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Origin

Robert Langdon #5 / 7
by Dan Brown
Origin (Robert Langdon #5) by Dan Brown
  ★ 7.40 / 15
1★2★13★4★25★26★17★58★19★310★

WHERE DO WE COME FROM?
WHERE ARE WE GOING?

The stunningly inventive new novel from the world’s most popular thriller writer

Bilbao, Spain

Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to attend a major announcement — 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 whose dazzling high-tech inventions and audacious predictions have made him a renowned global figure. Kirsch, who was one of Langdon’s first students at Harvard two decades earlier, is about to reveal an astonishing breakthrough... one that will answer two of the fundamental questions of human existence.

As the event begins, Langdon and several hundred guests find themselves captivated by an utterly original presentation, which Langdon realizes will be far more controversial than he ever imagined. But the meticulously orchestrated evening suddenly erupts into chaos, and Kirsch’s precious discovery teeters on the brink of being lost forever. Reeling and facing an imminent threat, Langdon is forced into a desperate bid to escape Bilbao. With him is Ambra Vidal, the elegant museum director who worked with Kirsch to stage the provocative event. Together they flee 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 a tormented enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace itself... and who will stop at nothing to silence Edmond Kirsch. On a trail marked by modern art and enigmatic symbols, Langdon and Vidal uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery... and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.
 
Origin is Dan Brown’s most brilliant and entertaining novel to date.

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Your Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Standard Shelves
Updated 04/08/2025
Category: Mainstream, Thriller, Mystery
Release date: October 2, 2017
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Dan Brown

Dan Brown

Dan Brown’s name is synonymous with intricate puzzles, historical mysteries, and high-octane thrills. Born in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1964, he grew up with a deep love for both history and technology, two passions that would go on to define his writing career. Before finding fame as a novelist, Brown was a musician and a teacher, his creativity channeled through different avenues. But it wasn’t until the release of The Da Vinci Code in 2003 that Brown would become a global phenomenon, captivating millions with his trademark blend of history, religion, and cryptic codes.

Read more ...

In The Da Vinci Code, readers are introduced to Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, who embarks on a mind-bending chase through the streets of Paris and beyond, uncovering secrets hidden in the works of art and architecture throughout history. The novel’s fast-paced narrative, paired with its provocative exploration of religion and mystery, sparked heated debates, instant fame, and a massive fanbase. Its success has made it one of the bestselling books of all time, translated into countless languages and adapted into a blockbuster film, reinforcing Brown’s position as a master of the modern thriller.

What sets Brown’s writing apart is his ability to weave factual history into an intricate web of suspense. His novels—whether dealing with secret societies, the mysteries of the Vatican, or the hidden meanings behind the works of famous artists—read like treasure hunts through the pages of history itself. His skill lies not just in creating page-turning plots, but in making the most obscure historical facts feel both thrilling and relevant.

Although The Da Vinci Code is undoubtedly his most famous work, Brown’s Robert Langdon series continues to captivate audiences with books like Angels & Demons, The Lost Symbol, and Inferno. Each novel is built on the same formula of mystery, history, and a race against time, yet Brown’s mastery lies in his ability to keep readers on edge with new twists, complex codes, and dark secrets lurking in the most unexpected places.

Brown's impact extends beyond the literary world. His books have sparked real-world interest in history, art, and religious symbolism, turning everyday readers into amateur detectives. They have also inspired a wave of similar thrillers, with many writers attempting to capture the same lightning in a bottle. However, it’s Brown’s specific balance of fact and fiction—combined with his knack for making the past feel alive and dangerous—that continues to set his work apart.

While his books often touch on controversial subjects and challenge conventional beliefs, Brown has always maintained that his goal is to spark thought, rather than offer answers. His storytelling invites readers to question the narratives they have been taught, to look beyond the surface, and to uncover the mysteries that lie beneath.

In interviews, Brown has said, “I believe that the more questions you ask, the more answers you get. And sometimes those answers challenge what you’ve believed to be true.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of his work—stories that not only entertain but make readers think.

Dan Brown’s writing is an invitation into a world of hidden meanings, coded messages, and thrilling adventures where the past and present collide in unexpected ways. His books continue to leave an indelible mark on readers, both challenging their intellect and exciting their imaginations.

Robert Langdon

The Robert Langdon series, created by bestselling author Dan Brown, is a thrilling blend of historical mystery, cryptic puzzles, and high-octane adventure. Known for its intelligent storytelling and intricate plot twists, the series follows Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, as he uncovers hidden secrets within the world’s most iconic institutions, from the Vatican to the Louvre. What makes this series particularly captivating is its combination of real-world history, mysterious codes, and cutting-edge conspiracy theories, all tied together in an exhilarating chase across the globe.

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The storylines revolve around Langdon being thrust into high-stakes situations, often involving ancient symbols, secret societies, and a race against time to prevent global catastrophes. From the chase through Paris in The Da Vinci Code to the deadly secrets hidden within the architecture of Washington D.C. in The Lost Symbol, each book pushes the boundaries of historical fiction, blending fact and fiction in a way that makes readers question everything they think they know.

The main appeal of the Robert Langdon series lies in its ability to engage readers on multiple levels: intellectually with puzzles and cryptic codes, emotionally with complex character dynamics, and thrillingly with fast-paced action and intrigue. Langdon’s character, while initially reserved, evolves throughout the series, adding emotional depth to the plot while keeping readers hooked as he decodes mysteries that seem to have been hidden for centuries.

The books’ critical acclaim and immense popularity speak for themselves. With The Da Vinci Code becoming one of the highest-selling novels of all time, the Robert Langdon series has become a cultural phenomenon. Fans rave about the smart, compelling narratives and the sense of urgency and suspense that pervade every book. The series also spawned major motion picture adaptations, further solidifying its place as a modern literary and cinematic classic.

Whether you're a fan of historical thrillers, conspiracy novels, or action-packed mysteries, the Robert Langdon series offers a fascinating mix of all these elements, making it a must-read for anyone looking for an intellectual challenge paired with heart-pounding adventure. Each book in the saga offers a deep dive into history’s most mysterious secrets, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next revelation in Langdon's world of codes, symbols, and hidden truths.


Robert Langdon consists of five books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Angels & Demons (Robert Langdon #1)
  ★ 6.80 / 31
The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon #2)
  ★ 7.22 / 37
The Lost Symbol (Robert Langdon #3)
  ★ 6.22 / 19
Inferno (Robert Langdon #4)
  ★ 6.94 / 17
Origin (Robert Langdon #5)
  ★ 7.40 / 15
The Secret of Secrets (Robert Langdon #6)
  ⧗ 9.64 / 58
Robert Langdon Book 7 (Robert Langdon #7)
  ⧗ 9.00 / 2

Book Reviews

11/21/2017
Xariel avatar
Xariel
746 books, 17 reviews
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8 / 10

Here he goes again! Dan Brown is back with a new page-turner - and more, such as plot twists that are not so much twists as a road straight ahead and a plot that feels oddly similar to every other Dan Brown book. There's Langdon, on a run, with a female sidekick, a mysterious organisation (or many of those) with conservative& elderly, male leaders. People are again doing bad things in the name of religion - and I feel like I'm rereading the Da Vinci Code, except now we're in Spain. 

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So why, oh why, do I like this book? At least enough to actually give it a good rating? 

Well, I am not a critic, I'm a consumer - an avid book consumer, and there are things that really speak for Brown. Firstly, I buy a Dan Brown book and I know what I'm going to get: a fast-paced thriller, filled with intriguing symbols, hidden meanings and "deeper" questions. It's close enough to truth that I can entertain the idea "what if this were true" without loosing the illusion. There's plenty to learn from the characters knowledge, locations, central artwork... things that I know are based on real things. My Trivial Pursuit skills get enhanced, and I'm having fun reading. What's there not to like? 

I do wish Brown would somehow flip the script and surprise me with something I haven't seen before in terms of _plot_, because the setting is changing every time while still being engaging. That's where Brown's true talent lies as a writer.

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