The Secret of Secrets
By: Dan Brown
My Rating: FOUR out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 16 and up

The Secret of Secrets: Prague, Puzzles, and Non-Local Consciousness!

This is the most fun Robert Langdon story since The Da Vinci Code! Dan Brown hasn’t changed as a writer, and that’s a very good thing—he remains compulsively readable. While this book is a bit of a departure from his pure historical mysteries, he delivers a propulsive, twisty, and thought-provoking thriller that will entertain you as only he can.

What’s it about?

Robert Langdon, our favorite Harvard professor of symbology, travels to Prague to support his new girlfriend, prominent noetic scientist Katherine Solomon. Katherine is on the verge of publishing an explosive book containing startling discoveries about human consciousness—namely, that the brain is merely a transmitter and that our consciousness circulates outside our bodies. [Pardon me while my mind explodes.] But their trip quickly spirals into chaos when a brutal murder occurs and Katherine disappears along with her manuscript. Langdon suddenly finds himself targeted by a powerful organization and hunted by a chilling assailant sprung from Prague’s most ancient mythology, the Golěm. In a thrilling race that takes him through the real life myths and legends of Prague, Langdon must uncover a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

What did I think?

The mystery was excellent, and the twist was brilliant! The book’s greatest strength is its setting. Beautiful and mysterious Prague is one of the most untouched major European cities of WWII, and its architecture, legends, and history are all original and authentic. These amazing historical elements are a key part of the fun, as always, giving the perfect backdrop for a Langdon adventure.

I especially loved the heavy but fascinating science: the idea of “non-local consciousness” as a scientific vehicle for explaining unexplainable miracles—think out-of-body experiences, God’s love, or sudden savant syndrome. It was above my pay grade, but super intriguing! While I do miss the pure historical puzzles of Angels and Demons and The Davinci Code>, the scientific mysteries found in Brown’s latest books are a blast too. Be warned: this book is very long—nearly 700 pages—and probably didn’t need to be. The pacing is slow and tedious in the first half, but the whirlwind second half, with its cliffhangers and urgency, makes the nearly 700-page brick worth it.

Sensitive Content:

Violence, thrills, and a handful of PG-13 words.

Should you read it?

If you’re a fan of Robert Langdon and need a highly entertaining, escapist thriller that balances fascinating science with historical mystery, then absolutely. Settle in for a long ride; the intellectual challenge and brilliant twist are worth it. This dad says The Secret of Secrets is best for 16 and up.

Happy Reading!