Rating: 
Summary: Interesting but disturbingly inaccurate
Review: This book was definitely a page-turner -- I stayed up until 4am finishing it. And while it does read like a made-for-tv movie the problem I had with it was Dan Brown's disturbing method of combining actual historical fact with made-up historical facts so it is difficult to discern which is which. Even more misleading is the note at the beginning of the book stating that "All discriptions of artwork, architecture, documents and secret rituals in this novel are accurate." Unfortunately, this does not hold true for the "history" Dan Brown purports to tell as backstory to his modern day mystery.For example, around chapter 55 two of the main characters give the third main character a quick "history" lesson in Christianity and the holy grail. Many of the historical facts they describe are known facts. But many are not. For example, in attempting to draw parallels between the ancient Greek god Mithras and Jesus, one character states that Mithras was called "The Son of God" and the "Light of the World." Unfortunately, there is absolutely no historical basis for such an assertion because Mithras was a god who was worshipped in mystery cults. There are no surviving writings about Mithras and we have no idea *what* he might have been called. The book also describes all early Christians as having believed Jesus was mortal, beliefs which were later suppressed by Constantine. The history of the early church is too great to get into detail here, but suffice it to say that early Christians' beliefs ranged from believing that the Christ was fully human, to fully divine, to fully divine within a human body. I don't have any grievances with Dan Brown's story (definitely a page-turner), or his take on Christian history. I do, however, think it is extremely dangerous to mix fabricated "facts" with actual historical facts. I had a hard time keeping them separate, and I've actually had the opportunity to research some of the topics Brown touched upon. Historical fiction can really be fun because you have the opportunity to learn something while reading about a terrific mystery (that actually gets solved!). In this case, though, I had a difficult time enjoying the story because of the glaring mistruths Brown tells along the way. Thus, as an exciting introduction to the mystery of early (and late) Christian figures, Da Vinci's paintings, and the sangreal, this book is pretty good. As "historical" fiction, it sucks. Incidentally, Brown does mention at the beginning of Chapter 60 the titles of some very well researched books on the topic of Mary Magdalene and the holy grail.
Rating:
Summary: an exciting read, but........
Review: This book was definitely an exciting read, but I have to question many of the author's theories. I also felt that the characters were pretty one-dimensional and even unbelievable at times. The plot device of finding each clue and solving it got a little bit tedious at times. However, it was a quick and fun read.
Rating: 
Summary: a good read
Review: This book was entertaining, and I enjoyed for just that, the entertainment. If I want a lesson in art history or religion I will read a book about that. Too many people are critical of the details. This is a novel, it's FICTION. If you want fact then read an art history book. IF you want a good book that will keep you turning the pages then read this one.
Rating:
Summary: It takes a great book to offend so many people!
Review: This book was excellent! I couldn't put it down. The writing is top notch, the plot is full of great twists. I see from reading the reviews that a lot of Christians are offended. That's to be expected. The fact of the matter is, Christianity has always concealed things and has always borrowed from other, older religions. To say that Mr. Brown's facts are wrong because they are not supported by the bible assumes that ones believes the bible to be the end all, be all, which many people do not. I like this line from the book: "The bible did not arrive from Heaven by fax..." It is a myth, just as any other religion is.
Rating:
Summary: See For Yourself
Review: This book was extraordinary. There. All my thoughts in four words. I rate it along with "West Point:...Thomas Jefferson" by Norman Thomas Remick as one of the two most extraordinary books on the market. But don't just believe me. See for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Everyone should read it
Review: This book was extraordinary. There. All my thoughts in four words. I recommend that it is, along with the current book "West Point" by Norman Thomas Remick, one of the most extraordinary books ever written. Everyone should read it.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Spectacular!
Review: This book was fantastic! I bought it and it sat on my shelf for almost a month before I started reading. After that, I couldn't put it down! The information and research woven into the plot made it seem very realistic and intriguing. I recommend this book very highly!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read!
Review: This book was fascinating from page one. I have read a LOT of books, and this is definitely on my top 10 of all time.
Rating:
Summary: A must-read for all those Holy Blood, Holy Grail aficionados
Review: This book was fun to read. Even though people who read the kind of books mentioned by the characters in this novel already know all this stuff, it was great to see it used in a novel.
Rating:
Summary: A fun and fast read
Review: This book was great fun. Once I started reading I was hard pressed to put the book down. The action starts immediately and throughout it all, I was learning a lot about quite a few subjects. The characters are drawn broadly, but they are believable and distinct from one another. There are all types peppered throughout. Most readers will enjoy this one.
| 
