Brown has found a formula that sells millions and is firmly sticking with it in Lost Symbol.

The plot follows the same arc of both Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code and is by far the weaker book of the three.

However, Brown's style is very dynamic and he knows how to get you turning the pages.

Two stars for flair, non for substance.

I pre-ordered my copy of The Lost Symbol months before the release date (like millions of other fans, I suppose). I thought I had secured the best deal possible (a whopping 60% off RRP!). In reality I could have gotten it a day earlier and a dollar cheaper if I had just sauntered over to Target and picked up a copy. But, let's not split hairs -- a good book is always worth the wait and the extra buck.
However, I guess I was in for more reality shock. After six years in the making, The Lost Symbol is no better than The Da Vinci Code. It is a fair companion for the beach or that long plane trip or a few sleepless nights. There are some unexpected turns and twists and some interesting esoterica to Google later on, if you're into that. But it is overlong, overwrought and clunky overall. There are much too much explanations on explanations. The pattern of dialogue is repetitive to the point of annoying. A bit of spirited and principled editing could have reduced it by a third and not lose the plot.
I don't want to give the impression that The Lost Symbol is terrible -- it is a fairly competent thriller, comparable to The Da Vinci Code. But, I was expecting more from Dan Brown this time around, unfortunately.

This book did not live up to my expectations after such a long wait after reading the Da Vinci Code & Angels & Demons. The plot followed the same formula as his previous 2 books but by now this is so familiar it did not excite. I was very disappointed.

The only reason I put the book down is because I need to get some sleep before I have to go to work.

Not a bad read - the story is relatively interesting and gripping. Unfortunately I think Dan Brown's writing style has really gone downhill, and it's obvious that he was under pressure to try and leave a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter, in a way similar to the "Lost" TV series. An author can get away with a bit of this, but towards the end of the novel it just starts getting ridiculous. Also, probably trying to use a style similar to his two previous Robert Langdon novels, the author tries to smother the reader with various quirky facts about history and symbolism, but in this novel it really appears the author is just trying to show off the fact that he's done some research, and the facts just don't really flow into the storyline in a smooth manner... Shame

It waas very fast paced and very easy to read.
once you think that you have the plot sorted you find that Brown thows a twist in that you never say comming.

I enjoyed reading it and will read it agian.

Saw both the previous movies of the Dan Brown books - Da Vinci
Code and Angels / Demons . Really can't wait for the Movie of
The Lost Symbol .
This just about surpasses the previous two books . I would rate
them as : DVC 8.5 , AAD 9.0 , and TLS 9.5 .

Thankyou for the opportunity to have my say . One other thing ,
is the excellant service provided by Fishpond .

Regards ... Ron. J. Gardner .

As a mason I enjoyed this Book very much, and will read it again

This book was a sensational read. The characters are slowly reintroduced and it takes a little while to get into, but once you have read the introductions, the short chapters keep you coming back for more. It is a fast paced adventure where Langdon faces several situations much more dangerous than in the Da Vinci Code. You imagination will run wild on this one, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast paced action book, which includes murder, pursuit and a whole lot more.

A 9.5 out of 10 for me, and one you have to read!!

I am afraid this book was a waste of time.
Much research was obviously done, and the author could not avoid the temptation to include the lot in an information overload.
The published result was tedious, completely far fetched and neither credible nor interesting.
I did not enjoy the book and would not recommend it.