Duffbert's Random Musings

1 - I tried to read this book before The Da Vinci Code. Operative word being tried. It, along with Codex, was one of those books that sounds like I would find it impossible to put down - unfortunately both of them were so bad I couldn't even get past chapter 2. Very disappointing.

2 - I disagree completely with the previous reviews. I could not put this book down. It is much more than an academic exercise / B-grade supense novel. Though not an easy read, it is more than worth the trouble; the prose is poetic in a manner rarely seen today, the backflash device allows for well-timed background information, while the main plot riveted this reader on many levels. The book addresses universal themes of life in a fresh, stimulating way - what are love and passion? what persons and/or pursuits are worthy of those emotions? what makes life worth living? what is required to mature into adulthood? As is true of any great novel, no single answer is proposed; these topics are explored through the viewpoints of Tom's father, his mother, Paul, the "villains", and finally Tom himself. That the questions' answers lie in the hearts and minds of those contemplating them (including the reader) is the greatest puzzle, and its solution, of all.

I just finished Digital Fortress and found the plot and writing style of kindergarten proportions compared to The Rule of Four. In my opinion this book should be studied by future generations as an example of the great literature of our time.

3 - Tom, I just finished up with this book. It was ok, I was hoping for a lot more. I pretty much guessed how it was going to end, with quite a way to go. I guess this is just rinding on the coat tails of the Da Vinci Code!

4 - I read the varying reactions to The Rule of Four on your website, and tend to agree that it's a bit heavy on the academic themes and the general flow is patchy. The plot was over-predictable, too, in my opinion. Nonetheless, I thought it was well-written, overall, and I don't regret having taken the time to read it.

Now, I'd like to recommend something rather different to you, yet subtly laced with similar themes of the unravelling of code and myth. I'm talking about my own, recently published novel:

My novel is called Global Dawn and you can find it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble under ISBN 0-9724586-7-0.

Global Dawn is the extraordinary tale of Reuven Sofer, a land surveyor, fated to be the agent of global change. The story is wrapped in alchemy and mysticism according to ancient Biblical and Mayan prophecies. It immerses us in its hero’s passions for women, music, philosophy and technology on the colorful artistic fringe of modern-day Israeli society. The Global Dawn project reaches a breathtaking climax on the mystical soil of Jerusalem, despite its creator’s painful struggle against the stern realities of daily life.

Reuven’s desire to raise planetary awareness worldwide by exposing people to a universally aligned data resource carries echoes of NASA’s Digital Earth project featured in a dedicated Foreword by Dr. Timothy Foresman, former leader of the Digital Earth at NASA.

Like The Rule of Four and the Da Vinci Code, Global Dawn features powerful discoveries uncovered by deciphering mystic codes and formulae embedded in classic, artistic finds. I can't tell you more without spoiling the plot for you.

I do hope you'll follow up my suggested lead, however, and will enjoy reading Global Dawn. I look forward to your reactions, in due course.

All the best,

Debbie Gelbard
http://www.webhaven.co.il/globaldawn.html

5 - Funny, I just finished this going to Philly and back and posted my review on Amazon. didnt like but part of it

6 - Tom - agreed! Thought I wasn't getting something that other's did. Books had some good moments - mainly the "wayback machine" trips - who knew about the Bonfire of the Vanities??

7 - Just finished Rule of Four and thought it was fantastic!! I can agree with some of the other coments concerning the fact that I wish the authors would added more depth to some of the characters. I have previously read all of Dan Browns books to date (Da Vinci Code, Digital Fortess, Angels and Demons and Deception Code) all of wich I enjoyed. I however disagreed with most when I thought Angels and Demons was his best work to date, as opposed to Da Vinci code. I think Rule of Four can compete with any of Dan Browns books, except for Angels and Demons. I can understand the Comparisons to the Da Vinci Code in some of the books reviews, however my favorite review is that Rule of Four is a Davinci Code for people with brains. Rule of Four is Most certainly worth the time spent reading it just as any of the books I have mentioned earlier! I loved to hear all the different views on rule of four, possitive or negative it gives me great perspective. Thanks Tyson

8 - And that's the great thing about opinions and reviews... differing views of how different people felt about the same thing. You apparently got *much* more out of the book than I (or other readers of my blog) did. And that's fine...