Dan Brown is a successful author who has written 9 novels, many of which have been translated into over 50 languages. He is most famous for his Robert Langdon series. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown was originally published in 2003 and has gone on to sell millions of copies. It’s considered his most famous book among the series and was turned into an equally successful movie. Readers love the thrill of the chase, eerie history, and the enticing mystery that is masterfully written. I have read this book multiple times, and still, it captures my full attention each time. 

Robert Langdon is in France to lecture on symbology, the study of symbols. He’s no stranger to finding himself caught up in mischief and solving difficult puzzles with impossible clues. Now, Langdon is the prime suspect of a crime committed in the Louvre after hours. Quickly learning there’s a deep-rooted puzzle at the core of it, he teams up with the victim’s granddaughter, Sophie Neveu. The pair find themselves on the run from the French detectives and a secret religious organization set on exposing an ancient secret, the Holy Grail. Robert and Sophie must race through the night to find freedom, clear their names, and unlock secrets the average person doesn’t know exist. 

This book is a classic for so many readers for a reason. The Da Vinci Code is chock-full of intricate puzzles, complex characters, and strange history. Brown sets his readers up for a thrilling ride that makes the book difficult to put down. There are many complicated religious topics, as it’s the foundation of the book, that can be difficult for some readers to get behind, but it is a work of fiction. The book is well researched and written, making it feel like it’s just within our grasp. Brown has created a masterpiece of a puzzle that forces the reader to be more analytical of their surroundings and search for puzzles, such as the Fibonacci sequence, in our walks of life. 

The main characters are all deeply complicated and have their separate motivations, which is one of the strongest features of the book. Many of the chapters are written from Langdon’s perspective, but there are four other characters whose perspectives we also see. The most deeply flawed character is Silas, a man who can no longer distinguish right from wrong as long as he is completing his mission. Any reader can see he is the primary villain of the story, but he believes his motives are pure if they come from a man known as the teacher. He inflicts pain not only on others but on himself as well. Robert Langdon is a reliable narrator whose knowledge makes him one of the few men on earth who can unlock the puzzles. While he isn’t quite as complicated as others, his primary motivations are unique because he is solely motivated by historical knowledge of the Holy Grail, Leonardo Da Vinci, and many secret societies. 

Another strength of the book is its’ unpredictableness. Mysteries can easily become predictable if they aren’t well thought out. Predictability isn’t always bad. For example, when you have an inkling about what may happen from small clues, but you still aren’t 100% sure, that author has done a great job making a small chance of predictability. The problem can arise when one creates too many details that lead you to the conclusion of the story, and you’re only halfway through. This novel is the opposite, you’ll find yourself on your toes waiting for the next turn of events. You might find yourself predicting the outcome of a few small moments, but the ending is anything but predictable.

If this book has been sitting on your TBR list for a while, it’s time to make it your next read. From the unique mystery and thrilling chase, you’ll have a tough time setting this book down. It has been on my list of favorites since the first time I read it. I really enjoy how Dan Brown brings in true historical facts and then brings them to life by making them his own. I feel this is unique to his writing and makes him a standout in his own right. Consider The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown your next summer read!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars