Angels Versus Demons ... But Which Is Which?
Written: Jan 26 '04 (Updated Apr 08 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: suspenseful, action-packed, and thought-provoking
Cons: some characters need more depth
The Bottom Line: If you liked the Da Vinci Code, here's another thriller for you.
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| PacManY2J's Full Review: Dan Brown - Angels & Demons Books |
A scientist is murdered in his own lab. Branded on his chest is a strange symbol, that of the Illuminati, an ancient brotherhood thought to be defunct. American symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to use his knowledge of this group in the hopes of catching the killer. As Langdon soon finds out, this is more than an ordinary murder - this is the beginning of a plot to destroy Catholicism at its very core: the Vatican.
It appears that the Illuminati, a group that reveres scientific advancement as the highest power, has resurfaced after years of silence to wage war against religion on the eve of elections for a new pope. Langdon must race against time, using his knowledge of this group's history and symbolism to save the lives of four cardinals and find a canister of a deadly explosive, set to blast at midnight.
Dan Brown's Angels & Demons was published before The Da Vinci Code, but since The Da Vinci Code was Brown's big breakthrough, many people will have read that one first, making it tempting to compare and contrast the two. Those who have read Da Vinci first may be slightly disappointed. While Angel's & Demons does have the same intellectually thrilling elements, it's not quite as mind-blowing. Angels, however, is very exciting, containing more action and a greater sense of urgency.
Also like The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons tackles the subject of religion in the modern world. As the Illuminati threaten to destroy Catholicism, we are asked to question whether God and science can co-exist peacefully. Is religion for the ignorant? Does science weaken the heart as it strengthens the mind? Can science be used to prove the existence of God? That is what I love about Brown's novels. While telling a story, he fills your mind with cleverly presented information, and he challenges your beliefs, asking you to consider things you may not have considered before.
The story itself is nonstop suspense. Every chapter ends by leaving you with either a question or new information, making this a hard book to put down. The murderous plot is brilliantly diabolical, using ancient Illuminati secrets to create the path Langdon must follow in order to save the Vatican. Double meanings and shocking twists make the book all the more intriguing.
As for the characters, some of them could use more development, but many of the more important ones are described well enough. My major problem is with Vittoria, the daughter of the murdered scientist. For some reason, Brown thinks that a romantic interest is essential, even in books that are good enough as action thrillers (he does the same thing in The Da Vinci Code). This wouldn't be all that bad except for the fact that Vittoria feels more sadness over the possibility that Langdon, a man she's known for a day, is dead than over the death of her own father. Her lack of emotion is a serious oversight by Brown.
Nevertheless, Angels & Demons is an enjoyable read from beginning to end. It's suspenseful, action-packed, and, most importantly, thought-provoking. If you haven't read The Da Vinci Code yet, you might want to read Angels & Demons first. But if that's not the case, you will still enjoy reading this thrilling face-off between science and religion - two of humanity's most powerful forces.
Also from Dan Brown:
The Da Vinci Code
Digital Fortress
Deception Point
Recommended:
Yes
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