If you are a fan of the trilogy, this will be right up your alley. Make sure to check it out!
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
January 23, 2026
Book #22 in the Jason Bourne series first published in 1980, written by Robert Ludlum. This is the 8th title written by Brian Freeman. Freeman is a prolific author with several successful series to his credit, as well as a library shelf full of stand-alone titles. I have read many of his books, his excellent writing skills have earned him a place of honor on my TBR.
The Bourne Revenge starts as Treadstone head, Shadow, contacts Jason Bourne with an assignment to locate a Chinese spy he had tracked eight years ago and bring him to justice. But Bourne's tattered memory fails him as he cannot remember the prior operation. When he contacts a reporter that worked with him, she cannot remember the sequence of events, either. The over-arcing plot line of Bourne's efforts to reclaim his memories adds an element of desperation to the story. The well plotted interactions of Bourne's team with Treadstone and the international community keep this action/thriller series fresh and a guilty pleasure to read. As long as they keep finding quality material to challenge Bourne's skills, I'll keep reading.....and sharing the series.
The Bourne Revenge starts as Treadstone head, Shadow, contacts Jason Bourne with an assignment to locate a Chinese spy he had tracked eight years ago and bring him to justice. But Bourne's tattered memory fails him as he cannot remember the prior operation. When he contacts a reporter that worked with him, she cannot remember the sequence of events, either. The over-arcing plot line of Bourne's efforts to reclaim his memories adds an element of desperation to the story. The well plotted interactions of Bourne's team with Treadstone and the international community keep this action/thriller series fresh and a guilty pleasure to read. As long as they keep finding quality material to challenge Bourne's skills, I'll keep reading.....and sharing the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Revenge continues the original authors series featuring Jason Bourne, super-spy extraordinaire who works for the government agency known as Treadstone. Brian Freeman, who has penned a good number of novels in this series, continues to offer page turning excitement.
In this entry, the plot includes the AI database know as The Files and the lengths others go to in order to get their hands on them. What fuels the plot though is one of the strengths of Freeman’s Bourne books, as the reader can never be assured who is on what side. This fact kept this reader engaged, and as always, looking forward to the next installment.
Brian Freeman accomplishes the dual task of making Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Revenge accessible to fans of the series, as well as those who pick up this novel as a stand alone. All of these factors make Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Revenge is an excellent espionage action thriller.
In this entry, the plot includes the AI database know as The Files and the lengths others go to in order to get their hands on them. What fuels the plot though is one of the strengths of Freeman’s Bourne books, as the reader can never be assured who is on what side. This fact kept this reader engaged, and as always, looking forward to the next installment.
Brian Freeman accomplishes the dual task of making Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Revenge accessible to fans of the series, as well as those who pick up this novel as a stand alone. All of these factors make Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Revenge is an excellent espionage action thriller.
January 27, 2026
Shadow (head of Treadstone) has "the Files" (a chinese AI database which can gather info on any subject). In this case, "the Files" tell her that Bourne crossed paths with an Am Chinese spy code name Bai Ze eight years ago. Too bad Jason remembers none of it. He was on "vacation" in Miami at the time, but he decides to retrace his steps which leads him to missing days spent in Wisconsin.
His missing memories may also be linked to this time in Wisconsin instead of the shooting later on in the Mediterranean. Seems he may have crossed paths with Bai Ze and know who he is. He also meets a local reporter Laney suffering the same memory issues. As Bourne follows the clues, he gets closer to Bai Ze as did this reader about half way through the storyline.
Wish there were more Bourne movies!
His missing memories may also be linked to this time in Wisconsin instead of the shooting later on in the Mediterranean. Seems he may have crossed paths with Bai Ze and know who he is. He also meets a local reporter Laney suffering the same memory issues. As Bourne follows the clues, he gets closer to Bai Ze as did this reader about half way through the storyline.
Wish there were more Bourne movies!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first Jason Bourne book that I've read but I was pretty sure I'd enjoy it since I liked the movies. I must say, I was not disappointed. I only wish I had started reading the books sooner.
This story is filled with action, betrayal, twists, and a great cast of characters. The main storyline could be ripped right from the headlines - Chinese espionage. We are taken along the journey with Jason Bourne as he follows the clues to an event that happened eight years ago and his loss of three days from his memory.
My attention was grabbed from the beginning and I was kept guessing as to who was behind what was happening. I can't wait to see what is in store next for Jason Bourne.
This story is filled with action, betrayal, twists, and a great cast of characters. The main storyline could be ripped right from the headlines - Chinese espionage. We are taken along the journey with Jason Bourne as he follows the clues to an event that happened eight years ago and his loss of three days from his memory.
My attention was grabbed from the beginning and I was kept guessing as to who was behind what was happening. I can't wait to see what is in store next for Jason Bourne.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
More memory problems for Jason Bourne. Following on from the previous book (which you should read first) Bourne is not in a great place having recently lost people. On top of this a memory from a few years ago seems to have been erased or manipulated. He investigates, seeking a mysterious half remembered figure, but if you can’t trust your own memory, it’s not going to be easy.
I preferred the previous novel, but the author has turned Bourne into someone who is lucky rather than lethal. I’m not sure I like this watered down Bourne.
I preferred the previous novel, but the author has turned Bourne into someone who is lucky rather than lethal. I’m not sure I like this watered down Bourne.
October 30, 2025
Another phenomenal Bourne saga! Part of the ongoing series, this dramatic novel can be read as a standalone. Facing some of his biggest challenges yet of knowing who to trust and who will betray him, Bourne deftly moves through crisis after crisis as well as woman after woman. This story leaves a great ending open to continue the fun.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC.
November 17, 2025
And he's back! While the previous installment disappointed somewhat, this latest epic lived up to its billing. Jason/David continues to chase his memories but now his adversaries are using his search for their own gains, manipulating him from very direction. This was a great story of back and forth, who to believe and who to trust. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.
December 4, 2025
The latest installment in the Jason Bourne series is a rollercoaster of a ride. It is action packed from start to finish and full of twists as Bourne seeks the truth about his past. I never figured out the ending and I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent addition to the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
February 1, 2026
This is actually my first Jason Bourne book and I like the action-packed scenes a lot. The ending is a little surprising (a pleasant surprise).
The only thing I would complain about is how much the character - Alvin Bakk resembles Elon Musk, and I find this very lazy instead of creating a character that is unique and impressive....
The only thing I would complain about is how much the character - Alvin Bakk resembles Elon Musk, and I find this very lazy instead of creating a character that is unique and impressive....
January 22, 2026
ROBERT LUDLUM'S THE BOURNE REVENGE - Only Robert Ludlum can write Bourne's book. Although I give Mr. Freeman credit for writing a decent story. Interesting story lines. Good characters. Source: Netgalley and Penguin Random House. 3
January 29, 2026
Quick fantastic read! Always enjoy the Jason Bourne thrillers.
February 1, 2026
An intriguing assassin book that keeps you guessing what the ending will be!
February 3, 2026
loved it
February 5, 2026
Will there be another?
February 5, 2026
One of hls best!
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