THE LOST SYMBOL (I FINALLY FINISHED IT!)

by Heather the Jane.

Well, it's not a YA novel, but let me indulge all the same by offering this review.

I have now read every Dan Brown novel out there. My favorite remains, Deception Point (that particular doorstopper I read in just two days), with Angels and Demons coming in at a close second. But I must say, I really, really enjoyed The Lost Symbol too. I definitely recommend it. Yes, I know, it came out months ago, so I'm behind the rest of the world (boo-hiss, me) in reading it. In truth, I was saving this one. You know – this is going to be so great! – saving it. I mean, it's been six years since his last book!

And hey, guess what? It was so great!!! Brown had me at the prologue: Ritual, secrets, deception, high-stakes all from the point of view of a mad-man who the reader can't help but know will be a formidable enemy. He's obviously diabolically brilliant and determined to have placed himself so close to those he wishes to destroy. Maybe this is a villain who will ultimately win? And of course as soon as Prof. Robert Langdon (can't help but picture him as Tom Hanks now) enters the pages, puts on his loafers and looks down at his Mickey Mouse watch, you know the action is going to take off running. Though I've read some reviews to the contrary, I love the way Langdon explains the myths, legends and symbols to the reader. Yes, the frequent flashbacks to classroom lectures are welcome. And you know, when they occur, it's a nice break from the racing action.

Despite my pseudo-crush on Langdon (geez, that sounds lame, even to me), a character I really liked in this book is Katherine Solomon. Such a smart and accomplished scientist. Oh, and absolutely not a shrinking violet. I so wanted a good ending for her (and I'll not 'spoil' herein and reveal if she gets one). But that's the thing about Brown – he will kill off a character or two along the way, if need be for the plot. Which is FABULOUS! It keeps the readers guessing, keeps us involved to know the beloved characters are that precariously perched on the pages as we turn them.

So, no surprise that I say this book is a page turner. The action doesn't stop, the characters (though maybe not so very in depth, they don't have to be here) are intriguing, the plot rocks. And the science is fascinating!

I'll be lined up for whatever he may put up next on the shelves. I just hope it's not another six-year wait.