**A Sincere Debut Novel**

Dan Brown's first novel is truly remarkable. It may seem clichéd at the start, like a typical Hollywood movie where you expect the bomb to be defused 3 seconds before it explodes and the good Americans to win while the bad foreigners lose. However, Brown manages to turn this around and provide a very pleasant and satisfying ending.

The story is set in a real American secret agency that has the right to monitor everyone for their safety. A bomb threat and a code to defuse it are at the center of the plot. The novel is filled with exciting twists and turns, interesting characters, and a lot of information about the digital world, the Internet, and its history.

One of the great things about Brown's novels is the way he makes twists. Even though I could predict some of them after reading his other successful novels, he still managed to surprise me. He has a formula for creating thrilling and unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged until the very end.

The follow-up of the ring in Europe, especially in Spain, was both fun and exciting. It had the magical blend of Brown's style of touring tourist and historical places and describing them with his usual precision. Despite missing Robert Langdon in this novel, Brown still managed to add a great deal of information about codes, some tourist places in Andalusia, atomic bombs, and the NSA, which was not well-known 15 years ago when the novel was released.

In conclusion, Dan Brown's debut novel is a great read that shows his talent as a writer. He knows how to thrill and surprise the reader with real unexpected twists. His work is truly "Without Wax", which is his sign and trademark. Mohammed Arabey's review of the novel is also very interesting and provides some insights into the story and the author's style.

The topic at hand is truly captivating. Having an author who can step into the shoes of someone as highly respected as the late great Michael Crichton is, in my opinion, truly remarkable. This thriller is not only fast-paced (which is a definite plus!) but also completely riveting. It holds great relevance in modern times, and some reviewers have even gone so far as to describe it as plausible.

However, it must be noted that this adventure is less engaging than The Da Vinci Code. It feels more contrived, lacking in interesting characters and instead being filled with dead ends, ineffective repetitiveness, and empty journeys. While many of the characters face various major or minor catastrophes, the short chapters pass by in a hurry. The plot, when dissected, would look something like this: a career girl (who, incidentally, seems to lack a distinct personality apart from her supposed extreme fondness for expensive shoes, as if this example is meant to emphasize her femininity) finds herself stuck in a compound, confused by computer screens and consoles, racing against time to save humanity before the doomsday clock strikes. Her boyfriend, a professor with an almost unbelievable streak of luck, is on a wild goose chase in Sevilla, Spain (how exciting!), completely out of his element with a rather blind purpose (and, like his contemporary counterparts, suffering from the No Personality Syndrome). Then there are the other tech nerds, out there trying to physically or technologically (whatever that may entail... the novel attempts to personify the intangible concept of cyberspace) save the planet. Along the way, there are codes and puzzles that are relatively easy to decipher and are sometimes overly explained by these tech-minded, overpaid individuals.

Despite its flaws, this book should still be read. It is educational, fun, and at times (though I say this with a bit of reservation) unpredictable. Don't expect the literary genius of Waugh or Hawthorne, but rather something in the vein of Crichton, or at least a worthy imitation. It is definitely a dumb action adventure, but if it manages to capture your attention (and it will), then just go along for the ride. It's as harmless as pretending to be the protagonist: your eyes will be moving, and your body will mostly be at rest. But surely, something within the human psyche will be processed in some way.

One could already envision the path that Brown would take with his literary endeavors, as evidenced by his first work which seemed to be on a mission to stir up the literary world in a rather conspiratorial manner.

Digital Fortress, while not reaching the heights of Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code, nor being as lackluster as The Lost Symbol, marks the beginning of a novelist's journey. Brown employed good old-fashioned knowledge in a novel and unique way, striving for literary immortality.

The artistic aspect is relatively minor in this work, as it leans more towards the technothriller genre rather than the blockbuster mystery high-speed pursuit style of his subsequent novels.

It's clear that Brown was still experimenting with his writing style, at times uncertain of where to lead the story. He seemed more intent on venturing into the futuristic and tech-savvy realm rather than the uchronic and historic. Given my strong bias towards anything Sci-Fi, I awarded it 4 stars mainly due to the setting. Without that, it might have been closer to a 3.

Interestingly, the infamous "I don't care about technical accuracy, have no interest in research, and don't ask experts to proofread" mentality was already quite prominent in this book. Brown simply didn't seem to care, and the cryptography and tech elements were laughably inaccurate. In this case, it was even more extreme as the entire plot revolved around topics that Brown clearly had little knowledge of, making it unwittingly comical.

However, one has to give credit to the courage it takes to publish a novel with such a nonchalant attitude. It's a special kind of badass and audacious approach that I can't help but appreciate, albeit it is rather cheeky and may convey false knowledge to unsuspecting readers. Additionally, it gets bonus points for depicting the NSA in a rather shady light back in 1998 (long before it became so mainstream in 2013) and having his protagonists grapple with the issues of privacy, protection, and the rule of the surveillance state (oops, Freudian slip, I meant the constitutional state).

Tropes play a crucial role in showing how literature is conceptualized and created, and what combination of elements makes works and genres unique. You can explore more about Digital Fortress on the following link: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...

I think this was possibly my least favorite book by Brown.

It seemed to lack a certain something that his other works had. Maybe it's just because I'm not that savvy in the specific things he wrote about in this particular book. However, I choose to think otherwise.

I believe that he should really stick to what he does best, which is historical mystery. His talent truly shines in that genre.

The way he weaves together historical facts and elements of mystery is truly captivating. When he strays from this, as he did in this book, it just doesn't have the same impact.

I hope that in the future, he will return to his roots and give us more of the amazing historical mysteries that we have come to love.

A Bit Dramatic at Times, but Overall a Pretty Enjoyable Thriller

This thriller has its moments of high drama that can really keep you on the edge of your seat. The story unfolds with a series of events that are both unexpected and exciting. There are some scenes that are so intense that you can't help but hold your breath. However, it's not all just drama for the sake of it. The plot is well-crafted and keeps you engaged from start to finish. The characters are also well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motives. You really care about what happens to them as the story progresses. Overall, despite the few overly dramatic moments, this is a thriller that is definitely worth watching or reading. It will keep you entertained and satisfied, and leave you wanting more.

That's one of the most mediocre (not to say wrong) novels by bestselling author Dan Brown.

Some have lauded "Digital Fortress" as an excellent techno-thriller. However, when comparing this novel to the others, it fully showcases the scientific aspect.

Nonetheless, I found myself bored with these technological digressions within the plot, and the final outcome was overall disappointing.

It was a bad pick indeed.

Dan Brown's reputation as a bestselling author might have led to high expectations for this novel. But unfortunately, it failed to deliver on many fronts.

The excessive focus on technology seemed to overshadow the storytelling, making it difficult for the reader to become fully engaged.

Perhaps a more balanced approach between the technical details and the narrative would have made for a more enjoyable reading experience.

As it stands, "Digital Fortress" falls short of the mark and is not a novel that I would recommend.

If you are a person who has a passion for thriller novels that artfully blend science, politics, and conspiracy theories, and you are eager to have an amazing time by reading a book with a Hollywood blockbuster style, then look no further! This is the book that will surely captivate you.

It offers a thrilling and immersive experience, taking you on a wild ride through a world filled with mystery, danger, and unexpected twists.

The story is masterfully crafted, with a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The characters are well-developed and engaging, making you care about their fates and rooting for them as they face numerous challenges and obstacles.

Whether you are a fan of science fiction, political thrillers, or conspiracy theories, this book has something for everyone. So, grab a copy and get ready to be entertained like never before! ;)

I’m truly in a state of shock. For the second time in a row, I managed to finish a book in less than 2 days! To be honest, I have to admit that I wasn't expecting much from a debut novel. However, in my opinion, it turned out really well!

I'm not really in the mood to write a complete review at the moment because my head and my stomach are killing me. But, goodness gracious, the plot twist? It was a bit predictable, yet there was definitely something about it that made me stop and think for a few minutes before I could continue reading.

And, it might not be overly romantic, but gosh, I fell in love with the main couple. Just imagine deciphering codes with your lover or soon-to-be husband! Yes, it could be dangerous, but I really love Susan and David.

This is my first Dan Brown book, and I haven't read "The Da Vinci Code" yet, so I might as well give it a try!

P.S: Susan is married to me along with David, of course.

Not bad, if you ignore a few things.

This statement implies that there are certain aspects or details that, if overlooked, would lead to a more positive assessment.

It could suggest that overall, the situation or object in question has some redeeming qualities.

However, those few things that need to be ignored might be significant enough to prevent a full and unqualified endorsement.

It could be that these aspects are minor flaws or不足之处 that don't completely overshadow the positive elements.

Or perhaps they are areas that could be improved upon with a little effort.

In any case, the phrase "not bad, if you ignore a few things" leaves room for interpretation and further evaluation.

It invites the listener or reader to consider what those few things might be and whether they are truly negligible in the grand scheme of things.

Dan Brown's techno thriller is a captivating exploration of the complex relationship between the general public and the agencies and corporations that collect and store data on us as individuals.

This book delves into the profound impact this data collection has on our civil liberties. It presents a thought-provoking narrative that forces readers to question the balance between security and privacy in the digital age.

Brown is yet another author who has achieved monstrous global success with his books. His works are a perfect storm of compelling stories, albeit with some weaknesses in writing. The controversial subjects he tackles and his ability to激怒 the literati have only added to his allure.

In my personal opinion, this book is even better than The Da Vinci Code. I would rate it 7 out of 12. However, it should be noted that there seems to be an [image error] which might affect the overall reading experience.

Despite this minor glitch, Brown's latest offering is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats and spark intense discussions about the future of our data and civil liberties.

This is one of the two stand-alone novels authored by Dan Brown; the other being the Deception Point. Both novels belong to the science fiction genre. However, regardless of the genre in which Dan Brown writes, there is one thing that you can be certain to find, and that is the use of codes and puzzles.

With his unique utilization of codes and puzzles, he crafts a wonderful mystery, leading the reader on a suspenseful journey. I have always been in awe of Dan's ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat and make them race against time to solve the puzzles and uncover the mystery.

In addition to the mystery and suspense, there was also a sweet love story, which I believe was an added bonus. :) It added an extra layer of depth and emotion to the overall narrative, making it even more engaging and enjoyable.

Overall, this novel by Dan Brown is a thrilling and captivating read that combines elements of mystery, science fiction, and romance to create a truly unforgettable experience.

This was Dan Brown's very first book, and it is patently evident that he had not yet refined his formula to perfection.

Susan Fletcher is the sultry genius who toils for the NSA in the Crypto department, leaving all the men around her salivating. It is truly astonishing that "those legs could carry a 170 IQ". (And this is no exaggeration.)

She is eagerly anticipating a romantic weekend with her fiancé, a low-key genius professor who is an authority on languages and boasts a perfect memory (a sort of Robert Langdon prototype, if you will). However, she is abruptly summoned to an emergency at work.

Someone has devised an unbreakable digital code, which implies that the NSA will be thwarted in intercepting terrorist messages and will severely handicap US intelligence's ability to safeguard its citizens. A frantic chase then ensues to determine how to prevent it from being sold to the highest bidder.

As is his wont, Dan Brown delves into such captivating topics, and in a manner that holds your attention firmly. He is not renowned for his outstanding writing, but typically he is at least tolerably bad. However, this particular work is just downright bad. There are several lines that are seriously cringe-worthy throughout. Nevertheless, it managed to keep me reading until the very end, so it earns a meager 2 stars.