Origin
Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to attend a major announcement—the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever.” The evening’s host is Edmond Kirsch, a forty-year-old billionaire and futurist whose dazzling high-tech inventions and audacious predictions have made him a renowned global figure. Kirsch is about to reveal an astonishing breakthrough...one that will answer two of the fundamental questions of human existence. But the meticulously orchestrated evening suddenly erupts into chaos, and Kirsch’s precious discovery teeters on the brink of being lost forever.
Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme religion, Langdon and the Guggenheim's Director, Ambra Vidal, must evade a tormented enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace itself...and who will stop at nothing to silence Edmond Kirsch. On a trail marked by modern art and enigmatic symbols, Langdon and Vidal uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery...and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.
Author: Dan Brown
Rating: 4/5
To no one's surprise, Dan Brown has done it again.All his books follow exactly the same formula, but it's a formula that works and is entertaining every time. I sat down on Friday night intending to spend my weekend on a wild goose hunt with Robert Langdon, with some plot twists, some cryptic codes, a bunch of art history, and a heart-racing ending. And that's exactly what I got! I'm not going to pretend that the predictable formula made the journey any less enjoyable.
I really did enjoy this one. It deals with a much more modern subject matter than he usually covers—technology—and taught me a great deal about Spain as well. Whenever I read Dan Brown's books, I always keep my smartphone handy so I can look up photos of the buildings and art he describes.
All in all, if you're looking for a fun escape, this will serve you well!