Saturday Read: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

I have been anticipating the release of “The Lost Symbol” since Dan Brown announced it right after “The Da Vinci Code” rose to fame. Years later, I finally have a copy in my hands. I ran out Sunday morning to Wal-mart to pick it up (and got it for 45% off!) and eagerly dug in.

By Alex K.

I admit, it took a bit to get going, but once it did, I wasn’t TOTALLY disappointed.

Dan Brown is under a lot of pressure. With the unprecedented success of “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels and Demons” Brown has to live up to the standards set by himself. The two first books in the Robert Langdon series captivated the world and turned into a multi-billion dollar franchise, complete with their own movies. When Brown first announced a third book in the series, originally titled “The Solomon Key,” people began counting down the days. And then Brown delayed the release. And then delayed it again. Now critics predict that Brown may have delayed the release TOO long, as reactions to the book are less than stellar. With anything else, you have to strike while the iron is hot, and Brown’s iron has slightly, well, cooled.

Fortunately, “The Lost Symbol” is written as a typical Robert Langdon novel and hopefully, that is good enough for his fans. The formula is the same: Robert Langdon is involved in an action sequence, he spots a mystery symbol, he explains the symbol to the general public (usually involving a shocking revelation) and then moves on to the next chapter, complete with another mysterious symbol and action sequence. And then another chapter. And another…

I know that sounded a tad bitter, and it may be. But the truth is, I think I expected more from Brown. I enjoyed his previous novels SO much and found each to be very unique and entertaining, and not only did “The Lost Symbol” pale in comparison, but it just didn’t seem to be anything new for me.

However, I still enjoyed it. If the book hadn’t been written by Dan Brown and I didn’t have any other work to compare it to, I would have been extremely impressed. Dan Brown’s pacing and meticulous research and dedication to his subject is not seen anywhere else. “The Lost Symbol” was completely entertaining and definitely held my interest the entire time. Brown’s characters are seamless and complex, and Langdon’s personality has been kept consistent from novel to novel.

I would recommend “The Lost Symbol” for anyone who enjoyed “The Da Vinci Code,” “Angels and Demons” or any other fast-paced thriller. It’s a wholeheartedly enjoyable read and you’re bound to learn something too!