Origin: A Novel

Written by Dan Brown

Narrated by Paul Michael

THE #1 WORLDWIDE BESTSELLER FROM THE ICONIC AUTHOR OF THE DA VINCI CODE AND THE NEW ROBERT LANGDON THRILLER, THE SECRET OF SECRETS

“Fans of The Da Vinci Code rejoice! Professor Robert Langdon is again solving the mysteries of the universe.” —People

“A life-or-death adventure.” —Entertainment Weekly

Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to attend the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever.” The evening’s host is Edmond Kirsch, a forty-year-old billionaire and futurist, and one of Langdon’s first students.

But the meticulously orchestrated evening suddenly erupts into chaos, and Kirsch’s precious discovery teeters on the brink of being lost forever. Facing an imminent threat, Langdon is forced to flee. With him is Ambra Vidal, the elegant museum director who worked with Kirsch. They travel to Barcelona on a perilous quest to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirsch’s secret.

Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme re­ligion, Langdon and Vidal must evade an enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace. They uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery . . . and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.

Look for more Robert Langdon novels:
The Da Vinci Code
The Lost Symbol
Inferno
The Secret of Secrets

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9780739319307

Dan Brown

Dan Brown is the author of eight #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the bestselling novels of all time. His Robert Langdon thrillers—including The Lost Symbol, Angels & Demons, Inferno, Origin, and his most recent, The Secret of Secrets—have captivated readers worldwide and continue to be the subject of intellectual debate among readers and scholars. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages around the world with over 250 million copies in print. Brown was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine, whose editors credited him with “keeping the publishing industry afloat; renewed interest in Leonardo da Vinci and early Christian history; spiking tourism to Paris and Rome; a growing membership in secret societies; the ire of Cardinals in Rome; eight books denying the claims of the novel and seven guides to read along with it; a flood of historical thrillers; and a major motion picture franchise.” The son of a mathematics teacher and a church organist, Brown was raised on a prep school campus where he developed a fascination with the paradoxical interplay between science and religion. These themes eventually formed the backdrop for his books. He is a graduate of Amherst College and Phillips Exeter Academy, where he later returned to teach English before focusing his attention full time to writing. He lives in New England. Visit his website at DanBrown.com.

Reviews for Origin

[beammey · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I'm going to preface this with saying I usually love Dan Brown's book (Digital Fortress will probably always be my favorite), but this one? I didn't like it at all. I didn't like the pacing, the writing style, or the characterization. The plot twist was kind of cool, but it wasn't enough to redeem the book for me. I don't know, guys. I just couldn't get on the bandwagon for this one, though if you've read the other Robert Langdon books like I have you'll want to follow his latest adventure -- go for it. Perhaps you'll like it more than me.

[emmyson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found this to be pretty anticlimactic. It was okay, but it had none of the thrill of Brown’s previous books.

Merged review:

I found this to be pretty anticlimactic. It was okay, but it had none of the thrill of Brown’s previous books.

[tower_bob · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is my first and probably my last Dan brown novel.

[huba.library · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Slow start but, classic Brown penchant for topical detail.

[classyhomemaker · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Why do I love these kinds of stories? Partly because the writing is so super tight that the critic in me only has the story to analyze, rather than the storytelling, as well.
Besides that, the dialogue is believable and rarely feels forced—-that’s a huge issue for me. Talk like real people, people!!!! So even though the content of stories like this (Brad Meltzer, etc.) is not anywhere near what I'm actually interested in in "real life", I appreciate a well-written, fast-paced book that keeps me guessing.

That said, the plot on this one was only mediocre---until the secrets were revealed---then it became super meh. Edmond's "where did we come from" is hardly believeable---his "where are we going" is spot on but nothing to be excited about. The king's secret was a big disappointment. On top of all that, I spent the entire book thinking there had to be more to Winston---he seemed too good to be true. His "secret" was the only one I figured out pretty early on.

Finally, we were annoyingly reminded of Langdon's "eidetic memory" at least 40 bazillion times.

Moving on to the good parts… I do love a book that helps me learn. Facts about museum air, Beethoven, and the "Maman" sculpture---an edition of which I've seen at our local Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Then there's the whole idea of humans and technology fusing. Do writers who laud this stuff know they’re furthering an agenda to make it more palatable? Do they care? His projection was 50 years. It’s been five and here we are in clinical trials for brain chips implants. On pg. 577, Langdon says, "humanity was about to enter a period of almost unimaginable ethical ambiguity." Ethical ambiguity is inevitable when there is no standard to judge good or evil.

Favorite quotes:

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us." -Joseph Campbell

"There is nothing more damaging for children than the loss of hope." That's something I've had to remind myself over and over the last couple years as our world flushes itself down the toilet. I still have a responsibility to try to give them a life filled with the peace and hope of Yeshua.

[bangerlm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The characterizations aren't that great, and the dialog corny, and I really didn't need to be told so many times about Langdon's "eidetic" memory, but the plot is clever and the conclusion is interesting and it was entertaining. It reminded me more of a Chrichton novel more than a Dan Brown book as the main story line was more science based than history based.

[Juanesferc06 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Where do we come from and where are we going? Dan Brown with his main character Robert Langdon attempts to... (Translated from Spanish)

[debbie13410 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

After Inferno I should have known the honeymoon was over. I really did not like this book. I loved Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons but sadly this is just bad. Lots of words; this could have been edited in half and would have been the same book, just as bad though. The reveal is super anticlimactic. The most terrifying thing from this novel came in the last chapter from the AI computer, Winston...now that would have been an interesting short story.

Is there really a disconnect of Science and Religion? Isn't Science another invention of God? Don't answer, I am not into debating this.

I do think Mr Brown is great at writing a travel log. I enjoy looking up art and architecture he describes.

I think we should let Professor Langdon retire and live in peace. (less)

[LadyChusa · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I always say it's going to be the last time I read this author, and in the end, I end up giving it another chance. This time it's serious: it's over! Not one more!
This is, by far, the worst in the Langdon series. It seems written in collaboration with Wikipedia and Google Maps, it's boring, slow, and predictable and unbelievable (you just don't believe it). Like I said, never again. (Translated from Spanish)

[MalenaBella · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"When a computer creates art, who is the artist, the computer or the programmer? At MIT, a recent high-level exhibition of algorithmic art had given a complex twist to the humanities course at Harvard: 'Is art what makes us human?'" (Translated from Spanish)

[Jose Mariano H · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

January 23, 2023
Source
Author: Dan Brown

This is the third novel I've read by this author. This time, Professor and expert in symbolism and modern art Robert Langdon receives an invitation from one of his students, who will present at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The aim is to provide information that will shake the foundations of religion and answer the questions that humanity has long asked: Where do we come from? Where are we going?
However, the presentation goes awry, forcing Professor Langdon to escape, leading to an adventure that takes him across Spain.
I found it to be a good book; however, it wasn’t as dynamic, gripping, and thrilling as "The Da Vinci Code." It is more focused on the subject of science, and the characters of Robert Langdon and Ambra Vidal were very good, along with the descriptions of places like Seville and Barcelona. (Translated from Spanish)

[rolandb_15 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Questions where do we come from and where are we going?

[Melots · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Origin has been the first book by Dan Brown that I have been able to read; therefore, I would say that it is a book that met my expectations quite well: a novel with mystery, entertaining, full of clever references (to the world of Art and Architecture, Science, History, etc. ☻) And it made me do something that not all books achieve: it made me reflect and philosophize about our existence as human beings... (Translated from Spanish)

[donhazelwood · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

You, know ... it's Dan Brown. It's fun, it's easy, it's a page turner. I was interested because of my recent visit to Barcelona and seeing Gaudí's La Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Park Güell, etc ...

Without the Barcelona connection, I would have found Origin quite flat.

[swbesecker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was spellbound. The detail included regarding historical facts, architecture, and knowledge makes Dan Brown one of the better fiction writers of our time. This book does not disappoint.

[lcmcsr-812737 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great plot. Robert Langdon helps Edmond Kirsch deliver a message that could change what the world believes regarding how the human race began.

[cyderry · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In the past I have enjoyed this series - Robert Langdon is a great character however, in this book, the story was terribly disappointing. The writing and story jumped all around, the characters didn't seem to be consistent in their beliefs and actions, and the story seened to be running along the same formula of others in the series.

This is probably my last Dan Brown book.

[bruyere_c · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oh, Professor Langdon, with your oft-mentioned eidetic memory, lopsided grin, and italicized thoughts...

[books9n9pickles · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Not my favorite of Dan Brown's books. Origin was stuffed full of exposition, but not of the usual fun, fact-filled kind--instead, it was just a lot of talk about the big secret to be revealed, with no new revelations along the way. The book opens with a carefully-orchestrated evening that read like a blow-by-blow of a PowerPoint slide show or a movie, which isn't very exciting to read about, and it felt like almost nothing happened for the first 100 pages. Pretty weird for an action/thriller book.

I think my biggest disappointment, which colored everything else, was how little history there was in here. I guess that's to be expected for a book centering around a futurist. I'll just have to wait for the next one.

Overall, I also just wasn't that surprised by the big reveal. The two discoveries just didn't seem to be that big of a deal to me--given that we're basically ignoring our impending extinction due to climate change, and the fantastic ability of some to ignore science, I can't imagine that they'd have that big an impact on how the world functions day to day.

I don't have a ton of time, so I'll just hit a few likes/didn't likes. Big spoilers ahead!


Liked:
>> Three cheers for the king and Valdespino. I picked up a few hints of the final reveal but dismissed them because I didn't think Brown was brave enough. I was happily surprised that turned out not to be the case! Of course, maybe a happy, chaste homosexual love story isn't so "threatening" when it's wrapped up neatly in a bury-your-gays trope. See the next point, below...

Didn't Like:
>> Valdespino lived his entire life according to his strict Catholic religious principles so as not to compromise his soul...and then committed suicide? That doesn't fit with his character at all, and I can't see any point for it to happen.
>> Ambra Vidal falls in love with Langdon literally overnight. Since Angels & Demons I've been reasonably happy with how Brown writes women, but this was just awful.
>> I was also annoyed that her infertility dates back to a childhood illness. Didn't Brown establish in Inferno that something like three quarters of the population is now infertile? (This was also ignored during the description of Kirsch's population graph--there was no dramatic population drop.)

Huh?
>> I still don't understand what was happening at the palace with all the backstabbing, arrests, leaving phones behind, king unattended, etc. Winston was behind some of it, but why? Wouldn't the king be distraction enough? Why have the captain of the guard arrested?
>> I also felt like the fact that Kirsch's changed ending to his presentation was left dangling. I thought this would turn out to be Winston's doing as well, softening the message to usher in the future...but Edmund's last minute change was never addressed.

[castlelass · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The fifth book in the Robert Langdon series, this book is a mystery-thriller set in Spain in current times. Though it is part of a series, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone. Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon is attending a major scientific announcement by billionaire futurist Edmond Kirsh, one of Langdon’s former students, at the Bilbao Guggenheim museum. It is reported to be of such importance that it will create a paradigm shift in the thinking on the origins of the human species and drastically impact the world’s religions. A violent event interrupts Kirsch’s presentation, sending Langdon and Ambra Vidal, the museum’s curator and future Queen of Spain, on a dramatic chase across the countryside.

Brown combines elements of science, technology, religion, and history into an entertaining and thought-provoking story. One of the most intriguing characters in the novel is Winston, an advanced artificial intelligence charged with maximizing the exposure of his creator’s scientific discovery. The reader is exposed to a wide variety of concepts, including the latest thinking in evolutionary biology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and a host of topics espoused by such scientists as Darwin, Gould, and Hawking. It also features the art of Antoni Gaudi, the poetry of William Blake, and other real works of art and literature.

Ethical and moral questions are examined from both religious and scientific viewpoints. Contemporary issues are included – conspiracy theories, fake news, information leaking from unnamed sources, fanning the flames of disagreement in internet audiences. We have religious disputes, a traditionalist church bordering on cult, and religious leaders disappearing. At various times, suspicion falls on church leaders, the Royal Guard, and, of course, protagonist Robert Langdon.

It is somewhat formulaic in structure. If you have read others in the series, you will recognize Robert Langdon having to flee with a local woman, the primary conflict setting science against religion, and the need to solve a complex puzzle to achieve an objective. There are a few scenes that seem to be inserted solely to draw out the narrative and chase scenes across Spain. There is a major motivational issue with one significant element. Even so, it is a book that engages the brain while it entertains.

[melanysu · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The whole book keeps you wondering what the futurist's discovery is. A very good thriller like all of Dan Brown's. (Translated from Spanish)

[camiloperafan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Novel based on one of humanity's great questions… Where do we come from? Where are we going? In the search for the answer to our Origin, Robert Langdon takes us, as always, to beautiful, enigmatic places full of history, now in Spain, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, which is undoubtedly better than the one in NY, La Pedrera and La Sagrada Familia, a tribute to Modernism and Gaudí's art, to the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, and El Escorial, exploring the Madrid that always enchants. Very entertaining, easy to read, the plot is interesting, however, I found the ending to be somewhat weak and it loses momentum at the end. (Translated from Spanish)

[braulh · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Like all of Dan Brown's books, it is captivating and addictive; the themes he addresses are well-founded, and the descriptions of places are incredible. (Translated from Spanish)

[4 cuerdas y un libro · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Where do we come from and where are we going? A question that we have all asked ourselves, and what better way to answer it than with the help of Dan Brown, one of the most controversial writers of all time. A trip through Spain does no one any harm, and what better if I tell you that you will be able to visit the most important architectural representations of that country? (Translated from Spanish)

[Pab10x · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A deus ex machina to reconcile with everyone and not offend anyone, and to another thing.
The weakest of Dan Brown. (Translated from Spanish)

[DianaGCC · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Intrigues and mysteries, Spain, its history and its architecture, along with the eternal conflict between the advancement of science and religion, all make up the plot of this novel by Dan Brown, incorporating as is customary the erudite Professor Robert Langdon, who is destined to bring to light the information that is intended to be buried.
It is a book that takes you into space through the imagery it provides with highly descriptive details of the context. (Translated from Spanish)

[cafeentrelecturas · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

? THE ORIGIN

This week we bring you this science fiction novel written by American author Dan Brown, the fifth installment in his series featuring Robert Langdon, following Angels and Demons, The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol, and Inferno.

?OUR OPINION✍️

In this novel, everything revolves around the questions posed in the synopsis:
WHERE DO WE COME FROM? WHERE ARE WE GOING?
The atheist and acclaimed futurist Edmond Kirsch attends a meeting in Catalonia with three members of the famous World Parliament of Religions, marking the beginning of this great story.
Like all his novels, this one is filled with intrigue and tension, making it a book that captures you from the start, as it begins with quite a strong act.
We don’t want to reveal much more to avoid spoiler alerts since it's one of those novels that surprises you as you turn the pages.
Let us say that the ending is not what we expected; it left us a bit saying seriously?? ?

Our rating is 3.7/5 ⭐
Have you read it? What did you think? Leave us your opinions ?

Author✍️: @authordanbrown (Translated from Spanish)

[ElMundoDeZalori · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had been wanting to read a book by this author for a long time; after seeing the movies based on his books, I wanted one that didn't yet have a film adaptation so it could impact me. I was pleasantly surprised by the way he expresses each idea, with the ease of drawing you into the plot, and thanks to him and the story, I discovered Barcelona and Bilbao and other places in Spain, without even being there. It kept me captivated until the end of the story. (Translated from Spanish)

[AntonioLiLiendo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good subplots, good character development. Very appealing, and good narrative resources, although it has the typical flaw of Deus Ex Machinas. (Translated from Spanish)

[DavidPuig · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It hasn't hooked me as much as "The Da Vinci Code" or "Angels and Demons" did at the time. A new adventure of Professor Langdon against the clock as we're used to. The religious theme is boring and really makes you think about where we come from and where we're going... I'll leave it to you! (Translated from Spanish)