Dan Brown’s book, initially published in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions in 2000, became available as an audiobook in April 2024. The audiobook is narrated by Richard Poe, who brings the characters to life brilliantly in this fast-paced, science vs. religion-themed mystery thriller of a treasure hunt.

Brown’s choice of a protagonist easily exceeds most readers’ or listeners’ expectations. Robert Langdon is a realistic character, and Brown maintains a good balance with Langdon’s abilities and shortcomings throughout the book, making him more genuine. And Vittora Vetra and her father, who continually fight the gap between the worlds of science and religion, remain steadfast in their beliefs that the two are not mutually exclusive, making it easy to connect with them as they provide non-stop, thought-provoking messages and themes.

When a top physicist is murdered and his chest branded with the inverted word ‘Illuminati’, the name of an ancient anti-religious cult, Professor Robert Langdon is called in to help. He’s an expert on symbology and religious history. During the investigation, they realize a canister of antimatter has been stolen from the physicist’s lab, and they have twenty-four hours to find the truth and the canister before it explodes. The race begins, and all roads lead to Rome.

Brown’s attention to detail is exquisite when he describes the intricate architecture in and around the Vatican City, immersing readers and listeners within a virtual tour. The connection to numerous Catholic rituals and ceremonies, climaxing with each murder, is enhanced by the historical anecdotes woven into the plot, which add to the countless twists that bring all the threads together, making it a brilliant chase.

However, the downside to Brown’s book is the info dumps. Throughout the book, Brown will drop bombs of information, mostly about symbology, which will sometimes be presented in dialogue that can be tedious. Or, at other times, it will be lengthy paragraphs; either way, this lazy technique is appalling from such an accomplished author.   

Action-packed, fast-paced, and engaging characters, along with intricate details throughout, will keep readers turning the page. Info dumps aside, the book merits 3.5 stars.