Inferno: (Robert Langdon Book 4)

Utilising his tried and tested formula, Brown has once again managed to produce a novel of outstanding commercial quality, utilising elements that have become persistent themes through his previous Langdon adventures. A helping of intellectualism, alongside a small dollop of heroism, whilst playing on a powerful female character at a moment in her life that has left her feeling particularly vulnerable, and of course, not forgetting the countless references to famous pieces of architecture and artwork, Brown offers readers a chance to experience a novel that plays with a fast-paced prose, likeable characters, and an unpredictable plot to mix a meal that will delight readers' taste-buds from all over the world. However, do not expect anything particularly unique from this novel. Despite the ability to write in a style that keeps the reader looking for more, Brown does not particularly explore themes that have not been explored before. His most original creation is the character of Langdon, which combined with the controversy of the first Langdon novel, The Da Vinci Code, brought about international acclaim for this author. Don't expect the same. But a good read nonetheless.

The entire storyline is laden with prologue, epilogue to fill pages and chapters. Every instance will acquaint you with unnecessary details of the protagonist's life, most of which hold no bearing to the story. A very poorly written novel. It could have easily been half the book of what it has been written. If you're reading a novel for the first time you may like it. For me, I would like to be paid for the unnecessary hours I had to put in to read it through. Dan Brown, success has made you complacent.

A good book and one that I would recommend if you are a Dan Brown fan. Complex, interesting, intelligent... all the things you would expect from Dan Brown. However, I did not enjoy this as much as the other books of his that I've read (Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, The Lost Symbol, all of which I would give 5 stars). For some reason the story just didn't flow as well as the others.