Helpful Score: 8
Ignore the hype - this is FICTION after all...very interesting and action-packed story. Loved it!!!
Helpful Score: 6
Pure smut, but good, exciting, well-paced smut. It's gotten a bad rap from all the hype it's gotten and arguably the bad transition to movie, but let's remember that this is not supposed to be high literature in any form, nor is it to be a true account. That said, his books are very formulaic, but this is his best one I believe.
Helpful Score: 6
OK, if you're on this site, you're a reader, so you've probably read this book already.
BUT, if you haven't, I recommend it. Yes, it's historically inaccurate. Yes, it's wildly improbable. Yes, it has THE most mis-matched romantic couple in any book in recent years. But, it's also thrilling, thought-provoking, and pretty fun. This isn't your typical drug-store-purchased beach read thriller.
I won't bore you with a plot synopsis, since you've also probably seen the movie, but the fast pace, snappy dialogue, and keep-you-guessing plot (though I did figure out a major twist early on then congratulated myself for it later when I found out I was right) will keep you up late reading it. I plowed through it in two days and even took it to Home Depot and read it as I followed my husband around the lumber aisles!
Buy into the hype and get a copy. It's worth the credit!
BUT, if you haven't, I recommend it. Yes, it's historically inaccurate. Yes, it's wildly improbable. Yes, it has THE most mis-matched romantic couple in any book in recent years. But, it's also thrilling, thought-provoking, and pretty fun. This isn't your typical drug-store-purchased beach read thriller.
I won't bore you with a plot synopsis, since you've also probably seen the movie, but the fast pace, snappy dialogue, and keep-you-guessing plot (though I did figure out a major twist early on then congratulated myself for it later when I found out I was right) will keep you up late reading it. I plowed through it in two days and even took it to Home Depot and read it as I followed my husband around the lumber aisles!
Buy into the hype and get a copy. It's worth the credit!
Helpful Score: 5
Repeat after me, "IT'S FICTION". This is a great, well written dramatic book. Don't take the "facts" as true facts, without doing your own research. Just sit back, instead, hold onto your book really tight, and enjoy the fast-paced read.
Helpful Score: 5
A great read, but if you are an evangelical Christian, you will probably be highly offended. A few times as I read this book, I was afraid was going to get struck by lightning. Zap! As a writer, Brown knows how to keep the reader's attention, but, woah!, he sure isn't afraid of the moral majority!
Lindsay R. (KoontzJunkie) -
Helpful Score: 4
Despite alot of negetive things said about this book over the years, and how much of the information isn't true, it's an entertaining read! Don't pick it up with intentions of looking for false info. Just go with it!
Helpful Score: 4
I persisted for about half its length but finally gave up. I didn't mind the pasteboard characterizations, and admittedly the plot twists were ingenious, but the constant stopping for mini-lectures was a pain. That and the continuous distortions of Catholic doctrine finally proved more than I could stand and still get any pleasure from the book.
Helpful Score: 3
Every bit as good as all the reviews. NY Times best seller and rightly so. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it twice.
Helpful Score: 3
Gripping and thoughtful, this novel is full of psychological and physical twists and turns. I must admit that I liked it, though my tastes usually run on the "modern literature" side. The tale of Robert and Sophie was surprisingly smart and believable, and despite the uproar, it is a remarkably good read.
Helpful Score: 3
Loved this book. Intrigue and mystery woven together in a page turner that will keep you wondering what happens next.
Helpful Score: 3
Interesting theory and a twist on the accepted religious beliefs. I found it believable and actual seem more likely what could have happened. Enjoyable read.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Helpful Score: 3
Pretty good the first time around, but then I think that all his books are one-time reads... at least for me. Still, it was very suspenseful, interesting, and kept me up on a 20-hour flight halfway around the globe :)
Janis K. (scrapbooklady) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Not my favorite book. However, there are some good points. The entire story in the 100 plus chapters of the book take place in about 24 hours. This is a fast paced, easy to read, page turner that will leave the reader feeling as exhausted as if he had stayed up for the last 24 hours with the characters going through their adventures. It's very hard to put down once begun. That said, the entire premise is based on either very far fetched speculation about historical unknowns, or outright distortions of known historical facts. If the reader is not up-to-date on history, he might not catch these errors because they are so smoothly woven into the fabric of the story. Worse yet, the entire premise makes no sense.
The premise is that Jesus was not God, but the rightful king of Israel. He fathered a daughter who became royalty in the Merovingian Dynasty of France and therefore her descendants are the rightful heirs to the French Throne, but a huge Catholic conspiracy is working to silence this fact. Why?
Does anyone actually believe that the French president or Israeli prime minister or anyone else really cares who is the rightful heir of the French and/or Judean thrones? Unless Jesus is really divine, in which case Brown's premise requires that the Catholic Church is trying to suppress the idea that he isn't. If that premise is correct, so what?
The premise is that Jesus was not God, but the rightful king of Israel. He fathered a daughter who became royalty in the Merovingian Dynasty of France and therefore her descendants are the rightful heirs to the French Throne, but a huge Catholic conspiracy is working to silence this fact. Why?
Does anyone actually believe that the French president or Israeli prime minister or anyone else really cares who is the rightful heir of the French and/or Judean thrones? Unless Jesus is really divine, in which case Brown's premise requires that the Catholic Church is trying to suppress the idea that he isn't. If that premise is correct, so what?
Helpful Score: 3
A puzzle with the pieces being decoded and collected (with this clue leading to another clue, to another.....) by a professional symbologist to solve an ancient Christian mystery. Excellent story and riveting theories. It's entertaining fiction, not fact.
Don't pick this book up if you are busy, it is a grab-you, see-you-later ride. You won't want to put the book down.
Helpful Score: 2
Great piece of fiction! Entertaining and a page turner. If you read it as fiction, and not, as the author claims, factual, then you'll like it.
Helpful Score: 2
Outstanding read. A must for Da Vinci fans.
Helpful Score: 2
A very good book but it cannot be forgotten that this book is a work of fiction, not fact.
Helpful Score: 2
People have mocked this book but I had trouble putting it down. Once you know the story and the surprise ending it is not a book to keep on the shelf. I was fascinated by the story of Mary Magdelene, the Knights Templar, and the codes. Very good!
Helpful Score: 2
You either have heard of the movie or seen it. But if you have not read the book you are missing out on intrigue and suspense. The ago old question of science verses religion. Dan Brown tells you a story of secret codes hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A great blend of fact and fiction. The detail in this book is wonderful. When you finish this one you will want to read Angels and Demons. I couldn't put this down.
Marci and Duane S. (flame60) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 200 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent fiction book. very well written.
Rebecka S. (beckasdream) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 82 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Great book, really kept me interested. I recommend reading the version of the book with pictures because if you don't, I can bet you will be online looking this stuff up. LOL I thought everything was well researched and it was difficult to not believe that the stuff in this book wasn't real!
Helpful Score: 2
This book was an enjoyable fiction about the Holy Grail, and it's many secrets. I loved it.
Helpful Score: 2
I have seen the movie several times but never took the time to read the book. I finally broke down and read it over the past couple of days. I loved it. Much more detailed than the movie. It amazes me how the author came up with this story in the first place and how he ties everything together in a tight little bow.
I have read all of Dan Browns books and can't wait to see what he thinks up next.
A gripping page turner that's easy to read with good character development.
I have read all of Dan Browns books and can't wait to see what he thinks up next.
A gripping page turner that's easy to read with good character development.
Helpful Score: 2
Captivating! Read the book before I saw the movie and I'm glad I did!
Helpful Score: 2
Here's one of those cannot-put-down books. Breathtaking, interesting, and full of intrigues, I enjoyed every single page of it. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a poorly written novel. I really believe that it's reason for popularity was because it was considered "provocative"...strip that away and you are left with a mediocre read from a very self-aware author.
Helpful Score: 2
A real compelling page turner, I couldn't put it down!
Helpful Score: 2
Good but not great.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a great book! It will definetly keep your attention.
The book, although fiction, addresses life's questions about religion and God. Topics include the Holy Grail, Mary Magdaline, Leonardo Da Vinci and his paintings, etc.
Awesome book! It makes you think!
The book, although fiction, addresses life's questions about religion and God. Topics include the Holy Grail, Mary Magdaline, Leonardo Da Vinci and his paintings, etc.
Awesome book! It makes you think!
Michelle S. (SmartWoman) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Great book, makes you think.. but for the love of God
PEOPLE.. IT'S ONLY FICTION
...lol
PEOPLE.. IT'S ONLY FICTION
...lol
Helpful Score: 2
As a Christian, I was nervous to read this book, but under the advise of a friend, I read it as it was intended to be read, as a FICTION book. It is a well written, suspensful novel. It should not be confused with the truth, but a good read, nonetheless.
Barbara H. (barbaralois) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 84 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Keeps your attention throughout,I had to read his other works too.
Helpful Score: 2
Fascinating book, whether or not you buy the premise, it's a good read.
Helpful Score: 2
Lives up to all the hype.
Helpful Score: 2
over-rated, but an entertaining read!
Helpful Score: 2
A unique thriller. Brilliant book. This was a book that,even though I am a fast reader, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
goddesslovingbookworm -
Helpful Score: 2
Fascinating premise and fast-paced suspense! Great work of escapist fiction, and all controversy aside, Dan Brown kept me on the edge of my seat.
Helpful Score: 2
The reader MUST remember this is a FICTION! This book was written for fictional enjoyment not historical accuracy. This is a wonderfully written, page turning book. I recommend this book to all, even those who do not normally enjoy a good mystery. The "who done it" of this book is compelling with edge of your seat literary excellence. Though the story is fiction, much of the "detail" is correct and that makes this story even more compelling. To think, imagine, see places you yourself may have been at one time. This story is also very thought provoking...would your Christian faith really falter if Christ had married? Would it really make a difference? The Bible never says Christ married, however, it does not say he didn't either. I know my faith would not falter either way, the Bible does not go into much detail of Christs personal life, only his "professional" so to speak. His ministries. He was indeed human, and his feelings and emotions where human, so having a wife would stand to reason. However, this was a fiction and must be read as such. It is a wonderful book and will keep you thinking and guess up until the very last word
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed the book very much. He's an author I would read again. He writes about characters I would like to see in other books.
Helpful Score: 2
I know I am in the minority on this one, but I couldn't see what the hype was all about. The writing itself was mediocre at best. Anyone with a minimal amount of knowledge in history and art history would be able to predict the coming events in the story long before they occurred. When the controversy began I had heard much about how much intense study all over the world Brown did in preparations for writing his story. Where all that research was placed, I am uncertain, as it wasn't part of the story.
The hole's in Brown's story trail are vast. I was disappointed with the misinformation he placed in the story. In addition, the information he did include (forget accuracy) doesn't make sense. I certainly can't understand the monk characters being members of Opus Dei. National Treasure had more factual basis than this book. The biggest let down, Brown didn't need to travel the globe to research teh information he put in his book. He could have gotten what he needed from the internet in his own living room.
At any rate, can be read in a weekend, but don't set yourself up for a let down.
The hole's in Brown's story trail are vast. I was disappointed with the misinformation he placed in the story. In addition, the information he did include (forget accuracy) doesn't make sense. I certainly can't understand the monk characters being members of Opus Dei. National Treasure had more factual basis than this book. The biggest let down, Brown didn't need to travel the globe to research teh information he put in his book. He could have gotten what he needed from the internet in his own living room.
At any rate, can be read in a weekend, but don't set yourself up for a let down.
Helpful Score: 2
While this was a decent read, it lost something for me when I find out that the "all of the details of this book are true" message in the front is yet another lie. Forget about all of the controversy -- even the details about the Louvre weren't correct. Certainly takes Brown's credibility way down in my opinion.
Certainly a provocative read and definitely a page turner, but just because you want to see what happens next doesn't mean that it's an engrossing book. Great for a rainy afternoon of kicking around and just reading something for the heck of it, but no great work of literature here. Enjoy it for what it is and don't expect anything more from it.
Certainly a provocative read and definitely a page turner, but just because you want to see what happens next doesn't mean that it's an engrossing book. Great for a rainy afternoon of kicking around and just reading something for the heck of it, but no great work of literature here. Enjoy it for what it is and don't expect anything more from it.
Helpful Score: 2
Not as impressive as people have said. The writing wasn't spectacular, for sure, and the author over-used many words. If on a scale I'd give it 5/10 for an interesting plot.
Helpful Score: 2
This is definitely in a sub-genre that I like - mystery-thriller with secret societies and links to the past - lots of references to art and architecture, etc...
And it was a reasonably well-written, quite entertaining book.
However, before reading it, I expected to be able to dismiss all the (mainly Christian) uproar about the book, much as I dismissed the uproar around The Last Temptation of Christ (which I never got around to seeing, actually...so I can't discuss that.) But instead, I did understand (at least part of the reasons) why people have become upset. Brown has a disturbing tendency to jump from historical fact, to well-known theories debated by scholars, to complete conspiracy-theory baloney, without any transition between the types of material.
His bibliography is a strange mix of respected works and completely discredited ones, again without any division made. I have to conclude that Brown is really incapable of reading critically for his source material.
No BIG SPOILERS ahead, but you might not want to read if you're planning on reading the book soon...
Brown's main theory is that the early church actively suppressed the idea of the "sacred feminine," eliminating goddess worship. There is a great deal of truth to this. When picking "one god," Christianity (and Islam and Judaism) picked a male god. In the past, most cultures had both male and female deities. Today, most have a singular, specifically male god. This is fact. To his credit, Brown doesn't go as far as some modern non-scholarly authors in asserting the existence of some kind of feminist goddess-worshipping paradise before Christianity. However, he then jumps to theories that medieval notions of chivalry and symbols traditionally used for the feminine (and the culture of medieval Europe WAS very intensely into such symbology) are all evidence of a secret goddess-worshipping cult which has survived down the ages to the present day, complete with sex-rituals, etc... This is simply NOT true - but Brown just jumps from one to the other, as if it follows logically.
In another part of the book, Brown talks about Constantine's conflation of older religious holidays and observances with the new, Christian ones. Again, true. But he jumps right from that to an assertion that the Dead Sea Scrolls are books of the Bible that Constantine attempted to destroy for their "humanist" representation of Jesus, and Jesus' relationship with Mary Magdalene. THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS DO NOT HAVE THIS CONTENT! Argh! This is just misinformation! But it's mixed right in the with the information that, in contradiction with Christian "myth," Biblical writings do NOT ever identify Mary Magalene as a prostitute. Which is true, and freely stated by Catholics.
However, Brown jumps on to say that Jesus actually intended Mary Magdalene to take over his ministry after his death, and that Peter just kinda jumped in and took over against Jesus' wishes. Knowing what I do about the culture of the ancient Middle East, I find this to be a highly unlikely theory. A woman just would not have had that kind of authority - and there's no sort of evidence in support of this.
I could go on, but I'm sure many web pages have done so in much more detail... and I don't want to give away some of the fun parts! Overall, I enjoyed the book a lot, but I think it's quite possible to invent secret societies, plots and conspiracies WITHOUT contradicting known historical facts, and I wish Brown had made more of an effort to do so in this book....
And it was a reasonably well-written, quite entertaining book.
However, before reading it, I expected to be able to dismiss all the (mainly Christian) uproar about the book, much as I dismissed the uproar around The Last Temptation of Christ (which I never got around to seeing, actually...so I can't discuss that.) But instead, I did understand (at least part of the reasons) why people have become upset. Brown has a disturbing tendency to jump from historical fact, to well-known theories debated by scholars, to complete conspiracy-theory baloney, without any transition between the types of material.
His bibliography is a strange mix of respected works and completely discredited ones, again without any division made. I have to conclude that Brown is really incapable of reading critically for his source material.
No BIG SPOILERS ahead, but you might not want to read if you're planning on reading the book soon...
Brown's main theory is that the early church actively suppressed the idea of the "sacred feminine," eliminating goddess worship. There is a great deal of truth to this. When picking "one god," Christianity (and Islam and Judaism) picked a male god. In the past, most cultures had both male and female deities. Today, most have a singular, specifically male god. This is fact. To his credit, Brown doesn't go as far as some modern non-scholarly authors in asserting the existence of some kind of feminist goddess-worshipping paradise before Christianity. However, he then jumps to theories that medieval notions of chivalry and symbols traditionally used for the feminine (and the culture of medieval Europe WAS very intensely into such symbology) are all evidence of a secret goddess-worshipping cult which has survived down the ages to the present day, complete with sex-rituals, etc... This is simply NOT true - but Brown just jumps from one to the other, as if it follows logically.
In another part of the book, Brown talks about Constantine's conflation of older religious holidays and observances with the new, Christian ones. Again, true. But he jumps right from that to an assertion that the Dead Sea Scrolls are books of the Bible that Constantine attempted to destroy for their "humanist" representation of Jesus, and Jesus' relationship with Mary Magdalene. THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS DO NOT HAVE THIS CONTENT! Argh! This is just misinformation! But it's mixed right in the with the information that, in contradiction with Christian "myth," Biblical writings do NOT ever identify Mary Magalene as a prostitute. Which is true, and freely stated by Catholics.
However, Brown jumps on to say that Jesus actually intended Mary Magdalene to take over his ministry after his death, and that Peter just kinda jumped in and took over against Jesus' wishes. Knowing what I do about the culture of the ancient Middle East, I find this to be a highly unlikely theory. A woman just would not have had that kind of authority - and there's no sort of evidence in support of this.
I could go on, but I'm sure many web pages have done so in much more detail... and I don't want to give away some of the fun parts! Overall, I enjoyed the book a lot, but I think it's quite possible to invent secret societies, plots and conspiracies WITHOUT contradicting known historical facts, and I wish Brown had made more of an effort to do so in this book....
Helpful Score: 2
Quite possible the worst book I've ever had the misfortune to read-- its only possible rival in sheer badness is the Left Behind series. I couldn't just put it down, I felt morally obligated to hurl it across the room with as much force as I could muster. The fact that this book is as popular as it is leaves me with very little faith in American literacy.
The writing is execrable-- I wasn't offended by the "theology," but I was by the prose. The book reads like a bad pulpy radio drama, complete with end-of-the-chapter "Little did they know what would happen NEXT!" The "handsome, literate, well-respected" protagonist is clearly a stand-in for the author, who is seemingly unaware that "symbology" is already an academic discipline called semiotics. Sophie is a cryptographer who apparently can't solve a simple substitution code or recognize a Fibonacci sequence for chapters at a time.
The half-baked conspiracy theory that was supposed to be so provocative and subversive is honestly laughable, at best. If Jesus was no more than human all along, then why do we care about his bloodline? How precisely is Mary Magdalene honored by being Jesus' Babymama instead of an apostle in her own right? What is a monk doing in Opus Dei-- a LAY society? The mind boggles.
The writing is execrable-- I wasn't offended by the "theology," but I was by the prose. The book reads like a bad pulpy radio drama, complete with end-of-the-chapter "Little did they know what would happen NEXT!" The "handsome, literate, well-respected" protagonist is clearly a stand-in for the author, who is seemingly unaware that "symbology" is already an academic discipline called semiotics. Sophie is a cryptographer who apparently can't solve a simple substitution code or recognize a Fibonacci sequence for chapters at a time.
The half-baked conspiracy theory that was supposed to be so provocative and subversive is honestly laughable, at best. If Jesus was no more than human all along, then why do we care about his bloodline? How precisely is Mary Magdalene honored by being Jesus' Babymama instead of an apostle in her own right? What is a monk doing in Opus Dei-- a LAY society? The mind boggles.
Helpful Score: 2
I love it when i read it, but i've not had the slightest inclination to read it again. The story was fast paced, well-researched and intriguing, but as with me and most mystery-thrillers, i didnt take much away from it. still, hundreds of thousands of times better than the movie.
Maria P. (BklynMom) - , reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 541 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Pretty good for a generalized introduction to medieval mystery and secret societies.
Helpful Score: 1
Book superior to movie version.
Helpful Score: 1
an ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Helpful Score: 1
SOOOOO much better than the movie. This is a true page turner - you won't be able to stop reading it.
Debbie E. (Debbieeohio) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 151 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One of the best
Helpful Score: 1
could not put this book down!
Helpful Score: 1
I vote PASS on this book. Predictable story line, predictable plot twists, predictable characters.
Helpful Score: 1
A good mystery.
Helpful Score: 1
A thought provoking story. I was left wondering how much was fact or fiction.
Helpful Score: 1
My husband and I both enjoyed this! It was definitely a book to make you think. Highly recommend this, much better in my opinion than the movie!
Helpful Score: 1
I love this book,it has twist and turns and mixed with history you don't know fact from fiction.
Helpful Score: 1
page turner!
Helpful Score: 1
Great story. Will keep you hooked until the end. Much better than the movie.
Helpful Score: 1
Create Book! Started quite a discussion in my church but that was good thing to have!
Helpful Score: 1
Great book, an absolute must read for everyone
Carissa B. (carissamarie) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great fiction story that draws you in and is hard to put down
Helpful Score: 1
Dan' Brown's currend best seller.
Helpful Score: 1
I thought the book was delightfully entertaining and a very fun read!
Tanya H. (oscarprincess) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book interesting, even if I didn't agree with the premise on a personal level. Stretches realism, but it is fiction after all. Better than the movie, makes you think if you are an individual of faith.
Helpful Score: 1
Great adventure read!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is thought provoking and thrilling. Most people loved the book and found the major motion picture lacking.
Helpful Score: 1
better than the movie
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is a rather deep book. It will make you think about your religion regardless of what it is. A friend said to remember that it is fiction and I think that is good advice. Although not as fictional as some might think.
Helpful Score: 1
What can I say.... They made it into a movie.
Helpful Score: 1
I was enthralled with this book. I actually finished it in two days, couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. I like alternate thinking and this has a very plausible view. Made my enjoyment of the movie that much better.
Sheri C. (sheriqueenbee) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A pulse-quickening , brain-teasing adventure.
Helpful Score: 1
very good gooding
Helpful Score: 1
As usual the book tells you more.Read the book before seeing the movie.
Rhonda K. (readswhilewalks) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very good book!! Not quite as good as Angels & Demons. If you have not read either of these books...start with Angels & Demons. It makes The Da Vinci Code much easier to read.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great book. Fascinating approach to the story, and made me more interested in certain aspects of history. I could not put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved it, I had to get online to really get a look at the pictures mentioned in the book though and I recommend that you do too, it helps!!
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent mystery, history and adventure book.
Helpful Score: 1
Amazing book - I couldn't put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
Amazing book... could not put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
If you haven't read this book, you are missing out..
Definetly worth the time.. Much better than the movie!!!
Definetly worth the time.. Much better than the movie!!!
Helpful Score: 1
We have all seen the movie, but have you read the book? Check it out, it is worth the read!
Helpful Score: 1
A great page-turner, masterfully told.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book and all of Dan Brown's books.
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't watch the movie. The book is unbelievable and had more plot twists then any other book I've read. With this book I feel in love with Dan Brown's writing. You won't be disappointed with this choice.
Mary T. (mary-ellen) - , reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 57 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love this series. This isn't my usual genre but for Robert Lanfdon I will make an exception. I have all the books in this seriers and plan to keep collecting them as they come out in hard back of course.
Helpful Score: 1
I really like this book along with Angels and Demons. Dan Brown had me captivated from the beginning. I recommend this as an excellent read.
Katie S. (JeffersonsAmbrosia) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 98 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The best parts of the book remind me of the first and third Indiana Jones films (Temple of Doom sucked). Dan Brown builds his fictional story on just enough truth about Christian history to spark imagination and plant in his readers a kernel that will lead to conversations, research and a deeper understanding of the life of Christ, the Church and the role mankind has played in muddying up the religion. We shouldn't read his book as "The Gospel According to Dan", and I would bet Mr. Brown would say the same thing. But it is a wonderful starting point for someone unfamiliar with the formation of the early church and the political/social choices of the first leaders that have shaped the evolution of the faith. I have yet to talk to any reader of the book who did not immediately locate a copy of The Last Supper and look for the clues the book suggests exists amid its scene.
But with all that highbrow content is a very lowbrow narrative, full of melodramatic mysteries, knock-you-over-the-head-clues and prose that at times sounds like it belongs in a dime store. The arch of the story is a common mystery (despite the very uncommon content), and is not unlike the plot of an episode of Scooby-Doo (a crime takes place, suspects are identified, people aren't who they say they are and our heroes figure it all out). At the very end, I half expected the main villain to really be Old Man Withers of the Amusement Park and our two protagonists to enjoy a nice meal of Scooby Snacks.
But with all that highbrow content is a very lowbrow narrative, full of melodramatic mysteries, knock-you-over-the-head-clues and prose that at times sounds like it belongs in a dime store. The arch of the story is a common mystery (despite the very uncommon content), and is not unlike the plot of an episode of Scooby-Doo (a crime takes place, suspects are identified, people aren't who they say they are and our heroes figure it all out). At the very end, I half expected the main villain to really be Old Man Withers of the Amusement Park and our two protagonists to enjoy a nice meal of Scooby Snacks.
Erica M. (bookjunkie0307) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down. I felt the author did a good job.
Helpful Score: 1
interesting story but I wasn't impressed with the writing.
Helpful Score: 1
Bought this book @ my local library, figuring someone on where wanted it. I started reading it because I had read "Angels & Demons", enjoying the sequel immensely. Much to my surprise (and partly, dismay) I could not put this book down. Although the chapters are ridiculously short, it's certainly a book that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Helpful Score: 1
The mystery surrounding the death and resurrection of Christ which poses the question of whether Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and how a mysterious group has tried to block this information through the centuries.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was terrific. It opened up a whole new way of looking at religion and has made me stronger in my own.
Helpful Score: 1
Good style, bad content
This is an engaging, well written book and gets 5 stars on that front. There are many issues with the content of the book- not only much too sexual for my tastes, but the historical inaccuracies are appalling (others have gone into detail on this front so I will spare you). Brown maintains that this work of fiction is true which heightens the tension & raises the burden for truth. The content receives a disappointing 1 star for a book average of 3 stars.
This is an engaging, well written book and gets 5 stars on that front. There are many issues with the content of the book- not only much too sexual for my tastes, but the historical inaccuracies are appalling (others have gone into detail on this front so I will spare you). Brown maintains that this work of fiction is true which heightens the tension & raises the burden for truth. The content receives a disappointing 1 star for a book average of 3 stars.
Helpful Score: 1
An excellent, excellent book!
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Really engaging, the plot was creative and interesting
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I doubted this was a good book for over a year but when I finally picked it up... WOW! Very good book that was very well written. I would recommend this to everyone.
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Good thriller that is better than the movie.
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Was an awesome page turner! I could not put this book down!
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This book falls into the category of "keeper" and "re-read". Excellent story -full of intrigue & mystery. Extremely well writen.
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Excellent fast paced book--read it twice!
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I LOVED this book! Was afraid all the hype was just that, but was extremely satisfied and intrigued by the story and the characters. This is one I"ll never forget.
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Excellent read! Highly recommended!
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art, religion, adventure - quick engaging read
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this book was so good I don't even want to see the movie!
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What a page turner!
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Much better than the movie, in my opinion!
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This is exceptionally well written. Its easy to see why this caused such an uproar.
Jennifer C. (JennJenn523) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 59 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great book although I enjoyed Angels and Demons more.
Helpful Score: 1
I must be one of the last people to read this book, but I sure understand now what all the hoopla was about. It neither got old nor slow at any point. Don't attempt to read this book when you have other responsibilities - you won't be able to put it down. Now for the question: To view, or not to view, the movie? ~LeAnn
Helpful Score: 1
The book was much more vivid in its descriptions than I thought it would be. I liked it.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book a great suspense you can't wait to see what happens next, the movie does it some justice but there is so much more in the book
Brittany S. (kentuckygirl) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One of my faves!
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Loved the movie but the book is even better. Couldn't put it down.
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This book it the BEST!!
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Better than the movie.
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I would say this is one of the top 5 books I've ever read in my life.
Jennifer K. (Journeys-mom) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a compelling book. For anyone that hasn't read it yet, it's worth a read. I don't feel the movie did it justice, but then again they never do. The book is always better then the movie, this one is no exception.
Helpful Score: 1
This one's a keeper! I've re-read it twice, and found something I missed each time.
Helpful Score: 1
LOVED IT. Better then the movie but most books are.
Helpful Score: 1
Couldn't put it down...highly suspensful and a great book.
Alycia M. (littlepunkins) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Could not put this one down!
Melissa E. (Melissa1959) -
Helpful Score: 1
A very interesting fictional theory about the location of the Grail. I watched the movie first, then read the book. The book gives a lot more detail than the movie. It clarifies things in the movie that left me confused. Personally, I preferred "Angels and Demons" over The Da Vinci Code, but all in all it's a pretty good yarn.
Patricia S. (Dixietrish) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! Highly recommend!
Helpful Score: 1
Read the Book, See the Movie
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This is a real page-turner! I could not imagine what everyone was so excited about --- until I started reading this book!!
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WOW! Fast paced and always kept me guessing! I liked the movie as much as the book, they were different but still were both good. Great writer, great read!
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Great read, hard to put down.
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I had a hard time putting this book down. It's a wonderful mystery with surprising twists. Definitely a 5 star read.
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This book is much hyped and probably needs no review. I enjoyed it very much but I did not take it seriously. Remember it is fiction.
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Don't usually go for this type of book, but totally got into this. Realy great, fascinating read for anyone to enjoy.
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Loved it!!!!
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Thought provoking book. Not a 'light read' but hard to put down.
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This book holds the interest of the reader, and although there are many things which critics say leave something to be desired in Mr. Brown's research, I found it most interesting. It is indeed a thriller, and well written. I look forward to seeing the movie.
Helpful Score: 1
very good read
Helpful Score: 1
The book on the whole was very good if you enjoy alternate histories. I'm not saying I don't believe the story could ever happen, what I'm saying is that it seems he used the formula from his first book, Angels and Demons (excellent), and simply filled in some research he had done on the grail. It's very formulaic, but better than the movie.
Helpful Score: 1
What a load of codswallop this book is. I read this to oblige someone else (a boss; no one else would have gotten me to finish it), and was floored by all the pseudo-learned nonsense Dan Brown throws at his poor benighted reader. I'm no expert - but I'm also not an idiot, and I did have a very good art history teacher when I went to art school. It didn't take me long to spot an ever-growing list of factual errors in the "proofs". I posted a webpage outlining what I found for the benefit of the person who made me read this piece of ... fiction; I wish in a way I still had it, but it never seemed worth wasting the webspace on for more than the time I needed it.
One review said "Though some will quibble with the veracity of Brown's conjectures, therein lies the fun." It isn't exactly "quibbling" when there's solid proof showing he was blowing smoke up our ... eyeglasses, but let that pass. The conjectures themselves were amusing enough, but I've seen them posited in far more convincing and intelligent formats. It still makes me sad that the Vatican chose to distinguish such pure boneheadedness by paying it any attention at all; it so richly deserved to sink into utter oblivion, and so very much the exact opposite happened. "Fun"? Perhaps - if the book had been remotely well-written. I found it absolutely painful.
The only positive thing I can find to say about the book is that it made people look at da Vinci and his work who might not have ever done so otherwise. Perhaps more of the semi-literate now know who da Vinci is than previously. So - yay. But having art education expanded microscopically at the cost of having this great steaming pile of inanity inflicted on a willing public... God help us all.
One review said "Though some will quibble with the veracity of Brown's conjectures, therein lies the fun." It isn't exactly "quibbling" when there's solid proof showing he was blowing smoke up our ... eyeglasses, but let that pass. The conjectures themselves were amusing enough, but I've seen them posited in far more convincing and intelligent formats. It still makes me sad that the Vatican chose to distinguish such pure boneheadedness by paying it any attention at all; it so richly deserved to sink into utter oblivion, and so very much the exact opposite happened. "Fun"? Perhaps - if the book had been remotely well-written. I found it absolutely painful.
The only positive thing I can find to say about the book is that it made people look at da Vinci and his work who might not have ever done so otherwise. Perhaps more of the semi-literate now know who da Vinci is than previously. So - yay. But having art education expanded microscopically at the cost of having this great steaming pile of inanity inflicted on a willing public... God help us all.
Helpful Score: 1
This is usually the type of book I read. But it was great. I loved it. It was action packed through the whole book. Awesome...
Helpful Score: 1
I was fascinated and couldn't put the book down.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite books, if you haven't read it yet then you will love it.
KATHERINE W. (wylchild) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 115 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The Da Vinci Code lives up to every bit of hype ever thrown at it. Action, adventure, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right up to the end.
Helpful Score: 1
A real page turner from Dan Brown...loved it!
Helpful Score: 1
Entertaining implausible read.
Helpful Score: 1
A great read! Of course I didn't agree with all of the theories presented, but who needs that for an exciting, hard to put down, thriller? Not me! I finished it in one day!
Helpful Score: 1
Entertaining. Can't see why people get worked up about a fictional thriller though.
Helpful Score: 1
A decent thriller with an intriguing premise.
Helpful Score: 1
My book club read this book two years ago. I only finished 1/3 of it before the meeting, but I went anyway. I heard many of the "secrets" revealed during the discussion, so I decided not to finish the book, figuring I "knew" what was going to happen. Now, two years later with the movie due out in a couple of weeks, I bought the mass market paperback on a whim. I felt like the last person in America who hadn't fallen in love with this book and I decided to give it one more try before seeing the movie. This time, I was struck by the Da Vinci Code lightning-- I devoured the book in a matter of days (a short time for me, the mother of a young child) and literally *could not* put it down. Isn't that the greatest feeling as a reader?!! I have read critiques of the novel-- that the characters are too one dimensional, etc.-- but now I think that is all sour grapes. BRAVO, Mr. Brown, BRAVO.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a very good book. Really makes you think! ^_^
Helpful Score: 1
As fascinating as Mr. Brown's Research is, and as alluring as each chapter-end cliffhanger is, the book, as a novel, has a few flaws.
The one major gripe I had was the Police Official's motivation for pursuit. In the natural world of police investigations, such behavior, is just plain silly, and not taken seriously at all.
The book did not pursue the route I thought it would. Imagine this: what starts out as a murder investigation soon leads into the hunt for one of the most sought after relics in human history. The discovery of this relic could possibly mean big money and/or power for its discover. So, you would expect countries, spies, agents, to use whatever means possible to grab this relic. Maybe a war ensues. Sounds exciting, right? Alas, ... ho hum, nothing that exciting happens.
After everything is said and done, the book is simply a 1- to 2- day Scavenger Hunt with some action and interesting facts thrown in to fatten up the book. Chapter cliffhangers are nice. But as a whole, the book lacks the keys necessary to be labeled 'great'
The one major gripe I had was the Police Official's motivation for pursuit. In the natural world of police investigations, such behavior, is just plain silly, and not taken seriously at all.
The book did not pursue the route I thought it would. Imagine this: what starts out as a murder investigation soon leads into the hunt for one of the most sought after relics in human history. The discovery of this relic could possibly mean big money and/or power for its discover. So, you would expect countries, spies, agents, to use whatever means possible to grab this relic. Maybe a war ensues. Sounds exciting, right? Alas, ... ho hum, nothing that exciting happens.
After everything is said and done, the book is simply a 1- to 2- day Scavenger Hunt with some action and interesting facts thrown in to fatten up the book. Chapter cliffhangers are nice. But as a whole, the book lacks the keys necessary to be labeled 'great'
Helpful Score: 1
Some people say that "Angels & Demons" is a better book, but I found that "The Da Vinci Code" was one that I enjoyed more. I suppose it was because I saw the movie before reading this book which, in some ways, made the reading experience richer.
This book is definitely a re-reader.
This book is definitely a re-reader.
Helpful Score: 1
In this smart, thrilling book, a symbologist and the daughter of a murdered curator risk life and limb to uncover a hidden code in Leonardo da Vinci's works. This engaging, suspenseful book will keep you enthusiastically running with the characters until the astonishing end.
While in Paris, Harvard Symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bazarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci-clues visible for all to see and yes ingeniously disguised by the painter.
Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion - a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo and da Vinci-and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle-whiloe avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move-the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.
Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion - a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo and da Vinci-and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle-whiloe avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move-the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.
Helpful Score: 1
i loved this book...i finished it in two days...kept me sucked into it until the very end..and the end was fantastic.
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic Read Recomend to anyone who has a fancy for Theology
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. Great story...if taken as fiction should be.
Helpful Score: 1
Thriller with an ancient twist. Get's your mind to wondering!
Helpful Score: 1
This was a fabulous book. Exciting from the get go! read it before the movie hits the big screen !
Helpful Score: 1
Couldn't put it down!
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Excellent adventure. I hope the movie is just as good.
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A great book. Lives up to it's controversial reputation.
Helpful Score: 1
Probably a bit over-hyped. A good read that engages you and keeps you up all night long as you have to read "just one more chapter."
Shannon F. (Mom23princes) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
excellent thriller,very fast paced
Angel S. (AngelWings) -
Helpful Score: 1
This was one of those you do not want to put down! One of Dan Brown's best.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent story! Keeps you on the edge of your seat and interested until the very end.
Helpful Score: 1
couldnt put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
Awesome book! I loved it!
Helpful Score: 1
Keeps you going from beginning to end,books better then the movie.
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I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book.
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An exciting, action-packed mystery. This book really deserved its best seller status. Read the book before you see the movie.
Helpful Score: 1
If not a gifted writer, Dan Brown is a gifted story teller. If you enjoy theology than you should like this one. Wonderfully researched to back up the 'surprise' theory. Read the book before you see the movie as you will enjoy the movie more having done so.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is about a secret society and how it bagan. Includes a lot of info to make you question history.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent read
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Exciting read!
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An excellent choice of fiction for a pulse-quickening, brain-teasing adventure.
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I enjoyed "revisiting" Italy. The book was an easy read.
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Amazing! Entralling!
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Excellent book! Could not put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
I read this as part of a theology class. I never understood what the big deal was about this book until reading it. It is a fast-moving story as the two main characters unexpectedly find themselves on a scavenger hunt of sorts. The author did an outstanding job of holding this reader's attention.
Helpful Score: 1
Good sequel to Angels and Demons. Fast-paced just like the first one. A good writer.
Helpful Score: 1
i read The Da Vinci Code only because i've heard people talk about it so darn much. and no wonder! it was great. each chapter leaves you hanging and they're so short that you just HAVE to read the next one, and the next, and the next...
Helpful Score: 1
(from the cover) "An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries...unveiled at last."
Very interesting read. Liked the book better than the movie.
Very interesting read. Liked the book better than the movie.
Helpful Score: 1
This book moved so fast that it was really hard to put down. I enjoyed it as much as the Angels and Devils which is also with Robert Langdon. And no wonder there was such a fuss abou this book. It had some wild stuff in there.
Helpful Score: 1
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is very interesting!!! A must read!!!
Christina W. (sparkydoo) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Ten times better than the movie!
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Fun read!
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Fabulous suspense, great imagery. I haveb't seen the movie and not sure I want to. I have it all pictured and am afraid the movie would ruin it. My faith wasn't changed by the book, but a great read.
Helpful Score: 1
An adventure for the mind that could make a person question life in general.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a thrilling noval that entraps your full attention. I highly recommend this book as a suspence thriller
Marilyn D. (crystalviolin) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 24 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book. A wonderful book of fiction and must read in my opinion.
Lisa S. (abeautifullife786) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Well, you know, lol.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book it started slow but it got a whole lot better.
Helpful Score: 1
Fun and easy read.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it! Good story, containing thought provoking references to true historic material.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent read!
Helpful Score: 1
I actually didn't finish the book because I ran out of time. But from what I read, it was addicting.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book. A must read...
Chris S. (Snowball7470) -
A good fast paced mystery! I didn't follow all the history in it or the religious context but I still enjoyed the book and how it rolled right along at a nice face pace!
da vinci code- need more be said?
It was a great book, better than the movie for sure and had me wanting to hurry to the end to see what was going to happen next and what the codes were and how they were used.
Angela S. (booksquirrel) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 40 more book reviews
Great, edge-of-your-seat story! I loved all the clues and code deciphering. I didn't want to put this book down. I even read it while I was working...very risky, but it was sooo worth the trouble. The movie was very good, but I think the book was so much better. Read the book if you haven't seen the movie, and you will appreciate the movie so much more when you do see it because you'll have all the extra history and back story.
DARRELL S. (darrellsnodgrass) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 67 more book reviews
I loved every page of the book. The secret societies and codes were what made it so fascinating.
Tammy P. (bookluver-in-sc) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 229 more book reviews
A very interesting mystery. Will Keep you reading to the end. Much better than the movie.
Thriller. Takes reader on a ride through Europe. Fun to read, if you are not too concerned about the theology.
This book is great. It reads like a movie, you can't put it down.
A mind-bending code hidden in the works of Da Vinci.
A desperate race through the cathedrals ans castles of Europe.
An astonishing truth concealed for centuries, unveiled at last.
A desperate race through the cathedrals ans castles of Europe.
An astonishing truth concealed for centuries, unveiled at last.
Loved it. Skip the movie, though!
Diana R. (screamingbirdsmom) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 33 more book reviews
Enjoyable fiction
The book is way better than the movie, you must read the book first...
It keeps you turning the pages until you just can't read anymore!
It keeps you turning the pages until you just can't read anymore!
I'll be the first to admit that this book doesn't live up to the hype, but to be fair, the hype was huge. This isn't anything that sensational, but it's still a good read. Just like with Angels and Demons, it's a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller (though not quite as tight as Angels and Demons) with some thought-provoking issues (though not as well-balanced, and considerably more pretentious and preachy than Angels and Demons.) There's really no reason for anyone to be offended by this book, and I don't personally find any of the ideas all that sensational. If you want a Dan Brown thriller . . . I'd still recommend Angels and Demons. But this one's pretty good, too.
My daughter LOVED this book & Brown is one of her favorite authors now!!
Michelle B. (sdshellybean) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 51 more book reviews
A good book, may not live up to the hype (depends on your susceptibility to hype. Mine = high)
Fantastic, but not such a great ending. But read it anyway! It makes you think a lot!
Intrigue and menace, mingled in one of the finest mysteries you could read. This is an amazing tale with enigma piled on secrets stacked with riddies. A must read
Good fiction - NOT TRUTH!
One of his best!
This is the second book featuring Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon. Unlike the movies, 'Angels and Demons' actually comes first.
As far as action thrillers go, this book was good but not great. Yes, it kept me reading. It was interesting enough to keep me engaged. But there was also a lot about the book that I hated.
I understand that this book is fiction. And I would have no issues with the religious animosity and blatant anti-Christian propaganda if this book were strictly claiming to be just a work of fiction. But it's not. Brown clearly states in the opening pages that everything in the book (minus the actual fictional characters and plot) is fact. He attempts to present his fictional story around what he claims to be well-researched, documented, historical and religious fact. People who hate the book because of its anti-Christian content are told, "Lighten up, it's only fiction!" while people who love the book because of its anti-Christian content proclaim, "Look at what the Church has never told us! And all of it's true!" Brown has expertly played both sides and it seems that he has the book sales to prove it.
For anyone with even the slightest understanding of early church history (or any early history at all) they will find the claims in this book to be laughable. Sadly, millions of people have taken this work of 'fiction' as gospel truth (and have used it as 'credible' ammunition when rejecting the real gospel as truth.) Brown's hatred is obviously directed specifically at the Catholic church. I'm not sure why the multitude of Protestant denominations were left unscathed...perhaps he is saving their inclusion for a future book.
In all, if you can completely suspend all sense of accuracy when it comes to history (this is fiction after all, right?) then this book is an interesting read on an Indiana Jones/ conspiracy theory/ international scandal type of level. But the moment you take it as more than fiction, it sinks into poorly veiled ideological propaganda and the story itself becomes nothing more than a means for Brown to attempt a rewrite of otherwise well-documented history.
It's no surprise that so many books have been written in response to this one. Since Brown claims that everything in the book is true, it's only fair for others to point out the difference between what is true and what is embellishment, fabrication, and blatant misrepresentation of fact. For a solid, well-researched, well-documented counterpoint to The DaVinci code, I recommend 'The DaVinci Hoax' by Carl E. Olson and Sandra Miesel.
As far as action thrillers go, this book was good but not great. Yes, it kept me reading. It was interesting enough to keep me engaged. But there was also a lot about the book that I hated.
I understand that this book is fiction. And I would have no issues with the religious animosity and blatant anti-Christian propaganda if this book were strictly claiming to be just a work of fiction. But it's not. Brown clearly states in the opening pages that everything in the book (minus the actual fictional characters and plot) is fact. He attempts to present his fictional story around what he claims to be well-researched, documented, historical and religious fact. People who hate the book because of its anti-Christian content are told, "Lighten up, it's only fiction!" while people who love the book because of its anti-Christian content proclaim, "Look at what the Church has never told us! And all of it's true!" Brown has expertly played both sides and it seems that he has the book sales to prove it.
For anyone with even the slightest understanding of early church history (or any early history at all) they will find the claims in this book to be laughable. Sadly, millions of people have taken this work of 'fiction' as gospel truth (and have used it as 'credible' ammunition when rejecting the real gospel as truth.) Brown's hatred is obviously directed specifically at the Catholic church. I'm not sure why the multitude of Protestant denominations were left unscathed...perhaps he is saving their inclusion for a future book.
In all, if you can completely suspend all sense of accuracy when it comes to history (this is fiction after all, right?) then this book is an interesting read on an Indiana Jones/ conspiracy theory/ international scandal type of level. But the moment you take it as more than fiction, it sinks into poorly veiled ideological propaganda and the story itself becomes nothing more than a means for Brown to attempt a rewrite of otherwise well-documented history.
It's no surprise that so many books have been written in response to this one. Since Brown claims that everything in the book is true, it's only fair for others to point out the difference between what is true and what is embellishment, fabrication, and blatant misrepresentation of fact. For a solid, well-researched, well-documented counterpoint to The DaVinci code, I recommend 'The DaVinci Hoax' by Carl E. Olson and Sandra Miesel.
Great Read. I enjoyed it.
I know that this book was a huge hit and a blockbuster movie, and I know that writers sometimes have to take liberties when writing historical novels, but this book was awful. Let me explain. I have a degree in Art History and much of the background for this book is rooted in art and church history. Brown takes one excessive liberty after another to make his book work, to the point where it is insulting. It is especially insulting to Christians, but even those with a passing knowledge of art history will find plenty to complain about. Is it an exciting story as it moves from venue to venue and from action to action? Certainly, but I think those who write historical fiction bear some responsibility to stay true to the facts as we know them as much as is possible, rather than completely reinventing it to sell more books.
Great book. Fast reading and lots of action.
Perfect for history bluffs. I had a difficult time persevering.
Great book, everyone should read this.
GREAT!!!!
Excellent! I can hardly wait to see the movie now! The book really makes you think and wonder.....
Controversial, but a great work of fiction! D. Brown's second book with R. Langdon. Strongly recommend reading Angels & Demons before reading this book.
A fun read, but certainly not worth all the hype.
Stephanie D. (LovesBooks) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 84 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. It is a fiction book and is just that. I don't believe the theories in the book but it was still a good book. The plot and suspense were wonderful. However, I really found the end lacking. Those of you who have read it know what I'm talking about! :)
This was one of my favorite books so far. I read it twice.
Early paperback edition from Quality Paperback Book Club! This is the full, original Da Vinci Code that has thrilled millions, in a softcover format. Don't wait any longer for a paperback Code!
Heart pounding story that takes you through a multitude of countries and periods of history.
Audrey R. (angelrossiter) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 23 more book reviews
Loved the book. Very interesting. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Much better than the movie.
Kaycee D. (iloveyouhecried) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 38 more book reviews
Such an amazing book! If you havent read it yet, you must!
Loved the book. I figured out who the bad guy was early on but I change my mind several times. In the end, I was right but it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The book is much better than the movie.
This was a really good book. It took a little bit longer for me to get into than its prequel (Angels & Demons), but once I did, it was definitely just as much of a page-turner. The fact that Dan Brown uses historical controversies, real pieces of art, and actual locations just makes the book that more interesting. In reading it, I could see where Catholics & Christians could have issues with this book, but I found the controversial issues really furthered the story.
One of the best books I've ever read. Because of this and Angels & Demons, I am currently reading Dan Brown's other two novels and eagerly anticipating the release of Brown's third Robert Langdon novel in September.
One of the best books I've ever read. Because of this and Angels & Demons, I am currently reading Dan Brown's other two novels and eagerly anticipating the release of Brown's third Robert Langdon novel in September.
Yet another book that is vastly better than its movie. An enjoyable overview of material covered in other, earlier books by other authors (notably Holy Blood, Holy Grail and The Woman With The Alabaster Jar), with an intriguing mystery tossed in to keep the book from being a complete re-hash. Not as good as Angels & Demons, but worth reading. I agree with the previous PBS reviewer who suggests reading Angels & Demons first. The events in DaVinci Code follow chronologically the events in Angels & Demons, and a few plot elements are dependent on that earlier book's plot.
Simply one of the best novels I have ever read. So rich and colorful. This book has its lovers and haters and you can mark me in the love category. Just couldn't wait to finish it once i started page 1.
Very interesting book.
I was disappointed. I have not seen the movie yet, but this was not a book that lived up to any of the hype that was going on.
A mind-bending code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries . . . unveiled at last.
Terrific, page-turning religious thriller. Very suspenseful and thought provoking manipulation of various symbols and theories about religion. Reminded me of Foucault's Pendulum by Umerto Eco, but written with a lighter touch.
Great book. Even better movie.
Loriann S. (nalastormhunter) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 35 more book reviews
A good beach read, not worth all the hype
Very good, thoroughly enjoyed. Quick read.
A very good read. Fast paced and very provacative.
Chrisenda H. (dmpgirl08) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 22 more book reviews
This is one of those books that You just can't put down!
Jennifer P. (favoritern) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 55 more book reviews
Loved this book. I read this book in one day. Now my husband is reading it. Much better than the movie!
I read this cover to cover in one sitting...5 hours! Be prepared to finish it once you pick it up, very fast pace reading-- fun!
LOVE THIS BOOK! I could not put it down and have read it many times over. Trying to figure out the puzzle with Robert and Sophie was half the fun!
Enjoyed it, the story linkage and the puzzles. Well done!
One of the best books on the shelf. I read it once a year and find something I missed each time! The illustrated version helps you visualize the historic items they talk about throughout the book.
I never was one to read much popular fiction. So more hype I heard the more I rolled my eyes at it. Once even my coworkers were discussing it - and the rumors that the Church was 'condemning' it - I gave in and bought it. I literally blazed through it on a weekend camping trip. An excellent thriller that I could not put down, even by camp lantern.
Steven C. (SteveTheDM) -
I haven't felt quite so insulted by a book in a long long time. Seriously: every chapter ends with a cliffhanger?
I shut this book in disgust so many times at the way Brown jerks the reader around. The unfortunate part of all that is that the *story* was actually pretty good, and I didn't want to just abandon it. I honestly liked the characters, I liked the interplay of current-time events and flashbacks, and I thought the overall arc of the story was really quite good.
But that Brown and his manipulation of his readers. It drove me crazy, drove my rating for the book down, and will keep me from reading any other of his books.
The bit of the book that got the Christian Right all upset a few years ago? Give me a break. That was a lot of nothing. There are a lot more problems with the book than the particulars that made that kerfuffle happen...
3.5 stars out of 5.
I shut this book in disgust so many times at the way Brown jerks the reader around. The unfortunate part of all that is that the *story* was actually pretty good, and I didn't want to just abandon it. I honestly liked the characters, I liked the interplay of current-time events and flashbacks, and I thought the overall arc of the story was really quite good.
But that Brown and his manipulation of his readers. It drove me crazy, drove my rating for the book down, and will keep me from reading any other of his books.
The bit of the book that got the Christian Right all upset a few years ago? Give me a break. That was a lot of nothing. There are a lot more problems with the book than the particulars that made that kerfuffle happen...
3.5 stars out of 5.
I loved this book and have re-read it at least a dozen times. It is an addictive read that you don't want to put down. Plus, it's one of those fiction books that gets you thinking. I enjoyed it even though I have strong religious views. It was challenging and had that hint at romance that keeps you glued to the story.
What can I say after all of the publicity this book has had. A Great read.
I read this as a follow up to seeing the movie. I felt the book really delved deeper into the clues, and really enriched the story for me.
Kaitlin C. (kaitlindrake) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
I read the DaVinci Code before Angels & Demons and had no problem following the story. It is just as amazing as Angels & Demons. If you like history and art, this book is for you!
This book is great!!!
An excellent book and a great read. It certainly provoked thought and intrigued me enough to do further research. Truth involved or not...it challenges your imagination and your mind. I highly recommend this book.
This is a great boook. Full of action. I finished this book in 1 day, couldn't stop reading it.
Intriging, and mind-boggling.
Could not put this book down. Liked everything about the story and the characters. Would highly recommend this book.
Very fast-paced and full of intrigue...there is hardly time to breathe between revelations. If you're looking to slip away from the world for a while, The DaVinci Code is the way to do it.
excellent - I had to trudge through the beginning but after that it was pretty fast paced -
Great adventure story with lots of twists. Very quick read.
I'm sure as you have read from others, this novel is truly intense. I couldn't put it down until it was finished. I won't side with the religous fanatics about its religious questions, but if nothing else it is a good fiction novel.
Most people are familiar with this story via the capable movie with Tom Hanks. It's hard to believe that this was first published in 2003: doesn't seem like nearly 20 years have elapsed. I've started to read this several times, and finally committed to getting all the way through it.
I've been reluctant primarily because Dan Brown has become so over-commercialized - as such, his novels are seemingly written specifically with a "mass market" in mind (usually meaning linear, predictable plot lines, shallow, stock, stereotypical characters, and appallingly unsophisticated prose), which usually doesn't make them very appealing to me. Stephen King has become that way, also, but, curiously, I read somewhere that he, apparently, isn't a fan, either: he once called Dan Brown's books "the intellectual equivalent of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese." Ouch.
I did like the story, though, even though the rather constant historic inaccuracies and fabrications irked me, perhaps because of the history-mystery angle, and because it involves, at least peripherally, material I study. Have to agree with many critics that Brown's prose style leaves much to be desired, however.
The premise of the book is that a Harvard "symbologist" teams up with a mysterious code breaker to determine who murdered her grandfather, a rather eccentric curator at the famous Louvre Museum, who raised her after her parents, brother and grandmother were killed in a car accident. The larger premise is that the line of the Merovingian kings of France descended from a child born of Mary Magdalene and Jesus of Nazareth himself, a secret that the Catholic church is desperately trying to destroy, even resorting to murder to destroy any evidence of this heresy forever. It thus relies on an alternative theory that the term "sangreal" actually reads "sang real," royal blood, rather than referring to a physical object, a cup, as is popularly imagined.
I don't want to rehash the whole plot here, as most people are familiar with it in any event. The novel is often simplistic and predictable, but it does a capable job of weaving in these various theories, as "conspiratorial" as they may be, and "fiction," by using some elements at least grounded in historical reality. The various secret societies such as the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei make an appearance here, as do various historic sites, such as the Rosslyn chapel.
Not surprisingly, the book raised some serious controversy due to its subject matter, which was not terribly kindly disposed toward the Catholic church. Many believers took issue with some of the claims, not just that Jesus Christ had descendants, but also that Constantine, rather than being a true believer, was simply a good politician and incorporated pagan or polytheistic practices and traditions into mainstream Christianity (nascent though it was at the time) simply for salesmanship.
As a historian, I agree that much of the content entails a "warped" presentation of fact, but it's clearly not a history book. I also agree that authors have a sense of responsibility to present materially factually and accurately, and, if not, to be forthcoming about the aspects of their work that they alter, fabricate or skew, for the purpose of "artistic license." My one complaint is that problems arise when people think they're reading a history book and start mistaking fiction for fact, which is often difficult to dispel, even with actual facts. I run into this kind of thing occasionally, with people literally arguing with a professionally trained historian that Dan Brown is right and people who have studied church history and early Christianity for decades are "wrong" because they have no basis for reference other than these Dan Brown books. Kind of freaks me out that most people can't tell the difference, honestly, having no notion of the idea of primary or secondary sources, or what constitutes legitimate evidence other than what some fringe scholars have suggested.
Overall, it's an entertaining, quick read, if you can get past the rather banal prose... just don't mistake it for a history book!
I've been reluctant primarily because Dan Brown has become so over-commercialized - as such, his novels are seemingly written specifically with a "mass market" in mind (usually meaning linear, predictable plot lines, shallow, stock, stereotypical characters, and appallingly unsophisticated prose), which usually doesn't make them very appealing to me. Stephen King has become that way, also, but, curiously, I read somewhere that he, apparently, isn't a fan, either: he once called Dan Brown's books "the intellectual equivalent of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese." Ouch.
I did like the story, though, even though the rather constant historic inaccuracies and fabrications irked me, perhaps because of the history-mystery angle, and because it involves, at least peripherally, material I study. Have to agree with many critics that Brown's prose style leaves much to be desired, however.
The premise of the book is that a Harvard "symbologist" teams up with a mysterious code breaker to determine who murdered her grandfather, a rather eccentric curator at the famous Louvre Museum, who raised her after her parents, brother and grandmother were killed in a car accident. The larger premise is that the line of the Merovingian kings of France descended from a child born of Mary Magdalene and Jesus of Nazareth himself, a secret that the Catholic church is desperately trying to destroy, even resorting to murder to destroy any evidence of this heresy forever. It thus relies on an alternative theory that the term "sangreal" actually reads "sang real," royal blood, rather than referring to a physical object, a cup, as is popularly imagined.
I don't want to rehash the whole plot here, as most people are familiar with it in any event. The novel is often simplistic and predictable, but it does a capable job of weaving in these various theories, as "conspiratorial" as they may be, and "fiction," by using some elements at least grounded in historical reality. The various secret societies such as the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei make an appearance here, as do various historic sites, such as the Rosslyn chapel.
Not surprisingly, the book raised some serious controversy due to its subject matter, which was not terribly kindly disposed toward the Catholic church. Many believers took issue with some of the claims, not just that Jesus Christ had descendants, but also that Constantine, rather than being a true believer, was simply a good politician and incorporated pagan or polytheistic practices and traditions into mainstream Christianity (nascent though it was at the time) simply for salesmanship.
As a historian, I agree that much of the content entails a "warped" presentation of fact, but it's clearly not a history book. I also agree that authors have a sense of responsibility to present materially factually and accurately, and, if not, to be forthcoming about the aspects of their work that they alter, fabricate or skew, for the purpose of "artistic license." My one complaint is that problems arise when people think they're reading a history book and start mistaking fiction for fact, which is often difficult to dispel, even with actual facts. I run into this kind of thing occasionally, with people literally arguing with a professionally trained historian that Dan Brown is right and people who have studied church history and early Christianity for decades are "wrong" because they have no basis for reference other than these Dan Brown books. Kind of freaks me out that most people can't tell the difference, honestly, having no notion of the idea of primary or secondary sources, or what constitutes legitimate evidence other than what some fringe scholars have suggested.
Overall, it's an entertaining, quick read, if you can get past the rather banal prose... just don't mistake it for a history book!
loved the concept of this book. very interesting
Valesca L. (FitMommyOf2) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 85 more book reviews
Awesome book!
The movie was good but the book really illuminates so much more about the symbolism and history behind the groups in the story.
This was a very thought provoking read for a student of the Catholic faith
I loved this book! It was highly entertaining, smart, and action packed.
To tell you the truth, I never finished this book. To me, it was very boring and dull in the beginning and didn't grab my attention...I liked the movie better. I would suggest it to other people, only because I have heard that it was well liked by friends that have read this. I think that it just may not have been my style of writing.
LOVE IT! I have read it several times, and still find something I missed before.
It's a dumbed down version of Umberto Eco's "Foucault's Pendulum".
Almost as good as Angels and Demons.
Jennifer H. (jhouseholder1973) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 154 more book reviews
Had a hard time keeping my focus on this
not sure what all the fuss is about. a decently written book, but still a work of fiction. good imagination used by the author to create a suspenseful story
Robin C. (robincarlton74) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 10 more book reviews
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed it very much. I had a hard time putting it down. It was well written.
I am not a huge "novel" fan but I did enjoy this book and found it an interesting read.
The illustrations add quite a bit to the story, especially for those not familiar with the famous artworks. I originally read the regular book, before all the hype about it - I think this version is better.
Brandon J. (bran-flakes14) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 72 more book reviews
After all of the controversy this book has garnered, some people might be turned off, especially Christians. I can testify, however, that the book is really very good and, as a Christian myself, the material isn't too objectionable, as long as you realize that this stuff is FICTION. The book's story involves a symbologist's quest to uncover secrets of Christ's history after a murder takes place in the Louvre museum in Paris, France. The book is great fun, especially if you're interested in history, art, architecture, etc. Symbols and puzzles play a great part, naturally, and it's fun trying to figure them out with the characters as they race agains the clock. The added photos, pictures, and drawings in this Illustrated Edition of the book help guide readers to visualize the places, people, and symbols the book describes, too. Dan Brown, the author, is a master at keeping you thrilled with tight, short chapters, and you'll find it hard to put the book down once you've started reading it! A recommended read if you want thrills and suspense with a dash of (re-written) history and art thrown in. For open-minded Christians, too!
I remember a time when this book was the absolute talk of the town and I wondered what was so revolutionary about it that it had people split into camps either rejecting or embracing its ideas. I haven't even heard of Dan Brown back then and only became interested enough in his work to wishlist the book on PaperBackSwap after watching the movie by the same name with Tom Hanks playing Robert Langdon. When it arrived it was no mere mass market paperback. It was an illustrated special edition hardcover with glossy pages and color pictures of the things and places described in the book. It was fascinating. It was like reading a history book that actually did something other than bore me to the point of stupidity. I blew through the thick volume in no time at all, immediately wishlisted the other books by Dan Brown and went back to savor the illustrations one more time - I have to admit, they added to the experience.
One thing about Brown's Langdon and the rest is that they are likable. Even the villains are sympathetic because they are misguided in one way or another but for the most part they are motivated by faith or thirst for knowledge as opposed to greed or prestige. I actually felt sorry for Silas, the albino priest, because he really believed that he was doing God's work and suffered for it.
What wasn't very apparent when I first read the book but is more so now that I've read two more by Brown is that strong female leads are a staple in his novels. While Langdon is the fount of knowledge who comes up with ideas as for the location of the subject of their search and can gain access to otherwise off-limit places because of his renown it is the women who protect the professor and figure out the logistics of getting him out of jams. Sophie Neveu is no exception and it was great fun reading about a woman with such an unusual profession and life.
Pacing in this book is characteristic of other Brown's work - Langdon and Neveu are always on the go in their mad race against time and the police and that's a lot of action even for a hefty volume such as this. It sucks you in and I haven't met a person yet who hasn't been reading faster than usual to get to the bottom of the mystery, impatient to find the characters at their destination. Because of this there isn't too much character development but we do get a sense of who these people are when the events happen, what motivates them and what their backgrounds are, which is more than adequate for an action thriller.
The only thing that slowed down the story were the explanations connecting the pieces of the puzzle into one whole. While necessary, they sometimes went on for too long and kept me from finding out the location of the Holy Grail and I was really tempted to skip over those passages but read on because I didn't want to miss anything important.
As far as the controversial subject goes I really didn't see what all the fuss is about. Yes, it is a very non-traditional take on Jesus and his disciples and it is very convincingly written but this is a novel and anyone who starts taking it particularly close to heart should remember that a novel is by definition fiction, make-believe if you will, and has no claim on historical accuracy. Its purpose is entertainment and here it is masterfully fulfilled. Thumbs up to Dan Brown for writing a book I couldn't put down.
One thing about Brown's Langdon and the rest is that they are likable. Even the villains are sympathetic because they are misguided in one way or another but for the most part they are motivated by faith or thirst for knowledge as opposed to greed or prestige. I actually felt sorry for Silas, the albino priest, because he really believed that he was doing God's work and suffered for it.
What wasn't very apparent when I first read the book but is more so now that I've read two more by Brown is that strong female leads are a staple in his novels. While Langdon is the fount of knowledge who comes up with ideas as for the location of the subject of their search and can gain access to otherwise off-limit places because of his renown it is the women who protect the professor and figure out the logistics of getting him out of jams. Sophie Neveu is no exception and it was great fun reading about a woman with such an unusual profession and life.
Pacing in this book is characteristic of other Brown's work - Langdon and Neveu are always on the go in their mad race against time and the police and that's a lot of action even for a hefty volume such as this. It sucks you in and I haven't met a person yet who hasn't been reading faster than usual to get to the bottom of the mystery, impatient to find the characters at their destination. Because of this there isn't too much character development but we do get a sense of who these people are when the events happen, what motivates them and what their backgrounds are, which is more than adequate for an action thriller.
The only thing that slowed down the story were the explanations connecting the pieces of the puzzle into one whole. While necessary, they sometimes went on for too long and kept me from finding out the location of the Holy Grail and I was really tempted to skip over those passages but read on because I didn't want to miss anything important.
As far as the controversial subject goes I really didn't see what all the fuss is about. Yes, it is a very non-traditional take on Jesus and his disciples and it is very convincingly written but this is a novel and anyone who starts taking it particularly close to heart should remember that a novel is by definition fiction, make-believe if you will, and has no claim on historical accuracy. Its purpose is entertainment and here it is masterfully fulfilled. Thumbs up to Dan Brown for writing a book I couldn't put down.
The illustrations make this one! I read TDVC without illustrations, and found myself either constantly running to Google Image to get the exact idea of what I was reading, or wishing they had put photos in the book. I read it again with the illustrations, and it is ten times as wonderful a story with all of the visual aids (hey, not all of us has been to Paris!)
It's such a well-known story now that I'm sure I don't need to review the actual book - suffice it to say that if you haven't read it and are going to, the illustrated version is definitely the way to go.
It's such a well-known story now that I'm sure I don't need to review the actual book - suffice it to say that if you haven't read it and are going to, the illustrated version is definitely the way to go.
Well woven intriguing tale. Great characters, lots of action.
This is the controversial Dan Brown book. Not a bad storyline, but written like a movie script. Character development is absent, but it is definitely a page-turner.
A great deal of fun... non-stop action, lots of twists. The illustrated version truly makes the most of Brown's affinity for art, architecture and design. If you haven't read this one yet, definitely get the illustated copy.
Just as good as all of the hype, 10000 times better than the movie! An intense work of fiction integrated with intimate knowledge of symbolism, Christianity, and European history. A suspenseful read that will have you thinking.
This book is a great read. Action filled and full of mystery. I read it in about 2 days b/c I couldn't put it down and had to find out what happens next.
I found this book fasinating. A good read that made me think!
I don't know what's wrong with me because everyone seems to like this book, but not I. I had to watch the movie b/c the book didn't hold my interest and then I still ended up not liking the movie! Maybe it was the religious theme that didn't sit well with me, but it just didn't make sense.
This was another fascinating read by this author. I didn't feel the need to read it as fast as "Angels & Demons" since I had seen the movie, but that didn't take away from the book at all. It's a story that really makes you think about things that we've been told and how history is written by the "winners" and people with an agenda. The characters in this book are well-written and I really appreciate how Langden is a smart man, but not a know-it-all, so that when he makes mistakes or misses clues it's believable. I hate characters who are the know-it-all types that I've read in some books but always miss the obvious when it counts. I highly recommend this book!
couldn't put it down
Rachele D. (hottmamashell) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 8 more book reviews
Great new ideas of what could have been. I like the idea of not everything being cut and dried as people would like us to think. Great book IF you have an open mind.
This book is my all time favorite...in my personal opinion the BEST book I have ever read. I loved the controversial storyline, the art history, the biblical implications and the secret society/hidden messages theme. You may choose to believe the premise or not...but it is a fascinating thought provoking book. Angels & Demons a close second, but this is just the best. Highly Recommend, & keep an open mind!
Excellent Book!
I really enjoy a well written, well researched, mystery/adventure/detective historically based fiction novel. Unfortunately, this wasn't it. This book is poorly written and barely keeps the readers interest. I could forgive all of that if the author didn't make a point of stating that the places and organizations in the novel are true. In fact, it has been proven that he created most of the plot out of thin air and fabricated all of his "facts". Sure it is fiction, but he makes fantastic claims that seem to have no more point than following an anti-religion agenda. I'm sure that some people are satisfied with that, but I don't enjoy reading an author who has such an intellectural dishonesty. Having ruined his credibility as an author with this book, I know now to never read another of his offerings.
The book is better than the movie.
This a a good thriller that moves at a fast pace. The characters are likeable and I wanted to read it before it came out as a movie. I would describe this as an intelligent thriller.
A fast, fun read
This is the New York Times Bestseller that everyone was talking about a couple of years ago. It's a very entertaining book, with lots of twists and surprises. It is the sequel to Angels and Demons, but it is also a stand-alone book in itself.
I read this book while traveling from Chicago to Montana. It moves quickly and is reasonably exciting, but is ultimately the literary equivalent of cotton candy. Wholly forgettable if not for the massive hub-bub that surrounded it and led to a Tom Hanks movie.
Kristi L. (mommybarbie) - , reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 26 more book reviews
Loved this book! Action, adventure and lots of interesting facts that make you wonder! It made me research after reading to see what I believed and didn't.
Jennifer H. (jhouseholder1973) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 154 more book reviews
hated it
A good read.
Really fun read!
Donna H. (faithfulreader) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 12 more book reviews
While the book is extremely well-written so it will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next, accuracy of people, places, and history has been found to be very lacking. Certainly it's an enjoyable read, and while the back cover indicates it's fiction, most authors work harder to be as accurate as possible. The discrepancies are what make this book disappointing.
Sandra F. (runcysmom) -
I had a hard time staying interested in this book. I surely didn't see what all of the hullaballoo was about.
I actually liked this book. It was a very good read and kept you on the edge of your seat until the end.
Not as good as Angels and Demons but still a page turner.
Excellent. Page turner - couldn't put it down!
Danielle W. (mamaof3babies) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
Very intense and interesting book.
Although I believe that a lot of this book is controversial and false, it was overall a good read. It was easy to read and I read it in only a couple of days.
Michelle S. (Shelliebear) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 6 more book reviews
Slow but good read.
Interesting, although farfetched, adventure!
Frances H. (Dimples2212) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 209 more book reviews
Interesting. Also saw the movie, but the book is much better! Hard to put it down.
This book is a must-read!
Great book! An awesome mystery suspense, that just keeps you truning to the next page.
The best book that I have ever read....fast paced. And, being Catholic, I went in knowing this was fiction.
Only made it through the first 5 chapters, then saw the movies. Can't get into the book now. Movie did stay true to the chapters that I read.
was slow starting but interesting
Not even close to what is expected. An over-rated book, if anything.
superbly written. very clever writer.....I only disliked the fact that non-believers or Christians without a solid base in Christ might believe it to be a work of non-fiction.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 1728 more book reviews
One of those books that grabs you from the beginning and keeps you hanging on for the whole ride. Excellent intrique and suspense. Great book.
suspenseful
a very good read
See the movie, read the book. Exciting and full of twists and turns.
Kathryn R. (WartburgPanda) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 32 more book reviews
I absolutely LOVED this book! It read really quickly and I couldnt put it down all day. I read it in one day! I read it as fiction, as it isnt a true story, its just a story, but it is awsome!
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 1728 more book reviews
Really enjoyed the intrique and history in this story. Please remember people it is just a story!! If you remember that this is a great read. Lots of twists, turns and scandal!
Awesome! So much better than the movie.
Better than the movie and it kept me reading but not worth all the hype
Interesting plot, wish someone else had written it.
Lynne W. (babykittysmama) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 42 more book reviews
Fiction, folks. It's fiction. Good mystery/murder thriller. I enjoyed Angels and Demons more.
Faith W. (PhilliesPhan) -
I loved this more than Angels and Demons and I thought that would be hard to do!
I didn't like it, it's very predictable and poorly written. I liked the movie better but will probably never see it again.
Stephanie B. (twinsmama) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 28 more book reviews
While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted french cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci- clues visible for all to see and yet ingenously disguised by the painter.
Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion- a secret society whose members include Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci- and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labryinthine puzzle- while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move- the explosive ancient truth will be forever Lost!
Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion- a secret society whose members include Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci- and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labryinthine puzzle- while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move- the explosive ancient truth will be forever Lost!
Rebecca B. (madshrubbery) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 23 more book reviews
Dan Brown's smashing thriller detailing the intrigue between Robert Langdon and the Catholic church! Now in stunning paperback form!
excellent. couldn't put it down.
It kept my interest, even with all the detours to explain Brown's version of history. I do wish he had not worked so hard to tie every little bit of knowledge up to every other little bit. I think his ANGELS & DEMONS does a better job of telling a whopping-good story with fewer magisterial lectures.
Yet another book that is vastly better than its movie. An enjoyable overview of material covered in other, earlier books by other authors (notably Holy Blood, Holy Grail and The Woman With The Alabaster Jar), with an intriguing mystery tossed in to keep the book from being a complete re-hash. Not as good as Angels & Demons, but worth reading. I agree with the previous PBS reviewer who suggests reading Angels & Demons first. The events in DaVinci Code follow chronologically the events in Angels & Demons, and a few plot elements are dependent on that earlier book's plot.
This book will open your eyes to centuries old conspericies
READ THIS BOOK!
April S. (aprilsotomayor) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
This book was a good, light, entertaining read. Nothing more.
Great book! Hope the movie matches it.
gripping story, lots of twists.
Whether trendy or not, it started the intrigue into religious and organized social organizations and all the drama and intrigue we might hope to find behind the scenes. Very good, well written and fun to read!
Caitlin W. (Troublemaker07) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
This is by far an amazing work of literature. I found myself not being able to put the book down because it was so good.
Calmia Y. (underwriter) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 219 more book reviews
WHAT CAN YOU SAY ITS GREAT
This was a really interesting read. I learned a lot. At times it was difficult to comprehend everything that was going on. I really enjoyed seeing the movie after reading the book.
This was a good read. I wish I would have read Angle and Demons first.
Jennifer S. (orlandojen) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 58 more book reviews
What can I say...it's the DaVinci Code!
Great book, I couldn't put it down. Way better than the movie :)
excellent book read angels and demons first though!!
A very interesting book. It will hold your attention whether you believe it or not.
Great book that, even if all the claims aren't true, will have history buffs making notes and doing more research after finishing this story.
I really enjoyed this book. Had everything I like: murder, mystery, intelliegent dialog, puzzels and a strong, smart female lead character. I don't want to see the movie as I know it can't be as good as the book. Gave it 5 stars.
Well written format. Plot twists with every turn of the page. An original story woven through ancient cults, artifacts, and history.
Theresa K. (Tesstarosa) -
The story opens with the murder of Jacques Sauniere, an elderly curator at the Louvre, who has left behind many clues that lead to who his murderer is. Of course, you have to be able to read the clues and the clues point to two people. One directly points to Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist in Paris, who is an expert on symbols. The other indirectly points to his estranged granddaughter Sophie Neveu, who he has essentially raised since the death of her parents when she was a child.
Robert Langdon was supposed to meet with Jacques Sauniere the evening before the discovery of Saunieres murder. That along with the cryptic and macabre message left by Sauniere leads the French police to believe Langdon is the killer. But, Saunieres granddaughter, Sophie, arrives at the Louvre and helps Langdon avoid arrest and together the two scour the city of Paris looking for the clues that will lead them to the real killer.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Its very fast paced but I was surprised when I read the book to realize that the entire story takes place over the course of a roughly 24-hour period.
A few things kind of drove me nuts. One, if these two people can figure out obscure clues and hints you would think theyd know an armored vehicle has a tracking device. Especially when that armored vehicle is from a vault with the security levels the one they essentially stole it from did. Two, there is something that caused the estrangement between Sophie and her grandfather. Its constantly referred to but it takes forever for Brown to reveal what the thing is. And, what it turns out to be, doesnt seem to be that big of a deal especially since she just chose to not discuss the issue with her grandfather.
There are a lot of symbol references and I liked trying to figure them out. I did figure out one of the symbols before the characters in the book. Im pretty proud of myself for that.
Robert Langdon was supposed to meet with Jacques Sauniere the evening before the discovery of Saunieres murder. That along with the cryptic and macabre message left by Sauniere leads the French police to believe Langdon is the killer. But, Saunieres granddaughter, Sophie, arrives at the Louvre and helps Langdon avoid arrest and together the two scour the city of Paris looking for the clues that will lead them to the real killer.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Its very fast paced but I was surprised when I read the book to realize that the entire story takes place over the course of a roughly 24-hour period.
A few things kind of drove me nuts. One, if these two people can figure out obscure clues and hints you would think theyd know an armored vehicle has a tracking device. Especially when that armored vehicle is from a vault with the security levels the one they essentially stole it from did. Two, there is something that caused the estrangement between Sophie and her grandfather. Its constantly referred to but it takes forever for Brown to reveal what the thing is. And, what it turns out to be, doesnt seem to be that big of a deal especially since she just chose to not discuss the issue with her grandfather.
There are a lot of symbol references and I liked trying to figure them out. I did figure out one of the symbols before the characters in the book. Im pretty proud of myself for that.
Spell binding. Could not put it down.
Excellent book. Remember - it is fiction. Can't wait to see the movie.
I understand why this book has been on the bestsellers list for as long as it has. It is awesome. I couldn't put it down.
A fun, thought provoking book which was hard to put down. A book I'm sure to re-read... and that is a compliment to Dan Brown.
Fantastic! Absolutely great read.
Very good book. Suspenceful. Couldn't put this book down.
I don't care about the facts, I just loved this book.
This is a wonderful book that's hard to put down!
You won't be able to put it down!
Excellent book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a great mystery and I loved all of the religious controversy interwoven into the story line. It was very interesting and a definite page-turner!
Loved every second of it.
Chantelle S. (Chantelle) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 37 more book reviews
This was a wonderful story!! I can't wait to read Angels and Demons!!!
This is a hardback copy in almost brand new condition. It raises a lot of interesting questions and I learned a lot about the Catholic religion that I never knew before.
I borrowed this book from my mother, and when I was done I didn't want to give it back! One of the best books I've read in a while.
Amy A. (DarkWoodsSanctuary) -
Not a bad read...and while I'm Pagan myself, I just don't think this was as grand as all they hype about it. A great thriller/mystery and a thoroughly entertaining read!
loved it read it 3 times
With The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown masterfully concocts an intelligent and lucid thriller that marries the gusto of an international murder mystery with a collection of fascinating esoteria culled from 2,000 years of Western history.
A murder in the silent after-hour halls of the Louvre museum reveals a sinister plot to uncover a secret that has been protected by a clandestine society since the days of Christ. The victim is a high-ranking agent of this ancient society who, in the moments before his death, manages to leave gruesome clues at the scene that only his granddaughter, noted cryptographer Sophie Neveu, and Robert Langdon, a famed symbologist, can untangle. The duo become both suspects and detectives searching for not only Neveu's grandfather's murderer but also the stunning secret of the ages he was charged to protect. Mere steps ahead of the authorities and the deadly competition, the mystery leads Neveu and Langdon on a breathless flight through France, England, and history itself. Brown (Angels and Demons) has created a page-turning thriller that also provides an amazing interpretation of Western history. Brown's hero and heroine embark on a lofty and intriguing exploration of some of Western culture's greatest mysteries--from the nature of the Mona Lisa's smile to the secret of the Holy Grail. Though some will quibble with the veracity of Brown's conjectures, therein lies the fun. The Da Vinci Code is an enthralling read that provides rich food for thought.
A murder in the silent after-hour halls of the Louvre museum reveals a sinister plot to uncover a secret that has been protected by a clandestine society since the days of Christ. The victim is a high-ranking agent of this ancient society who, in the moments before his death, manages to leave gruesome clues at the scene that only his granddaughter, noted cryptographer Sophie Neveu, and Robert Langdon, a famed symbologist, can untangle. The duo become both suspects and detectives searching for not only Neveu's grandfather's murderer but also the stunning secret of the ages he was charged to protect. Mere steps ahead of the authorities and the deadly competition, the mystery leads Neveu and Langdon on a breathless flight through France, England, and history itself. Brown (Angels and Demons) has created a page-turning thriller that also provides an amazing interpretation of Western history. Brown's hero and heroine embark on a lofty and intriguing exploration of some of Western culture's greatest mysteries--from the nature of the Mona Lisa's smile to the secret of the Holy Grail. Though some will quibble with the veracity of Brown's conjectures, therein lies the fun. The Da Vinci Code is an enthralling read that provides rich food for thought.
Great read!
Very Interesting
This is exactly what all the reviews say! It is an exciting adventure that makes you wonder if it is really fiction or is it nonfiction.
Well worth your time.
Just awesome! This book goes into history in a puzzling way and will keep your attention!
I do not have the cover for this book. The pages are great shape. The outside shows some discoloration due to the fact no cover though. That doesn't hurt the book at all if you are wanting to read it, if collecting, then that's another story.
great read, couldn't put it down
Riveting! Very fast moving!
I enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down and a must read.
This book will keep you guessing and at the edge of your seat. I think the story can be a bit offensive for some Christians, but it's a good read overall.
I love this book. The clues and sources for the code are amazing
This book is a good entertaining book even if the character development is a bit weak and the plot is highly unplausible. I still found it a pleasurable quick read.
I loved this book. The author builds and builds on the suspense throughout the story to keep the reader interested. I found the ending a bit predictable, but overall really enjoyed the story.
Richard M. D. (TheVAMan) - reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 26 more book reviews
Couldn't put it down.
Interesting thoughts.
Great book!
Awesome read
Hope F. (hopeoliviagrace) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 4 more book reviews
Great book. After reading this...you tend to go and study subjects that were discussed in the book. This book makes you just want to learn more!
Good book. I liked Angels and Demons better.
Wonderful!
Absolutely stunning.
Hardback full size! In Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon recives an urgent late-night phone call. A mind-bending code hidden in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Excellent story, many mysteries but easy to follow. The best of Dan Browns books.
This book was pretty good, although I preferred Angels and Demons.
The mystery and search for the Holy Grail.This is a much talked about book. One either likes it or they dont.I found it interesting . It is fictional.
While in Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon receives an urgent late-night phone call. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, a baffling cipher found near the body. As Langdon and a gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Da Vinci- clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter. The stakes are raised when Langdon uncovers a startling link:The late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion- an actual secret sociaty whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci, among others. Langdon suspects they are on the hunt for a breathtaking historical secret, one that has been proven through the centuries to be as enlightening as it is dangerous. In a frantic race through Paris, and beyond, Langdon and Neveu find themselves matching wits with a faceless powerbroker who appears to anticipate their every move. Unless they can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle, the Priory's secret- an ancient truth- will be lost forever.
Makes you wonder what would have happened if Robert Langdon had just ignored that early morning phone call...
This is the first Dan Brown novel I have read, and I am looking forward to reading more of his. Every single page was suspenseful.
Couldn't put this book down!
Melanie A Wardlow (Mel) -
I read this booked and liked the characters but it was too complex
What can I say? It's not the best book but everyone has read it so you might as see what all the fuss is about.
very good book, detail, clean new book from non smoking home
This novel was/is great! And educational too! Gee whiz!
While in Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon receives an urgent late-night phone call: the elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum. Near the body, police have found a baffling cipher. While working to solve the enigmatic riddle, Langdon is stunned to discover it leads to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Da Vinci -- clues visible for all to see -- yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.
Langdon joins forces with a gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, and learns the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion -- an actual secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci, among others.
In a breathless race through Paris, London, and beyond, Langdon and Neveu match wits with a faceless powerbroker who seems to anticipate their every move. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle in time, the Priory's ancient secret -- and an explosive historical truth -- will be lost forever.
While in Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon receives an urgent late-night phone call: the elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum. Near the body, police have found a baffling cipher. While working to solve the enigmatic riddle, Langdon is stunned to discover it leads to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Da Vinci -- clues visible for all to see -- yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.
Langdon joins forces with a gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, and learns the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion -- an actual secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci, among others.
In a breathless race through Paris, London, and beyond, Langdon and Neveu match wits with a faceless powerbroker who seems to anticipate their every move. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle in time, the Priory's ancient secret -- and an explosive historical truth -- will be lost forever.
I liked it fine, but I thought the prequel (Angels & Demons) was better.
This is a very well written book it is full of suspense and thrilling adventure that captures the interest of the reader.
I must admit that I had a hard time getting into this book. I have tried reading it 3 times and could not get into it. Many people has read this book and loved it.
If you have not read this book and you have heard a lot of controversy about it you should read it, it is just another point of view.
I didn't care for this one at all. It was difficult to follow, if you have no exposure to the secret religious club ideas. I also NEVER understood the ending until I saw the movie.
It is a novel, not a faith deciding textbook. If you dont agree with the facts, do some research!!!! I found this book extremely interesting and entertaining. Read this book for fun, but get your history elsewhere.
An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castle of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries...unveiled at last.
I started reading it but honestly couldn't get into it - then the movie came out and we saw that instead - it is a good story!
An ingenous code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci, a desperate rate through the cathedrals and castles of Europe, an astonishing truth concealed for centuries....unveiled at last!!!
I didn't like this book as much as Angels and Demons. This seemed more like Dan Brown's personal theological statement, and less like the mystery/thriller I was expecting. It was an enjoyable read, but I preferred Angels and Demons hands down.
A code by Da Vinci leads Robert on a quest.
Love this book!! Much better than the movie. It has twists and turns that kept me reading. Great read!
An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race thrugh the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries . . . unveiled at last.
I really enjoyed this book can't wait to see the movie
You either love or hate this book. I am a lemming and felt I had to read it.
Love ALL of Dan Brown's books.
Michele (luluinphilly) -
Do I need to say anything? First, DO NOT watch the movie. Read this book first and skip the movie! I did and I'm not the bit sorry! If you can, read "Angels and Demons" first since it has the same character, Robert Langdon.
Great thriller, a real page-turner.
the infamous book
The only way I could, in good conscience, recommend this book to you is if you are firm in your Biblical truths beforehand. This book is not for teens or anyone else who can be swaying in their knowledge of Christ. I would recommend reading "Truth and Fiction in The DaVinci Code" FIRST. That said, this is a good NOVEL. It is complete and total FICTION told in a very interesting book. I just have a problem as a Christian that it is possible to lead someone who is not strong away from truth with this book.
Excellent read. Thoroughly researched. Thrilling plot twists and turns. The perfect combination of intelligent writing and action.
I started this and couldn't get past the first chapter, I was very disappointed.
Everyone has heard the hype. Soooo. This book is a little better than most of the cult- type books.
This was a very fast read and shallow. A beach read and left little to the imagination.
Rachel and Thomas H. (rachelandthomas) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
good book!
Best thriller I've ever read.
First, you must understand that this book is a "fiction novel". If you do not take it as the truth based on facts, then you can enjoy the book.
Having never seen the movie I could enjoy reading the book, because I didn't anticipate what would happen next.
That being said, I can say that I did enjoy the book. It was predictable in spots and seemed to over exaggerate the events occurring.
An Interesting read. I enjoyed the plot (as predictable as it was) and all of the characters are colorful and intriquiging. It seems as though at the end of the book, Dan Brown was running out of ideas on how to end it, so he kinda just rushed to the final chapter
Having never seen the movie I could enjoy reading the book, because I didn't anticipate what would happen next.
That being said, I can say that I did enjoy the book. It was predictable in spots and seemed to over exaggerate the events occurring.
An Interesting read. I enjoyed the plot (as predictable as it was) and all of the characters are colorful and intriquiging. It seems as though at the end of the book, Dan Brown was running out of ideas on how to end it, so he kinda just rushed to the final chapter
I think I would have enjoyed this book if I hadn't seen the movie first. I could only read part of the way through because I knew what was going to happen. I would recommend this if you haven't seen the movie, or if you really like conspiracy theories and/or you really loved the movie and want more detail. Because as a thriller it just loses the suspense when you know all the secrets.
I enjoyed the adventure aspect of the book, but it became so heavy handed at times.
If you liked this book.... then also check out "The Eight" by Katherine Neville.
Loved the way he explore myth and religion.
Pretty good but I really liked the picture better. Tooo much detail in book.
God Awful. No pun intended. Cliched writing, non-suprising plot and misrepresentation of biblical scholarship. Absolutely could not keep reading because the writing was so bad I could have written better prose. This is a sure sign that the writing is horrible.
An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries...unveiled at last.
Better than the movie, much more detailed.
It was excellent! One of the best books I have read in a long time.
Once it gets started It really does move!!!!
finished reading 9-27-05
finished reading 9-27-05
Nicole H. (planetsaturn101) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
This is one of my favorite reads. Reading it is like walking through an old abandoned house that is rumored to be inhabited by ghosts. While the movie wasn't that good, this book is one of the best thriller/ action books I've read. I loved the details :)
I know that I am about 10 years late to the party on this book, but it will go down as one of the best I have ever read. True or not, I was so intrigued by the historical aspect of the plot. I remember there being a lot of controvercy surrounding the book when it came out, but I thought that it was so interesting how Brown opened the door to a different perspective on the doctrine of modern religion. Dan Brown is truly an exceptional writer.
I enjoyed this book as well as all of Dan Brown's books.
I love this book, read it all in one day.
Great book, couldn't put it down.
5 stars of course!!!!
Stephanie G. (enchantedfamily) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 12 more book reviews
Loved it! The movie didn't do it justice!
I have not finished reading this book because i found it horribly boring in the beginning
Couldnt quite get into this one. I only read about 3 chapters, but my son on the other hand who has probably read 5 books in his life couldnt put it down and finished it in no time.
The story was good, an Indiana Jones type story, but I was disturbed and down right saddened by the things said about Christianity and about our savior Jesus Christ. I hope you know your bible history well and are able to discerne truth from fiction before reading this book.
This book is amazing. I read it in 2 days - couldn't put it down.
Kathi M. (auntietilly2) -
I have two copies...haven't read it yet!
Slow getting into. Moves faster when you get into the story.
Fun Book
Page by page mystery that keeps you challenged in the complexity of the plot.
An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries...unveiled at last.
An ingenious code is hidden in some of the works of Leonardo DaVinci. This is a thrilling masterpiece from the start to the finish.
I could not put this book down, and I found the ideas interesting. But a number of my friends with strong religious beliefs found the ideas presented offensive.
I did not end up reading this book due to seeing the movie first and I got lost in the movie and I didn't feel like trying the book.
Overall it gives an alternative look on the past, and can actually make you question the christian religion, well for some of the people I have talked to.
Great book.
A fun read. Not worth 1/10th of the hype.
Good book, in perfect condition!
Interesting book, but not really my cup of tea.
Walter H. (Nighthawk19720) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 20 more book reviews
An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci....A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe....An astonishing truth concealed for centuries..unveiled at last
This book is NOT a hard cover, but a soft cover. But there was no way to write that. Funny.
I bought this book, but never read it. It's in almost brand new condition.
Melanie A Wardlow (Mel) -
I liked the characters a lot! However, I had to reread the book to understand it. It would have gotten a higher rating if the author did the story just on one thing. Either strictly focus on the grail or the murders and the suspects. Too complicated!
Awesome story.
Linda R. (wolfie123) - , reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 422 more book reviews
I loved this book....very entertaining....remember this book is found in the "Fiction" section of the library or the bookstore !!........Never claimed to be Non - Fiction !
An engaging read.
What's all the fuss about? I wasn't impressed with the story or the characters. Shallow.
Really Good
If you really really don't know what this book is about, then a review won't do you any good.
Awesome!!
With The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown masterfully concocts an intelligent and lucid thriller that marries the gusto of an international murder mystery with a collection of fascinating esoteria culled from 2,000 years of Western history.
A murder in the silent after-hour halls of the Louvre museum reveals a sinister plot to uncover a secret that has been protected by a clandestine society since the days of Christ. The victim is a high-ranking agent of this ancient society who, in the moments before his death, manages to leave gruesome clues at the scene that only his granddaughter, noted cryptographer Sophie Neveu, and Robert Langdon, a famed symbologist, can untangle. The duo become both suspects and detectives searching for not only Neveu's grandfather's murderer but also the stunning secret of the ages he was charged to protect. Mere steps ahead of the authorities and the deadly competition, the mystery leads Neveu and Langdon on a breathless flight through France, England, and history itself. Brown (Angels and Demons) has created a page-turning thriller that also provides an amazing interpretation of Western history. Brown's hero and heroine embark on a lofty and intriguing exploration of some of Western culture's greatest mysteries--from the nature of the Mona Lisa's smile to the secret of the Holy Grail. Though some will quibble with the veracity of Brown's conjectures, therein lies the fun. The Da Vinci Code is an enthralling read that provides rich food for thought.
A murder in the silent after-hour halls of the Louvre museum reveals a sinister plot to uncover a secret that has been protected by a clandestine society since the days of Christ. The victim is a high-ranking agent of this ancient society who, in the moments before his death, manages to leave gruesome clues at the scene that only his granddaughter, noted cryptographer Sophie Neveu, and Robert Langdon, a famed symbologist, can untangle. The duo become both suspects and detectives searching for not only Neveu's grandfather's murderer but also the stunning secret of the ages he was charged to protect. Mere steps ahead of the authorities and the deadly competition, the mystery leads Neveu and Langdon on a breathless flight through France, England, and history itself. Brown (Angels and Demons) has created a page-turning thriller that also provides an amazing interpretation of Western history. Brown's hero and heroine embark on a lofty and intriguing exploration of some of Western culture's greatest mysteries--from the nature of the Mona Lisa's smile to the secret of the Holy Grail. Though some will quibble with the veracity of Brown's conjectures, therein lies the fun. The Da Vinci Code is an enthralling read that provides rich food for thought.
This is a seriously awful book that has captured the attentions of many a reader and made its way onto the best seller's list. The writing is next to unreadable and the plot weak. I seem to be in the minority in this opinion, however, so good riddance to whomever gets this trash. I hope you can enjoy it more.
Everyone knows what this one is by now :).
the da vinci code...nuff said
Barbara M. (LadyExplicate) reviewed The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, Bk 2) on + 111 more book reviews
The hot bestseller in a fresh hardcover. There must be someone who hasn't read it yet. Isn't there?
