The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (Book #3 of the Robert Langdon Series) - Book Review

This book is a thriller! 

Other genres: Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Crime

Trigger Warning: Violence, Murder, Kidnapping, Psychological and Physical Torture, Occult/Ritualistic Practices. 

"We all fear what we do not understand"

Harvard professor Robert Langdon was enjoying a quiet evening when he was summoned to deliver a speech at the U.S. Capitol Building on short notice. As a favour to his mentor and friend, Peter Solomon - philanthropist and prominent mason - Robert jets off to the nation's capital. 

However, within moments of his arrival at the Capitol Building, Robert realises something is wrong. In the middle of the Capitol's Rotunda sits a recreation of the Hand of Mysteries. A severed hand, tattooed with symbols, sitting there, pointing to the sky. It is a clear message sent to Robert Langdon. 

Robert finds himself in the centre of an ancient Masonic secret as he tries desperately to solve the clues left behind to save his kidnapped friend Peter Solomon before it's too late. 

The Review

This is a fast-paced, puzzle-driven thriller that feels a little more personal than Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code. In this one, he is dragged, not for his expertise but because of his connection to Peter Solomon. He is targeted for what he knows and what he possesses. 

One of the things I like about this book is that it really plays on Robert's specialities. It makes sense that he is called. Not only is he Peter's friend, but he is also a professor of Symbology and Religious Studies; this is right up his alley. He is probably one of the few people who could solve the mystery. 

That's really the draw, I think of Robert Langdon and the stories, in my opinion. He isn't some Joe Shmoe; he has the knowledge to solve the problem. It's not random. There's a reason for him to be there (unfortunately, some of the later books don't have that feel). It's not typically a "right place, right time" kinda of trope. Usually, he is the only person in the situation, which can be a hard line to walk. But in this case, it makes sense, and it feels deeper.  

SPOILER ALERT

The first time I read The Lost Symbol, I don't remember putting the pieces together that Mal'akh was Peter's son, Zach. I actually thought his cellmate in prison realised he was worth a lot of money, and he killed Zach for it. I assumed that once he ran out of (Zach's) money, he went after the family because he knew they had more. I think I also believed that Zach wouldn't kill his grandmother (or try to kill his aunt), even though he was mad at his father. It was also a little hard to believe that Peter didn't recognise his own son, in my mind. So I never connected the dots until it was spelt out at the end.

I originally read the physical book. As a review for this blog, I also listened to this book through my local library (via Libby). 

The audiobook of The Lost Symbol was narrated by Paul Michael. I personally loved Paul Michael's style. He did different voices for all the characters, and it was really easy to follow the story, even though the novel itself jumps around a lot from different characters and points of view. I think he did an amazing job, and I think anyone who is familiar with the books would really find a familiarity with his tone and the atmosphere he provides.  

Rating and Recommendation

This is one of my favourite Dan Brown books. It is actually tied, for me, with The Da Vinci Code. (Which I love for different reasons. They are so different it is hard to compare.) I read it the minute I could get my hands on it. I loved it. This book is the only thing I have ever demanded back in a break-up! Typically, I chalk up anything left at an ex's as lost. But I could not leave my book behind. 

If you like any type of thriller or adventure story and you can stomach some intense themes, you will love this book.

I own a hardcover copy of ALL of Dan Brown's books, including this one. I am actually (desperately) seeking the illustrated version of the book for a (somewhat) reasonable price.  

Conclusion

If you are a Dan Brown fan, or just a fan of thrillers and adventures. I definitely recommend this book. While it is part of the Robert Langdon Series, you do not have to read the books in order. The stories don't really overlap (though some offhand comments do refer to other novels). If you enjoy conspiracy theories or just American History (keeping in mind this is pure fiction), I think anyone could enjoy this book. The tour of D.C. is fascinating. And if you are in the D.C. area, Dan Brown has a travel guide to all his books on his website. 

** If you like Robert Langdon and Katherine Solomon, you can see a continuation of their story in Dan Brown's new book, The Secret of Secrets. 

You can find The Lost Symbol in its respective mediums below: 

I was anxiously awaiting the movie. I was so excited to see Tom Hanks play this out. I had gotten attached to Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon. And I was so upset that they decided to make Inferno first. But still, I would be patient. And then I was devastated when they decided to make it into a series. But! Once I saw the series, I was pleasantly surprised. And I really think they did the book justice. 

* Book cover image retrieved from the author's website. All rights belong to the author and/or publisher. 
* All the "stickers" in this blog were provided by Bookish (presented by NetGalley). 
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