Angels and Demons

Angels and Demons was a book I just couldn't put down. It is written, of course, by Dan Brown, the author of The DaVinci Code. The main character of DaVinci Code is Robert Langdon and Angels and Demons is the first book that he wrote about this character. I actually liked this one just as much and maybe more so than DaVinci Code. It was very fast-paced and a great mystery, full of puzzles. I really enjoy these books and would like to read some of his others later on, such as Deception Point.

The basic premise of this book is about an ancient organization, called the Illuminati that seems to have resurfaced to attack Christianity, with the Catholic Church as its main target. Langdon is paired up with a female character for much of the story, Vittoria Vetra. I liked her presence in the story. She is smart and interesting. Anyway, these two are in somewhat of a race against time to save the Catholic Church from utter destruction. That's the plot in an extremely condensed nutshell. Overall, I found the story to be very enjoyable and a great read, particularly for those who enjoyed DaVinci Code.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The End (Book the Thirteenth)

I have been awaiting this final chapter in the Unfortunate Series for a while now and I am pleased to announce that it satisfied my expectations. This will be a difficult book to review without giving away secrets, so I will keep it brief (as I know several family members who have yet to read it).

I've always enjoyed reading about the emotional growth of the Baudelaire children and this book is only evidence of their continued maturing; and this is particularly shown in the responsibility given them at the end of The End. I'm sad to be done with the Series because I really felt like I knew these characters well and wish that I could meet them. :)

Overall, I was pleased with the ending. Stupidly (given the nature of the Series) I actually still thought there would be more happiness at the end than there was - however, I didn't come away feeling sad or distressed regarding the outcome, but content. I guess that's all I could have asked for. I'm giving this book 5/5 stars - but more as I look at the whole series in its completion, not just this book alone.