Dan Brown has once again exploded into bookstores with his newest book ‘The Lost Symbol.’ After a long while, loyal fans are once again treated to another heart-pounding thriller accompanied by masterful storytelling. Even though it’s been six years since his last novel, Mr. Brown hasn’t missed a beat, demonstrating again that he is the world’s best novelist.

This marks Dan Brown’s third novel featuring Robert Langdon as the main character, indisputably his most popular character. And much like the last two installments, it begins with Langdon being called in for his expertise.

However, unlike the last two, he isn’t called in to help on a dangerous case involving a murder, or on suspicions that a bomb will destroy the Vatican but rather as a favor from Langdon’s dear friend and mentor Peter Solomon.

However, unbeknownst to Mr. Langdon, an unknown figure in the shadows is secretly scheming to use him and his expert knowledge of Symbology to get his ultimate prize. From the beginning of chapter one Langdon is in the palm of the enemy’s hand.

The first major difference in this novel and what significantly sets it apart from his other two novels is the fact this takes place in Washington D.C. as opposed to some country in Europe. This sets the theme for the whole story; that hidden symbols, catacombs, ancient ruins, crypts, pyramids and temples all exist in our nations Capitol.

However, much like Dan Brown’s other novels (even the ones without Robert Langdon) the story line takes place in a short amount of time. What many – myself included – found most thrilling about ‘Angels and Demons’ and ‘Da Vinci Code’ is both stories happen in the course of a day (usually within 24 hours), leaving Mr. Brown’s writing style without a dull moment.

So does this apply to ‘the Lost Symbol’ as it takes place with Robert Langdon racing against the clock to save those close to him?

With such an edge-of-your-seat story structure, readers find themselves not being able to put down their book, often leading to them finishing the book in the course of a day as well.

For those who haven’t picked up their very own copy, I highly recommend you do. Anyone can write a story but only Dan Brown can truly write a novel. If you’re a Dan Brown fan, Robert Langdon fan, or just looking for a next “good read” then ‘The Lost Symbol’ is the book for you. Will Langdon be able to save his loved ones from harm? Will he be able to solve the mystery deep within the heart of Washington D.C.? Will the evil forces controlling Langdon like a puppet from the shadows have his way? Will Langdon once again save the day and get the girl?

Only by diving head first in this brilliant work of literary genius will these questions be answered.