general

Let me start off by saying I'm the only person on the planet who hasn't read "The DaVinci Code." I'm waiting until it comes out in paper or until I stumble over it in the library. However, I have read "Angels and Demons," its prequel. It was on the strength of that book that I picked up "Deception Point." Whatever their flaws (and there are many), both "Deception Point" and "Angels and Demons" are fun reads.

"Deception Point" shares many of the strengths of "Angels and Demons"--the action-packed "run for your lives" story line, the conspiracy-based plot, and the tidbits of knowledge about an esoteric field. It's all there, plus the author's claim to realism in his note that "all technologies described in this novel exist" (Brown used a similar disclaimer in "Angels and Demons.") I won't elaborate on the plot--you can read about that elsewhere--except to say that here the major players are scientists and politicians, the esoterica involves meteorites, and the politics revolve around scientific fakery, NASA, and a Presidential election.

"Deception Point" shares many of flaws of "Angels and Demons" as well. The characters are shallow--cardboard puppets at best. The "evil government" element is paranoiac and (I hope) overdone. At least it's the individuals, not the institution that Brown paints so darkly. The fact that the heroine's father, from whom she is estranged, is one of the major bad guys, seems to throw in a token note of family drama, but really just emphasizes how nasty he is. The hero, a dashing, handsome, sensitive marine biologist turned media star is just a little too good to be true. The novel reads very much like "Angels and Demons" but recast into a different setting.

"Deception Point" relies too much on formula to be a truly exceptional thriller. But the novel does have its moments. It's more like an action movie, and if that's what you're interested in, well, then pass the popcorn.

Unbelievably good. Out-Crichtons Michael. Out-Clanceys Tom. What a brillliant mind. First Dan Brown builds a fantastic hypothesis and then slowly undoes it. This man should work for the CIA, he is such a brain! This is a terrific story about how NASA falls on its own sword. The characters are well drawn, the women especially. The inside workings of politics is a fun story. How can one writer know so much? One of the best thrillers I have read in several years. Every chapter is a cliff-hanger. When a NASA satellite in the Arctic discovers a meteorite buried deep in a glacier, the foundering Agency grabs the publicity to save it from being voted out of existence by dollar-hungry senators and representatives. The president is also in need of a something to boost his sagging polls. This looks like the life-saver, until it begins to look like a gigantic hoax. And on top of that, someone is willing to kill, and does murder several scientists, in orer to prevent exposure. You won't be able to put this down, once you start it. A high-concept novel, yet thoroughly believeable.

I can't believe that a couple of reviews have mentioned that the book is biased against Republicans. I don't believe any party in mentioned in the book. Is it just that some people are so paranoid that they automatically think the "bad" politicians are suppose to be Republicans? (because that's unfortunately the way things are now!!!!)