The Lost Symbol

The Lost Symbol
by Dan Brown

After reading The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, I have to admit the Robert Langdon series started to get stale and formulaic -- a over-dramatic opening and chasing ancient clues around a modern-day city. The Lost Symbol isn't much different, except taking place on American soil in Washington D.C. - solving ancient clues involving relics of the Freemasons. Dan Brown is the master of leaving chapters hanging and open ended. I had a hard time finding a good place to put the book down because so many chapters are left in suspense. Robert Langdon is summoned to give a lecture, but no one shows up, and an unfortunate incident occurs involving a mysterious invitation from the antagonist. Unlike other Brown novels, the identity of the "bad guy" is described quite openly, whereas in the other novels he keeps us in the dark until the very end. The plot ensues chasing ancient clues around Washington D.C., encountering high-ranking CIA officials, other Freemasons, and the antagonist himself. There is a huge twist at the end, foreshadowed by an event that happens in the middle of the novel. Identities aren't always what they seem - a recurring theme in Brown's books. At another point, Brown essentially corners himself into killing off Langdon -- but somehow manages to always find a way out. After the final climax, the book continues dreadfully on... yammering on about religion, ancient secrets, wisdom, and symbology for the last few chapters. Other than these last chapters, it was a highly suspenseful read and hard to put down. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Angels and Demons, Da Vinci Code, Digital Fortress, Deception Point (all Dan Brown), Inferno (on-order).] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in downloadable audio, book-on-cd, downloadable E-book and Large Print formats.]

[ official The Lost Symbol page on the official Dan Brown web site ]
 
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