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Description and Opinions
Product Description:
In this stunning follow-up to the global phenomenon The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown demonstrates once again why he is the world’s most popular thriller writer. The Lost Symbol is a masterstroke of storytelling--a deadly race through a real-world labyrinth of codes, secrets, and unseen truths . . . all under the watchful eye of Brown’s most terrifying villain to date. Set within the hidden chambers, tunnels, and temples of Washington, D.C., The Lost Symbol accelerates through a startling landscape toward an unthinkable finale. As the story opens, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned unexpectedly to deliver an evening lecture in the U.S. Capitol Building. Within minutes of his arrival, however, the night takes a bizarre turn. A disturbing object--artfully encoded with five symbols--is discovered in the Capitol Building. Langdon recognizes the object as an ancient invitation . . . one meant to usher its recipient into a long-lost world of esoteric wisdom. When Langdon’s beloved mentor, Peter Solomon--a prominent Mason and philanthropist--is brutally kidnapped, Langdon realizes his only hope of saving Peter is to accept this mystical invitation and follow wherever it leads him. Langdon is instantly plunged into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and never-before-seen locations--all of which seem to be dragging him toward a single, inconceivable truth. As the world discovered in The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, Dan Brown’s novels are brilliant tapestries of veiled histories, arcane symbols, and enigmatic codes. In this new novel, he again challenges readers with an intelligent, lightning-paced story that offers surprises at every turn. The Lost Symbol is exactly what Brown’s fans have been waiting for . . . his most thrilling novel yet.
Amazon.com Review:
Let's start with the question every Dan Brown fan wants answered: Is The Lost Symbol as good as The Da Vinci Code? Simply put, yes. Brown has mastered the art of blending nail-biting suspense with random arcana (from pop science to religion), and The Lost Symbol is an enthralling mix. And what a dazzling accomplishment that is, considering that rabid fans and skeptics alike are scrutinizing every word. The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your "Lost Symbol" tour in order). And, as with other Dan Brown books, the pace is relentless, the revelations many, and there is an endless parade of intriguing factoids that will make you feel like you are spending the afternoon with Robert Langdon and the guys from Mythbusters. Nothing is as it seems in a Robert Langdon novel, and The Lost Symbol itself is no exception--a page-turner to be sure, but Brown also challenges his fans to open their minds to new information. Skeptical? Imagine how many other thrillers would spawn millions of Google searches for noetic science, superstring theory, and Apotheosis of Washington. The Lost Symbol is brain candy of the best sort--just make sure to set aside time to enjoy your meal. --Daphne Durham More from Dan Brown The Da Vinci Code Angels & Demons Deception Point Digital Fortress
Predictable but incoherent, with a boring final 
This book may work well as a thriller for the movies, but its predictable final has a "final surprise" that is incoherent with what is said in the first half of the book. After the solution of the case, there is a long and boring final chapter that seems only to try to get some simpaty from christian people and the Church. It is only a shade of the "Da Vinci Code", nothing more.
A great sequel 
Finally, I had the chance to read The Lost Symbol!
What draws me to Dan Brown? Besides being controversial to the point that I have to slip a book cover over his books in this predominantly Catholic community, I love the fact that his books make me question, think, then question some more.
Anyways, the history aspects of any of Brown's novels are an added plus, as well as the mystery that is always involved in his collection of novels.
The Lost Symbol was another magnificent creation, all 500 pages filled with stunning adventure and suspense. Just as The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons had done in the past, Robert Langdon is called in to solve the latest puzzle. I can't help it, maybe it's Robert, with his extensive historical knowledge or that pensive grin that Tom Hanks delivers, that has won me over. I spent hours reading this novel, unable to put it down, entranced by the story.
As in all of Mr. Brown's novels, the villain is a true psychopath that believes he is doing the world a wealth of good. Mal'akh has wealth, influence and women, but he forsakes his fortune for ultimate power.
Masonic mysteries, CIA angles, symbolism, each item was perfectly wound into this novel. Just as the movie National Treasure inspired me to question the linkings of the Masons to the history of the United States, Brown's novel makes me want to tour the Capital with a whole new insight.
Fantastic, thrilling and worth 4 stars
Lost Symbol purchase 
Book was in perfect condition, just as described....however I was surprised at how well it was able to stay intact considering the awful packing job and the condition of the box it was in when it arrived.
The Lost Symbol
The book arrived in a very short period of time. It was still in great condition. I have ordered several books this way from Amazon, different dealers, but the condition the book is listed as usually is pretty accurate. I am going o read this one next!
All I can say is Dan Brown is fantastic at pacing...
I understand the criticism that this book has received, but I found it to be an incredibly engrossing experience. The pacing kept me turning pages into chapters, which is quite the feet, seeing as I'm a medical student, and as such, am not particularly overburdened with excess time. Furthermore, I must say that the plot twist nearly had me drop the book right there in the floor and give a slow clap. It was a very refreshing twist. Reading all the rest of Dan Brown's novels left me with a keen eye as to what the plot twist would be, but I thankfully can say that this one threw me for a loop. That being said, after the plot twist the pacing comes to a screeching halt. The last 50 pages or so literally felt like a chore, I had an obligation to end the book, but it was painfully slow. All in all, putting the negatives aside I still enjoyed myself and don't feel cheated by the experience; therefore, I would definitely recommend this romp through good old American history to any who are familiar with the work of Dan Brown.
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