Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing storyline and characters
Review: I'll keep this simple. Dan Brown is a gifted writer but, as a storyteller, he basically sticks to similar 'rules' throughout all his books. Due to the hype, I was hoping The Da Vinci Code would be different ... it wasn't.To set up the story, and get the main characters together, Brown made some huge leaps, in my opinion. His whole set-up seemed forced and extremely unlikely if we are to believe we are dealing with everyday, intelligent, professional individuals. Poorly, poorly done. I did like the research done and presented in this book. Obviously, there will be a great deal of debate as to the accuracy of the premises but that's been going on since Jesus came on the scene two thousand years ago. Overall, Brown's presentation was well-done and easy to follow (whether or not you agree with the argument). His character development is pretty much non-existent and, again, disappointing. With this book (as with all his books), Brown created a cast of, basically, static characters that I never really came to care about. But then I like character development - if it's not important to you, disregard my input. Mr. Brown would do well to change his formula for his antagonists. In every single book, the 'bad guy' is obvious due to one simple rule that Brown follows. Pick the least likely individual, or the nicest and most dedicated individual (outside the hero/heroine) and you've got your antagonist. The Da Vinci Code was yet another disappointment in this regard. The ending was mediocre though better than his previous work. I keep wondering when he'll get the hang of tying up a story tightly. Maybe with his next book? Doubt it but we'll see. Do not buy this book in hardcover unless you want an underdeveloped storyline, static characterization, and the other things I've mentioned. Check it out from the library, borrow a friend's, wait til paperback, whatever. Just don't pay hardcover prices for a very mediocre story. Good luck!
Rating: 
Summary: Don't buy the hype!
Review: I have never written an Amazon review before, but felt compelled to chime in here. This book had such an obvious agenda that it triggered my radar immediately. There are numerous inherent contradictions in the theory here. The most obvious being that if, as Brown suggests, the whole "Jesus as divine" theory is a creation of the Catholic Church via Constantine (I'm not even going to touch the historical problems with this), Mary Magdalene would not then be a "Holy" grail at all. Add to it his suggestion that we should "return to the days of the goddess," as if theat would bring peace to the world. Does this man know his Greek and Roman mythology and history at all? As an example, Athena was the goddess of WAR. Read a little Homer, buddy. There are numerous other problems with this book, not the least of which is the transparent ending, which is obvious from at least midway through, which leaves you with 200 pages of boredom. Admittedly the art history is mildly interesting, but the faulty logic makes this book too annoying to be worth it. If you just can't help yourself, borrow it from your library.
Rating: 
Summary: A Top-notch Thriller
Review: What a great book! After reading this book, I began searching for information re Da Vinci's paintings. It was shocking to look at the Last Supper & Madonna (original version) now.
Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I read Angels&Demons which I loved. Went out 3 days later to buy this book, and was very disappointed. It was a decent read, but fell short of its potential. It was a good plot, but very underdeveloped. Angels&Demons seemed to flow and the story seemed riveting from page to page. The DaVinci Code had its good points. However there were times when the author seemed to drag the story on. Buy it at discounted price if you want to read it, but it is not worth the full price of a hardcover book.
Rating: 
Summary: A good read but.....
Review: Brown writes a good story but I was appalled at the suggestions about Jesus and Mary M. I don't believe this for one minute. CEB
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Amazing!!!
Review: This is the first book I've ever read by Dan Brown and I'm happy to say that it won't be the last. I started reading this book and couldn't put it down. Very few books can have that effect on me. Immediately after reading The Da Vinci Code I went out and purchased Angels & Demons and Deception Point, also by Dan Brown. I can't wait to finish these two books. And Dan, come on finish your next book already :-).
Rating:
Summary: AuthorZone.Com Book Review
Review: I do believe I have just read the best book ever written!
If you want to be intellectually stimulated and your philosophy put to the challenge while being kept entertained like never before this book is an absolute must! Max
Rating: 
Summary: Know What To Expect
Review: This is a wonderful plot, and a step up from Dan Brown's previous works. Although he keeps the same storyline -- Robert Langdon gets a call in the middle night, is drawn in to solve a grizzly murder with the help of a beautiful and smart woman -- this plot is rich in its historical facts and details, alluding to theology, art history, and symbology. The only drawback (pardon me for being so critical) is that Brown's writing style reminds me of books recommended for 9th grade readers. It is a simple style he uses, and his characters necessarily take on a 2-dimensional nature. The richness of the plot carries the day, however, and the simple and "young" writing tyle proves little more than a distraction.
Rating:
Summary: More Mystery!!
Review: Although Dan Brown's book falls far short as accurate history, I nevertheless found the novel to be an exciting portrayal of the tension and conflict between orthodox religious dogma and individual spirituality. Many others have provided detailed analysis of Mr. Brown's work. I'd like to simply suggest a couple sources for further reading on the subject. One is a short, simple, experiential book, and the other is more detailed and rigorously researched. The first is a picture book (but not just for children!) by Mark Shannon, illustrated by David Shannon. THE ACROBAT AND THE ANGEL is a beautiful story of individual spiritual mystery (and the divine feminine) under the nose of Catholic orthodoxy. Like THE LITTLE PRINCE, THE ACROBAT AND THE ANGEL can be enjoyed over and over again. Also recommended is Karen Armstrong's A HISTORY OF GOD. This remarkable, unbiased reference book has a wonderful chapter on the individual spirituality we call "mysticism." This is where the word "mystery" got its start. She shows how healthy reason and authentic faith are compatible and strengthen each other. So, hope this is a help to everyone who has been interested in Dan Brown's THE DA VINCI CODE. Enjoy!!!
Rating:
Summary: The Da Vinci Code
Review: Wow, what a book. I could not put it down and had to stay up until well past midnight to finish it! Not only was it a great story, it was very thought provoking for me, too. Although I am sure many of the "facts" were fiction, I really started to think about the role of women in religion and the concept of reconnecting with the feminine power within each of us. It will take me a while to buy another of his books as I need a rest. I was exhausted at the end from so much reading in such a short period of time!
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