Origin scores an exuberant five star rating from me. If you’re familiar with the Langdon series, it’s a no surprise hook-line and sinker! Within the opening pages you’re hooked and accepting the drop in productivity for a few days. The story line and well placed care packages of new information along the way kept me speculating in-between readings, in that mystifying deep sense that Brown has definitely mastered now. As with others in the series, the book is a fiction written around facts from a variety of subjects like Science, Technology, Religion, Art and Philosophy. I found myself on Google “is that true!?” quite a few times.

Without spoilers, we find Robert Langdon inadvertently centered in another catastrophic mystery/disaster. A scientific discovery so huge, so earth shattering that it guarantees to not only change the world, but completely shatter the pillars of which its history both physically and philosophically have been built. Edmond Kirsch, renowned scientist/genius and outspoken Atheist claims, “I have indisputable evidence, life can and did begin without ‘God'” But the release of this discovery falls on the shoulders of Robert Langdon, who knows only how big a discovery it is, but not WHAT it is.

From the beginning, I questioned whether even Dan Brown could deliver an ending adequate to match the enormity of the “discovery” he builds up. Although from the early chapters, the story does well to validate it’s importance without giving it away. And despite the common dissatisfying deflation at the end of a thriller, Brown holds true to his intellectual “promise” to us the reader that he has indeed concocted a scientific discovery that is both earth shattering and shockingly believable.

Origin is an absolute must read on all accounts.

To those of any faith skeptical of reading a book who’s plot intends to disprove God. Fear not, as the inner glimmer of faith both within the story and Robert Langdon continues to shine.

Bad news for those who are as tired of Dan Brown's formulaic style as I am, it continues on in :Origin'. I guess it works for him, so why change? I gave it 3 stats because it's an easy, slightly interesting read, especially if you're stuck at the airport.

I loved everything about this! I just ordered a copy so that I can read the whole thing. Robert Langdon is one of my favorite characters of all time. I own every single book in this series and this one did not disappoint even in the first couple chapters I knew this was gonna be amazing.

I only had access to the first chapter, but I instantly fell in love with this book. I love Robert Langdon adventures and I have read all the previous 4. This one seems very promising as it takes place in Spain and involves a specialist in game theory. I'm looking forward to read the entire book!

I have loved all of Dan Brown's books and loved the excerpt. Cant wait to read the book!

I have always loved Robert Langdon books. They are a great blend of intrigue and history. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this when it releases!

So far so good! There's a lot of hype to live up to in this first chapter. My brother lived in Bilbao for two years and the descriptions felt authentic. It was nice to return to the world of Robert Langdon. I find the topic exceptionally current, I'm very religious, but I see that many young adults are not, including my own children who were raised religiously. I've never found religion and science to be at odds with each other. I loved the quote about them being different languages to say the same thing. Can't wait to read the rest of the book!

I was only given an excerpt from the book, which really wasn't enough to have me madly interested, but was enough to pique my curiosity. Definitely putting this one on my "to-be-read" list.

I have all of Dan Brown's books and have enjoyed them all, so was eagerly anticipating reading this one, but I struggled to finish it. Unfortunately seemed rather formulaic to me and rather easy to predict what was going to happen. Perhaps the novelty of Dan Brown's books are beginning to wear thin, I think he needs to introduce a new character, and possibly retire Robert Langdon for a while. All that said he has thoroughly researched the background for the book, and I am sure it will still be popular, just not for me this time. This review is associated with an excerpt copy I found on Netgalley.

I read the excerpt and cannot wait to read the whole thing. This is Dan Brown doing his thing and compelling me to read the story and, not gonna lie, I am already biased that I will love it because of how much I have loved his previous works.

Just reading the excerpt, I will definitely be purchasing this book!

Meh. I don't know if it's just because the beginning of this book seems out there or it's the writing, but it just didn't grab me and I don't have any real desire to read the full book.

Only a preview, but I know I want to read the whole thing!

Obtained the book so this is review from published version.
"Two mysteries lie at the heart of human experience. Where do we come from? Where are we going? Human creation and human destiny. They are the universal mysteries."

OK, I absolutely loved this book -- stand down you Dan Brown naysayers. This was a superb blend of art, architecture, locations, science, religion, philosophy and HUMANTIES. It begs the question and the action-packed narrative attempts to answer it with a fast-paced plot and generates introspection that will make you rethink all you have held as fact. The author has a way of blending these different ideologies that make you think and imagine, what IF?

The exposition was tense enough to make me impatient and frustrated at times with the "secret" being dangled just out of reach. The characters, symbologist Robert Langdon and the future Queen of Spain, Ambra Vidal, were a great team in their mission to bring Edmond Kirsch's radical theory to light. Their visits to the historical and important sites in Spain were instructive and interesting (especially to someone like me who has never been there.) The "prophecy" was quite revealing and, I believe, not unrealistic given the times. I loved the detail and the information provided -- it's always a plus to me to learn things that I did not know. I usually keep my iPad handy so that I can look up the various places and items mentioned in the text. That's why I love the illustrated versions of Dan Brown's books!

So, I say to you -- read this! It is a book that will make you question all that is currently happening in the world. Advancements made in technology that almost defy belief -- and sort of scare you. I love a story that delves into the big questions and opens dialog. It doesn't matter if you agree with the theories presented in the book, what matters is that you give them some consideration. Could it be? Will it happen?

This book isn't really about the characters -- and, if you have read other books featuring Robert Langdon -- you already know him. It's about science and religion. How open is your mind? It doesn't matter that the book seems formulaic or that Dan Brown mentions the Mickey Mouse watch twice. It's an opportunity for you to examine your own value and belief system. The book is about ideas and perhaps even a warning about where we are headed -- and how we can make sure we get "there" with our humanity intact.

Please, if you read this and give it some thought, let me know what your reactions were! I recommend it.

If the rest of the book is as good as the excerpt was, then I'm sure we will not be disappointed.

Sure, we all know Robert Langdon and his adventures, usually accompanied by a beautiful sidekick and lots of racing around cities of the world, being chased by villains galore. But you must admit that he is a fascinating character, very knowledgeable in his field. Worth reading the whole book, I think!

This thriller seems like it will be as good as Brown's others! He pulls you right in from the start.

Origin - EXCERPT
by Dan Brown
Wow what a tease. I wish i was able to read the entire text. I have read a number of books by the author, and have found the mysteries and questions just as exciting as i found the movies. I hope to get a copy of this book so i can find out the research that is brought to question .

Robert Langdon is in Barcelona attending a talk about a former student who he considers a friend. During this talk something happens that makes Langdon do what he does best, running through the city trying to work out who the bad guys are. Alongside us the female director of the museum where the talk was being held. The extract caught me enough that I am now nearly half way through the book. Wasn’t as impressed with the previous book in the series but this book seems to have reverted to form Would recommend

I really enjoyed Dan Brown's latest. I have read all of his. I normally read non-fiction (history) but his novels are a real break. I can get lost in his stories. I usually finish them in 2-3 days. This was no different. I found this one more engaging than Inferno. Definite winner. I am sure this will o very well.