Inferno

A Novel

By: Dan Brown

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 17 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 WORLDWIDE BESTSELLER • Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon awakens in an Italian hospital, disoriented and with no recollection of the past thirty-six hours, including the origin of the macabre object hidden in his belongings.

“One hell of a good read.... As close as a book can come to a summertime cinematic blockbuster.” —USA Today

“A diverting thriller.” —Entertainment Weekly

With a relentless female assassin trailing them through Florence, he and his resourceful doctor, Sienna Brooks, are forced to flee.

Embarking on a harrowing journey, they must unravel a series of codes, which are the work of a brilliant scientist whose obsession with the end of the world is matched only by his passion for one of the most influential masterpieces ever written, Dante Alighieri's The Inferno.

Dan Brown has raised the bar yet again, combining classical Italian art, history, and literature with cutting-edge science in this captivating thriller.

©2013 Dan Brown (P)2013 Random House Audio

Much better than expected

Any additional comments?

I find that Brown's writing often lacks depth in areas other than art and architecture; still the story was well worth the read.

Dan Brown doing what Dan Brown does

What did you love best about Inferno?

This is a gripping story that combines modern thriller/chase themes with the history of Italy and the plague. The story is thoroughly engaging with characters that you grow to care about. You always want to know what happens next, and after that, and after that. I found my self listening for hours at a time...usually when I should have been sleeping.

Mr. Brown writes beautifully about history and his ability to blend the ancient and modern is incredible (having avoided it in high school, I am now determined to read Dante's Inferno).

Perhaps, it is good to remember that this is entertainment not literature. There are some twists and turns that sometimes seem a bit strained and facile. The ending is emotionally engaging but strains credulity.

On the other hand, who cares. This was a ton of fun. Highly recommended.

What other book might you compare Inferno to and why?

Obviously, anything else by Dan Brown. He has a style that is consistent and consistently interesting. Reading "Justinian's Flea" would give the reader a valuable background on the fascinating history of the plague. And of course, Dante's Inferno would be great as well.

Which character – as performed by Paul Michael – was your favorite?

Sienna - a wonderfully complex character was rendered with skill and tenderness.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene in the underground cistern.

Great reader

Great reader. Dan brown is a goodlisten. His stories follow the same beginning middle end each time

Great Story - not great narrator

Where does Inferno rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Love Dan Brown and have read all other of his books. This is the first audio book of his I have listened too. Again the story is great but I did not enjoy the narrator.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Inferno?

Realizing that the "Plague" was a sterility virus.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

I found the narration stiff and annoying. Paul Michael's voice for the women in the story was awful and irritating. Did not like it at all and would not listen to anything else he narrates. Would rather read it myself instead.

Dan Brown does his part

I was fascinated by the Mary Magdalene/Rome aspect of Dan Brown's other books, and pre-ordered this one, and I enjoyed it well enough though the content that I really loved is spent. This book is about the threat of overpopulation, and involved delicious travel to European spots to unravel the mystery. I completely appreciated his theme, though I've been depressed ever since I read it as he describes a very real concern. Considering that the Rome connection is kind of spent, this is a good read. Expect to experience a concerning wake-up call.

Meh

Any additional comments?

Part One: A long chase scene during which time the author brings out the details he meticulously researched and writes himself into a corner.
Part Two: Bobby Ewing steps out of the shower.
Part Three: Forced march to a predictable end.

Interesting Art History, not exciting

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I rate this book 3 stars out of 5. I wouldn't recommend it highly. The formula here is: repeat the same phrases over and over and over to build tension. Unfortunately, instead of tension it makes you want to hit "fast forward".

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

To make it more exciting, a lot less description of ancient art and literature. In one section, the protagonists are on the run for their lives, and we have page after page of historical description of their surroundings. Hello?

What does Paul Michael bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It was well-performed, clear and with good expression.

Do you think Inferno needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. The author needs to consider breaking out of his (very profitable) mold and try something different.

Just like an episode of Scooby Doo

Fun and exciting book with lots of interesting history like you'd expect from Dan Brown but when the protagonist finds out what's going on, it reminded of what happened when I used to watch Scooby Doo. All is not what it seems! Zoinks!

Enthralling!

Fantastic story! Really enjoyed it, couldn't stop! Follow along the adventure while using Google Earth 3D to see the routes, cities, buildings, etc. Live the story!

If you like Dan Brown, you'll like this

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend this book to a Dan Brown fan. Like his other books, Brown relies heavily on the formula of the tweed-clad professor who seems to be the only person on earth who can solve a mystery.

Element two of Brown's formula is the drop-dead-gorgeous girl whom the hero encounters -- and who is the only person on the face of the planet capable of aiding our professor.

Element three is a liberal dose of coincidence, found in all of Brown's books.

If you are looking for stark realism, find another author, maybe Steinbeck. If you want an enjoyable read, Dan Brown's your guy!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Robert Langdon, our hero, performs admirably once again.

Have you listened to any of Paul Michael’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Paul Michael is a pro in all his audio book endeavors.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book, while totally enjoyable, is too long to listen to in one sitting.