An unbreakable code. A war between science and religion. A plague that could wipe out the world. Dan Brown books tackle topics like these with knowledge and mystery. A perfect read for anyone who loves suspense, thriller, and mystery; these books encompass issues across the globe. Each one is a unique journey through history, codes, symbols, and secrets. By ingeniously blending fact and fiction, Dan Brown makes shocking discoveries that can’t be ignored.

The Da Vinci Code

Symbologist Robert Langdon, the main character of the novel, is mysteriously called into the Louvre – the largest museum in Paris – only to find the curator brutally murdered. Even more intriguingly, the professor finds a message and a code that seems to be written specifically for him.  He is accompanied by Sophie Neveu, a gifted French cryptologist who happens to be the curator’s daughter. Langdon and Neveu go on an insane chase through Paris looking for an ancient secret artifact, with clues hidden in Da Vinci’s very own works. As the scholars uncover mysteries, secret societies, and change the way religion is perceived, a dangerous foe who will stop at nothing to get the artifact lurks in the shadows. And with the authorities on his heels, Langdon must solve the mystery before his time and life both end. By far the most popular of his novels, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a thriller from start to finish.

When reading The Da Vinci Code, readers may find it difficult to tear their eyes away; the intriguing events within the novel cause readers to think of what could happen next. This novel can be eye-opening, with knowledge relating to both religion and Da Vinci himself. An ingenious blend of fact and fiction, it will leave readers awestruck. While The Da Vinci Code may have more focus on religion than other novels, this book can be recommended for everyone; simply for the wondrous journey. Brown uses an amazing combination of real facts and a thrilling story to paint a picture that will remain in readers’ minds a good while after they finally put the book down.

Angels and Demons

When called into a covert Swiss lab research facility, the last thing Robert Langdon expects to see is a dead body- much less one with the Illuminati symbol branded into its chest. While trying to find the root cause of the murder, the scholar notices that one of the lab’s biggest weapons is gone; presumably being prepped to destroy the entire Vatican. Alongside the daughter of the murdered scientist, Vittoria Vetra, Langdon is set on a perilous journey. While locating the bomb, Langdon must also prevent the horrible fates of four targeted Bishops. With a literal time bomb ticking, Langdon needs to save an entire city and dig into the past of one of the greatest societies known to man. His enemy? A murderer who will do anything to end the church, and anyone who gets in the way. Angels and Demons is one of the most spine-chilling books of the series.

Angels and Demons is filled with suspense, mystery, and thrill that will keep readers on their toes. The author portrays the tense situation very well, creating an aura of apprehension that pushes readers to read more.  The sense of urgency and a time bomb can cause readers to become immersed in the story, rushing to stop the bomb along with the characters. There was never a dull moment, as Brown has added unexpected plot twists and heart-stopping moments to keep the readers hooked.

Inferno

Langdon wakes up from a coma in the middle of Italy, having no clue how he got there or what happened in the past two days. Before he even has a chance to process the situation, a madwoman with a gun -and the police- are chasing after him. Langdon, along with the prodigious Sienna Brooks, finds a projection of Botticelli’s Map of Hell, a painting depicting a detailed map of the underworld. In it lies a hidden message. Using that code, the professor realizes exactly what he’s in the middle of- a chase to stop a plague that could wipe out half the world’s population, or worse. In this mind-blowing novel, In this mind-blowing novel, Langdon must use a mask, an epic poem, and his own wits to find and destroy the plague before it releases and spreads across the globe.

This book contains references to paintings, texts, and connections that may astound readers. There are a few slow bits and confusing parts when the main character doesn’t know what’s going on due to his amnesia, so the reader is lost as well. However, the way the author paints the puzzle, readers can follow along and try to put the pieces together alongside Langdon. This book also isn’t hugely directed towards religion, making it a fun read for everyone. The novel intrigues the reader and can make them research even more about the wondrous world of Dante. With a focus on overpopulation and the struggle to sustain the Earth, there are topics relating to classes such as A.P. Human Geography. This makes it relatable to students, even if they aren’t a 14th-century poet or a Harvard Professor.

The Lost Symbol

While in the U.S. Capitol, Robert Langdon anticipates seeing portraits of the presidents. Instead, he sees the severed hand of one of his most beloved friends, Peter Solomon. Encoded in the hand is a message; symbols in a code he’s meant to follow. If he wants to save his friend’s life, Langdon must solve the code and delve through years of Masonic history, locations, and symbols beyond comparison. With his most dangerous enemy yet threatening to destroy his friend, Langdon must put together the pieces of the mythical Masonic Pyramid, or die trying.

The codes, symbols, and mystery in this book are what make it special. Out of all of Brown’s books, this one is the one with the most brainwork for the readers as well as the main character. There are ingenious codes spread throughout the book that the reader can solve along with Langdon and continue on the journey. The usage of noetic science sheds light on an otherwise unknown branch of science and will leave readers fascinated with its implications.

Origin

When erratic billionaire, scientist, and philanthropist Edmund Kirsh is murdered right before his groundbreaking presentation, it’s up to Robert Langdon to release his earth-shattering discovery to the world. Langdon, along with the future queen of Spain, go on a hunt across the country to find the password that will release the discovery- a shocking answer to two of humanity’s biggest questions: What is our origin? What is our destiny? Caught in a crossfire between science and religion, the scholar must release the presentation before time runs out; a discovery that may prove God to be obsolete. Meanwhile, a relentless enemy lurks behind, ready to do anything to stop the information from being released. In a thrilling war between science and religion, this book mesmerizingly blurs the line between fact and fiction. As the last addition to the Robert Langdon series, this book has revelations that completely change the world’s view of humanity.

This was by far my favorite novel by Dan Brown. The journey was fast-paced, but the author simultaneously kept at a pace that readers could process. With plot twists and a series of unexpected clues, Brown makes this one of the most addicting reads ever. It’s impossible to put down until completely read. The final section of the book, however, is the best part. The discovery is shocking and introduces ideas of the future and past which may seem absurd but are proved with scientific evidence. The whole build-up towards the end is definitely worth it.

Digital Fortress

When the most powerful intelligence organization on Earth, The NSA, faces a crisis, their first reaction is to call their head cryptologist, Susan Fletcher. The United States’ top secret weapon, a machine that can decode every cipher known to man in a matter of minutes, is stuck. The super machine has been working on a code for over a day and hasn’t cracked it. It’s up to Fletcher to break through this digital fortress before terrorists get to it. Across the world, the creator of the unbreakable code is murdered by someone desperate to get their hands on it. Fletcher’s fiance, David, must travel across Spain and find the key to cracking the code before the enemy does. If digital fortress falls into the wrong hands, the world will face a crisis like never before.

Digital Fortress will intrigue people who are interested in technology, codes, and ciphers, as well as action. Religion isn’t an important theme in this book, making it an amazing read for everyone. The author includes two perspectives, Sophie’s and her fiance’s, each offering two completely different worlds. It includes Sophie’s psychological world as she tries to break the code, perfectly balanced by David’s action-packed situation of being chased by a murderer. This book is the perfect read for high schoolers and is sure to leave readers stunned.

Deception Point

Rachel Sexton is completely shocked when she learns that the President has a job for her in the middle of the Arctic. Nevertheless, she flies to the Arctic and sees something she never expected- a NASA discovery that may change the course of science forever. Rachel’s job: Explain the discovery to the 145 people at the White House. However, it isn’t as easy as it seems. Rachel is the daughter of the President’s opponent Senator Sexton, a man who has an anti-NASA vendetta and plays anything but nice. While Rachel has to betray her treacherous father, she also has another problem to deal with- her life. The discovery goes insanely awry leading to three men whose sole mission is to exterminate Rachel and fellow scientist Mike Tolland. Sexton and Tolland must escape the murderous men as well as get back home and shed light on what may be the biggest deception in the history of science.

This book was a fresh break from Brown’s typical world of codes, symbols, and history. Focused on politics, science, and adventure, this book is for readers who like conspiracy theories, government cover-ups, and science. With technologies unheard of by the public but real nonetheless, many of the things described in this book will come as a shocker to the readers. This novel is also a lot more action-packed, never having a single dull moment.

All of Dan Brown’s books are cryptic and suspenseful, almost addictive to read. A fast-paced journey combined with plot twists and cliffhangers makes every book uniquely intriguing for readers. They all focus on elements of science, religion, and mystery that leave the audience hungry for more, and questioning the boundary between reality and fiction.