Book Review - Inferno

Inferno by Dan Brown (2013) - Robert Langdon is back again using his knowledge of symbols to save the world.  This time it is the philosophy of Transhumanism, which believes that humans need to enter into the process of their own evolution, that stands at the center of the threat.  One genius has come up with own solution to saving humanity, one that may just involve the end of humanity itself.

Set mostly in Florence and Venice Brown puts Dante's "Inferno" as the key to unraveling the mystery in this novel.  History, current events and ancient symbols weave together once again as Brown takes the reader on an exciting ride to the end.

So my real question is this: why would anyone come within a hundred miles of Harvard symbology professor Robert Langdon?  Disaster follows this guy like a new puppy.  But then so do beautiful women so it's not a bad life I suppose.

This book has all the positive and negative qualities of the Langdon series from Brown.  It requires a slight warping of history sometimes and there are some logical flaws but on the whole Brown can tell a story.  If you're reading Brown for history (or theology) you should probably be careful.  If you're reading him to get a great flavor of those subjects plus have a rollicking good read then you're in the right place.  I will admit that it's great to have a hero that doesn't need guns or fisticuffs to save the world.  You just need to be smart and pay attention.

Decidedly better than the last (which I think is easily the weakest of the series) you'll have a great time reading the story then want to look up the history and finally go visit the places Brown has taken you in your imagination.  Can't think of much higher praise.

Rating - ****  Worth A Look