DaVinci Code

2004-5-19 05:59:00

Thanks for your review of the DaVinci Code, Sterling. I also found the book interesting. Those who want to follow up with some additional non-fictional research may want to read: "Holy Blood; Holy Grail"

This was the book that started the whole controversy that laid the foundation for the DaVinci Code. Another interesting and more modern one is "Rex Deus."

Since reading the DaVinci Code I became interested in the other books by Dan Brown and bought all of them on audio CD. I don't have much time to read so I listen to as much audio as I can while driving and working.

Of his three other books Angels and Demons is by far the best. I liked it even better than the DaVinci Code. I think DaVinci became such a best seller because of the controversy it raised more than the fact that it is his best book. I think also it has a better more intriguing title.

The title "Angels and Demons" doesn't sound so interesting, but it is one of the best fiction books I have ever read. It keeps your interest from the beginning to end.

As with the DaVinci Code Brown shows himself to be an excellent researcher and reveals a knowledge of the Catholic church and antiquities that is very fascinating.

Some critics accuse him of some technical errors but this doesn't interfere with a great story.

Below are some reviews from Amazon.com that will give you a flavor of the book.

Next to Britt Gillette's "Conquest of Paradise", this is the best book I've read in a long time. I'm a first time Dan Brown reader but I'm hooked! I stayed up all night and didn't quit until I finished, blurry eyed and sleepy. I found myself believing every word and had to stop and remember that it's just fiction! I was amazed at the inside information about the Vatican (especially the library), and I finally got out a map and books from my trip to Rome to see if I could find all the churches. Anti-matter, illuminati, choosing a pope - all of it was fascinating. When I finished, I had to laugh thinking about the fact they never ate, slept or made comfort stops and neither could I. The ending was a total surprise! Anyone who enjoys non-stop action and information shouldn't miss this one.

If looking for a book with the wit of the DaVinci Code, but with a faster plot line, this is definitely the book to choose. Although the plot is very similar to that of the DaVinci Code, it has much more suspense and provides for a much quicker read as soon as you get past the first fifty pages. After that, prepare for one wild ride. That, and the scenery, as well as the characters, are written in much more vivid detail. When comparing Dan Brown's Robert Langdon stories, this one is certainly the better of the two

The age old question: Is it Science or God who created the Heavens and Earth? Mixed up in the question is a deadly vendetta against the Catholic Church by a group known as the Illuminati. A symbolgist, Robert Langdon, is called in by a little known scientific group when one of their own is found murdered with the Illuminati symbol burned on his chest and his eye missing.

The scientist's, daughter Vittoria, works together with Robert to undercover who murdered her father. The trail takes them into the heart of the Catholic Church where a new pope is just being selected. Four of the most respected cardinals are missing. A message is received that each will be murdered. The location of each murder is given in a cryptic message. There is little time. Can Robert and Vittoria stop the Illuminati? The late pope's right hand man seems to be willing to help in any way he can. He provides Robert access to the Vatican library where Robert finds an ancient writing that decrypts the message from the Illuminati.

Based in Catholic religion, Dan Brown writes so even a non-Catholic can follow along. I thought I figured out "who done it" about five chapters before the end. Then as I kept listening, I changed my mind. The ending kept me in suspense right up to the VERY last words.

Although this a story torn between science and religion, I found some of the story to be a bit out of character for the Catholic church. That aside, there are a couple of twists that I did not foresee until the very minute they happened. This makes for a book that is hard to put down. I know this was certainly true for me.

If you are a history buff, love suspense and like being kept on the edge of your seat, this is a book for you. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition

Had to laugh at the few low ratings by raving zealots. If you are a person, that has always asked "too many questions," this book is for you! Whether you are a Philosopher, Theologian, or Agnostic, this book is a welcome addition to your fiction collection. This book makes you think, so Fun-dam-entalists should probably skip this one. Right or Wrong, this book will get your wheels turning...which is all that really matters, right?

As a voracious reader, I have read the best. "Angels and Demons" is a heart-stopping thriller that keeps you turning pages until you arrive exhausted at the end. You're truly "in on the chase." Improbable as it seems, Dan Brown has combined nuclear physics and antimatter with Renaissance art, old Rome and the Vatican. You conjure up the images in your mind, but the icing on the cake is Brown's Web site, which shows you the CERN facilities, the plane and then the exquisite artwork of Bernini and others as well as a peek inside the Vatican. It's a book that teaches, makes you think, and entertains, all at the same time. Few authors can accomplish that.

Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance? E. Bergen