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Synopsis: An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries . . . unveiled at last.
While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter. Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever. |
Initial Thoughts: I loved Angels & Demons. I am so pumped to go on another adventure!
Review
Another fun, action-packed adventure delivered by Dan Brown. Go on quest for the Holy Grail and explore France and England without ever leaving your couch.
Review
Another fun, action-packed adventure delivered by Dan Brown. Go on quest for the Holy Grail and explore France and England without ever leaving your couch.
Plot:
The idea of this is brilliant. Every little detail was well-thought through and added something substantial to the story. The plot is so original and creative. I can't even imagine how long it must have taken Dan Brown to research everything that was needed for this story and to come up with all those clever anagrams.
I am a little doubtful on some of the facts that were presented, so I'm going to have double check their authenticity later.
In my opinion, the story got a bit complicated at times. It's not a book that I could read in one sitting. After particularly eventful scenes, I had to close the book, walk away from it for a while, and allow my mind to recoup itself. Just stick with it. It's worth it.
The idea of this is brilliant. Every little detail was well-thought through and added something substantial to the story. The plot is so original and creative. I can't even imagine how long it must have taken Dan Brown to research everything that was needed for this story and to come up with all those clever anagrams.
I am a little doubtful on some of the facts that were presented, so I'm going to have double check their authenticity later.
In my opinion, the story got a bit complicated at times. It's not a book that I could read in one sitting. After particularly eventful scenes, I had to close the book, walk away from it for a while, and allow my mind to recoup itself. Just stick with it. It's worth it.
Characters:
I was not a fan of Sophia. I thought she was selfish and stubborn. In the beginning, she used Robert for her own selfish needs by helping him escape the Louvre, making him a fugitive, and then attempting to ditch him, so she could go see the Mona Lisa. When she realizes that he may be useful...
I was not a fan of Sophia. I thought she was selfish and stubborn. In the beginning, she used Robert for her own selfish needs by helping him escape the Louvre, making him a fugitive, and then attempting to ditch him, so she could go see the Mona Lisa. When she realizes that he may be useful...
"I can't afford to let them catch you, Robert. There's a lot we need to discuss. You need to go!"
I guess it didn't matter if he was caught before they had things to discuss.
Robert Langdon was alright. I didn't have any feelings for him either way.
Sir Leigh Teabing was fantastic. He was over-the-top, dramatic, sassy, and I loved him.
I just can't seem connect to any of Dan Brown's character's very well, so I find the emotional side of things lacking in his stories.
Robert Langdon was alright. I didn't have any feelings for him either way.
Sir Leigh Teabing was fantastic. He was over-the-top, dramatic, sassy, and I loved him.
I just can't seem connect to any of Dan Brown's character's very well, so I find the emotional side of things lacking in his stories.
Ending:
I was totally caught off-guard with the ending again. And I probably should have at least seen the first big reveal coming.
I was totally caught off-guard with the ending again. And I probably should have at least seen the first big reveal coming.
The second reveal - regarding Sophie's family - seemed kind of anti-climatic even though part of it was a surprise. I wasn't in awe or anything.
The last big reveal...that one was good.
The last big reveal...that one was good.
Additional Notes:
This book was filled with so many interesting little tidbits of facts and information. There was one in particular that stood out to me:
This book was filled with so many interesting little tidbits of facts and information. There was one in particular that stood out to me:
Despite the orgiastic rituals once held at the Arc du Carrousel, art aficionados revered this place for another reason entirely...
I got curious, and decided to look it up (stop judging me), but I couldn't find any evidence online to back this statement up, leading me to believe it's false. Does anyone know if it's true?
What bothered me most about this book were the flashback scenes of Robert Langdon teaching his classes. It's a very minor issue, but I just thought I'd bring it up.
What bothered me most about this book were the flashback scenes of Robert Langdon teaching his classes. It's a very minor issue, but I just thought I'd bring it up.
"Correct. And did you know that if you divide the number of female bees by the number of male bees in any beehive in the world, you always get the same number?"
"You do?"
"Yup. PHI."
The girl gaped. "NO WAY!"
"Way!" Langdon fired back,
Maybe it's just me, but this seems like an unrealistic depiction of a college class. I haven't actually been in a college class yet, so I could be wrong. But it just seems too...cheerful? Energetic? I don't know. It just bothers me.
One thing I really did enjoy was Robert Landon's thoughts on religion and sex. I think it brings new, refreshing perspective without demeaning other viewpoints.
One thing I really did enjoy was Robert Landon's thoughts on religion and sex. I think it brings new, refreshing perspective without demeaning other viewpoints.
Every faith in the world is based on fabrication. That is the definition of faith―acceptance of that which we imagine to be true, that which we cannot prove. Every religion describes God through metaphor, allegory, and exaggeration, from the early Egyptians through modern Sunday school. Metaphors are a way to help our minds process the unprocessible. The problems arise when we begin to believe literally in our own metaphors.
Should we wave a flag and tell the Buddhists that we have proof the Buddha did not come from a lotus blossom? Or that Jesus was not born of a literal virgin birth? Those who truly understand their faiths understand the stories are metaphorical.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was fun, original, and interesting. However, I feel like it pales in comparison to it's first book, Angels & Demons. It was missing the sense of urgency and importance. Still, it was a great book. Read it.
★★★☆☆
What were your thoughts on the book?
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