Rating:  Summary: This book is cheesy Review: The topics this book touches on are interesting; Leonardo Davinci, Dead Sea Scrolls, Secret Societies, the Opus Dei cult etc. but the story around it is horrible. The characters are so stupid I am now halfway through and I don't think I will continue. I can't stand how utterly stupid this book is. The ancient codes that these characters are pulling out of their heads while being attacked and chased are so comical. I think the Scooby Doo cartoon had better character development and a more plausible story line.I would like to note that I have no problem with any of the religious content in this book and I was in no way offended by it. It seems some reviewers of this book flipped out over anyone questioning the meaning of the life of Christ. I don't want my review to be taken as one written by a religious freak. A note for the author -- I can't take the main character Sophie being surprised by one more thing - after about one hundered "shocking events." Toughen up Sophie! I bet there will be yet another surprise on the next page you complete idiot !!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:  Summary: The worst part is... Review: The worst part is: some editor actually thought this guy could write. I stopped on page 50 after 50 pages of annoying writing. I gave the guy the benefit of the doubt, but he just can't write. If you like pulp fiction and are not annoyed by bad writing, you may enjoy this for the plot. I still like the plot and wish someone with talent had written the story. ew. ew. ew! This book reads like a freshman writing workshop project gone bad (and there's no such thing as a freshman writing workshop).
Rating:  Summary: Way too many chapters Review: The worst part of this book was the extremely short, choppy chapters. It drove me crazy. The story line had a lot of potential but the book just did not deliver. I was very disappointed that I wasted my money.
Rating:  Summary: Is this Fiction or Not? Must be fiction. Review: The write claims this novel is fiction yet he tries to persuade the readers he has uncovered real facts during his story. What is it?
Rating:  Summary: What is all the fuss about? Review: The writing is bad. The characters are one-dimensional stick figures. The plot is unbelievable. I had to force myself to finish the book. I am not sure what Mr. Brown is trying to accomplish here. There are many interesting references to Christian and pagan myth, but these are not seamlessly woven into the story, rather they are delived as little lectures that jerk us out of the story. Given the extremely interesting buidling blocks of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, the Holy Grail and Opus Dei, this could have perhaps been a great book in the hands of a good writer. As it is, I wish I hadn't bothered. In fact, I am irritated that I wasted money and time on such an amateur effort.
Rating:  Summary: Yawn Review: The writing is mediocre, the characters poorly drawn. Mr. Brown writes with an irritating pedantic style that is exacerbated by incorrect information and poor fact checking. Example: We are told that the source of the term "left wing" is identical to the source of gauche and sinister when it in fact it relates to the seating arrangements in the French National Assembly. The characters behave in ways that defy rationality or comprehension. Do yourself a favor and skip this dog.
Rating:  Summary: Charming plot for non-mystery buffs Review: The writing style is a little plodding, but the plot is charming in many places. Mystery buffs will find his abuse of cliches and conventions distracting. There isn't much that's original in the plot. For a great historical thriller, Umberto Eco's Name of the Rose is far superior. Even so, it's not a BAD book. It has pleasant moments and for readers, is a good way to spend a few nights.
Rating:  Summary: Simplistic rehash of half baked theories Review: The writing was sophomoric and simple. If you know anything about Art History, you'll be bored at this simplistic re-hashing of half baked theories. The story line is overwhelmed by the incessant background information, and the real places and activities in those places used in the book are described incorrectly.
Rating:  Summary: If you've only read THIS book by Dan Brown... Review: Then you've gotta get the rest of his works, like "Angels and Demons", "Digital Fortress", and "Deception Point". All are equally good Dan Brown books, but, of course, "The Da Vinci Code" was definitely in a class all it's own. It deserves to stay Number One for a very, very long time. And this coming from a reader who usually buys science fiction such as "Foundation", "Ringworld", "Agents of Chaos", "Snow Crash", "Neuromancer", "Virtual Light", "Childhood's End", "Darkeye: Cyber Hunter", "Prey", and so forth. So for me to like this intriguing religious thriller means those of you who love down-to-earth drama or thrillers will definitely love this.
Rating:  Summary: Good Concept but Not Satisfying Review: There are already 500+ reviews of this book, which means that it has struck a resonant chord with a lot of readers. I read through this book very quickly and enjoyed it as a summer suspense thriller. I enjoyed Brown's ability to bring a lot of interesting facts and fun conjectures together, and can forgive the possibly many errors, omissions and suppositions that others have found. It is "just a novel" after all. It was only after I was done, however, and started to think about the various elements of the book that it struck me: while I was reading the book, it felt like fiction imbued with historical scholarship. Now that I think through the various plot devices and elements, that feeling is transmogrified into thinking this is cotton candy scholarship -- delicious, but ultimately just a bit airy and unsubstantial. I don't like throwing rocks. I think Brown has done a great job with this. I'm just surprised at the large numbers of people who have embraced this book as a scholarly look at the world.
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