Origin by Dan Brown
Amazon – Origin
Goodreads – Origin
Author – Dan Brown
Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum in 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. – Goodreads Synopsis
Happy New Year everyone!
Alright folks – Dan Brown is back at it again with Robert Langdon 2k17! …I mean Origin. If you are a fan of Dan Brown, well then this is nothing new. Robert Langdon has somehow got himself on center stage for major world events… yet again. (What kind of luck does this guy have?!) This time, there is another new twist, and another new hot sci-fi topic to explore – and you guessed it, this one is going to ruffle some religious feathers. (Which no one saw coming)
I see Dan Brown gets kind of a bad rap around the general writing and bookish communities, I’m not saying that I entirely disagree, but I’ve enjoyed every Robert Langdon novel despite my earlier sarcasm. The cookie cutter formula does get old, but I always end up enjoyed the ride each time. Even if it’s the same ride with a new face. The best part of the ride is how thrilling it always is – I got Origin the same week that it released, and I devoured it almost immediately. (I am a very slooooow reader too) The combination of cliffhangers, the satisfying release of information and mystery, and the short chapters keep these pages turning. If that’s your thing pick this one up and give it a try.
I love how Dan Brown always incorporates some type of fringe scientific discoveries into each of his works. It provides that extra magic behind the mystery that makes you want to question if what you are reading is actually true. (Or could become true)
Speaking of which, check out Black Mirror series 4 if you haven’t seen it yet. I’ve binged watched all the episodes once it came out and it is fantastic. If you have not tried Black Mirror at all yet, seriously go try it right now. It’s on netflix – here. (The first episode IMO was not the greatest, so do not go by that one)
I usually avoid assigning a rating system to the books that I read (Just not really my thing. For me it’s more like a hate-like-love system) but, Origin would probably end up at around a 3.5. I enjoyed it, but I do not find myself thinking about it for weeks after I read it. (Thanks Stormlight Archives)
Buy Origin – Here
“Then let me ask you this famous question: Would you rather live in a world without technology…or in a world without religion? Would you rather live without medicine, electricity, transportation, and antibiotics…or without zealots waging war over fictional tales and imaginary spirits?” – Origin by Dan Brown
I haven’t read any of his books but this time I might, as “Origins” was quickly translated in Romanian Language and it was launched at a major Book Fair in Bucharest, where Dan Brown was invited too. I found him very enjoyable and with a good load of humour, challenging the readers and the world with his questions.
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I love black mirror! Binged all weekend. Great post. 🙂
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I loved the Da Vinci Code and have been meaning to download this one. I will have to add it to my TBR!
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I love the Black Mirror series. I love the dystopian tone of each episode. Some of the episode are a little chilling. The writers of the show are superb!
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I accidentally left this as anonymous.
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The writing is amazing! The dystopian feel is the best part.
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I love Dan Brown and his books and I have no shame about it haha it is popcorn thriller so I’m not really looking for anything literary about it, just pure distraction from reality and it delivers 😊. I’ve watched the first season of Black Mirror and I loved it so I’m not sure why I suddenly stopped lol, maybe this year I should continue watching, it sounds awesome!
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Black Mirror is probably my favorite show right now! (Sorry LOST)
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I still haven’t watched a single episode of Lost (don’t hate me😂) is it any good?
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I’m just a little biased, but yes, I think Lost is great!
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I’m watching Black Mirror too, it’s so trippy. 🙂
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Thanks for your review! Definitely the same formula over and over again…but still thrilling and enjoyable every time! I’ve been on hold for this one at my library for weeks…eager to get my hands on it.
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Hopefully you get it soon! 🙂
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When I read The Da Vinci Code, I was equally enthralled and I can easily imagine that the sequels are as spellbinding, but there are soooooo many other books/classics that scream to be read!
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Great review, but something confuses me… The first episode of the new Black mirror is my new fave BM episode of all time! Chilling, creepy, nerdy, prescient, fantastic acting, edge of your seat intensity – I loved it so much! What didn’t you like about it??
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Are you talking about USS Callister? I love that one! I was referring to S1E1 The National Anthem. I didn’t like that one as much as the others.
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Yeah I am haha sorry it’s just me being dumb. It’s amazing isn’t it!! In a way for me it’s one of the most terrifying too, much more so than the other dystopias, as it’s playing with the idea of replicating and confining consciousness.. I’m liking the other S3 eps too but they all just feel a little underwhelming after watching USS. Maybe Brooker should have ended the series with it!
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I love Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series too even though it’s a bit formulaic. And I loved seasons 1 and 2 of Black Mirror, but I just can’t stand any of the Netflix produced ones. And yes, the first episode of season 4 was awful, which is why I still haven’t watched the rest of it. Perhaps if I have time I will watch.
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OML! I LOVE BLACK MIRROR!! ❤️ 💜
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Excellent review, Chaz. I get a little tired of the formulas too, but spacing the books out helps. And Black Mirror, yup. I binge-watched the entire series in one evening-night. *Sigh* Now gotta wait again. 😀
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Origin is already set on my table to be my next book to read. Good review Chaz. I too love Robert Langdon series.
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Great post love his books reading The Lost Symbol
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Pls note: I have shifted to a self hosted blog and lost my followers. I have followed you. Please follow back
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Great review. The book is formula writing at it’s best…..but I do get a little weary of the chase scenes, he’s always running from someone and always accompanied by some much younger attractive woman. Maybe it makes for better movie rights. I found the artificial intelligence aspect interesting and a bit scary…
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I think it’s a rule that the woman must be beautiful and young.
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I am probably in the vast minority especially as a book blogger, but I’ve never read Dan Brown. (oops?) However, I sense that he may share a reputation with James Patterson who I have read a lot of. They may not be great writers, but I do know that Patterson knows how to tell a story. I presume Brown is the same way.
Great review.
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Thanks for the review. I haven’t read this book yet… but will… eventually.
Briwn can vve hit or miss in my opinion. However, I find Tom Hanks version better than printed)))
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The only book I’ve read by him is Inferno. Will definitely check this one out. Also, I love black mirror! This was a great read.
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I read three books written by Dan Brown and I want to read also this one 🙂
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Nice post! I finished reading Origin a month ago and I must say that it is indeed interesting like Brown’s previous novels but still two of my faves from him are: Deception Point and The Lost Symbol😃
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I agree that Dan Brown has a cookie cutter formula, but the books are good and if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
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Have you found that Black Mirror is awesome until you try to explain to people what it’s about and why you like it? I tried to share it with family members and it was a fail. I don’t know why I dig it. I just do.
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Another book to add to my collection. Thanks for liking my post Chaz, I hope that is your name. As for Black Mirror, every time I watch it I become sad with the endings and wondered if I should keep watching. I have not seen an episode in months but my daughter just discovered the series. I will definitely choose religion over technology. No matter what I do, my religion keeps me insane and reminds me to be the best I need to be for my sake and humanity sake and it is worth.
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My husband read it already but I didn’t. He liked it, said all Dan Brown books are very entertaining :)) great review 👍
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Hi Chaz! I thought this would be the easiest way to reach you, I nominated you for the Liebster Award – please see this post for details! https://bookdragonlair.wordpress.com/2018/01/18/the-liebster-award/
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❤️ Thank you! You posted some great questions for me to answer – I’ll hopefully have my post up soon!
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Aww thanks! Looking forward to reading your answers! 😊
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Thanks for this review, I had been wondering about this book. And thanks for stopping by my page. I appreciate. Will keep up with your page. Have a great writing day. – Robert
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I still remember how I was absolutely floored by The DaVinci Code and went into an overdrive to check out the old masters and the conspiracies. The last Dan Brown ‘Inferno’ disappointed me which read more like a Guide book to the sights and sounds of Florence with a mandatory chase thrown in, but your review of the new one has made me hopeful again . Can’t wait to check that out and Black Mirror, the twist in the tales keep getting better every season.
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Is it bad that I’ve only seen the Tom Hanks movies so far? ^^; I’ve always been curious about The Da Vinci Code and its views on religion and history. I actually visited Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland some years ago, and it was fascinating! All the artwork — the Green Man carvings, the ceiling full of flowers, stars and moons…it was definitely one of my favorite parts of my UK trip.
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This was a great review. I enjoyed it. I used to read a lot more, however, time got lost somewhere and has never returned. Wait…. I know what happened to it…. Southern New Hampshire University took all of my time. May of this year I’ll graduate with my degree, and I’ll have time to read my two bookcases of books. By the way, thanks for stopping by my blog and thanks for following me. I also followed you. I love reading book reviews and I love giving them when I have time.
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I got to hear Dan Brown speak at a meet and greet for Origin! He talked about his upbringing with a mathematician father and open-minded religious mother. I enjoyed watching those two topics unfold, again, in his new book with my newly acquired perspective.
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I have only read Angels & Demons & The Da Vinci Code. Heard this was a good one. Would I have to read the others before this to read this one?
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I don’t think it’s necessary to read the others first, but personally I would go in order (if not just for the sake of order) because The Lost Symbol was pretty entertaining.
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Good to know! Will be adding those to my list! 😉
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Yoooo took me a while to get through this one. I gave it 2.5 Stars, but still entertaining af.
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I’m one of those readers who just couldn’t get behind Dan Brown and his short chapters with CONSTANTLY cliff hanger endings to the point where you just didn’t care anymore… But, I’ve been hearing so many good things about this one in the series that it ALMOST makes me want to go back and give them another try!! …. Dilemmas…
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Great review ❤
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Seems like our reading and review lists are little bit synched. Besides the intrigue and thrills of Dan Brown, it’s the settings that I really enjoy.
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I haven’t read this one or watched Black Mirror yet!!! You say, better than LOST? Is that even possible? Your review makes it very tempting though. Love your word play. I wouldn’t live in a world where there’s little or no sarcasm and imagination, not worth it! And definitely wouldn’t live a world without Brown and his Langdon!!! Good stuff, please keep them coming!
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Just finished watching Black Mirror season1, intriguing. Big mistake I took your review seriously, now I have no choice but to binge watch the rest 😂. Thank you 😉
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Yes! Let me know what your favorite episode ends up being! 😁
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So far, Playtest. Not done with all the seasons yet. Will keep you posted 😁
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Which is yours?
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Besides saying all of them!? I think probably White Christmas.
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I liked San Junipero, it was romantic! And I liked Black Museum too. For me, White Christmas was overshadowed by John Hamm’s presence. If it wasn’t for Don Draper, it wouldn’t top my list.
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Yes, Dan Brown could work on his sentences more but he definitely knows how to write a great story. I’ve learned a lot from him writing wise, and it sounds weird to say that!
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