Thoughts on the Robert Langdon Series So Far

     

    

    Although not an official series in the traditional sense, Dan Brown has written multiple books following the adventures of Robert Langdon. The books do not necessarily connect, so you do not need to read them in order. I have finished the first three books, and I am currently reading the fourth book, Inferno. Here are my thoughts on the books, and my expectation for the next book. However, I will not be giving my official ratings and rankings yet until I finish all the books -- Stay tune!

The DaVinci Code:

The DaVinci Code tells the story of Robert Langdon’s quest to find a certain “object” crucial to the world while racing time and enemies. Even though the DaVinci Code is technically the second book, it was the first one I read. My version of the book had pictures of the places and artwork referenced throughout the book. I would definitely recommend searching up pictures as you read, as it helps add a better understanding of the book.

This book set my standards unreachably high. Although advance, Dan Brown does an amazing job with writing. Every word was in perfect harmony. When you read this book, you will be more than appreciative of Brown’s work, and the absolute complexity of it. I can not stress enough how complex but well-planned everything was. This is the perfect book for you if you love plot twists.

Angels and Demons:

Angels and Demons is the first book featuring the Harvard professor, Robert Langdon. The book mainly takes place in the Vatican City, as Langdon tries to save the micro-nation from doom. Like the DaVinci Code, I absolutely loved all the historical information and myths included in the book. The references added another layer of complexity, which I, again, applaud Dan Brown for. 

Even though, in my opinion, this book didn’t compare as well to the DaVinci Code, I still absolutely enjoyed the book. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat. After reading a few of Brown’s books, I think that Angels and Demons are one of his more creative plots.

The Lost Symbol:

This book follows Langdon’s search to find his missing mentor while trying to stay alive. This book takes place in and around Washington D.C. Brown also included significantly more scientific references compared to the other books.

Out of the three books, The Lost Symbol is my least favorite. This may be subjected to change as I read Inferno and Origin. However, this book was still an epic read. Personally, I didn’t find all the Colonial American history as interesting as the European references in the two previous books. However, this is definitely just my preference. I would still 10/10 recommend the book for its jammed-pack plot. 

Inferno (so far):

From the first page, the book already had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Langdon mysteriously wakes up in Italy, where he is being hunted down by an assassin. So far, Inferno is already filled with countless references to artwork and people from the medieval and renaissance periods.

Although I am only a fourth of the way done, I already love the book. Like I mentioned, you are thrown into the chaos, starting with the very first sentence. The other characters already seem complex and mysterious. I do think, however, that this book will be much more “fantastical” than the preceding books. I am expecting an incredibly complex plot twist, considering the plot twists of the three first books.

Expectations for Origin:

Reading the preview of Origin, I know I can already expect a thrilling novel from Dan Brown. Langdon is now in Spain, as he races the clock to find a mysterious password that could potentially change science forever. In my opinion, this book sounds like a combination between The DaVinci Code and The Lost Symbol. The book will most likely include a combination of modern science with historical events.

By my blog, you can tell that Dan Brown is a master of plot twists. I do not expect any less of an incredibly complex plot twist from this book. I am more than excited to finish Inferno and start reading this book to see how Robert Langdon possibly escapes death yet again.

Overall, I am absolutely in love with this series. Each page is filled with the most thrilling actions and plot twists. So far, I absolutely recommend Dan Brown’s books, especially if you love complex plots. Please stay tuned for a full review and ranking once I finish the series!

- Sarisa