“The Lost Symbol”, the third book of the “Da Vinci” sequel was recently released in September this year. With more than a million copies in its first 24 hours[1], no wonder Dan Brown’s fans have long been waiting for another chapter of Robert Langdon’s ecstatic adventures. The story of a fictional symbologist began capturing more fans since the big screen hit of the movie “Da Vinci Code”. What rapt both readers and movie-goers were its fast paced thrills in every chapter one could not dare to miss. Having familiar religious sites in every scene as well added its controversial revelations worth reading.

Cover of The Lost Symbol

Despite the global threat of recession, the continued sales increase of the newest Dan Brown book is a proof that his first two books have captivated the people’s interest and imagination. Additional contentious issues were introduced in this book including the so-called Noetic Science, another ancient mystery, the Masonic imagery in American art, symbolic architectural history of Washington D.C, etc. Though the concept to “Masonry” has been used in other fiction stories on big screen like the “Indiana Jones”, it surely elevated the author’s genre by keeping each page worth turning. The use of artworks, buildings and sculptures as if veiling secret messages of the history were remarkable. However those who have been expecting more mind-boggling twists, which were promised in the first two books, were a bit disappointed. There were a few little surprises. The characterization of the protagonist was mediocre and monotonous. The bible hidden in Washington D.C. as the main final en route of the story was also quite shoulder-dropping. And the concept of having puzzles after unresolved puzzles made its ending tedious.

As a conclusion, this book is still recommendable for reading. The story development of the character might be in question but the underlying knotted mysteries of religion, art and history are a clue of true artistry of the author.

[1]According to Trachtenberg, Jeffrey A., The Wall Street Journal, page B6.