Summary: In this article, I compiled a list of all of Dan Brown's books, including a bonus one on the end. Here are my top 3 choices:
Dan Brown’s books are fast-paced thrillers filled with puzzles, history, art, and conspiracies. Whether you’re following Robert Langdon through ancient symbols or uncovering secrets tied to religion and science, his stories are both exciting and thought-provoking. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a mix of mystery, adventure, and a bit of intellectual intrigue.
List of Dan Brown Books Ranked
1. The Da Vinci Code
- Author: Dan Brown
- About: A murder in the Louvre leads Robert Langdon into a mystery involving religious conspiracies and hidden truths about Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, puzzle-driven thriller
- Length: Around 113,500 words
- Year written: 2003
- Emotional impact: Gripping, leaves readers questioning historical narratives
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: Engages with art, history, and religion in an accessible, exciting way
2. Angels & Demons
- Author: Dan Brown
- About: Robert Langdon races against time to stop the Illuminati from destroying Vatican City using antimatter.
- Style of writing: Action-packed thriller with scientific and religious elements.
- Length: 120,000 – 144,000 words
- Year written: 2000
- Emotional impact: Intense and fast-paced, leaving readers hooked with its twists.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – the blend of science and religion adds complexity.
- Why read it: A thrilling mix of secret societies, art, and science with high stakes in Rome
3. Inferno
- Author: Dan Brown
- About: Langdon deciphers clues from Dante’s Inferno to stop a global pandemic.
- Style of writing: Suspenseful thriller with literary and historical elements.
- Length: 152,750 – 183,300 words
- Year written: 2013
- Emotional impact: Engaging and thought-provoking, raising questions about humanity’s future.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – familiarity with Dante’s Divine Comedy enriches the experience.
- Why read it: Combines art, literature, and contemporary science in an exhilarating narrative
4. The Lost Symbol
- Author: Dan Brown
- About: Langdon unravels Masonic secrets in Washington, D.C., as he races to prevent a catastrophic event.
- Style of writing: Intricate thriller with a focus on ancient symbols and history.
- Length: 159,750 – 191,700 words
- Year written: 2009
- Emotional impact: Intriguing but slower-paced, leaving readers to reflect on symbolism and ancient knowledge.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – deep symbolism and historical references may require some focus.
- Why read it: Delves into the fascinating world of Freemasonry and American history
5. Origin
- Author: Dan Brown
- About: Langdon embarks on a journey to solve a mystery that challenges humanity’s origins and spiritual beliefs.
- Style of writing: Philosophical thriller combining science and religion.
- Length: 158,000 – 189,600 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking, exploring the tension between science and faith.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – philosophical themes require contemplation.
- Why read it: Engages with cutting-edge science and existential questions
6. Digital Fortress
- Author: Dan Brown
- About: A cryptographer must crack a code to save national security and prevent global chaos.
- Style of writing: Techno-thriller with espionage and cryptography.
- Length: 131,500 – 157,800 words
- Year written: 1998
- Emotional impact: Intense; raises questions about privacy and surveillance.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – technical language may challenge some readers.
- Why read it: Perfect for fans of cyber-thrillers and discussions about digital security
7. Deception Point
- Author: Dan Brown
- About: A scientist uncovers a conspiracy involving a NASA discovery that could change the political landscape.
- Style of writing: Suspenseful techno-thriller.
- Length: 116,000 – 139,200 words
- Year written: 2001
- Emotional impact: Engrossing, with themes of political intrigue and scientific ethics.
- Difficulty level: Moderate – suitable for those who enjoy science and politics.
- Why read it: A thrilling mix of science, politics, and deception
8. Wild Symphony (Bonus)
- Author: Dan Brown
- About: A musical adventure that invites children to explore the harmony of the animal world.
- Style of writing: Whimsical and light-hearted, accompanied by musical pieces.
- Length: 11,000 – 13,200 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Delightful and engaging for children and adults alike.
- Difficulty level: Easy – aimed at younger readers.
- Why read it: A unique fusion of storytelling, music, and visual art
Conclusion
I think Dan Brown’s novels are a perfect mix of thrilling action, puzzles, and deeper themes that keep you hooked from start to finish. Among his best, The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and Inferno stand out. They offer fast-paced adventures while also making you think about religion, culture, and literature in new ways. Whether it’s uncovering conspiracies in the Vatican, decoding hidden messages in famous art, or following Dante’s trail through The Divine Comedy, these books pull you in and leave a lasting impression. If you enjoy stories that combine mystery with intellectual intrigue and high-stakes drama, I’d definitely recommend starting with these.