As a 22-year-old who enjoys a good thriller, I found ‘The Lost Symbol’ by Dan Brown to be an engaging and thought-provoking read. The book follows Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, as he unravels the mysteries of Freemasonry in Washington D.C. It is a fast-paced novel filled with twists and turns, much like Brown's previous works.
What I really liked about ‘The Lost Symbol’ was the intricate blend of history, science, and symbology. Brown has a knack for weaving factual information into his fiction, which makes the story both educational and entertaining. The setting in Washington, D.C. is particularly fascinating, with its rich historical landmarks playing a crucial role in the plot.
The characters are well-developed, especially Langdon, who remains a compelling protagonist. The antagonist, Mal’akh, is quite intriguing with his complex backstory, adding depth to the narrative. However, some of the other characters felt a bit one-dimensional.
Determination to succeed
One thing that stood out to me was the theme of hidden knowledge and the power of the mind. Brown delves into Noetic Science, which I found to be a refreshing and unique element in a thriller. It made me think about the potential of human consciousness and the mysteries that still lie within our minds.
On the downside, there were moments when the plot felt a bit predictable, especially if you’ve read Brown’s other books. The constant cliffhangers at the end of every chapter can be a bit exhausting, and at times, the book seems to drag on. Some plot twists appeared easy to anticipate and took the suspense away.
Despite these minor drawbacks, ‘The Lost Symbol’ is a solid read. It's better than average but not extraordinary. It kept me entertained and curious, and I appreciated the efforts Brown put into researching the details. If you are a fan of Dan Brown's style or enjoy historical thrillers with a mix of science and conspiracy, you will likely enjoy this book too.
Overall, ‘The Lost Symbol’ is a decent addition to Brown's repertoire. It is not his best work, but it is still worth picking up if you are in the mood for an engaging and informative thriller.