Find new thrills with the best Jason Bourne books

Many are aware of the antics of former CIA assassin Jason Bourne thanks to Matt Damon’s starring role in the Universal-produced films. However, the character also has a long literary history.

Interestingly, the Jason Bourne series is one of the few that endures despite the original author’s passing. This article digs into the best books featuring the memorable black ops agent.

The authors of Jason Bourne

The Bourne books have three authors—Robert Ludlum, Eric Van Lustbader, and Brian Freedman.

Each brings his own take to the tale, though most of the books aren’t part of the film series. However, the Treadstone TV show uses some of the later books as inspiration.

Robert Ludlum

Robert Ludlum is the creator of the Jason Bourne character and author of the original trilogy of books. It’s these books that became box office smashes at the cinema.

Ludlum built his reputation writing bestselling spy thrillers throughout the 1970s. But his Bourne books, the last of which had a release date of 2002 and a year after his passing, brought him global acclaim.

Eric Van Lustbader

Another bestselling author, Lustbader began his career in 1975 with The Sunset Warrior. Since then, he’s written 35 bestsellers.

After Robert Ludlum’s passing, his estate asked Lustbader to continue the Bourne series. He did so by writing The Bourne Legacy in 2004 and went on to write an additional 12 books in the series.

Brian Freedman

Freedman took up the Bourne mantle after Lustbader stopped writing the books.

An established thriller writer in his own right, his first-time effort starring the CIA agent Jason Bourne, The Bourne Evolution, received Kirkus’s Best Mysteries and Thrillers award in 2020.

A review of the best Jason Bourne books

Those who’ve read the original Bourne trilogy may think Bourne’s storyline ends there.

That’s not the case, as there are 17 books featuring the man the CIA can’t seem to let go. Here are the best five of those 17, which take Bourne all over the world from New York City to Greece.

The Bourne Identity

Published in 1980, The Bourne Identity introduces the titular character as he’s dragged out of the sea. Suffering from several gunshot wounds, Bourne carries a few pieces of evidence that suggest who he may be.

But ultimately, he doesn’t know. He also has no idea why a group of assassins is trying to kill him.

The first book in the series was later adapted into a Hollywood movie. Alongside Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, it starred Franka Potente as Marie and Julia Stiles as Nicky Parsons.

The Bourne Supremacy

With terror sweeping the globe, Jason Bourne must fight to reign supreme. A new assassin has started using his name, even going so far as to kill the Vice Premier of China.

In a tale that takes in Washington, Hong Kong, and China, Jason Bourne continues his battle against the CIA. Only this time, he’s fighting for more than survival.

As with the first book, The Bourne Supremacy became a successful film. Directed by Paul Greengrass and produced by Frank Marshall, it has a run time of one hour and 48 minutes.

The Bourne Ultimatum

The conclusion of Ludlum’s original trilogy starts with his CIA operative enjoying retirement. That doesn’t last long, though, as Bourne must fight again. Only this time, he must protect his family from an old foe named “The Jackal.”

As he fights against this new threat, a cabal of men and women aim to gain global dominance. As with the first two books in the original trilogy, The Bourne Ultimatum became a film.

The Bourne Legacy

As the first book by Eric Van Lustbader, The Bourne Legacy had to live up to high expectations. Set several years after the original trilogy, the book catches up to Bourne as he enjoys work as an Eastern Studies professor.

Unfortunately, that peace can’t last. Bourne soon finds himself the target of another assassin. And again, he must use all his skills to stay alive.

The Bourne Evolution

Brian Freeman enters the writing fold with The Bourne Evolution.

Things keep going from bad to worse for Bourne. His lover is assassinated, and he believes that Treadstone is behind the killing. Bourne goes rogue, choosing to take on an anarchist group that may hold the answer to his lover’s death.

The Bourne Evolution delivers classic Bourne action. The “evolution” aspect of the title is apt, too, as Freeman delivers his own take on the franchise.

Listen to Jason Bourne audiobooks with Speechify

The Bourne franchise endures, even though it’s now on its third author. It’s clear the character of Jason Bourne strikes a chord with mystery and thriller lovers, which is why Speechify Audiobooks wants to make listening to the books as easy as possible.

If you sign up for Speechify Audiobooks today, you can access over 60,000 titles. Those include several of the later Bourne books, such as The Bourne Deception, The Bourne Initiative, and The Bourne Legacy. You may even enjoy other political thrillers from authors like Lee Child in books such as FaceOff and MatchUp.

Best of all, you get your first Speechify audiobook for free. Sign up today to take advantage of this amazing offer.

FAQ

What is the correct order of the Jason Bourne movies?

Universal Pictures Jason Bourne adaptations are all action-thrillers. The correct order to watch the Bourne franchise is as follows:

1. The Bourne Identity
2. The Bourne Supremacy
3. The Bourne Ultimatum
4. The Bourne Legacy
   • This film centers on Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross instead of Matt Damon as Jason Bourne
5. Jason Bourne

What does Jason Bourne suffer from?

Jason Bourne has psychogenic amnesia.

Is Jason Bourne based on a real person?

The idea behind Bourne’s memory loss is based on a real person named Ansel Bourne.

What is the significance of the number 47?

The number 47 has no significance in the Bourne films or books. However, Jason Bourne is similar in skill set to a video game character named Agent 47.

What does the title of the first movie in the Bourne series refer to?

The Bourne Identity’s title refers to how Bourne searches for answers to who he is throughout the Bourne trilogy and later books.

Who is the main antagonist in the Bourne series?

Robert Dewey is the main antagonist in the books and film series. Tommy Lee Jones plays the role of Dewey in the action movies based on the books.

Who does the last Jason Bourne film star?

In addition to Matt Damon, Jason Bourne stars Alicia Vikander as Heather Lee and Vincent Cassel as “The Asset.” Its standout scene is a car chase in Las Vegas.