Rating: 
Summary: Everyone's talking about it....
Review: Well, there are a million reviews and opinions on this book, and I guess I'll write mine. I'm told this is supposed to be an intellectual-thriller. I'm told "Angels & Demons" is supposed to be the next Eco or Neville. I'm told this book is somewhat controversial and speculative. Actually, I disagree entirely. I gave this novel 4 stars because it is very readable, extremely fast-paced and fluid in style. There aren't cumbersome descriptions and long-winded meanderings. The plot is interesting and the characters are intriguing. Compared to a lot of books out there these days, this one is quite good. But the ending is bad. Without spoiling the book, I just want to say that the bizarre ending really let me down. There's a fine line between suspenseful and sinister and then out and out weird and bizarre. Dan had it good until the last several chapters. By the way, this is one of Dan's trademarks; all his books have over 50 chapters, but a "chapter" is really only two to three pages (sometimes less). Some may find that this speeds the storyline along, in my case, I find it a bit disconcerting. Of the three people in my household that have read all of Dan Brown, all of them selected this one over his other books. Nevertheless, the media frezy seemed to be over his latest "The DaVinci Code." The reasons why we all selected "Angels & Demons" probably lies in the formulaic way Brown writes. After you read two of his books, he becomes entirely predictable where the storyline is going to go next. Not that this is bad, really, it just takes some of the surprise out of his novels. This book, while dealing peripherally with an 'intellectual' topic, is not an intellectual thriller. Its a good read, but its no classic. I imagine this story will be in movies sooner than later.
Rating: 
Summary: Angels and Demons--the brainiest of reads
Review: I had read the Da Vinci Code previous to reading Angels and Demons, and I must say that I appreciated Angels and Demons more even though their plot lines are quite similar. Both books deal with almost identical scenarios, with the professor of religious iconology Robert Langley being summoned to assist some foreign country or another in a mysterious murder involving a mysterious brotherhood. As in the Da Vinci Code, there was the beautiful and equally intelligent female character, in this case, a physicist and there were the usual shady villains who sought to bring about the demise of some major organization. However, while reading Angels and Demons, there was an anticlimactic feeling of knowing what would occur next as the plot is so alike to the plot of the Da Vinci Code. I found Angels and Demons more enjoyable as I felt that the characters were more fleshed out and the plot line was more interesting and suspenseful. Make no mistake, I felt that Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code were both extremely good reads, it is only in comparison that one appears to be almost an exact replica of the other only with the names of the brotherhood, women, and villains changed. Brown is a talented writer with the ability to make previously thought to be dull subjects as symbology and theological history seem exceptionally interesting and engaging to the reader. Aside from the similarities between the two books, I found both to be suspenseful and almost impossible to put down once I started. Angels and Demons was a very ¡¥smart¡¦ book, one that required constant thought on the reader¡¦s part, which was a fresh change from the usual books that one simply read and took in the facts. If you are looking for a simple thoughtless book with which to simply pass the time, then Angels and Demons is not for you, but if it is a thrilling and brainy book that you are looking for, then this is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Better than the Da Vinci Code!
Review: After reading The Da Vinci Code, I decided to check out some previous material by this author. This had a double benefit. The first was that this book, much like the Da Vinci Code, addresses such issues as a secret brotherhood, dabbles in religion, depicts crazed authoritative historical figures, amongst other things. This provided, yet another entertaining tale in the style of the Da Vinci Code. Had I not read the Da Vinci Code, I would never had thought to read this one. The second benefit was that I actually enjoyed this book more. Maybe it was because Da Vicini Code had so much hype while this was more unassuming. Either way, I was more pleased with the story because it was presented as the fictional entertainment that the author wanted it to be. (Or was it?) To make it short, Angels and Demons is another story that demonstrates the author's ability to write a well-researched tale in the religious sector.
Rating:
Summary: High praise
Review: It was "The DaVinci Code" that introduced novelist Dan Brown to a broad audience, but by no means should readers think the action ends with that work. In fact, "DaVinci" is only the latest in an impressive body of work by Brown, who has repeatedly shown a knack for weaving page-turning suspense, history and religion into fasinating and highly entertaining works. In "Angels & Demons," a prequel to "DaVinci" (the two involve some of the same characters), Brown exhibits the same fast-paced writing and the same flair for plot twists -- though posed in a less controversial way than in "DaVinci" -- that has put him at the top of everyone's reading list. While most of of Brown's success is owed to his storytelling ability and his painstaking research, much of it also can be attributed to his cinematic writing style -- you can almost see the scenes playing out on a movie screen in your head as your read. In that respect, "Angels & Demons" is at least as enjoyable to read as the work of some of publishing's more established superstars, such as Michael Crichton and John Grisham. And the book is not without controversy entirely. Though not on the same level as "DaVinci," there is certainly much to debate -- and much to ponder -- in its pages. There is also much to learn, as the book is chock-full of historical tidbits. Probably best of all, however, "Angels & Demons" may serve to prove to rearders that "The DaVinci Code" was no fluke; Dan Brown has a lot to offer.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing and Riveting
Review: After reading Dan Brown's amazing The da Vinci Code, a friend of mine suggested I pick up another of his books, Angels and Demons. Upon learning that it actually had the same riveting main character, the Harvard Symbology Professor Robert Langdon, I was immediately hooked. Informative may be an understatement with this book. Brown never ceases to amaze with his facts and information, revealing truths behind some of the greatest religious and scientific misconceptions. The story, with ancient cults, a disturbing murder, and mad assassins keeps you intrigued and reading until the climatic ending, which is so unexpected it leaves you craving for more I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Five stars all around.
Rating: 
Summary: Please take a writing class, Mr. Brown.
Review: I read Da Vinci code and enjoyed it, mostly because of the subject matter. Mr. Brown painted a vivid picture of an ancient puzzle I couldn't wait to see solved. In the rush of the mystery, I overlooked the fact that I didn't really care about any of the characters. So I picked up this book, looking for a similar rush. However, I couldn't care less about this mystery. He lost me from the very beginning. And therefore I was left with his characters, who are cookie cutter and uninteresting. Langdon is a boring man. He has no real flaws or quirks. He's just some guy. I read about how Mr. Brown wants to write another "Langdon" book, and I wonder what makes it a Langdon book? The name? The use of symbols? Because knowing it's a Langdon book doesn't excite me. He could call the guy whatever he wants and I wouldn't even notice he'd changed the name. His plots better be riveting, otherwise I'm lost.
Rating:
Summary: Superb storytelling, even if the end is a bit over the top
Review: I truly enjoyed this book -- as much as I enjoyed DaVinci Code. I love the whole conspiracy theory between the Church and the Illuminati and how they have used the Masons as a centuries old cover. As usual, Dan Brown's books make me want to research the facts so I can learn more about the topics from a factual perspective. The book was riveting through and through....I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what happened next. Okay, so the helicopter jump at the end was a bit outlandish, but it made for exciting reading. Highly recommend this great book. Go Dan!
Rating:
Summary: One of my all time FAVORITES.
Review: This is the first book from Dan Brown that I have read. I just finished this story and it completely shocked me. It went from being interesting to a roller coaster ride that thrust me through so many emotions, so many obstacles, and compelling puzzles. Amazing - A religious conspiracy, a silent battle that rages between science and theology. Some say, it isn't for the weak of faith, which I find silly. If you are open minded and looking for one of those novels begging for it's pages to be turned...look no further. I just read a copy of Edgar Fouche's 'Alien Rapture,' which also blew me away. Another fun book is Brad Steiger's 'Werewolf.' Want to be shocked, check out Dr. Paul Hill's 'Unconventional Flying Objects' and always read the Amazon reviews.
Rating:
Summary: Angelic
Review: Like a lot of people, I was introduced to Dan Brown via THE DA VINCI CODE. Liking that book enough, I moved on to ANGELS AND DEMONS, and I have to say that A&D is the better of the two. I thought the writing was more mature in this one, and the characters acted more believably. Still, I liked both. Also would recommend the following: The Da Vinci Code,Bark of the Dogwood, The Five People you Meet, Black and Blue
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Summary: Dan Brown is a modern genius!
Review: Robert Langdon, Harvard symbologist, is awakened in the middle of the night in Boston by the leader of a top scientific research facility in Europe. His help is urgently needed in the mysterious death of a researcher. He is flown to the center within hours and thus begtins a manic hunt for the equivalent of a nuclear weapon that is apparently set to blow up Vatican City within 24 hours! Teamed with the daughter of the murdered researcher, Langdon seeks to decipher the clues that mark a centuries-old pathway to the lair of an ancient anti-Christian brotherhood. They are chased by a man known as The Hassassin the entire way, during a time in Rome when the next Pope will be selected. It is literally a race against time in order to save countless lives as well as the bedrock of Christianity. As always, Brown has meticulously researched his work. He uses actual existing statues and churches throughout Rome that hide clues to the weapon's whereabouts in a very cryptic matter. He sets up the action early on and keeps the reader interested and on the edge of their seat till the end. Some of the scenes -- such as descriptive deaths --- are graphic and horrific. But they are necessary and add to the plot. I did get a bit fed up that, while trying to keep Vatican City from blowing up, Langdon still had time to have a crush on a woman way younger than him. Lines like "Vittoria's almond-scented hair" and "her hot Italian blood" were so contrived and annoying. There is really no need to intersperse a romance in a book as exciting as this-- it detracts rather than enhances.
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