The Lost Symbol
discussion
Are any of you tired of the same "Dan Brown formula"?
and then the villain would end up to be the friend whom they trusted with.. No matter what, I still love his books together with the clashing arguments. Quite hopeful for T.L.S. movie though.
The formula has gotten tired. As a casual fan, I notice all the similarities from book to book and it gets a little annoying, but why would Brown change it? This formula has done remarkably well in terms of selling copies.
Twice I have tried to read "the lost Symbol" and twice i left the book at almost the same page. Somehow I lost the will to read on.I remember reading "the Da Vinci Code" and it sounded all so recognisable, it turns out I had the plagerised book at home (only the courts decided it was no plagerism!!!, personaly I disagree). And the other book on Langdon I read once at the beach and traded it for a STephen King novel which was me gaining a good book.
I cannot say that I will read Brown's next effort.
Ya.. me too got tired of some same sequence of scenes which was adopted to show or emphasis the character of langdon. Circling around the same Christianity is making me to feel bored. But the puzzles and new technology equipment are always the super heroes in Dan brown novels than Robert Langton which is in plenty here..
really boring...on one hand where i lvd da vinci code and angels and demons, on the othr deception pt. and digitl fortres was ridiculous, esp deception pt..i js couldn't bear it and didn't w8ed 4 it 2 end b4 i tuk up any odr nvl...ma only nvl dat i dnt wanna finish
Jake wrote: "the mysterious secret society, chapter 1 begins with a murder, Langdon gets called in, etc..It all seems very formulaic. Believe me, I loved The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, but The Lost ..."
I really agree with you in this... even the element of surprise so much present in "the DaVinci Code" and "Angels and Demons" is practically absent in this one as the reader braces him/herself for the next move.
Jake wrote: "the mysterious secret society, chapter 1 begins with a murder, Langdon gets called in, etc..
It all seems very formulaic. Believe me, I loved The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, but The Lost ..."
I agree with you, and I feel the same about Daniel Silva's series with Gabriel Allon.
It all seems very formulaic. Believe me, I loved The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, but The Lost ..."
I agree with you, and I feel the same about Daniel Silva's series with Gabriel Allon.
I like the story of "The Lost Symbol", but the ending was confusing. It took me to nowhere, like I was actually wanting to know what's the Lost Word was. The ending was just boom, watching the beauty of the sunrise on that monument something I couldn't remember. Dan Brown should now change his story lines, I think. Because "The Lost Symbol" has too much historical and ancient information. There's this one chapter were it only explained about history and symbols. Too many symbols. My head really confused. But I could say that his other books were extremely great! His expertise of matching Science with Politics and Science with Religion were great! O.oI loved Deception Point, Angels and Demons, and the Da Vince Code.
No. Keep 'em coming Mr Brown. One of the big appeals for me in the Dan Brown books is the settings/locations. I enjoy the vicarious nature of travel in his books, especially the Langdon books. A sense of adventure in a foreign place. I'm looking forward to the next book!
i really enjoyed the first few books that i read of his but after a while i found them too similar. Individually they are great stories but he is not an author that once you love one book that you can read all of them they become predictable --- in a Dan Brown fashion.....
I think the formula needs to change a bit more by now. I mean the whole somebody gets murdered, Langdons called to action, rides a plane from whereever he is, he's set up, "shocking" twist, it's getting old. Well at least Brown combined the killer/henchman and the main brains behind the deed together in the form of Mal'ak but still the rest of the story feels like I've read it before. Maybe next time involve another character getting his feet wet in the situation but add more antagonists, no surprise villain this time, maybe surprise henchman, but something more to make the tale more interesting.
But the formula thing you all guys are saying is what brought his works to the top! Although I highly agree that he should do a different flow for the next Langdon book if there ever will be one, but I will never get used to the way he insert extraordinary Knowledge and things we sometimes do not even know exists. (like the suave flow of explaining the Holy Grail, the false belief regarding the Illuminati cult, etc.)
Yes he has a formula, like Gresham with the law series, but in the case of Brown, he has these fascinating back stories about legends, historical facts etc. that send me to other sources for more information. The Da Vinci Code sent me back to read 'Holy Blood, Holy Grail' which is amazing in itself, based on actual relatively recent happenings in the south of France. Here, the discussion of 'Noetics' led me to some articles about human sentience and quantum theory.
Harold wrote: "Jake wrote: "the mysterious secret society, chapter 1 begins with a murder, Langdon gets called in, etc..It all seems very formulaic. Believe me, I loved The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, ..."
I was all set to agree with the original poster, as I did get a little tired of the Dan Brown formula. Most authors of series have a "formula" and some I get tire of more than others. For example, you site Danial Silva as having a tired formula, but in this case I disagree. I haven't gotten tired of his "formula". If I think about it, there are other authors with pretty identifiable "formulas" but some bore me more than others. For me, it depends on how well I like the main character. I love Gabrial Allon, Mitch Rapp, Scott Harvath, Jason Bourne, etc, etc.....so the authors could crank our a dozen books using the same formula and I wouldn't mind. Maybe in Dan Browns case, I don't really like Robert Langdon as much as other main characters? Something for me to think about at least. Then again.....I'll still read the next one.
I love his formula .. and I'll never get tired of it, it is what makes him successful , and " The Lost Symbol " was his winning ticket for me , I couldn't stop reading it , it gets me excited all the time .
Eric wrote: "Harold wrote: "Jake wrote: "the mysterious secret society, chapter 1 begins with a murder, Langdon gets called in, etc..
It all seems very formulaic. Believe me, I loved The Da Vinci Code and Ange..."
I like all the characters too but I'll have to say that Silva's last two books were a disappointment.
It all seems very formulaic. Believe me, I loved The Da Vinci Code and Ange..."
I like all the characters too but I'll have to say that Silva's last two books were a disappointment.
well, I think most of books writer has their own character.Just like Dan Brown :
the mysterious secret society, chapter 1 begins with a murder, Langdon gets called in, etc.
And maybe u forgot this :
- The story is always in 24 hours,
- Langdon always accompanied with a girl
- And the main person behind the scene, is always the closest person with Langdon or his client.
Yeah just like Langdon, another writer are has their own character.
If u read J.K Rowling books (harry potter), u'll find the similiar story like like Dan Brown : "the main person behind the scene, is always the closest person with Langdon or his client"
and this is the great formula, b'cause reader can't guess who is the murderer, and it make us in curious.
I enjoyed Lost Symbol as much as Da Vinci Code wish he would hurry up and write. I like his style of writing and the settings of his books.
the lost symbol is different from Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons in many ways great book for talented writer Dan Brown
NO I actually loved that book it's different, and I enjoy his books the plot is strong and I always end up surprised cause I didn't see it coming so I have to disagree, I am waiting for his next book :)
I think he has to change it. Same stuff gets boring after a while. Hated how he added makeshift philosophy, Dan Brown started to sound like Umberto Eco.
Dan Brown writes the same book over and over again. I think Bruce Springstein does that with music. Who can blame him if the stuff sells, but I for one am sick of it. It is like the Hulk on TV -- Lou Ferigno only comes out two times a show. You can almost set your watch on it. Well Dan has written without a typewriter, but a copy machine - changing a few details and away you go. But as I said, if it sells I wouldn't change a thing. Greg
Dan Brown knows how to tell a story and every story is beautiful. Though the approach he takes in every story is essentially the same, nonetheless his work is never boring
After a while I think that there will not be surprise anymore
I love the formula that Dan Brown has in place for the Langdon series. It gives you a clear cut path of "how" the book will play out but no idea which path it will take. I was on the edge of my seat for each of these books and cannot wait for the next one.
Yes. It gets too predictable. Wasn't even surprised when the 'twist' was revealed, since it had already crossed my mind. I too, loved the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. The Lost Symbol, not so much. And what's with every first chapter/prologue being about death?
yes its becoming predicatble....after da vinci code almost all th books follow the same path......anyways lost symbol wasnt half as intresting as previous books....Symbology is still great but Dan Brown should start to change a part of his writing style
Danar wrote: "well, I think most of books writer has their own character.Just like Dan Brown :
the mysterious secret society, chapter 1 begins with a murder, Langdon gets called in, etc.
And maybe u forgot th..."
I definitely agree with this! :)
We shall see with Dan Browns new book "Inferno" on general release May the 14th this year with the professor once more taking charge this time expect Dante's inferno to be popularised.
Jake wrote: "the mysterious secret society, chapter 1 begins with a murder, Langdon gets called in, etc..It all seems very formulaic. Believe me, I loved The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, but The Lost ..."
Totally agree. I've said this in my review of DVC. It's like someone asked him to write another Da Vinci Code (blockbuster) and so he did.
I have enjoyed every book Dan Brown's written EXCEPT Lost Symbol. I found it laughable (and in fact noted in my review I might've taken the laughs into consideration before giving it one star), silly, and more a chore to get through than anything. The only reason I didn't wallbang it was because I enjoyed the others so much I figured this one HAD to get better. Nope. I'll certainly borrow his next from the library before I purchase it.
yeah don't waste money on nonsense!
I think all books of Dan Brown were plausible, except LOST SYMBOL, which I shouldn't comment on since I didn't understand it.The formula is something that will be there in every novel, it generally is an author's signature, but it could be decorated or presented in a better way. Just LOST SYMBOL was a little monotonous, but in general, I think Dan Brown's doing a great job.
His way of writing is not the same,and the symbols are the key for his work. I mean,why you people are so conservative and you always looking for something more? You have to admit,the first time when you took his book in your hands,for ex, The DaVinci Code,it was amazing,just to see the picture on the first side,and first chapter when he describes waking up of mister Langdon it is cofusing,but after few pages you can realize why did Dan done that. Symbols are extreme in his work,and this what he has done is marvelous! :) I'm his big fan!
I enjoyed his formula a lot. The general events may be teh same but the symbols and way it all unfolds are different. I don't read brown for philosophical nourishment. I enjoy the day read.
I liked the first two but not this one. I just felt like he was stretching for a story line. I also read on of Brown's earlier books 'Deception Point' that has a similar plot to the Langdon books. I see the next book will be out in May but I don't think I will be reading it.
Jake wrote: "the mysterious secret society, chapter 1 begins with a murder, Langdon gets called in, etc..It all seems very formulaic. Believe me, I loved The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, but The Lost ..."
I totally agree! I think at some point it gets really boring.
I totally agree. I have decided that I would not read his next book. He uses the same formula and it is getting really boring and it is not worth the money and time spent. I loved Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, but then I understood the pattern so I didnt like the lost symbol much....
This was my review for the book back in 2009, I think it says it all:First off let me say that the story is captivating and the subject matter interesting. A very fast past read. HOWEVER:
(I'm going to try not having a spoiler but just in case, you may not want to read further.) This book contained the worst characters ever written in fictional literature. Especially Robert Langdon. I must say that his skepticism in the story was tying and sickening; I mean come-on. Your are Robert Langdon. What have you been doing in the past two books? Dealing with antimatter, church vs. science, finding decedents for Jesus and so many fantastic and outrageous situations that we love so much. In this book however, he does not believe anything to be possible. What happened, did Dan Brown murder your sense of adventure. Furthermore, he became the wimpiest character of all time, God bless Falstaff. If I were to give Mr. Tom Hanks any advise I'd tell him not to do this movie for the sake of his career. Mr. Brown please don't feel as if you need to commercialize yourself to win audiences, you already had us at 'Da Vinci Code.' What we (at least I) loved about you was your controversial sense of adventure and set of brass balls. It seems as if you are softening up and tried to please certain groups (you know who I mean.)
This next comment may be a SPOILER:
I'm confused; if I had a friend who was in danger and all I had to do was decipher something I did not believe in
(because I'm such an skeptic) to save him, I'D DO IT; not argue with terrorist about how untrue it is and I won't do it because it is not true:
me: I won't do it it's not real,
terrorist: decipher the code and your friend will be safe.
me: but it's not true.
terrorist: all you have to do to save your friend is decipher the code for me.
me: but nothing will come out of it. It's impossible.
This seems to be the case with so many criminal authors. I think Dan Brown still makes his stories very interesting, nevertheless. Many other criminal authors are just as repetitive, but I personally feel like Dan Brown still has something catching - while other authors lose that, latest with their third book.
I enjoyed his Robert Langdon books but I won't read the next one. The books were entertaining, but I started to search for the "facts" he arrogantly claims he puts in his novels and it turns out that the books have tons of errors. I'm done with Dan Brown.
i really like Dan Brown's book but after this one i just don't wanna read any of his book.the books plot have become too similar to each other.He really should try something new!
no way! i Love his "formula". its very captivating and mysterious. After reading ALL of his books i get soo exccited to read the next - esp since they each come out like 5 years after each other.
Jake wrote: "the mysterious secret society, chapter 1 begins with a murder, Langdon gets called in, etc..It all seems very formulaic. Believe me, I loved The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, but The Lost ..."
I agree! I love Dan Browns books and Prof. Langdon. But, lets have a little variety in the endings. Still...I love his books & plan to keep reading.
The same formula now seems a little boring to me, specially if you go on a Dan Brown Spree the repetition is quite irritating . We definitely need some improvements.
Just a new Indiana Jones, nothing more
The near-death experiences irritated me in A&D and Lost Symbol. He fell out of a helicopter and landed safely in a river in A&D! And the whole meta-reality water tank in Lost Symbol was too much to swallow. He drowned for Heaven's sake!I hope the next book doesn't feel the need to put Langdon in a ridiculous situation that needs an ever more ridiculous means of escape. It's not thrilling; it's cringe-inducing.
P. wrote: "The near-death experiences irritated me in A&D and Lost Symbol. He fell out of a helicopter and landed safely in a river in A&D! And the whole meta-reality water tank in Lost Symbol was too much to..."Yes! And Langdon was dumbed down. I just hated this book.
It's the same formula every time. The story would be a Robert Langdon adventure; but just like James Bond who gets a new girl in every other movie, Robert meets a new girl on his way to solve a mystery.The girl, either wants to take revenge on her father's murderer or her grand-father's or whoever her care-taker was; n who is now alone in this bad-bad world.
The person who got murdered,either belongs to an old brotherhood or he has been murdered by a brotherhood..
Ending- as usual,Robert solves the mystery n romances with the girl..
THE END!!
But I do love the way Robert Langdon solves the mystery.
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It all seems very formulaic. Believe me, I loved The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, but The Lost Symbol, not so much.
I really think Brown should do something different for the next Langdon book.