Rating: 
Summary: One of his best
Review: Long before conspiracy-theorists began fearing the "New World Order", Ludlum was writing about it. I just re-read this book, and was pretty chilled by how real the fictional events could be.Ludlum lays out a plausible scenario in which rogue military officers create world chaos and then present themselves as its cure. Thus, a fascist police-state is born. It's top-notch writing, among the front-tier of Ludlum's work. Even more relevant now in 1999, since the Soviets no longer pose a threat and we've got this huge war-machine with nothing to do.
Rating: 
Summary: A good beach read choice for thriller fans.
Review: Ludlum has created a name for himself in the espionage genre by writing fast paced thrillers that entertain - and "The Aquitaine Progression" certainly fits that mould well. It's not among his best, but certainly not among his worst novels either. The plot is occasionally speckled with blasphemy and occasional profanity, the odd immoral tryst (although less so than what I recall from his other books), and regular killings of guys good and bad, but the main feature is the story-line itself. Unlike some of his other novels, the main plot doesn't revolve around a cold war type scenario, but a world-wide conspiracy theory. Joel Converse, an American lawyer, is informed of a global conspiracy (code-named "Aquitaine") to topple the leadership of every major government across the world through a series of carefully calculated military moves. But Converse quickly discovers that his knowledge is dangerous, and soon he is on the run for his life, because the generals behind the Aquitaine can not afford to let him live. What follows is typical high speed action from Ludlum, as Converse must flee from the hands of his pursuers, and yet find a way to rescue the world from the impending global violence. All his ties to help are slowly cut, except that to his former wife. Together, they must find a way to destroy Aquitaine. The ending was somewhat of a let down, not featuring any real surprising twist, but this weakness aside, "The Aquitaine Progression" is a typically fast and entertaining ride, worthy of the name Ludlum on the front cover. -GODLY GADFLY
Rating:
Summary: A good beach read choice for thriller fans.
Review: Ludlum has created a name for himself in the espionage genre by writing fast paced thrillers that entertain - and "The Aquitaine Progression" certainly fits that mould well. It's not among his best, but certainly not among his worst novels either. The plot is occasionally speckled with blasphemy and occasional profanity, the odd immoral tryst (although less so than what I recall from his other books), and regular killings of guys good and bad, but the main feature is the story-line itself. Unlike some of his other novels, the main plot doesn't revolve around a cold war type scenario, but a world-wide conspiracy theory. Joel Converse, an American lawyer, is informed of a global conspiracy (code-named "Aquitaine") to topple the leadership of every major government across the world through a series of carefully calculated military moves. But Converse quickly discovers that his knowledge is dangerous, and soon he is on the run for his life, because the generals behind the Aquitaine can not afford to let him live. What follows is typical high speed action from Ludlum, as Converse must flee from the hands of his pursuers, and yet find a way to rescue the world from the impending global violence. All his ties to help are slowly cut, except that to his former wife. Together, they must find a way to destroy Aquitaine. The ending was somewhat of a let down, not featuring any real surprising twist, but this weakness aside, "The Aquitaine Progression" is a typically fast and entertaining ride, worthy of the name Ludlum on the front cover. -GODLY GADFLY
Rating:
Summary: Mature handling of an intricate plot
Review: Ludlum is typically skillful in this novel, though some might think it overlong. The possibility that men somewhere might be devising a plot based on order out of chaos, making themselves not the villains but the saviors, is a terrifying "what if?" And the entire chain of events will be set into motion in a matter of days...However, in Ludlum's fictional setting there is Joel Converse, attorney at law. Converse sets out to expose "Aquitaine" legally, to bring in the key players without a fight. Only when he is in too deep does he become aware of the killer's resources; the fact is, the key players are innumerable, and it is most likely Converse that will be silenced without a fight. Then follows the most rewarding part of the novel, a chase (though not literally, because his antagonists wait for him everywhere) througout all of Europe, with Converse fleeing from bad guys with almost unlimited information and drawing upon an inner reserve he'd rather forget. The book only stumbles on a few points: first, the dialogue is at times straight of the comics and strangely lacking in expletives (despite the fact that the fate of the free world hangs in the balance). Also, the ending is packed with bizarre legal mumbo-jumbo to the uninitiated. In all: highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Quite literally this is a literary Masterpiece
Review: Not just good, but absolutely fantastic! I have to admit that I bought this book two days after it was released back in the early 80's...and attempted to read it probably 20 times, only to give up after about 50 pages or so. I just wasn't 'hooked' on the plot by that point...but after being urged to plod further on for the 100th time by friends who HAD finished the book, well I decided to give it a go yet again. I can honestly say that when the plot really begins to thicken, it hardens to the consistency of Titanium, and quickly, too! I really cheated myself all of these years by giving up way too soon on this novel. Always sensing what could happen before it ever does, Ludlum sees the NOW popular 'New World Order' Global Conspiracy in a way that makes it seem plausible and VERY frightening indeed. Joel Converse is thrust into the thick of things totally against his will, and it seems solving this monumentally huge problem isn't so much a humanitarian thing to do, as doing so quite literally will keep him alive. For those of you who have given up on 'The Aquitaine Progression' as I have done, I urge you to NOT GIVE UP. You are missing out on easily one of Ludlum's best novels if you pass this one by. Sure its a little dated...but look beyond that and you will find the events portrayed in this book to be absolutely horrifying. The story takes some time to get going, but like I said, once it does, grab on and hold on tight 'cuz it's gonna be a bumpy and thrilling ride. All Ludlum fans NEED to read this one, you will be forever glad you did, I know I am...FINALLY.
Rating:
Summary: Quite literally this is a literary Masterpiece
Review: Not just good, but absolutely fantastic! I have to admit that I bought this book two days after it was released back in the early 80's...and attempted to read it probably 20 times, only to give up after about 50 pages or so. I just wasn't 'hooked' on the plot by that point...but after being urged to plod further on for the 100th time by friends who HAD finished the book, well I decided to give it a go yet again. I can honestly say that when the plot really begins to thicken, it hardens to the consistency of Titanium, and quickly, too! I really cheated myself all of these years by giving up way too soon on this novel. Always sensing what could happen before it ever does, Ludlum sees the NOW popular 'New World Order' Global Conspiracy in a way that makes it seem plausible and VERY frightening indeed. Joel Converse is thrust into the thick of things totally against his will, and it seems solving this monumentally huge problem isn't so much a humanitarian thing to do, as doing so quite literally will keep him alive. For those of you who have given up on 'The Aquitaine Progression' as I have done, I urge you to NOT GIVE UP. You are missing out on easily one of Ludlum's best novels if you pass this one by. Sure its a little dated...but look beyond that and you will find the events portrayed in this book to be absolutely horrifying. The story takes some time to get going, but like I said, once it does, grab on and hold on tight 'cuz it's gonna be a bumpy and thrilling ride. All Ludlum fans NEED to read this one, you will be forever glad you did, I know I am...FINALLY.
Rating: 
Summary: An Endurance Test.
Review: Robert Ludlum doesn't realize that humans have brains. This book could have been written in about 200 pages and been a lot more readable. You already know how the book will end when you start to read it. You ask yourself if you really want to devote your valuable time to this marathon of words. If this was a movie it would have to last for a few hours. It didn't keep me awake like one reviewer promised it would. When I got done with it I had an urge to read Edgar Allen Poe and enjoy a real writer.
Rating:
Summary: An Endurance Test.
Review: Robert Ludlum doesn't realize that humans have brains. This book could have been written in about 200 pages and been a lot more readable. You already know how the book will end when you start to read it. You ask yourself if you really want to devote your valuable time to this marathon of words. If this was a movie it would have to last for a few hours. It didn't keep me awake like one reviewer promised it would. When I got done with it I had an urge to read Edgar Allen Poe and enjoy a real writer.
Rating:
Summary: Well Put-Together Action Book
Review: The Aquitaine Progression tells the story of an attorney, Joel Converse, who is in the middle of a business deal when he is recruited by a long-lost friend to uncover a conspiracy that would allow a group of generals and ex-generals to overthrow civilian governments and take over the major governments of the West and crush communism. He only has a short while to do this, he has little information, and he is soon on the run. Robert Ludlum often uses one of two themes: an everyman is suddenly put into a position where he has to save civilization even though he has no special skills (e.g., The Osterman Weekend and The Holcroft Covenant) or a man with very specific and useful skills has to save the world but is reluctant to draw on those skills (e.g., this book and The Bourne Identity). In The Aquitaine Progression, the hero learned his skills in a prison camp in Vietnam, but the horror of that experience and the dislike of the war make him unhappy to use them. I think this category of Ludlum book is more plausible, because there is a reason why the hero is able to outwit his enemies. Overall, the book is well-done with gripping action and suspense, as well as the ever-present worry that the hero is trusting the wrong people or not actually one step ahead of his foes even though he thinks he is. Readers who like Ludlum will like this book.
Rating:
Summary: dated, but still thrilling
Review: This book is a fascinating read. You never quite know who Joel can trust. Those you think he can, he really can't and vice versa. I am not quite sure as to why Val is even IN the story, but she does add a certain touch of romance and intrigue. The only relationship I was left wondering about what the one between Joel and Larry...it is never quite resolved. The ability of Mr. Ludlum to write a book of such scope and depth is a real testament to his knowledge of the world around him and the written word. I can't wait to keep reading his books.
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