El Símbolo Perdido
by Dan Brown
- First published 1992
- 784 pages
- Spanish
Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to the U.S. Capitol for an evening lecture, but what awaits him is a scene of chilling significance. A severed hand, artfully encoded with five symbols, has been discovered in the heart of the building. Langdon recognizes it as an ancient invitation, a summons into a lost world of esoteric wisdom. When he learns the hand belongs to his kidnapped mentor, philanthropist and high-ranking Mason Peter Solomon, Langdon understands that accepting this mystical invitation is the only way to save his friend's life.
Plunged into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and unseen locations within Washington, D.C., Langdon is caught in a deadly race. He must navigate a real-world labyrinth of codes and unseen truths, all while being hunted by a terrifying new adversary and pursued by the CIA. The chase propels him through the hidden chambers, tunnels, and temples beneath the capital, forcing him to unravel a secret history that seems to drag him toward a single, inconceivable truth. This intelligent, lightning-paced story challenges readers to uncover the secrets veiled within America's most familiar landmarks.
Plunged into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and unseen locations within Washington, D.C., Langdon is caught in a deadly race. He must navigate a real-world labyrinth of codes and unseen truths, all while being hunted by a terrifying new adversary and pursued by the CIA. The chase propels him through the hidden chambers, tunnels, and temples beneath the capital, forcing him to unravel a secret history that seems to drag him toward a single, inconceivable truth. This intelligent, lightning-paced story challenges readers to uncover the secrets veiled within America's most familiar landmarks.
What readers say
3.77
676K ratings across the web 6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Many readers found the book to be a highly entertaining and fast-paced fictional escape, praising its ability to keep them engaged with intricate puzzles, ancient symbols, and historical mysteries. Fans appreciated the unique blend of art, science, and religious concepts, along with the detailed information about real-world locations, which often made them feel as if they were visiting these places. The author is commended for crafting suspenseful narratives with dramatic cliffhangers and a constant stream of surprises that make the book difficult to put down, keeping the mind guessing until the very end. Some also found the philosophical and spiritual ideas presented to be thought-provoking, resonating with their personal beliefs.
Despite its entertainment value, the book frequently drew criticism for its writing quality, with reviewers citing repetitive prose, formulaic sentence structures, and an overreliance on clichés. A significant number of readers found the plot to be weaker and more predictable compared to the author's previous works, leading to a sense of disappointment. Character development was often criticized, particularly for instances where highly intelligent characters made questionable or unbelievable decisions. The pacing, while often described as fast, was also noted to suffer from excessive information dumps and repetitive lecture-like segments that could disrupt the narrative flow. The most common complaint revolved around the ending, which many found to be anti-climactic, underwhelming, and ultimately unsatisfying, failing to deliver on the grand promises of earth-shattering revelations built throughout the story. Additionally, some reviewers noted factual inaccuracies and perceived a condescending tone from the author.
Ultimately, The Lost Symbol elicits a polarized response, often seen as a departure in quality from the author's more acclaimed works. While it may not reach the heights of his earlier successes, it still delivers a high-adrenaline adventure for those who enjoy his signature style. This book is best suited for readers who prioritize sheer entertainment and a fast-moving plot over literary finesse and intricate character depth. It particularly appeals to existing fans of the author's Robert Langdon series who are prepared for a familiar formula and are willing to overlook its perceived flaws. New readers or those seeking profound literary experiences might find it less rewarding, but those looking for an engaging, escapist thriller with historical and symbolic elements will likely still find enjoyment, especially if approached with tempered expectations.
Despite its entertainment value, the book frequently drew criticism for its writing quality, with reviewers citing repetitive prose, formulaic sentence structures, and an overreliance on clichés. A significant number of readers found the plot to be weaker and more predictable compared to the author's previous works, leading to a sense of disappointment. Character development was often criticized, particularly for instances where highly intelligent characters made questionable or unbelievable decisions. The pacing, while often described as fast, was also noted to suffer from excessive information dumps and repetitive lecture-like segments that could disrupt the narrative flow. The most common complaint revolved around the ending, which many found to be anti-climactic, underwhelming, and ultimately unsatisfying, failing to deliver on the grand promises of earth-shattering revelations built throughout the story. Additionally, some reviewers noted factual inaccuracies and perceived a condescending tone from the author.
Ultimately, The Lost Symbol elicits a polarized response, often seen as a departure in quality from the author's more acclaimed works. While it may not reach the heights of his earlier successes, it still delivers a high-adrenaline adventure for those who enjoy his signature style. This book is best suited for readers who prioritize sheer entertainment and a fast-moving plot over literary finesse and intricate character depth. It particularly appeals to existing fans of the author's Robert Langdon series who are prepared for a familiar formula and are willing to overlook its perceived flaws. New readers or those seeking profound literary experiences might find it less rewarding, but those looking for an engaging, escapist thriller with historical and symbolic elements will likely still find enjoyment, especially if approached with tempered expectations.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Planeta Internacional, Mexico City, 2013
- ISBN
- 9786070706127
- ISBN-10
- 6070706129
- Language
- Spanish
Original edition The Lost Symbol Originally published in 1992 · English · Doubleday Books









