==Final thoughts==

I really can't decide if I hate this book or am just disappointed. The puzzles, while interesting, lack the 'wow' factor from the other novels. They just seem weak in comparison to the extremely witty ones Brown made up in his earlier works. I even got some of them before the characters did, which makes me wonder if the author is trying to belittle the public on purpose.

Brown continues to research everything like a neurotic raccoon, which is always impressive, so kudos to the man. But historical accuracy isn't all we're looking for in a book, right? If the story was more polished, if the characters were developed I probably would love this book. But it just seems rushed. So if you're willing to pick up this book only for the few intriguing chapters, make sure your brain won't try to escape your head at the mindbogglingly boring first half of the novel. And stock up on a loooot of coffee...

Still, the last few pages were interesting enough to keep me reading way passed 2AM, so Mr. Brown did write something pretty good in the end. I mean, how many of you knew that the Washington National Cathedral had a tiny Darth Vader sculpture at the top?