Suspense Annotation: Origin: A Novel, by Dan Brown

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Author: Dan Brown   
Title: Origin: A Novel
Genre: Suspense
Publication Date: 2017
Number of Pages: 461
Geographical Setting: Spain
Time Period: Contemporary
Series: Robert Langdon #5

Plot Summary: Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconography Robert Langdon (of the Da Vinci Code) travels to the Guggenheim museum in Spain at the behest of former student and controversial tech billionaire Edmond Kirsch to observe his presentation of a scientific discovery that he claims will change the world. When Kirsch is murdered before the eyes of the watching world, Langdon and Kirsch’s colleague, museum director Ambra Vida, with the assistance of an AI program created by Kirsch named Winston, are plunged into a race to crack Kirsch’s password to launch the presentation with the hopes that whoever killed him and is pursuing them will be stopped. In one frantic night the duo evades the threats of a mysterious assassin, and race to crack the code that will unlock the discovery, never knowing who or what to trust as a social media firestorm erupts online. Ambra and Robert are unsure if they can trust her royal fiancée the Prince of Spain, the government authorities and police, or the enigmatic religious advisor to the Spanish royal family. Bodies pile up as the specter of secret societies bent on the destruction of Kirsch’s innovative work hovers over the pair, and unknown forces seek to silence Kirsch’s attempt to answer existential questions about humanity, “Who are we and where are we going?” Puzzles that are keys to unlock Kirsch’s password abound as art, architecture, and the beauty of Spain provide the rich and exciting backdrop for this suspensful, twist filled, fast-paced race against the clock to survive the night, as Langdon and Ambra become the mysterious conspiracy’s head -The Regent’s- next target for death.
Subject Headings: Langdon, Robert (Fictitious character) > Fiction. Cryptographers > Fiction. Human beings > Origin > Fiction. Spain > Fiction. Gaudi, Antoni (artist) > art> architecture > Fiction. Artificial intelligence > Fiction. Code and Cipher stories > Fiction. Conspiracies > Secret Societies > Fiction.
Appeal: Fast paced, intricate plot, building tension
3 terms that best describe this book: page turner, complicated puzzles, exciting setting
Similar Authors and Works






3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors


TheReincarnationist - M.J. Rose- Secrets, hidden history and danger lurk in this suspenseful thriller, set in the present and in the past of characters’ previous lives in ancient Rome. A shadowy, mysterious organization, archeological discoveries, and lost treasures are part of complicated plot that like Brown’s Origin, hints that the answer to questions about human existence are knowable, but will be discovered at a high cost.
The Templar Legacy - Steve Berry- Lovers of conspiracies, forbidden knowledge, lost treasure and intricate puzzles may enjoy this series, which stars Cotton Malone. Malone, like Robert Langdon, is an expert, as a retired DOJ operative now working as an antiquarian Copenhagen based book dealer. Malone and Stephanie Nelle, (his former supervisor) race to find clues to solve ancient puzzles. The stakes are high as the secrets they seek, if revealed, can change the world.

The Gaudi Key -Esteban Martin, Andreu Carranza - If readers enjoyed Origin and were intrigued by the art and architecture of Antoni Gaudi that played such a large role in the plot and liked the beautiful Spanish setting featured in Origin, they might be interested in following that read with this conspiracy filled suspense thriller based on the work of Gaudi. Written in the vein of the Da Vinci Code and Origin.
3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors
                                                     



Gaudi (Taschen BasicArchitecture) by Maria Antoinetta Crippa, Peter Gossel. This title offers an overview of the Spanish architect’s work, with beautiful photographs and useful information for readers seeking to learn more about one of the key elements of Dan Brown’s plot in Origin.                 

Gaudi: A Biography – Gijs van Hensbergen.  This biography explores the life of Antoni Gaudi, once the most famous architect in the world and creator of modern masterpieces that continue to influence and fascinate modern viewers. Readers of Brown’s Origin who were fascinated by the setting in Spain and the large role played by Gaudi’s work, may enjoy learning more about the fascinating architect’s life and his dynamic and innovative architecture.

Franco: A Personal and PoliticalBiography – Stanley G. Payen, Jesus Palacios - The haunting specter of fascism in Spain’s modern history permeates Dan Brown’s Origin, as the protagonists are threatened by reactionary forces that seek to return to Spain's fascist past. The history of General Francisco Franco, the dictator who brutally ruled Spain for forty years, is the subject of this biography. This work is particularly of relevance given the recent resurgence of fascism and white supremacy movements in Europe and the United States; trends Brown’s Origin subtlety evokes.













Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 25, 2018 at 12:43 PM

    Interesting graphics! These are definitely handy little guides for "further reading" if one liked Origin. I appreciate that you grouped the books by what might've appealed to a reader so they can zone in on what they enjoy and not have to worry about the parts they didn't enjoy so much. That you've given relevant works in both fiction and nonfiction so that readers might enjoy a little more background is also helpful. Sometimes books we enjoy stick with us, and we want to read anything and everything that have even the most remote thing in common with them. This is a super helpful guide in that respect, especially if you just can't stop thinking about Gaudi architecture.

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    Replies
    1. ricketikiJanuary 25, 2018 at 1:00 PM

      Thanks! I tried the grouping because I was thinking about Sarick's suggestion to offer suggestions that help reader's branch out. I found several books that had similar elements, but not all readers will want to read something exactly like the book. I also tried to balance what I liked and what others might like when formulating suggestions. As for Gauid, I can't stop thinking about it. I'm thinking of going to Spain!

      Delete
  2. UnknownJanuary 26, 2018 at 7:44 AM

    Your synopsis of the book made me want to read it. I read "The DaVinci Code" during its original craze (2004?) and I could not put it down. To be honest, I had no idea there were more Robert Langdon books. I also liked the descriptions of the read-alike books.

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    Replies
    1. ricketikiJanuary 26, 2018 at 10:08 AM

      Thanks! I really enjoyed it. I literally couldn't resist turning the page. The pace was relentless. Reviews of Origin are pretty bad, but that doesn't mean anything to me. When it comes to enjoying a book, who cares? I thought it was so fun! When you order a hamburger, you don't complain that its not filet mignon. This book is a big juicy hamburger, and it was delicious!

      Delete
    2. Erin CataldiJanuary 29, 2018 at 8:46 AM

      I love you analogy of the burger! And that is the best attitude to have. Always keep an open mind because no one reads the same book "the same way."

      Delete
  3. UnknownJanuary 27, 2018 at 6:37 PM

    Your description really made me want to read this book. I enjoyed The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons, and this sounds really great as well. I like the groupings of the read-a-likes. That is an excellent way to help the reader make a decision. Great job!

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  4. Brittany VanzoJanuary 28, 2018 at 8:27 AM

    Wow! You really covered your bases with this annotation. The graphics are well done and everything is well organized. I've looked at some of the other annotations, and it's really cool to see how people approach them differently. What made you choose this format?

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2018 at 12:33 PM

    Ricke, I was drawn to your post because Dan Brown's Origin is on my shelf to read. When I first read The Da Vinci Code years ago, I (like so many others) was so intrigued that I went back and read all 3 of his previous works, Digital Fortress, Deception Point, and Angels and Demons. (Isn't it amazing how "overnight success" can jumpstart older books to STARDOM? Here's looking at you, John Grisham's A Time to Kill!)

    I absolutely loved your boxes, your clever graphics, and your suggestions of other works to try. Other students have commented already, but you really did cover all the bases pulling out any and all possible plot points or style elements or settings that might have hooked the readers on Origin.

    I also loved that you included The Templar Legacy in your list of non-fiction choices. That's a must read for any fan of Robert Langdon. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2018 at 12:38 PM

    Oops...me again. My bad: The Templar Legacy is FICTION. Here's an excellent NON-fiction work about the Templars: The Templars by Dan Jones. Here is a link to a starred review in Kirkus: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/dan-jones/the-templars-jones/

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownJanuary 28, 2018 at 2:54 PM

    I am now wanting to read The Templer Legacy, I love conspiracies! I have never really give Dan Brown's work too much thought. I might have to pick up the audio version of Origin now after reading your review. Also amazing use of graphics, it kept my attention throughout the post.

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownJanuary 28, 2018 at 3:21 PM

    I love complicated puzzles. I have never read any of Dan Brown's books or watched the movies; but this makes me want to. I'm going to have to see what I've been missing out on. I like how you set up the similar authors and works section.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Erin CataldiJanuary 29, 2018 at 8:48 AM

    Fantastic annotation! Full points! I absolutely love your graphics and groupings! What a great way to pinpoint different appeals of the book! Your summary and read alikes are also spot on. I've been meaning to read this one, I've only read 3 out of the series and I need to buckle down and finish them already!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mandy SaiaJanuary 29, 2018 at 7:21 PM

    I am so glad that you annotated this book! Since National Library Service buys the rights to record our audio books, it can take up to a year to get new books, and my patrons are asking about it on a daily basis. I loved the DaVinci Code, but have not read any others by him. However, with all of your information about Spain and Anton Gaudi, I am really excited about this one. I became obsessed with that that architecture in college when one of my room mates was studying him, so I am especially interested in your relevant non-fiction. The connections to the Knights Templar is also something I found interesting-how The DaVinci Code brought Templar into the forefront of people's minds, even though the stories have been around forever. I wonder if the same thing will happen to Gaudi now that Dan Brown has set his sights on him?

    ReplyDelete

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