Rating: 
Summary: Couldn't suspend disbelief
Review: I was able to accept that nobody at the NSA would question an unbreakable code.I didn't blink when it was proposed that someone could introduce a virus into an NSA computer with some sample cyphertext. But he crossed the line when the NSA used "Streaming Quicktime" for a video feed. Nobody at the NSA would ever do that! They'd use H.323 or Windows Media, but not "Quicktime". It was hard for me to continue after that. It made me wonder how much Apple paid Dan Brown for the product placement.
Rating: 
Summary: VERY Interesting, but......
Review: But unfortunatly, slightly inaccurate. I loved this book as much a Da Vinci Code, and was THRILLED by the reference to the Navel Base in Rota (I live on the base) but I was annoyied but several inaccuracies, especially one: Dan Brown spent a lot of time talking about the steps of the Giralda in Sevilla, but there's one problem: the Giralda has ramps. No steps. It was built by Moors (who were Muslim) and they built in easy-to-climb ramps that made it possible to drive donkeys to the top every day for prayer call. Over all, a very good read, though slightly less researched than others. If your going to obsess and let inaccuracies ruin your read, then don't read it.
Rating:
Summary: I actually liked this book
Review: After reading some of the negative reviews, I wasn't sure I wanted to take this on, but after a few chapters I fell into the thing and was on my way. As with all Brown's books, you HAVE to suspend your disbelief to a great extent. I mean, the guy is not writing some "Grapes of Wrath" type story. That said, "yes" it would be nice if he did his research. But even with these flaws, his books are still worth a shot. And I actually liked DF better than "Code" or "Angels & Demons." Also read to really good books lately, though both are MILES from DF in content and writing style: Jackson McCrae's "The Bark of the Dogwood," and a book called "A Death in Vienna."
Rating: 
Summary: *gag*
Review: 1 million processor super computer? Please. Database purposefully not connected to the internet but mirraculously connected? (...) . Someone needs to beat some sense into this author. He knows nothing about anything he writes, and his idea of fiction based on non-fiction with heavy-borrowing from the latter is repulsive to any fiction fan. If its going to be fiction, please make it DIFFERENT from the truth, not the same but horribly inaccurate. I think I'll write a book on how evil children are, and give a whole bunch of facts like how they don't care about anyone else but themselves because Dr. Jimmyhat, Ph.D. said so, and also because they have a third nipple!! It's true!! I stated it as fact and I'm the master of facts! (roll eyes) I read this book in one day (I'm a fast reader) and was able to return it to my buddy at the book store for a full refund. Score. If you were unable to return it for a refund, I hear it burns funny colors. (...) Also, I knew what nuclear fission was when I was in 8th grade. It's not something only those at the Manhattan Project will understand... people are generally smarter than they were back in the day.
Rating:
Summary: Digging up the trash
Review: This book, which I picked up at an airport,after reading the DaVinci codes, is a poorly disguised attempt to sell the public an inferior product on the coattails of a more succesful one. The plot is so thin it's transparent with unlikely scenarios and poorly defined characters. Mr. Brown knowledge of Spain, Catholic ritual, Code encryption and computers is only outstanding because of his ignorance. I believe the book deserves a minus star as a very poor attempt at literature. I thought the Da Vince Codes were just fair (despite its best seller status) and I doubt I will ever read Dan Brown's work again.
Rating:
Summary: worth the effort
Review: Having been introduced to Dan Brown through the DaVinci Code, I wasn't expecting the suspense in government stuff. But I really liked it. The beginning is a bit slow, but half way through I couldn't stop until it was done. take the time
Rating:
Summary: Actually really good!!!
Review: I don't know why everyone else is giving this book such a bad review. I really liked it. Granted, I didn't bother researching to see if all the facts are correct, but I wasn't buying NONFICTION here. Anyway, it's very fast paced, lots of twists, and overall a very enjoyable read. I wasn't surprised by the main thrust of the ending, but there were lots of little quirky things along the way that weren't expected. I would recommend it to anyone who likes Dan Brown. HOWEVER, if you want another Divinci Code with symbols and religion, this isn't it. But if you want a suspenseful book that's fast paced, fun, and surprising, then this the way to go.
Rating: 
Summary: cynical
Review: DIGITAL FORTRESS involves an NSA cryptographer and a professor, also lovers, serparately looking for the key to an "unbreakable code". The book is loaded with action and twists, and while some may find it perfect beach fare, it's full of holes and improbabilites. Part of the plot involves an untrained professor being sent on a secret mission by the NSA, and some of the mistakes made by NSA staff seem ridiculous.
The book is full of paranoia about the government tapping into our email and other communications. Many people's views on these things have changed since DIGITAL FORTRESS came out in 1998, which lends the book an unfortunate dated quality, as f it had been written in the '60s..... not as good as DA VINCI
Rating: 
Summary: Brown's least enjoyed novel
Review: Not up to Brown's par. To be fair this was written in 1998 and I read it in 3/04. The computer references are dated relative to now. Plus I get the sneaking feeling that Brown is writing about material that he is not entirely comfortable with. Nonetheless a good plot and a good book.
Rating:
Summary: Short on reality
Review: I've read three of Dan Brown's books (Digital Fortress, Angels and Demons, and The DaVinci Code). All three have technological flaws that make the stories hard to swallow. In the Digital Fortress at the end of the book, the big problem is preventing all of the Internet hackers from getting into the NSA's massive database with all of the world's secrets. As the security is slowly breached, nobody can figure out how to prevent the hackers from getting in. Anybody think about disconnecting from the Internet? This is a "national crisis" so keeping out the good guys is not as important as keeping out the bad guys. The other problem I have with Dan Brown's characters is that they are brilliant in the beginning of the books and then half way through they can't figure out the simpliest problem. This is especially true in Digital Fortress and the DaVinci Code. The stories are fast moving and engrossing as long as you're willing to accept Brown's flawed premises.
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