For pure entertainment value, you cannot do better than Dan Brown. Here he is again with a literally enthralling thriller featuring Robert Langdon, erstwhile symbologist readers know well. This time he’s engaged in a romantic liaison with an expert in noetics, Katherine Solomon, who is smart, accomplished and beautiful. Their night is disturbed by Katherine’s awakening from a frightening dream of a figure whose symbolic aspects excite Langdon’s brain, a feature of his personality that persists in the face of nearly any situation. The following morning he comes upon an enigmatic figure who corresponds exactly to Katherine’s dream, a disturbing event at the best. Things escalate from there and a typical Dan Brown series of adventures ensues.

As with most of Brown’s works, there are aspects of the story which are based in science and academic matters taken to an extreme which he renders completely believable no matter the bizarre nature thereof. To truly enjoy this author’s work it is necessary to exercise the “willing suspension of disbelief” so common to readers of novels. Don’t worry too much about the details, just sit back and enjoy. And enjoyment is to be had in great measure here. As with all of Brown’s novels there is a controversial theme here, the existence of human consciousness past death. There is even speculation about the fact that consciousness as a whole exists outside the human mind. This will surely cause a lot of talk, one way or another.

Replete with a mysterious and ambiguously motivated villain, a forthright and single-minded villain/government official and of course, Robert Langdon whose talent for finding himself in perilous situations with no clear escape per the Dan Brown pattern there are also details about the book world that will fascinate and engage book lovers. Much is written here about the New York publishing establishment, Penguin Random House in particular including details of the very real offices and staff of that venerable establishment. Langdon’s editor, an IT minion and a security guard feature prominently in the action, adding to the verisimilitude.

All in all, this is one helluva ride, as can be expected from this bestselling author and series. This will not, perhaps, win any literary prizes but it is enjoyable from start to finish. For entertainment value it is unparalleled.