Heather D. (icantswim) - reviewed on 8/20/2013 + 71 more book reviews

This is one of those books you really need to finish before making a judgment. Overall I am glad I read it. First, the not so good; as others have commented, it does get annoyingly drawn out at times with many "Where is our next clue sending us" and "We need to get there now!" moments. This happens several times, with the characters being sent from one historic location to the other. As with Brown's other books, many historic facts and details are worked in about the cities as well information about the historic landmarks, the culture, and the people. I did learn new things from reading this book, as many travel guide type historic tidbits were added. However, it is daunting, unfortunately, as it does make the reader want to stop reading, feeling that the plot is limited to only the clues and the characters' immediate need to travel somewhere new. I was feeling disappointed until I reached the last 50 pages.

Now for the good; I did appreciate that present-day social issues were addressed in this book as it is likely to be read by many, and for those who have never thought much of overpopulation before, then the concept should get one thinking as it really is a serious concern. It also deals with the modification of human genetics which is very controversial in our time.

If you go beyond the formulaic storyline drivers of deciphering hidden clues, then I do think the statistics and differing perspectives provided, which address the overarching social issues, will be of value. However, I do feel many readers will not be able to get past the drawn out "action" portions of this book.

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