#Lost of symbol series#

Nothing is as it seems in a Robert Langdon novel, and The Lost Symbol itself is no exception-a page-turner to be sure, but Brown also challenges his fans to open their minds to new information. And, as with other Dan Brown books, the pace is relentless, the revelations many, and there is an endless parade of intriguing factoids that will make you feel like you are spending the afternoon with Robert Langdon and the guys from Mythbusters. tourism board: get your 'Lost Symbol' tour in order). is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day.

#Lost of symbol series#

Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. And what a dazzling accomplishment that is, considering that rabid fans and skeptics alike are scrutinizing every word. Brown has mastered the art of blending nail-biting suspense with random arcana (from pop science to religion), and The Lost Symbol is an enthralling mix. To say that he tends to go over the top is putting it mildly, but his books are always a good read.Let's start with the question every Dan Brown fan wants answered: Is The Lost Symbol as good as The Da Vinci Code? Simply put, yes. I'm keeping my fingers crossed if Dan Brown does portray the Smithsonian Institution. But what would Smithsonian staffers like to see if a bit of pulp fiction were set at the Institution? 'I would hope that it wouldn’t portray the Smithsonian in a negative light,' says Richard Stamm, curator of the Castle collection, 'and that it would be more accurate than either Vidal’s book or Night at the Museum in describing the place. Dan Burstein-who authored Secrets of the Code, a guide to Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code-thinks he can foretell the events of The Lost Symbol based on clues in the dust jackets of Brown's previous books and some hardcore detective work, which he recently described in New York magazine. So for now, we only have our imaginations to puzzle out what a thriller set at the Smithsonian would be like. However, whether or not the Smithsonian does indeed play a role in the book is purely speculative and our sources at the Institution are respectfully keeping all knowledge of Brown's narrative under wraps.

Some of you may have gotten a glimpse of the facility-and some of the critters therein-in this segment from the Today show. However, here is a small insider scoop: In April 2008, Brown toured the Smithsonian's Museum Support Center in Maryland and viewed several wet specimens. Much ado has been made of the extreme secrecy surrounding the book and the millions of printed copies being kept under lock and key. Mass media is all abuzz with the advent of Dan Brown's latest intrigue-laden potboiler, The Lost Symbol.