Review: Origin

Origin by Dan Brown
Publisher: Doubleday Books
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Pages: 461 pages
Genre: Adult Fiction, Mystery & Thriller
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis:

Bilbao, Spain
Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to attend a major announcement—the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever.” The evening’s host is Edmond Kirsch, a forty-year-old billionaire and futurist whose dazzling high-tech inventions and audacious predictions have made him a renowned global figure. Kirsch, who was one of Langdon’s first students at Harvard two decades earlier, is about to reveal an astonishing breakthrough . . . one that will answer two of the fundamental questions of human existence.

As the event begins, Langdon and several hundred guests find themselves captivated by an utterly original presentation, which Langdon realizes will be far more controversial than he ever imagined. But the meticulously orchestrated evening suddenly erupts into chaos, and Kirsch’s precious discovery teeters on the brink of being lost forever. Reeling and facing an imminent threat, Langdon is forced into a desperate bid to escape Bilbao. With him is Ambra Vidal, the elegant museum director who worked with Kirsch to stage the provocative event. Together they flee to Barcelona on a perilous quest to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirsch’s secret.

Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme religion, Langdon and Vidal must evade a tormented enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace itself . . . and who will stop at nothing to silence Edmond Kirsch. On a trail marked by modern art and enigmatic symbols, Langdon and Vidal uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery . . . and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.

Review:

So, what to expect from a new Dan Brown novel? Unprecedented genius and symbologist Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself suddenly involved in the heart of a crime, namely a murder. The crime involves a controversial topic, that Langdon is conveniently an expert on. Suddenly, Langdon finds himself on the run with a beautiful and intelligent foreign woman, and both must solve this crime before all hell breaks loose.

Sound familiar?

If yes, then you've probably read another of Brown's novels, which follows the same formula. If no, then get used to it because it looks like Brown likes to play it safe.

Dan Brown novels are beginning to feel like your go-to option at a fast-food restaurant - you know that it will always be "safe" and formulaic. When I first read The da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, I loved them - they were brimming with fresh and edgy ideas that were largely thrilling and knowledgeable. The twists were unpredictable, the action fast-paced, the books were just such a page turner. Now, enter Origin, Dan Brown's fifth novel in this series involving Robert Langdon. Those twists were now not so unpredictable, the action dulled down, and the pages not being turned so fast.

Origin is a definite improvement from the last two novels involving Langdon - The Lost Symbol and Inferno. In Origin, Brown raises interesting concepts, namely the origin of the human race, as apparent in the title. He also mixes in topics that are very much relevant in today's society: social media, fake news, and artificial intelligence. Like many of his other novels, Brown also challenges religion and focuses on the everlasting science vs. religion debate. 

If you're looking for a fast-paced novel that is purely plot driven, then Origin is the right choice. If you haven't read any other Dan Brown books don't worry about it. The only continuation is the protagonist, Langdon, and Brown doesn't reference any of his previous works in this. If you plan on reading this, don't expect great character development and beautiful writing. The characters are thinly veiled and the writing is mediocre at best. On a side note, I do appreciate how Brown shares tidbits of information about science, art, history, and religion throughout the book - whether it's a real place, person, organization, etc. If you don't believe me, just look up this information and see for yourself.

With that, Origin was predictable and underwhelming. I found myself foreshadowing the events before the characters discovered it. The revelations weren't much of a shock, as all the signs pointed in that direction. Nevertheless, I'll keep reading Dan Brown novels. Like I said before, they're predictable, but still quite enjoyable. So if you're looking for a book to read in the comfort of your room so you can escape the cold winter months and travel with Langdon and Ambra Vidal through warm, sunny Spain, Origin is the way to go.