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Angels & Demons (平装)
by Dan Brown
| Category:
Fiction, Mystery and Suspense |
| Market price: ¥ 118.00
MSL price:
¥ 108.00
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MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Angels and Demons is one suspense packed thrillers that you just can't put down! |
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AllReviews |
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Alex (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-05 00:00>
I was introduced to the books of author Dan Brown only three weeks ago, but have quickly absorbed all four of his published works. It is easy to see why some are comparing the work of Dan Brown and James BeauSeigneur (THE CHRIST CLONE TRILOGY). Both Brown and BeauSeigneur deal masterfully with the more mysterious features of religion, politics, and science. Both bring to light amazing bits of information, which they weave into the intricate patterns of their stories. Both are highly imaginative and write with a ring of authenticity that makes for a compelling read. While Brown compresses labyrinthine plots into brief time periods to provide page-turning suspense, BeauSeigneur trilogy is of epic proportion, covering several decades. While Brown applies the mysteries of history to the drama of "today," BeauSeigneur uses both history and prophecy (from perhaps a dozen major world religions) to transport the reader from the world of today, to the very dawning of a new age in a story reminiscent of the scope of Asimov's classic, Foundation.
One other difference is that BeauSeigneur has taken the novel (pun intended and forgiveness is asked) approach of including footnotes in his books of fiction. By doing so, he all but eliminates the necessity of suspending disbelief. Few authors employ such strong factual grounding as to make footnotes useful, but I believe Brown's work (and his readers) would benefit from BeauSeigneur's innovation.
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-05 00:00>
Next to Britt Gillette's "Conquest of Paradise", this is the best book I've read in a long time. I'm a first time Dan Brown reader but I'm hooked! I stayed up all night and didn't quit until I finished, blurry eyed and sleepy. I found myself believing every word and had to stop and remember that it's just fiction! I was amazed at the inside information about the Vatican (especially the library), and I finally got out a map and books from my trip to Rome to see if I could find all the churches. Anti-matter, illuminati, choosing a pope - all of it was fascinating. When I finished, I had to laugh thinking about the fact they never ate, slept or made comfort stops and neither could I. The ending was a total surprise! Anyone who enjoys non-stop action and information shouldn't miss this one.
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Kona (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-05 00:00>
Dan Brown's Angels and Demons is a fast-paced detective drama that combines science, art, religion, and murder.
Harvard symbology professor Robert Langdon is the protagonist who finds himself at a Swiss nuclear research facility. It seems a scientist has been murdered and the infamous Illuminati society is somehow involved. Some antimatter has been taken, and Langdon joins the scientist's daughter, Vittoria, on a mad dash through some of Rome's most famous landmarks, in an effort to find it before the Vatican is leveled.
I liked the plot of Angels and Demons and found much of middle section wonderfully absorbing and tense, as Robert and Vittoria decipher ancient clues and race from place to place in Rome, fast on the heels of a murderer. The beginning of the book, which discusses antimatter, was slow-going for me and the conclusion is way over the top in terms of realism. The timeline was a major stumbling block: Being able to travel great distances across Rome in minutes (even seconds) took away some credibility for me.
In spite of the weaknesses, Angels and Demons is very exciting and at times, even spine-tingling. If you have been to Rome, you will enjoy revisiting the city in this book. You'll also learn about the inner workings of the Vatican, and about the Illuminati, which I found fascinating.
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Francis Mcinerney , USA
<2007-02-05 00:00>
When I first saw the book and the clever cover I thought it was a gimmick, and generally books with a hologram or in this case an ambigram or other device to get your attention I tend to find disappointing. In this case that feeling could not be further from the truth.
If you really enjoy reading a book that is a meticulously assembled puzzle, or perhaps an enigma that is at once high-tech and 500 years old, this book is for you. If you enjoy the misdirection that a Charles Palliser novel offers you will enjoy this. As I read this Author for the first time I was reminded of the first Robert Ludlum book I read "The Matarese Circle". And like that reading experience I now will go back and read the Author's previous work "Digital Fortress."
Religion versus Science, Galileo versus The Vatican, or perhaps The Illuminati versus Catholicism, or is it religion? Interested in how you can learn the truth of the tale? How about your wallet, have a dollar bill?, good place to start. A book on Bernini's work will help; one of the main characters in the book needed one. Perhaps a map of Rome, or of the smallest Country in the world, actually you need none of these as the Author provides all you could want. A dollar bill as a bookmark will add to the fun.
This is an extremely well researched work that relies on facts, turns its back on cheap literary sleight of hand, and will deliver to the reader a great experience. Do you know from where the word Assassin is derived from? I do, and I have seen other Authors botch this, Mr. Brown gets it correct. There are other details like that that I was familiar with and he nailed them all accurately. This inspires confidence as a reader when he introduces a topic you are unfamiliar with. I chose to check on several of those, and again the information in the story was dead on accurate.
I normally don't check the details of a book this closely, as this book was suggested to me I felt I needed to do so in light of how highly I was to rate the work. I had no obligation to read or comment upon the work.
If you enjoy a great literary ride for pure pleasure think of the better books by Ludlum, Clancy, Dale Brown, Forsythe, LeCarre, and their peers in the genre and you will enjoy this book.
And when the book is finished the experience can and should be extended. The book also has an associated website. I won't say what is there, as it will spoil the book. However when reviewed after the reading is complete it makes the whole "Angels And Demons" experience even better. Doubt a detail in the book; the site will probably lay it to rest. But again, book first, site second. I am sure others will copy this bundling of the web with a book, I only hope it as well done as in this case.
I recommend the book without reservation. As I said "Digital Fortress" has been added to my reading list.
Very well done, enjoy!
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Harmon (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-05 00:00>
After reading the DaVinci Code, I was curious to read another work by Dan Brown. Angels & Demons was even faster paced with more action and more suspense.
Robert Langdon, Harvard Iconologist, will experience the most harrowing 24 hours of his entire life. He will discover HSCTs-High Speed Civil Transports (Boston to Geneva in just 64 minutes), visit the famous CERN in Switzerland, find proof of the secret society the Illuminati, discover antimatter, and unearth a plot to destroy the Vatican.
Maximilian Kohler, director general of the CERN (Conseil Europeen pour la Recherche Nucleaire) contacts Robert Langdon immediately following the murder of CERN physicist Leonardo Vetra. What makes this murder so mysterious is the ambigram burned into the chest of Vetra. It is a symbol for the ancient Galilean brotherhood known as the Illuminati. Kohler needs Langdon's input on the situation.
It seems that Vetra along with his physicist daughter Vittoria made a scientific discovery-antimatter- the most dangerous energy source known in the world. Now Vetra was dead and the antimatter canister was missing. The Illuminati which has promoted the interest of science versus blind religious faith has carried it to Rome and to the center of its ancient rival the Vatican.
On the eve of a papal conclave four cardinals are suddenly missing. They have been kidnapped to become sacrifices to the Church of the Illumination (the Illuminati lair). One cardinal will be killed each hour starting at 8 pm until Midnight when the antimatter will explode somewhere beneath Vatican City. Each cardinal will be branded with an ambigram at one of the four markers in Rome leading to the Illuminati lair.
Langdon and Vittoria Vetra begin a frantic search against the clock for clues leading to the markers among the vast amount of Roman churches to find the four cardinals before its too late and locate the antimatter before it incinerates Vatican City.
Brown incorporates many historical facts along with fiction to make a very interesting and entertaining story. I found myself interested in the workings of the Vatican, art history especially Bernini, Galileo's work and the concept of the ambigram.
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Paul Laughlin (MSL quore), USA
<2007-02-08 00:00>
This is a book to both hate and love, despise and enjoy, for it is quite literally sophomoric: wise in the themes that it tackles but moronic in the way in which it handles them.
The major weaknesses of the book are its poorly-developed and one-dimensional characters, its host of plot implausibilities, and its legion of factual mistakes in geography, history, theology, ecclesiology, art, and foreign languages (to name but a few areas). My favorite goof in the book comes on page 122 (of the paperback edition), where the author mistakingly uses the Latin word "Dum" (which means "while") for "Deum" ("God"). I normally would regard this as a mere typo missed by a careless editor (if there even was an editor); but in light of the many other mistakes in Latin and Italian in the book, my suspicion is that the author just didn't know any better. Such amateurish errors are more than matched by the book's many factual errors, which make the claims of some that there is much substantial knowledge that can be gleaned from this "well-researched" book both astonishing and sad.
The worst ongoing weakness of the book, however, is its utter implausibility. Introduced early on is a plane that travels (for no apparent reason) at an incredible Mach 15, which is the approximate speed that the characters would have to move to accomplish all that they do in the allotted eleven hours (counting from the protagonist's landing in Geneva). For example, Professor Langdon does in mere minutes by means of incredibly lucky finds and great intuitive leaps (and in what must be the world's most complicated and idiosyncratic library) research that would take any other professional scholar weeks, months, or years to accomplish. This is the same brilliant academic who earlier, together with the crack minds of the Swiss Guard, was unable to figure out that their own crucial, stolen wireless camera (and the destructive device on which it was focused) could be located simply and quickly by isolating its transmitting frequency, which they had to know, and triangulating on its signal. Later in the novel, this mental giant also thinks it is a good idea to sneak up on a ruthless, professional assassin whose feet are firmly planted on terra firma by climbing waist-deep into a nearby fountain, pointing a gun at him, and saying "Don't move." Still later, having (of course) narrowly escaped being drowned in that incident, this brilliant Harvard professor tries virtually the same approach, only this time, fortunately, without the water . . . but, unfortunately, without the gun either. As another example, I challenge the reader to try to imagine all of the events described as happening between 11:39 p.m. and midnight, or even the ground supposedly covered in the process: from the steps of the basilica, to its subterranean bowels (with a pause to kneel and pray), back to the surface, to a helicopter and an altitude of 2 to 3 miles. Absurd -- except, perhaps, at Mach 15!
But the novel really "jumps the shark," as they say, in the last sixty pages or so, where an ill-founded and ridiculous plot twist occurs that is an insult to any intelligent reader. Why the author feels the need to jerk his audience around in this way and just there is beyond me. He has already demanded a willful suspension of disbelief of enormous (some would say biblical) proportions.
For all of its multitudious flaws, however, I hate to admit that enjoyed reading this stupid book. I think a part of the fun was in trying to anticipate the next "Dum" mistake or new demand on the reader's already strained credulity the author would make. Would I recommend the book? To a person with time on their hands who would like an easy, mindless, action-packed romp, sure. For a more mature reader interested in well-researched and slick Catholic ecclesial-theological intrigue, however, I would recommend dusting off an old Morris West or Irving Wallace novel. If this book is any indication, Dan Brown can't (so to speak) hold a candle to the likes of them.
To those who declare that this book is the best they have read, either ever or in a long time, I would say: "De gustibus non disputandum." That means "There's no accounting for taste," though Brown, I suspect, would translate it: "It's no use arguing about the wind." Mercy.
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Lawrance Bernabo (MSL quote) , USA
<2007-02-08 00:00>
I read Angels & Demons after reading Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, and I have to say that I do not think it matters what order you read the two books although there are clear indications this book was written first (Brown does several examples of blatant foreshadowing, including early on the idea that one square yard of drag will slow a falling body's rate of descent by twenty percent). The two books are similar in that Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon deciphers clues to try and solve one murder while trying to prevent others in a mystery that involves the secrets of the Catholic Church. In this book a physicist is murdered at CERN, the Swiss research facility, and branded will a symbol representing the Illuminati, the centuries old underground organization of scientists who have a vendetta against the Catholic Church. The ancient secret brotherhood has acquired a devastating new weapon of mass destruction and intends to bring down the Vatican (literally).
Which book is better? My initial reaction would be that I liked The Da Vinci Code a bit more because so many of the clues were written out. When Langdon has to look over paintings, statues and other visual clues I find myself wishing Brown had supplied photographs in his book so that I could play along looking for clues (he does provide most of the requisite images at his website, but I did not know this until after the fact and I suspect most readers will not want to stop and go online to call up the photographs). Not that I had much success in my endeavors, but I did know that Leonardo Da Vinci wrote in his journals backwards so that I was ahead of Langdon for a half a page at one point. Angles & Demons is played out on a larger and more public stage than "The Da Vinci Code," and when you get to the conclusion of this novel you might find it a bit much, but that is one of the reasons they call it fiction.
The biggest question in the debate over these books seems to be whether Brown is attacking the Catholic Church in his novels, which strikes me a bit odd after reading Angels & Demons since the Vatican is the target this time around. This novel is more about the long struggle between science and religion than anything else, and the position Brown takes seems to be that the two are ultimately compatible. I did my dissertation on the Scopes "Monkey" Trial of 1925 and in the spectacle of Clarence Darrow cross-examining William Jennings Bryan that is codified by the fictional "Inherit the Wind," history has forgotten that the original position of the Scopes defense was that there Genesis and evolution were compatible. Consequently, I have a lot of sympathy for Brown's position and I think a careful reading of the text offers as strong a critique of science as it does of religion. Certainly that ideal is represented by the man who is murdered to start off the story and whatever faults in the history and theology of the Catholic Church might be discussed, there are just too many men of devout faith in the narrative to support the idea Brown is out to get the Church.
Nor do I have any real concerns with the extent to which Brown is playing with historical "facts." The whole idea here is to create a sense that the pieces of the puzzle fit together. I do not think for a second that these novels are true; all I need is to believe that they are plausible, so telling me that some statue's finger is pointed in the wrong direction if you go to Rome and see it for yourself is not going to matter to me because I understand how far the rules of the game apply to the real world. Even so, I think that Brown's factual foundation is more substantial than we will usually find under such circumstances, which would end up being a plus rather than a minus. Besides, I like all of the flashbacks to Langdon's discussions with his students (more classroom scenes in the future, please).
Solving the puzzles is the key enjoyment of these novels and that part of the creative process makes up for Brown's tendency to overplay his red herrings and to hide his true villains in plain sight. Ultimately the game matters more than the characters or the plot. As soon as you know that there will be four more murders you realize that at least three of them have to happen because the game has to be played out to the end, so it is not until the frantic end game that your attention really perks up and it is at that point that Brown starts unloading a whole lot of really big surprises on his characters and his readers. In the final analysis the point here is neither history nor theology, but to tell an exciting adventure yarn where the hero gets by mainly on his intelligence rather than good looks and/or weaponry. This is a hero I can actually identify with for once and that is fine with me too.
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Nancy Martin (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-08 00:00>
Every once in awhile, I'll come upon a book that's so incredible that a five star rating doesn't even do it justice. Such was the case with Angels and Demons...a reading experience I'll not soon forget. The better part of this book takes place in Vatican City and I swear to you that I actually felt like I had spent the past few days there because that's how real and well-researched Dan Brown's book is. I also felt like I had been given some kind of drug that kept my heart in a state of continual palpitation because that's how exciting his book is as well.
This is an effort of monumental proportions as Brown covers nuclear research, a Vatican conclave, the Illuminati, ambigrams, antimatter and a race against the clock to save part of the history of Rome. He also manages to fuse science, art, history and religion into one book while explaining why the battle between science and religion is still raging. The good thing about Brown is that he doesn't lecture the reader on this subject -- he simply lays it out there for you to ponder.
The story begins with Robert Langdon, professor of religious iconology at Harvard University, receiving a very distraught phone call from Maximilian Kohler, director of CERN - European Center for Nuclear Research in Geneva, Switzerland. One of his famed physicists, who also happens to be a priest, has just been murdered and the killer has left a calling card in the form of an ambigram branded onto the scientist's chest. Since Langdon specializes in symbology, he is asked to help track down the killer.
This one phone call will lead Langdon on the most spectacular fictional chase I've ever been on. The reason this chase is so incredible is because it's like taking a fast action sightseeing trip around Rome while following a map written by Galileo with signposts sculptured by the great 16th century artist Bernini. Take my word for it; it's like nothing you've ever experienced. Like many of the other reviewers, I too had to stay up until 2AM because there was no way I could go to sleep without knowing how this book would end. The bad news is that once I finished it, there was still no sleep to be had because my heart was racing out of control.
I decided to read this book because of all the "buzz" Dan Brown's latest book, The DaVinci Code, has been getting. Once I heard that it featured Robert Landon from Angels and Demons, I knew I had to read this before tackling DaVinci. Imagine my surprise when Angels and Demons far surpassed any expectations I had. Now I can't even envision what awaits me within the pages of The DaVinci Code. Unfortunately, I need to take a good rest between these two books as I don't think my heart can handle another thrill ride so soon with Dan Brown as the "Director of Entertainment."
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Michael Trimble (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-08 00:00>
It is just hard to imagine that anyone would not enjoy this engrossing story, particular those who enjoyed The Da Vinci Code. In my opinion this was a better book than the Code. The premise was certainly more believable. Like the code, Angels and Demons was remarkably well researched. Who does research like this better than Dan Brown? All the loose ends come together and fit perfectly.
Like most of the other reviewers, I highly recommend the special illustrated edition, not because I am trying to drum up more revenue for Mr. Brown and his publisher, but because the pictures add immeasurable to the overall authentic feel of the book. The less imagination you have to use the more realistic the story becomes. Of course it's fiction, but it is fiction of the best kind. It entertains on multiple levels, it is suspenseful, and to some degree it educates.
This is a sure fire recommendation of a great book. Nearly everyone who reads this book will have fun with it. If you read all the time, and go through so many books that you have a tough time remembering the titles, then just start this book. You won't soon forget the pleasure this thrilling and suspenseful book creates.
My highest recommendation.
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John Thomson (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-08 00:00>
Angels and Demons will not wow you with spectacular prose or fascinating multi-dimensional characters. It WILL provide a story that starts fast, gets faster, and offers enough plot twists to keep your head spinning from front cover to back. Dan Brown crafts a story that's by far clever enough to keep most of us guessing...and reading...all the way to the end.
In a book that precedes (chronologically) the DaVinci code (which I've not yet read), we find Dr. Robert Langdon involved with a murder in which the victim, a European physicist, has been branded with the word "Illuminati." Langdon, an expert on iconology, is called in to consult. The ensuing plot unfolds over the course of a single day, and moves so fast, and is so compelling, that if you're like me you'll be tempted to read all 600 pages just that fast.
If you are tempted, you'll appreciate that the writing is reasonably simple: predominantly unchallenging dialogue and readable descriptive prose. Although the plot becomes pretty intricate, Brown has done a good job of making sure that you don't have to go back and read sections multiple times to follow events, clues and such. This is no easy task, as the book is riddled with references to Rome, including structures, art and architecture, and history. Also well-explained are the baffling intricacies of Papal electoral politics and procedure.
Brown has written a simple, old-fashioned thriller. You won't be disappointed with this novel. Just don't expect pulitzer material; instead enjoy the thrilling escapism. I'm guessing it won't last long.
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