The first one in a series of Vatican thrillers.
Full of stereotype characters, conspiracy theories and dubious scientific and historical references. Also it seems a bit outdated by now.

2.5 stars with a downgrade to 2.
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Der erste in einer Reihe von Vatikan-Thrillern mit Professor Robert Langdon als Protagonisten.

Leider wirken die Charaktere wie mit der Schablone ausgestochen: der klassische, weiße, US-amerikanische Superheld, die schöne, exotische Frau, deren Hauptmerkmal ihre Weiblichkeit ist, der abgrundtief böse, braunhäutige (und zweifellos muslimische) Araber usw.

Das Buch gibt eine Menge Verschwörungstherorien her, die ganz unterhaltsam sein könnten, würden sie nicht so geballt auftreten. Die wissenschaftlichen und historischen Referenzen sind zumindest fragwürdig.

Der Schreibstil ist wenig überzeugend und oft ziemlich holprig. Eine echte Spannung hat sich für mich nicht entwickelt, weil ich das Buch an so vielen Stellen einfach doof fand.

Ich habe dieses Buch vor vielen Jahren schon mal gelesen, konnte mich nicht mehr an den Inhalt erinnern, aber ich weiß noch, dass es mir damals erheblich besser gefallen hat.
Heute wirkt es oftmals schon recht angestaubt und veraltet.

Ich bewerte mit 2,5 Sternen, abgerundet auf 2.

Have to admit a few things:
1) I didn't realize this was the first book in the series
2) This is my second attempt- I started this in college and couldn't get into it...
3) Started on audio (great narrator) when I realized it was ABRIDGED! (The horror!!) and I decided to stop listening and start all over with the physical copy of the book

I really enjoyed this book! You can still pick this book up almost 20 years later and it doesn't feel outdated. I constantly found myself wondering how Dan Brown came up with this stuff in between googling images to see these Roman statues exactly as they were described. The action never let up and the twists kept me wildly entertained, although, I did figure most of them out. I enjoyed the Religion vs Science argument and the Illuminati connections are so interesting. To think that this entire adventure takes place in 24 hours is ridiculous, and impressive. I read The Da Vinci Code first years ago, so looking forward to picking up the third book in this series to see if Brown can keep the momentum and conspiracies going. I'm also curious which city will be next??

One thing I really liked about this book was the captivating narrative which revolves around architecture, symbolism, mixture of science with religion, history of Christianity and Vatican City.

However having read Da Vinci Code, I found this book a bit drag. Unnecessary plot twists and lengthy storyline made me think why did I even start this book.

Robert Langdon had an immense grip on history of arts and architecture which made me want to visit Vatican City and the whole of Italy. Other than that it wasn't much intriguing.

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This was an interesting read that makes you ask yourself so many questions. I am not one to comment on religion or anything so no worries, there will be no rants! I have not seen the movie based on this book yet but seen it is free on demand so will probably check it out tonight or tomorrow. I will continue the series, but I believe I have read a couple of these books already awhile back but now want to read in order.