Rating: 
Summary: I felt cheated... read DVC and stop there
Review: I have to admit that, while I found myself annoyed for enjoying the _DaVinci Code_, I felt possitively duped into getting _Angels & Demons_. Okay, the parts regarding the selection of the Pope and the inner-workings of the Vatican and Catholic hierarchy was fascinating. However, unlike _DVC_, I just could not suspend my disbelief and let myself be swept into the story, which, by the way, went on and on and on and on and... several false endings later, I just felt disappointed in myself for being swept into the hype.I did like the clues and the ambigrams, and I did like descriptions of Rome and the art... like its sequel, _A&D_ made me want to look deeper into the artists described. However, I shall not read any more of Dan Brown's books. _The DaVinci Code_ is a much better story, read it and be satisfied. Or if this was your starting point and you didn't like it, go on to _DVC_.
Rating: 
Summary: And 'Indiana,' I mean Robert...Saves the day!
Review: Well, after reading the Da Vinci Code, and when I discovered Angels and Demons, I had to read it, of course. Enter the engrossing myths and facts of the Illuminati: an ancient cult that had been founded on the basis of protecting science from the Catholic Church. The great scientific colossus of CERN in Europe, has secretly created a most potent and awesome breakthrough: antimatter, the opposite of matter, the very thing that created everything. One catch, a tiney minute grain can annihilate whole landmasses. And...it's been stolen...by the Illuminati, a mortal enemy of the Church. Thus the ancient struggle of Science vs. Religion bursts open onto the forefront stage of the world. This time, Robert Langdon must face the resurrection of a supposedly dead organization bent on destroying the Vatican/Church in a most gruesome execution and public display of 4 kidnapped candidates for the Papacy. Not only does Robert have to scramble to find the hidden locations of each Cardinal to be symbolically killed, but somewhere deep within the heart of the Vatican, a bomb waits. Through the symbology within the renaissance art of Bernini (an Illumantatus himself) and the real history of this supposed 'evil & satanic' cult, Langdon fervently tries to discover the meaning of it all to save the Cardinals and Rome itself. Well, even though you will find a very familiar feeling in this book, as in Da Vinci Code: Prof. Langdon (oddly reminiscent of Indiana Jones...), a brilliant young woman, religion, symbology, amazing intuition, the trusty 'ol ignorant assassin-pawn, the mysterious man behind the plot, and all wraped up in a day or so, etc...It is still a great read and I couldn't put it down. You learn facts along with a great and captivating story: you won't be disappointed. In fact, the ending is very unexpected and well done. You can pretty much guess what will happened right before it happens, like in Da Vinci; but, in general, this book is better developed. Some of the secondary characters are more developed and not as flat as in Da Vinci Code. As usual, Brown does an excellent job with presenting both sides and giving weight to each.
Rating:
Summary: Best book ever!!!
Review: Angels and Demons is a great book, full of suspense and thrills until the very end. The book is also packed with amazing facts and details. Dan Brown is a genius, an absolute genius to come up with this captivating book. Another book of his I would suggest is The Da Vinci Code.
Rating:
Summary: Read Da vinci first (who didn't?)
Review: I read THE DA VINCI CODE first and enjoyed it, then began to delve into Brown's other works, ANGELS & DEMONS being the next obvious choice. I actually enjoyed this book better than DA VINCI and would highly recommend it to anyone. The themes and characters are similar (and in some cases the same) as DA VINCI but this one is better put together, as though Brown took more time in the crafting of the book. Would also recommend two other books I've really enjoyed as of late: BIRTH OF VENUS, and Jackson MccRae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD
Rating: 
Summary: --Is a Secret Cult Trying to Destroy the Vatican?--
Review: ANGELS AND DEMONS was not what I expected. After a slow start, it took me a few chapters to become interested in the storyline. I think the only weakness in the book is that the two main characters are a little bland. Now, having said that, I will readily admit that the scientific parts of the story managed to hold everything else together, and keep the reader entertained. Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor whose specialty is religious symbolism is called to Switzerland to help investigate the death of a brilliant scientist. Dr. Vetra, the discoverer of antimatter, is found dead and his mutilated body has the words ILLUMINATI branded on his chest. The Illuminati were an ancient cult of scientists who had supposedly joined together and had a hatred of the Catholic Church. When a canister of the lethal antimatter is found to be missing, the story takes Langdon to Rome where he and Vittoria Vetra, the daughter of the murdered man, work together to save the Vatican from being destroyed. The book becomes fast paced and exciting as the two race around the Vatican and the city of Rome trying to beat the clock and a deadly killer. The author, Dan Brown manages many twists and turns in this story, and the research that was done for the book is fantastic. The reader learns so much about the Vatican and if I manage a trip to Rome someday, I think I might want to read this book again.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Fantastic
Review: I have never read any of Brown's work before and actually I was given an already read copy of this book by my mother who thought I'd enjoy it. This is a very intelligent book that leaves you guessing at every turn, has you on the edge of your seat, and is educational as well. I learned a lot about Catholic tradition, Illuminati, and history. I can't wait to read another of his books.
Rating: 
Summary: ASK QUESTIONS?
Review: OKAY bru I ask questions. Like where is it in this book the true facts like the Illuminati was formed in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria?
Rating:
Summary: brain candy for the brainless
Review: I was told to read this before the The Da Vinci Code. The story is pure drivel and the writing is wretched. The bogus "miracles" at the end are just the cap on a collection of incredible (in the strictest sense) plot gyrations that induce a mental gag reflex. The text is replete with numerous stylistic and even a few grammatical boners. The writing is "hack" at best. Don't waste your mind or your time on this. I certainly won't bother with the Da Vinci Code.
Rating:
Summary: Page turner
Review: I will give Mr. Brown his due, this book is a page turner, after reading it however I wish I could get my 12 hours back. Calling this book immature would be an accurate critique. Don't bother reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: A gripping book with......
Review: ....fabulously few details about our hero.
Most books drone on and on about how the main character looks, feels, acts. Patricia Cornwell began to do the same thing in her Scarpetta books. But Dan Brown gives his readers enough credit to know we can imagine Robert Langdon in our own mind without mindless dribble.
The writing is smart, quick and does not insult readers with a boring plot.
Each page reveals a new twist or "aha!" moment, BUT not so much that you can predict what's going to happen.....At the end of the book, I was sure I knew "whodunit" but then I found out I was totally misled, which was a fabuluous surprise!
Highly recommended.
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