Shop Ireland

Angels and Demons by: Dan Brown

Click to tell a friend about this item...

Publisher: Corgi Books
Release date: 1st July, 2001
Media: Paperback

Similar Products

• The Da Vinci Code
• Deception Point
• Digital Fortress
• The Lost Symbol
• The Da Vinci Code [2006] [DVD]
• See more...

Editorial Review

It takes guts to write a novel that combines an ancient secret brotherhood, the Swiss Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire, a papal conclave, mysterious ambigrams, a plot against the Vatican, a mad scientist in a wheelchair, particles of anti-matter, jets that can travel 15,000 miles per hour, crafty assassins, a beautiful Italian physicist and a Harvard professor of religious iconology. It takes talent to make that novel anything but ridiculous. Kudos to Dan Brown (Digital Fortress) for achieving the nearly impossible. Angels and Demons is a no-holds-barred, pull-out-all-the-stops, breathless tangle of a thriller--think Katherine Neville's The Eight (but cleverer) or Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum (but more accessible).

Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is shocked to find proof that the legendary secret society, the Illuminati--dedicated since the time of Galileo to promoting the interests of science and condemning the blind faith of Catholicism--is alive, well, and murderously active. Brilliant physicist Leonardo Vetra has been murdered, his eyes plucked out and the society's ancient symbol branded upon his chest. His final discovery, anti-matter, the most powerful and dangerous energy source known to man, has disappeared--only to be hidden somewhere beneath Vatican City on the eve of the election of a new pope. Langdon and Vittoria, Vetra's daughter and colleague, embark on a frantic hunt through the streets, churches and catacombs of Rome, following a 400-year-old trail to the lair of the Illuminati, to prevent the incineration of civilisation.

Brown seems as much juggler as author--there are lots and lots of balls in the air in this novel, yet Brown manages to hurl the reader headlong into an almost surreal suspension of disbelief. While the reader might wish for a little more sardonic humour from Langdon and a little less bombastic philosophising on the eternal conflict between religion and science, these are less fatal flaws than niggling annoyances--readers should have no trouble skimming past them and immersing themselves in a heck of a good read. "Brain candy" it may be, but it's tasty. --Kelly Flynn, Amazon.com

Click here to add a review!

Average rating - (more reviews)

Rating: - Science v Religion, who wins

Dan Browns second novel, following nicely in the style of the first, Digital Fortress. Once again this is a story that is easy to read, runs very fast and somehow manages to be intelligent yet easy to access for any reader.

The basis of this story is CERN and science versus the Vatican and religion and it is pulled off very well. I am a whole hearted believer in science over religion, however, entirely against what was intended by the book, this story did convince me that there may be a place for religion in society, a role to play. For that reason if no other, its worth a read.

Rating: - Angels and Demons

This is the second book I read from Dan Brown. Another religious thriller but this time the theme is about the conflict between science and religion. If you are a big fan of Robert Langton, you will notice that events mentioned in this story happened prior to the Da Vinci code. Therefore, the correct order is to read this one first before DVC.

A bomb in an underground vault of the most prestigious science institution in Europe and the papal conclave -two totally unrelated event-make a start to the story. What comes is a race against time for Robert and Victoria to find clues and hints that will lead them to the person behind this plot, and prevent disaster from happening.
Using similar techniques in DVC, Brown used a lot of historical facts and myths and put a connection between them. He spent a lot on elaborating the history of the church and her conflict with science in the past, including one of the main player in these events Galileo. For their search, they had to find the five signs of the element and race againist time to rescue the archibishops who were papal potentials. On the other hand, they had to find the way to disable the boob under the Vatican-well you cannot get anything better than this.

I have to say reading this is a breathtaking experience and you cannot help but get nervous for the characters. However, what I enjoy reading most is the final few chapters where Brown, through one of the characters, gave his arguement of science against religion.Where do we draw the line? What is your view on certain issues? This really makes me think of the issue. A highly recommended read.

Rating: - It's read in American

I got given this Audio book for Christmas, and I'm thoroughly disappointed. It's read in American by an American. I can cope with the accent up to a point, but it's very wearing, and then Robert Langdon gets into a Poo-geut car, and a bit later (still on CD1) Vittoria Vetra gets out of a helicopter wearing cacky shorts. I gave up at this point, and won't bother listening to the rest - it will just drive me nuts.

Rating: - better than the Da Vinci Code

My wife wanted to buy the DVD so I needed to read this first. I found it compelling, missed doing several things I should have done to finish it. Now I will re-read it. Better than the Da Vinci Code, more suspense, gripping.

Rating: - Worth it

I was pleased with the price of this book as it is a special edition and hard back. The quality of the book is excellent, glossy pages, detailed pictures. Arrived in mint condition, promptly.

Review Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next »

Browse Categories

• - AutoSNP Asins
• - Brown, Dan
• - General AAS
• - General
• - Adventure Stories
• - General AAS
• - English
• - Paperback
• - Regular Size
• - All product
• - Books