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schumachr's review against another edition
i think i tried this one because i read the rest of the series, but i just can’t do it. i didn’t get far enough in to decide if this was “good” or not, but i’m done with robert langdon and i don’t need to read this one at all
Merged review:
i think i tried this one because i read the rest of the series, but i just can’t do it. i didn’t get far enough in to decide if this was “good” or not, but i’m done with robert langdon and i don’t need to read this one at all
Merged review:
i think i tried this one because i read the rest of the series, but i just can’t do it. i didn’t get far enough in to decide if this was “good” or not, but i’m done with robert langdon and i don’t need to read this one at all
manhattanmike's review against another edition
1.0
Strangely Dan Brown seems to get worse as a writer with each book. I liked his earlier work which, whilst not going to win literary prizes, were great storytelling. The clunky prose in this should have been edited out; there are enough editors credited in the acknowledgments that one of them could have done it. It jolts you out of the story and spoils the read.
That’s the worst part of this novel. The best parts are what you expect from a Langdon/Brown book. Thrilling plot, conspiracy theories swirling around, and pacy writing. Some nonsense, though not as stand out silly as the Pope jumping out of a helicopter; but you forgive Dan Brown for these as he writes entertaining ‘page turners’.
Not as enjoyable as his previous books though, due solely to the frequent, awkward turns of phrase.
Merged review:
Strangely Dan Brown seems to get worse as a writer with each book. I liked his earlier work which, whilst not going to win literary prizes, were great storytelling. The clunky prose in this should have been edited out; there are enough editors credited in the acknowledgments that one of them could have done it. It jolts you out of the story and spoils the read.
That’s the worst part of this novel. The best parts are what you expect from a Langdon/Brown book. Thrilling plot, conspiracy theories swirling around, and pacy writing. Some nonsense, though not as stand out silly as the Pope jumping out of a helicopter; but you forgive Dan Brown for these as he writes entertaining ‘page turners’.
Not as enjoyable as his previous books though, due solely to the frequent, awkward turns of phrase.
Merged review:
Strangely Dan Brown seems to get worse as a writer with each book. I liked his earlier work which, whilst not going to win literary prizes, were great storytelling. The clunky prose in this should have been edited out; there are enough editors credited in the acknowledgments that one of them could have done it. It jolts you out of the story and spoils the read.
That’s the worst part of this novel. The best parts are what you expect from a Langdon/Brown book. Thrilling plot, conspiracy theories swirling around, and pacy writing. Some nonsense, though not as stand out silly as the Pope jumping out of a helicopter; but you forgive Dan Brown for these as he writes entertaining ‘page turners’.
Not as enjoyable as his previous books though, due solely to the frequent, awkward turns of phrase.
That’s the worst part of this novel. The best parts are what you expect from a Langdon/Brown book. Thrilling plot, conspiracy theories swirling around, and pacy writing. Some nonsense, though not as stand out silly as the Pope jumping out of a helicopter; but you forgive Dan Brown for these as he writes entertaining ‘page turners’.
Not as enjoyable as his previous books though, due solely to the frequent, awkward turns of phrase.
Merged review:
Strangely Dan Brown seems to get worse as a writer with each book. I liked his earlier work which, whilst not going to win literary prizes, were great storytelling. The clunky prose in this should have been edited out; there are enough editors credited in the acknowledgments that one of them could have done it. It jolts you out of the story and spoils the read.
That’s the worst part of this novel. The best parts are what you expect from a Langdon/Brown book. Thrilling plot, conspiracy theories swirling around, and pacy writing. Some nonsense, though not as stand out silly as the Pope jumping out of a helicopter; but you forgive Dan Brown for these as he writes entertaining ‘page turners’.
Not as enjoyable as his previous books though, due solely to the frequent, awkward turns of phrase.
Merged review:
Strangely Dan Brown seems to get worse as a writer with each book. I liked his earlier work which, whilst not going to win literary prizes, were great storytelling. The clunky prose in this should have been edited out; there are enough editors credited in the acknowledgments that one of them could have done it. It jolts you out of the story and spoils the read.
That’s the worst part of this novel. The best parts are what you expect from a Langdon/Brown book. Thrilling plot, conspiracy theories swirling around, and pacy writing. Some nonsense, though not as stand out silly as the Pope jumping out of a helicopter; but you forgive Dan Brown for these as he writes entertaining ‘page turners’.
Not as enjoyable as his previous books though, due solely to the frequent, awkward turns of phrase.
joanna1905's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this newest installment in the Robert Langdon series!!
I must admit I got a bit lost at times with all the science talk but I think after a few re-reads it will become clearer.
I wasn't completely surprised by the ending, I had long suspected Winston had some kind of involvement, however, I didn't anticipate that he was the regent.
I also think the big reveal of the scientific discovery was a bit underwhelming, it was built up so much but then it was kind of just 'oh humans will merge with technology' which I feel like is kind of a given and not very surprised.
The one thing I was VERY surprised and pleased about was that The King and the bishop had been in a secret relationship for years. It was so unexpected but fit perfectly, and it was cool for Brown to include some nonstraight characters. I'd love to see more of that from him in the future!!
Overall, this probably is my least favorite in the series however that isn't because there is anything bad about this book. I just enjoyed the stories better in the first four! But nonetheless, this is another great book from Brown and I look forward to reading his future works!
I must admit I got a bit lost at times with all the science talk but I think after a few re-reads it will become clearer.
I wasn't completely surprised by the ending, I had long suspected Winston had some kind of involvement, however, I didn't anticipate that he was the regent.
I also think the big reveal of the scientific discovery was a bit underwhelming, it was built up so much but then it was kind of just 'oh humans will merge with technology' which I feel like is kind of a given and not very surprised.
The one thing I was VERY surprised and pleased about was that The King and the bishop had been in a secret relationship for years. It was so unexpected but fit perfectly, and it was cool for Brown to include some nonstraight characters. I'd love to see more of that from him in the future!!
Overall, this probably is my least favorite in the series however that isn't because there is anything bad about this book. I just enjoyed the stories better in the first four! But nonetheless, this is another great book from Brown and I look forward to reading his future works!
magikspells's review against another edition
4.0
I would like the preface this by saying I thought this was a lot better than [b:Inferno|17212231|Inferno (Robert Langdon, #4)|Dan Brown|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397093185s/17212231.jpg|23841765], but I thought it was weird that there was no mention of that book given what happened at the end. I digress.
I really enjoyed the majority of the book. I think the first half could be a strong commentary on the problematic role that religion continues to play in decision making, particularly in terms of laws. I think Dan Brown does a good job at looking at religion and the media in this book and how both of them can work to your benefit but also be toxic. Honestly, a lot of it felt like it could be echoes of America over the past two years.
As it got further, it was no less interesting, the story veered into what felt like a strange direction given the strong tones of history and religion at the beginning. I think perhaps it was the whole story with the king and Julian that I didn't find to be totally necessary, so I wondered why it kept going back to it.
All in all, these books are always a fun ride and I love hearing how Brown describes things or places and builds a story.
I really enjoyed the majority of the book. I think the first half could be a strong commentary on the problematic role that religion continues to play in decision making, particularly in terms of laws. I think Dan Brown does a good job at looking at religion and the media in this book and how both of them can work to your benefit but also be toxic. Honestly, a lot of it felt like it could be echoes of America over the past two years.
As it got further, it was no less interesting, the story veered into what felt like a strange direction given the strong tones of history and religion at the beginning. I think perhaps it was the whole story with the king and Julian that I didn't find to be totally necessary, so I wondered why it kept going back to it.
All in all, these books are always a fun ride and I love hearing how Brown describes things or places and builds a story.
laurenpat's review against another edition
4.5
Another awesome Robert Langdon story! The best part of these books is that you can read them out of order, yet still be completely immersed in the mystery and action. Very much a page turner, with great locations through Spain as a backdrop.
thephdivabooks's review against another edition
3.0
I really did enjoy this book. It definitely isn’t my favorite of the Robert Langdon books, but it was incredibly well done and very interesting!
Robert Langdon is invited to attend a special event in Spain hosted by a former student of his, Edmond. Edmond has a discovery he has made that he plans to unveil to the world, and that he claims will have catastrophic implications.
I won’t spoil, but if you’ve read Dan Brown books before, of course there are a mix of religious and scientific undertones, and obviously someone tries to prevent the presentation from being revealed.
I wanted a bit more of the chase and the life-in-danger aspect I’ve come to expect in Brown books. Of course, we get a little of that, but it’s never really as heart-stopping as I’m used to. Perhaps Langdon can’t be on death’s door every time, or he’d have to stop traveling and we wouldn’t get more books.
I really enjoyed Winston as a character/plot-element. Langdon’s feelings towards Winston felt very authentic to me, and I enjoyed their conversations. I found Ambra, the lead female, to be less interesting than the female characters we usually get. Really, Langdon doesn’t interact much with her. A good portion of his storyline is in his head. I’m ok with this, since that’s where we get our history lesson :)
All together, this is a great read and I’ll definitely be waiting for the next one!
Robert Langdon is invited to attend a special event in Spain hosted by a former student of his, Edmond. Edmond has a discovery he has made that he plans to unveil to the world, and that he claims will have catastrophic implications.
I won’t spoil, but if you’ve read Dan Brown books before, of course there are a mix of religious and scientific undertones, and obviously someone tries to prevent the presentation from being revealed.
I wanted a bit more of the chase and the life-in-danger aspect I’ve come to expect in Brown books. Of course, we get a little of that, but it’s never really as heart-stopping as I’m used to. Perhaps Langdon can’t be on death’s door every time, or he’d have to stop traveling and we wouldn’t get more books.
I really enjoyed Winston as a character/plot-element. Langdon’s feelings towards Winston felt very authentic to me, and I enjoyed their conversations. I found Ambra, the lead female, to be less interesting than the female characters we usually get. Really, Langdon doesn’t interact much with her. A good portion of his storyline is in his head. I’m ok with this, since that’s where we get our history lesson :)
All together, this is a great read and I’ll definitely be waiting for the next one!
hinesight's review against another edition
3.0
Less annoying than his other books, but if you don't know who the Regent is by page 100, you're not paying attention.
agentnk_'s review against another edition
4.0
just finished the book. giving four stars. this is the 5th book from Langdon series and little bit different one from others. this time dan choose religion vs science as a theme for the story and i actually enjoyed. unfortunately i felt like ending is somewhat predictable comparing to other books