The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

I approached The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown with fresh eyes, having not read any of his previous novels. I picked it up as part of a bookstore special and was curious to explore a story outside my usual reading tastes. Of course, Dan Brown is famous for The Da Vinci Code and other books featuring Robert Langdon. While I haven’t read the novels, I’ve seen the movies, and naturally, I imagine Robert Langdon as Tom Hanks.

This book was a learning experience for me as a writer. I find reading widely outside my genre is invaluable, and I was looking forward to seeing how Brown crafts his stories.

That said, the book felt about 200 pages too long. The detailed descriptions of locations, particularly in Prague, were exquisite. The architecture, history, and atmosphere are beautifully portrayed, and I now have a newfound appreciation for the city. The problem is that these descriptions often pulled me out of the story. Every time the characters visited a new location, it felt less like a narrative and more like a travel guide.

Despite this, the core story remains compelling, and action driven. There were moments where I was genuinely on the edge of my seat. I also found it amusing that many of the characters’ names resemble those thanked at the end of the book, a little quirk that stood out to me.

Overall, The Secret of Secrets is a fascinating, detailed, and adventurous read. It may not have been exactly my style, but it’s a testament to Brown’s meticulous research and ability to immerse readers in the world he creates. For fans of Robert Langdon or those who enjoy historical thrillers rich in detail, this is a book to consider.

To buy a copy of this book you can head over to Dan Brown's website.