The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown is an action-packed thriller based in Washington DC.

My Book Review Rating: 5 Stars – Dan Brown doesn’t disappoint as Robert Langdon returns to solve another mystery

As a fan of both The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons I had high hopes for The Lost Symbol – and I wasn’t disappointed! Once again I was captured right at the first page, and devoured all 500+ pages in just a few days. Forget television and chores, this is the kind of book that you just want to keep on reading – with anticipation at every page turn.

Robert Langdon makes a return in this third novel, this time racing against time to save one of his oldest friends while solving a treasure trail of ancient Masonic clues scattered around Washington DC. A recent visit to said beautiful city increased my interest in the story as I could picture each of the landmarks visited on the trail – and I discovered a few that I had overlooked making me want to go back some day!

It really is edge of your seat drama – with scientific breakthroughs, secrets that have been kept for centuries, explosions, severed limbs and death – believe me, once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down.

I can’t wait to see this on the big screen at the cinema – but I do have a message for the producer – the ending of this novel is just fine as it is – as were the endings to the previous two – so please don’t feel you have to mess with it…

If you’re a Dan Brown fan they you should pick up a copy as soon as you can, and if you’ve never read a Brown novel then this is one heck of a place to start!

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Let's start with the question every Dan Brown fan wants answered: Is The Lost Symbol as good as The Da Vinci Code? Simply put, yes. Brown has mastered the art of blending nail-biting suspense with random arcana (from pop science to religion), and The Lost Symbol is an enthralling mix. And what a dazzling accomplishment that is, considering that rabid fans and skeptics alike are scrutinizing every word. The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your "Lost Symbol" tour in order). And, as with other Dan Brown books, the pace is relentless, the revelations many, and there is an endless parade of intriguing factoids that will make you feel like you are spending the afternoon with Robert Langdon and the guys from Mythbusters. Nothing is as it seems in a Robert Langdon novel, and The Lost Symbol itself is no exception--a page-turner to be sure, but Brown also challenges his fans to open their minds to new information. Skeptical? Imagine how many other thrillers would spawn millions of Google searches for noetic science, superstring theory, and Apotheosis of Washington. The Lost Symbol is brain candy of the best sort--just make sure to set aside time to enjoy your meal. --Daphne Durham More from Dan Brown The Da Vinci Code Angels & Demons Deception Point Digital Fortress

• ISBN13: 9780385504225
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

couldn't put it down

Review Date: September 17, 2009

Reviewer: Michael F. Burdick, Chino Valley, AZ, United States

Having read four of Dan Brown's novels, I was very pleased to see how much the author has grown as a novelist in The Lost Symbol. In the DaVinci Code, I had actually found much of the flippant humor to be somewhat offensive and childish. I think that the DaVinci Code was more beloved because of its controversy than its writing style. In the Lost Symbol, there is very little use of slang, earthy humor, or sexual titilation. This novel is very focused and carefully paced to make the reader want to KEEP READING! The story all takes place in one day, which makes it even harder to put the book down for a day or more. The characters are all wonderful, and the climactic ending is surprising, shocking, and painful (emotionally and physically). Some readers might find the book to be too transparent in its structure, as it is obvious that Dan Brown planned out every chapter to be a springboard to the next. Perhaps the author could have used a greater variety of techniques to build tension. BUT, when I reached the end of the novel, I was very pleased with all that I had read. I also felt that I had learned a great deal about the Masons and about the origins of many ideas, words, and myths. Reading a Dan Brown novel is always eye-opening fun, and The Lost Symbol is a very good addition to this author's oeuvre.

Believe the Critics

Review Date: November 4, 2009

Reviewer: B. Raposa, Tampa, FL USA

What can I say that the book critics have not already said about this latest novel by Dan Brown? It is a truly spectacular read. For Masons, and particularly Scottish Rite Masons, this book will touch upon your experiences in the fraternity and make you truly proud of who you are and your choice to enter Freemasonry. For many of you who do not know much about the Freemasons and what the organization is all about, this novel will clarify many misinterpretations that are floating around out there. Eye-opening for those unaccustomed to the fraternity; reaffirming for those within it. Even outside the interest of Masonry, this novel is a great read: fast-paced and full of surprises. Pick it up; you won't be disappointed.

The Lost Symbol is a great read.

Review Date: November 23, 2009

Reviewer: Larry Herman, Hudson, Ohio

Wow. Dan Brown just keeps getting better. There were a couple of times I was absolutely shocked with what he had written. I couldn't imagine where he would go next, but he pulled it off brilliantly. What I especially liked about this book was the fact it was based in D.C. So when I visit there I can actually go see some of the artwork and statuary he was refereing to. Although the Da Vinci code was great, I don't expect to ever get to those landmarks in France that he talked about. The background on the Mason's was fascinating too. Don't know how accurate his explanations are, but I'll bet the basics are pretty close, although I imagine the biggest secrets are not quite as he explained it. Great read though. I sure enjoyed it.