Customer Reviews

The Matarese Circle

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is, to my mind, Robert Ludlum's best book ever. He has written some great work, most of it now about twenty years old. It still reads fresh, though. Ludlum has written some really fine books. They are, before anything else, incredibly compelling stories. Ludlum has never had to rely on the details of how to create an atomic bomb, or what the sights of a submachine gun are made of in order to create a great story. That is what sets his work apart from so many contemporary writers.

The story starts 100 years ago, with the creation of a dynasty called the Matarese which is led by one incredibly insightful and equally evil man. It brings us to the a family chillingly close to the Kennedys, just a step from the White House. The protagonists are America's and the Soviet's top spies, who, hate each other and (of course) must work together to save their respective nation's interests.

This is a great book to take on vactaion, when the reader has hours to devote. Don't start this unless you have time, and nothing pressing that must be done.

This book is the quintessential spy thriller. The plot seems outlandish at first, two spies who hate each other teaming up to destroy an evil organization hell-bent on taking over the world. Yet, Ludlum gives very reasonable explanations for every hole in the story. For instance, the American spy Scofield and the Russian spy Talaniekov would kill one another at first sight. However, Talaniekov receives word that he must find Scofield to take down this international organization of assassins. He can't simply walk up to Scofield and explain the situation without being killed so he sets up a situation where Scofield's only move will be to realize that Talaniekov and he must talk to each other civilly. The cat and mouse game that ensues between the two is, in my opinion, the best part of the book; each one trying to outmaneuver the other. One other blunder that most authors make and that I expected Ludlum to make was in the development of the two spies' character. Most authors will simply tell the reader that the character was "the most respected man in international espionage," the only evidence being that other spies will say that the person was the best. Ludlum really proves to the reader why Scofield and Talaniekov are the best, not with overwhelming physical capabilities(which they both possess) but with superior intelligence. The subtle moves they make that gives them an advantage over their enemies are very impressive.

I especially enjoyed the relationship between the two once they've allied together. It's not the amicable one that most authors would probably lean towards. It's tentative, but professional and respectful at the same time. We never see the two joking with one another. The result of that is the ability to communicate large amounts of information to each other in very few words. The addition of Antonia later on adds another dynamic to their relationship and raises the stakes of their mission.

Also, a lot of reviewers have commented about the superiority of this book to The Bourne Identity and have questioned the reasons why it hasn't been made into a movie and The Bourne Identity has. I think the reason is simply that this book wouldn't come off as well to a movie audience. The details in The Matarese Circle(especially concerning the Matarese itself), which are often inconsequential in other books, are so important that it would take a 3+ hour movie to do justice to the book. Even then, there would still be many scenes that would bore the movie audience.

This book isn't filled with the "so-called" unexpected twists and turns that perforate the plots of most books. It's just a solid novel saturated with colorful characters, interesting relationships and an above average plot. If you're looking for a thoughtful and engrossing page-turner, this one will not let you down.

This book is a masterpiece of suspense, intrigue, excitement, intricate detail, spectacular action, and explosive scenes that make Jason Bourne look like a feeble character in comparison. By far the most spectacular Ludlum book in my opinion, the Matarese Circle starts with the two most incredible and delightfully violent scenes that I have ever read and, from that point on it simply does not stop. You will be pounded with intense scenes from the beginning to the end. WARNING: It is not for the faint of heart or the politically correct. This book has so many shocks and twists that by the end I felt like I had gone twenty rounds with Tyson in his prime.

It starts with two events that shock the American and Russian governments so deeply they are thrown into an uneasy balance with each other. Not to mention the book takes place at the height of the Cold War making their relationship even more delicate. Enter Scofield a.k.a Beowulf Agate and Talenikov a.k.a. The Serpent, the two best and most highly respected deep cover spies for their respective governments. After Talenikov is warned by an old spycraft teacher about a mysterious organization called the Matarese that threatens the stability of governments the world over, he must seek out Beowulf Agate. Only he and Beowulf can stop this overwhelmingly powerful organization that has infiltrated the highest levels of government. Only one problem: the two renowned spies are bitter enemies that bear a hatred towards each other deeper than the ocean.

Wonderfully written and artfully detailed, I only wish that Mr. Ludlum was alive to continue writing such awesome books. If you're a Ludlum fan or just looking for a book that gives delight throughout, read The Matarese Circle. It will not disappoint.

If you love Ludlum's over-the-top novels (and I do), The Matarese Circle has to be up there with the best. Not all of Ludlum's books are a good match of plot and style -- the repeated "Oh my God!" declamations of one character after another can get silly when the goings-on aren't as riveting as they could be (the two Bourne sequels suffer from this problem, I think.) But Circle delivers on all fronts. Part One is a masterpiece all by itself -- the intricate cat-and-mouse game between Talienkov and Scofield plays out thrillingly. And these are two of Ludlum's most believably drawn characters; we feel empathy for both, and root for them to join forces from the get-go. Antonia Gravet, the inevitable gorgeous heroine/love interest who surfaces in Part Two, brings a well-crafted and believable backstory to the plot. One final bonus: some of Ludlum's zestiest minor characters appear in this book, adding to the fun in nearly every chapter.

As a diehard Robert Ludlum fan, it was never hard for me to get engrossed in just about all of his novels. But there are a couple of his books that are not only classic for him, but for the genre: The Bourne Identity and The Matarese Circle.

This tale of a CIA agent and KGB agent, sworn enemies, who collaborate to bring down a cabal of international killers is riveting from beginning to end. The tension and thrills jump off of the page and into your consciousness.

Just as Bourne has been brought successfully to the big screen, this book should be adapted for a major motion picture. If needed, details could be changed to contemporize it, but it's too good not to film.

Many novels have been written in the espionage genre using the cold war as a backdrop, but Robert Ludlum's "The Matarese Circle" is one of the best. It features two elite hit men - a Russian and an American, both regarded as the very best that their countries have produced. The Russian KGB agent Vasili Talaniekov and the American CIA agent Brandon Scofield have no love for each other because of deep grudges. But when their own countries put out execution orders for both their own men, the two arch-rivals and enemies are forced go on the run and to band together. In a remarkable alliance, they slowly uncover a global conspiracy with tentacles in Moscow and Washington. They expose the roots of this conspiracy in Corsica, where they discover the terrible secret of the Matarese: a Council of chosen ones who have power in the highest levels of government around the world, and who are unfolding their plan of world domination - starting at the very highest level in the USA. But the Matarese are faceless men, and although their dogged research imperils the lives of all they talk to, and they are constantly challenged by the hidden army of people with the secret blue Matarese circle tattooed on their chest, eventually Talaniekov and Scofield uncover the real threat and objective of the Matarese, as the identity of the Shepherd Boy who leads the Matarese is finally revealed. But how to expose this terrible truth? - for that Valienkov and Schofield have to take desperate measures, resulting in a thrilling final conclusion.

Readers should expect the features that are typical of the espionage genre - there is a significant amount of blasphemy (although not much other foul language), the odd unchaste behaviour (although this is more incidental and very infrequent), and frequent deaths (although this is not described in gory detail, but more as showing the extent to which defenders of global conspiracy will go to protect their cause). Aside from this, we are treated to typical cold war espionage fare - secret phone calls between Washington and Moscow, false identities, clandestine contacts, double agents and spies, defectors, surveillance, and hitmen and men on the run. It's not always entirely believable, but who cares, it's terrifically entertaining! The twists and turns in this novel are never-ending, the excitement breath taking, and you'll find it incredibly difficult to put this book down once you've started. Ludlum is a master of suspense and intrigue. Unlike writers like Tom Clancy, it doesn't feature the techno-jargon and detailed research about fancy weapons that give more depth but bog down the plot. Don't read this book for depth of characters, espionage realism or profound literary insights, but if you want a book with an exciting and entertaining plot laden with heart-stopping tension, this is it. Many claim "The Matarese Circle" to be one of Robert Ludlum's best. But maybe it would be more accurate to say that it's one of the genre's best.

This was the first book of Ludlum's that i had read, and i was mesmerized...i could not put it down! The delicate weaving of characters, action past and present, and ever-present danger makes this book a winner. I know that Robert Ludlum wrote many books before the "The Bourne Identity", but in my mind, this was the best of them all. If you liked "The Bourne Identity", then you have to read this book...i believe you will like it better!

This is the first book I've ever read by Ludlum, and it was absolutely fantastic. I read the whole thing in two days. You can tell it was written in the early 80's, when the U.S. and Russia were still enemies, and before e-mail existed. But that does not detract from the story. Basically, two top spies, one Russian, and one American--and both mortal enemies, become outlaws from their respective governments. Yet, both end up working together to prevent "The Matarese," who originate in Corsica, from taking over the world. Really, really fantastic.

i have read everything , from sydney sheldon to ken follet but i must bow down to the MASTER.Its a tragedy this great writer is not on this earth to treat us anymore but he has left his legacy behind.Whoever wants to read a masterpiece should give this 1 a try.This 1 is a collectors item.i dont want to repeat the cliche....but DONT MISS IT.

Some spy novels get better and more relevant with age, and Robert Ludlum's fabulous The Matarese Circle falls into that category. What it lacks in literary aspirations it more than makes up for in sheer excitement and fun. Written over 30 years ago now, its story line seems almost prophetic, the world finally catching up to the plot. A spy thriller this wildly entertaining isn't supposed to give you such pause afterward, as you look around the globe, yet it does. Riveting is a word too often used by publishers attempting to hype their book and generate sales. It is the perfect word to describe what lies between the covers of this terrific thriller.

Two high level executions, one on each side, are mere tests of controlled reactions by a group whose name is not even whispered within the hallowed corridors of power in Washington or Russia. It began in the hills of Corsica decades before and now moves covertly in the shadows. Two men in the world are the best in their field, and soon the Matarese has manipulated both governments into the unthinkable: an order of unsalvageable for both men. Brandon Scofield and Vasili Taleniekov have been on a collision course for decades, but now the Russian will secretly reach out to his sworn and deadliest of enemies to help him stop the Matarese from controlling the world.

This is a lightning paced spy thriller with more globe trotting action than any ten others in the genre combined, yet it comes off eerily plausible somehow. The Matarese control through fanatical belief in their cause, creating chaos in governments through financial control and political upheaval; financing violent groups unaware they are mere pawns of the Matarese. Unless Scofield and Taleniekov can stop them, the Matarese will soon superpower through assassination and another through election. Then, what began in those Corsican hills will span the globe.

A young woman from Corsica will give Brandon Scofield new life, but perhaps too late, as he may have to sacrifice it to save his country. And Taleniekov will discover just how far the fever has spread when he contacts old friends. Only Beowolf and the Serpent can track down the heirs and heiresses to a group so deadly and insidious a simple whisper means death. And even then, it is unreasonable to think both could survive the journey. For the reader, it is a spellbinding read that keeps you turning pages late into morning. A book so exciting, written over 30 years ago, in the midst of a cold war which no longer exists, isn't suppose to be this much fun, or this disturbing.

Ludlum revealed to readers he patterned The Shepherd Boy after Spanish financier Juan March Ordinas, and the Matarese idea sprung from rumors that the Trilateral Commission was attempting to create one world government. He embellished on this premise and created one of the most action filled spy novels ever written. A wild ride that is both gripping and tremendously enjoyable. If you only read one spy novel in your lifetime, make it this one!