Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol no-spoiler review
By now all Dan Brown fanatics have sped through The Lost Symbol, leaving millions of other readers at risk of having the story spoiled with a few overheard words. I hate spoilers -- I still want to punch the guy who told me, "Rosebud's a sled" -- and when I go to the movies, I close my eyes and cover my ears for the previews. So here's my no-spoiler review (if you're looking for more, try this one from Nancy, my blogging partner) Update: here's a more serious no-spoiler review that I wrote:
The Lost Symbol is a mystery, set in a major city (I guess I can give away that it's Washington, since the U.S. Capitol is even on the cover of the U.K. version, shown here). The hero is a Waspy university professor, but he dabbles in topics more exotic than Elizabethan poetry, and that makes him a target of some bad guy(s). Danger ensues. And plot twists. And italics.
And more danger. And more plot twists. And even more italics.
All in bite-sized chapters that can be read at a red light or while brushing your teeth.
Langdon spends a lot of time in historic buildings, and the reader learns many, many facts about them. He also confronts a series of codes and riddles. At times, he doesn't know whom to trust. And he faces dangerous situations that threaten his life.
Does he solve the codes? Do the bad guys win? Does the hero survive for a sequel? If you want to find out, read this book!
Comments
The butler did it
Posted by: Dan Brown | September 18, 2009 6:40 AM
I was delighted to get a 40% discount on the hardcover. Will start to take the new fantastic voyage on Saturday
Posted by: Carlos Sagastume Gordillo | September 18, 2009 7:40 AM
I know you promised no spoilers, but can you at least tell us if the book was any good? This was hardly a review worth posting.
Posted by: Jen | September 18, 2009 11:09 AM
Jen, I should have noted Nancy's review earlier this week -- I've updated the post. Here's the link to her review: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/books/blog/2009/09/dan_browns_the_lost_symbol_or.html
Posted by: Dave | September 18, 2009 11:14 AM
Huh, this was actually kind of funny --sort of a counter to Nancy's supposed spoiler - guess I'll have to check that out now. (Don't think I've ever read a non-review by a book reviewer before.)
I have a spiritual thriller being released on 1/18/2009 that radio show host Brian Kirsch described as "The Da Vinci Code" meets "A Course in Miracles." When you review my novel, I'll look forward to you at least indicating it's a "must read." :)
Lynn
http://www.thegreatawakeningsaga.com
Posted by: Lynn Pierson | September 19, 2009 9:59 AM
LOL - yes fanatics can and will sped thru this in less than 24 hours as we love to do with really great books, on the first read. 2nd reads we can take our time.
The book was excellent and everything I've come to expect from Dan Brown. I loved it and am eager to dig in again. Also got Unlocking Mysteries With Solomon's Key which has some great back story info and pixs.
If you like Dan Brown's books, you'll love this. If you love non-traditional thought, you'll love it even more!
Definitiely a worth while Magical Mystery Tour, step right this way!
Posted by: Alena | September 19, 2009 2:21 PM
Spoiler alert!!! The answers to your questions according to my SO are-yes, no, yes! We have not and aren't going to read the book.
Posted by: mdlrvrmuncher | September 19, 2009 2:39 PM
As always, interesting ideas and facts but, oh, if he could only write!
Posted by: jeff | September 22, 2009 4:45 AM
I'm just glad I got it at a huge discount. The first two-thirds of the book are actually interesting, more from the interesting trivia of freemasons and capitol architecture than from the plot, but then the train runs off the cliff. The book is so melodramatic, it is almost laughable at the end. After the first quarter of the book, I was trying to quickly finish so that I could let the rest of my family read it, however once I was done with it, I told them don't bother.
Posted by: Paul S | October 2, 2009 10:34 AM