Rating: 
Summary: The Code is too Trivial
Review: This was a really disappointing book. I enjoyed "Angels and Demons", and from the first few pages this book was just too similar. It seemed like an obvious attempt to capitalize on the formula.I'm not concerned either way by the religious issues, by the way, and I'm no grail scholar. That said, the puzzles were insultingly simple. How long can it take for a cryptologist to recognize a Fibonacci series? Does anyone not know that Da Vinci was known for using mirror-image handwriting? The big puzzle at the end of the book (I won't spoil this one for you) was introduced fully 100 pages before it was solved, but as soon as the full poem was printed (after 10 pages) the answer was obvious. I spent the next 90 pages hoping that the answer would be something more clever, but it was exactly as I thought. Am I some sort of puzzle-solving genius? Not likely. I know plenty of people better at it than I am. If you haven't read "Angels and Demons" and try not to think too hard, you might like this book.
Rating: 
Summary: "Everyone loves a conspiracy."
Review: This was a well put together suspense novel. (Emphasis on the word novel.) I thought I had the villain figured out and then it surprised me, which is a plus! It had quick pacing, until it hit about 40 pages of explanation of the Holy Grail theory which went slightly over the top. However, the pace picked up again for the rest of the story. Overall, a good, fun read, but I wasn't able to see what qualities have left this book up so long on amazon.com's top 10 books sold list. Take it with a grain of salt (after all, it doesn't have a bibliography) and enjoy it for the puzzle-solving and chase elements.
Rating: 
Summary: Get Over Your Academia and Enjoy the MYSTERY!
Review: This was a wonderful book for anyone who likes twisty-turny mysteries and puzzles and stories that make you think, "Did that REALLY HAPPEN?" "Is that true?" Who cares that there are factual inaccuracies, it's FICTION!!!
I found the Audio book quite enjoyable as well as the hardcover. (Though the reader's "French" accent turned off a couple of friends.)
This book is terrific, and who reads mysteries for the grammar anyway??
Rating: 
Summary: One of the best books I have read for a while
Review: This was an excellent book that was very difficult to put down when started. A fascinating read with lots of twists and turns of a classic chase, but also so much information about so many aspects of religion. Fascinating. And I am not a religious nut. I would not normally pick up a book for that reason, but this book taught me something about religion while being incredibly easy to read, and couched in an excellent chase. BUY IT - end of discussion
Rating:
Summary: Good but Over-Hyped
Review: This was an excellent book, but it wasn't God's greatest gift to literature, as some of these people seem to think. If you have a long train ride to work every morning you could do much worse.
Rating:
Summary: fictional mystery thriller ........fun, fast and intriguing
Review: This was an intriguing FICTIONAL novel that is fast paced, with many interesting characters, centering on the quest for the Holy Grail. The subject of the Holy Grail alone would draw many readers. Dan Brown tosses in just enough facts and allusion to put a "serious" face on his fictional mystery novel. He does a splendid job with his smoke and mirrors to create a new interest in the existence of the Holy Grail, the real Opus Dei, the Illuminati and the Priory of Scion. He even borrows the name of a French Priest(who sold masses for great personal profit, was discovered and died penniless), Sauniere, as the leader of the Priory of Scion (an actual group). While there are many layers to this puzzle, there are several errors (intentional or not!?!)that remind us that it is a work of fiction. Dan Brown's Paris is laid out all wrong, nothing is where or what it is supposed to be. Several of his biblical references are obviously incorrect, yet add just enough to the story to create an aura of reality.
The reason I point these things out is that so many readers seem to want to believe that this is non-fiction and that seems patently absurd. With a bit of real research (not just the internet and the conspiracy theorist sites!!)the average reader can discern fact from fiction. If this novel is read as intended, as a fictional mystery thriller, it is fun, fast and intriguing. If one reads it as a secret conspiracy text, disappointment should follow. I enjoyed this fictional work and Dan Brown's fascinating style of story telling.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting concept, but boring!!
Review: This was by far the worst of Brown's books. Angels & Demons is a much better story. Although I found the concept interesting, there was very little suspense in the book, and a disappointing ending. If you have the "FACTS", spit them out. What I've found interesting is the way Brown in all of his previous books let the reader almost believe the "conspiracy" then revealed it for what it was, a BIG HOAX! However in DaVinci, he changes his patented ending and leaves these cleverly disguised 1/2 truths as "Facts". Why the change in approach? Does he really want us to believe the ultimate conspiracy? I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the other books, but, his agenda came through on this one and I'm extremely disturbed. I hope that most people understand that a lot (maybe most) of the "FACTS" are not accurate (see http://www.answers.org/issues/davincicode.html). Next time, Mr. Brown, please get your facts straight; your credibility is now being questioned. Maybe now I need to explore how much was accurate in Angels & Demons. I also found interesting the review below about the inaccurate descriptions of Paris.
Rating:
Summary: interesting read
Review: This was hard to put down once I started. I do hope someone decides to write a screen play for it... It would make a terrific movie! There... short and sweet! ;-)
Rating:
Summary: Excellent - Intelligent, refreshing & unpredictable.
Review: This was just a great book. I have seen it on the BestSeller list since the dawning of time so for my latest trip, I made this my book of choice. I began it Thursday evening and had it finished by Sunday. I just could not put it down. The theories were so refreshing and new, every page brought a new surprise, the story flowed so well. My only disappointment was that I finished the book and no longer can look at it with new eyes, and read the story for the first time. Just a great, great book. There was only one aspect that I predicted correctly. Everything else was a surprise (and an education). Don't miss out on this book!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing!!!
Review: This was my first Dan Brown book, and I'm already hooked. The connections that are made in this amazing book were breath-taking. The suspense of the book would not allow you to put it down. You will learn things that you have never heard of before, BOGGLING YOUR MIND! Once you think you have everything figured out, Brown throws another twist in, making your assumptions false. This intense book is by far the best I have ever read. A MUST READ for anyone who likes to challenge their opinions.
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