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laurenbachman7's review
5.0
This book was fantastic. I was constantly on the edge of my seat and could not put the book down. I was enthralled by the evolution of the mystery as clues were solved, and I loved the historical aspect to it. I was also continuously surprised with plot twists; even when I thought I had figured it out for sure, I was shocked a few chapters later when I realized I had it all wrong! Dan Brown has a capability of beautifully combining fiction, history, suspense, humor, and mystery into one novel. Well written and well paced, with likeable characters to boot. A new favorite novel of mine.
marygbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
This book started out very slow for me initially and took me about a week to read a little each night before it really picked up for me. Once Robert and Vittoria were on the hunt to save the Cardinals--I couldn't stop reading the book until 4:30 in the morning! Now just finished it.
After first reading "Da Vinci Code", the plot set-up and character building seemed very similar in this book (which makes sense since "Angels & Demons" was was written first). Initially, I found myself thinking "oh yeah, I know how this is going to turn out"...but BANG there were some twists and glad that I continued reading!
Despite the somewhat "cookie cutter" style of the book, what I enjoyed most about this novel (and what encouraged me to keep on reading) was the exploration of the long-time debate between religion vs. science as well as learning more about the Illuminati lore. In addition to Brown doing a good job of using the voice of specific characters to argue for/against science and for/against religion, he also invites the reader to explore the parallelism as well as the partnership of the two. The Camerlengo's speech later in the book was especially moving.
On a fun note, when I do visit Rome and the Vatican City...I'm definitely going to be very observant of the symbolisms and signs. Also, will be thinking about what is lying beneath the grounds.
I'll forgive his formula style writing as long as he continues to make me think/question what I've learned in history/politics/religion/science, sprinkle in some word/mind puzzles, and keeps me up all night to find out what happens next.
After first reading "Da Vinci Code", the plot set-up and character building seemed very similar in this book (which makes sense since "Angels & Demons" was was written first). Initially, I found myself thinking "oh yeah, I know how this is going to turn out"...but BANG there were some twists and glad that I continued reading!
Despite the somewhat "cookie cutter" style of the book, what I enjoyed most about this novel (and what encouraged me to keep on reading) was the exploration of the long-time debate between religion vs. science as well as learning more about the Illuminati lore. In addition to Brown doing a good job of using the voice of specific characters to argue for/against science and for/against religion, he also invites the reader to explore the parallelism as well as the partnership of the two. The Camerlengo's speech later in the book was especially moving.
On a fun note, when I do visit Rome and the Vatican City...I'm definitely going to be very observant of the symbolisms and signs. Also, will be thinking about what is lying beneath the grounds.
I'll forgive his formula style writing as long as he continues to make me think/question what I've learned in history/politics/religion/science, sprinkle in some word/mind puzzles, and keeps me up all night to find out what happens next.
west918's review against another edition
5.0
Addicting book. I was practically drooling having the author describe all the sites and the Vatican library. Can you imagine how amazing it would be to go in there???
jlpk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
konnamuori's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
katestar99's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
mintiefish's review against another edition
5.0
Although this is the first in the series, I was like many others and read this one 2nd. I liked it and found it to be just as thrilling as Da Vinci Code.
gubrosius's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
One of the best books I've ever read. A compelling page turner that was difficult to put down.
zaynksingh's review against another edition
3.0
It was okay...I guess I am not that interested in the Illuminati as I am Leonardo Da Vinci :)
solizbe's review against another edition
3.0
I never write reviews but when I do, it's either about a book I absolutely adore or loathe.
Angels & Demons, I definitely adore though some elements in the book put me off.
Firstly, the hired killer in the book was a middle eastern man whom Dan Brown wrote sexist, for some reason. "In his country, women knew their place." I don't know which country is that, my friend. The middle east contains diverse countries and diverse levels of oppression towards women. In my country, noone hates women as much as the killer does.
The second thing that was hilarious is the incorrect arabic counting. It's supposed to be "Wahad Ethnyn Thalatha Arbaa" That is, if you're using standard arabic. I fail to understand why The Killer would talk in such a way since each country in the middle east has its own simplified version of arabic.
Do your own research before writing a book, authors. The internet isn't the place for valid information.
What annoyed me the most is the fluffy ending. So The two main characters beat the bad guy and then they got married, how devastatingly gross and predictable.
Another thing that absolutely annoyed me is the obvious sexualization of the female main character when she is first introduced. I just knew that she were to be the love interest of Mr. Langdon. Painfully obvious.
Angels & Demons, I definitely adore though some elements in the book put me off.
Firstly, the hired killer in the book was a middle eastern man whom Dan Brown wrote sexist, for some reason. "In his country, women knew their place." I don't know which country is that, my friend. The middle east contains diverse countries and diverse levels of oppression towards women. In my country, noone hates women as much as the killer does.
The second thing that was hilarious is the incorrect arabic counting. It's supposed to be "Wahad Ethnyn Thalatha Arbaa" That is, if you're using standard arabic. I fail to understand why The Killer would talk in such a way since each country in the middle east has its own simplified version of arabic.
Do your own research before writing a book, authors. The internet isn't the place for valid information.
What annoyed me the most is the fluffy ending. So The two main characters beat the bad guy and then they got married, how devastatingly gross and predictable.
Another thing that absolutely annoyed me is the obvious sexualization of the female main character when she is first introduced. I just knew that she were to be the love interest of Mr. Langdon. Painfully obvious.