This book was just epically amazing! It was just filled with facts based on history. And I'm glad I read it too! Now I have a fair knowledge about Freemasonry. I think everyone should read it, because most people seem to classify Masons as Satanists and devil-worshipers. Not only does this book is based on real things, the story line was also verry nerve wrecking! So much mystery and tension between the characters. Oh the characters! You'll fall in love with them!! This entire book has just been epic! ( )

First Impressions:

What a 500 page adventure this was too. Yes, the story is a bit formulaic as it runs about the same as The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons: Robert Langdon is called over to some place, goes through some adventure that coincidentally is helped by his extreme knowledge of symbology and occult knowledge; he meets a beautiful but unobtainable woman; and finally we resolve the issues at hand.

I really enjoyed the concept of "Noetic Science" as Brown calls it -- the attempt to marry science and religion as, per the novel, they're attempting the same thing -- the ultimate attainment of Man as god -- "do you not know that ye are gods?"

Peter Solomon, Mason master, brings to the 33rd level a guy plays a pivotal role in Peter's life. In fact, he already had!

As in past Brown novels, the bad guy is truly a nut -- but a nut with an interesting psychosis that actually could achieve his ends. Mal'akh is his name; he had money, power and women of his choice, but relinquished his fortune for the taste of ultimate power. A power that only Robert Langdon could afford him.

Characters:

Brown ratchets up the action with Peter's scientific sister Katherine, who has a lab that contains the Noetic science stuff. Not really explained is why the vault it is in needs to be in total darkness. And the constant flashbacks which turn into basically lecture notes on Masonic legends was a bit annoying.

The whole CIA angle was well-played, though the unlikeable CIA operative Sato was a bit much. The cigarette-smoking, tough gal who clearly had a problem with making her thoughts known and just like a grouchy parent: "Do as you're told!" No wonder she garnered little cooperation from our crew (at first).

Be that as it may, I really enjoyed the ending of Mal'akh, the discovery of his true identity, the near-death experience of our main character and the final discovery of The Lost Symbol.

Final Comments:

Despite what other reviewers say, I liked the cinematic style of the book -- this could easily be made into a film. Tom Hanks, are you available?

Clearly this book will rekindle some interest in the stately buildings of our nation's Capitol area as well as getting readers to check out the Bible in a new and different vision.

Although the weakest of the Langdon trilogy (to me!), it yet was an enjoyable read.

Other Dan Brown Books:

The Da Vinci Code
Angels & Demons (Robert Langdon) (Hardcover)
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3.5 / 5 ( )