Thursday, June 4, 2015

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Source: Library
Pages: 490
Publisher: Anchor Books
Release Date: March 28th 2006
Series: Robert Langdon; Book 2
Verdict: Buy

SummaryAn 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.

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 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—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.

Review: I'm ashamed to say that this book became my bag book. You know, the book that you stick in a particular bag and that you only read when said bag is with you... 

Back in April, I read and reviewed Angels & Demons, which was the first Robert Langdon book. And I immediately wanted more, so I went and got The Da Vinci Code. But here's the thing... That was almost two months ago. Apparently, that's what happens when a book becomes a bag book. It takes forever to read it, even though you really want to know what happens, because other books get in the way, the bag with the book isn't always within reach, and it's just always nice to have a book on hand when out and about. I'm definitely guilty of demoting amazing books to bag books because of many reasons, but those reasons are just not okay. There are no excusable excuses for what I did to this book (and many other unlucky titles), because all books are created equal. Well, that's a lie, but seriously, whatever you do, don't make The Da Vinci Code a bag book. It just cannot happen again.

This book was fast-paced, action-filled, and all around awesome, just like its predecessor. Dan Brown has the ability to create different stories that connect to form one huge and amazing plot line. The amount of information in the book is mind-blowing, and while I can't say that I truly, fully understood everything, I can definitely say I tried my best.

The references to the higher powers, divinities, and exploration of ancient history is mind-blowing. The main topic in this book is The Holy Grail and its unattainable status. It was truly fascinating reading about the journey Robert Langdon embarks on, solving the unsolvable and finding the unfindable. 

More great relationships were built in this book, and they were certainly very memorable. Robert Langdon is man with character and passion, and it really shines through the pages. There is a definite creep factor that occurs throughout the book, but it is completely necessary and fantastic. The ending shocked the lights out of me and I was once again left speechless.

I found The Da Vinci Code to be slightly more enjoyable than Angels & Demons, but I think that's because of how things ended and how everything flowed. Maybe it was the relationships, the dynamics, the protagonists, or even the antagonists. I'm not sure, but I do know that I can't wait to sit back, relax, and enjoy the next of the Robert Langdon series... while clutching my hands in fists, hunched over, and reading intensely, because how else is one supposed to enjoy the works of Dan Brown? Just kidding... kind of. 

In all seriousness, The Da Vinci Code is exciting, adventurous, and suspenseful... basically everything that a bag book should not be. That's in the past, though. I'll make sure that the next Dan Brown book I read won't become a bag book. 

So, tell me... Have you ever had, or do you currently have, a bag book?


Pure perfection

2 comments:

  1. I have not read this one (yet)! I liked Angels & Demons a lot :D I don't think I have a bag book - I always have my Kindle ;) So that's cheating a little because there are hundreds of books! Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Grace. Try Angels & Demons!

    Awesome review!

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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    1. I actually read Angels & Demons (Here's the review, too! http://shereadsthings.blogspot.com/2015/04/angels-demons-by-dan-brown.html) and it's so good! I'm going to have to read the next in this series over the summer!

      I've been debating whether to get a Kindle, because then I'll have tons of books with me at once! But I love physical copies of books, so I am not sure. For the time being, I suppose I will just read from my phone and from physical copies, but I'm seriously considering getting a Kindle!

      Thank you, Alyssa!

      -Grace :)

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