Rating: 
Summary: Dan Brown, Charlatan
Review: The title of my review says it all. But for those of you out there who think Dan Brown has uncovered the truth about Christian origins--and there seem to be an astounding number of otherwise sensible, intelligent people who think he's done just that--I'll explain myself.It's not that he doesn't have every right to construct a thriller based on perhaps the most egregiously bogus material ever assembled; one just doesn't expect the author (and his fawning followers) to act as if it's plausible and use it as a stick to beat up on an institution as venerable as the Catholic Church. Really, his book is in a category with Erich von Daniken and the people who think the Holocaust never occurred. But hey, these are the days of "advocacy scholarship" a la James Carroll, Garry Wills, Elaine Pagels, John Boswell, John Dominic Crossan, and their ilk. These are also the days, apparently, of open season on the Catholic Church. Which is not to say that, despite its absurd premise so ardently put forward, the book is without merit; hence the additional star. One must admit that Dan Brown can tell a story; that he writes engaging characters; that his pacing is deft; that his story arc and architecture rock. Now, if only he could be won over to the side of the angels, but, alas, I fear that is not to be: There's simply too much of the chest-thumping alienated Catholic about his work for that to happen. So, if you must read this nonsense, read it with eyes open, preferably alongside of N. T. Wright's The New Teatament and the People of God, Jesus and the Victory of God, and The Resurrection of the Son of God.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating topic; predictable story
Review: The topic of this book was new to me, but I found it absolutely fascinating and eye-opening (the only reason for the 3 stars)! I immediately went out and bought some informational books on the Priory of Scion and the premise of the Holy Grail. If this book had been about some other fictional topic, I would have put it down after the first few pages. The murder mystery plot was predictable and the "leave-you-hanging" endings to every chapter got old quickly (especially with the large number of chapters in this book). The speed at which this fast-paced mystery and its cryptographic puzzles was solved was completely unbelievable and, quite frankly, insulting. Admittedly, I did find the Epilogue alittle surprising, but nothing else caught me offguard. I'm not one for reading murder mysteries, but because this came so highly recommended by many, I did. Now I've confirmed for myself why I won't be reading anymore.
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.
| 
