This was a very interesting book. What made it even better was that I actually read it while I was...more

This was a very interesting book. What made it even better was that I actually read it while I was in Rome. Starkingly acurate to the settings.   hide

For sheer intensity and excitement, this book blew me away. For those of you who have not read...more

For sheer intensity and excitement, this book blew me away. For those of you who have not read Angels and Demons or the Da Vinci code, definitely pick read the code first. For those who only read Angels and Demons, the Code will put you to sleep as it's suspense and thrills pale in comparison to Angels and Demons. This book is a must read!   hide

In CERN, the renowned Swiss research facility, a scientist is found murdered. His body is branded...more

In CERN, the renowned Swiss research facility, a scientist is found murdered. His body is branded with a symbol that refers to the Illuminati, a secret brotherhood that was assumed to be disbanded at the end of the 18th century. Robert Langdon is summoned to Switzerland to help in interpreting this ritual killing. Soon it turns out that this crime serves a bigger purpose, one that is closely intertwined with the ongoing papal election in Rome. It is up to Robert to find out what the hidden agenda of the Illuminati is all about, before one of the cornerstones of our society is getting scattered. With Angels and Demons Dan Brown pulls off the tour-de-force of supporting a decent thriller plot with an historical relevant background. The setting of this thriller is simply amazing. It brings the reader to places most laymen will never be allowed to visit. Through excellent research the author succeeds in introducing us to the hidden parts of Vatican City. If you do not get charmed by the plot of the novel, you at least get an enjoyable guided tour of one of the most secretive places on earth. The framework of the story is a classic thriller with a build-up to a well crafted finale that unveils some smart twists. The plot is fair because an alert reader will be a able to find some clues early in the novel that will hint at the outcome of the story. Nevertheless the main action is far from unpredictable. After one action sequence, the reader is well aware that three similar actions will follow. This gives a few serious blows to the momentum of the story. To call the middle part tedious is a bit harsh, but it certainly is not the most exhilarating read you can imagine. Luckily the denouement compensates a bit for this hick-up. This book is certainly an interesting read, certainly if you compare it to The Da Vinci Code in which Dan Brown clearly succeeded in refining the narrative formula he first applied in Angels and Demons.   hide

Having read the Da Vinvi Code first it was all too predictable really. Even so it was still worth...more

Having read the Da Vinvi Code first it was all too predictable really. Even so it was still worth reading and just the sort of novel you need on holiday.   hide

This is THE Dan Brown book to read. I've read them all, so I can say that. This is definitely the...more

This is THE Dan Brown book to read. I've read them all, so I can say that. This is definitely the best choice of the Robert Langdon series. I devoured this book from beginning to end. I simply could not put it down. This has everything that a good thriller should have. A race against the clock; an extremely powerful evil; a seemingly impossible task; etc. Brown has really outdone himself with this one. This book is a page-turner if ever there was one. I read the Da Vinci Code after I read this (which is the order in which they should be read), and this book puts the Da Vinci Code to sleep. I find the plot of this novel to be much more enthralling. The Da Vinci Code only has so much hype, because it deals with such a controversial subject. This is the book you should be reading if you want to check out Dan Brown.   hide