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libraryforspooky's review against another edition
3.0
This book fulfills District of Columbia in a self reading challenge of a book taking place in every US State or territory (4/56).
Dan Brown’s "The Lost Symbol" is a fast-paced thriller that once again plunges readers into the world of symbologist Robert Langdon. Set against the backdrop of Washington D.C., the novel explores themes of secrets, history, and the quest for enlightenment. While it contains many of the elements that made Brown’s earlier works successful, it falls short of the high standards set by its predecessors, earning it a three-star rating.
The novel opens with Langdon being summoned to the U.S. Capitol to decipher the mysterious and gruesome appearance of a severed hand, tattooed with ancient symbols. This event sets off a chain of events that involves Masonic secrets, hidden codes, and a race against time to prevent a national crisis. Langdon, accompanied by the brilliant scientist Katherine Solomon, must navigate a labyrinth of clues that lead them deep into the heart of America’s founding history.
One of the strengths of "The Lost Symbol" is Brown’s meticulous research and ability to weave historical facts with fiction. The novel is rich with information about Freemasonry, Washington D.C.’s architecture, and various scientific and philosophical concepts. This attention to detail creates an immersive experience for readers who enjoy learning while they read.
However, the novel also suffers from several notable weaknesses. The plot, while engaging, follows a formulaic structure that feels overly familiar to readers of Brown’s previous works. The sense of déjà vu is hard to shake as Langdon encounters yet another series of puzzles and cryptic messages that must be solved to save the day. This repetition can make the novel feel less fresh and more predictable.
Character development is another area where "The Lost Symbol" falls short. While Robert Langdon remains a likable and intelligent protagonist, his character lacks significant growth or new dimensions. Katherine Solomon, though an interesting addition, does not receive enough development to fully engage the reader. The antagonist, Mal’akh, is certainly menacing and driven, but his motivations and backstory feel somewhat contrived and lack the depth needed to make him truly memorable.
The pacing of the novel is uneven, with certain sections dragging due to excessive exposition and others rushing through key plot points. While the action sequences and cliffhangers keep the momentum going, the frequent interruptions for lengthy explanations can disrupt the flow and diminish the sense of urgency.
Despite these flaws, "The Lost Symbol" does have its moments of excitement and intrigue. The exploration of Masonic lore and the hidden symbolism within Washington D.C. offers a fascinating backdrop that adds a layer of depth to the story. Brown’s ability to create a sense of mystery and suspense is still evident, and fans of his work will find familiar pleasures in the novel’s puzzles and historical references.
In summary, "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown is an entertaining thriller that delivers the expected mix of history, mystery, and action. However, it lacks the originality and character depth that made Brown’s earlier works, such as "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels & Demons," so compelling. A three-star rating reflects its status as a solid but ultimately underwhelming addition to the Robert Langdon series. Fans of Brown’s previous books will likely enjoy the ride, but may find themselves longing for the freshness and innovation of his earlier novels.
Dan Brown’s "The Lost Symbol" is a fast-paced thriller that once again plunges readers into the world of symbologist Robert Langdon. Set against the backdrop of Washington D.C., the novel explores themes of secrets, history, and the quest for enlightenment. While it contains many of the elements that made Brown’s earlier works successful, it falls short of the high standards set by its predecessors, earning it a three-star rating.
The novel opens with Langdon being summoned to the U.S. Capitol to decipher the mysterious and gruesome appearance of a severed hand, tattooed with ancient symbols. This event sets off a chain of events that involves Masonic secrets, hidden codes, and a race against time to prevent a national crisis. Langdon, accompanied by the brilliant scientist Katherine Solomon, must navigate a labyrinth of clues that lead them deep into the heart of America’s founding history.
One of the strengths of "The Lost Symbol" is Brown’s meticulous research and ability to weave historical facts with fiction. The novel is rich with information about Freemasonry, Washington D.C.’s architecture, and various scientific and philosophical concepts. This attention to detail creates an immersive experience for readers who enjoy learning while they read.
However, the novel also suffers from several notable weaknesses. The plot, while engaging, follows a formulaic structure that feels overly familiar to readers of Brown’s previous works. The sense of déjà vu is hard to shake as Langdon encounters yet another series of puzzles and cryptic messages that must be solved to save the day. This repetition can make the novel feel less fresh and more predictable.
Character development is another area where "The Lost Symbol" falls short. While Robert Langdon remains a likable and intelligent protagonist, his character lacks significant growth or new dimensions. Katherine Solomon, though an interesting addition, does not receive enough development to fully engage the reader. The antagonist, Mal’akh, is certainly menacing and driven, but his motivations and backstory feel somewhat contrived and lack the depth needed to make him truly memorable.
The pacing of the novel is uneven, with certain sections dragging due to excessive exposition and others rushing through key plot points. While the action sequences and cliffhangers keep the momentum going, the frequent interruptions for lengthy explanations can disrupt the flow and diminish the sense of urgency.
Despite these flaws, "The Lost Symbol" does have its moments of excitement and intrigue. The exploration of Masonic lore and the hidden symbolism within Washington D.C. offers a fascinating backdrop that adds a layer of depth to the story. Brown’s ability to create a sense of mystery and suspense is still evident, and fans of his work will find familiar pleasures in the novel’s puzzles and historical references.
In summary, "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown is an entertaining thriller that delivers the expected mix of history, mystery, and action. However, it lacks the originality and character depth that made Brown’s earlier works, such as "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels & Demons," so compelling. A three-star rating reflects its status as a solid but ultimately underwhelming addition to the Robert Langdon series. Fans of Brown’s previous books will likely enjoy the ride, but may find themselves longing for the freshness and innovation of his earlier novels.
karenholmes's review against another edition
3.0
I had read and enjoyed The Da Vinci Code back in time when it first came out. I remembered the thrill of discovering layers of meaning and the twists and turns of the story. I knew Dan Brown isn't known for his good writing, but he had quite a decent comand of sentences and achieved milions of readers eager for more.
It's been a while since I read the first one. I haven't read the second one, but as they are standalones and I had the chance to read this one, I grabbed it and started to read. I don't know what I was expecting but that lot of info dumps, that twists that I could see comming from the beginning and characters I don't feel alive.
Maybe I was so eager to see the construction of the plot, that I didn't feel the enjoyment of reading. But those info dumps, those conversations between characters feel so awkard that I don't know if another writer could get away with it.
It's been a while since I read the first one. I haven't read the second one, but as they are standalones and I had the chance to read this one, I grabbed it and started to read. I don't know what I was expecting but that lot of info dumps, that twists that I could see comming from the beginning and characters I don't feel alive.
Maybe I was so eager to see the construction of the plot, that I didn't feel the enjoyment of reading. But those info dumps, those conversations between characters feel so awkard that I don't know if another writer could get away with it.
samuaguilar's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
juller's review against another edition
"Read" this one as an audiobook. I think the reader of the story was an excellent reader and could change his voice for the different characters without sounding phony.
markalkman's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely the lesser of the Dan Brown books so far. Really hoping Inferno will be better!
irishkid's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
janivewe's review against another edition
4.0
I give this book a 3.5 stars review.
Even though I liked the story overall, I still think it wasn't as good as his previous books.
I wasn't fully convinced on the villain. I saw the big reveal miles away beforehand (mostly because I kind of spoiled it to myself) but also because it was kind of obvious.
The symbology is awesome, the "tests" they have to overcome are very intelligently written (which I love) and it is described in a way that you can crack it yourself beforehand.
Fantastic story!
Even though I liked the story overall, I still think it wasn't as good as his previous books.
I wasn't fully convinced on the villain. I saw the big reveal miles away beforehand (mostly because I kind of spoiled it to myself) but also because it was kind of obvious.
The symbology is awesome, the "tests" they have to overcome are very intelligently written (which I love) and it is described in a way that you can crack it yourself beforehand.
Fantastic story!
megray1126's review against another edition
5.0
I have loved everything ever written by Dan Brown. He has a way of writing that is gripping and enthralling! I love that he writes about things that are based on real history. This book is definitely a page turner, and definitely worth the read!
imcryingdotcom's review against another edition
3.0
ummm like okay i guess i cared less about the things in this one and the first two